Aerospace exhibition to open in Wuhan

People look at a model of rocket engine at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei province, April 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China’s aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5.

25/04/2024 by news

With an espionage fever, UK politicians are keen on defaming China

Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

When certain types of events or topics become a regular part of the news cycle, they are almost guaranteed to receive extensive coverage in the British media. These subjects typically include the weather, the Royal Family, cute animals and children, corrupt politicians, and espionage. Britain has a particular fondness for spy stories.

The peak of espionage narratives in the UK, as well as in the wider Western world, was likely during the Cold War era, when hardly a year went by without news of a spy ring being uncovered, or covert operatives being arrested, tried, jailed or expelled from the country. This reality was mirrored in popular culture at the time, with James Bond standing out as perhaps the most well-known fictional British spy in novels, television and film.

Today, the genre appears to be making a comeback as intelligence communities seek out new foes. On Monday, two British men were charged and three German citizens arrested over separate allegations of spying for China. The German cases are at an early stage and involve allegations of sharing confidential technology intelligence with Beijing.

The British cases are at a more advanced stage, as the two accused will appear before a preliminary hearing at a lower court in London on Friday. It sounds – and is – very serious, though few people know how the strict rules controlling the release of information connected to the legal proceedings limit what can be shared. Ironically, it means that for now the secrets of the trial will remain a secret.

Chris Cash, a 29-year-old former parliamentary aide for senior British politician Alicia Kearns and close associate of security minister Tom Tugendhat – both China hawks linked to a China-critical think tank where Cash once worked – is accused under Britain’s 113-year-old Official Secrets Act of providing prejudicial information to a foreign state. A colleague, Christopher Berry, 32, faces a similar charge. The allegations are framed in archaic language which claim that they obtained, recorded and published information “for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state” and which could be “directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy.” In its announcement of the charges, London’s Metropolitan Police force specified that the other country said to be involved was China. That is, they regard China as “an enemy.” The Chinese embassy in London said the allegation that China was trying to steal British intelligence was “completely fabricated.” “We firmly oppose it and urge the UK side to stop anti-China political manipulation and stop putting on such self-staged political farce,” an embassy spokesperson said in a statement.

The air of intrigue and mystery that typically surrounds such stories is unintentionally intensified by the reporting restrictions which apply to court cases in England. Once charges are filed, few details of the allegations are allowed to be made public before trial. Naturally, as a matter of great public interest, there has been some speculation in public forums on social media, but the evidence against the accused will not be revealed until the matter is referred to a higher court for disposal. Even then, because this is classed as a matter of national security, legal rules allow for some evidence to be heard in secret if deemed necessary, never to be reported. So, theoretically at least, what Messrs Cash and Berry are supposed to have done may never be made public.

This situation reflects the current febrile atmosphere pervading Britain, as well as its allies in Europe and America, where anything associated with China is automatically assumed to involve espionage. The list of supposed conduits for this activity contains some ludicrous examples such as Chinese garlic, shipyard cranes, EV vehicles, TikTok, and weather balloons, to name but a few, all of which have come under suspicion. It seems that Western politicians and their lapdogs in the Western media have developed a fetish about Chinese “spying” activities every bit as febrile as existed against Russia during the Cold War.

In real-life cases within the legal system, there is a presumption of innocence, and any prosecuting authority bears the burden of proving its case against individuals accused of espionage. If this rule also applied to politics and the media, there might be less feverish defamation of China.

The author is a journalist and lecturer in Britain. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

25/04/2024 by news

China’s capacity remains a strong engine for global energy transition: Global Times editorial

Photovoltaic panels in Sihong, East China's Jiangsu Province Photo: VCG

Photovoltaic panels in Sihong, East China’s Jiangsu Province Photo: VCG

The 26th World Energy Congress has been held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in recent days. As one of the most important conferences in the field of energy, the conference is themed “Redesigning Energy for People and Planet,” and attracted nearly 20,000 representatives from the global energy sector to discuss the energy transition, security, accessibility and sustainability in the current world.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the World Energy Congress. The world is at a crucial turning point in energy transition, which is recognized by the industry as a key moment for proposing and implementing major changes. The conference provides timely information for the general public to understand the current situation of the global energy transition.

Undoubtedly, the most prominent issues and concerns throughout the Congress remain the challenges posed by climate change and the urgency and uncertainty of energy transition. Specifically, it is about how to address the “trilemma” of global energy security, affordability, and sustainability, and to realize a faster, fairer and broader energy transition. Throughout the world, considering the target of achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting the temperature increase, and achieving the carbon peaking and neutrality commitments made by many countries, the current global resource inputs in the field of energy transition and clean energy, as well as the related supply of green and low-carbon products, are far less than the demand.

Against this background, the current hyping by the US and some other Western countries about “overcapacity” in China’s solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs), and their attempts to build trade barriers in the clean energy sector, have also received attention and been discussed. Among them, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser’s relevant remarks have particularly triggered attention and resonance. Nasser spoke highly of China’s key role in driving the global energy transition at the World Energy Congress, noting in particular that China will substantially help Western countries achieve their target of cutting carbon emissions to a net zero level by lowering the cost of solar panels and electric vehicles.

Nasser’s remarks have attracted attention not only because of his own status and Saudi Aramco’s special position in the energy field, but also because of his fair assessment of China’s efforts in clean energy and global emissions reduction. China’s capacity and technological breakthroughs in the clean energy sector have become a powerful engine driving global energy transition. According to statistics, over the past 10 years the average electricity costs of global wind and photovoltaic projects have cumulatively decreased by over 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, with a considerable portion attributed to China’s contributions. Leveraging its vast market scale, efficient supply chain management, and technological innovation capabilities, China has successfully reduced the costs of solar panels and EVs significantly, enhancing the affordability of these new energy products. This not only reduces its own carbon emissions but also provides global consumers with more economical and environmentally friendly choices.

The transition of energy is not an easy task. It is both extremely urgent and exceptionally complex, requiring a comprehensive strategic approach. The appreciation from Saudi Aramco, represented by Nasser, toward China stems from the recognition by Saudi Arabia, other Middle Eastern countries, and many other developing nations of China’s indispensable role in energy transition. For instance, the Al Shuaibah photovoltaic power station project constructed by Chinese enterprises in Saudi Arabia will, upon completion, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 245 million tons in 35 years, equivalent to planting 545 million trees. In 2022, the wind and photovoltaic products exported by China helped other countries reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 573 million tons, totaling 2.83 billion tons of carbon reduction, accounting for about 41 percent of the global carbon reduction volume brought by renewable energy during the same period.

However, considering the urgent global situation in addressing climate change and the current status of green capacity in various countries, whether it is achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement globally or China achieving its own “dual-carbon” goals, China’s current green capacity still falls far short of meeting the needs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the current use of fossil fuels remains “excessive.” In this context, the challenge facing humanity is not an “overcapacity” of green production but a severe shortage. China’s green capacity is undoubtedly the “magic weapon” for addressing challenges, and displacing high-quality capacity is irrational. It is the optimal solution for global emission reduction to enable China’s green capacity to play to its strengths and complement and coordinate cooperation with the capacities of other countries.

The US and some countries, from the perspective of protecting their own industries and suppressing Chinese advantageous industries, attempt to stifle the development of China’s clean energy industry with the so-called “overcapacity” narrative. However, from a global perspective, especially from the standpoint of many developing countries and the “Global South,” this undermines the goal of a faster, fairer and more widespread energy transition. Faced with the common challenge of climate change, promoting energy transition should uphold an open and cooperative attitude, rather than getting bogged down in futile trade disputes and blame games, otherwise it will only hinder the pace of global energy transition.

25/04/2024 by news

China unveils Shenzhou-18 crew for space station mission

Taikonauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu will carry out the Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission to the China Space Station, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday. 

Ye will serve as the mission commander. The crew has one astronaut from the second batch and two from the third batch of Chinese astronauts, all of whom were born in the 1980s.

The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 8:59 p.m. on Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The crew will stay in the space station for about six months and is scheduled to return in late October.

Ye Guangfu

Born in September 1980, Ye Guangfu joined the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in August 1998. 

In 2010, he was selected to be a member of the second batch of Chinese astronauts. In October 2021, he completed his first spaceflight mission on Shenzhou-13. Ye received the honorary title of “heroic astronaut” and a third-class medal in November 2021. 

“As the mission commander this time, I undergo greater pressure and take greater responsibility. Every human spaceflight mission is a new adventure. For me, going to space again is a whole new chapter,” Ye said at Wednesday’s press conference.  

Li Cong

Li Cong, born in October 1989, is the youngest member of Shenzhou-18 crew. He joined the PLA in September 2009. 

Li was selected to be a member of the third batch of Chinese astronauts in September 2020. Shenzhou-18 mission will be his first flight mission. 

“Over the past three years, we have undergone comprehensive training in mind, physical and mental fitness, and professional skills. We have the confidence and ability to successfully complete our mission,” Li told the press. 

Li Guangsu

Born in July 1987, Li Guangsu joined the PLA in September 2006, and served as a first-class pilot in the Chinese Air Force.

He joined China’s third batch of astronauts in September 2020.

Before heading out for his first spaceflight for the Shenzhou-18 mission, Li told the press, “On this mission, we will shoulder heavy and arduous tasks. Although each of us have designated work, we are united as one, supporting and supervising each other.” 

25/04/2024 by news

Sci-fi set to flourish amid China-Africa film collaborations

Dancers perform at the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

Dancers perform at the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

An African gem holds the key to humanity’s survival. A group of Chinese travelers are stranded in a forest in Africa and require a special mechanism to help them return to Beijing after their DNA is altered.

These are the plots of two sci-fi movies set to be screened in the future as China-Africa film projects come to fruition amid growing industry collaboration between the two sides.

The movies “Lost in Africa” and “Kingdown” were among the film projects detailed at the ongoing Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) that are expected to hit the big screen within the next two years.

The two films, both featuring sci-fi themes, bear the hallmarks of China-Africa collaboration, featuring Chinese characters and cast, Mandarin Chinese dialogue and shooting locations both in China and Africa.  

As a genre, sci-fi has been trending in Africa for years, from South African movie “District 9” in 2009 to the recent, popular multi-country web series “African Tales Reimagined.”

“Science fiction movies in Africa are developing well now,” said Luc Bendza, a Gabonese martial artist and actor who was one of the organizers behind the BJIFF’s African Film Promotion Conference this week.

“The Beijing International Film Festival gives us the opportunity to let people in China know what is going on in the African film industry… Now with the opening of Chinese culture around the world, both China and Africa need to start exchanges in movies,” he added.

Conference organizer Luc Bendza speaks at the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

Conference organizer Luc Bendza speaks at the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

The movie “Lost in Africa” by Democratic Republic of Congo-born filmmaker Zeka Laplaine is a production set to feature a Chinese cast. Laplaine was not able to attend the conference due to filming commitments, but greeted attendees via a video message.

The film tells the story of a group of Chinese travelers – Fang Peng, Fang Ke, Xin Feifei and Guo Xiaming – who are stranded in an African forest and are discovered by a boy named Billy.  

He takes them back to his village where a wizard notices an abnormality in them. It is determined that their genes may have been lost. They then have to embark on a journey with Billy to a special transporter that will take them back to Beijing, a trip they cannot make in their current body state.

Plans are afoot for a theatrical release in China, and in Southeast Asia, as well as a streaming release on Chinese and international platforms.

Democratic Republic of Congo-born filmmaker Zeka Laplaine appears in a video message to the attendees of the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

Democratic Republic of Congo-born filmmaker Zeka Laplaine appears in a video message to the attendees of the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

Meanwhile, “Kingdown,” from the Gabonese filmmaker Matamba Kombila combines elements of romance weaved into a sci-fi tale about warring peoples in the distant future. Kombila, who is also currently shooting, greeted the conference attendees via a video message.

The story revolves around a special gem in the possession of a special queen and princess in Africa that has ensured a successful existence for their society and kingdom, in a world depleted of resources. On the other side of the world, a greedy emperor learns of the gem.  

He wants to use his prince to take control of the gem and the kingdom, destroy its people, and create a new world for his own people. The princess and prince of the two kingdoms fall in love, offering audiences a story of human nature amid conflict.  

The production is expected to be filmed in Yunnan Province in southwest China as well as Gabon’s Lope National Park. 

Gabonese filmmaker Matamba Kombila appears in a video message to the attendees of the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /CGTN

Gabonese filmmaker Matamba Kombila appears in a video message to the attendees of the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /CGTN

Regarding the progress of the two film projects, Bendza said: “Matamba and I have been talking about this project “Kingdown” for over three years. I told her that she needs to make a connection between China and Africa in Gabon.”

“A lot of work still needs to be done. Both the African and Chinese sides need to sit down. Both ‘Kingdown’ and ‘Lost in Africa’ are moving forward.

“Both directors couldn’t come as they are shooting other movies. Next time, they will come personally and meet investors. I think that will be soon. We will see these films next year, or the year after.”

African actors at the conference were enthused by the promise that these film collaborations are set to bring.

Ugandan actor Samuel attends the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

Ugandan actor Samuel attends the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /BJIFF

A Ugandan actor living in China, who goes by the single name of Samuel, said Chinese audiences were keen to embrace new content.

“I’ve been offered roles that help build the relationship between China and Africa. This is quite good because this opens up Africa not just to the world but to China. These films and TV series that have been filmed in the six or seven years that I have been here have been eye-opening. They help to bridge cultural gaps. 

“China is a big market, filled with a huge audience who are hungry to see new content from around the world, including Africa. Film and television is one of the areas where China can continue to invest in Africa,” he said.

Cameroonian actress Diamond poses for a photo at the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /CGTN

Cameroonian actress Diamond poses for a photo at the African Film Conference at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 22, 2024. /CGTN

Cameroonian actress Diamond, who also spoke at the conference and has been living in China for 10 years, said: “China-Africa collaborations are going to benefit me as an actress. I will be able to show people more about African culture.”

Bendza hopes that the African film conference will grow in future years. “In the future, I hope for more projects to be presented at this festival, movie screenings, and different panels and discussions about how we can make movies together.”

25/04/2024 by news

Road race events thrive through integrity and fairness

Participants compete in the Wuxi Marathon Photo:IC

Participants compete in the Wuxi Marathon Photo:IC

The number of road race participants has hit new highs across China since March of this year. Nearly 500,000 runners took part in over 50 marathon races on the weekend of April 20, and more events are expected to fuel the marathon craze amid an evolving running trend. 

In an effort to tighten up supervision of the athletics events and maintain fairplay in athletics competitions, the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) released new regulations for national athletic event discipline management through its official Weibo account on Tuesday.

The regulations came after an incident at Beijing Half Marathon sparked uproar last week. On Friday, He Jie, winner of the event, and three African pace setters who finished as runners-up, were all stripped of their awards, medals and prize for violating the rules of the competition.

While event organizers are vying to entice maximum participation with their packages of benefits, ensuring a safe, fair, and orderly competition environment is key to maintain the vitality and passion for road races.

Given the abundant choices of current road races across the country, runners have encountered “sweet dilemmas” when making decisions. About 25,000 people participated to the Qingdao Marathon in East China’s Shandong Province, while the Shanghai Half Marathon, one of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Races, saw 15,000 participants on April 21. 

The Wuxi Marathon in East China’s Jiangsu Province held on March 24 saw a record registration number of over 260,000 people. During the race, He Jie broke the men’s national marathon record with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 57 seconds.

Whether it is in large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, or in smaller cities such as Wuxi and Pu’er in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, the abundance of running events reflects people’s constantly increasing health awareness and marathons have become a fresh catalyst to boost a city’s cultural and economic development.

The Guilin Marathon in South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which concluded on March 17, generated a direct economic impact of 183 million yuan ($25.3 million), and it also stimulated related industries, resulting in an indirect economic impact of 296 million yuan for the region. 

Participants in the Wuxi Marathon contributed to the economy, including dining, accommodation, transportation, and tourism, for a total of 282 million yuan — an increase of 45.5 percent compared to last year. During the 2024 Pukou Marathon, also in Jiangsu Province, the entire district hosted 489,000 visitors and achieved a tourism-related consumption of 360 million yuan.

Leveraging marathon events, many cities are blending their indigenous culture and tourism attractions with meticulously planned race routes, creating a fresh avenue to exhibit the allure of their city. This transforms marathons into immersive journeys, offering participants a profound exploration of the city’s landscape.

In addition, moderate temperatures in spring and the new regulations released by the CAA have also contributed to the recent national marathon craze. 

For most runners, the suitable temperature range for running is typically between 5°C and 15°C. In late April, temperatures across the country are generally cooler compared to mid-May, making it a preferable choice for more events to be held in April.

According to the “Chinese Athletics Association Road Race Event Certification Management Measures,” which will be effective starting from April 30, marathon event organizers must submit the application to the CAA’s road race event certification system at least 90 days in advance. Additionally, the same event operator cannot apply to host more than two certified events within 14 consecutive days, and there must be an interval of at least 8 days between the two events.

Maintaining high standards of safety, fairness, and orderliness enhances the reputation and credibility of the event, which will attract even more participants, sponsors, and spectators. Indeed, a successful road race not only prioritizes the well-being of participants but also upholds the integrity of the sport, and contributes to a positive experience for all stakeholders involved.

According to the 2023 Blue Book of China Road Running Events released by the CAA on March 22, a total of 699 road running events were held nationwide that year, counting over 6 million participants. 

By 2025, the number of domestic road running and related sports events is estimated to increase to 2,500, with the total number of marathon participants reaching 10 million, the CAA estimated.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn

24/04/2024 by news

Ample China-Saudi synergy shown as Aramco seeks Hengli Petrochemical stake

Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

Saudi oil giant Aramco said on Monday it is in talks with Hengli Group to acquire a 10 percent stake in a subsidiary of the Chinese firm that specializes in refining and petrochemicals. The negotiations mark the latest efforts by Aramco to bolster its downstream presence in China.

Middle East investors looking to gain more exposure in China are increasingly attracted to the nation’s fast-growing consumer market and abundant opportunities for supply chain cooperation. Aramco’s case serves as a good example of this trend.

With a memorandum of understanding signed between Aramco and Hengli, the Saudi oil giant stated that the deal aligns with its strategy to expand its downstream presence in key high-value markets, advance its liquids-to-chemicals program and secure long-term crude oil supply agreements.

The global shift toward a low-carbon economy poses a threat to energy companies’ business models and long-term profitability, prompting them to enhance their competitiveness through innovation. Take the example of Aramco, observers believe that China is becoming increasingly important for Aramco’s ambitions to convert 4 million barrels per day of its oil production into higher-value chemicals. That is why the Saudi oil giant has been closely monitoring opportunities in China’s petrochemical industry.

In 2023, Aramco acquired a 10 percent stake in Shenzhen-listed Rongsheng Petrochemical. Aramco’s joint-venture company, Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Co, announced last year that it planned to start construction of a major integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in Northeast China.

As these efforts continue to advance, cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia has seen diversified development beyond traditional energy trade. Saudi Deputy Minister of Investment Saleh Khabti was quoted by the Xinhua News Agency in October 2023 as saying that China has strengths in infrastructure, high-tech and logistics, so the possibilities of the two countries’ business cooperation are “unlimited.”

Saleh Khabti also mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s investment in China more than doubled in 2023 and Saudi Arabia is open to Chinese investors.

Saudi Arabia has also become a focus of investment by Chinese companies. The economic structures of the two countries are highly complementary. China is a major energy importer with a mature manufacturing sector and a complete industrial chain. Saudi Arabia’s economy is undergoing a transformation, as it implements reforms to reduce its oil dependence, invests in the downstream petrochemicals industry and diversifies its income sources.

This expanding and diversified bilateral cooperation is a clear example of how China remains an important market and investment destination for Middle East investors, despite some Western media outlets spreading a false narrative that China’s attractiveness to foreign investment has declined. 

Cooperation between China and the Middle East is primarily focused on common development, without any conspiracies or political motivations. This partnership aligns with the regional economic development needs and will inject new driving forces into the economic and social development.

China’s high-level economic opening-up includes increased institutional openness, expanded market access and improved services for foreign investors. As China continues to further open its doors to foreign enterprises and attract more investment from other countries, it will facilitate the opening-up of sectors such as energy, refining and petrochemicals to create more trade and investment opportunities for foreign investors.

For some time, there have been reports and comments in Western media outlets hyping claims of “foreign capital fleeing China.” These reports do not match the facts. With China continuously improving the quality of investment and promoting the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, it is moving toward high-quality development.

Aramco’s enthusiasm for China’s market serves as evidence of China’s good performance in attracting foreign investment and accelerating development. China will follow its own speed and rhythm in opening up its economy to foreign investors. 

Western observers don’t need to point fingers at China, because their biased narratives that “foreign capital is fleeing China” won’t affect China’s attractiveness to foreign investment.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn

24/04/2024 by news

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