CNAD-#60- China's 🚘🚀💹✈️☢️📡🛰️ Updates about 🇨🇳+(🇷🇺🇹🇭🇮🇷🌍🇭🇷🇹🇯🇰🇬🇿🇦🇲🇾🇸🇦)&📚🏛️

Everyday Briefing: 2024-05-20

🧬Science and Technology⚙️

🛰️ China's Tiangong space station has successfully established a self-cycling aquatic ecosystem using four zebrafish and four grams of goldfish algae, according to experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The project, which began on April 25, involved astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft and four zebrafish. The zebrafish showed directional behavior anomalies in the microgravity environment on Tiangong. The researchers plan to use water and fish egg samples to study the impact of the space environment on vertebrates' growth, development, and behavior, as well as the material cycle of confined ecosystems in space. Zebrafish, with genetic similarity to humans, can be used for research on many human diseases.

🚀 China launched a Long March-2D carrier rocket, sending four satellites into preset orbit, marking the 523rd flight mission of the Long March rocket series, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi.

📡 China has built a mid-latitude high-frequency radar network in its northern regions to provide high-quality detection data for global space weather forecasts and warnings. The first batch of scientific detection results were released at an international workshop of the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), which opened in Beijing. The network, constructed by the National Space Science Center (NSSC) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is part of the second phase of China's Meridian Project, a space weather monitoring network. The ionosphere, home to charged particles and spacecraft, can disrupt signals. Six high-frequency coherent scattering radars were set up in Jilin Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northern China. The network is expected to join the SuperDARN, a global network of scientific radars monitoring near-Earth space conditions, and enable real-time data exchange and sharing with databases in the UK and Canada.

💹 China's "new third board," a financing platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has seen a surge in innovation as 226 companies upgraded to the layer. The NEEQ innovation layer, which focuses on sci-tech companies, has special thresholds for profits, revenue, and capitalization. Over half of the 226 companies reported net profits of over 30 million yuan, with 73 identified as national innovative SMEs and three in high-tech industries. The NEEQ aims to improve the quality of the innovation layer, which currently owns over 2,000 companies, and support SMEs in the capital market. In 2023, companies on the board raised 18.02 billion yuan to replenish liquidity and pay back loans.

☢️ China's China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has begun construction on a 2 million kW offshore photovoltaic (PV) project in Lianyungang, eastern Jiangsu Province. The project aims to reduce marine ecosystem impact and provide clean energy to neighboring cities. The project is expected to be connected to the grid in September 2024 and at full capacity in 2025. The average annual on-grid electricity will reach 2.234 billion kWh, meeting the annual production and domestic electricity demand of 230,000 people in moderately developed countries.

🎢Business China💹

🇷🇺 The eighth China-Russia Expo in Harbin, China, attracted 75,000 visitors on its first public day, with Chinese and foreign trade representatives and visitors filling the 388,000-square meters of exhibition space. The Amur region of the Russian Far East showcased specialty products such as honey, soybean oil, and sausage, while local agricultural exporters showcased honey, soybean oil, and sausage. Local logistics companies also sought cooperation with Chinese firms. The expo's activities are held from May 16 to 21, with the first public day attracted 75,000 visitors. At the Russian wine house booth, Eugenia Chvanova, sales and export development representative of the Abrau-Durso winery, sold five bottles in an hour after visitors flocked to the exhibition hall. The company has seven types of wine products on display, including a high-end sparkling wine priced at 300 yuan (about 41.5 U.S. dollars).

🇭🇷 Croatian economist Ljubo Jurcic has criticized the US government's decision to increase tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) imports, stating that it is more of a political measure than an economic one. Jurcic argued that the US's motive is to hurt the Chinese economy, suppress China's growth, and preserve the US's leading position in the world. He argued that the US should focus on technological development to catch up and overtake competitors. Jurcic argued that the US high tariffs aim to completely ban the export of Chinese EVs to the US market, which would detriment both the American EV industry and American consumers. He also noted that the US tariffs would hardly impact Chinese EVs, as they are primarily produced in China.

💹 China's Ministry of Commerce has added General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security to its unreliable entities list. The companies will be prohibited from engaging in China-related import or export activities and making new investments in China. Senior executives will be prohibited from entering China, and their work permits will be revoked. The ministry claims that Caplugs of the United States circumvented unreliable entities list regulations by transferring goods purchased from China to unreliable entities. The ministry urges Caplugs to take necessary measures to prevent such transfers and submit relevant evidence to the unreliable entities list office.

🚘 China's focus on low-carbon development has led to a new energy boom in the world's second-largest economy, contributing to the global green transition. The country's commitment to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 has been accelerated by renewable energy capacity, industrial upgrades, and a world-leading position in new energy vehicles (NEVs), solar panels, and lithium battery production. China's NEV fleet has more than quadrupled since 2020, making it the world's largest producer and consumer of NEVs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that China will account for almost 60% of new renewable capacity expected to become operational globally by 2028. China's pro-green-growth policies, enormous domestic market, complete industrial and supply chains, and rich talent pool contribute to the new energy buildup. China's continued technological innovation and R&D also contribute to the sector's competitive advantages.

China's new energy vehicles (NEVs) have a global competitive advantage due to technological breakthroughs, well-developed industrial chains, and an open and innovative industry ecosystem. Chinese automakers account for four of the top 10 NEV manufacturers globally, with BYD being the world's largest NEV producer. China has registered a compound growth rate of over 70% in both NEV sales and output over the past decade. The country leads in new technologies such as high-voltage charging and the application of medium and advanced self-driving technology. The NEV sector in China has a fully-fledged industrial chain, ranging from component manufacturing to full vehicle production and from material supply to battery recycling. The open and competitive industry ecosystem is crucial in fostering the growth of China's new energy car manufacturers. China is the world's largest auto market, and fierce market competition has phased out inferior entities, allowing high-quality companies and products to survive and thrive.

In between, China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sector has been criticized for "Chinese overcapacity" by Western nations. However, government officials and industry experts have argued that this assertion is unfounded. They highlighted the importance of Chinese NEVs in the global shift towards sustainability and the political underpinnings of Western containment strategies and protectionist measures. In 2023, China's NEV sales reached 9.49 million units, slightly lower than the production of 9.59 million units. However, this slight production surplus does not signify overcapacity but rather fosters competition and technological advancements. The speakers also refuted Western nations' portrayal of China's escalating NEV exports as evidence of overcapacity, stating that export-based reasoning cannot hold water. They highlighted that a nation's production capacity surpassing domestic demand is a common global phenomenon, reflecting comparative advantages and labor division.

🇹🇭 A training class on fruit logistics has opened in Haikou, China's capital, for 10 participants from southern Thailand. The class will teach cutting-edge knowledge of tropical fruit logistics and processing, as well as the latest technologies and development trends in modern agriculture and smart agriculture. The trainees will conduct field surveys to learn about the development status and market potential of China's tropical fruit industry. The seven-day class, sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce and organized by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, aims to deepen cooperation between China and Thailand in tropical fruit logistics and processing, modern agriculture, and jointly promote the development of the two countries' agricultural industries.

🛣️China-Foreign Affairs⛳️

🇮🇷 Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident. He expressed deep sympathy for Mokhber, the Raisi family, and the Iranian government and people. Xi praised Raisi for his contributions to Iran's security, stability, and national development, and for his efforts to strengthen the China-Iran strategic partnership. He emphasized the importance of the traditional friendship between China and Iran and urged continued consolidation and development of the partnership.

🇹🇯 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin held talks in Dushanbe, highlighting the mutual respect and trust between the two countries. Despite differences in size and national conditions, the two countries have always treated each other as equals. Wang said that the strategic partnership between China and Tajikistan has reached new levels, aiming to build a community with a shared future. He expressed China's willingness to help Tajikistan accelerate its industrialization process, enhance its economic and social development levels, and embark on a successful path of development and revitalization. He emphasized the need to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, leverage complementary advantages, and speed up quality improvement.

China is also willing to expand trade with Tajikistan, tap into connectivity potential, advance cooperation in mineral resources, and explore new areas of cooperation such as new energy and green transformation. China expressed its support to Tajikistan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and opposed external forces interfering in its internal affairs. The two countries will explore new measures to increase trade, expand agricultural cooperation, and speed up major connectivity projects. China will also consider importing more high-quality Tajik agricultural products.

🇰🇬 China and Kyrgyzstan are set to strengthen their Belt and Road cooperation and multilateral cooperation, according to visiting Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong. Liu, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov to discuss the progress of China-Kyrgyzstan relations. He stated that China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to implement the consensus reached, support each other on core interests, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks. Kyrgyzstan is also willing to work with China to advance Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen cooperation in connectivity, trade and investment, cultural tourism, and other fields, promoting common development and improving people's well-being. Liu also visited the Confucius Institute at Bishkek State University and the Altynken mining project.

🏝️ China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, stated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, regardless of the political situation on Taiwan. He emphasized that most countries and international organizations support China's cause of opposing Taiwan independence and promoting reunification. Wang criticized political manipulation and personal shows by some countries on Taiwan-related issues, which violated the one-China principle. He emphasized that the general trend of history is unstoppable, and "Taiwan independence" is doomed to run into a dead end. He predicted that "using Taiwan to contain China" will fail, and that "the day will come when China is completely reunified."

🇿🇦 Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with South African Navy Chief Monde Lobese in Beijing, agreeing to promote military ties between the two countries. Despite being thousands of miles apart, the militaries of China and South Africa share close exchanges and naval cooperation. Both sides agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen cooperation, and work together to address risks and challenges. South Africa is willing to work with China to push bilateral military ties to new heights.

🇲🇾 Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Communications, Teo Nie Ching, has emphasized the importance of cooperation with China for Malaysia's telecommunications and digital development goals. She highlighted the mutual benefits of collaboration and the potential for economic development through complementary strengths. Malaysia's government also emphasizes the importance of training young people in artificial intelligence to remain competitive in this field. Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, emphasized the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) in developing new industries, business models, and kinetic energy. He emphasized the need for international cooperation and openness to address global issues and promote peaceful development. The China Smart Industry Trade and Culture Exhibition 2024 brings together nearly 100 companies and organizations from China, Malaysia, and Singapore, covering fields such as big data, cloud computing, telecommunications, and education.

🇸🇦 Chinese official He Lifeng met with Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan in Beijing, discussing China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade relations, global economic governance, and other issues. He emphasized China's modernization drive and Saudi Arabia's implementation of its Vision 2030. He suggested that the two countries should focus on implementing the consensus reached, strengthening development strategies, and deepening economic cooperation. Al-Jadaan expressed Saudi Arabia's importance in developing relations with China and expressed willingness to work together to tap into practical cooperation and promote a comprehensive strategic partnership.

🌍 China-Africa cooperation is characterized by sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith. The first Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation on green energy development. Since then, it has been an important part of China-Africa cooperation, featuring in 10 cooperation plans, eight major initiatives, and nine programs within the FOCAC framework. The Garissa Solar Power Plant in Kenya is the first major solar plant to tap into the country's vast solar resources and the largest grid-connected solar power plant in East and Central Africa. In Uganda, the Karuma hydroelectric plant, built by a Chinese company, is the largest power-generating installation in the country, cutting 3.48 million tons of carbon emissions annually and generating 200 million-plus U.S. dollars in revenue for the government.

🎎Cultural🪭Insights 🎬

🏛️ A regional museum association was inaugurated in Lhasa, China's Xizang Autonomous Region, to enhance museum services and audience experiences. The association aims to expand Tibetan culture's influence in international exchanges. The association will also strengthen the protection of movable cultural relics in monasteries. In 2023, Xizang's 43 museums attracted 2 million visitors.

🏛️ A museum in Beijing has been inaugurated to offer tactile and auditory experiences to visually impaired individuals. The 1,050-square-meter museum, located within the China Braille Library, features over 700 exhibits and a section for ophthalmology knowledge. The head of China Braille Press pledged to build the museum into a comprehensive hub.

✈️ China has resumed its flights from Beijing to Geneva, marking a significant revival in tourism for Chinese travelers. In Q1 2024, Chinese mainland tourists spent a total of 153,723 nights in Switzerland, an increase of 92.2% from the same period last year. The resumption of flights between China and Switzerland is a major contributor to the spike in Chinese tourist arrivals. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) reports that scheduled international passenger flights have resumed to approximately 73% of their pre-pandemic levels. China now links with 70 countries, with five new destinations added since the pandemic. New international routes have been launched, including the Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo route and Shenzhen-Mexico City route. China also implements a visa-free policy for several countries to facilitate easier travel for its citizens.

📚 An Weizhi, a 72-year-old shepherd from Minghua Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, northwest China's Gansu Province, has become known for his dedication to promoting a reading culture in his community. With over 6,000 books in his collection, An was inspired to share his passion for reading with villagers in Minghua, a region facing limited access to educational resources. Inspired by the transformative power of knowledge, An established a village book house in his doorway, offering a diverse selection of literature for all ages. The 60-square-meter facility opened after two years of preparation, offering classic tales, brain-teasing puzzles, and literary works for children and adults alike. An has a strong sense of achievement and responsibility beyond the confines of the book house, actively engaging with readers and expanding his collection of children's books. Many children who frequently visit the library have developed a good habit of borrowing books, and An never locks the door when he goes out to facilitate reading for everyone.

🏛️ President Xi Jinping, the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has highlighted China's rapid development of the tourism sector since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. China has become the world's largest domestic tourism market, the largest source of international tourists, and a main destination for international travelers. The tourism industry has become an emerging strategic pillar, contributing to people's wellbeing and happiness. However, Xi stressed the need for China to implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, uphold fundamental principles, enhance quality and efficiency, pursue integrated development, and coordinate government and market efforts. This will help China better meet people's growing needs for a better life, economic development, spiritual home building, China's image showcasing, and mutual learning among civilizations. He also urged all regions and departments to strengthen their sense of responsibility and mission in their work.

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