Atoms for a better home: CNNC showcases 'Chinese solution' on nuclear technology application to the world

The 2024 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Conference is taking place from November 26 to 28 in Vienna, Austria. On November 26, China held a side event themed "Atoms for a Better Home," focusing on integrated solutions for irradiation and nuclear medicine. At the event, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) presented its solution for nuclear technology applications, highlighting China's achievements and expertise in nuclear medicine, irradiation, medical isotopes, and radioactive drug production. 

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Deputy Director General Liu Hua attended the event and visited the exhibition of China's nuclear technology application achievements. Also present were IAEA Deputy Director General Najat Mokhtar, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Qu Dongyu, Deputy Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization Zou Ciyong, China's Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna Li Song, Secretary General of the China Atomic Energy Agency Huang Ping and CNNC Chief Accountant Wang Xuejun. More than 200 officials, experts, and media representatives from countries such as Russia, Cuba, Thailand, Syria, Sudan, and Pakistan and international organizations also attended the event. 

At the event, Grossi said that the Global Development Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has a significant impact on guiding the international community to seek common development and enhance the well-being of people worldwide. Grossi expressed hope that China would continue its active participation in global development cooperation, making greater contributions to building a safer world and creating a better life. 

Qu emphasized that food security is fundamental to human survival and development. He highlighted the need to further leverage nuclear technology in advancing food security efforts, to tackle global food challenges and benefit humanity. 

Li noted that the applications of nuclear technology offer unique opportunities to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind through technological innovation. Nuclear technology should be utilized as a catalyst for exploring innovative applications across various fields.

Huang mentioned that 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the IAEA. China and the IAEA have engaged in extensive cooperation on nuclear technology applications, yielding notable achievements. The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) will continue to maximize nuclear technology's benefits to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Wang stressed that the applications of nuclear technology are driving technological progress, economic growth, and global well-being, serving as an important support for meeting the growing needs of people for a better life. In the future, CNNC will work hand in hand with all sectors to share China's nuclear technology advancements and expertise globally, contributing Chinese strength to the health and well-being of humanity. 

"Atoms for a Better Home" represents a vision of harmony and innovation in the relationship between humanity and nuclear technology. As a pioneer in the development of nuclear technology applications in China, CNNC has been deeply engaged in the fields of nuclear medicine and irradiation applications for many years, offering comprehensive services, including isotope production, drug manufacturing, nuclear medical services, equipment production, irradiation operations, and decommissioning of radiation sources. This enables CNNC to deliver end-to-end services such as project design, construction, equipment commissioning, operational management, and training for international clients. 

During the event, CNNC showcased world's first X/γ nuclear radiation dose detection chip. This chip is compact, highly sensitive, and has broad application prospects, especially suitable for intelligent terminal products with radiation detection functions. It can integrate into devices like smartphones, tablets, smart helmets, and drones. Users only need to conduct simple secondary development to apply it in radiation dose monitoring scenarios in nuclear-related workplaces and environments. 

The China Isotope and Radiation Association formalized agreements with the IAEA on radioactive isotopes and radiation processing, further deepening exchanges and cooperation in nuclear technology applications. Experts from organizations, such as China Isotope & Radiation Corporation, Nuclear Power Institute of China, China Institute of Atomic Energy, and Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, highlighted China's advancements in medical isotopes, radioactive drugs, nuclear medicine, radiation detection chips, and irradiation processing. 

During the event, CNNC demonstrated its comprehensive solutions for drug production facilities, smart nuclear medicine departments, radiotherapy centers, intelligent radiation detection, and integrated irradiation stations using physical displays and interactive exhibits under the theme "fortune and radiation."

Representatives participating in the event voiced their aspirations to enhance collaboration with China in agricultural and medical nuclear technology applications, jointly playing a greater role in achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

The side event was organized by China Isotope & Radiation Corporation, a subsidiary of CNNC. Officials from CNNC's Industrial Development and International Cooperation Department, Business Management Department, Finance Department, European Representative Office, China Isotope & Radiation Corporation, China Nuclear Power Engineering, Nuclear Power Institute of China, CNNC Overseas Ltd., China Institute of Atomic Energy, China Institute for Radiation Protection, CNNCMED, and the China Isotope and Radiation Association participated in the event.

Xi urges more efforts to adapt Marxism to Chinese context, needs of the times

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater efforts to adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the requirement in an instruction on the project of studying and developing Marxist theory in the new era.

A work meeting on the project of studying and developing Marxist theory was held in Beijing on Friday.

Xinjiang's Khunjerab Pass transitions to full-year service from seasonal access service

Khunjerab Pass in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which is the only land port between China and Pakistan, has officially transitioned from seasonal access service to the full-year service starting from Sunday, according to the customs of the port, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency on Sunday.

The port is located in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Kashgar, which is in the core area of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, according to the report.

Previously, the port opened from April to November and closed from December to March each year due to its high altitude and the impact of snow and ice, according to Xinhua.

Since April 1 this year, traffic at the port has gradually increased, with more than 50,000 passenger trips through the port so far, according to the report.

By the end of October, the customs in Khunjerab supervised more than 11,000 inbound and outbound vehicles and 40,900 tons of goods.

It shows a year-on-year increase of 42.6 percent and 72.7 percent, respectively, demonstrating a clear growth trend, as reported by Xinhua.

Located approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass serves not only as a major trade station between China and Pakistan but also an important gateway to South Asia and Europe. 

China imports mainly textiles, agricultural products and daily commodities at the port, and exports plants and herbs, according to Xinhua.

The import and export cargo volume at the Khunjerab Pass exceeded 200,000 tons from 2016 to 2020, according to the Khunjerab customs.

During the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023, China and Pakistan issued a joint press statement announcing that the Khunjerab pass will function all year round, according to Xinhua.

The action is set to play an important role in promoting Sino-Pakistani economic and cultural exchanges, according to the report by Xinhua.

Xi calls for all-round development of China-Mexico relations in new era

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China and Mexico should continue to enhance exchanges, renew friendship, make good use of the highly complementary nature of the two economies, constantly advance practical cooperation and push for all-round development of bilateral relations in the new era.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on the sidelines of the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit.

Jaishankar says consensus between India, China far outweighs differences; expression indicates India recognizing change in regional, intl situation: experts

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, respect each other's core interests, enhance mutual trust through dialogue and communication, handle differences properly with sincerity and integrity, and bring the bilateral relationship back on the track of stable and sound development at an early date.

The two sides should send more positive signals and engage in actions that facilitate bilateral exchanges, enhance mutual trust and reduce suspicion, and carry out more cooperation and reduce attrition, Wang said.

The two sides should strive to make practical progress in such issues as resuming direct flights, exchanging journalists and easing visa procedures as soon as possible, he said. 

Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that this indicates China's consistent position, which is the hope that both sides should make substantial progress in people-to-people exchanges to promote the restoration of bilateral relations to a path of peaceful development.

Notably, during the meeting, Jaishankar said that the consensus between India and China far outweighs their differences, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

India hopes to restart relevant dialogue mechanisms swiftly and maintain the momentum for improving and developing bilateral relations through strengthened communication, Jaishankar said.

Both sides should view bilateral relations from a strategic perspective, properly handle relevant issues with a more positive attitude, and not let specific disagreement dominate bilateral ties, he added.

"Jaishankar's words are rather positive, indicating that after several years of declining relations, India is willing to work with China in the face of the current changes in the international and regional situation," Qian said.

This shows that India is willing to promote the return of bilateral relations to a healthy and stable development track, Qian said.

Echoing Qian, Long Xingchun, a professor from the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that Jaishankar's words mark a big change from the past, which is more align with China's longstanding principle that the consensus between the two countries far outweighs their differences.

Long noted that despite the differences, the relationship between China and India still needs to develop, and their people should maintain friendly exchanges, as these align with the interests of both countries. "If the Indian side recognizes this and puts it into practice, it would have a very positive influence for the relationship between the two countries," Long said.

"If the Indian side implements concrete measures, the relationship between the two countries can be better stabilized and developed," Qian said.

Xi holds talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva as two countries lift ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. During the meeting, China, Brazil decided to establish synergies between Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Brazil's development strategies. The two countries also elevated their ties to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

During the meeting, Xi said that China-Brazil relations are at their best in history, adding that the two countries are increasingly becoming reliable friends with a shared future and positive forces for peace.

Before the talks, Xi attended a grand welcome ceremony held by Brazilian President Lula. Xi arrived in Brasilia on Tuesday for a state visit to Brazil after attending the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

New starting point

In a signed article in Brazilian media outlet Folha de S. Paulo on Sunday, Xi said fifty years ago, on August 15, 1974, China and Brazil established full diplomatic ties. The bilateral relationship has since withstood the test of a changing international landscape and become increasingly mature and vibrant.

Brazil is the first country to establish a strategic partnership with China. It is also the first nation in Latin America to enter into a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. Xi hailed the bilateral relationship "has always been a forerunner in the relations between China and fellow developing nations."

Theo Schunck, Executive Secretary of the Instituto Rio Metropole, believes the Xi-Lula meeting represents a new starting point for further strengthening of bilateral ties and practical cooperation in various fields. 

He said the substantive alignment of Brazilian development strategies with the BRI could bring various economic and social benefits, and it's a strategic opportunity [for Brazil] to strengthen economic and political ties with China, benefit from China's experience in development and innovation, and improve infrastructure and the quality of people's lives. 

"Being a Belt and Road partner country will open up investment opportunities, facilitate trade and promote infrastructure in Brazil … It could benefit from infrastructure projects like roads, ports, and railroads that could cut connectivity and transportation costs," Schunck noted.

In addition, cooperation in education and technology can lead to the transfer of knowledge and the development of new skills, and our cultural exchanges can form cultural and educational partnerships, strengthening ties between the two countries and promoting greater mutual understanding and collaboration, Schunck added.

China and Brazil have maintained a comprehensive strategic partnership. Data show that China has been Brazil's top trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while Brazil is China's largest trading partner and direct investment destination in Latin America, with bilateral trade exceeded $100 billion for six consecutive years.

Jose Acacio Ferreira, General Director of the Superintendence of Economic and Social Studies of Bahia State, said the concept of a shared future means a commitment to addressing common challenges, promoting mutual development, and prosperity.

Renewable energy, agriculture, and technological innovation sectors hold promising potential for future cooperation between China and Brazil, Ferreira said.

Challenges like climate change and food security demand international cooperation, where China and Brazil can work together on research and sustainable development, he added.

Rodrigo Pires de Campos, a professor of Institute of International Relations, University of Brasília, told the Global Times that through BRI, China shows the world a different way of achieving an important objective for fair trade, fair investment, for a new perspective of multilateral relations without being pushed into a war, choosing the peaceful way in order to achieve that goal.

He believes Brazil's enhanced cooperation with China would be helpful in terms of developing autonomy and balancing international relationship. 

Beyond bilateral context

As two of the world's major developing countries, China and Brazil "must work together with others in the Global South to resolutely safeguard the developing nations' common interests, address global challenges through cooperation, and promote a global governance system that is fairer and more equitable," Xi said in the article.

Chinese and Brazilian experts also believe that the high level of convergence of interests between China and Brazil is reflected not only in the economic and trade spheres, but also in mutual political trust, as well as in the understanding of many international issues and collaboration in the globe arena.

According to Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, the development of China-Brazil ties would further inject impetus for the Global South solidarity. The two countries are the most representative members of the Global South.

China-Brazil cooperation has a role to play in enhancing the voice of the countries of the Global South in global governance, Wang noted, stressing that China, Brazil and other Global South countries share common interests in upholding a multipolar world, promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, improving the unjust aspects of the existing system and addressing global challenges.

According to Wang, Brazil is at the forefront of the Global South countries in terms of green economy, and will also host COP 30 next year, and China and Brazil have similar or even the same position on addressing climate change. In terms of geopolitical hot spots, the six-point consensus on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis jointly issued by Brazil and China has been widely echoed by the Global South.

The collective rise of the Global South is a significant phenomenon in today's geopolitical landscape, Schunck said.

With the economic growth and political influence of countries like China and Brazil, we are seeing a shift in the distribution of global power. This rise could lead to a more balanced and just world order, where the countries of the Global South have more say and participation in global decisions, Schunck said. 

Foreign student studying TCM in China rescues fainted tourist by tapping cubital fossa

A foreign graduate of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM) recently successfully rescued a female tourist in shock by using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) methods including patting her cubital fossa and splashing cool water.

The foreigner was supposed to be filming a show at Mount Song, when he suddenly heard someone shouting that a girl had fainted. He immediately ran to check on the condition of the girl. “As soon as I felt her pulse and noticed that she was in a respiratory and cardiac arrest, I was frightened, but I knew that the first priority at that moment was to save her life,” he told the media.

Instead of traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), he adopted unique TCM methods: tapping her cubital fossa and stimulating her acupoints.

He said that at that time he thought the girl was probably suffering from temporary cardiovascular spasm, therefore the effect of CPR may not have been that effective. 

In addition, the fainted girl is skinny and the ground was hard, hence there was a risk that the girl’s ribs would have fractured, he noted.

During the rescue, he also called his mentor surnamed Song, a celebrated TCM doctor, for advice. Song suggested throwing cold water on the girl’s face, which helped speed up her recovery. 

Miraculously, his methods worked and within minutes, the girl woke up. “Seeing her regain consciousness was the best moment,” he said.  

When first responders arrived, the girl was taken to the hospital for a check-up and was later proven to have no serious injuries. 

His first aid performance and knowledge of TCM has won him numerous fans, with many netizens praising the charm of TCM.  

5 placed under administrative detention for attacking reporters

Five individuals from China Railway Seventh Group Co, Ltd in Dingyuan County, East China's Anhui Province, have been placed under administrative detention for a period of 7 to 13 days by public security authorities for assaulting two people at a construction site, according to a release by local police on Friday.

Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported on Thursday that Wang Wenzhi and Cheng Zilong, reporters from the Economy Information Daily affiliated to the Xinhua News Agency, were attacked at the site of the railway construction company.

The police report said that after investigation, it was found that the two were attacked by personnel from the company, who snatched their phones and restricted their personal freedom, resulting in a minor injury to Wang's right palm.

On November 12, the Economy Information Daily published an investigative report, revealing that several construction companies involved in railway construction in Anhui Province were cutting costs by using inferior materials and illegally substituting products. These counterfeit products had performance levels far below design requirements, posing safety risks, the media outlet found.

The assault occurred while Wang and Cheng were returning to Hefei for follow-up reporting.

The All-China Journalists Association said on Thursday that it will continue to closely monitor updates of the incident, maintain communication with the journalists and relevant departments, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of journalists during their reporting.

Lasting like Yangtze and Amazon rivers: Xi’s letter to friendly Brazilian personages highlights enduring China-Brazil friendship spanning vast oceans

Editor's Note:

Chinese people believe that letters are as valuable as gold. For thousands of years, letters, across mountains and oceans, have been delivering the writers' sentiments and conveying friendship and expectations.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, has managed to find time to reply to some letters from different sectors of the society and different parts of the world despite his busy work schedule.

Through his letters, Xi has corresponded with people from all walks of life on numerous occasions, part of a series of excellent stories of China in the new era.

Therefore, the Global Times traced and contacted some of the recipients of Xi's letters to hear the inspiring stories behind the letters and their communications with the Chinese President.

In this installment, several Brazilian friends with ties to China shared their stories, reflecting on their connections with the country and their impressions of its people and culture. After receiving a reply letter from the Chinese president, they expressed excitement and shared their confidence and expectations for a bright future in China-Brazil relations.

The Yangtze and Amazon, two of the world's greatest rivers, have continuously nurtured thriving nations and splendid civilizations.

Today, they also symbolize the enduring friendship between China and Brazil.

Recently, Enrique Teixeira, former deputy Mayor of Campinas, Sao Paulo State, and more than 100 friendly personages from the Brazil-China Friendship Association, the Sao Paulo University, the Sao Paulo State University, and the Copacabana Fort Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping respectively, thanking the Chinese government, enterprises, and universities for their contributions to China-Brazil friendly exchanges and the improvement of local people's livelihoods, the Xinhua News Agency reported on November 11.

In a reply letter to friendly personages from all walks of life in Brazil, President Xi encouraged them to continuously contribute to the China-Brazil friendship.

Xi said that he is glad to see that the China-Brazil friendship has been passed on from generation to generation, adding that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Brazil have marched forward hand in hand, sharing weal and woe, and have forged a friendship spanning mountains and oceans.

He voiced hope that people from all walks of life in the two countries will play a positive role in promoting the continuous development of China-Brazil relations and making the China-Brazil friendship flow unceasingly like the Yangtze River and the Amazon River.

An invitation letter

Ahead of Xi's visit to Brazil, the Confucius Institute at the Sao Paulo State University compiled a booklet, which was titled "An Invitation from Brazil: 50 Letters to President Xi Jinping."

"We aim to convey our respect and admiration for China, the Chinese people, and President Xi through this booklet," Luís Antonio Paulino, director of the institute, told the Global Times. "We eagerly anticipate President Xi's visit, are confident that his state visit will elevate the friendship between Brazil and China to new heights."

Established in November 2008, the Confucius Institute at the Sao Paulo State University is the first of its kind in Brazil, jointly founded by the Sao Paulo State University and Hubei University in Central China, according to People's Daily.

The Confucius Institute has registered over 23,000 students, with 16 teaching centers spread across 13 cities in São Paulo State and across Brazil.

Verena Veludo Papacidero is a local teacher at the Confucius Institute of the Sao Paulo State University. She said that the imagery of a "friendship transcending mountains and seas" and the metaphor of "flowing ceaselessly like the Yangtze and Amazon rivers" vividly underscore the close ties and immense potential for cooperation between the two nations in areas like culture and education.
In his letter, Xi said that China is willing to work with Brazil to enrich the friendship between the two countries in the new era, make China-Brazil relations a good example of solidarity, coordination, common development and mutual benefit among major developing countries, and make greater contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind, Xi said.

He said Brazilian friends are welcome to visit China more often and experience for themselves the myriad sights of Chinese modernization.

Jao Pedro is a student at the Confucius Institute at the Sao Paulo State University who wrote a letter to President Xi. He expressed his hope that Xi could visit his school some day. "China's influence in Brazil is growing. I believe the relationship between China and Brazil will get deeper," he said.

Bruno Moreira Silva, another author of the letters, also looks forward to visiting China and hopes to use his expertise to enhance exchanges between the two countries. "In 2025, I will study in China, and I am determined to learn more about this country, which is both ancient and modern."

Notes of harmony

Marcia Melchior, founder and director of the Orquestra Forte de Copacabana, told the Global Times that Xi's reply letter made her feel "deeply honored and moved."

"His reply was a testament to the significance of cultural exchanges and the mutual respect between Brazil and China. It reinforced the idea that our mission resonates beyond borders and that our efforts to connect young musicians to broader cultural experiences are recognized at the highest level," she said.

"This recognition inspires us to pursue greater goals. Knowing that he values the cultural connection we're building motivates our entire team and young musicians to keep striving for excellence," she said.

The Orquestra Forte de Copacabana was found in 2011 and based at the historic Forte de Copacabana in Brazil, with an aim to transform the lives of young people from vulnerable communities through music and education.

The orchestra has had a sponsorship from a Chinese petroleum company since 2022, which according to Melchior, allows them to embrace Chinese culture.

"This support has been instrumental in helping us grow and strengthen our mission, and it has forged a significant cultural bond between us and Chinese people," she said.

The Brazilian musician views the current bilateral relations between China and Brazil as "incredibly dynamic and mutually enriching, especially in the realm of cultural exchange."

"Looking forward, I believe this partnership has tremendous potential to grow. My hope is that we continue expanding cultural, educational, and artistic exchanges, creating more platforms for artists, musicians, and students to connect, learn, and inspire each other. With the support of leaders from both countries, I envision our bilateral ties becoming even stronger, with cultural projects playing a key role in bringing our peoples closer," she said.

"We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to contributing to the future of Brazil-China relations," she noted.

From seed to bloom

About 200 years ago, the first group of Chinese tea farmers traveled across the ocean to grow and teach the art of tea in Brazil. The seed of friendship they sowed back then has grown tall and borne fruit. The friendship between the people has always been a driving force for the growth of China-Brazil relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on November 12, when asked to share more details about Xi's reply to letters from friendly personages in Brazil, which received extensive and positive response.

As two of the world's major developing countries, China and Brazil should take on the mantle of historical duty and responsibilities, and work together with others in the Global South to resolutely safeguard the developing nations' common interests, to address global challenges through cooperation, and to promote a global governance system that is fairer and more equitable, President Xi said in a signed article published on Sunday in Brazilian media outlet Folha de S. Paulo.

The two countries should make their distinctive contribution to world peace, stability and common development, Xi said in the article.

Just as a well-tended tea plant matures and yields richer leaves over time, the bond between China and Brazil, nurtured by mutual understanding and cooperation, is expected to grow even stronger, making the friendship as enduring as the Yangtze and Amazon rivers.