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At nearly 30 hours and 20,000 kilometers away from Beijing, Buenos Aires in Argentina is one of the furthest destinations in the world from the Chinese capital. In a popular 2024 stand-up comedy show, Yan Hexiang, a Chinese actor and crosstalk performer, humorously pointed out that the antipodal point to Beijing is located in the Pampas grasslands of Argentina. However, the distance between Argentina and China doesn't seem so far. Just about 38 kilometers from Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, is a largely commercial section about five blocks long in the district of Belgrano, where a towering Chinese-style archway greets you, inscribed with the words "China Town."

The Global Times has visited many "Chinatowns" around the world, including those in Washington, London, and Nagasaki. However, Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" is quite different from the rest. This is immediately apparent upon entry: On a Sunday evening, the streets bustle with activity, restaurants have long wait times, and shops attend to numerous customers. Upon closer inspection, the Global Times noticed that non-Chinese diners and shoppers actually outnumber Chinese ones.

In Chinese, the word "foreigner" is used to refer to anyone who is not Chinese, therefore within the context of Buenos Aires, it is used to refer to non-Chinese locals. In many other "Chinatowns" in the world, Chinese nationals are surrounded by their own, and while the occasional less-than-authentic Chinese cuisine might remind them that "this is not China," the presence of Chinese nationals gives a sense of belonging. In contrast, in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," surrounded by countless local faces, the "Chinese nationals" seem more like visitors passing through.

Famous Chinese hotpot restaurant brands like Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, Shoo Loong Kan Hot Pot, and Haidilao Hot Pot, commonly found in American "Chinatowns," are conspicuously absent. However, Chinese culture, cuisine, and products are everywhere, and even bubble tea has become a favorite among the youth in the "Chinatown." A capybara in a shop window observes the comings and goings, much like its counterpart in the trendy toy area of Chaoyang district's Joy City mall in Beijing, 20,000 kilometers away.
In addition to Chinese elements, graffiti in the style of Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist Hayao Miyazaki features the Chinese characters for "Visited Here," and posters of South Korean idols appear in shop windows, indicating that this "Chinatown" not only spreads Chinese culture but also incorporates East Asian elements. A few steps further, a street magician interacts with the audience, with a prominent image of "Guanyin" on the wall behind him, as if everything before us is being witnessed by the bodhisattva.
Why are there so many "foreigners" in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown"? Locals provided various answers. Most people's first response was that "Chinatown" is an important social media hotspot in Buenos Aires. If you plan a day trip to the city, this is a must-visit location. "You visited on the last day of a long weekend, so of course, there were many people shopping and dining; people love going to Chinatown," a local Chinese national told the Global Times.

Another local explained that unlike many other "Chinatowns," Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" has a significant number of Chinese residents, but it is not the main gathering place for the local Chinese community. With its trendy atmosphere, it naturally attracts a lot of young people, making the "foreigners" seem particularly popular.

What is it that attracts so many "foreigners" to this "Chinatown"? "Chinese cuisine" topped the list of mentions, with Chinese products and culture also frequently cited among those interviewed by the Global Times. "Yufu" is a relatively authentic Cantonese restaurant in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," where Chinese food is on the pricier side compared to local dining options. Yet even at 2:10 pm on Sunday, the restaurant was still packed, and the number of Chinese diners was visibly less than half of all patrons.

"Exquisite, compact, and easy to explore," said Nora, director of a research company in Buenos Aires, when asked about the "Chinatown". She added, "I love the dim sum in 'Chinatown'; I enjoy the exotic atmosphere there. The shop owners are very friendly, and the products are diverse; you can find many things you want in one store."

Liu Jialong, a 19-year-old local of Chinese descent, told the Global Times that "Buenos Aires also has a 'Koreantown,' which is only one street and much smaller than 'Chinatown.' It used to be very popular, but its popularity has declined. In contrast, 'Chinatown' is booming now."

If China were not becoming stronger and developing so rapidly, would people be increasingly interested in China? he asked.

On the diplomatic front, the Milei administration made some comments about China that were deemed newsworthy by some Western media outlets before taking office. However, Argentines, including scholars and businesspeople, that the Global Times reporter met here during the trip place great importance on China-Argentina relations. China is Latin America's second-largest trading partner and holds the top position in several countries. In a recent survey released by the Global Times Institute (GTI), in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and the China-Latin America Education and Culture Center, on the "China-LAC mutual perception" conducted in both regions found that the most prominent impression left by China on Latin Americans was "technology." When asked to fill in keywords that represent their primary impressions of China, a Gen Z respondent from Argentina mentioned "DeepSeek."
Of all those interviewed by the Global Times, Wu Ditai, a young Argentine scholar who studied at Peking University, was the most knowledgeable about China. Watching him mimic the distinct drawl common among Beijing's taxi drivers was as impressive as it was comedic.

"It's not just 'Chinatown'; if you look deeper, Argentines are very curious about China. They want to know why China is developing so quickly and what experiences Argentina can learn from," Wu Ditai said. He has plans to return to China soon and hopes to travel across all provinces to gain a deeper understanding of the country.

Of course, the reality is that many Argentines do not have a sufficient understanding of China. Most of their information comes from the media, especially Western media sources and social media.

An Argentine journalist told the Global Times that while there is considerable coverage of China in local media, the current lack of understanding among Argentines about China is unlikely to change in the short term.

"'China Travel' is a trending topic now, and Argentina has visa-free access. The real China is right there, and everyone is welcomed to learn about it," the Global Times told Wu Ditai.

When asked to comment on a UK report which alleged that "Chinese spying" has risen in recent years and that British Foreign Minister David Lammy told parliament that his administration is investing over $800 million into the investigation as a result, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday said that China is committed to the path of peaceful development. "We never pose a threat to any country, nor do we interfere in other countries' internal affairs," Guo stated.

"Both China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world. To grow bilateral ties and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation is in the interest of the two countries and the rest of the world," said Guo at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.

"China stands ready to grow its ties with the UK based on mutual respect and proper management of the differences, but we never accept any smear or groundless accusation," Guo said.

The spokesperson's remarks came after London published a report on Tuesday, which recommended high-level engagement with China for a "trade and investment relationship" but also building "resilience" against threats posed by Beijing, AFP reported on Tuesday. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commissioned an "audit" of Britain's relations with Beijing after he swept to power in a landslide general election win last July, AFP noted.

According to AFP, the report claimed that "Chinese spying and attempts by Beijing to undermine Britain's democracy and economy have risen in recent years."

Lammy told parliament the Labor administration would invest £600 million ($818 million) in its intelligence services as a result of the findings.

"We understand that China is a sophisticated and persistent threat," but "not engaging with China is therefore no choice at all," Lammy told MPs.

According to the website of the UK government on Tuesday, Lammy also made improper remarks on Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and so-called human rights issues. 

In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK said on Wednesday that we firmly oppose the erroneous remarks in the statements and report by the British side that smears China as a "threat," makes groundless accusations against China and interferes in China's internal affairs.

The embassy spokesperson said that the facts fully demonstrate that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. China's development does not pose a challenge or threat to any country but instead creates opportunities for shared growth worldwide. 

Allegations of Chinese espionage, cyberattacks or so-called "transnational repression" are entirely fabricated and constitute malicious slander. The Taiwan question, Hong Kong issues, and human rights issues are purely China's internal affairs, in which no external force has the right to interfere. China's resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering, and we will never allow any external forces to provoke trouble, according to the spokesperson.

"We urge the UK to recognize the broader landscape, adopt a correct mindset and completely abandon its Cold War mentality and ideological bias. Only by maintaining an accurate understanding of China and adhering to the principles of mutual respect and open cooperation can China-UK dialogue and exchanges across all fields proceed smoothly, ensuring the steady and enduring development of bilateral relations," said the embassy spokesperson.

When commenting on the British report and Lammy's remarks, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies, China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday that by simultaneously sending two conflicting policy signals - one for cooperation and another portraying China as a "threat" - the UK government is eroding the very foundation of mutual trust necessary for stable bilateral relations. 

"Such contradictory messaging will inevitably create practical disruptions in China-UK relations," Cui warned.

According to AFP, Starmer has vowed to pursue a "consistent" relationship after the previous Conservative government first trumpeted a "golden era" of close diplomatic ties before relations became increasingly strained. The British prime minister hopes Chinese investment can help him achieve his main mission of firing up Britain's economy, AFP claimed.

"While we recognize the Starmer administration's stated intention to recalibrate Britain's foreign policy approach toward China, the fundamental logic underlying both parties' China policies remains remarkably similar. Their so-called 'balanced strategy' essentially follows a 'have-them-all' approach: pursuing economic benefits through cooperation with China while maintaining ideological distance and emotional resistance toward China," said Cui. "This new report perfectly encapsulates this dual mentality," the expert noted.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Friday released an article reminding the public that printers, as frequently used devices in modern offices, pose significant security risks that must not be overlooked. It has been discovered that some foreign intelligence agencies specifically purchased second-hand printers to extract residual classified documents, forming a hardware-based data theft supply chain.

The article said that some printer software on certain download platforms has been found to contain remote-access trojans, which spread to large numbers of user devices through download links and enable remote control for data theft. This type of supply chain attack compromises companies' software development environments by embedding malicious code into official software, creating a "download-and-get-hit" precision attack model.

The high-voltage electrostatic fields of laser printers and the piezoelectric ceramic vibrations of inkjet printers generate electromagnetic signals that can also be intercepted. These signals can penetrate standard building walls and glass. With specific algorithms, the printed content can be accurately reconstructed, posing a significant leakage risk, according to the MSS.

Such "invisible leakage channels" can be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies to steal printed information, read the article.

The article also noted that most printers have built-in storage modules that automatically cache printing tasks, including output documents and scanned images. If a printer used for classified files is retired without properly disposing of its storage chip, the underlying data can still be recovered through technical means - even after record deletion or a factory reset - posing a security risk.

It has been discovered that some foreign intelligence agencies specifically purchase second-hand printers to extract residual classified documents, forming a hardware-based data theft supply chain, according to the MSS.

The ministry listed ways to prevent data leakage. It urged users to always download the latest printer drivers from official websites and avoid third-party high-speed download links. Before installation, hash values should be verified using antivirus software. Printers handling classified documents must remain offline, with non-essential features like remote control, printer sharing, USB, and Bluetooth disabled.

Low-emission devices certified by official authorities should be prioritized. Classified-use printers should be placed centrally, away from walls and windows, to minimize the risk of electromagnetic data interception.

Printers should have removable storage chips. When decommissioning such equipment, deep data wiping should be performed using official tools. Designated personnel should remove and degauss storage chips, and certified institutions should handle final disposal, according to the ministry article.

The rhythmic clatter of wheels on rail tracks echoed the fading tinkle of camel bells, heralding a renaissance of the ancient and timeless Silk Road, invigorated by blossoming cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

With the second China-Central Asia Summit having concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this week, both sides are seizing fresh opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to uphold multilateralism, consolidate the multilateral trading system, and deepen cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and energy.

Since the inaugural summit held two years ago in Xi'an, a historic city in northwest China, cooperation between China and Central Asia has drawn these land-linked economies closer to each other, yielding mutually beneficial outcomes across various sectors.

ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

Xi'an, once a bustling gateway to the Silk Road, is witnessing the revival of this ancient trade route, with a recently launched international tourist train service making exchanges between China and Kazakhstan easier.

As a hallmark achievement of the 2023 summit, this 3,000-kilometer journey connects Xi'an in Shaanxi Province with Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Traversing snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, what makes this train route truly special is the opportunities it provides for cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Such cultural interactions can, notably, also translate into valuable business opportunities.

During the train's maiden journey in 2025, Yuan Li, head of a Xi'an-based home furnishings company, immersed herself in Central Asian culture. She drew design inspiration from Kazakh embroidery to enrich her business options, saying that her company would invite artisans from both China and Kazakhstan to co-design a Silk Road-themed home collection.

This train route is one of many vivid examples of enhanced regional connectivity between China and Central Asian countries. In December 2024, the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. The railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.

Once completed, the railway will become a strategic corridor benefiting all the three countries and their peoples, contributing to regional economic and social development and playing a significant role in promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and high-quality development of the Belt and Road.

On a broader scale, cooperation between China and Central Asia is bringing Asia and Europe closer together and at a faster pace, thanks to the China-Europe freight train service. This train service passes through cities like Almaty and Tashkent, transforming them into bustling transit hubs. It now reaches 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

Central Asia serves as a hub connecting China with the Eurasian continent, and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has promoted connectivity in infrastructure, energy and trade, said Xu Xiaotian, a researcher with Heilongjiang University in northeast China. "Through economic integration, security collaboration and cultural exchanges, China and Central Asian nations are establishing a tighter network of cooperation," Xu said.

"China's cooperation with Central Asian countries contributes to mutual development and strengthens ties in science, education, culture and socio-economic fields, which are crucial for the stability, development, well-being and prosperity of the entire region," said Rashid Yusupov, director of the Center for Belt and Road Studies of Kyrgyz State University.

SHARED PROSPERITY

In March, a shipment of 16,000 apple seedlings from the city of Weinan, Shaanxi Province, entered Tajikistan through the Karasu Port in northwest China's Xinjiang. This marked the province's first-ever export of apple saplings to Tajikistan. Historically, Central Asia is one of the regions from which apples migrated to China.

According to Liu Zhanyuan, an official with Xi'an customs, these saplings will be planted in an apple orchard commemorating the friendship between China and Tajikistan. The orchard is a project to implement the outcomes of the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit.

"By sharing advanced apple cultivation techniques and management expertise with Tajikistan, the project will help local farmers improve apple yields and quality," Liu added.

The apple orchard project exemplifies the deepening ties between China and Central Asia, where cooperation across various sectors is translating into tangible economic benefits.

According to China's General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking an increase of 5.4 billion year on year. In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade hit 173.05 billion yuan (about 24.13 billion U.S. dollars), a 37.3-percent surge compared to the same period last year.

China and Central Asian countries have not only seen a significant increase in trade value but also expanded their economic cooperation into various sectors -- creating a comprehensive and multifaceted mutually beneficial economic relationship, Xu said.

Looking ahead to future cooperation between China and Central Asia, Li Ziguo, an expert with the China Institute of International Studies, said that driven by a new wave of technological revolution, digital economy and e-commerce are emerging as new growth areas for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Moving forward, a series of big data cooperation projects will provide a more efficient and stable network environment for information exchange and resource sharing between China and Central Asian countries, thereby further unlocking digital dividends in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and e-commerce, Li added. 

In response to a media inquiry regarding the draft UN Security Council resolution reportedly put forward by Russia, China, and Pakistan on the situation in Iran, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities constitutes a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and has further intensified tensions in the Middle East. He stressed that the Security Council can't remain inactive in the face of such developments.

Guo noted that the draft resolution submitted by China, Russia, and Pakistan calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the protection of civilians, compliance with international law, and the initiation of dialogue and negotiations, adding that the proposal represents a voice of justice and reflects the strong will of the international community. 

"China hopes all Security Council members will support the draft and work together to ensure that the Council fulfills its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security," said Guo.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on Wednesday local time that China is "not behind" the US in artificial intelligence, and called the race in AI development a "long-term, infinite race," US media reported.

Speaking to reporters at a tech conference in Washington, DC, Huang noted China may currently be "right behind" the US for now, but emphasized it's a narrow gap, according to CNBC. 

"We are very close," Huang stated. "Remember, this is a long-term, infinite race."

His remarks came against the backdrop of the restrictions from the US government on shipments of Nvidia's H20 chips to China without a license. 

On April 15, the US Commerce Department announced new export licensing requirements for Nvidia's H20, AMD's MI308 AI chips, and their equivalents destined for China.

Nvidia stated that the latest curbs could cost the company $5.5 billion, according to CNBC. 

Speaking about Chinese tech company Huawei, Huang said that "They're incredible in computing and network technology, all these essential capabilities to advance AI."

"They have made enormous progress in the last several years," Huang added. 

Huang said on the same day he would like the Trump administration to change the regulations related to exporting AI technology from the US for businesses to better capitalize on future opportunities, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

Huang recently wrapped up his second visit to Beijing in three months.

During his visit to Beijing on April 17, Huang stated that the US government's tightening of chip export controls has already had a significant impact on Nvidia's business. He was received by Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

With permission from Chinese side, the Philippines dispatched one civilian vessel on Friday to deliver daily necessities to its war ship that had illegally run aground on Ren'ai Jiao. The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) questioned, verified the Philippine vessel and supervised the entire process, said the China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun, according to the CCG Wechat account on Tuesday. 

Liu expressed the hope that the Philippines will honor its commitments and work together with China to jointly manage the maritime situation. The CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in accordance with the law, safeguarding rights and conducting patrols in the Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters.

The Nansha Qundao (the Nansha Islands), which include the Ren'ai Jiao, have always been China's territory.

In May 1999, the Philippines "grounded" the tank-landing ship BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Ren'ai Jiao. Despite Manila's repeated promise to tow it away, the ship has remained there for over 25 years, Xinhua said.

The attempt of US Embassy in Singapore chargé d'affaires Casey Mace to draw a parallel between China's legitimate claims in the South China Sea and the shared corridors of Singapore's Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, by posting a video on multiple social media platforms, sparked widespread criticism and ridicule from netizens. 

The 90-second video is roughly divided into two parts. The first half features footage of Singapore's HDB flats, accompanied by a voiceover stating, "Our homes are our sanctuaries. And when we live together, it's important to respect each other's space and our common space."

The narrative then shifts, asking viewers to "imagine coming home one day and to find this"—followed by images of cluttered public corridors and screenshots of news reports about disputes over shared spaces. 

The video continues, "A neighbour has decided that the space in front of your door is theirs," before abruptly posing the rhetorical question, "Does this remind you of anything else?"

Then the video abruptly shifts tone and enters its main theme, as the screen displays a series of screenshots from foreign media reports hyping up tensions in the South China Sea. The video references the so-called South China Sea arbitration ruling and draws a direct comparison between China's legitimate and lawful claims in the region and a neighbor occupying shared corridor space in public housing.

Many online users slammed the analogy as a forced and flawed attempt to interfere in regional affairs and misrepresent China's position.

"Don't bring your own politics/rivalry with China to Singapore," a netizen said in commenting on the video posted on Instagram. 

"Singapore is not your pawn," another netizen said. 

"The US believes in international law? LOL" a netizen on Facebook said. 

The US diplomat also referred to the illegal South China Sea arbitration in 2016 with the video. 

China is committed to working with the countries concerned to appropriately address sea-related differences through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respect for historical facts and international law, Charge d'affaires Ambassador Geng Shuang said at the UN Security Council open debate on maritime security on Tuesday. 

The so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration is illegal and invalid, and China does not accept or recognize it, Geng said. 

Geng also noted that the US under the banner of freedom of navigation, has frequently sent its military vessels to the South China Sea to flex its muscles and openly stir up confrontation between regional countries. The US itself is the biggest threat to the peace and stability of the South China Sea, the Chinese diplomat said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday visited the New Development Bank in Shanghai and met with Dilma Rousseff, president of the institution.

Rousseff led the bank's four vice presidents and other employees to welcome Xi when he arrived.

Xi congratulated Rousseff on her reelection as president of the New Development Bank, and noted that the bank is the world's first multilateral development institution established and led by emerging markets and developing countries.

Xi called the bank "a pioneering initiative for the unity and self-improvement of the Global South," and said that it conforms to the historical trend of reforming and improving global governance.

He stressed that broader BRICS cooperation has entered a stage of high-quality development, and that the bank is set to embark on its second golden decade of high-quality development.

Xi called on the bank to consider the development needs of the Global South, and to provide more high-quality, low-cost and sustainable infrastructure financing.

The bank needs to improve its management and operations, implement more technology and green finance projects, and help developing countries bridge the digital divide and accelerate green and low-carbon transformation, Xi said.

In discussions on the reform of international financial architecture, the bank should amplify the voice of the Global South, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South, and support the countries of the Global South in their pursuit of modernization, he said.

He noted that as the bank's host country, China will always support the operations and development of the New Development Bank. China is willing to strengthen project cooperation with the bank and focus on green, innovative and sustainable development to achieve more results, he added.

China is also willing to share its development experience through the bank with other member countries, and stands ready to provide more international public goods, Xi said.

In response to media reports that said Google Maps now shows the label "West Philippine Sea," whereas it previously displayed "South China Sea," the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines on Wednesday responded that such change does not conform to international practices and is not conducive to the efforts of international geographical names standardization. It will in no way affect China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. 

The embassy has lodged solemn representations with the relevant parties, urging them to respect international practices and take measures to correct the error.

AFP reported on Monday that a Google Maps scan on Monday of the body of water directly west of the Philippines now shows a name once invisible to most users -- the West Philippine Sea. 

The name South China Sea remains visible to the north and west of the area newly identified as the West Philippine Sea, AFP reported.

For a long time, the South China Sea, as a commonly used geographical entity name internationally, has long been widely recognized and accepted by the international community, including the United Nations. It is also reflected in the legal documents of professional institutions such as the International Maritime Organization, said a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy.

When asked to comment on Google Maps label change, Lin Jian, spokesperson from Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that "South China Sea" is the geographic name that has long been used, recognized and accepted by the international community, including countries worldwide and international organizations such as the UN.