Question: It is reported that the US Secretary of Defense reiterated US commitment to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to counter “China threat” on his visit to the Philippines. During his visit, the Philippines, the US and Japan conducted a joint patrol in the South China Sea. Recently, the US approved selling F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. Do you have any comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the US is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. This approach will simply not work. It needs to be pointed out that the Philippine side has repeatedly made infringements and provocation against China. Outside countries led by the US have made continued efforts to destabilize the South China Sea through playing up tensions and providing weapons. It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. To the Philippine side, “relying on foreign support to make waves at sea” will backfire and a pawn will only be used and discarded. We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions and come back to the right track of dialogue and negotiation at an early date.
The China-Cambodia Ream Port Joint Support and Training Center was officially inaugurated and put into operation on Saturday, which will support joint operations between the two militaries in areas such as counterterrorism, disaster prevention and relief, humanitarian assistance, and training, China's Ministry of National Defense announced in a statement.
A military affairs expert described this as a new model of cooperation between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and foreign militaries, with both sides jointly building, utilizing, and maintaining the center.
Necessary personnel from both countries will be stationed at the site to ensure smooth operations, per the statement.
The center's establishment and operation are based on mutual respect and equal consultation between China and Cambodia. It complies with the domestic laws of both countries, relevant international laws, and established norms. The center is not aimed at any third party and aims to further strengthen practical military cooperation, enhance both militaries' capacity to fulfill international obligations, and contribute to global public security, according to the statement.
Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Saturday that based on the information from the Ministry of National Defense the center has two core functions: joint support and joint training.
The center will provide logistical support for counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance operations undertaken by both sides, fulfilling international obligations and contributing to global public security, Zhang said.
The center will also host joint training exercises to enhance coordinated military operation capabilities of the two militaries, enabling them to jointly address regional security threats and uphold peace and stability, the expert said.
Responding to some claims that the center is the PLA's second overseas base after Djibouti, Zhang said the two are not exactly the same.
"Unlike the Djibouti support base, which is used and maintained by the PLA independently, the China-Cambodia joint center in Ream Port is built and used by both sides, and its smooth operations are maintained by both sides. In addition to logistical support, it also includes joint training functions, which help advance Cambodia's military modernization. This counters rumors from certain Western countries alleging that China is secretly building a PLA-exclusive naval base in Cambodia," Zhang noted.
However, both the Djibouti base and the Cambodia center share one key trait, they are both established based on mutual respect and equal consultation between China and the related country, and are conducive to regional peace and stability, the expert said.
The center can also support PLA's overseas humanitarian rescue and disaster relief operations. In the event of sudden disasters such as an earthquake or tsunami occurring in ASEAN countries near Cambodia, the PLA would be able to respond more rapidly and efficiently.
Zhang cited the example of the Djibouti base. After it entered operation, it effectively supported the PLA Navy's escort missions against piracy in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, as well as evacuation operations. During evacuation missions from Yemen and Sudan, PLA naval vessels also carried foreign nationals, providing public safety services to the international community. "It is foreseeable that the China-Cambodia joint center can also play a positive role in regional security affairs."
Based on the experience of the PLA's first overseas support base, the China-Cambodia Ream Port Joint Support and Training Center will not pose a threat to any country. On the contrary, it will contribute to regional peace, stability, and development, Zhang noted.
In response to the accusations from some countries, including the US, Japan and the EU over the Chinese People's Liberation Army's joint exercises around the Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that such claims made by a handful of countries and organizations disregard facts, distort right and wrong, and interfere in China's internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
According to media reports, the EU accused China of increasing cross-strait tensions by holding military drills around Taiwan, and called on all parties to "exercise restraint."
A US Department of State spokesperson claimed that there is no justification for "China's irresponsible threats and military pressure operations" near Taiwan island.
The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and allows no external interference. What undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits are the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the indulgence and support of external forces, Guo said.
If these countries and organizations genuinely wish to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, they should follow the prevailing international consensus of upholding the one-China principle, honor their political commitments to China, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose any form of "Taiwan independence," Guo said.
Guo emphasized that advocating "Taiwan independence" and supporting separatist forces constitutes interference in China's internal affairs. Condoning "Taiwan independence" activities undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.
The joint military exercises conducted by the PLA are a firm countermeasure against the provocative separatist attempts by the Lai Ching-te authorities, a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces seeking to undermine cross-Straits peace, and a responsible action to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. No external forces have any right to make irresponsible remarks on this matter, said Guo.
Guo stated that as long as "Taiwan independence" provocations continue, countermeasures to oppose "independence" will not cease. China will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan island from China in any way. The country will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Guo.
China expanded its greening efforts in 2024, adding 7.67 million hectares through tree planting and land restoration, advancing afforestation and high-quality development, according to a bulletin released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Wednesday, which is the 47th National Tree Planting Day in China.
A total of 4.446 million hectares of forest were planted in the country, exceeding the 3.998 million hectares afforested in 2023, about 3.224 million hectares of degraded grassland were restored, and 2.783 million hectares of sandy and stony land were treated, bringing the national forest coverage rate to surpass 25 percent and total forest stock volume beyond 20 billion cubic meters, according to report.
In 2024, afforestation enhanced urban and rural landscapes, making cities and villages greener and more livable with more than 6,200 pocket parks around urban areas built, and over 7,300 kilometers green belt in cities constructed. The country also promoted the improvement of rural living environment by setting up farmland shelterbelt networks. While more than 50,000 kilometers of highways were greened last year, the nationwide railway greening rate reached 85.9 percent.
Efforts to protect and restore ecosystems intensified, with 27 projects of the holistic protection and land restoration during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period promoted. More than 5 million hectares of land underwent ecological restoration.
In a significant step toward combating desertification, around 3.80 million hectares of sandy and stony land were rehabilitated last year as part of the effort in promoting the construction of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, a large-scale afforestation project covering 4.069 million square kilometers in the northeastern, northern and northwestern regions of China, which is close to half the size of the country and is the world’s largest desertification control project.
As advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) continue to unfold, robots are emerging as a transformative force in the elderly care industry across China. With innovations ranging from feeding robots to those designed for rehabilitation and hygiene assistance, an increasing array of age-friendly tech products is being introduced to support seniors.
These cutting-edge solutions are complementing traditional family-based care models, heralding a new era in the way we approach elder care.
Recently, cities such as Shanghai and Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, have launched innovative smart elderly care initiatives aimed at fostering the coordinated development of elderly care services and related industries. This move came in response to the rising interest in smart elderly care.
Many nursing homes in Chinese cities are now integrating intelligent care robots into their operations. For example, at a home care center in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province, a group of seniors averaging 86 years old are enjoying a more convenient and vibrant lifestyle thanks to the introduction of "smart nannies." Among the cutting-edge technologies being deployed to assist seniors with disabilities are robotic "caregivers," multifunctional transfer bed-chairs, and fall-detection alarms. These advancements are designed to ease the burden on human caregivers.
In 2024, a resident from Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, surnamed Xia, invested nearly 30,000 yuan ($4,145) in a toileting care robot for his 80-year-old bedridden grandfather. The care robot primarily serves bedridden elderly individuals with disabilities. It can automatically sense needs and perform fully automated processes such as suction, washing, drying, and sterilization. Since its introduction, this toileting care robot has greatly alleviated the caregiving burden on family members. "It's much less exhausting now. When the drain water tank is full, we just empty the wastewater and refill it with clean water," Xia told CCTV.
He expressed hope for more walking-assist robots, noting that the high cost of current models remains a barrier for many families.
In February, a Shenzhen-based tech company partnered with the Mount Tai Scenic Area in Shandong Province to unveil an exoskeleton robot designed to assist with hiking, garnering significant attention. This exoskeleton robot can also be utilized for fitness, daily walking, and climbing stairs, according to CCTV.
Chen Zhengxiang, an AI model trainer based in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, has conducted research in many nursing homes across the country. He told the Global Times that current robots on the market still have shortcomings in human-robot interaction. For instance, they struggle to recognize commands spoken in local dialects, and their emotional interactions remain at a superficial, programmed response level.
Chen envisions that with the advancement of AI large models, future elderly care robots will possess the ability to perceive, understand, and respond to human emotions, thereby better meeting the psychological needs of seniors and providing personalized care and companionship.
"It should be like having an 'AI child' by your side; that's the true warmth of technology," he said.
In recent years, China has introduced a series of policies to encourage the development of intelligent elderly care devices, including robots. For example, China's State Council released guidelines in 2024 encouraging companies and industry participants in sectors such as accommodation, healthcare, tourism and financial consultancy to optimize services and products for the elderly.
Currently, there are two main types of elderly care robots on the market: rehabilitation robots, such as those that assist bedridden individuals in standing and walking, and daily care robots, which include devices for toileting and bathing assistance.
To further address the safety and emotional needs of seniors living alone, more robots are being developed. For instance, a smart elderly care robot created by a tech company in Wuxi, Jiangsu, can remind seniors to take their medication, eat, and rest, while also providing services like news updates and online shopping.
The US State Department announced sanctions on an unspecified number of current and former Thai officials on Friday for their role in the repatriation of Chinese citizens in a joint crackdown on illegal immigration. Chinese observers condemned such move as a hypocritical meddling in China's internal affairs under the guise of human rights, which aims to undermine legitimate law enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that he was "immediately moving to impose visa restrictions on officials involved in the deportations." No Thai official has been named. The visa restrictions were not explained but can entail a denial of entry to the US, AP reported.
Rubio claimed that the US is committed to opposing China's efforts to repatriate Uygurs and other groups, alleging they face "torture and enforced disappearances."
China firmly opposes the use of Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in its internal affairs and disrupt lawful cooperation between China and other nations under the guise of human rights, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a routine press conference on February 28.
"Let me stress that the repatriation is carried out in accordance with the laws of China and Thailand as well as international law and common practices. China upholds the rule of law and has well developed laws and regulations and working mechanisms in human rights protection in the judicial area. The achievements are there for all to see. People of all ethnic groups in China, including the Uygurs in Xinjiang, fully enjoy economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights," Lin said.
The Chinese Embassy in Thailand clarified the truth behind Thailand's repatriation of Chinese nationals. It released a statement on March 2 responding to recent hypes about the repatriation of 40 Chinese nationals to China from Thailand, saying that the individuals repatriated this time were illegal border crossers who had entered Thailand unlawfully (not refugees), and that the repatriation was normal law enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling.
Illegal migration and smuggling are internationally recognized crimes, and repatriating illegal immigrants and human smugglers in accordance with the law is a legitimate sovereign law enforcement action, the embassy said.
While releasing several photos showing their reunion with their families, the embassy emphasized in a statement on February 28 that both China and Thailand prioritize the rule of law and human rights protection. As previously communicated by the Chinese side to the Thai authorities, the crime committed by the individuals involved was limited to illegal immigration, with no other serious offenses found. After completing the necessary legal procedures, they were released and allowed to return home, which is the best protection of their legal rights. China will also provide further assistance to help these individuals reintegrate into society and resume normal lives.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told at a press conference on February 28 that Thailand acted in accordance with the law, Khaosod English reported.
The US kept sensationalizing lawful cooperation between China and Thailand on handling illegal immigration. It's true intention is never a concern for Uygurs, but rather a smear campaign against China under the guise of human rights issue, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Saturday.
While the US deports illegal immigrants within its own borders, it simultaneously criticizes other countries' actions that align with international and domestic laws, exposing its double standards and political manipulation, Lü criticized.
Imagine if a group of Mexicans, misled by drug cartels, entered the US, forcing American immigration authorities to bear the burden of looking after them for over a decade - how would Washington respond? Without a doubt, the US' political manipulation will create more complex difficulties for the country in addressing its own illegal immigration challenges, he said.
In a classroom, a large screen displays a conversation in Chinese: in it, two people are adding each other on WeChat. Encouraged by the teacher, Pakistani Muhammad Ajmal, a postdoctoral researcher in mathematics at Shanghai University, stands up, unlocks his phone, and says in Putonghua to another participant seated behind him, “Hello, nice to meet you. May I add you on WeChat?”
This happened on Sunday, during a government-supported non-profit Chinese language class held in Shanghai’s Hongkou district. Targeting foreign talents working in Shanghai, this course is scheduled to continue with classes every Sunday until April 20.
Including Ajmal, over a dozen foreign professionals from universities, research institutions, and foreign-invested enterprises in Shanghai attended the first class on Sunday. There they learned to introduce themselves in a more authentic manner, and to get to know one another in Putonghua.
Ajmal has been in China since 2016 and already had a foundation in Putonghua. When he heard about this course, he signed up right away. “I know a lot of Chinese words, but I’m working on adding more natural, authentic vocabulary to improve my fluency,” he told the Global Times after class.
He explained that, previously he only knew the number “one” as “yi” in Putonghua, but thanks to this course, he learned the number’s informal pronunciation “yao” which is more commonly used in daily life.
Unlike some other language courses, this course focuses more on teaching participants practical and everyday language, as well as elements of Chinese culture and customs, according to the class teacher Zhang Yicheng, a Chinese language instructor at the Shanghai International Studies University.
“For example, about numbers, in this class I taught them the pronunciation, and in the next class, I will explain which numbers are generally favored or disliked by Chinese people,” Zhang told the Global Times.
For foreign participants, this class can serve as a small but vivid window to better understand China and Shanghai, and to connect more effectively with local people. Vietnamese participant HaiSam Mai, who has been working at an international school in Shanghai, believes she can still learn something new from this class, even though she has lived in Shanghai for 13 years.
“Today, for the first time, I learned a more polite way to add someone on WeChat, and the phrases were quite new to me. The topics we discussed in class were all very interesting,” Mai told the Global Times.
The one-month course consists of six classes in total, four of which focus on different topics including food, shopping, transportation, travel, hobbies, and sports. The remaining two are workshops, one dedicated to making herbal sachets and another to making Chinese-style jewelry, allowing participants to experience China’s intangible cultural heritage firsthand, said Zhang.
This Chinese language course is one of the latest initiatives by the Shanghai local government aimed at welcoming foreign talent and helping international professionals living in Shanghai better adapt to daily life, integrate into local culture, and stimulate interest in learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture, the Global Times learned from the Hongkou District Talent Work Bureau, organizer of the course.
The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) is set to commence on Friday, with security measures intensifying across the city. On Thursday local time, Global Times journalists arriving at Munich Airport were met with light rain and a visible police presence. Along the route from the airport to the city center, patrol cars were stationed at key points.
At the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, the main venue of the 61st MSC, the official conference logo is prominently displayed. Global Times reporters observed a prominent security presence around the venue, with police teams patrolling the streets, and TV broadcast vans set up for live coverage. As dignitaries, conference delegates, and media representatives from around the world continue to arrive, Munich has entered "MSC time."
The media center of the MSC is about a five-minute walk from the main venue and will open at 7 am local time on Friday. Reporters from the Global Times have learned that the media center is equipped with approximately 650 workspaces, and information desks to facilitate the use of global media.
The 61st MSC will be held from Friday to Sunday. Known as the "Davos of Defense," the MSC is one of the most important annual forums in the fields of international strategy and security. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China's minister of foreign affairs, will attend the conference and speak at an event on China to share China's position on major international issues.
On Friday, the conference's main program will start with a focus on global security challenges, including global governance, democratic resilience, climate security, and many more topics. On Saturday, debates will take place on the state of the international order as well as regional conflicts and crises. The future of the transatlantic partnership will also be a focus of the second day of the conference. On Sunday, the conference will wrap up with discussions on Europe's role in the world, according to the MSC website.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday reaffirmed China's commitment to promoting peace while meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Munich, Germany.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held the meeting with Sybiha at the latter's request on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Wang said that China and Ukraine enjoy a traditional friendship and established a strategic partnership in 2011, with bilateral relations maintaining normal development.
China has been Ukraine's largest trading partner in recent years, Wang noted, adding that this is hard-won under the current circumstances and demonstrates the potential and space for cooperation between the two sides.
China views Ukraine as a friend and partner, and always approaches and advances China-Ukraine relations from a long-term perspective, Wang said, adding that China is ready to work with Ukraine to overcome unfavorable factors, advance bilateral relations, and carry out practical cooperation.
He expressed his hope that the Ukrainian side will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Ukraine.
On the Ukraine crisis, Wang said that China has always been committed to promoting peace and talks.
Facts and the development of the situation have once again proven that the principles and propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping, including his proposals of four points about what must be done and three observations, are objective, impartial, rational, and pragmatic, he added.
China will continue to follow these principles and play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis and the realization of peace, Wang said.
China supports all efforts dedicated to peace and expects a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement accepted by all parties concerned, Wang said.
The "Friends of Peace" platform, initiated by China and countries of the Global South, will continue to build consensus for promoting peace and talks, he added.
Sybiha said that Ukraine and China have maintained dialogues, and the people of the two countries enjoy friendly relations.
Mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and China has brought benefits to the people of both countries, he said.
Ukraine strictly abides by the one-China principle, he stressed, adding that the country is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and further deepen the strategic partnership.
Sybiha pledged that Ukraine will continue to make every effort to protect the safety of Chinese institutions and citizens.
Ukraine attaches great importance to China's influence as a major country, appreciates China's objective and balanced position, and expects China to play an important role in achieving comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, he added.
Senior officials from Myanmar, China, and Thailand have arrived in Myawaddy in Myanmar to crack down on telecom fraud and illegal online gambling operations, China Media Group reported on Monday, citing Myanmar's State Administration Council's Information Team.
Since the Myanmar authorities launched a crackdown on Myawaddy's scam centers, they have discovered a large number of foreigners illegally entering the country from neighboring nations. Between January 30 and February 16, they have reviewed and detained 1,030 illegal entrants. The joint task force, composed of senior officials from the three countries, is currently verifying identities and conducting detailed investigations to expedite the repatriation process.
Myanmar has already repatriated some of those detained, while efforts are underway to process the remaining individuals in accordance with legal procedures to ensure their swift repatriation to their home countries.
On Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and the visiting Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi met with Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Than Swe, and Minister of Home Affairs, Tun Tun Naung, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.
Both sides had in-depth exchange of views on enhancing China-Myanmar law enforcement and security cooperation, and on jointly tackling cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and human trafficking, according to the statement.
When asked to comment on the meeting between Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Myanmar's officials, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that recent cases of online gambling and telecom fraud along the Thailand-Myanmar border have posed serious threats to the lives and property of people in affected countries, including China and Thailand, and have disrupted normal regional cooperation and exchanges.
China is actively engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries, implementing comprehensive measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of online gambling and telecom fraud, Guo said. Efforts are being made to jointly prevent criminals from operating across borders, eradicate the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud, and protect public safety while ensuring stable regional cooperation, the spokesperson noted.
The foreign ministry will continue working with relevant authorities to guide Chinese embassies and consulates abroad in properly handling related requests for assistance, ensuring the safety and legal rights of Chinese nationals overseas, Guo said.
