Recently, the reporter learned from the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company that since the beginning of summer this year, Henan Province has set two new records for new energy power generation. Specifically, at 12:55 on August 11, the maximum power generation from new energy reached 29.37 million kilowatts, an increase of 920,000 kilowatts from the previous record, accounting for 45.5 percent of the province's electricity load at that time, and a 30 percent increase from the peak value of the previous year.
It is learned that in recent years, the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company has vigorously promoted the precise reinforcement and upgrade of the backbone network at various levels. The number of substations and the length of transmission lines at or above 220 kilovolts have increased by 73 percent and 39 percent respectively, and the scale of the distribution network has doubled, significantly enhancing the capacity for new energy consumption and allocation. The company has resolutely implemented the decision-making and deployment of the provincial committee of the CPC and government, actively developed a distributed source-network-load-storage coordinated control system, achieving full coverage of "group adjustment and group control" for distributed photovoltaics across the province. The establishment of the Henan Province Distributed Photovoltaic Bearing Capacity and Open Capacity Release Platform has guided and supported the standardized and healthy development of distributed photovoltaics, providing useful exploration and important support for ensuring the long-term safe and stable operation of the power grid and the coordinated development of source-network-load-storage.
By the end of 2023, the installed capacity of new energy in Henan Province reached 59.092 million kilowatts, representing 42.5 percent. In 2023, the total electricity generation from wind and photovoltaic power within the province reached 73.8 billion kilowatt-hours, a year-on-year increase of 25.7 percent, equivalent to saving 23.247 million tons of standard coal and reducing 73.5786 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In the first half of 2024, under the condition that the new installed capacity of new energy in the province increased by 3.78 million kilowatts, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total installed capacity, the high proportion of new energy use was ensured, achieving the goal that new energy can be generated and supplied.
While continuing to back Manila's provocative actions in the South China Sea, some allies of the US have been intensifying moves to smear China, Chinese observers said on Monday, when commenting on recent noises on the South China Sea issue from external parties.
The latest irresponsible remarks came from the European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesperson, which condemned China's "dangerous actions," in a statement issued on Sunday.
The fact was that the Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-9701, which has been illegally stationed at China's Xianbin Jiao, on Saturday lifted its anchor and conducted continuous maneuvers, stirring up troubles in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel 5205 took measures including verbal warnings, monitoring and control in accordance with the law and regulations.
In the process, the Philippine MRRV-9701 deliberately rammed into CCG Vessel 5205 in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, causing a collision for which the Philippines bears full responsibility.
China strongly deplored the EU's accusations over the collision, a spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU said on Monday.
Soon after the collision, the US on Saturday backed the Philippines' stance and claimed China's actions to safeguard its own interests were "escalatory." US allies including Australia followed suit in making a biased statement. Japan has also made a high-profile response targeting China over a previous China-Philippines collision incident at Xianbin Jiao in August.
The Philippines aims to internationalize the issue by leveraging alliance to mislead the public. By engaging with these non-involved parties, including making some off-table trade-offs, the Philippines seeks to "enhance its bargaining power and maritime presence," said Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
The US is the real "mastermind" behind the tension in the South China Sea, instructing Manila to stir up trouble but avoiding a scenario that goes out of control, and it is also the US that has mobilized its close allies to back the Philippines, Chen said.
The quick responses from the US and its allies after the Saturday incident fully demonstrated their close coordination in this disinformation campaign against China, and their ultimate goal of destabilizing the South China Sea and pushing the US' Indo-Pacific Strategy, analysts said.
President Xi Jinping met with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
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."
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.
The Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games "deeply regrets the incident" and is investigating how table tennis player Wang Chuqin's racket was broken on Tuesday after the mixed doubles final match, according to the Beijing Youth Daily on Thursday.
Paris 2024 said they are investigating the cause to ensure there is no repeat of the incident where a member of the press accidentally stepped on Wang's racket while hustling to take a photograph. Paris 2024 has strongly reminded photographers that they must adhere to the strict guidelines in place and always remain in the designated areas for photographers, according to a reply by the committee posted by the Beijing Youth Daily.
Wang's bat was broken on Tuesday after the mixed doubles final match, so he had to use his backup paddle. The world No.1-ranked player failed to advance to the round of 16 after a shock 2-4 defeat to 26-ranked Truls Moregard of Sweden on Wednesday.
The racket incident occurred right after Wang and his mixed doubles partner Sun Yingsha took gold on Tuesday. When Wang put his racket down to hold the national flag, a group of photographers rushed to capture the moment and stepped on his bat. Some Chinese netizens are repeatedly watching video recordings to figure out how the paddle was damaged.
