Multiple types of helicopters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army recently conducted replenishment on a maritime platform, a tactic experts said on Thursday enables the choppers to return to the frontline faster in cross-sea operations.
A brigade affiliated with the PLA 71st Group Army recently organized its helicopters to conduct a takeoff and landing training on a maritime platform in the Yellow Sea during a littoral exercise, according to China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday.
After completing a defense penetration operation, a formation of various helicopter types chose a maritime relay platform to land and replenish fuel and munitions, enabling a quicker return to combat, CCTV reported, noting that during the replenishment, the helicopters received supplies without turning off their engines.
The CCTV report showed that the maritime platform is a large ship with a large helicopter deck, and the helicopters involved in the drill included the Z-19 attack helicopter and the Z-20 utility helicopter.
Utilizing large maritime platforms for helicopter replenishment saves the time needed for helicopters to return to land bases, significantly enhancing combat efficiency, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Thursday.
If helicopters are damaged during a mission, they can also conduct emergency landings on the maritime platforms, which could save them from crashing, the expert said.
The mobile maritime platforms can sail to safe positions under the escort of other warships and warplanes, the expert said, noting that they serve as good additions to the PLA Navy's amphibious assault ships and amphibious landing ships that also have large helicopter decks.
Observers noted that PLA Army helicopters often participate in maritime exercises. In another recent drill, conducted by a brigade affiliated with the PLA 83rd Group Army over the Bohai Sea, Z-8L transport helicopters, Z-20 utility helicopters as well as Z-10 and Z-19 attack helicopters practiced low-air defense penetration and fire strikes, according to a separate CCTV report on Wednesday.
China's ongoing efforts to support development in Africa are receiving a positive reception, with a recent survey showing African youth appreciate the country's contributions in areas such as investment and infrastructure.
According to the 2024 African Youth Survey, released on Tuesday by the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, 82 percent of respondents perceive China's influence on the continent as positive.
The survey, conducted among 5,604 respondents aged 18 to 24 across 16 African nations, highlights that China remains one of the most influential non-African countries for the continent's youth.
Positive views of China's impact were nearly unanimous in Rwanda and Chad (96 percent each), Kenya (95 percent), and Nigeria (93 percent).
Key factors driving these favorable perceptions include the affordability of Chinese products (41 percent) and Chinese investments in infrastructure development (40 percent).
China has been actively fostering cooperation with Africa in capacity building, offering initiatives such as the Luban Workshops, which focus on practical skills, and Confucius Institutes, which promote cultural exchange.
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is being held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. Talent support policies and personnel exchanges have become a hot topic of discussion.
China is an increasingly popular destination for African students seeking international education, providing talented African people with front-row seats to the future of innovation, Karanja Ngina, a young Kenyan observer who closely follows news about the Forum, told the Global Times.
Fang Jing, a 24-year-old who exports small commodities to Africa, told the Global Times that many of her African business partners are curious about how China's internet economy and mobile payment systems work.
"They follow news on China's cutting-edge technology closely. I can feel their enthusiasm and aspiration for modernization," Fang said.
A new air corridor linking Shanghai and Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, will commence operations on Thursday, aimed at reducing congestion for east-west flights and enhancing connectivity with some Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar and Laos.
The Shanghai-Kunming air corridor, is able to handle more than 1,400 flights every day and covers seven major airports in six cities, China Media Group reported.
Experts attributed the demand for the route to rising economic, trade, development and personnel exchanges, which will allow efficient connection not only between the country's eastern and western regions, but also with neighboring countries, further promoting high-level opening-up.
The vital route in China's extensive transportation network has been upgraded from a "single-lane" to a "dual-lane" system for one-way traffic, improving air traffic efficiency and safety, according to media reports.
The expanded corridor now includes two parallel routes, offering enhanced connectivity between Shanghai's air terminals and the western regions.
Under the plan, a total of 13 new flight routes will be established, while nine existing routes will be adjusted. This initiative will benefit over 1,400 flights per day, accounting for 8 percent of the country's total flight volume, according to Zhang Junjie, an official from Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
An enhanced air route network is anticipated, aligning with the rapid growth of the country's civil aviation market, said the official, suggesting that the average daily passenger flight volume has increased from 10,360 flights in 2013 to 19,000 flights in summer this year.
"The route network is expected to meet growing aviation transportation demand over the next five years and can be adjusted as needed, benefiting over 80 percent of travelers nationwide," said Yan Xiaodong, deputy director of the air traffic management division of the CAAC.
Previously, China has established and activated seven air corridors nationwide, effectively reducing airspace congestion caused by the rapid increase in flight volume.
The 8th air corridor, linking Shanghai and Kunming, will significantly enhance the capacity of the main air route network, supporting the rapid industrial growth and providing strong backing for local economic development, Lin Zhijie, an independent market analyst, told the Global Times on Thursday.
Yunnan province has been strengthening infrastructure connectivity with South and Southeast Asian countries for years, represented by the China-Laos Railway, experts said, adding that such developments are crucial for driving industrial upgrades and stimulating economic growth in the region.
The enhanced connectivity has facilitated the flow of people and goods, bolstered regional economic ties, and played a key role in promoting shared development, Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.
Recently, the reporter learned from the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company that since the beginning of summer this year, Henan Province has set two new records for new energy power generation. Specifically, at 12:55 on August 11, the maximum power generation from new energy reached 29.37 million kilowatts, an increase of 920,000 kilowatts from the previous record, accounting for 45.5 percent of the province's electricity load at that time, and a 30 percent increase from the peak value of the previous year.
It is learned that in recent years, the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company has vigorously promoted the precise reinforcement and upgrade of the backbone network at various levels. The number of substations and the length of transmission lines at or above 220 kilovolts have increased by 73 percent and 39 percent respectively, and the scale of the distribution network has doubled, significantly enhancing the capacity for new energy consumption and allocation. The company has resolutely implemented the decision-making and deployment of the provincial committee of the CPC and government, actively developed a distributed source-network-load-storage coordinated control system, achieving full coverage of "group adjustment and group control" for distributed photovoltaics across the province. The establishment of the Henan Province Distributed Photovoltaic Bearing Capacity and Open Capacity Release Platform has guided and supported the standardized and healthy development of distributed photovoltaics, providing useful exploration and important support for ensuring the long-term safe and stable operation of the power grid and the coordinated development of source-network-load-storage.
By the end of 2023, the installed capacity of new energy in Henan Province reached 59.092 million kilowatts, representing 42.5 percent. In 2023, the total electricity generation from wind and photovoltaic power within the province reached 73.8 billion kilowatt-hours, a year-on-year increase of 25.7 percent, equivalent to saving 23.247 million tons of standard coal and reducing 73.5786 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In the first half of 2024, under the condition that the new installed capacity of new energy in the province increased by 3.78 million kilowatts, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total installed capacity, the high proportion of new energy use was ensured, achieving the goal that new energy can be generated and supplied.
While continuing to back Manila's provocative actions in the South China Sea, some allies of the US have been intensifying moves to smear China, Chinese observers said on Monday, when commenting on recent noises on the South China Sea issue from external parties.
The latest irresponsible remarks came from the European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesperson, which condemned China's "dangerous actions," in a statement issued on Sunday.
The fact was that the Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-9701, which has been illegally stationed at China's Xianbin Jiao, on Saturday lifted its anchor and conducted continuous maneuvers, stirring up troubles in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel 5205 took measures including verbal warnings, monitoring and control in accordance with the law and regulations.
In the process, the Philippine MRRV-9701 deliberately rammed into CCG Vessel 5205 in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, causing a collision for which the Philippines bears full responsibility.
China strongly deplored the EU's accusations over the collision, a spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU said on Monday.
Soon after the collision, the US on Saturday backed the Philippines' stance and claimed China's actions to safeguard its own interests were "escalatory." US allies including Australia followed suit in making a biased statement. Japan has also made a high-profile response targeting China over a previous China-Philippines collision incident at Xianbin Jiao in August.
The Philippines aims to internationalize the issue by leveraging alliance to mislead the public. By engaging with these non-involved parties, including making some off-table trade-offs, the Philippines seeks to "enhance its bargaining power and maritime presence," said Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
The US is the real "mastermind" behind the tension in the South China Sea, instructing Manila to stir up trouble but avoiding a scenario that goes out of control, and it is also the US that has mobilized its close allies to back the Philippines, Chen said.
The quick responses from the US and its allies after the Saturday incident fully demonstrated their close coordination in this disinformation campaign against China, and their ultimate goal of destabilizing the South China Sea and pushing the US' Indo-Pacific Strategy, analysts said.
President Xi Jinping met with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Defaming Chinese table tennis players and coaches on the internet, a 29-year-old internet troll surnamed He has recently earned herself a criminal detention. The incident, which has resulted in a rather severe punishment, indicates not only the lurking hazards involving the dark side of sports fandom, but also the country's zero tolerance for such hazards as epitomized by a latest statement from the Chinese Gymnastics Association. On Saturday, on social media platforms like Sina Weibo, the association stated firmly the supporting measures taken by China's Public Security Bureau and other related departments to crack down on illegal activities within sports fan circles. Along with it was a similar statement issued by the China Table Tennis Association supporting the country's measures.
On the one hand, the two statements reveal the urgent need to deal with fanatical sports fans, especially during the post-Olympic craze.
On the other hand, it also reveals the trust different organs in the Chinese sports industry have in the country's guidance.
"Under the name of the Qinglang Operation, a series of special actions have been taken since 2021 to cope with toxic fandom in the entertainment industry. The operation's solutions can point the way for the sports industry to deal with toxic fandom," Song Weiping, a cultural policy expert, told the Global Times.
Both statements mentioned issues such as "insults, defamation" and so forth that can have a "negative impact on the work, life and family of the people concerned."
What impact has the negative actions of fans had on athletes and their families?
A recent example involves the mother of Chinese sharpshooter and Paris Olympic champion Xie Yu being stigmatized by some internet troll accounts as an "irresponsible mother" while she was suffering from cancer.
Although the attacks were not directed at Xie himself, they still stabbed toward the athlete's heart, and such a pain can potentially cause an "athlete to lose his vitality in training, and being mentally disturbed to an extent that leads to failure in competitions," Xiang Hehui, a sport insider, told the Global Times.
In other words, any internet abusers who call themselves sports fans aren't really supporters, but attention-seeking jokers who take advantage of an athlete's fame for their own benefit.
How can these jokers face justice for their actions?
Led by the Ministry of Public Security, a recent punitive "case-naming" action seems to be an effective solution. For example, the details of four cases representing typical illegal activities in the field of sports, including the one involving He, were made public.
The action represents the policy-level determination of the country to combat toxic sport fandom culture, and this determination has been supported by not only official national departments, but also individual platforms.
Since April 23, a number of Chinese internet platforms like Sina Weibo have carried out a three-month special action to better regulate the "ecology of sports fandom." A total of 1,581 posts with inappropriate content were removed.
Just as the special action's name Qinglang, or "clean and bright," suggests, the "ecology" of sports fandom involves not only athletes and national guidance, but also platforms, which play an important "gatekeeping" role for prohibiting improper content.
A social media platform's power to managing content can be the best way to deal with trolls instigating public hate, stopping rumors from spreading and other negative behaviors.
Although the irrational behaviors of some fans have cast a shadow on the industry, sports fandom should still be viewed as a matter of pros and cons.
On the positive side, fan culture in sports reflects the public's passion and love for Chinese sports, and their high hopes for athletes of Team China. Other than national policy, platforms and the sports industry, the public also has a major role to play to establish a stable quadrangle sports matrix. Behaviors such as encouraging athletes, being mature and supportive viewers while witnessing an athlete's failure are the core values of a "good fan." These actions bring athletes and fans closer together and create a positive symbiotic relationship while making the world seeing the charm of Chinese sports fans.
During the Paris Olympic Games, Paris's Place de la Concorde was lit up by a group of Chinese fans. They were holding tight onto China's national flag while cheering on the Chinese 3x3 basketball team with special socks embroidered with lucky patterns.
"I've been a fan of Team China since I was 16 years old. I know fans' passion can get out of control because we love Chinese sports too much. But, in recent years, I have gradually realized that respecting athletes and continuing to support them even when they lose a match is how I should love Chinese sports," Wang Jieming, a fan of Chinese gymnastics, told the Global Times while reflecting on Chinese gymnast Su Weide's mistakes during the men's gymnastics team finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
China's top tennis players delivered standout performances on the third day of the 2024 US Open, as Zheng Qinwen, Wang Yafan and Shang Juncheng all advanced to the third round.
Seventh-seeded Zheng faced a tough challenge from Erika Andreeva, who had cruised past China's Yuan Yue in the first round. Zheng won 6-7 (3/7), 6-1, 6-2.
"I started the match quite slow. Little by little I started to feel better in the reaction, in my serve," said Zheng.
"Honestly, today, I know [how] I entered the match wasn't the way I wanted, but I'm glad I still fought until the end. I didn't give up, because she got a lot of chances in the second set," Zheng added.
Meanwhile, Wang also made history by advancing to the round of 32 for the first time in her career. She defeated France's rising star Diane Parry in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4. Wang's first-serve win rate was 76 percent, significantly higher than Parry's 55. Next, Wang will face 20th seed and two-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka.
On the men's side, 19-year-old Shang also reached the round of 32 for the first time at the US Open, defeating Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (2). The victory propelled Shang to a new career-high ranking of world No. 65. His next opponent will be eighth seed Casper Ruud of Norway, who had battled for nearly three hours to overcome France's Gael Monfils.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) China Office and the People's Government of Fuhai County jointly hosted the International Year of Camelids (IYC) Celebration in Fuhai County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on August 16, with the theme "Heroes of Deserts for Rural Revitalization."
The event aims to raise awareness of the untapped potential of camelids, calling for increased investment in camelids, and advocating enhanced research, capacity building, and the adoption of innovative practices and technologies.
With unique geographical and climate conditions especially suitable for camel breeding, Fuhai County has become one of the main bases for camel breeding in Xinjiang.
The camel industry in Fuhai has greatly improved the livelihood of herders.
Attracting at least 800 people, the event was a great opportunity to promote the development of the camel industry, improve the livelihood of camel herders, and raise public awareness of the IYC.
The IYC Food Hero and a bio-geneticist Chen Gangliang was invited to the event to share his story of how he developed a camel-centered industry in Fuhai and how he helped to increase the income of local camel herders.
"I figured, if I could explore the economic value of camels, it would be such a good way to both protect these camel resources and increase the income of camel herders," said Chen.
The development of the camel industry in China has lifted the majority of herders out of poverty and increased their income, greatly improving their lives, which is not only due to the government's favorable policies, but also inseparable from the unremitting efforts of relevant enterprises and researchers, as well as the hard work and wisdom of herders.
Fuhai County is part of of Altay Prefecture, which is one of the important animal husbandry regions in Xinjiang and one of the most concentrated camel-producing areas in China.
The number of camels in Fuhai County has grown from less than 3,000 in 2007 to nearly 40,000.
The event was part of the 2024 IYC campaign in China. The campaign is expected to have more stops in Xinjiang and North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
