Senior Chinese official Li Xi met with Italian leaders in Rome to deepen strategic ties, marking the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and advancing cooperation in areas like green energy and digital technology.
Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, met with Italy's Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome during his visit from Wednesday to Saturday at the invitation of the Italian Senate.
During the meetings, Li highlighted the enduring ties between China and Italy, and called on the two sides to advance the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in July.
Li emphasized cooperation through the "China-Italy Action Plan," which aimed at enhancing political trust and collaboration in existing and emerging sectors like green energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges and multilateral coordination in multilateral arenas such as the United Nations and Group of 20 (G20) to elevate China-Italy relations.
China and Europe share extensive common interests in upholding multilateralism, addressing climate change, and promoting global economic recovery, Li said, noting that China advocates for resolving relevant economic and trade issues through consultation based on pragmatic and balanced principles.
He urged the Italian side to view China-Europe economic and trade relations "with an open attitude and a long-term perspective," and play a constructive role in China-Europe consultations and negotiations.
The visit came after a video call on October 25 between Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao and European Commission (EC) Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis at the latter's request. The two sides agreed to conduct further consultations over the EU's planned additional tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs) during the call.
Some 10 countries, including France, Italy, and Poland, supported imposing the tariffs on Chinese EVs of up to 35.3 percent, coming on top of existing duties of 10 percent, AFP reported. Five countries, including Germany and Hungary, voted against, while 12 abstained, including Spain and Sweden.
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani emphasized China's role as a vital economic partner, noting that Italy hopes to strengthen economic and trade exchanges with China, fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship. He reiterated Italy's commitment to open economic policies and to actively working toward resolving trade frictions between Europe and China through negotiations.
The EU's imposition of additional tariffs on China-made EVs is not a purely economic and trade issue, nor is it purely a technical negotiation, Zhao Junjie, senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), told the Global Times.
Zhao noted that despite major differences, continued consultation should be the main way to resolve disputes.
"We need to focus on negotiations where the two sides can meet each other halfway and refrain from making unreasonable demands. It would be ideal to reach a solution that is acceptable to all," Zhao said. "But if the EU still holds an uncompromising stance, and blindly oppresses and restrains Chinese companies, we also have the toolbox to fight back."
On Thursday, He Yadong, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said that the EU has followed many unreasonable and non-compliant practices in the anti-subsidy investigation of China-made EVs. China has always put forward a comprehensive defense and submitted a large number of comments and evidential materials to the EU, which have not been fully considered.
"Voices from the EU, such as the German chancellor, recently reiterated their opposition to tariffs on China-made EVs, which I think represents there are divergences within the EU. Also, the EC is facing pressure from the industries within the bloc, not just in the EV industry," Wu Shuocheng, a veteran automobile industry analyst, told the Global Times.
MOFCOM announced on August 21 the decision to launch a countervailing investigation into certain dairy products originating in the EU with immediate effect. In June, MOFCOM said it will launch an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products originating from the EU.
In June, Ksenija Simovic, senior policy adviser for trade at Copa-Cogeca, Europe's largest farming lobby, said that "this is of course not acceptable for us. The EC should make sure that once again, our sector is not the one picking up the bill for disputes concerning other sectors," according to a report by Politico.
Following the recent passing of assessments by China’s first corgi police dog, his “smell of work”— a term coined by Chinese netizens to describe the exhaustion often felt by people in the workplace— captured public interest, with many humorously commenting that “even a dog has it in the workplace.”
This follows the recent sharing of a photo by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, showing Fu Zai post-certification as a police dog.
Many netizens commented that they could see the intense “smell of work” in his eyes, suggesting that there are many stories to be told from his gaze, especially in comparison to his previously iconic happy expression.
Fu Zai, who has attracted people’s attention with his iconic happy face, officially moved from reserve status to a fully certified role this month, according to the public security bureau in Weifang in East China’s Shandong Province.
In accordance with the assessment standards and Fu Zai’s individual capabilities, the police tailored the evaluation to match his abilities. Under the guidance of his trainer, Fu Zai successfully completed assessments on obedience, luggage and vehicle searches, room searches, and obstacle navigation. Many netizens also sent their best wishes to him following the good news.
After making his debut in March at the open day event held at a police camp in the city of Weifang, Fu Zai went viral thanks to his iconic smiley face, cute short legs, and impressive skills in bomb search, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The National Bureau of Statistics is set to launch a nationwide sampling survey on 2024 population changes beginning on Friday, with multiple regions recently releasing specific survey procedures.
Demographers told the Global Times that as China undergoes a significant demographic transition, this survey holds increasing importance. There was an expectation of a slight baby boom in the Year of Dragon and this survey in some extent can help verify that expectation.
The annual survey is crucial for formulating national economic and social development plans, improving relevant policies, and promoting high-quality population development, demographers said.
Three percent of Beijing's 21.8 million residents will be surveyed. The survey will be conducted either through in-home registration by surveyors or by residents filling out the information independently via a WeChat mini-program. Surveyors, equipped with official identification, will visit homes to conduct the survey to carry out their work, Beijing Daily reported citing Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics.
To accurately reflect the population changes, the Liaoning provincial government increased the sample size for the population change survey from 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent this year. In 2023, Liaoning recorded a net inflow of 86,000 people from other provinces, reversing the trend of continuous net outflow that had persisted since 2012, the Liaoning Daily said.
The survey will be conducted by households, and the survey content was the basic information of the population and households, including name, citizen ID number, gender, age, ethnicity, education level, migration and mobility, work, marriage, childbirth, death and housing, Liaoning Daily reported.
This annual population change sampling survey, launched by the National Bureau of Statistics in the late 1980s, involves sampling one-thousandth of the national population to calculate and publish various demographic indicators each year, Chen Wei, a professor at the Center for Population and Development Studies, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.
As China undergoes a significant demographic transition, with rapid changes in marriage, fertility, and population structure, this survey has gained increased importance. It provides essential foundational data for monitoring these shifts, analyzing population trends, and evaluating fertility support policies, Chen noted.
According to the National Census Regulations, a national population census is conducted every ten years, and typically, a one percent population sampling survey is conducted midway between censuses, usually in years ending in 5. In other years, a 0.1 percent population sampling survey is conducted.
Additionally, Chen mentioned the survey could help determine whether 2024, known as the Year of Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar, will see a modest increase in births as many demographers forecasted.
However, since the survey was conducted in November, births from November and December, months that often see high birth rates, were only partially included. January of next year will also fall within the Year of the Dragon, he added.
"The Year of the Dragon ushered in a baby boom. Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center is presenting special commemorative envelopes for 'Dragon babies,'" Yangcheng Daily reported earlier in October.
Zhai Zhenwu, a professor at Renmin University of China, said that the Chinese population holds a special fondness for the ''Dragon'' zodiac sign. During the last Dragon Year in 2012, there was a slight peak in birth rates. A modest increase in births is anticipated for 2024.
While zodiac sign preferences can influence birth rates, their effect on broader population trends is relatively minor, demographer Yuan Xin told the Global Times. He said the key lies in enhancing young people's willingness to marry and have children, as well as significantly reducing the burden of childbearing and upbringing on families.
The obesity rate among Chinese adolescents surged from 0.10 percent to 8.25 percent during the 34 years from 1985 to 2019, with adolescents from rural areas facing greater nutrition and health risks, the Global Times learned from a research team of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health (ICAH), Peking University, on Tuesday.
According to the team's latest study, which was published online by The Lancet on Monday, from 1985 to 2014, the average obesity prevalence among urban children and adolescents was consistently higher than that of their rural counterparts. With the exception of 1985 and 1995, rural children persistently exhibited greater prevalence of thinness compared with their urban counterparts.
The study predicts that the prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity will continue to rise nationwide in both urban and rural areas.
Our projections indicate that the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in rural and lower socioeconomic status areas will dominate a future pandemic of obesity among Chinese children and adolescents. China will gradually exhibit similar patterns of nutritional inequality as seen in some industrialized high-income countries, Dong Yanhui, a corresponding author of the study from the ICAH, told the Global Times.
Obesity and underweight during childhood and adolescence have a profound impact on health in adulthood. Over the past 30 years, there has been a global shift in the nutritional patterns of children and adolescents from predominantly undernutrition to predominantly overnutrition, a phenomenon closely related to socioeconomic development, Dong said.
In China, obesity of adolescents has also been a major concern of Chinese parents and relevant Chinese authorities in recent years. The National Health Commission recently released China's first authoritative guideline for multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of obesity in order to further improve the standardization of obesity diagnosis and treatment in the country, People's Daily reported on October 23.
According to People's Daily, from 2015-2019, the overweight rate and obesity prevalence among Chinese adolescents aged 6 to 17 are 11.1 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively, while the overweight rate and obesity prevalence among children under 6 years old are 6.8 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.
Previous studies have revealed narrowing obesity gap between adolescents in urban and rural areas. But there still lacks recent data regarding contemporary nutritional inequities among children and adolescents, particularly in relation to urban-rural residence and regional socioeconomic status, according to Dong.
Our study revealed that, children and adolescents in underdeveloped regions face significant nutritional and health risks, marking them as a particularly vulnerable group. Notably, these risks are now more closely associated with obesity rather than underweight. Considering this, there is an urgent need to take action to eliminate the potential health inequalities related to obesity among current and future Chinese children and adolescents, which requires more comprehensive and extensive preventive health investments, Dong noted.
The study of the ICAH focused on children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in China. It covered 1,677,261 participants from 30 provincial-level regions, the Global Times learned.
Citing two senior defense officials, Reuters reported that "fearing China will deploy hypersonic weapons to sink ships in the Pacific," the US Navy is moving forward with a plan to arm some of its vessels with Patriot interceptor missiles. Chinese military experts said on Sunday that the US is using the so-called Chinese missile threat as an excuse to pursue "absolute military superiority."
According to the Reuters report, one industry official said putting the highly agile Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors, used primarily in the US by the Army, aboard Navy ships anticipates advances in Chinese missile technology, including the use of highly maneuverable hypersonic weapons.
Integrating the Lockheed Martin-made missiles with ships' air defenses comes amid simmering tension in the "Indo-Pacific region" as China rapidly modernizes its military, the report said.
Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that in order to ensure absolute military superiority against its opponents, the US military has been putting in a lot of efforts in recent years to develop various missile attack and defense systems. "Previously, the US military had worked to transfer the vessel-based Tomahawk cruise missile system to land, enhancing its missile strike capabilities against other countries from land. Now, it is attempting to deploy land-based missile systems at sea to improve missile air defense capabilities," Zhang said.
However, Zhang noted that if the US does not provoke war, no country would take the initiative to strike US vessels. "This precisely demonstrates that the US military is using the so-called threat of China's missile development as an excuse to continuously enhance its missile strike capabilities across land, sea, and air, seeking absolute military superiority," Zhang said.
Zhang said that the US Navy's plan to arm some of its vessels with Patriot interceptor missiles means it must first address some technical issues.
Currently, the main surface combat vessels of the US are the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which primarily use the Aegis combat system for intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles at sea, employing the Standard Missile-3, Zhang said. "These two missile systems differ in terms of their operational command and control systems, fire control radar systems, and missile launchers."
In a world increasingly turning to holistic approaches for health and wellness, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) stands out as one of the oldest and most enduring medical systems, with practices like acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, therapeutic massage, and herbal medicine gaining popularity across the globe.
As TCM continues to evolve and adapt to modern society, it offers a rich tapestry of healing techniques that have been refined over thousands of years.
On Monday, a new center for TCM was inaugurated in the town of Panagyurishte, Bulgaria, which aims to enhance patient care as well as share the heritage of ancient Chinese medical practices, according to a Xinhua News Agency report.
The center in Bulgaria is an epitome of the growing popularity of TCM across the globe. Statistics from the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) showed that foreign exchanges of TCM have spread to 196 countries and regions. China has signed specialized cooperation agreements on TCM with more than 40 foreign governments, regional authorities, and international organizations.
On Tuesday, various activities were held across China to celebrate World Traditional Medicine Day. Students in many schools got a precious opportunity to learn more about TCM on this day. Designated at the International Conference on Traditional Medicine held in Beijing in 1991, World Traditional Medicine Day falls on October 22 every year.
In 2023, China's 93,000 TCM specialized medical institutions recorded 1.54 billion medical visits. China also boasts 41,700 TCM clinics and over 99 percent of community- and township-level medical institutions are capable of providing TCM services, as reported by Xinhua in September.
To better promote TCM, the NATCM released a three-year plan for further standardizing TCM on July 31. According to the plan, a total of 180 domestic standards and 30 international standards for TCM should be formulated by the end of 2026.
The plan seeks to enhance the integration of standardization with the development of TCM, offering robust support for the modernization, industrialization, and high-quality advancement of the TCM industry.
As TCM evolves, many new practices and technologies are being actively integrated. For many young people, trying TCM drinks has become a trendy alternative to bubble tea, as they are perceived to be healthier. These herbal brews are sold in stylish cups at various pharmacies and shops in shopping malls.
Besides this, technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data are being explored to facilitate the sharing of TCM data and to create a more digital and intelligent approach to TCM.
Sixty years ago, China successfully detonated its first atomic bomb. Relying on their own strength, the Chinese people achieved a major breakthrough in cutting-edge national defense technology. Recently, the Global Times interviewed several retired personnel from the nuclear military base who participated in this historic event, listening to their stories of dedication and perseverance during those passionate and unforgettable years.
This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present. "Five, four, three, two, one… ignite!"
On October 16, 1964, at precisely 3 pm Beijing time, at the nuclear test base in Lop Nur located in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, head operator Han Yunti pressed the button that would change history.
A massive fireball, akin to a second sun, soared into the sky. Then it fused with a rising dust column, creating a spectacular mushroom cloud.
Later that day, a radio broadcast echoed, and extra editions of People's Daily were passed around, as people took to the streets to celebrate the historic event - China had successfully detonated its first atomic bomb.
In the early years of the People's Republic of China, faced with a complex international environment, the government sought to ensure peace and stability for domestic development. On January 15, 1955, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held an expanded meeting, making the strategic decision to establish and develop China's atomic energy industry, according to Science and Technology Daily.
Late Chairman Mao Zedong once declared that China does not only need more planes and cannons; it needs the atomic bomb. "In today's world, to avoid being bullied, we cannot be without this thing," Xinhua reported.
In less than 10 years, China achieved this miracle.
Behind the successful explosion were countless individuals who worked in silence, overcoming immense challenges. In the 1950s, a group of nuclear industry pioneers embarked on a difficult journey in the vast Gobi Desert of Northwest China. Starting with just a tent, they built research institutes and factories, laying the foundation for China's nuclear industry. Despite harsh conditions, they established China's first nuclear industrial base, which formed the bedrock for both the country's nuclear weapons and energy development.
Today, China's nuclear industry continues to grow steadily. Starting from the scratch to a comprehensive system, the industry contributes to ensuring energy security, protecting the environment and promoting high-quality economic growth while moving forward into the Chinese modernization.
An unforgettable day
On that special day exactly 60 years ago, Wang Changjian noted it as "The Most Unforgettable Day" in his journal.
He still vividly remembers that his team leader told him an important announcement would be made that evening and instructed him to wait at a square.
At the time, Wang was a worker at Plant 404, a nuclear engineering base that emerged from the barren Gobi Desert in Northwest China's Gansu Province. Because of strict confidentiality, many employees, like Wang, had no idea what their work was ultimately contributing to, and they never asked or discussed about it.
Wang arrived at the square at 9 pm, where a crowd had already gathered, buzzing with speculation. At 10 pm, a loudspeaker broadcast the news: "China has successfully detonated its first atomic bomb!"
At first, people couldn't believe their ears, and the announcement was repeated several times. When the government officially confirmed the successful test, the entire "nuclear city" of Plant 404 erupted in celebration.
"Some people even ran home to grab drums and Chinese national flags for the celebration - it was a sleepless night," said Wang.
What shocked him even more was learning about his own connection with the news. "We manufactured the components of the bomb, but it wasn't until the night of the explosion that we finally knew the truth," he said.
Wang emphasized the strict adherence to secrecy at the time: "Those who knew didn't talk, and those who didn't know didn't ask." This simple rule was rooted in their minds.
"We understood that any leak could have devastating consequences. Working in such a highly confidential environment, we felt both pressured and motivated," he added.
This success was not just a technical breakthrough, but a huge morale boost for nuclear industry workers. "After three years of hard work and dedication, we finally stood tall. Victory belonged to every one of us!" Wang said with deep emotion.
Wang Baodou, a recipient of the National May 1st Labor Medal, was also involved in the manufacturing of China's first atomic bomb.
Recounting the preparations leading up to the bomb's test, Wang Baodou mentioned that Plant 404 launched the "Great Effort of 80, 90, 100 Days" campaign to ensure all equipment was installed, tested, and repaired before the nuclear test. Given the operation's top-secret nature, everyone had to strictly abide by confidentiality regulations.
"We didn't know the exact timeline or the full scope of the task. Our duty was to follow instructions and complete the mission," Wang Baodou said.
Much of the equipment at Plant 404 had to be independently developed and installed by workers after Soviet experts withdrew. Wang Baodou remembered the installation of the electrolysis fluorine equipment - a crucial step in producing nuclear materials. Due to incomplete designs, workers relied on their own ingenuity to overcome numerous obstacles.
During the most critical phases, workers took turns remaining at the site, with no time to go home and rest. Wang Baodou and his colleagues would sleep on leather coats spread on the ground and lean against the wall to get some sleep. "Despite being tired, everyone was in high spirits because we knew we were doing this for our country, and we had to get it done," he said.
In addition to the successful detonation of the atomic bomb, there was other exciting news for the Chinese people during those years: On June 17, 1967, China successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb. On April 24, 1970, China launched its first artificial satellite into space. An ironclad oath
After graduating from a technical school, Wang Changjian, along with dozens of classmates selected through rigorous requirements, headed to Plant 404 in the Gobi Desert.
"Our slogan was - respond to the Party's call, go where the country needs us most, and go to the toughest places. This was the loudest voice of the time, and to young people, it was like an ironclad oath," he said.
What Wang Changjian remembered most was the sense of unity and collaboration. Technicians, workers, and officials worked closely together, living and working side by side as they tackled technical challenges. "There was a deep sense of responsibility and honor. It was considered a privilege to contribute to the country," he said. This spirit of selfless dedication enabled them to complete the task under such difficult conditions.
Wang Baodou also described the harsh environment in the Gobi Desert where the nuclear base was located. Many workers, single and far from home, endured isolation as their families couldn't join them for many years. Despite the tough living conditions and the inhospitable environment, they persevered.
One vivid memory Wang Baodou shared with the Global Times was an impromptu soccer match they organized. However, a sudden Gobi windstorm sent sand flying, making it impossible to see. The sand grains, as large as fingernails, pelted them, forcing everyone to take cover in nearby sand pits until the wind had died down so they could continue the game.
Today, Plant 404 has grown into a comprehensive nuclear industry base. When reflecting on being awarded the National May 1st Labor Medal, Wang Baodou considered the honor not just his, but a tribute to all his silent and dedicated colleagues. He paid special tribute to several workers who sacrificed their lives for the cause, including Fu Hongju, Zhang Dinghua, and Zhang Weihao, calling them his eternal heroes.
"Whenever we think of the success of the first atomic bomb, we remember these colleagues. Their sacrifices inspire deep respect and reflection. They contributed far more than any individual achievement," he said.
New story in Gobi Desert
The nuclear industry in China is also eyeing the future.
Exactly 560 meters beneath the Gobi Desert lies a modern underground laboratory - the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, a key to securing China's long-term nuclear industry development.
Wang Ju, the chief scientist in the field of radioactive waste disposal at the China National Nuclear Corporation, stood at the entrance of the laboratory and marveled, "When we discovered this intact granite formation, I almost knelt down to thank nature. Such a flawless rock formation, nearly crack-free, is the perfect natural barrier for the safe geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste."
In 1992, Wang Ju was a geologist focusing of the study on uranium geology when he realized that the safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste was a global challenge for the nuclear industry. For more than 30 years, Wang Ju and his team have been searching in the Gobi Desert for a suitable site to safely isolate this waste.
They eventually found a granite formation as large as half the size of Beijing.
The Beishan Underground Research laboratory is expected to be the largest and most advanced facility of its kind in the world when it is completed in 2028. It will provide full support for the technical development of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste, ensuring safety for tens of thousands of years.
Sixty years ago, China solemnly declared to the world its confidence and capability to maintain stability and defend peace. The heroic predecessors, accompanied by the Gobi Desert and yellow sands, processed vast amounts of data using only an abacus and a slide rule, inspiring the Chinese younger generation to be self-reliant and forge ahead courageously.
Industrial robots carry out welding operations in an intelligent workshop of an automobile manufacturer located in Jiangdu Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, on October 18, 2024. China's GDP grew 4.8 percent year on year in the first nine months of 2024, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on the day. Photo: VCG
Voting for the sixth-term chief executive election of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) started at 10 a.m. local time on Sunday.
Members of the Chief Executive Election Committee arrived at the polling booth located at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex to cast their secret ballots. Votes will be counted and announced immediately after voting.
Sam Hou Fai, former president of Macao's Court of Final Appeal, was the only candidate running for the sixth-term chief executive.
According to Macao's Chief Executive Election Law, an election is valid only if two-thirds of all members of the election committee are present to vote. To be elected, a candidate must receive support from more than half of the total members of the committee, which is at least 200 votes.
The elected candidate will become the chief executive designate of the Macao SAR, pending appointment by the Central People's Government. The sixth-term chief executive is expected to take office on Dec. 20.
