Editor's Note:

A dedicated group of individuals tirelessly patrol the South China Sea year-round, protecting China's national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights. These individuals make up the China Coast Guard (CCG).

In the eyes of some foreign media outlets, they are seen as "aggressive actors in international disputes." But what is the true role of the CCG in the South China Sea? Beyond their legal, reasonable and professional law enforcement which were usually defamed by the US and its allies, what do CCG officers patrolling in Huangyan Dao (Huangyan Island) actually do in their work and how are their daily lives? What drives them to bravely face challenges and remain resolute at sea?

Recently, Global Times reporter Lin Xiaoyi interviewed CCG law enforcement personnel on board the Wanshan vessel, who had just completed their mission in Huangyan Dao at the end of July. For these officers, the island is part of the coastal defense of their country, a workplace, and also their spiritual homeland.

In an effort to dispel misinformation and blatant biases, we seek to provide a more accurate and authentic portrayal of the true presence of the CCG in the South China Sea.

This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present.

Steadfast sea guardians

Gazing out into the endless sea, Captain Yin Gang of the Wanshan has always focused on the task at hand. "Keep an eye on the waters near Huangyan Dao, and do not let go of the waters that our ancestors have protected for generations," he continuously reminds his crew as they embark on their mission.

"Our main task is to arrive at the designated task area on time, deploy for patrol, and promptly identify and drive away any unauthorized vessels entering our territorial waters," Yin told the Global Times.

Every maritime officer on board the Wanshan ship has a profound understanding of the significant importance of Huangyan Dao, which is part of the Nansha Islands and is an inherent part of China's territory. China has continuously, peacefully, and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over the island.

Yin pointed out that each duty position on their vessel has established a 24-hour rotating duty system, ensuring real-time awareness of the patrol area's situation and the ability to respond immediately to any occurrences.

As a speed boat driver for Wanshan, Gao Xin is at the forefront of the action in the waters near Huangyan Dao. From driving away foreign ships trespassing into the area to combating smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, Gao approaches each mission with utmost seriousness: He ensures that law enforcement personnel are safely transported to the target vessel at top speed for boarding control and law enforcement inspections.

"We meticulously analyze and perfect every aspect of our law enforcement procedures through rigorous training, drills, and evaluations," Gao said.

Qiu Canhui, in charge of collecting evidence for law enforcement operations, is a firsthand witness to the professionalism and standardization of CCG's law enforcement efforts. Armed with a camera and a law enforcement recorder, he meticulously documents every step of the process on board the vessel.

Contrary to the negative portrayal of China's maritime law enforcement by some Western politicians and media outlets as "harsh" and "aggressive" in the South China Sea disputes, Qiu stressed that they have a solid and comprehensive evidence chain to demonstrate that the CCG's actions are always lawful, reasonable and professional.

"Some nations accuse China of 'bullying the weak' in the South China Sea, but the reality is quite different," Gao stressed. "Our forces remain professional and restrained, while those labeled as 'weak' often engage in provocative behavior. We will not tolerate such actions," he said.

"The presence of the CCG in the South China Sea brings reassurance," Gao told the Global Times.

Having grown up in a family of fishermen in Weihai, East China's Shandong Province, Gao understands the challenges faced by those in the fishing industry. He takes pride in the fact that whenever he and his colleagues visit and support fishing boats, the fishermen always welcome them with warm smiles.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the CCG's maritime emergency response service platform. Since the launch of the platform, the CCG has effectively responded to over 68,000 incidents and carried out more than 6,900 rescues.

On July 10, a CCG vessel belonging to the law enforcement formation of the Wanshan launched a rescue operation and helped rescue a Philippine fishing boat in distress in the waters near Huangyan Dao, with two people injured and in critical condition on board. After the incident, the Philippine side expressed gratitude for the humanitarian rescue by the CCG.

Facing storm together
While in waters near Huangyan Dao, Yin found solace in immersing himself in the pages of the popular book The Three-Body Problem in his spare time. He deeply feels the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. "Being out on the deep ocean only reinforces this notion for me, where even the largest ship feels like a mere speck in comparison," Yin shared with the Global Times.

Navigating the vast ocean is always a daunting task for all ships, but the brave crew of the CCG faces these dangers head-on rather than shying away from them.

In Yin's opinion, the smooth operation of a vessel relies on a cohesive team of brave and skilled individuals working together at sea.

For instance, the mechanical and electrical department is tasked with overseeing the engine room. This team works tirelessly to maintain nearly two-thirds of the ship's mechanical equipment.

Stepping into the engine room is entering a world of noise and heat, with machines roaring and temperatures soaring to above 40 C.

"In such a challenging environment, our duty officers must navigate through the chaos with a flashlight and walkie-talkie, relying on their heightened senses to inspect each piece of equipment," said Zhang Kaihua, the chief of the mechanical and electrical department, noting that many members of this department endure hearing loss and disrupted sleep patterns due to the demanding nature of their work.

Although the mechanical and electrical department may not be directly involved in frontline law enforcement, their crucial role in managing essential resources like oil and water cannot be understated.

"Despite the challenges we face, we are the backbone of the Wanshan. We are committed to ensuring the vessel's vitality, no matter what obstacles stand ahead," Zhang emphasized.

The members of the cooking corps in the vessel also face unique challenges as they work to provide four meals a day for all the officers on board.

In the typhoon season, the ship is tossed by strong winds and rough waves, making the otherwise simple task of cooking near impossible. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the cooks stick to the kitchen, preparing a simple but hearty lamb noodle soup to comfort the hungry stomachs and weary hearts of every officer.

Before each voyage, the officers bring hometown specialties on board, creating a kitchen filled with nostalgia from all corners of China. Cook squad leader Tang Yiming used his pots and pans to illustrate these nostalgia among the crew, although he rarely contacts his own family while at sea.

"When I use a satellite phone to contact my family, hearing their voices on the phone might make me homesick and worried about receiving bad news," Tang said.

The free family phone calls set up on the ship trigger a surge of longing among the officers. Fortunately, the "3580" hotline set up by the Third Directly Subordinate Bureau of CCG is always available to listen to the concerns of the families of the officers at sea, providing assistance and assurance so the officers can focus on their duties.

A sense of honor
On board the Wanshan, the CCG maritime law enforcement officers have a special tradition of taking photos in their uniforms in the waters of Huangyan Dao.

Whenever the weather is clear, Qiu busies himself taking photos of his colleagues on deck and then prints and laminates them, offering the printed and laminated copies as small gifts.

"Everyone in the photos is beaming with pride and satisfaction, as wearing the CCG law enforcement uniform fills us all with a sense of honor," Qiu shared.

For Tang, the most unforgettable moments of each patrol mission are the arrivals and departures to and from Huangyan Dao.

"Every time we dock at the island, it feels like coming home to a big family. The familiarity brings comfort as we know this place well. And as we leave the island after completing our mission, there's a sense of relief, because we can return to our own homes with our heads held high," Tang explained.

As cultural pillars aboard the Wanshan, Qiu and Tang work seamlessly together. During traditional festivals like the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, they organize special performances and treat the officers to delicious delicacies. The atmosphere is always lively, with everyone singing sea shanties and their favorite patriotic songs like "The Motherland Has Entrusted Me with a Sea."

When they return home, the officers proudly show their families the stunning scenery around Huangyan Dao captured in their photos - towering waves, soaring seabirds, playful schools of fish, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and their own confident and sunny faces as guardians of the sea.

"Family members also talk to me more frequently about the news they see regarding the South China Sea and the CCG." Yin feels very gratified as the CCG sails through the vast seas of the motherland, deepening the public's understanding of the South China Sea.

"More people are aware that China has such a beautiful and rich maritime area," he said. "Now more people are taking action to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. The sea area we are guarding will be more peaceful and beautiful."

As the Global Times concluded the interview, the Wanshan docks at the pier silently, exuding an air of serenity and determination. The crew members bustled about, diligently preparing for the next exciting chapter of their maritime journey.

China on Friday initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the EU's provisional anti-subsidy measures against Chinese EVs at the WTO to safeguard the interests of its electric vehicle industry's development and global green transition cooperation.

The findings in the EU's preliminary ruling lack factual and legal basis, seriously violate WTO rules, and jeopardize the overall situation of global cooperation in addressing climate change. We urge the EU to immediately rectify its wrong practices and jointly safeguard China-EU economic and trade cooperation and the stability of the EV industry and supply chains.

Shanghai authorities have released a work plan lately that aims to convert all buses and taxi fleets in the city to new-energy vehicles (NEVs) by the end of 2027. The plan comes as more Chinese cities are doubling down green efforts in the transport sector. 

The plan, titled "Shanghai large-scale infrastructure and equipment renewal special work plan (2024-2027)," was jointly issued by the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission and other relevant departments, aiming to promote the transformation and upgrade of transportation infrastructure and equipment toward green, digital, and intelligent solutions.

The plan sets the annual vehicle renewal rate at above 9 percent of the total, and under the plan, a total of 6,200 buses and 11,000 cabs will be renewed before 2027. 

It also calls for accelerating the electrification of the city's taxi fleet. All newly added or renewed cruising taxis in principle should use NEVs, and it is estimated that the number of renewed taxis will reach 2,800 units per year. 

The plan also encourages the city to actively pilot intelligent taxis and explore the application of autonomous driving technology in the taxi sector in certain areas with suitable conditions.

With regard to city buses, the plan stipulated that all newly added and renewed vehicles should be fully converted to new energy models, with an annual renewal of approximately 1,550 new -energy public buses. 

The plan also encourages the application of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in freight transportation. It calls for advancing the research and application of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles while accelerating the improvement of basic infrastructure such as hydrogen refueling stations.

According to the city's earlier transportation plan, more than 80 percent of buses and taxis in Shanghai will be powered by renewable energy by 2025. 

The city expects fully-electric cars to make up for more than half of auto sales in 2025. It also sets the goal of expanding the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to 10,000 by that time.

Beijing city also plans to promote NEV development. According to a recently announced action plan, the Chinese capital city aims to boost the number of running NEVs to 2 million by 2025. 

The efforts by Beijing, Shanghai and may other Chinese cities align with the national goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

According to the China Passenger Car Association, sales of NEVs in China's domestic market expanded 36.9 percent year-on-year to reach 878,000 units in July. The number means that the sales of NEV in July accounted for 51.1 percent of all auto sales, up 15 percentage points from the same period last year.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reportedly considering a visit to China, as part of the new Labour government's efforts to recalibrate UK's relationship with China, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. 

While neither country has yet publicly confirmed the report, such a trip could help both sides enhance communication to address their differences and pave the way for pragmatic, win-win cooperation, Chinese experts said on Wednesday. In particular, there is huge potential for the two countries to boost economic and trade cooperation, as many UK businesses are keen on expanding in the Chinese market, experts noted. 

According to the report on Tuesday, plans for the trip have not yet been finalized and no date has been set. However, if it takes place, the trip would be only the second by a UK foreign secretary in the past six years. Before becoming UK's prime minister a month ago, Keir Starmer said that his government would carry out what he described as an "audit" of UK-China ties as "one of the first things that we will do," Bloomberg reported. 

Speaking at a regular press conference on Wednesday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that she had no information to share about the trip at the moment, and referred to a recent meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries.

"We are positive and open towards enhancing bilateral exchanges and cooperation," Mao said, "We hope to work with the UK on the basis of mutual respect and win-win cooperation for new progress in bilateral relations, so as to bring more benefits to both countries and the world." 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Lammy on July 26 on the sidelines of the meetings of foreign ministers of southeastern and eastern Asian countries in Vientiane, Laos where the two sides agreed to work together for closer communication and stable relations, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Notably, Wang called on the two sides to properly manage their differences and carry out communication and exchanges on the basis of equality and mutual respect, while urging the UK to provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

Experts said that if Lammy's trip indeed takes place, it would provide good opportunities for the two sides to further strengthen communication to address their differences and promote mutually beneficial cooperation, as bilateral ties have been seriously undermined by recent UK governments' hostility toward China. 

Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, said that previous UK governments have taken a short-sighted and ideology-based approach toward China, which has seriously damaged bilateral ties. 

"The bilateral relationship has been very tense, as the UK has adopted a very unfriendly attitude toward China," Zhao told the Global Times on Wednesday.

In addition to hostility on the political side, the UK has also adopted a protectionist stance against Chinese businesses and products. Among the major hostile moves, the UK in 2022 moved to oust China General Nuclear from a nuclear power plant with a huge payout. It also banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei from its 5G network following the pressure from the US, despite a massive cost in doing so.

While it remains to be seen whether the new UK government will maintain such a hostile attitude toward China, there remains huge potential for pragmatic, win-win cooperation, experts said. 

Zhao said that the UK faces a chaotic economic situation, and it has been falling far behind in its green and digital transitions. If the new UK government tries to address these challenges, "it must engage with China," Zhao said, noting that China and the UK can cooperate in a wide range of areas, including green development, the digital sector and climate change. 

During the meeting with Wang in July, Lammy said that the UK side looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in areas including culture, education, healthcare, technology innovation and climate change, according to Xinhua. 

Many UK businesses are keen on expanding in the Chinese market, as China continues to further open up its market to foreign businesses in a wide range of areas, including manufacturing and financial services. 

On August 1, Standard Chartered Bank (China) formally opened a private wealth management branch in Beijing's downtown that will provide multidimensional services for China's high-net-worth families, a move underscoring the UK multinational bank's firm confidence in the China market.

Standard Chartered Bank is optimistic about the prospects of China's wealth management market and is making the business one of the company's operational strategies in China, the bank said in a press release sent to the Global Times.

However, for bilateral economic and trade cooperation to improve and expand, the UK side must change its hostile stance and adopt a more pragmatic approach toward China, experts said. 

"The hope is that the new UK government will adopt a more pragmatic and cooperative attitude toward China," Zhao said. "It is hoped that it will view the current situation clearly and be more candid in talks with China."   

The Third Plenum of the 20th the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, convened in July, said that the government will take multiple measures to support the job market.

Analysts said that China has a solid foundation to ramp up employment as the ongoing economic upgrade and transformation will fuel the development of new productive forces, leading to new forms of business and creating a greater number of new jobs which will help broad employment.

According to the communique adopted by the CPC Central Committee's Third Plenum, China will adopt an employment-first policy, while improving the nation's social security system.

"We will improve the system of employment support for key groups such as college graduates, rural migrant workers, and ex-service members and the system of lifelong vocational skills training," read the resolution on comprehensively deepening reform to advance Chinese modernization.

Officials will coordinate urban and rural employment policies, advance service reforms related to household registration, human resources, and personnel records, improve the policy environment to boost employment by encouraging startups, and support and regulate the development of new forms of employment.

"We will build a sound social security system to serve people in flexible employment, rural migrant workers, and those in new forms of employment," the resolution said.

Chinese analysts noted that employment concerns the quality of life, and it is of great importance for the government and the enterprises to work together to provide most jobs for the needy.

Tech-savvy entrepreneurs

The steady development of the new quality productive forces has played a significant role in stabilizing the labor market, Wang Peng, an associate research fellow with the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Driven by ground-breaking technological innovations, the ongoing manufacturing and service sector transformation and upgrade in China will help release new market demand that is expected to create many new and high-paying jobs, Wang Peng said.

Wang Enjie, from a rural area in Hubei Province, is a young representative who has experienced this great transformation. To some extent, he is no longer a farmer in the traditional sense.

Wang Enjie and his peers are mostly tech-savvy, using new digital innovations and business models they have mastered in cities to revamp traditional farming, improve agricultural production efficiency, and creating new jobs in rural areas.

Wang Enjie, after quitting his job at a laptop manufacturing company in Shanghai, returned to Zigui county in Central China's Hubei in 2016 to help build up an e-commerce venture in his hometown. He is now the general manager of Zigui Weichu Cloud Warehouse Logistics Service Co and secretary-general of Zigui's E-commerce Association.

Zigui is known as the "hometown of Chinese navel oranges." However, the county officially emerged from poverty as recently as 2019, thanks to new internet technology that makes naval orange cultivation, picking, sorting and transportation much easier.

"Sorting used to be a labor-intensive work requiring years-long experience to judge the sugar and water content of navel oranges. It's a different picture now. An electronic system is quick enough to sort about 600 oranges in just one minute," Wang Enjie said.

At Weichu's processing factory, robotic arms and artificial intelligence-empowered electronic recognition system now handle, clean, screen and sort the oranges. The plant can now process about 200 tons of navel oranges per day.

Liu Yang, a drone operator helping farmers transport oranges from mountains to nearby roads, returned from Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, to his hometown in Zigui's Pengjiapo village in 2021.

"In one minute, the drone can transport 50 to 60 kilograms of navel oranges from the mountaintop to the truck parked at the foot of the mountain. The journey used to take 40 minutes using the labor-intensive way - a person climbing down the steep slope carrying a fully-loaded basket," Liu told the Global Times.

By 2025, more than 15 million entrepreneurs will return to their hometowns to start businesses, according to an outline of agricultural and rural talent team construction during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

"We now need many professional workers who can operate computer numerical control machine (CNC)," Zhu Qiucheng, CEO of Ningbo New Oriental Electric Industrial Development, an exporter of furniture and home furnishing products, told the Global Times.

Zhu inherited a lumber mill from his father. Workers used to make furniture by hand. Now, all wood processing is done by CNC machine tools.

Waves of emerging jobs

Apart from manufacturing, analysts noted that China's fast-evolving service industries are also creating new types of jobs.

The digital economy has created new jobs. In recent years, the emergence of new jobs such as live-streamers, door-to-door chefs, and pet caretakers have attracted job seekers who are willing to devote themselves to those "innovative" jobs.

For example, the modern navel orange industry in Zigui has created new jobs such as social media live-streamers who use internet technology to promote sales.

"Our company is seeking multilingual live-streamers to introduce our products to overseas markets, such as the Southeast Asian market and the South American market," said Zhu.

The services industry has a strong capability to accommodate labor force. Boosting services consumption is conducive to solving the current employment problem in China, which will create even more jobs in the future, Hu Qimu, deputy secretary-general of the Digital-Real Economies Integration Forum 50, told the Global Times on Sunday.

At present, while vigorously promoting economic development to create jobs and boost employment, it is also necessary to fully implement the government's employment-first policy so as to create more jobs for the young job-seekers, analysts noted.

And, the government's policies on taxation, bank loans, social security, business administration and market supervision need to be better coordinated to support a higher level of employment in the country.

China has implemented and improved policies on credit, taxation and employment subsidies and consistently ramped up support for the private economy, no matter they are micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses, to generate new jobs.

India is paying increasing attention to the Arctic region, as evidenced by the discussion of Arctic issues during the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia in early July. The potential for increased Arctic cooperation between India and Russia has garnered widespread international attention.

Despite being a tropical country, India conducted its first Arctic scientific expedition as early as 2007 and has included Arctic affairs in its global strategic plans. The country places great importance on the Arctic region and is actively seeking to engage in Arctic affairs and enhance cooperation with countries like Russia. One of the reasons is that climate change in the Arctic has a significant impact on India's economy, agriculture and environment. Therefore, conducting scientific research in the Arctic, analyzing and predicting trends in Arctic climate change, and understanding its impacts are crucial for India's economic and developmental interests.

Furthermore, the abundant energy resources in the Arctic region are of great significance for India's future development. India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today, with an increasing demand for energy resources such as oil and natural gas. It is estimated that the oil and natural gas resources in the Arctic region account for about a quarter of the world's total reserves. Currently, Russia is the main country extracting oil and gas resources in the Arctic. In 2023, oil imports from Russia accounted for about one-third of India's total imports.

The future of Arctic shipping routes and their impact on India are of significant strategic importance. India's participation in the development of commercial navigation through the Arctic shipping routes could provide access to additional sources of energy and trade opportunities. India's large-scale energy trade with Russia may increasingly rely on the Arctic shipping routes as the proportion of Arctic oil and gas resources grows. Besides, how the Arctic shipping routes will impact the maritime routes in the Indian Ocean holds important strategic significance for India as a major power in the Indian Ocean, therefore India must plan ahead for this.

 India believes that as a major world power, it must demonstrate that it can have an influence on major global issues such as climate, environment, energy and maritime routes. India also believes that China is actively participating in Arctic affairs and playing an important role. India hopes to become a competitive player against China in the Arctic.

For Russia, continuing strategic cooperation with India, including in the Arctic, is important. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted, the West imposed comprehensive sanctions on Russia, but India did not follow suit. As the West gradually cut off energy ties with Russia, India significantly increased its energy imports from Russia. In 2021, Russian oil accounted for just 2 percent of India's annual crude imports. However, this figure rapidly increased to over 30 percent of India's total oil imports in 2023. With the increasing share of Arctic oil and gas resources in the Russian energy industry, there is a foundation for promoting cooperation between Russia and India in the Arctic region.

Due to Western sanctions, Russia's foreign policy and external cooperation are increasingly turning toward Eastern countries. In terms of Arctic development, Russia has already achieved fruitful cooperation with China and hopes that India can participate more in Arctic cooperation.

In the long term, China, Russia and India share common interests in areas such as constructing Arctic shipping routes, exploiting Arctic resources and tackling Arctic climate change. This could potentially open up a new avenue for cooperation among the three countries. However, in the short term, there are several obstacles that hinder effective trilateral collaboration. India's mentality of treating China as a competitor in the Arctic region, in particular, poses a challenge to building mutual trust between the two countries.

Additionally, while the overall strategic cooperation relationship between Russia and India is being maintained, the US is actively trying to court India for its global strategic needs, and India seems to be enjoying this international environment where it can benefit from both sides. India's current diplomatic policy of opportunism is gradually increasing, even in its cooperation with Russia, where it pursues short-term benefits.

Therefore, trilateral cooperation between China, Russia and India requires all countries to take a long-term strategic perspective. They must also properly handle various relationships and establish a preliminary framework of strategic mutual trust for the potential of trilateral Arctic cooperation to gradually be realized.

China's Chen Meng defends table tennis women's singles title at Paris Olympics

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is set to celebrate its 97th founding anniversary on Thursday (August 1) after a year of intensive missions and development to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests amid deteriorating security situations in the world and tensions around China.

On the way to reach its centennial goals in 2027, the PLA is expected to further enhance its training level and equipment development, and improve national defense at its own pace, experts said.

China continued to face grim security situations over the past year, with the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea being regional hot spots. However, the PLA's resolute and powerful moves deterred potential conflicts, defended national sovereignty, security and interests, and safeguarded regional peace and stability, observers said.

A frontpage story of the People's Daily on Wednesday dedicated to the PLA's 97th founding anniversary and its upcoming centennial in 2027 highlighted, among others, the Joint Sword-2024A exercise, which took place around the island of Taiwan from May 23 to 24 featuring army, navy, air force and rocket force affiliated with the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
Focusing on courses including joint aerial and maritime combat readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive control of battlefield and joint strike at key targets, the exercise saw warships and warplanes close in on the island of Taiwan for combat cruises, coordinate within and out of the first island chain, and test the troops' joint combat capabilities in real circumstances, the People's Daily article said.

The exercise aimed to punish "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and send a warning to external interference forces following Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's separatist inaugural speech on May 20, analysts said.

In the South China Sea, the PLA organized a series of joint patrols and joint exercises in January, forcing the US and the Philippines to scale down their joint patrol in the region at a time when the Philippines, under US' instigation, repeatedly made provocations on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

The PLA also served as a solid support for the China Coast Guard when the latter dealt with illegal Philippine trespassing activities into waters off Chinese islands and reefs, observers said.

Over the past year, the PLA conducted several combat-oriented exercises in the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, in which the PLA's advanced warships and warplanes including the aircraft carrier Shandong, Type 055 large destroyers and Type 052D destroyers systematically practiced not only in the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, but also the West Pacific, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Such drills were characterized by their high intensity, and they have now become routine, Fu said.

They indicate that the PLA is fully capable of safeguarding Chinese territories, security as well as maritime rights, he noted.
The PLA also spent the past year conducting friendly visits, exchanges as well as holding joint patrols and exercises with militaries of many other countries, in addition to holding regular escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia as well as UN peacekeeping missions in moves to contribute to peace and stability around the world.

The PLA also wrapped up several international military interactions over the past month, including a China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrol over the Bering Sea, a China-Russia joint naval patrols in the West Pacific and the South China Sea, the China-Belarus Eagle Assault-2024 joint army training in Belarus, and the China-Laos Friendship Shield-2024 joint drill in Laos.

These international military interactions boosted friendships, understandings and pragmatic cooperation. The joint exercises and patrols stressed counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and regional security issues, rather than bloc confrontation like West-led drills, a Beijing-based military expert who requested for anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Reform and development

A reform of the PLA took place in April, as its Strategic Support Force was canceled and split into the information support force, the aerospace force and the cyberspace force, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

According to official releases, the information support force is a new, strategic branch of the Chinese military and a key pillar in coordinating the construction and application of the network information system, the aerospace force is of great significance to strengthening the capacity to safely enter, exit and openly use space, enhancing crisis management and the efficacy of comprehensive governance in space and promoting peaceful utilization of space, while the cyberspace force is important for reinforcing national cyber border defense, promptly detecting and countering network intrusions, and maintaining national cyber sovereignty and information security.
One of the most important development in terms of the PLA's equipment is the Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, as the 80,000 ton-class electromagnetic catapult carrier conducted its maiden voyage on May 1, followed by second and third sea trials as of the end of July.

Analysts said the intensity of the Fujian's sea trials indicate very smooth progress, and it is very likely that new carrier-based aircraft, including a stealth fighter jet, a fixed-wing early warning aircraft and a trainer jet, will make official debuts in the coming year.

Western speculations

As there are only three years to go when China marks the centennial of the PLA in 2027, the West has been hyping that China will resolve the Taiwan question by force by that time.

Fu said the initiative on when and how to resolve the Taiwan question is on the side of the Chinese mainland, and it is not up to the Western speculations, which have ulterior motives.

"We pledge utmost sincerity and greatest efforts for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but never promise to renounce the use of force," Fu reiterated.

The PLA will continue to enhance combat capability by developing new weapons and equipment and boosting training level, and be prepared for anything, experts said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has a profound connection to the Olympic Movement. He has promoted China's hosting of several significant international sporting events, fostered global sports exchanges and cooperation, and embodied the Olympic spirit through his efforts.

From overseeing the preparations for Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics to leading China in successfully hosting the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics and personally driving the bid and preparations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Xi has developed a profound bond with the Olympic Movement.

As the 2024 Summer Olympics opened in Paris, France, on Friday, let us explore five key moments that highlight Xi's determination to support and promote the development of the Olympic Games.

His actions and leadership have not only elevated China's status in the international sports arena but also contributed to the promotion of the Olympic spirit worldwide, aligning with his broader goal of building a community of shared future for mankind.
Wishing Paris Olympic Games success when in France

On May 6, 2024, during his visit to France, Xi expressed his best wishes for the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics and promoting China-France sports exchanges.

In a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi presented him with the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Beijing Olympic torches, symbolizing the spirit of unity and friendship between the two countries. Macron, in return, gifted Xi a Paris 2024 Olympic torch, signifying the mutual respect and camaraderie shared between the two countries.

Xi emphasized that France is a great sporting nation and expressed his heartfelt wish for the success of the Paris Olympics, highlighting the ongoing exchanges and cooperation between China and France in the realm of sports.

This exchange of torches not only underscored the deepening of bilateral ties but also reflected the two countries' shared commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

China supports France in hosting a successful Paris Olympic Games and will send a high-level delegation to France, said the Chinese president.
Facilitating a splendid Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games

On February 4, 2022, Xi attended the opening ceremony and announced the commencement of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

This event, which Xi personally facilitated and witnessed, was a testament to China's dedication to hosting a spectacular, extraordinary and remarkable Winter Olympics.

China will honor its commitment to present to the world a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games, Xi said at that time.

His leadership ensured that the event was organized safely and splendidly, providing a stage for athletes worldwide to showcase their skills and boosting global confidence and morale during the pandemic.

The Beijing Winter Olympics, with its unique blend of Chinese cultural elements and Olympic spirit, left a lasting impression on the world. The successful hosting of the 2022 Winter Games demonstrated China's ability to deliver on its promises, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

The 2022 Games not only highlighted China's growing prowess in winter sports but also showcased the country's commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of green technology and venues.
A true champion in promoting the Olympic Movement

On January 18, 2017, Xi became the first Chinese head of state to visit the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

This visit underscored China's commitment to the Olympic Movement and its values. During the visit, Xi toured the Olympic Museum, viewed exhibits showcasing the history and achievements of Chinese athletes, and engaged in discussions with IOC President Thomas Bach.

In a memorable moment, Xi stood on an Olympic podium, symbolizing China's significant contributions to the Olympic Movement. Bach praised Xi, stating that in terms of promoting the Olympic Movement, Xi was a true Olympic champion. Xi's visit to the IOC headquarters reinforced his commitment to promoting the Olympic spirit and advancing global sports cooperation.

The visit also included the presentation of a Suzhou Embroidery artwork entitled Ladies Playing Football, symbolizing the historical connection between China and sports.

Dedicated to nurturing young talent, promoting youth sports

On August 15, 2014, Xi visited the training center of the Youth Olympic Village in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, the host city for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, where he warmly greeted the Chinese delegation participating in the Games.

Xi's presence at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games highlighted his dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting youth sports, underscoring the importance of international sports exchanges for young athletes.

During his visit, Xi observed various sports, including basketball, taekwondo, wrestling, judo, and boxing. He engaged in conversations with the athletes, offering words of encouragement and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and international friendship.

Xi said that the Youth Olympics is an initiative which integrates culture and education into sports, and it's not only an arena in which young athletes compete but also a platform for communication among them.

Crucial role in 2008 Beijing Olympics milestone

During the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Xi played a crucial role as he oversaw the preparations for Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics.

His leadership and efforts were instrumental in the successful hosting of the Games, which marked a significant milestone in China's sports history.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics showcased China's organizational capabilities and its commitment to the Olympic ideals of peace, friendship, and progress.

This event also served as a catalyst for the development of sports in China and strengthened the country's ties with the global sports community.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics were notable for the spectacular opening ceremony, which showcased China's rich cultural heritage and technological advancements.

The Games were also a platform for Chinese athletes to excel, as China topped the gold medal tally for the first time in its Olympic history.

These Olympic moments reveal Xi's deep commitment to sports and his vision of fostering global unity through the Olympic Movement.

Xi's engagement with the Olympics reflects a strategic approach to promoting sports worldwide, enhancing China's soft power and promoting international cooperation and understanding.

Through these efforts, Xi has shown how sports can transcend national boundaries and bring people together, embodying the true spirit of the Olympic Movement.