南京花千坊1314

Editor's Note:

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.

Zhang Xin still remembers the complaints she saw on social media some years ago: "In winter, you can't see the sun clearly in the city of Urumqi," and "The snow is all black."

Zhang, who works in the ecology and environment bureau of Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, used to participate in the air-pollution prevention and control work for a long time.

Urumqi is among an economically vibrant urban cluster located on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, which also contains parts of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and the cities of Wujiaqu and Shihezi. The urban cluster is collectively referred to as the Wu-Chang-Shi area by locals.

For a long time, Wu-Chang-Shi has been a key and challenging area for air-pollution prevention and control in Xinjiang due to its heavy industrial and coal-dominated energy structure.

However, 2023 was the year with the most significant improvement in air quality in the past decade for the urban cluster, thanks to the concerted and unremitting efforts made by the local ecology and environment authorities, enterprises and scientists.

The transformation of Wu-Chang-Shi is a microcosm of China's air-pollution control efforts. Following the introduction of an action plan to prevent and control air pollution in 2013, China became the first developing country in the world to impose large-scale efforts to reduce PM2.5 density.

China has announced that it will peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Improved Air Quality

Years ago, the Chinese government began publishing air quality rankings in major cities, and the cities in Wu-Chang-Shi, such as Urumqi, often ranked at the bottom of the list.

"Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Urumqi has poor conditions for diffusion in both horizontal and vertical directions. According to an assessment, Urumqi's self-purification capacity in winter is only one-tenth of that in summer," said Zhang.

In winter, when temperatures often drop to minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, residents in Urumqi relied heavily on coal-fired heating, which led to more pollutant emissions.

Zhang said that with the central government funding, Urumqi has initiated projects, such as clean-energy heating. "The city has begun to improve its heating structure, from centralized heating and cogeneration to clean heating for all bulk coal users, which is a particularly effective experience in air-pollution control," she added.

In 2012, the central urban area of Urumqi completed the transformation from coal to gas for large-scale coal-fired heating boilers. In October 2023, the city completed the treatment of the remaining villages and households in rural areas that were using bulk coal for heating, making it among the first cities in China to achieve full coverage of clean-energy heating.

From Oct. 10, 2023 to April 10, 2024, Urumqi boasted 144 days of good air quality, an increase of 33 days year on year. The average concentrations of six major air pollutants, including PM2.5, decreased by 8.8 percent to 22.7 percent, reaching the best level since the monitoring began.

Social media, which acts as an unofficial "air quality monitoring station," also reflects the effectiveness of air-pollution control measures.

In recent years, Zhang noticed some positive changes on social media -- residents in Urumqi often post photos and videos of the blue skies of the city.

Key Industries, Targeted Measures

Located in the city of Shihezi of the Wu-Chang-Shi area, Tianwei Cement Co., Ltd. is a major cement-producing company in the city.

China is among the world's largest producers and consumers of cement. However, due to factors such as large emissions during production, the cement industry is also a major contributor to carbon emissions.

In 2023, the regional government of Xinjiang proposed to spend three to five years to completely solve the air-pollution problem in Wu-Chang-Shi. Various departments have implemented pollution control measures in key enterprises in the area.

Tianwei Cement is among the 135 industrial enterprises in Wu-Chang-Shi that have been given priority treatment, which altogether account for more than 92 percent of the total pollutant emissions in the area.

According to the ecology and environment bureau of Shihezi, in terms of the comprehensive management of air pollution, the city has implemented a performance-based grading system of key industries to cope with heavy-pollution weather, in sync with other regions across China.

The four-tier grading system, involving 39 key industries including steel and chemicals, is a measure to implement differentiated control in response to heavy-pollution weather, with A representing the highest and D the lowest. When heavy-pollution weather occurs, Class-A enterprises can take measures independently based on their actual situations to reduce emissions without stopping or limiting production.

To attain the Class-A rating as quickly as possible, Tianwei Cement has collaborated with the city's ecology and environment bureau to develop a tailored pollution control plan. Measures have been taken during various processes of production, including the installment of dust-reduction devices in its warehouses.

Last year, the company obtained the Class-A rating after completing the ultra-low emission transformations. Thanks to the upgrades, the company made a profit of over 80 million yuan (about 11.34 million U.S. dollars) in 2023.

Meanwhile, Shihezi's air quality in 2023 reached the best level since 2017, data shows.

Building Talent Base

Sitting in an office of the air-pollution prevention and control center of Changji, Ma Tong can oversee the pollutant emissions in the entire prefecture in real time through a large screen, which displays data and charts, such as the forecast and dynamic control of heavy-pollution weather. However, she still worries.

"A lot of data has been integrated into the platform, but the problem is how to effectively utilize it. We lack skilled personnel who can use the platform and information equipment," she said.

Ma is an expert from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. Five years ago, she came to Xinjiang to provide intellectual support for local air-pollution control. "Changji is already at the forefront of Xinjiang in terms of air-pollution treatment through sci-tech means, but compared with the whole country, the prefecture lacks equipment and talent," said Ma.

Since last year, the regional government of Xinjiang has pooled 10 billion yuan in funding to establish the Xinjiang talent development fund, which is used to introduce talent from other parts of China, among other objectives.

In early 2024, the Urumqi-based Xinjiang University introduced Huang Haibao, an air-pollution control expert from Sun Yat-sen University in south China's Guangdong Province.

"In addition to cultivating talent ourselves, we have also introduced a group of scholars from universities including Beijing University of Chemical Technology," said Huang.

Within six months, Huang and his colleagues have established the air-pollution control and research center at the university. He is working to establish the Xinjiang environmental science society, which will serve as a gathering place for the top scientific research talent in Xinjiang and a platform for international cooperation and exchange.

He also stresses the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. "Ultimately, emission reduction needs to be implemented at the enterprise level," he said, adding that his team has visited over 10 companies to strengthen cooperation in terms of technology and scientific research.

"We will try to bring in the technologies, talent and companies from across the country to contribute to air-pollution prevention and control work in Xinjiang," he said.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China 75 years ago, the country has evolved from a backward and poor nation into the world's second-largest economy, achieving numerous milestones along the way.

By embarking on a high-quality development path that is innovation-driven, environmentally sustainable and increasingly open, China has continued to offer the world new growth momentum and opportunities. The following figures and facts shed light on how the world's major economic powerhouse transformed and thrived in three-quarters of a century.
LEAPFROG IN ECONOMY

Over the past 75 years, China's rapid economic progress has been nothing short of a miracle.

At constant prices, the total economic output in 2023 has increased 223 times compared to 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9 percent.

Specifically, China's GDP surpassed 126 trillion yuan (about 18 trillion US dollars) in 2023. The GDP in 1952 was just 67.9 billion yuan.

By 1986, it had surpassed 1 trillion yuan, and in 2000, it exceeded 10 trillion yuan. In 2020, the country's GDP surpassed 100 trillion yuan.

In the process, China has secured victories in the continued fight against poverty. By 2020, 98.99 million people in rural China had been lifted out of poverty, and all 832 impoverished counties were officially recognized as having exited poverty.

The living standards of the Chinese people have progressed from mere subsistence to moderate prosperity in all aspects. Over the past 75 years, the per capita disposable income of China's residents has increased 76-fold, adjusted for inflation.
The foundation of the development has become increasingly solid and the nation's food supply remains firmly in its own hands, with total grain output rising from 113.18 million tonnes in 1949 to 695.41 million tonnes in 2023.

Industrial production capacity has been constantly improved. In 2023, the added value of the manufacturing industry topped 33 trillion yuan, remaining the world's biggest in terms of scale for 14 consecutive years.

New industries and business models are emerging one after another, and the services sector has gradually grown to become the largest industry in the national economy.

Over the past 75 years, China's economic influence has steadily increased. In 2023, the total economic output of the country accounted for about 17 percent of the global total. From 2013 to 2023, China's average contribution to global economic growth exceeded 30 percent, making it the largest driving force behind world economic growth.

At present, China is the world's largest trader of goods, the second-largest country in services trade, the second-largest consumer of commodities, and the largest holder of foreign exchange reserves.

In 2023, the actual utilization of foreign direct investment reached 163.3 billion US dollars, an increase of 176 times compared to 1983, maintaining a world-leading scale for several consecutive years.

The Belt and Road Initiative has consolidated and expanded its network of partnerships and 22 pilot free trade zones have been established.

European opinion-maker Modern Diplomacy stated in a recent article that over the past 75 years, China has turned itself from a poor country into the world's second top economy, with the largest manufacturing system in the world. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the national effort has achieved results and historic changes, thus successfully promoting and expanding the stages of modernization.
NEW GROWTH MOMENTUM

In particular, since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, China has been committed to implementing the new development philosophy, unlocking the dynamics, vitality and potential of high-quality development while effectively addressing various risks and challenges along the way.

China has witnessed continuous optimization of its economic structure. In 2023, the contribution rate of final consumption expenditure to economic growth reached 82.5 percent, further enhancing the role of consumption as the main engine.

By the end of 2023, the urbanization rate of the permanent resident population had increased by 13.06 percentage points compared to the end of 2012, further narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas.

As an innovation-oriented country, China has continuously strengthened its growth momentum. In 2023, China's total expenditure on research and experimental development ranked second in the world, increasing 2.2 times compared to 2012. China's ranking in the Global Innovation Index rose from 34th in 2012 to 12th in 2023, making it the only middle-income economy among the top 30.

A number of intelligent and green industries have rapidly taken shape. Electric vehicles, solar batteries and lithium-ion batteries, categorized as China's tech-intensive and green "new three," reported a combined export value of 150 billion dollars in 2023, jumping 29.9 percent year on year.
China also achieved fruitful outcomes in green development. Over the past ten years, the newly installed capacity of renewable energy has accounted for over 40 percent of the world's total. For nine consecutive years, China has been leading the world in the production and sales of new energy vehicles.

Over the past decade, China has supported average annual economic growth of over 6 percent, with a 3 percent increase in energy consumption, and has reduced its energy consumption per unit of GDP by 26.8 percent.

The country has set the ambitious targets of peaking its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. These goals have spurred enormous demand for traditional industry upgrades and green consumption, leading China to become the world's largest green market.

New China's journey of 75 years showcases its resilience, growth and unwavering progress toward an even brighter tomorrow.

At the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in July this year, China rolled out a slew of specific reform measures, presenting a clear blueprint for promoting high-quality development and high-standard opening up to advance Chinese modernization.

It is believed that China will continue to bring greater stability and certainty to the turbulent world while providing more opportunities for cooperation along with its own development.

The implementation of China's durable consumer goods trade-in program has helped spur market demand for automobiles during the Golden Week holidays, and many domestic carmakers saw strong sales in September.

During the just-concluded week-long National Day holidays, crowds were spotted at car dealerships in Beijing. A local salesperson surnamed Deng told the Global Times on Tuesday that the store that he works in experienced busy holidays, with potential car-buyers coming in for a test drive. 

Nearly 20 cities held auto shows during the holidays, while the Suzhou International Auto Show ending on Saturday attracted more than 250,000 visitors with total sales surpassing 4 billion yuan ($566.3 million), China Media Group reported. 

The so-called "Golden September and Silver October" is the traditional peak season for auto consumption. 

The auto market in September was bolstered by the government's trade-in and equipment renewal programs, combined with the holiday effect of the Mid-Autumn Festival, according to the China Passenger Car Association. 

Boosted by the preferential government policy support, domestic carmakers recorded rising car sales last month, and some made record-high deliveries. 

For instance, smart electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto delivered 53,709 units in September, recording a yearly increase of 48.9 percent and hitting a new high for its monthly deliveries. 

And EV maker Xpeng set a new sales record, as the firm delivered 21,352 new cars in September, marking a year-on-year increase of 39 percent. 

Another EV maker NIO delivered 20,349 new vehicles last month, up 30.1 percent year-on-year, while the company delivered 61, 023 cars in the third quarter, setting a new record. 

Zhang Xiang, secretary general of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, attributed the sales growth to the implementation of the government's trade-in program as well as the carmakers' non-stop innovation. 

Some 24 Chinese provinces and cities including Southwest China's Chongqing, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and East China's Jiangsu Province have introduced policy measures to encourage replacement and renewal of older cars, said Wen Hua, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission at a press conference in September. 

A compilation of excerpts from discourses on China's water management by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has been published by the Central Party Literature Press.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has made coordinated progress in water-related disaster control, water resource conservation, protection and restoration of water ecosystem, and water environment management, significantly improving water security.

Xi's discourses in this regard are important for ensuring greater water security in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.

The book, featuring six themes, brings together 297 pieces of discourse extracted from over 130 important speeches and written works by Xi between December 2012 and August 2024. Some 

"Go, Paris Olympics!" Recently, in the training room of the French martial arts club "Oriental Martial Arts School," Fang Xiaofen, coach of the French national martial arts team, and her French students recorded a video together, cheering in Chinese to show their support for Chinese and French Olympic athletes.

"These students are happy to express their goodwill toward China in this way. Many of them are true 'China enthusiasts,'" Fang said with a smile.

Having taught martial arts in France for over 30 years, Fang has always used martial arts as a window for the French to understand China.

From participating in martial arts competitions to coaching the French national martial arts team, serving as an international martial arts referee, running her own martial arts clubs, and nurturing her daughter to carry on the martial arts tradition, Fang's journey in martial arts has been a process of building cultural bridges.

She said she has seen many French people fall in love with Chinese culture through practicing martial arts, so she hopes to continue helping more young French people understand and love martial arts.

A brilliant resume

Winning two gold medals in fist fighting and sword fighting techniques at the French Martial Arts Open, securing five consecutive championships at the French Martial Arts Championships, and taking home two gold medals for Yang and Chen-style tai chi at the Singapore International Martial Arts Competition, Fang has a brilliant resume shining with a collection of medals from various competitions.

Fang, born in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, started practicing martial arts with her father at the age of 6. She pursued professional training at the Wenzhou Sports School before immigrating to France with her parents at the age of 20, but she never gave up on her passion for martial arts. After arriving in France, she immediately embarked on her martial arts journey.

"When I first arrived in France in 1988, wushu [martial arts] was still an unfamiliar term for many local French people. Some knew 'Chinese kung fu,' but they didn't understand the specifics of Chinese martial arts. In addition to practicing at local sports clubs, I also participated in various French martial arts competitions. My French wasn't very good at the time, but I wasn't afraid of losing - I saw it as an opportunity to prove my skills," Fang recalled. "I believed that only by achieving results in competitions could the French truly see the level of Chinese martial arts and appreciate its charm."

As she continued to compete, Fang gained a certain reputation in the French martial arts community. Her outstanding achievements also caught the attention of the French Ministry of Sports. In 2011, Fang was appointed coach of the French international martial arts team. During her tenure, the French team won four championships in events like broadsword and tai chi at the 2012 European Martial Arts Championships, raising the team's ranking to the top three in Europe. In the same year, the French team won the spear event at the World Junior Martial Arts Championships in Macao, China, marking France's first world championship in martial arts. In 2013, Fang was officially appointed as the head coach of the French national martial arts team.

When discussing her coaching achievements, Fang often focused more on the dedication and passion of French martial arts enthusiasts.

"Unlike practicing martial arts in China, the venues, facilities, and training conditions in France are relatively simple. But the local martial arts enthusiasts are highly motivated and train hard. As professional coaches, we help them maximize their physical strengths, design innovative moves, and develop their own style and competitive edge," said Fang.
Building bridge

Now 56, Fang not only coaches the French national martial arts team, but also serves as an international referee for the International Wushu Federation. She also runs several martial arts clubs with more than 200 students. In addition to her sports-related work, Fang is passionate about promoting martial arts to the French public through performances, exchanges, and free training programs at French schools.

"I've taught thousands of students at my martial arts clubs, including people of all ages and backgrounds, and most of them are French. They work in different jobs during the week, but on weekends, they gather at the martial arts clubs. Some even bring their whole families," Fang said. Her clubs offer various types of martial arts training, including long fist, southern fist, tai chi, swordsmanship, broadsword, spear, staff, baguazhang (the eight-diagram palm), yingzhaoquan (Eagle Claw boxing), and tanglangquan (Praying Mantis boxing), providing diverse options for French students.

Fang is often moved by the passion of the French students for martial arts. Some parents drive an hour each way just to bring their children to a one-hour practice session, and they never miss a week. Some martial arts enthusiasts have inspired their spouses, children, and even grandchildren to start martial arts, turning club practices into family activities. Some children have even learned many Chinese martial arts terms and fallen in love with the Chinese language. One elderly student developed a deep love for Chinese culture through tai chi and eventually became a tea ceremony master. In Fang's clubs, martial arts have become a bridge connecting French students to Chinese culture, and more and more French students are filled with admiration and goodwill toward China.

In 2018, Fang organized a group of her club students to visit her hometown for a martial arts exchange at the Wenzhou Sports School. Among the 10 participants were engineers, teachers, and doctors - all martial arts enthusiasts who fell in love with Chinese martial arts traditions, local delicacies like wonton and rice cakes, and explored the Wenzhou Museum. They even went shopping for traditional Chinese crafts to bring back to France as gifts for their friends.

"After returning to France, they enthusiastically introduced China to their friends, sharing stories about China's development, the friendliness of the Chinese people, and the richness of Chinese cuisine. They kept these fond memories of the trip in China and couldn't help but share them with others," Fang said. "One student told me that the trip was the best experience of his life. Hearing such high praise, I felt very touched."

Passing on tradition

Recently, at the College of Physical Education and Health of Wenzhou University, Fang, accompanied by her 17-year-old daughter, martial arts enthusiast Fang Lefang, engaged in a lively martial arts exchange with the university's martial arts team. Together, they practiced tai chi, southern fist, and Shaolin fist. As a professional martial arts coach and referee, Fang praised the students' dedication and politeness, which she said are integral to the spirit of Chinese martial arts.

"Martial arts keep people energetic and help them become more confident and courageous. These are the valuable qualities I hope my daughter can acquire through martial arts practice," said Fang.

Born in 2007, Fang Lefang grew up immersed in martial arts under her mother's guidance. Over the past two years, she has made her mark in various international martial arts competitions, winning one silver and two bronze medals at the World Traditional Kung Fu Championships and one gold and one silver at the European Traditional Wushu Championships. She also claimed the gold medal at a French youth tai chi competition. Fang believes her daughter's connection with martial arts developed naturally.

"Lefang has always lived in France, and my husband is French, but I've always hoped she wouldn't forget the 'Chinese cultural gene' inside her," Fang said. She has taught her daughter Chinese from a young age, guided her in learning Chinese martial arts, sent her on "root-seeking" trips to China, and arranged for her to study and train in martial arts in Wenzhou for a full year. Fang hopes that her daughter will carry forward the cultural roots of the Chinese nation.

Now a member of the French Association of Second-Generation Chinese Entrepreneurs, Fang Lefang will participate in the upcoming World Tai Chi Championships in Singapore. "Through competing in martial arts around the world, she has become more independent and confident. No matter how far her martial arts journey takes her, I believe this experience will be a lifelong spiritual asset for her," Fang said. "Perhaps one day, my daughter, my club students and I will all appear together in the arena. Martial arts keep me feeling young and passionate. I look forward to participating in competitions with my students even when I'm 60 years old."

A reception was held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands in Beijing on September 13. 

Shen Xin, secretary general of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, KS Vincent Sivas, Ambassador of Micronesia to China, and Barrett Salato, Ambassador of Solomon Islands to China, attended the reception and delivered speeches.

Shen said that the friendly exchanges between China and the people of Pacific Island countries have a longstanding history. 

In recent years, the two sides have actively expanded cooperation in various fields, which has not only enhanced the well-being of the people on both sides, but also made important contributions to regional peace, stability, and development.

Looking into the future, China is willing to work together with countries in the Pacific region to continue to deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two sides and promote continuous new progress in China-Pacific friendly cooperative relations, he said. 

Ambassador Sivas said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the FSM and China, the exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture have been continuously deepened, while mutual understanding and trust have been continuously strengthened. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cooperation between the two sides has greatly benefited the people of the two countries, he affirmed. 

It is expected that the two sides will continue to expand friendship and cooperation in the future, the ambassador noted. 

Ambassador Salato said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two sides have carried out a number of development cooperation projects, which have provided a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

The Solomon Islands is willing to work with China in the future to push bilateral relations to a new level, he said. 

Students from the Minzu University of China and their counterparts from the Solomon Islands, who are studying in China, performed folk songs and dances at the reception.

Avid spectator Lav Sopha on Wednesday drove his motorcycle about 30 km from Prey Veng province to watch a century-old tradition of buffalo races here in southeast Cambodia's Kandal province.

Although he had watched it a few times, Sopha has never lost his excitement in viewing the annual buffalo race, which was held on a 500-meter track leading to the Vihear Sour Pagoda in Ksach Kandal district.

At the event, buffaloes were adorned with brightly colored headgear, and racers rode them up and down the route, which was flanked by crowds of spectators, who enthusiastically used their smartphones to capture the views of the race.

"I'm thrilled to see this traditional buffalo race, and I feel that the scene has taken me back to the ancient time," he told Xinhua. "I'm never fed up with it, although I have watched it a few times already."

The buffalo race is part of a ceremony hosted by Vihear Sour villagers to mark the end of Pchum Ben, the annual 15-day festival honoring the dead.

Mam Sao, a 64-year-old member of the buffalo racing committee, said the tradition of buffalo racing in Vihear Sour village had been practiced since the 1920s and that there were 44 buffaloes participating in this year's race.

"The buffalo race is aimed at conserving and promoting our culture and tradition to local and international tourists," he told Xinhua.

He said the contest was not for championships or prizes, but for fun, as each of the participants was given 50,000 riels (12.5 US dollars) only.

According to Sao, villagers believed in the old superstition that the guardian spirit at Vihear Sour Pagoda was very powerful, and if villagers failed to hold the races, buffaloes or their owners could fall ill.

Buffalo rider Chhun Sokhen, 45, said he had taken part in the competition every year in order to preserve the age-old tradition of the Vihear Sour villagers and to celebrate the Pchum Ben festival.

"The buffalo race did not aim to choose the champions, but to create a joyful atmosphere during the celebrations of Pchum Ben festival," he told Xinhua. "After the race, we ride on our beasts back home and use them for normal farmwork."

Interspersed with the buffalo races were horse races and other events, including bouts of traditional wrestling, stick-fighting, and a prayer ceremony for the ancestors.

Vihear Sour Pagoda is located some 40 km southeast of the capital Phnom Penh.