上海花千坊爱上海

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.

The Philippines is reportedly considering broadening the scope of provisional arrangement with China to ease tensions in the South China Sea.

Alexander Lopez, the spokesperson of the maritime council of the Philippines, said in a televised briefing on Tuesday that the two countries' provisional arrangement on resupply missions to Ren'ai Jiao (Ren'ai Reef) could be "expanded to a bigger area," Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. 

The provisional arrangement on humanitarian resupply of living necessities to a Philippine warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao was reached in July. The latest move of the Philippines came after two Philippine coast guard vessels, without permission from the Chinese government, intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao, and acted dangerously by ramming the China Coast Guard vessel on Monday.  

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday urged the Philippines to earnestly observe the arrangement reached with China and to refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Manila's move seriously infringes on China's sovereignty, and threatens peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, after seeing China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, perhaps has started to reflect on whether its current policies are reasonable and whether they could maximize its national interests, Chen Xiangmiao, director of the world navy research center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Chen said that sending such a signal may be also a strategy to "let China put its guard down," and ease pressure on the Philippines through playing the victim. 

China's attitude toward the Philippines has always been to listen to what it says and watch what it does, Chen said, adding "it all depends on whether the Philippines keeps its promises."

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit China from August 27 to 29.

China's Olympic Delegation announced on Wednesday that table tennis player Ma Long and synchronized swimmer Feng Yu will serve as flag bearers for the Chinese team at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ma, the five-time Olympic gold medalist, has been widely welcomed in the Olympic Village. This not only highlights Ma's influence and popularity in the international sports arena but also underscores the beautiful idea that sports transcend national boundaries.

The Paris Olympic media guide has praised Ma as the greatest table tennis player in history, noting his achievements of three team and two singles Olympic gold medals.

The International Olympic Committee said on its website, "This legendary athlete has the opportunity to extend his Olympic legacy."

Ma is the first male player to achieve a career Grand Slam, encompassing Olympic, World Championship, World Cup, Asian Games, Asian Championships, Asian Cup, ITTF World Tour Finals, and National Games singles titles. His consistently high ranking in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) reflects his enduring dominance in the sport.

Beyond his exceptional achievements in table tennis, Ma's affability and charisma have made him an idol for athletes and fans around the world.

As a key member of the Chinese table tennis team, Ma boasts an enormous fan base in China. He is not only a hero to table tennis enthusiasts but also enjoys widespread admiration from the public.

Ma's high profile and influence extend internationally as well, topping the fan popularity rankings on the World Table Tennis (WTT) website.

His humility, diligence, and professionalism have earned him widespread respect and affection. His tenacity and sportsmanship on the court, combined with his approachable nature, contribute to his esteemed reputation both in and out of the sport.

China congratulated Venezuela on Monday on the success of its presidential election and to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for his successful re-election, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, after media reported that Maduro won the election with 51.2 percent of votes cast. 

Noting that China and Venezuela are good friends and partners, Lin said that China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and is willing to work with Venezuela to continuously enrich the China-Venezuela all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

In an election that was closely observed by the US and some other Latin American countries, Maduro's declaration of victory is "a disappointing news" to Washington. 

"We have serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Tokyo on Monday in comments on the election result, according to media reports. 

Some Chinese observers said if Maduro wins the election and begins his third term, the US may not recognize the results, but the Biden administration, preoccupied with its own issues, is unlikely to support another "Guaido" to challenge Maduro. 

In 2019, then Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido tried to launch a coup and a "color revolution" with the support of the US. However, the continued violence did not topple Maduro's government and Guaido was later ditched by Washington as a worthless pawn, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Pan Deng, director of the Latin American and Caribbean Region Law Center of China University of Political Science and Law, has been invited by Venezuela's National Electoral Council to serve as an international observer in the country. 

"Many people have great enthusiasm and expectations for this election," Pan told the Global Times.  

"In Venezuelan society, I have not sensed strong extreme or irrational political sentiments. Incidents such as clashes between the police and the public or conflicts between supporters of different groups are rare; at least, I have not seen any in the past few days. However, some citizens are concerned that political disputes and conflicts may emerge after the election," Pan said. 

The Chinese expert said he has spoken with Venezuelans from different social classes and backgrounds about their voting preferences, and the general impression he gets is that middle and lower-class citizens tend to support Maduro more, while those working in the public sector almost universally support him. 

"On the other hand, professionals and overseas returnees who come back to vote are more likely to support Edmundo Gonzalez," Pan said. 

The US and Western media have accused Maduro of fraud and called for a recount. The opposition has criticized the Venezuelan authorities for hastily declaring Maduro the winner before the vote count was complete, suggesting that Venezuela may face a period of unrest in the near future, Xu Shicheng, a research fellow at the Institute of Latin American Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. 

Currently, most Latin American countries are governed by left-wing or center-left administrations. "While it is possible that some right-wing countries, such as Argentina, might not recognize Maduro for a certain period, a situation like the one where the Lima Group refused to acknowledge Maduro's government in 2019 is unlikely to recur," Xu said. 

The US is currently preoccupied with its own problems, and with only six months left in Biden's term, although the White House has made statements regarding the Venezuelan election, it is largely a case of having the will but not the power, the expert added. 

After a series of interviews and observations, Pan said his strongest impression over the past few days is that Venezuelans' main expectation from the next government is "stable jobs."

"Although Venezuela's inflation trend is now stabilizing and the economy is recovering, many Venezuelans have relied on informal employment, such as temporary or part-time jobs, to make ends meet. Stable, formal employment is needed," Pan said. 

"In my view, stabilizing the economy and creating more job opportunities for the people are the most fervent expectations Venezuelans have for the next government," Pan said.

Another expectation is that many people do not want to see large-scale conflict and turmoil in Venezuela once the election results are announced. They hope that political disputes will quickly subside, allowing the country to focus more on economic recovery and addressing people's livelihood issues, Pan added. 

Nvidia, a global leader in AI chips, with a market capitalization topping $3 trillion on average over the past two months, is reportedly working on a version of its new flagship AI chips for the Chinese market that will be compatible with the Biden administration's export control dictate, Reuters reported last week. 

Apparently, the move by Nvidia speaks volume that the US semiconductor heavyweight does not want to lose too much of its market share in China to local competitors, which include Huawei Technologies.

Nvidia will partner with Chinese technology company Inspur on the launch and distribution of the new AI chip, which will be named the "B20," the Reuter report said. Chinese market represented about 9 percent of Nvidia's total revenues in the most recent quarter ending in April, sharply down from 22 percent seen in the same period last year. As a publicly listed company, it is understandable that Nvidia is anxious to snatch back the lost market share in China - the world's largest semiconductor market now. 

It is no secret that Huawei is building a massive semiconductor research and development center in Shanghai as the Chinese tech giant continues to ramp up its own supply chain and chip fabrication capability to counter the US government suppression and crackdown. 

The Biden administration introduced restrictions on Nvidia to sell its most advanced AI chips, including the A100 and H100, to China in October 2022. It further tightened those controls in late 2023. Washington's export controls have largely reduced Huawei's access to high-end chips and semiconductor fabrication tools. And, the US went too far to coerce its allies Japan and the Netherlands to implement similar restrictions on the export of advanced chip fabrication equipment to China. 

However, the US' containment policy has acted as a catalyst in spurring Chinese companies to beef up China's chip self-reliance. The replacement of US semiconductor technology by Chinese firms has ostensibly gained more urgency.

Sales of Huawei Ascend-910B AI chips, whose capability is deemed higher than Nvidia's H20 chips, have increased rapidly in the first half this year as large internet platforms like Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu and ByteDance snapped up the home-made chips to train their respective AI models. Chinese market watchers say that, before long, Huawei's advanced AI, database and other-scenario chips will become the dominant chips in the domestic market. H20 was designed by Nvidia for Chinese market to comply with Washington's export controls. 

Dozens of other Chinese semiconductor companies have significantly stepped up investment, striving to localize a greater portion of their own semiconductor supply chain, and improve the country's own semiconductor ecosystem, widely rendered to be increasingly varied and independent from the US ecosystem. 

It is Washington's containing-China policy that leads to growing trajectory of the world's disintegrating industrial supply chain. At the practical level, the past era of close and unfettered cooperation between the US and Chinese scientists and technologists has come to an end, caused by the Biden administration's stringent technology controls designed to stymie China's economy. 

The fragmentation of the world's industrial supply chains, resulting from the US' de-globalization and "decoupling" policy, is in nobody's interest. The notorious US policy will ultimately throttle America's own industries and slow down its economic growth, while placing its green transition in peril. 

Nevertheless, the US' semiconductor technology export controls have, actually, expedited China's indigenous innovation and the development of China's own semiconductor supply chain. The US export controls, if not removed, will inevitably speed up Chinese companies' technology advance, and the US and its allies will get to find their past leverages over China to be diminished and might be totally gone one day as China rapidly develops alternative solutions to replace US technologies.

Increasingly, many in the US say that Biden administration's containment policy is very flawed. In the long run, forcing the US companies to pull out of China's huge market will take a significant toll on US companies' business revenues, depriving them of the capital needed for research and development. 

By all accounts, China's market competition is becoming fiercer, which is actually a good thing for businesses, domestic or foreign-invested, to become nimbler and more capable and sophisticated in a setting of free market contest. 

It is certainly a laurel for any enterprise if it is able to become an integral part of China-based industrial supply chain, with high efficiency, quality and affordability as the market's clear hallmarks. To put it in perspective, the US government's push to "de-risk" or "decouple" from China is ill-willed and injudicious. In the end, those manufacturing companies following the dictates of the US government by leaving the Chinese market will find themselves weakened and become less competitive. 

Any trumpeted effort by the US of a diversification away from China's supply chain is doomed. China has the world's largest number of engineers and well-trained work force, which makes the Chinese market and the country's supply chains theoretically "inescapable" for any enterprise to turn out a viable product and make a good profit.

For sure, China should and will continuously strengthen the resilience and security of its supply chains, such as building up a strategic backup base in the country's vast hinterland for key industries and key resources - including a well-established industry and supply chain with a clearly listed focus on advanced semiconductor chips, industry master machines and advanced new materials. 

Lately, Chinese authorities have pledged to remove all restrictions on foreign investment access to China's mammoth and burgeoning manufacturing sector, and to remove more administrative restrictions in its service sector, too. The friendly gesture, plus China's massive and lucrative market, will attract more overseas companies to invest in China, or expand their operations in the country. So, getting tethered to China's highly-efficient supply chain and staying put in the market competition will bring massive benefits to all types of businesses. 

Centered around the theme of "water," a dialogue between Shanghai and New York with discussions on economic and trade ties, cultural exchanges and waterfront planning, was held in Shanghai on Friday, aiming to foster in-depth explorations of shared opportunities and challenges and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two cities.

The event named "Common ideals and common future: a river dialogue between Shanghai and New York," was organized by the Shanghai Public Relations Association, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai), and the Shanghai Institute of American Studies.

Chinese and American experts and industrial observers discussed how to build mutually beneficial economic and trade relationships, strengthen friendship through cultural exchanges, and create more livable waterfront cities through effective urban planning.

Rivers are precious gifts from nature to cities, which not only nourish the land, but also nurture civilizations. Rivers play a crucial role in the development of cities, serving as both transportation arteries, cultural symbols and catalysts for economic growth, Sha Hailin, president of the Shanghai Public Relations Association said at a speech during the conference.

In Shanghai, the Huangpu River nurtures the city, while in New York, the Hudson River injects vitality. Rivers are important witnesses to the exchanges and cooperation between Shanghai and New York, China and the US, said Sha. This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the US.

Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai, delivered a speech highlighting the mutually beneficial and win-win economic and trade relations between China and the US. Despite being affected by geopolitical and economic downturns in recent years, US companies operating in China still consider the Chinese market as a very important strategic market, Zheng said in the speech.

Zheng told the Global Times on Friday that they are optimistic about the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region. Many of their member American companies are based in Shanghai, and it is hoped that they can expand from Shanghai to the Yangtze River Delta and even nationwide, Zheng said. Using the concept of urban clusters for development will be more sustainable for the future, Zheng noted.

Along with economic ties, cultural exchanges have also played important roles to push forward the sound development between the two cities.

Shanghai is also an important base for China-US sports and cultural exchanges. The spirit of friendship and cooperation among the younger generations can lay a solid foundation for long-term stable relations between the two countries, Yao Ming, FIBA Asia Chairman and President of the Chinese Basketball Association said via a video speech in the conference.

Jeffrey S. Lehman, executive vice chancellor of New York University Shanghai shared his views of college students acting as the natural bridge between the two cities.

Students at the university come from more than 70 different countries and regions. Lehman said that they encourage students to engage with a classmate from another country through conversation or shared activities, to strengthen communication.

"Shanghai and New York are two cities that share much in common. Both are the economic and financial centers of their respective countries, and both are major port cities situated on their respective countries' eastern coasts, where a major river meets the sea," Justin O'Jack, chief representative of the UVA China Office, told the Global Times on Friday.

"Whether it's the Hudson River in New York or the Huangpu River in Shanghai, both river systems have facilitated the flow of goods to and from the world, contributing to their city's economic development over hundreds of years," O'Jack said.

"I vividly remember 30 years ago the first time I stood on the Bund and looked across the Huangpu River to the Pudong side of Shanghai. What was then mostly low-rise industrial buildings and shipping docks now boasts one of the most impressive skylines in the world," O'Jack said.

As an important part of a city, the planning and design of the waterfront areas reflect a high level of emphasis on the scientific and human-centered approach to urban public open spaces. Waterfront planning emphasizes the full utilization of natural resources and the harmonious integration of the built environment, aiming to create a scientific, rational and healthy urban layout, said Zhang Yan, president of Shanghai Global Spatial Planning and Research Institute.

Boeing confirmed to the Global Times on Wednesday that it has restarted deliveries of the 737 MAX to Chinese airlines, marking progress for the model in China after some setbacks.

The move came after a roughly two-month pause imposed by Chinese aviation regulators to review additional information about batteries used in cockpit voice recorders in Boeing's planes, reported Bloomberg.

It is a "natural move" after Chinese authorities finished the review of the aircraft's equipment, Qi Qi, a Chinese civil aviation expert, told the Global Times. For domestic airlines, accepting the aircraft is conducive to current fleet size's renewal and it can ease the shortage of narrow-body aircraft capacity in the medium and long term.

Deliveries of Boeing passenger aircraft to China have been intermittent since China suspended most orders and deliveries in 2019 following two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in other countries.

In January of this year, one Boeing 737 MAX flying from Seattle arrived at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in South China's Guangdong Province, which was regarded as the ending of the nearly five-year freeze.

However, in May, Bloomberg reported that Boeing had stopped delivering airplanes to customers in China, due to requests by the Civil Aviation Administration of China for additional information related to batteries used in cockpit voice recorders.

Market analysts noted that the restart of 737 MAX deliveries to China will boost market confidence for Boeing, which is mired in a deep safety crisis and financial difficulties.

It is a "boost " for Boeing, for the redelivery of this model in important global markets will help boost its performance in the capital market, Qi said.

Boeing has been in the spotlight since earlier this year, when a door blew out during a flight overseas. The company has faced supply chain difficulties and slow assembly issues.

Its total first-half orders stood at 156, down 70 percent year-on-year. Boeing's shares are down 28.5 percent this year.

The latest progress in the China's market has been regarded as a glimmer of good news for the company.

Boeing on Tuesday updated its market outlook, raising estimated demand for civilian aircraft in the next 20 years from 42,595 in 2023 to nearly 44,000, and China will lead all markets, being the largest single country market.

Boeing China President Liu Qing told the media in May that Boeing had begun to resume deliveries of new aircraft to Chinese carriers, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner, and said that recent "progress is very good and very smooth."

The move came amid a visit by a delegation of the board of directors of the US-China Business Council, which included executives from the council and some US firms like Boeing. The three-day trip to Beijing ended on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the opportunity to engage with Chinese leaders to promote commercial relations and advocate our priorities for the benefit of our companies and employees," the council's board chair and FedEx Corp President Raj Subramaniam was quoted as saying in a press release. "We support the two governments' efforts to regularly discuss and seek to manage bilateral and global challenges."