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Xi extends congratulations to Shigeru Ishiba on election as Japanese PM

Quad is identified as the premier regional grouping that plays a leading role in the US' Indo-Pacific strategy. It is a tool the US uses to contain China and perpetuate US hegemony, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday, urging the US to get rid of its obsession with perpetuating its supremacy and containing China, stop using regional countries as its tool, and stop glossing over the strategic intention behind all kinds of exclusive groupings.

The Indo-Pacific strategy attempts to patch up forces to exclude and contain China by peddling the "China threat" narrative, and Quad tries to muster military and security cooperation under the pretext of maritime issues—same intention, same tactics. Though the US claims that it does not target China, the first topic of the summit is about China and China was made an issue throughout the event. The US is lying through its teeth and even the US media does not believe it, said Lin, who made these remarks at Monday's routine press briefing in response to questions about US President Biden's comments at the 2024 Quad Leaders' Summit.

Lin emphasized that cooperation between countries should not target any third party or even harm their interests. Any regional initiative should follow the overwhelming trend of the region and promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Ganging up to form exclusive groupings undermines the mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries, runs counter to the overwhelming trend of pursuing peace, development, cooperation, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and is bound to fail, the spokesperson said.

He urged the US to get rid of its obsession with perpetuating its supremacy and containing China, stop using regional countries as its tool, stop glossing over the strategic intention behind all kinds of exclusive groupings, and act on its word that the revitalization of its alliances is not targeted at China, instead of seeking selfish gains at the expense of other countries' strategic security interests and the wellbeing of the people in the Asia-Pacific.

Regarding the Quad's joint coast guard cooperation at sea, Lin noted that China is open to normal cooperation between relevant countries at sea, but the cooperation should not target other countries or undermine regional peace and stability under any pretext.

Dancers from the most renowned troupes in the world performed by the seaside in Qinhuangdao, North China's Hebei Province for the Move to Move International Dance Festival, which ran from Sunday to Tuesday during this year's Mid-Autumn Festival holidays.     

For choreographer Paul Lightfoot, the festival marked the debut of his experimental work with Chinese dancers for the Specially Commissioned Co-creation section at Aranya, a well-known artistic community. 

"I've never had this opportunity to work with Chinese dancers," Lightfoot, former artistic director of Nederlands Dans Theater (Netherlands Dance Theater), told the Global Times. 

"For me, this has been the most beautiful part of this festival. Personally, it is the exchange you see because I could really share the things that I do in the ways I think and the ethics and the ideas and the imagination with them."

Chinese dancers are quite young when it comes to cultural exchanges and they "are one of the best casts I have ever seen. We've had a fantastic journey together."

At the invitation of the festival's founders, Yin Fang and Wu Mengke, the Englishman brought his idea about something "50 percent about the ballet and 50 percent about ethics" to the stage at Aranya.  

"So we talk a lot and because they're young, I want to feed them something that they can keep for all their work," he added. "It's not educational, it's an exchange."

International festivals like the one in Aranya is a "perfect opportunity to find our friends, to meet new ones and to share our experiences together," said dancer Wu Mengke. 

Having been to Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, Lightfoot noted that China has a fascinating culture and he has seen "so many changes, and I feel very lucky. I wish my family and my friends could see and feel the same things I've experienced. It just feels great to be in the culture."

Culture and exchanges connect us with different cultural backgrounds, he added. 

The public open day event at the Wenyuan Pavilion relic site in the Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan, in Beijing, invited over 20 students on Sunday, marking the first event since China's National Cultural Heritage Administration released a new guideline on Wednesday to enhance archaeological research and education.

The guidelines emphasized the importance of proper orientation and oversight in content and format, encouraging immersive visits and hands-on learning experiences. It also encourages provincial departments to publish lists of accessible archaeological sites, promoting structured activities at parks, museums, research institutions, and active excavation sites.

Zhang Zhonghua, a deputy director of the Beijing Archaeological Research Institute (BARI), guided visitors through the discoveries made so far. He noted that their excavations have revealed the perimeter walls, cornerstones and remnants of the drainage system, and they have also uncovered traces of rivers and bridges that once connected the pavilion to the surrounding landscape. On the spot, Zhang also noted how the pavilion's distinctive architecture, including its palace gates and inner gardens, reflected the grandeur of imperial China.

"Our goal is to inspire more young people to develop an interest in archaeology. Understanding our past is essential to preserving our culture and history," Zhang told the Global Times. 

"In the future, we would also like to let more citizens and tourists see what our Wenyuan Pavilion looks like and open this site to the public," Zhang said.

The Wenyuan Pavilion, originally built in 1775 during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was one of the grand libraries that housed the "Siku Quanshu," or the "Complete Library in the Four Branches of Literature," the largest collection of books in ancient China. 

However, the pavilion was destroyed during the raze of Yuanmingyuan by Anglo-French allied forces in 1860. Today, only its ruins remain. According to experts, archaeological work on this significant site began in August 2024, with the current excavation covering an area of 1,000 square meters.

During the event, not only were the structures of the site's walls and the specific drainage systems explained, but the tools and processes needed for archaeological work were also vividly demonstrated to students. Students were introduced to tools such as measuring tapes, compasses, markers, and the Luoyang spade.

Luoyang spade is a Chinese ancient tool used to detect underground ruins. The blade, measuring 20 to 40 centimeters in length and 5 to 20 centimeters in diameter, can penetrate several meters underground. By examining the soil it brings up, one can assess the composition and detect potential ancient tombs or underground features. Visitors, especially students, were fascinated by how archaeologists use this tool to analyze soil layers. 

"The Luoyang spade is an essential tool for us. It can penetrate deep into the ground, and by analyzing the soil it brings up, we can identify what lies below the surface, whether it's a building or a tomb," Zhang explained.

BARI has been promoting public archaeology since 2015 by opening excavation sites like Yuanmingyuan to visitors. Live excavation demonstrations, expert-led tours, and interactive sessions have made archaeology more accessible to the general public, fostering a greater appreciation for China's rich cultural legacy.

As the excavation at Wenyuan Pavilion continues, the site will remain open to the public until the end of October, allowing more visitors to observe the meticulous work of archaeologists and engage with China's imperial history firsthand.

Thanks to expanding visa-free policies and favorable conditions like more manageable payment methods for international travelers, an increasing number of tourists are flocking to China. 

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson mentioned at a recent press conference that in the first seven months of 2024, the number of foreigners entering China through various ports exceeded 17 million, showing a year-on-year increase of 129.9 percent. 

Based on data from the National Immigration Administration, the number of foreigners entering through visa-free entry channels reached 8.542 million in the first half of the year, showing a significant increase of 190 percent year-on-year. 

Ctrip Group, a leading online travel agency in China, announced that net revenue in its unaudited financial performance for the second quarter of 2024 reached 12.8 billion yuan ($1.8 billion), a year-on-year increase of 14 percent. 

Each traveler has a unique perspective and experience. A multitude of foreign tourists have shared their experiences of traveling in China online, with the traffic data surpassing 1 billion views. ChinaTravel has become a buzzword on social media.

So what have international travelers highlighted in their China travel experiences?

Many travelers have expressed shock and fascination after uncovering China's rich history and culture by visiting museums and historical sites and experiencing traditional activities. China's vast and diverse natural landscapes, from pristine forests to majestic mountains, have been captured in travel photos and praised by tourists for their scenic beauty. The modern achievements of China, including high-speed trains, intelligent city features, and green development, have left a deep impression on international visitors.

Foreign visitors often comment on the safety they feel while traveling in China, sharing personal anecdotes of feeling secure while exploring different parts of China, including late-night walks without fear of theft or assault. Female travelers, in particular, have reported feeling safe in China, noting that they do not experience the same level of street harassment as in some other countries.

Stories of friendly interactions with locals eager to help foreign visitors have contributed to a warm and welcoming atmosphere for tourists, reflecting their deep engagement with locals. These comments from international travelers and vloggers reflect a growing interest and positive reception toward travel in China.

Then what are the catalysts behind the boom in inbound tourism?

At a micro level, besides the 72/144 hours visa-free transit policy, Chinese consumer goods and services offer a globally leading cost-performance ratio and richness, enhancing the attractiveness of inbound tourism. As of July, the cumulative CPI in China since ­January 2020 was about 27 percent lower than that of the US, with the service industry CPI base index 17 percent lower than that of the US. 

According to statistics from the online travel planning site Budget Your Trip, as of August, among global popular tourist destinations, the average daily travel expense in China is $80, with daily accommodation and dining costs being $69 and $23, respectively. 

Accordingly, the resumption of flights has also been a contributing factor. As of August 5, the number of international flights has recovered to nearly 90 percent of 2019, marking a 45 percent increase compared to 2023. 

According to data from the National Immigration Administration, by the second quarter of this year, the number of Chinese mainland entries and exits by residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan exceeded the level of 2019, and foreigners have recovered to 60 percent. Foreign tourists spend an average of 3,459 yuan per person per day in China, directly driving consumption to exceed 100 billion yuan. 

With the goal of perfecting the modern tourism industry system and accelerating the construction of a strong tourism country, inbound tourism is expected to receive more policy support to unleash its limitless potential. 

"In the 16-year history of the Beijing Fringe Festival, people have come and gone, but the young gaze, heartbeat and young feeling have always been there for the festival," said Meng Jinghui, artistic director of the Beijing Fringe Festival, on Wednesday night.    

The annual fest for young theatergoers, which runs until October 7, will feature 15 theater works across 30 performances staged by young actors and producers across the city. 

"Theaters for young people and international horizons are always at the central stage of the Beijing Fringe Festival," added Meng. 

Among these performances are the opening shows, When Time Comes to the Second Half, Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles and Homeland. 

As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, French theaters will be highlighted at this year's fringe festival, Li Jianjun, the festival's program director, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

In the Drama Online section, videos of outstanding theatrical works from the Festival d'Avignon will be screened during the festival. 

Besides this, the Tribute to Molière section will host events such as recitations of Molière's classic plays, introductions by scholars, and screenings of Molière's plays.

Ever since 2014, the section 40 Hours V Drama has become the most challenging and exciting part of the Beijing Fringe Festival. Participating creators randomly select topics and complete creations in a designated space within a limited 48-hour window. They then take turns presenting their creative results on the stage. Professional judges and public judges voting and selecting awards at this year's event are sure to see fierce competition among young creators. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday signed a presidential order awarding national medals and national honorary titles to 15 individuals on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Four of the 15 individuals that were awarded the Medal of the Republic were Wang Yongzhi, a pioneer of China's manned space program, renowned medical scientist Wang Zhenyi, wheat breeding and agricultural strategy expert Li Zhensheng and veteran war hero Huang Zongde.

Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, was awarded the Friendship Medal. 

Ten individuals were awarded national honorary titles. Among them was Bayika Kalidibek, a border guard of Tajik ethnicity in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. His family has guarded the border for 70 years across three generations, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

His son, Laqini, continued the border duty but tragically sacrificed his life heroically while rescuing children trapped in an ice cave. 

National honorary titles are given to individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. Their outstanding achievements underscore the Party's and the country's remarkable progress since the founding of the People's Republic of China, analysts said. 

The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Rousseff is the first woman to have held the Brazilian presidency, and maintained close relations with China during her tenure. After being appointed president of the New Development Bank, Rousseff has been making significant contributions to fostering exchanges and cooperation between China, Brazil, and other BRICS countries, Jiang Shixue, a professor at the Center for Latin American Studies at Shanghai University, told the Global Times on Friday. 

At this special moment - when China is about to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China - honoring the foreign friend not only signifies an honor but also highlights the relationship between China and Brazil and our commitment to the BRICS nations, said Jiang. 

China's top health authority on Thursday advocated people having marriage and childbirth at an appropriate age, called for increased efforts to create a more childbearing-friendly society, in response to the recent changes in the country's demographic development.

Yu Xuejun, deputy head of the National Health Commission (NHC), said at a press conference on Thursday that the new changes occurring in China's demographic development, including low birth rate, an aging population and regional population disparities, are a natural outcome of economic and social development at certain stages, reflecting global demographic transitions and broader trends of modernization.

Yu underscored the importance to optimize birth support policy system and incentive mechanisms, calling for persistent, long-term efforts from all localities to promote sustainable demographic development. 

Yu said the NHC will focus more efforts on advocating marriage and childbirth at appropriate ages, as well as optimal childbearing practices. It will call for shared parenting responsibilities between spouses, aiming to guide young people toward positive perspectives on marriage, childbirth, and family, fostering a new culture of marriage and childbearing. 

According to the latest statistical bulletin on the development of civil affairs in 2023 released by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, a total of 7.68 million couples tied the knot throughout the year of 2023, marking a 12.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. This is the first rise in marriage registrations in nearly one decade, surpassing the 7.64 million marriages recorded in 2021, Chinese media Yicai.com reported.

He Yafu, an independent demographic expert who monitors marriage registration data, attributed the rise in marriage registrations in 2023 to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many young people to delay their weddings until 2023. 

He noted that the number of marriage registrations in the first half of 2024 decreased year-on-year, indicating that the post-pandemic compensatory effect has gradually faded. 

He also mentioned another contributing factor: Many young people chose to get married in 2023 with the intention of having children in the auspicious Year of the Dragon in 2024, He told the Global Times on Thursday.

In 2023, 9.02 million babies were born, resulting in a birth rate of 6.39 per thousand people, according to National Bureau of Statistics.

China will continue to firmly promote high-level opening-up, create a market-oriented, rule-of-law and internationalized business environment, and provide more opportunities for enterprises from all countries, including EU members, said Mao Ning, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at on Wednesday commenting on a position paper published by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. 

China remains, and will continue to be, a crucial engine driving global economic growth and a promising land for investment and business ventures from around the world, Mao further noted.

The remarks were made in response to a media request for comment on the European Business in China Position Paper 2024/2025 published by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (European Chamber) in Beijing. The latest position paper collected responses from more than 1,700 member companies of the chamber operating in China.

EU businesses remain highly committed to China, Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber, said at the launch of the position paper on Wednesday, indicating the importance of the Chinese market to many companies from the bloc.

The potential of Chinese market remains attractive, Eskelund told the Global Times, noting that China still has supply chain efficiency, and within many sectors, the technologies and efficiencies in China are very hard to find elsewhere.

The chamber head also mentioned several important efforts that the Chinese government has made, and how these efforts may inspire foreign businesses, including those from the EU.

European firms' perceptions of the Chinese business environment might be changing, yet they still have a shared interest in China's continued success, the chamber said.

Efforts have been noted in several areas including human resources and business travel, where the chamber said that "there was an early, welcome breakthrough with the extension of China's preferential individual income tax policy for foreign nationals, and the waiving of visa requirements for citizens from several EU member states."

The chamber also mentioned several other areas where the Chinese government's efforts have been noticeable including the digital and cyber areas, access to green energy, and investment promotion and facilitation in China.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Chinese government toward opening-up, the European Chamber's position paper was also filled with concerns such as China's "economic slowdown" and "overcapacity" in certain industries, claims that Chinese experts said do not "fully reflect the complete picture of China's current development."

"In recent years, due to changes in the external environment, China's economic development has indeed faced some challenges... there is also the background of China's overall economic transformation, including industrial upgrading and the elimination of outdated capacity," Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday, noting that during this economic transition period, there might be some impact on European businesses.

However, Cui noted that it is essential for EU companies to evaluate China's overall environment and development with a reasonable and long-term perspective.

"The Chinese market remains one of the most stable and highest-return markets for European companies, and this is undeniable," Cui said.

The US House of Representatives is speeding up voting this week on up to 28 bills that target China, touching on a slew of issues including Hong Kong-related affairs, and restrictions on Chinese biotech companies, drones and electric vehicles (EVs), in a move that Chinese experts see as weaponizing legislative measures and using China as a "bargaining chip" to gain more political points. 

In response to a bill passed on Monday that aims to restrict business with Chinese biotechnology firms under the excuse of "national security," Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday voiced firm opposition to such discriminatory actions.  

"China Week," a term coined by US media, shows all-out attempts to suppress China's development and influence to bolster American allies in the Asia-Pacific, according to media reports.

The bills include measures against Chinese biotech firms, EVs and drones, limiting Chinese nationals from purchasing farmland, more export controls, and reinstating an initiative to combat so-called espionage targeting US intellectual property.

The measures in the bills that relate to China mainly focus on restrictions concerning China's role in global supply chains, as the Republicans are trying to create obstacles for China in key areas aiming to limit China's development speed and influence, Lü Xiang, a research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

Given the recent visit by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to Beijing, which indicates the Biden administration's will to stabilize China-US ties, the US House's legislation aims to sabotage and undermine Democrats' performance on the diplomatic front and foster intra-party unity within GOP, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

"These bills only reflect the positions of some extreme anti-China figures, yet they could cause substantial damage to the stability of global supply chains and the interests of American businesses," Li said.