world

Refugee Team shows common pursuit

Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

China is willing to launch an initiative with France calling for a worldwide truce during the Paris Olympic Games, President Xi Jinping said when he met the press with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday during his state visit to France.

Xi presented Macron with the Olympic torches of the Beijing 2008 Games and the Beijing 2022 Winter Games as gifts. In return, Macron gifted Xi an Olympic torch for the coming Paris Games.

Suspending armed conflicts during the Olympic Games is an ancient Greek tradition that dates back to the 9th century BC, with the goal of promoting peace, friendship and understanding through sports.

To the same end, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled its largest Refugee Olympic Team to date for the Paris Games and a new emblem for the team.

A total of 36 athletes from 11 different countries and regions will compete across 12 sports including swimming, badminton and breaking during the Paris Games from July 26 to August 11, marking the third time the Refugee Team will take part in the Olympic Games since Rio 2016. The announcement was made by IOC President Thomas Bach during a live-streamed ceremony from the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 2.

“With your participation in the Olympic Games, you will demonstrate the human potential for resilience and excellence. This will send a message of hope to the more than 100 million displaced people around the world. At the same time, you will make billions of people around the world aware of the magnitude of the refugee crisis,” said Bach.

The establishment of a Refugee Team is more than an addition to the Olympic community. It is the best interpretation of the Olympic spirit of peace, mutual respect and understanding by promoting inclusiveness, unity, perseverance and fair play and it serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s common pursuit of peace.

The Olympic Games aim to bring together athletes from all over the world to compete regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or background.

In 2024, for the first time in Olympic history, the Refugee Team will compete under its own emblem, instead of the Olympic flag with its signature five interlocked rings. Bringing a unique identity to the team, the design of a circle of arrows around a red heart represents the team members coming from different corners of the world and sharing their unique journeys.

The Refugee Olympic Team symbolizes unity and solidarity among nations and athletes. It sends the powerful message that despite the challenges and adversities faced by refugees, they can come together as a team and compete alongside athletes from around the world. Additionally, the participation of refugee athletes in the Olympic Games promotes a message of peace and understanding. It highlights the human cost of conflict and displacement while at the same time emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and support for refugees.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were an estimated 114 million people forcibly displaced worldwide as of September 2023.

Supporting refugees and displaced populations remains a key priority for the IOC, and is part of the Olympic Agenda. The Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) was established in 2017 to build on this commitment.

Representing people affected by war and poverty, refugee athletes from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Syria will take this opportunity to raise global awareness of the refugee crisis and serve as role models to inspire individuals facing adversity worldwide and convey to the world a call for unity and peace.

This year, the team will be led by Chef de Mission Masomah Ali Zada, who competed for the Refugee Team at Tokyo 2020 in road cycling. In an interview, Zada commented: “With all the challenges that you have faced, you now have a chance to inspire a new generation, represent something bigger than yourselves and show the world what refugees are capable of.”

The presence of the Refugee Team at the Olympic Games is the perfect example of how sports are able to promote global peace and the harmonious coexistence of mankind, posted one netizen on Sina Weibo. During the Tokyo 2020 Games, the uniform of the Refugee Team was sponsored and tailor-made by a Chinese enterprise.

The Olympic spirit represents the universal values of excellence, friendship, respect, sportsmanship, and inspiration that unite athletes and people around the world in the pursuit of athletic achievement and human excellence. The Refugee Olympic Team will definitely leave a lasting legacy beyond the Games and it is hoped that such an initiative will lead to increased support and opportunities for refugee athletes at all levels of sports, encouraging participation, integration, and social inclusion in communities worldwide.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]

08/05/2024 by Rummy news

China’s capacity remains a strong engine for global energy transition: Global Times editorial

Photovoltaic panels in Sihong, East China's Jiangsu Province Photo: VCG

Photovoltaic panels in Sihong, East China’s Jiangsu Province Photo: VCG

The 26th World Energy Congress has been held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in recent days. As one of the most important conferences in the field of energy, the conference is themed “Redesigning Energy for People and Planet,” and attracted nearly 20,000 representatives from the global energy sector to discuss the energy transition, security, accessibility and sustainability in the current world.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the World Energy Congress. The world is at a crucial turning point in energy transition, which is recognized by the industry as a key moment for proposing and implementing major changes. The conference provides timely information for the general public to understand the current situation of the global energy transition.

Undoubtedly, the most prominent issues and concerns throughout the Congress remain the challenges posed by climate change and the urgency and uncertainty of energy transition. Specifically, it is about how to address the “trilemma” of global energy security, affordability, and sustainability, and to realize a faster, fairer and broader energy transition. Throughout the world, considering the target of achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting the temperature increase, and achieving the carbon peaking and neutrality commitments made by many countries, the current global resource inputs in the field of energy transition and clean energy, as well as the related supply of green and low-carbon products, are far less than the demand.

Against this background, the current hyping by the US and some other Western countries about “overcapacity” in China’s solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs), and their attempts to build trade barriers in the clean energy sector, have also received attention and been discussed. Among them, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser’s relevant remarks have particularly triggered attention and resonance. Nasser spoke highly of China’s key role in driving the global energy transition at the World Energy Congress, noting in particular that China will substantially help Western countries achieve their target of cutting carbon emissions to a net zero level by lowering the cost of solar panels and electric vehicles.

Nasser’s remarks have attracted attention not only because of his own status and Saudi Aramco’s special position in the energy field, but also because of his fair assessment of China’s efforts in clean energy and global emissions reduction. China’s capacity and technological breakthroughs in the clean energy sector have become a powerful engine driving global energy transition. According to statistics, over the past 10 years the average electricity costs of global wind and photovoltaic projects have cumulatively decreased by over 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, with a considerable portion attributed to China’s contributions. Leveraging its vast market scale, efficient supply chain management, and technological innovation capabilities, China has successfully reduced the costs of solar panels and EVs significantly, enhancing the affordability of these new energy products. This not only reduces its own carbon emissions but also provides global consumers with more economical and environmentally friendly choices.

The transition of energy is not an easy task. It is both extremely urgent and exceptionally complex, requiring a comprehensive strategic approach. The appreciation from Saudi Aramco, represented by Nasser, toward China stems from the recognition by Saudi Arabia, other Middle Eastern countries, and many other developing nations of China’s indispensable role in energy transition. For instance, the Al Shuaibah photovoltaic power station project constructed by Chinese enterprises in Saudi Arabia will, upon completion, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 245 million tons in 35 years, equivalent to planting 545 million trees. In 2022, the wind and photovoltaic products exported by China helped other countries reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 573 million tons, totaling 2.83 billion tons of carbon reduction, accounting for about 41 percent of the global carbon reduction volume brought by renewable energy during the same period.

However, considering the urgent global situation in addressing climate change and the current status of green capacity in various countries, whether it is achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement globally or China achieving its own “dual-carbon” goals, China’s current green capacity still falls far short of meeting the needs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the current use of fossil fuels remains “excessive.” In this context, the challenge facing humanity is not an “overcapacity” of green production but a severe shortage. China’s green capacity is undoubtedly the “magic weapon” for addressing challenges, and displacing high-quality capacity is irrational. It is the optimal solution for global emission reduction to enable China’s green capacity to play to its strengths and complement and coordinate cooperation with the capacities of other countries.

The US and some countries, from the perspective of protecting their own industries and suppressing Chinese advantageous industries, attempt to stifle the development of China’s clean energy industry with the so-called “overcapacity” narrative. However, from a global perspective, especially from the standpoint of many developing countries and the “Global South,” this undermines the goal of a faster, fairer and more widespread energy transition. Faced with the common challenge of climate change, promoting energy transition should uphold an open and cooperative attitude, rather than getting bogged down in futile trade disputes and blame games, otherwise it will only hinder the pace of global energy transition.

25/04/2024 by Rummy news

Chinese athletes seek Olympic qualifications through competitions

Huang Bokai of China competes in the Men's Pole Vault during 2024 Diamond League Xiamen on April 20, 2024 in Xiamen, China. Photo: VCG

Huang Bokai of China competes in the Men’s Pole Vault during 2024 Diamond League Xiamen on April 20, 2024 in Xiamen, China. Photo: VCG

Chinese athletes are making headlines at the World Athletics Diamond League series, which kicked off the 2024 season on Saturday in Xiamen, East China’s Fujian Province, with impressive performances from athletes like Liu Dezhu and Gong Lijiao.

As the track and field events for the Paris Olympics will take place at the Stade de France from August 1 to 11, Chinese track and field athletes are honing their skills to gear up for the competition.

After Swedish star Armand Duplantis invigorated the Diamond League race with a world record-setting pole vault of 6.24 meters, Chinese distance runner Liu Dezhu set a new pace in the 800 meters race, lowering the previous national record of 1:46.32, set 10 years ago by Teng Haining, to 1:45.66.

Apart from Liu’s breakthrough, China, as the host, had many top athletes compete, earning one gold and three bronze medals in the events. On top of Gong Lijiao winning the women’s shot put with a throw of 19.72 meters, Huang Bokai, Feng Bin, and Su Wen won bronze medals in the men’s pole vault, women’s discus throw, and men’s triple jump, respectively.

With the conclusion of the National Indoor Athletics Championships at the end of March, followed by the National Athletics Grand Prix and the World Athletics Diamond League, the track and field season has transitioned from indoors to outdoors.

Liu’s national record-setting performance, however, is still shy of an Olympic qualification of 1:44.70. His coach Shi Peng has said the team will strive for more opportunities to compete and aim to secure Olympic qualifications through world ranking points.

As the outdoor season unfolds, the Chinese team is also accelerating its pace in seeking Olympic qualifications. Xie Zhenye, the Asian record holder in the men’s 200 meters, qualified for the Olympics with a 20.15 second finish in the US earlier in April.

Besides Xie’s qualification, Chen Jiapeng finished a 100 meters in 10.08 seconds, making him the fifth Chinese male sprinter to break the 10.10-second barrier after Su Bingtian, Xie, Zhang Peimeng and Chen Guanfeng.

Though some promising signs have appeared, Chinese track and field still faces considerable challenges.

One major challenge is the one faced by the men’s 4×100-meter relay team, who are considered one of the pillars that underlines team spirit in the individual-dominated sport of running.

The team, consisting of Xie and veteran sprinter Su Bingtian, will make their final push for Olympic qualification in May at the World Relay Championships, following a mediocre performance in March with 38.99 seconds, slower than their record of 37.79 seconds.

With another Diamond League race to be held in Suzhou, East China’s Jiangsu Province, this weekend, Chinese athletes will have fresh chances to attain Olympic qualification if better performances are delivered.

More efforts are needed to increase the squad depth of Chinese athletics, as more and more athletics events are to be held in the country, led by a World Championships in 2027 in Beijing.

If China wants to take the lead in the athletics competition at the Paris Olympics, the team will need to make more effort. Fortunately, Chinese athletes are always prepared to rise to the challenge, fueled by their resilience and unwavering determination.

23/04/2024 by Rummy news

China, Germany send strong message of mutually beneficial cooperation to stabilize world: Global Times editorial

Photo:CFP

Photo:VCG

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing in the morning of April 16. The two sides not only had in-depth discussions on current China-Germany relations but also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, reaching consensus on issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. As China and Germany are respectively the second and third largest economies in the world, the consolidation and development of their relations carries significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope, and has a major impact on the Eurasian continent and the entire world, Xi said, calling on the two countries to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and work together to inject greater stability and certainty into the world.

The meeting between the two leaders holds significant importance both bilaterally and globally. At the critical juncture of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany, the two countries vigorously enhanced strategic mutual trust, further solidifying and developing bilateral relations. Against the backdrop of escalating regional conflicts and hotspot issues, as well as the uncertainty of global recovery and the growing headwinds of trade protectionism, this meeting of the leaders of both countries has brought rare stability and confidence to the world. The scene of the two leaders taking a walk and chatting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in the spring has quickly garnered attention and positive reviews from media outlets around the world. Even some US and European media outlets that were initially skeptical of Scholz’s visit have changed their tone accordingly, affirming the signal of continued cooperation conveyed by the leaders of China and Germany during the meeting.

As a strategically significant interaction between China and Germany, the dialogue between the leaders of the two countries has clarified the direction of China-Germany relations as well as the broader China-Europe relations at four levels. First, mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Germany is not a “risk,” but the guarantee for a stable bilateral relationship and an opportunity for the future. Second, both sides should promote the win-win features of their relations and enable each other to succeed. Third, the two sides should stay vigilant against the rise of protectionism, adopt an objective and dialectical view on the issue of capacity through a market and global perspective and based on the laws of economics, and devote more efforts to the discussion on cooperation. Fourth, the two countries share a lot in common on the issue of world multipolarity. A multipolar world is, in essence, one where countries with different civilizations, systems and paths respect each other and coexist in peace.

The above-mentioned ideas are also widely recognized and accepted at the social level in both countries. Scholz’s visit to China has followed a trend of starting low and ending high in domestic and European public opinion. Scholz’s visit to China was initially seen as a betrayal of Europe’s “de-risking” campaign. However, as Scholz’s visit unfolded, the German delegation and European public opinion saw and understood the real and comprehensive China, gaining a deeper understanding of the mutual benefit and win-win nature of the relationship. Scholz’s statement that “Chinese cars would be welcome on the market in Germany” was also warmly received in China for the same underlying reason. Under the conditions of a market economy, it is widely agreed that the best “protection” is to maintain competitiveness rather than increase trade barriers. This is believed to be inspiring for other countries as well.

The significance of the interaction between China and Germany for the world lies in highlighting how to promote mutual understanding and improve cognition through high-quality communication at a critical moment of global development and transformation, and when the relationship between the two sides is in a state of both opportunities and challenges. Some people have assumed that China and Germany cannot discuss or agree on sensitive issues. However, the experience of high-quality communication between China and Germany in the past allows both sides to engage in constructive dialogue. As two major countries, China and Germany being able to reach a common understanding in these areas will have implications beyond bilateral relations, having a benchmark significance for the entire world and impacting the maintenance and stability of global trade and supply chains in a practical way.

At the end of Scholz’s visit to China, both sides agreed to implement the results of the seventh China-Germany inter-governmental consultations, deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, and technology. The German chancellor and Chinese premier witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation agreements, including in the field of automated and connected driving. This undoubtedly reflects the practical level of the two countries in seeking consensus in the face of differences and exploring the feasibility of development through cooperation to manage competition. Facing the new political and economic situation in the world, it is believed that China-Germany relations have the ability to face reality and have the courage to face the future, and will surely be able to achieve long-term stability. As President Xi said, the more instability in the world, the greater the need for the two sides to strengthen the resilience and vitality of their relations, keep to the overall direction of cooperation and development in growing bilateral ties, and stick to the characterization of all-round strategic partnership.

17/04/2024 by Rummy news

Chinese woman referee makes history

Illustration:Liu Xiangya/GT

Chinese soccer marked a historic moment during the sixth round of the 2024 season of the Chinese Super League on Sunday.

In the match between Shanghai Port and Shandong Taishan, international assistant referee Xie Lijun served as the second assistant referee, becoming the first woman in the Chinese mainland to officiate in the country’s top flight men’s soccer league.

Shanghai outgunned Shandong 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller while Xie’s calm performance ensured the smooth progress of the game.

The 34-year-old Xie said after the match that she was a little nervous before the start of the match. “But when the whistle blew, all my attention and focus were on the game, and the nervousness disappeared. I believe I’ve also reached a new starting point,” Xie said.

The pace of men’s matches is faster, attracting more attention, and thus the pressure is higher. The physical demands are also higher, Xie noted.

When asked to rate her officiating from 1 to 10, Xie gave it 7.5 points. “There is a difference in physicality and intensity between men’s and women’s soccer matches. In situations like ruling fouls and making technical judgments, it’s actually clearer in men’s matches than in women’s matches,” she said.

Following her debut in the men’s league, she has now set her sights on officiating at the men’s World Cup in the future and mentioned that her past experiences have helped her develop excellent physical fitness.

This milestone moment is sure to get more women and girls interested in soccer and sports officiating while setting a powerful example for fellow female referees, encouraging them to aspire to greater heights in their soccer careers. It will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for future generations of female referees, motivating them to excel in major international competitions.

In addition, having women involved in refereeing brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the game. This can lead to a more nuanced understanding of the sport and potentially contribute to fairer and more balanced officiating.

The impact of this milestone on the development of soccer lies in its potential to foster a more inclusive and diverse sporting culture. Breaking gender barriers and promoting equal opportunities can attract more talent to the sport, both on and off the field. Additionally, it sends a message to fans, players, and officials alike that soccer is a sport for everyone.

In recent years, more woman referees have made their mark in the men’s competitions.

In the match between Costa Rica and Germany during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Stephanie Frappart of France became the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.

Frappart was also the first woman to referee a French top-flight league and UEFA Champions League game.

Rebecca Welch became the first female referee to take charge of an English Premier League match when she officiated Burnley’s 2-0 win against Fulham in November.

Selecting outstanding female referees to officiate men’s professional league matches is also one of the measures announced by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) before the start of this season to enhance the professional competence of domestic league referees, as well as improving the management and supervision of referees.

Efforts to promote female referees’ presence at men’s matches has received not only support from the CFA but also backing from international male referees.

During a conference for national women’s soccer referees in December, renowned referee Ma Ning expressed his support for capable female referees officiating in men’s leagues.

It was Ma who took charge of Sunday’s game and helped Xie realize her dream.

As an elite assistant referee under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Xie has officiated in previous FIFA events and was the only Chinese referee at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Currently working as a teacher of yoga, soccer, and volleyball courses at the Sichuan University Jinjiang College, Xie began her officiating journey in December 2009 when she first raised a sideline flag at a high school event in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. In 2019, after ascending to the ranks of accredited international referees, she stepped onto the stage of the Women’s World Cup in France.

“Nowadays, it’s becoming a trend for female referees to officiate in men’s matches. It’s already common for female referees in the English Premier League to officiate men’s matches. Currently, there is still a gap between Chinese referees and European counterparts. I believe that the CFA has a clear plan for nurturing female referees, and in the future, we will see more female referees participating in men’s matches,” said Xie.

Xie’s impressive performance will encourage more female referees.

It signifies modernization in the world of soccer and sports in general. Embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for women in all aspects of the game reflects a progressive step for the Chinese league and the sport as a whole.

Xie said she hopes that more women referees can take part in the Women’s World Cup and men’s competitions in the years ahead.

“My suggestion is to watch more men’s matches and feel the atmosphere of the games. I believe more female referees will be present at men’s matches and stepping onto the World Cup stage,” she said.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]

16/04/2024 by Rummy news

Chinese modernization to inject strong impetus into world economy, top legislator says at Boao Forum

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 in South China's Hainan Province on March 28, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 in South China’s Hainan Province on March 28, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

China’s top legislator Zhao Leji on Thursday reaffirmed China’s commitment to continuously opening its market to the world. He said that Chinese modernization through high-quality development will inject strong impetus into the global economy during a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024.

At the BFA opening plenary session in Boao, South China’s Hainan Province, regional and world leaders, including Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, commended China’s critical role and great contribution to global peace and development in Asia and around the world through its high-quality development and various global initiatives.

The BFA kicked off on Tuesday, one day after the China Development Forum (CDF) concluded in Beijing. Both the BFA and the CDF drew several regional and global leaders, multinational executives and academics. This year’s BFA and CDF carried extra significance, as Chinese officials, through dozens of meetings, clearly mapped out the path for high-quality development and opening-up, which has obviously boosted confidence among the participants, experts said.

China opportunities

“China is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts with high-quality development, which will inject strong impetus into the world economy, and provide more opportunities for the development of all countries, especially our neighbors in Asia,” Zhao, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, said at the opening plenary of the BFA on Thursday.

Noting a series of Chinese efforts to foster innovation-led, open and green development, Zhao said that China’s door to the world will never close, but will only open wider, while inviting countries and businesses around the world to invest in China.

“Investing in China is investing in the future. All countries are sincerely welcome to board the express train of China’s development and join hands to work for a global modernization featuring peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and prosperity for all,” Zhao said, as he urged all parties to reinforce confidence and join hands to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and create a better future for Asia and the world at large amid serious and complicated global challenges.

This message of China’s commitment to high-quality development and high-standard opening-up has been reiterated by Chinese officials at both the CDF, which drew more than 100 international guests, including dozens of global CEOs, and the BFA, which has brought about 2,000 participants, including heads of states, from more than 60 countries. The message has also resonated well with many participants.

At the opening plenary of the BFA Annual Conference on Thursday morning, several regional and world leaders commended China’s approach of openness, peace and development, while also rejecting protectionism and unilateralism.

“Indeed, we meet today against a backdrop of unprecedented global uncertainty, fueled by geopolitical turbulence and economic upheaval,” Tokayev said at the opening session, noting that while challenges lie ahead, Asia is well positioned to continue driving global growth and development in the years to come.

“In this regard, the Boao Forum has emerged as an embodiment of the Asian innovative approach to achieving universal economic progress. It has also established itself as a prominent symbol of China’s commitment toward global development,” the Kazakh president said.

Based in China, the BFA has become a premium platform for discussions on regional and global affairs since its inception over two decades ago. And the forum continues to gain popularity and prominence, as more countries are participating in the BFA Annual Conference and more countries and regions join in the platform.

This year, Nauru, a Pacific Island country, participated in the BFA Annual Conference for the first time, Nauruan President David Adeang said in remarks at the opening plenary session in Boao.

“I am honored to be here to share our perspectives as a Pacific, small island, developing state. We are grateful for this forum, for providing this critical platform to address the pressing challenges that confront the Asia-Pacific region and the world,” said Adeang, who has been in China for a state visit after the two countries recently established diplomatic ties.

“Nauru has recently established bilateral relations with China to recognize and support wholeheartedly the one-China principle. This partnership puts Nauru on the right side of its history and benefits both our nations and fosters mutual respect developments and prosperity,” Adeang said. He noted that China’s vision for promoting economic globalization and creating new prospects for growth and development is vital for small countries such as Nauru.

Boosting confidence

Such sentiments toward China’s contributions to regional and global development have been echoed by other participants throughout the BFA Annual Conference in Boao, showing that China’s clear signal of continuous development and opening-up has boosted confidence among government officials, business executives and academia.

“What really stood out at this year’s CDF and the BFA is that China clearly laid out its path for high-quality development and cooperation with the rest of the world. This has drawn great enthusiasm among foreign guests in our discussions,” Wang Yiwei, a professor at the School of International Relations at Renmin University of China, who attended both the CDF in Beijing and the BFA in Boao, told the Global Times on Thursday. “There have been some noises claiming that China talks a lot about opening-up, but hasn’t done enough. However, this time China has shown concrete steps.”

In recent months, China has taken a slew of measures to further open its market to the world. It has waived visa requirements for citizens of many countries in Asia and Europe, boosting people-to-people exchanges. This year’s Government Work Report said that China will lift all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. It has released a nationwide negative list for the services sector, which further expanded access for foreign businesses. It has also issued a 24-point action plan to improve business environment and attract foreign investment.

Despite China’s concrete opening-up measures, Western media outlets, in their relentless campaign to smear the Chinese economy, have been painting a picture of deteriorating environment in China for foreign businesses. But over the past week or so at both the CDF and the BFA, senior Chinese officials’ back-to-back meetings with multinational business executives put on a vivid display of China’s openness, in contrast to some Western governments’ rising protectionism and hostility toward foreign businesses.

Some foreign experts attending the BFA also said that China’s business environment has improved and the country has become more attractive for global businesses.

In addition to China’s continuous opening-up, China’s clear path to pursuing innovation-led and green development has also drawn great interest from foreign officials, business leaders and academics at both the CDF and the BFA. “As China made the path clear for innovation and green transition, they are very interested,” Wang said.

“China has shown the world how to build renewable energy assets at scale, it has shown us how to drive down the cost of renewable energy, and… it must show us how to use them,” Andrew Forrest, chairman and founder of Australian iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), said at the BFA on Thursday, according to a transcript FMG sent to the Global Times.

Forrest enthusiastically called for cooperation among Asian countries to protect the environment and tackle climate change. “Once again, Asia, we can be the example, we can be the proof of what a peaceful, pollution free world must follow,” he said, adding that fostering cooperation to improve the standard of living for everyone is what the BFA stands for.

05/04/2024 by Rummy news