桑拿论坛夜上海

Editor Notes:

February 24, 2024 marked two years since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which now still shows no signs of abetting. How do ordinary Ukrainians live in the midst of the conflict? The Global Times recently interviewed several Ukrainians who said that while the supply of goods in Kiev is relatively adequate, many people have lost their jobs or seen a significant decline in income. Many have had to change their way of life to adapt to frequent air raids and explosions. The healthcare and education sectors have also been impacted.

Those interviewed in Ukraine said that the conflict has completely changed their lives and their outlook on the future. "Almost everyone around me has lost someone they love," said one interviewee. Another young Ukrainian woman said that she no longer thinks about the future because "tomorrow may never come."

This story is a part of the Global Times' "Witness to history" series, which features first-hand accounts from witnesses 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.
After the outbreak of the conflict, Anna Smirnova and her husband moved from the countryside to the capital, Kiev, as they thought it would be relatively safer there. However, they still had to frequently seek shelter due to air raids, which have become a common occurrence over the last two years.

What's more dangerous, for her, is that "sometimes we are asleep and fail to hear the air raid alert in time, but the subsequent explosion wakes us up. Since we don't have time to get to the shelter, we can only lie on the floor, putting some pillows over and around us (as protection)," Smirnova told the Global Times.

She has lived in anxiety and fear every day for the last 700 days. Her experience is representative of many in Ukraine. After the outbreak of the conflict, almost all underground spaces in Kiev were converted into shelters, from larger city metro stations to smaller basement levels of office buildings and restaurants, according to media reports.

On January 2, humanitarians in Kiev counted over 30 explosions in the city alone, according to a UN report. According to a recent survey of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, children in cities in the frontline areas of Ukraine have spent between 3,000 and 5,000 hours equivalent to between four and almost 7 months - hiding in basements and underground metro stations over the last two years.

The conflict has also completely changed Smirnova's daily schedule. She is now more accustomed to sleeping during the day while remaining awake at night. She works from home in the early morning and at night, as during the daytime, she may have to stay in shelters.

"I started working from home after the beginning of the conflict, because I feel safer. My office is full of glass; this is quite dangerous when there is an attack or air alert, and people might get injured easily because of this office design," she said, adding that her current life and working style have greatly affected her health.

Despite facing constant danger, several interviewees in Kiev told the Global Times that the city's order is relatively stable, and there are no signs of shortages in the market, especially of food, vegetables, and other basic necessities. However, over the last two years, prices have increased significantly, while many people's incomes have decreased due to the impact of the conflict.

While Smirnova's salary remains constant, she has found that her purchasing ability has decreased as commodities become more expensive and the prices for many daily essentials and foods in supermarkets have roughly doubled compared to two years ago and continue to rise.

According to her, a dozen eggs that cost 30 Ukrainian hryvnias ($0.79) previously now cost 60 hryvnias. The same goes for bread. People dare not spend money as they did in peacetime. "Everyone wants to save some money because we are afraid of the future."

Anastasiia Kupryk, 22, is not as lucky as Smirnova. Kupryk now works at a skincare product store in a shopping mall in Kiev, but business has suffered, leading to a significant reduction in her income.

She told the Global Times that she now looks for extra work every day to earn more money, especially more stable work, but it is difficult to land such a job.

A Reuters report in February pointed out that a profound challenge for Kiev is that trying to recruit more people into the military could further damage the already war-ravaged economy.
Live in the moment

Before the outbreak, Kupryk lived in Borodyanka, a peaceful and beautiful small town in central northern Ukraine. In her eyes, it was once a peaceful and beautiful town, but now large areas of land have been reduced to ruins.

Her own home was destroyed in the bombings, and now she can only temporarily live in Kiev. Some of Kupryk's relatives still live in Borodyanka but their lives are much harder than before. People are also trying to do some reconstruction work, but progress is very slow, according to her.

In Borodyanka, she lost her mother and her ex-boyfriend, painful memories she still avoids touching upon to this day. "At that time, I couldn't do anything. I was powerless. Later, I realized that war is not just happening on the battlefield, among soldiers - it is a huge threat and pain to civilians," the young Ukrainian woman told the Global Times. "All of my friends and relatives have lost someone they love."

According to a study conducted by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Commission, some 3.7 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced by the fighting and another 5.9 million are still displaced outside of Ukraine. Many children have lost their opportunity for education due to the conflict. According to data from the UNICEF in August 2023, only about one-third of school-age children in Ukraine were able to attend school regularly, read a Reuters report.

The conflict has even profoundly changed the way people talk to each other.

Smirnova said that the topics among people on the streets are mainly about the conflict. In Kupryk's view, even the "atmosphere" in the city seems to have changed as tense emotions consume everyone and every conversation.

For Kupryk, aside from losing loved ones, the biggest change the war has brought is that she no longer plans for the future. "Now I only plan what to do 2 to 3 hours ahead every day. I don't even think about the whole day, let alone talk about a week, a month, or a year," she told the Global Times.

Before the conflict erupted, Smirnova and her husband had planned to have a child and renovate their apartment. However, both of these plans have been put on hold. In her view, investing in a house during wartime is very risky, and having a child is even more challenging because bringing a new life into this world means taking on enormous responsibility.

She is even afraid to take antidepressants again. "Shortly after the outbreak, I needed to take antidepressants, but the closure of many pharmacies made it difficult to buy these medications. The situation has improved a lot now, and in Kiev, it is not very difficult to buy basic medications other than antibiotics. But when the doctor suggested me continuing taking these medications, I dared not start the treatment again because I was afraid that one day, pharmacies would close again."

"It has completely changed my life," Smirnova said. "I now look at life from different angles. I live in the present because tomorrow may never come."
Grim peace prospect

"Ukraine, two years on: Exhaustion at home, fatigue abroad, but the fight continues," read a recent commentary piece in The Guardian.

"A year ago, there was still cautious optimism about the counteroffensive. But hopes of a breakthrough were dashed and Russia's capture of the eastern city of Avdiivka last week was its biggest gain since the capture of Bakhmut last May," the Guardian article went on to say.

The former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said recently that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has now entered a phase characterized by stalemate and attrition.

Analysts pointed out that the prolonged conflict in Ukraine has begun to wear on many Western nations, resulting in a divided stance on extending additional support to the country. The recent Palestinian-Israeli conflict has further diverted the attention of the West, especially the US, limiting their ability to prioritize the situation in Ukraine.

They pointed out that the upcoming US presidential elections in November are also seen as the biggest variable in the trajectory of the conflict.

A January survey conducted across 12 EU countries found that pessimism about the conflict's outcome was being fueled by Ukraine's failed counteroffensive. A recent Gallup poll found out that nearly half of the US public believes their country is spending too much on Ukraine.

A Pew Research Center survey released in December 2023 showed that the share of Americans who believe the US is giving "too much support to Ukraine" has grown steadily over the last two years, especially among Republicans.

The percentage of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who believe the US is providing too much aid to Ukraine has increased to 48 percent. This marks a slight uptick from June, when it was at 44 percent, and a significant increase from earlier stages in the war, according to the Pew report.

A 60-billion-US-dollar package of aid to Ukraine is currently stalled in US Congress by right-wing Republicans. EU countries reached an agreement in early February to offer Ukraine 50 billion euros in assistance. This deal was secured after Hungary withdrew its veto threats. However, transforming this dedication into readily accessible ammunition for soldiers on the front lines remains a challenge.

In February 2024, compared to October 2023, the percentage of Ukrainians who believe that the West is growing tired of Ukraine has increased from 30 percent to 44 percent, according to a survey from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology conducted from February 17 to 23, Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported.

However, the Ukrainians interviewed maintain a strong will to resist, even though they also understand the helplessness of the situation. They hope for assistance from the West, but many struggle to grasp the complex geopolitics behind the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As the conflict in Ukraine drags on, it is not just Ukraine that is suffering. The longer the fighting continues, the more likely it will become a problem for the US as well. Rising energy, industrial, and commodity prices will impact people around the world. While the US may see temporary gains from arms and energy sales, in the long term, the US dollar could lose its strength and the country's global dominance could diminish, analysts noted to the Global Times.

"If one day, peace can come again, I hope to regain my previous aspirations. My husband and I will renovate our little home and have a child. We will strive to resume a complete life," Smirnova told the Global Times.

Iran's position and policy align in always strengthening cooperation and relations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Mehrdad Kiaei, the National Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the SCO Secretariat, told the Global Times in a recent interview.

He also emphasized Iran's experience and success in defeating terrorist groups, which will contribute to the efforts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in countering terrorism, one of the primary objectives of the organization.

The Iranian diplomat made these remarks during a meeting between coordinators of the SCO member countries and media representatives in Beijing on Tuesday.

On Monday, Iran and Pakistan announced the establishment of a high-level consultative mechanism to oversee the progress in various areas of cooperation between the two countries, including counter-terrorism following the recent dispute between the two countries, read a Xinhua report.

Asked about the details regarding the counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation, Kiaei pointed out that, while he was not particularly aware of this, he emphasized Iran's commitment to deepening cooperation with neighboring countries including Pakistan.

On July 4, 2023, Iran officially joined the SCO, becoming the ninth permanent member of the organization. Kiaei told the media that Iran's membership in the SCO adds to the organization's position in the global arena, particularly in the energy field. As a major provider of energy in the region, Iran's inclusion in the SCO strengthens its position and enhances its role in international politics.

From January 31 to February 1, the SCO held the meeting of the SCO National Coordinators Council. As the coordinating and managing body for the daily activities of the SCO, this council is responsible for necessary preparations for the organization's meetings of heads of state, heads of government, and foreign ministers, according to media reports.

Talking about the expansion of the SCO, Kiaei said Iran welcomed new membership in the organization, recognizing its potential to further strengthen the SCO's position in the region and increase its value in international affairs.

He said that Iran has maintained close relations with member states historically, particularly with central Asian countries. The cultural ties and historical significance of the Silk Road provide a solid foundation for cooperation between Iran and SCO member states. Kiaei emphasized the importance of increasing cultural cooperation and strengthening relations among the people of SCO countries.

Although Iran is a new member, having joined the organization only six months ago, efforts are already underway to organize events that promote people-to-people exchanges. While specific events have yet to be determined, Iran is committed to strengthening relations within the SCO and fostering a sense of common identity among member states, he noted.

The SCO currently has nine member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, and Iran, as well as three observer states, including Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia.

Editor’s Note:

Friendly exchanges between China and Africa have enjoyed a long history and have deepened in recent years, covering various fields such as politics, economy, and culture. The Global Times is launching a China-Africa Rhapsody series, aiming to showcase the profound human connections and development visions between the two peoples by sharing the true stories of Chinese people in Africa and African people in China. From touching stories of China-Africa cooperation to exciting collisions of youthful ideas, to debunking fallacies concocted by some Western sources about the China-Africa collaboration, this series hopes to promote closer cooperation and deeper understanding between the peoples of China and Africa.

The first installment in the series shines a spotlight on the nuanced history of China’s medical aid teams in Africa over the last 60 years. During this time frame, China has dispatched medical professionals to 76 countries and regions worldwide, providing medical care to 290 million patients and earning widespread acclaim from the international community. Four groups of Chinese healthcare workers who contributed to various phases of aid in Africa shared with the Global Times their efforts in weaving together a lasting tapestry of friendship between China and Africa.

Spirit of pioneers

In 1963, under the direction of Premier Zhou Enlai, a medical team consisting of 24 doctors primarily from Central China’s Hubei Province was dispatched to Algeria, marking the beginning of China’s history of sending medical aid teams abroad. Among the first group were doctors from the Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Over the next 60 years, successive groups of doctors from this hospital have been sent abroad, applying their skills with “the silver needle” to bring health and well-being to the people of Algeria.

On April 6, 1963, the first batch of 13 medical team members bound for Algeria boarded a train en route to their new mission. Xu Xianze, a 29-year-old laboratory technician from Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was the youngest member of the team.

Despite having somewhat prepared psychologically before departure, the challenging local conditions exceeded his expectations. “The food was very unfamiliar,” recalled now 89-year-old Xu. “What was even more unsettling was the tense situation; we even experienced a coup [in Algeria] at that time.”

Local medical conditions were rudimentary, with high rates of disease and mortality. Cataracts were a common ailment that proved difficult to treat, but the medical team, employing a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, successfully treated patients.

Word quickly spread among the local population. Patients with back and knee joint pains experienced rapid relief through acupuncture treatment. For example, Xu used acupuncture to treat an amputee soldier who had suffered from phantom limb pain for years. The miraculous effects of acupuncture spread far and wide, and the Algerians referred to the form of Chinese medicine treatment as the “Chinese magic needle.”

During its two-and-a-half years in Algeria, the Chinese medical team treated over 370,000 individuals, performed over 3,000 surgeries, delivered over 1,000 babies, and did not register a single medical mishap. Chinese doctors became the “most honored guests,” frequently invited to attend local weddings and honored with presidential audiences twice.

After several generations of diligence, traditional Chinese acupuncture is now widely embraced in Algeria. Since the initial deployment of this medical team from Hubei, over the last 60 years, the province has sent a total of 3,706 medical aid workers to Algeria and Lesotho, treating a cumulative total of 27.57 million outpatients, and performing 1.75 million surgeries.

Hubei Province holds the distinction of being the earliest and most prolific province in sending medical aid teams abroad in China, leaving behind a lasting legacy of China-Africa friendship and making historic contributions to enhancing ties with countries in the Global South.
A father and son tale

From the longstanding friendly exchanges between China and Africa, there are numerous heartwarming stories, and a particularly moving one in the 60-year history of medical aid teams to Africa - a father and son's tale.From the longstanding friendly exchanges between China and Africa, there are numerous heartwarming stories, and a particularly moving one in the 60-year history of medical aid teams to Africa – a father and son's tale.

Doctor Mei Gengnian, from Central China’s Henan Province, served as the leader of the first batch of medical aid teams to Ethiopia in the 1970s. He dedicated himself to providing medical services to the local people, earning their respect and affection with his professional expertise and selfless contributions. Through treating numerous patients, Mei forged a strong bond between the people of China and Ethiopia.

Tragically, as he was concluding his foreign aid mission and about to return home, he was involved in a fatal car accident after finishing a task, losing his life.

In 1998, a special visitor went to Mei’s grave – his eldest son, Mei Xueqian.

Now retired, Mei Xueqian was a cardiovascular surgeon at the Anyang People’s Hospital in Henan. From 1998 to 2000, he was part of the 10th batch of medical aid teams sent to Ethiopia. “My father made significant achievements in Ethiopia. For me, I wish to complete his unfinished legacy.”

During his mission, Mei Xueqian utilized the team’s advantages to introduce several new technologies and projects in thoracic surgery, esophageal cancer treatment, and gastrointestinal tumor removal. This helped fill the technological gaps in recipient Ethiopian hospitals and assisted in the training of local technical teams.

The diligence and professionalism of Chinese doctors received recognition from the local community. Among the memorable individuals Mei Xueqian encountered was Ethiopian Minister Mulatu Teshome, who had studied in China for several years, spoke fluent Chinese, and frequently visited the medical team. Mei Xueqian later learned that Mulatu had become the President of Ethiopia in 2013.

Reflecting on the changes in the era and China’s development over the last 25 years, Mei Xueqian expressed his sentiments. “In 1998, China did not have many advanced medical technologies and equipment to offer to Africa. Acupuncture was the most welcome form of treatment. At that time, we encountered some relatively advanced Western medical concepts and technologies in Ethiopia, which were helpful to our own improvement,” Mei said. “Now, with China’s gradual economic strength and development, aid to Africa is strengthening and deepening step by step. Ethiopia has hospitals aided by China and advanced medical equipment provided by us.”

Henan Province has traversed a glorious half-century in the field of medical aid to foreign countries. Since 1973, Henan has actively undertaken the task of dispatching medical aid teams, sending a total of 67 batches comprising 1,364 medical team members to countries such as Ethiopia, Zambia, Eritrea, and Kuwait. Over this period, they have provided medical services to 7.25 million people in recipient countries, performed over 55,000 surgeries of different kinds, trained more than 8,900 local medical personnel, and introduced over 1,900 new technologies and projects.

Beacon of hope in pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication of healthcare professionals became a beacon of hope. In early 2020, as the world grappled with uncertainty, Chinese medical teams bravely stepped forward to stand firm on the front lines of medical assistance and pandemic control.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication of healthcare professionals became a beacon of hope. In early 2020, as the world grappled with uncertainty, Chinese medical teams bravely stepped forward to stand firm on the frontlines of medical assistance and pandemic control.

Yuan Shuai, Deputy Chief Physician at the Hebei Chest Hospital in North China’s Hebei Province, was among those who answered the call. From June 2020 to January 2023, he was among the 19th and 20th batches of the Chinese medical team sent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), working continuously for 31 months.

On June 8, 2020, Yuan and his team took off, becoming the first medical team to complete their mission handover during the pandemic in a timely fashion. “Each of us carried over 100 kilograms of medical supplies for epidemic prevention,” he remarked.

Despite challenging conditions, upon arrival in the DRC, the medical team swiftly followed embassy arrangements, initiating epidemic prevention campaigns, and establishing telephone and online consultation services. All these efforts helped fortify the first line of defense against COVID-19.

According to Yuan, the medical team also conducted the “Bring Medical Services to the Most Hard-hit Villages” initiative. At weekends, team members utilized their time off duty to bring Chinese medical services to the poorest and most remote rural areas, providing consultations for over a thousand people.

“Sometimes, we even went into forests to provide medical care to local villagers,” Yuan told the Global Times. “When I saw the children in those villages, especially those suffering from malnutrition, I felt that what we were doing was still far from enough,” he said.

In the long days and nights in the DRC, Yuan was not just a doctor in the medical team; he was a versatile figure, seamlessly switching between roles and leveraging his abilities and selfless spirit. During the aid period, he was on call twice, took on multiple emergency assignments, and established additional medical points.

In 2021, as the global pandemic raged on, Yuan, as a member of the medical team aiding the DRC, participated on the “Spring Seedling Action,” assisting in administering over 13,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Since 1973, Hebei Province has undertaken the crucial mission of sending medical teams to the DRC. Over the last half-century, Hebei Province has dispatched 21 batches, totaling 544 medical team members, reflecting not only the honorable task assigned by the Party and the country to Hebei Province but also a profound manifestation of the China-Africa friendship.
Mission continues

The year 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of China’s dispatch of medical aid teams to Africa and the 55th anniversary of the Beijing medical aid team. The story of aiding Africa continues, with the 30th batch of medical aid medics led by the Beijing Anzhen Hospital arriving in Conakry, Guinea, on the evening of September 5, 2023, taking over the mission from their predecessors and dedicating themselves to West Africa.

“It is a great honor and source of pride to represent China in carrying out medical aid missions in Guinea!” As the leader and the backbone of the medical team, Song Xiantao expressed the tremendous pressure, not only to advance the aid mission but also to ensure the safety of the team members.

“Although we have our medical skills, we are limited by local conditions, and many tasks cannot be carried out as planned. We can only do our best under the existing conditions,” Song said. Despite the challenging conditions, the team members actively demonstrated initiative, self-reliance, and adaptability.

With rudimentary medical facilities where the level of medical expertise varies, some basic principles of trauma treatment are not scientifically followed. Song’s teammate, Doctor Lin Yunhua from the urology department saw local doctors directly using mineral water to rinse open wounds.

“I am worried about these incorrect clinical practices and the lack of aseptic concepts,” expressed Song Xiantao. In the hot and humid tropical climate of Guinea, during each surgical procedure, team members not only perform operations but also patiently teach local doctors the key steps of surgery and perioperative management.

Due to chaotic local traffic conditions, accidents and incidents causing head and brain injuries are frequent, resulting in a high incidence of conditions such as craniocerebral trauma. In the three months since the medical team has been stationed in Guinea, they have successfully treated multiple complicated, severe, and critical cases, completed many incredibly difficult surgeries, and received widespread praise from the local government and embassy.

Some of the treatments have rewritten local medical history. For example, on November 14, 2023, medical personnel from the China-Guinea medical team successfully treated a 14-year-old with a severe head injury due to a traffic accident. Even on a global scale, such surgeries are extremely challenging, with a high mortality rate. In Guinea, there was no previous successful treatment precedent for such a case.

“Technical assistance is undoubtedly important, but the inheritance of concepts is even more enduring," emphasized Song.

Moreover, in October 2023, the Chinese-Guinea Friendship Hospital started a Chinese language training class, and the medical team also became ambassadors of Chinese culture.

“We are the healers of the people, and this journey carries the earnest expectations of our homeland, bearing the glorious mission of saving lives and helping the wounded. I will do my best to lead everyone in successfully completing this medical aid mission!” Song proudly declared.

Editor's Note:

With the conclusion of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on December 12, 2023, a "historic" climate deal was inked, which, for the first time, pledged to transition away from the use of fossil fuels while boosting renewable energy. Representatives from nearly 200 countries agreed, at the summit, to begin reducing the global use of fossil fuels, drawing worldwide attention. At the summit, China talked with every relevant party to find an acceptable solution to promote the success of the COP28. Over the years, the efforts that China has made in climate change have won wide recognition and the cooperation between China and the US is also of importance to the world. On the heels of COP28, Global Times reporter Xie Wenting (GT) spoke with Champa Patel (Patel), Executive Director for Governments and Policy at the Climate Group, an NGO dedicated to climate change, on issues related to COP28 and global cooperation on climate change among other topics.
GT: What are your thoughts on the outcomes from COP28 and what are the key takeaways from conference? How do you believe this conference has contributed to global climate action?

Patel: The main takeaway from COP28 was the first explicit recognition that the world has to transition away from fossil fuels. While it did not go as far as saying "phase-out" from fossil fuels, this still sends a strong signal on what is expected of countries and that a fossil-fuel-free future is the only way forward. It sends an important message that fossil fuels are on their way out, and might not be worth investing in.

With that in mind, it was great to see commitments on tripling renewables and doubling down on energy efficiency, measures which earlier on in the year had been taken on by the G20 in its communique as well. There was also a welcome recognition that nation states should work closely with subnational governments - as the level of government often closest to impacted communities - to set climate action plans and ensure an integrated multi-level approach.

But there were significant gaps as well. Climate finance was not the focus as much as it should have been.

In many ways, we do not have a crisis of ambition - most countries are signed up to what needs to be done to achieve net zero - but for many developing economies this will require substantial investment and funding. Where will the money from? There is still much more that needs to be negotiated on new sources of climate finance and how existing funds can be scaled up - so there, we do see a crisis of ambition.

GT: The China-US climate cooperation has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years. In your opinion, what are the key areas in which China and the US can collaborate effectively to address climate change? How can this cooperation be strengthened further?

Patel: Prior to COP28, China and the US released "The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis." The two sides have also agreed to establish a working group on enhancing climate action in the 2020s, to advance discussions on methane, the energy transition, and resource efficiency among others. This provides an important vehicle for enhanced cooperation. Interestingly, and for Climate Group more importantly, was an explicit recognition of the role of subnational cooperation bringing together states, regions, and cities in climate action. This is really important as local governments are often best placed to know the specific needs of their communities.

To drive real climate action, we need to have both China and the US on board - without them, action is meaningless. So it's great to see climate as one of the few areas which is not prey to the great power competition. The climate crisis has the opportunity to bring the great powers together. We need China and the US on board, not just because of political power or their large economies, but also because they are facing the devastating impacts of climate change within their own countries, whether heatwaves, flooding, or droughts. So these steps are a positive sign but much more needs to be done to drive action further and faster as time is critical to ward against a 1.5-degree rise in temperature.

GT: How can NGOs contribute toward fostering collaboration and driving impactful change? In light of recent COP28 commitments, what specific actions or policies do you believe the US and China should prioritize to accelerate their transition to a low-carbon economy?

Patel: NGOs have an important role to play as they can support and foster partnerships, encourage peer exchange and facilitate relationship building between China and the US. They can also help identify policy measures that can accelerate climate impact.

Both countries can show true climate leadership by including concrete steps toward the transition away from fossil fuels in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the national action plans on climate. That would send an incredibly strong signal to the rest of the world.

GT: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for future China-US climate cooperation? How can this partnership evolve and expand to tackle emerging challenges and seize new opportunities in the fight against climate change?

Patel: Looking ahead, it is critical that the US and China identify concrete projects, initiatives, and funding that can help accelerate climate action. There is an opportunity to drive leadership not just from their respective countries but also to model what is needed from other major powers and developed economies.

The signal on action needed on methane sent through "The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis" is important. It is the first time China has mentioned methane, as it focuses its mind on this short-lived pollutant that is often sidelined when considering decarbonization measures. But tackling methane emissions is essential as, arguably, we cannot stay within 1.5 degrees of temperature rise without also addressing methane emissions.

By coming together, the two countries can help unlock global ambition and provide a model of leadership that is sorely needed to drive forward faster climate action.

A magnificent King's Day celebration recently took place at the Belgian Residence, marking the first King's Day since Ambassador Bruno Angelet began his mandate in China. The Embassy of Belgium invited distinguished guests, high-level Chinese officials from various ministries, prominent members of Belgian and Chinese companies, as well as Belgians and friends of Belgium, to commemorate 10 years of King Phillip's reign.

Deng Li, Vice Minister of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the event. Ambassador Angelet had a fruitful meeting with Deng, focusing on the bilateral relationship between Belgium and China. Following this, Ambassador Angelet delivered a captivating speech at the reception, and to mark the occasion, he invited Deng and EU delegation's Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo to join him on stage for the anthems and a heartfelt toast to the King.

The festivities were further enhanced by captivating dance performances presented by the LDTX Beijing Dance Group, which captivated the audience on stage, throughout the residence, and on the patio of the new embassy building, allowing guests to catch a glimpse of the splendid new premises. 

The celebration was a true feast for the more than three hundred attendees. There were classic Belgian delicacies including delectable fries, a selection of exquisite beers, mouthwatering waffles, and comforting hot chocolate. 

The guests were treated to the authentic Belgian catering of Morel's, accompanied by the vibrant music and videos of the renowned Tomorrowland festival.

Seed breeding at the Nanfan breeding base, which has been dubbed the "Silicon Valley" of China's seed industry, continues to thrive, with an output value exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) in 2023, a senior provincial official said on Sunday. The base, in South China's Hainan Province, plays a significant role in China's efforts to bolster food security. 

"Seeds are the 'chips' of agriculture, and to build Nanfan into the country's largest experimental zone for agricultural science and technology is essential for seed production and food security," Liu Xiaoming, governor of Hainan Province, said at the opening ceremony of the 2024 China Seed Congress in Sanya, Hainan. 

At the conference, Liu detailed some remarkable achievements during the past few years, including the construction of major research platforms, the integration of resources for seed enterprises, and further development of the national seed breeding base. 

Experts said the conference showcased China's achievements and innovations in the seed industry. It also comes amid the central government's increasing efforts to ensure food security, which have highlighted the importance of support for sci-tech innovation in the agricultural sector, as well as revitalization of the seed industry.

China is the world's second-largest seed market, with a market value of 120 billion yuan ($16.3 billion), according to a 2021 report published by the agricultural ministry. 

The seed industry is a national resource that has been deemed strategic. Without an independent seed industry, which is key to increasing food production and ensuring food security, there is no strong agriculture, Chinese agricultural experts said.  

However, the foundation of seed industry development is still not solid enough, Li Guoxiang, a research fellow at the Rural Development Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.

"The most fundamental way to nurture the indigenous seed industry is to create a market environment that respects innovation and protects the intellectual property rights of the seed enterprises," Li noted. It would also be good to encourage companies to invest more in the research and development of breeding technology, so as to cultivate new quality productive forces in the seed industry.

This would form a virtuous cycle allowing the sustainable development of seed enterprises, Li said. 

At the conference, Tao Kaiyuan, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, said China has continued to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights involving seeds, with stricter penalties for violators.

According to Tao, the court has dealt with a total of 619 cases involving infringement of new plant variety rights in 2023, up nearly 40 percent compared to 2022. 

China has attached great importance to agriculture and the seed industry. In this year's Government Work Report the central government said it would redouble efforts to invigorate the seed industry and make breakthroughs in key agricultural technologies. 

Li pointed out the urgent need to enhance the competitiveness of China's soybean industry and advance the self-reliance of the seed industry in science and technology. "China has advantages in breeding technology for rice, wheat, and some unique varieties, but the yield level of soybean varieties still needs to be further improved," Li said, noting that more efforts are still needed to boost innovation in cutting-edge breeding technologies. 

To realize an upswing in the development of the seed industry, Liu said Hainan will ramp up efforts in seed breeding, focusing on such aspects as seed sources, the seed industry, and germplasm resources.

Jufeng town, Lanshan district, Rizhao city, stands as one of the main tea-producing areas in north China. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and bordered by the sea on the fourth, the area is higher in the north and lower in the south, featuring soil with a slightly acidic nature. Such unique geographical conditions and microclimate nurture Jufeng green tea with strong fragrance and flavor, earning the area the title of "hometown of green tea in the north of the Yangtze River." Over the years, the traditional tea planting and processing methods in Rizhao city have given rise to poor yields, low prices, and subpar taste. In light of this, Rizhao Power Supply Company has been guiding tea factories and farmers in adopting electric processing and irrigation for tea, providing high-quality and reliable services throughout. These efforts have enabled Jufeng, a remote and secluded town, to keep pace with the modern advanced approaches to tea production. The transition from fuel-powered and wood-fired methods to electrified planting, irrigation, and processing marks a successful evolution in Rizhao green tea since its introduction from the south to the north half a century ago.

The power supply company always cares about tea yields and farmers' income

On March 11, like the beginning of spring each year, before the tea stir-drying machines hum and the tea irrigation reaches its peak, employees from the Jufeng Power Supply Station of Rizhao Power Supply Company visited the tea gardens in Houshanwang village and the Baiman Tea Factory in Houyaxia village. They offered on-site and value-added services to local tea farmers and factories, such as overhauling the irrigation and electric equipment, so as to secure a safe and uninterrupted power supply for irrigation and tea production.

"You couldn't have come at a better time. The favorable soil moisture conditions last winter and this spring went fast as the temperatures rose rapidly with an increasing evaporation rate since March. We were concerned about whether our irrigation equipment, which had been idle for almost half a year, would function properly. Fortunately, thanks to your proactive overhaul, we can ensure smooth irrigation of the tea gardens to improve soil moisture," said Zhang Chenghong, Party Branch Secretary of Houshanwang village, who was busy preparing for irrigation in the tea garden. "As the saying goes, tea picked early is as valuable as treasure, while tea picked late is as worthless as grass. The power station staff's assistance enabled timely irrigation for over 400 mu of tea and early picking in our village." A nearby tea farmer said humorously, "The old saying always emphasizes 'effort and luck,' but I believe it should now be 'effort and electricity.' With the help of the power supply station, our tea won't go thirsty. When our spring tea hits the market first, it will surely fetch a good price." His words elicited laughter from those present.

"This year's spring tea is expected to enter the picking season soon. From mid to late April is the golden period for harvesting, during which the dryer, roller, and tea strip-tidying machines will operate at full throttle all day, consuming several times more electricity than usual," said Song Baiman, Director of Baiman Tea Factory and Leading Science Popularizer in Shandong Province, addressing the power station staff. "In the past, as laymen, we repair equipment ourselves, simply by dusting the body or tightening the screws. Consequently, various issues inevitably arose during the peak production of spring tea. Now, with your professional on-site services, such as checking and repairing all power-driven equipment and addressing overheating joints in the circuits, as well as the power line upgrade last year, we don't have to worry about the production and profitability this year."

Clean electric irrigation has significantly increased tea planting area and quality

Tea planting is the foundation for producing high-quality tea. Due to the low temperatures and precipitation levels, tea grown in the north of the Yangtze River develops a strong and enduring flavor but yields poorly. The key to achieving high yields lies in water.

"In the past, we relied on water conservancy facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s for irrigation, most of which had fallen into disrepair. Subsequently, diesel engines were employed, resulting in high costs, heavy pollution, and limited irrigated areas. However, the power supply station took the initiative by extending 10-kilovolt high-voltage lines directly to the fields and installing a transformer for irrigation purposes near the reservoir. This enables us to benefit from national electricity subsidies for agricultural irrigation. As we collectively invested in improving the sprinkler irrigation facilities in our village, with just a twist of the switch, over 500 mu of tea garden can be irritated," said Zhang Shouzan, Party Branch Secretary of Qianshan Beitou village, Jufeng town, on March 15.

Rows of sprinklers stand amid the tea gardens, yet not a single telegraph pole or transmission line is in sight. Li Zhaochun, director of the Jufeng Power Supply Station, said all power lines within the tea gardens are buried underground, saving space and minimizing the impact on tea planting and picking.

Zhang Shouzan elaborated on the advantages of sprinkler irrigation. For example, tea shoots have become fleshier, leading to an increase in the proportion of high-quality shoots, and in the production of fresh tea leaves by 15-25%. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in the content of key biochemical components such as amino nitrogen and catechin. Moreover, sprinkler irrigation can significantly save water consumption while reducing soil compaction rates, raising the average tea revenue to 20,000 yuan ($2,779) per mu.

With the scale and yield of tea planting on the rise, a common concern among people is whether tea farmers will resort to heavy pesticide usage during pest control.

"As tea leaves are directly brewed and drunk by people, the method for repelling or killing insects has evolved to an electric approach in our tea gardens. There is no need to worry about pesticide residues," said Zhang Shouzan.

Electric tea stir-drying secures Rizhao's leading role in green tea in north China

Those well-versed in tea understand that high-quality fresh tea leaves do not necessarily guarantee the production of excellent tea. Electrified tea stir-drying plays a crucial role in winning market share and acclaim.

Bojiakou village is famous for its specialized tea stir-drying in Rizhao city. Yuyuanchun Tea Factory, with over 30 years of history, is nestled in this village. Factory Director Yuan Congbo led workers in installing a newly purchased microwave tea fixation machine. According to him, before 2012, tea processing in Rizhao primarily adhered to craft production, involving manual tea tedding, fixation, and packaging, and heating and drying mostly relied on fuel and firewood. This labor-intensive method led to higher distortion in taste and color, lower tea quality, limited production capacity, and uncompetitive price. With the improvement in the power grid's capacity, an increasing number of tea farmers have purchased electric equipment for tea fixation, rolling, and drying. Yuan has successively acquired the tedder, fixation machine, electric stove, pressing machine, and packaging machine to electrify tea production, significantly enhancing both capacity and efficiency.

Yuan explained that electrified stir-drying makes it easier to control the duration and degree of heating, thereby preserving tea's natural color and flavor. Additionally, tea leaves have a strong ability to absorb odors, and the colorless and odorless electricity doesn't produce the smoke and pollution caused by coal, fuel, and firewood. The hygienic and clean electricity, paired with stainless steel equipment casings, maximizes the retention of the tea's original flavor.

Maintaining tea freshness is crucial, as tea leaves are vulnerable to oxidation which changes their taste. Thanks to a robust power grid, many tea stir-drying farmers have built cold storage warehouses to preserve the tea leaves before they are sold.

Today, Rizhao's tea enterprises have emerged as pioneers of the tea industry in north China, establishing the benchmark for tea production and processing in the region.

Electricity has changed the lifestyle of villagers

In the past, due to poverty, farmers in Jufeng town sought jobs in other places. However, with the improvements in electricity and transportation infrastructure in rural areas, an increasing number of villagers are choosing to operate tea gardens, and more tea factories are settling in the village from other regions. A medium-sized tea factory typically requires 20 to 30 workers during regular times, and 50 to 60 workers during harvest seasons. As a result, farmers in Jufeng have stopped migrating, and many farmers from surrounding towns have come to seek jobs in Jufeng. During the tea harvesting season, some tea gardens even experience labor shortages.

"Electricity has enabled the industrialization of tea planting and stir-drying, and large-scale tea production to meet market demand. Currently, apart from vegetable gardens, tea gardens occupy most of our village's land. Although the income from tea planting is not significantly higher compared to working elsewhere, it allows villagers to stay at home and avoid the hardships of being away," said Liu Weiming, a villager from Liujia village in Jufeng town.

The development of the tea industry has attracted nearby villagers to earn money through picking tea. "I have an eight-mu tea garden. During busy times, in addition to my family of two, we also need to hire four to five people," added Liu.

Tea farmers are more motivated to plant and pick tea with more convenient tea planting methods, assured yields, quality, and prices, and improved services such as power supply. Villagers no longer need to migrate and can dedicate themselves to operating their tea gardens.

"Supporting the tea industry not only relates to the overall economic development of the town but also signifies a political commitment. With tea gardens in every household, we have essentially addressed issues like empty-nest elders and left-behind children in our town, thereby increasing the happiness of our villagers," remarked Wang Dongliang, Party Secretary of the CPC Jufeng Town Committee.

Electricity has changed the green tea planting and processing methods in Rizhao, as well as the lives and fortunes of tea farmers. Leveraging electricity, the variety, quality, and brand of Rizhao green tea have improved, leading to development, expansion, and extension of the tea industry.

As the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) heats up, a number of international enterprises, especially French companies, have begun to seize the opportunity to zoom into the huge Chinese consumption market, as France has been invited to be a guest of honor country of the 2024 CIIE, the world's first national-level import-themed expo.

According to a report by the Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday, the 7th CIIE has an exhibition area of more than 240,000 square meters, progressing faster than the same period last year, and nearly 200 of the world's top 500 companies and industry leaders have signed up.

Wu Zhengping, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau and vice-president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the CIIE venue, said that preparations for the fair are in full swing and progressing steadily. 

The global exhibition roadshow has also been launched, and enterprises and organizations from all over the world have actively signed up for the event, casting a "vote of confidence." 

With the gradual progress of the preparations, many of the "old friends" that had participated in previous sessions as well as new participants have begun to ramp up efforts to explore more opportunities in the world's second-largest consumer market.

Christophe Bristiel, owner of Château La Nerthe, a French chateau, recently traveled to Shanghai in advance to participate in the promotional activities for the CIIE, aiming to make his products shine at the fair.

The CIIE has become an excellent platform for French companies to show their unique charms to China and the world, and we hope to continuously push more high-quality specialty products into the Chinese market, Bristiel noted.

On the first day of March, a hair show was held by L'Oreal PRO, with 60 top stylists in the industry presenting their own aesthetic creations. Outside of the show, many new products that will be exhibited during this year's CIIE, including hair dryer and vaporizer models, provided an immersive experience for the guests on the spot.

Lan Zhenzhen, chief corporate affairs and engagement officer of L'Oreal North Asia and China, said that for the 7th CIIE, L'Oreal is not only gearing up to present more new items, but is also bringing in more ecosystem partners, enterprises, concepts and systems to make the fair "more open," "more innovative" and "greener."

"This year's fair is expected to welcome more international companies, as they have seen the endless opportunities presented through previous fairs," Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The sixth CIIE saw a total of $78.41 billion worth of tentative deals reached for single-year purchases of goods and services, a record high. The figure represented an increase of 6.7 percent from the previous session.

The unparalleled amount of contracts signed and the great enthusiasm of international exhibitors demonstrate that the CIIE is a strong propeller for global economic growth. The organization of the fair also reaffirms China's determination for high-level opening-up and its willingness to share the dividends of its economic development with the world, Cong noted.

The 2024 Government Work Report noted that the country will work to steadily increase the volume and raise the quality of foreign trade. Major trade events will be hosted, such as the CIIE, the China Import and Export Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the Global Digital Trade Expo, read the report on the work of the government.

China should lift some institutional obstacles to further optimize the investment environment for the country's private business sector in a bid to stimulate the market vitality for investment, while ensuring domestic firms to feel safe with places and funds to invest, a political advisor told the Global Times during the annual two sessions.
Yin Yanlin, deputy director of the General Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, outlined three detailed measures including to clarify positive and negative lists for investment in the private sector and lift barriers that restrict private enterprises to participate into market activities, aiming to further spur the country's private investment.

In addition, he suggested expanding investment space for private enterprises by effectively breaking down the invisible barriers that hinder the investment entry. For instance, he noted to leave public welfare projects with certain revenue to the private business market, and expand the trial range for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs） to private-owned companies, hotel and tourism projects.

Yin also suggested further improving financing channels for private enterprises to ensure they have sufficient funds, and treating private business fairly by actually meeting demand. He urged responsible departments to take full advantages of the special fund earmarked in the central government's budget for investment in 2024, in a bid to encourage, support and guide private business investment.

China's private investment volume fell by 0.4 percent year-on-year in 2023, and the rare situation was caused by an investment decline in the real estate sector, Yin said. He noted that the investment drop was also related to the lack of market confidence, relatively few numbers of high-quality investment projects and strict financing assessment.

"China's investment in private business sector is the major force of nation's investment demand, which accounts for 50 percent of general infrastructure," said Yin.

Aiming to optimizing China's real estate sector, responsible authorities have quickly implemented policy adjustments, with multiple major indicators such as the investment targeting the real estate development and sales of commercial properties seeing marginal improvement, he said.

"Policies that are no longer in line with the current situation should be adjusted as soon as possible. The exploration of a new model for the development of the real estate sector should be used as an opportunity to establish a sound, market regulation-oriented mechanism for stabilizing expectations," Yin said in the interview, noting that the country's housing market will be on a stable and healthy development track with new real estate policy adjustments in place.

At the Government Work Report released on Tuesday, China has set its 2024 GDP growth target at around 5 percent. Yin said that the 5-percent growth rate will make China one of fastest growing economies in the world, as most developed countries have a growth below 3 percent. A 5-percent GDP target could only be achieved by a developing nation as large as China.

China's 5-percent GDP growth this year also will draw in more foreign investments, as only when Chinese economy expands can the foreign firms have the conditions to make a profit, and only when they make a profit can they continue investing, thus engaging in a "virtuous circle," Yin stressed.

During the interview, Yin also pushed against certain allegations that the Chinese economy has peaked. "The outside world may have no idea of how much endeavors the Chinese policymakers are willing to pour in achieving the GDP goal," Yin noted.

A Chinese scientist and national political advisor has proposed further integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing industry, with the aim of boosting its high-quality development and dealing with the challenges ahead.

"AI is an important driving force in the new round of technological revolution and industrial change. It has emerged as a useful tool for significantly facilitating the upgrading process of the basic manufacturing industry as well," said Zhao Xiaoguang, associate professor of the Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Zhao is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

In a proposal shared with the Global Times, Zhao called for accelerating the application of AI technology in industry, so as to tackle the challenges raised by a new round of technological revolution and transform scientific and technological achievements into practical results.

China has been expanding the applications of AI technology in its real economy, according to Zhao, especially in areas such as advanced manufacturing, the new material and new energy sectors, and medicine. Also, new quality productive forces empowered by AI technology are in the pipeline.

Having been committed to research projects in the field of robotics, intelligent control systems, and wireless sensor networks for years, Zhao believes that by embracing AI, China's basic manufacturing sector will ratchet up its capability to meet various demands on the supply side and raise its competitiveness in the global market.

China has already made significant progress in AI advancement and high-quality development of its robotic industry. For instance, Shenzhen-based UBTECH Robotics has successfully developed humanoid robots that can be used at a new energy vehicle (NEV) factory. This was the world's first case of a humanoid robot being used to collaborate with humans in assembly and quality inspection operations in an automobile factory.

With the rapid development of AI and its expanding industrial applications, China has large room for development in the manufacturing industry, and will continue to make contributions to the world's economic growth, Zhao said, noting that Chinese domestically made products have gained competitiveness in terms of scale and quality.

China will strive to modernize the industrial system and develop new quality productive forces at a faster pace, according to the Government Work Report submitted to the second session of the 14th National People's Congress on Tuesday.

The report listed several tasks, including industry and supply chain improvement and upgrading, and the cultivation of emerging sectors and future-oriented industries such as hydrogen power and new materials. Innovative development of the digital economy will be promoted, with an AI-Plus initiative to be launched, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The AI Plus initiative is set to become a significant factor in bolstering the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry as well. To realize this goal, Zhao told the Global Times that efforts should be made to establish a diversified evaluation and reward system in order to encourage research teams and academic institutions with scientific and innovation advantages to give strong technical support in development of the sector.

Zhao also suggested diversified resources including private capital, industrial funds, and multi-channel financing could help to develop more professional large-scale AI models in specialized and new enterprises in the manufacturing industry.

Meanwhile, the authorities should help to release a number of open-source projects in the manufacturing industry so that they can empower enterprises to embrace digital and intelligent transformation, Zhao said.