Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York on Friday, during which Wang emphasized the US should not always approach China with two faces. Instead of having it both ways by seeking containment on one hand and requesting cooperation on the other, the US should derive its China policy from a rational perception about China, Wang told Blinken.

Experts said the meeting, as both sides agreed to be "candid and substantive," indicates that both two countries want to maintain communication to manage their relationship, but experts also pointed out that the US should take concrete actions to further stabilize bilateral ties, given its hypocrisy to create differences itself while at the same time try to manage them.

"The US should not always approach China with two faces: On the one hand encircling and suppressing China brazenly, and on the other hand, having dialogue and cooperation with China as if nothing is wrong," said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

"Since the US has expressed multiple times that it has no intention to have conflict with China, then fundamentally, it needs to establish a rational perception of China, and find the right way to get along with it," said the Chinese top diplomat, according to the Xinhua News Agency on Saturday.

Li Haidong, a professor from the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Saturday that the latest meeting indicates that both China and the US want to maintain communication and dialogue to manage their relationship. In other words, stabilizing the bilateral relations aligns with the common needs of both sides, which is one of the important reasons why, despite existing differences, the two sides continue to strengthen their exchanges.

Pointing out US' "two faces" approach toward China clearly indicates China's awareness of the underlying nature of US diplomacy, Li said. "The double standards and hypocrisy in US foreign policy toward China cannot conceal the cognitive errors and obsession with competition inherent in its China policy." 

The Friday meeting between Wang and Blinken marks the fourth one they had this year, following their previous face-to-face talks in February, April, and July.

"The US needs to carry out dialogue with respect, advance cooperation in the spirit of reciprocity, and address differences with great prudence, rather than act willfully as it sees fit from a position of strength or use previous mistakes as excuses to make more mistakes," Wang said on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

On the Taiwan question, Wang said that "if the US truly hopes to see peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, it should abide by the one-China principle, implement the three China-US Joint Communiqués, stop arming Taiwan, publicly oppose 'Taiwan independence,' and support the peaceful reunification of China."

Wang articulated China's firm position on the South China Sea issue. He said China remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation with countries directly concerned. The US should not stir up trouble in the South China Sea, or undermine regional countries' efforts to safeguard peace and stability there, Wang added.

On the Ukraine issue, Wang said China's position is aboveboard. China has been committed to promoting talks for peace and has been making its efforts toward peaceful settlement, he said.

Lü Xiang, an expert on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that Washington's "two faces" approach is a serious obstacle to building a stable and constructive relationship between China and the US. "Therefore, pointing this out indicates China's emphasis on its long-term commitment to establishing a constructive and stable bilateral relation, while the US side is continuously undermining this goal through its dualistic actions," Lü told the Global Times on Saturday.

Following talks that lasted more than an hour, Blinken told reporters at a news conference that China's words and actions regarding Russia-Ukraine conflict do not "add up," as Beijing continues to allow Chinese companies to "fuel Russia's war machine," VOA reported.

Blinken's remarks are still an old trick of marginalizing and stigmatizing China on the global stage, attempting to mislead the international community and shift the blame onto China, Li said, noting that this reflects a strong lack of sincerity in US diplomacy and again reveals its hypocrisy.

Different approach

In the global context, especially given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing tensions in the Middle East, China-US face-to-face communications are pivotal not only for bilateral relations, but also for global peace, analysts said.

China has always emphasized seeking common interests and does not wish to see the bilateral relation turn into a state of conflict, analysts said. The US also understands that crossing the bottom line of the Chinese side could lead to a serious deterioration in relations, which the US cannot afford, Lü said, noting that this serves as a fundamental motivation for communications between both parties.

Experts said the US should take concrete actions to further stabilize bilateral relations. "The differences that need to be managed are caused by the US itself. On one hand, the US creates differences, while on the other hand, it tries to manage them. This is the biggest divergence between China and the US," Lü said.

Analysts also noted that the recent high-level interactions between China and the US demonstrated significant differences in their approaches in solving regional hotspot issues. The US exhibits a strong bloc mentality, while China, in contrast, genuinely promotes the resolution of regional crises and the elimination of turmoil from the perspective of a global community of shared future, Li said.

According to a readout from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the two sides agreed that the meeting was candid and substantive, and that China and the US need to find a way to live alongside one another in peace in the indefinite future. Besides, the two sides agreed to maintain communication on international and regional hotspot issues, and hold a new round of consultations on Asia-Pacific affairs in due course. 

A readout from the US Department of State also read "The two sides held candid, substantive, and productive discussions on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. They emphasized the need to maintain open lines of communication," and that "Both sides agreed to maintain contact, including on regional and global issues."

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Thursday to analyze the current economic situation of China and make further plans for economic work. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

While noting the fundamentals of the Chinese economy, and favorable conditions such as a vast market, strong economic resilience and great potential remain unchanged, the meeting emphasized it is necessary to take a comprehensive, objective, and calm view of the current economic situation, confront difficulties directly, and remain confident.

Following China's recent rollout of numerous policy measures aimed at boosting economic growth, the Thursday meeting further highlighted the country's determination to achieve annual development targets, providing further confidence in China's economic trajectory, and reinforce the intensity and effectiveness of these policies, economists said on Thursday.

The top meeting noted that the Chinese economy has posted a generally stable performance this year, making progress while maintaining stability. New quality productive forces have developed steadily, and solid efforts have been made to ensure people's livelihoods. Positive progress has also been achieved in preventing and defusing risks in major areas, according to Xinhua. 

Notably, the meeting called for effectively implementing existing policies, stepping up efforts to roll out incremental policies, further tailoring policy measures to be more targeted and effective, and striving to meet this year's economic and social development goals.

Comprehensive, targeted efforts

"The economic policies discussed at the meeting are comprehensive and targeted, covering areas such as fiscal policy, monetary policy, real estate, and living standards. The policy intensity is significantly greater, demonstrating the country's resolve to boost economic growth," Xi Junyang, a professor at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Xi Junyang noted that the Chinese economy has maintained relatively favorable conditions, and the positive effects of various policy measures will further boost optimism for the growth prospects, despite some downward pressure. 

In addition to an overall analysis of the Chinese economy, the meeting also emphasized policy measures in various critical areas. On macro-policies, the meeting called for efforts to strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments by leveraging fiscal and monetary policies, including lowering the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) and implementing significant interest rate cuts. 

On Tuesday, Chinese officials rolled out a package of major policy measures to support the country's economy, the housing market and the stock market. Crucially, it was announced that China would cut the RRR - the amount of cash that banks are required to hold as reserves - by 0.5 percentage points in the near future, and RRR could be cut by another 0.25-0.5 percentage points within the year depending on the market liquidity situation. Additionally, the interest rate of seven-day reverse repos will be reduced from 1.7 percent to 1.5 percent. 

Then on Wednesday, the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, announced that it would cut the rate on 300 billion yuan ($54.7 billion) worth of one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans to some financial institutions to 2 percent, from the previous 2.3 percent.

The policy measures have significantly boosted confidence, with markets responding positively to the announcements. Amid the strong policy signals, Chinese stocks closed significantly higher on Thursday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index surging 3.61 percent to above the 3,000 level, while the Shenzhen Component Index rose by 4.44 percent. 

"The meeting marked another momentous point in that following the meeting, policy intensity will be greatly strengthened, further boosting the growth trend," Tian Yun, a veteran economist based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday. "It also provides a clear economic outlook for everyone."

The Political Bureau meeting also called for efforts in various key aspects to further boost the Chinese economy, including the real estate market, the capital market, and the support of enterprises. 

In addressing the real estate market, efforts must be made to address public concerns, adjust housing purchase restrictions, and reduce existing mortgage interest rates, improve land, fiscal and taxation, financial and other policies, and promote the formation of a new model of real estate development, the meeting concluded. 

The meeting also called for efforts to boost the capital market including actively guiding medium- and long-term funds into the market, and removing barriers for social security, insurance, and wealth management funds to enter the market. 

It is necessary to support mergers and acquisitions and reorganizations of listed companies, steadily promote the reform of public funds, and study and introduce policies and measures to protect small and medium-sized investors, according to the Thursday meeting. 

Also on Thursday, the Office of the Central Financial Commission and the China Securities Regulatory Commission jointly issued guidelines on guiding medium and long-term funds into the capital market in a bid to boost overall capital market.

The meeting also pointed out that efforts are needed to help enterprises to overcome difficulties, including the adoption of law for the promotion of private economy. It also urged to increase income for low- and middle-income groups, and cultivate new consumption formats. Greater efforts are also needed to attract and stabilize investment, including the rapid implementation of reforms, particularly in opening up the manufacturing sector to foreign investment. 

Positive impact

"There are many measures for various aspects of economic and social development, and the focus on policy intensity is quite significant," Xi Junyang said. "All of these measures certainly have a positive impact on the economy." 

With strong policy support and solid economic fundamentals, many Chinese economists said the country is on track to achieve its annual growth target of around 5 percent. 

"With such policy intensity, I expect the fourth-quarter GDP growth rate will reach above 5 percent, which is crucial for achieving the annual growth target," Tian said.  

In addition to major economic measures, the Political Bureau meeting on Thursday also called for efforts to safeguard people's livelihoods, focusing on key groups such as new college graduates, migrant workers, and those newly lifted out of poverty. 

Notably, on Wednesday, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued a 24-point guideline to implement an employment-first strategy aimed at improving job quality and achieving reasonable growth in employment numbers.

A series of marine science educational activities have recently taken place in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, sparked by the first-ever visit of China's research vessel, Deep Sea No. 1, carrying the manned submersible Jiaolong, the Global Times learned on Wednesday. 

According to Xinhua News Agency, the vessel is on a home-bound voyage after completing a scientific mission in the Western Pacific Ocean. 

The scientific expedition team of Chinese and foreign scientists set sail on August 10 from Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, completing a total of 18 dives in the Western Pacific. It was the first time that foreign scientists have carried out deep-sea scientific research in the craft, according to the same report.

The Global Times learnt from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Wednesday that the expedition, co-led by HKUST, is part of the first international deep-sea metascience program, "Digital Deep-sea Typical Habitats," backed by the central government, and involved the participation of foreign scientists.

During Jiaolong's two-day stay in Hong Kong, HKUST has hosted academic public lecture, seminar and roundtable forum to enhance public awareness of the nation's deep-sea research achievements and foster interest among young people in scientific inquiry.

Nearly 300 elementary and secondary students from more than 10 Hong Kong schools attended a public lecture at the Hong Kong Science Museum on Tuesday afternoon, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) told the Global Times. 

HKUST has organized a series of marine science educational activities in collaboration with the Deep Ocean Affairs Administration of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) beginning in August. These activities included a voyage departure ceremony on August 10, as well as a regional interactive session "Deep-Sea Classroom" conducted earlier this month.

The second Sino-Swiss Research Integrity Workshop: Responsible Research and Innovation was held at the Residence of the embassy of Switzerland in China on September 5 in Beijing. 

From September 5 to September 9, Swissnex in China curated a 5-day program to bring together leading Swiss and Chinese researchers at the intersection of AI, governance, and ethics. This event is more than just an academic exchange; it's a vital dialogue between two nations with distinct perspectives on technology's role in society. 

This program offers a unique opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration between Switzerland, which ranks high in high-precision innovation and strong fundamental sciences, and China, a leading country in applied AI. The insights and solutions that emerge from these discussions will not only shape the future of AI but also strengthen the bonds across the international academic community. 

As AI continues to influence every aspect of our lives, the decisions and frameworks we develop now will determine the integrity and impact of this transformative technology for generations to come.

As Pan Zhanle miraculously, yet unsurprisingly, surpassed the French swimmer alongside him in the final 50 meters and touched the wall first, China's swim team secured the gold medal in the men's 4x100m medley relay.

The achievement upended the US's streak of winning gold in the event for 10 consecutive Olympics.

Twenty-two minutes later, the Chinese women's team clinched the bronze in the same event.

During the subsequent award ceremony, the swimmers from different countries gathered on the podium to celebrate and take selfies, marking the end of the swimming competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Despite the smiles and flashing cameras, the recent controversies surrounding this swimming pool were hard to overlook.

Doping became a hot topic during the swimming events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Some, including media sources from the US and the Western countries, seemed eager to seize on any opportunity to disparage Chinese swimmers by linking them to doping.

The issue appears to go beyond sports, raising suspicions about the underlying motives. At what should be a venue for peace and friendship, this has almost become a new weapon to attack China.

US media and institutions have incessantly hyped the issue of doping at the Olympics, using it as a pretext to attack the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and criticize the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

However, on the contrary, doping issues involving athletes from the US often seem to be handled with much more leniency. In 2020, the US even passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, positioning itself as an international enforcer to intervene in doping cases worldwide, particularly targeting other nations.

Behind the US and Western "anti-doping" narrative lies a complex power dynamic that manipulates the sports field for political gain. The Paris Olympics once again highlighted how doping tests have been weaponized, severely disrupting the normal conduct of the Games. The abuse of anti-doping measures to create chaos in the Olympics is a prime example of the US-led "liberal international order" based on selective rule enforcement.

Paris farce

In the just-concluded drama that seems more fitting for a political stage than a sporting arena, the US and its allies have once again turned their attention to doping allegations, this time targeting the Chinese swimming team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"I've lost count of how many tests I've done. I often get called for tests at 6 am," Qin Haiyang, a Chinese swimmer, candidly admitted during the press conference following the Paris Olympics' 4x100m mixed medley relay final on Saturday, where the Chinese team won silver, breaking the Asian record. "It really does impact our entire preparation rhythm," he added.

Earlier, Chinese swimmer Pan's victory in the men's 100m freestyle final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with a time of 46.40 seconds, a fresh world record, drew suspicion from foreign media. On Friday, Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei countered at an after-match press conference, asserting that Pan's performance was legitimate, questioning why no one scrutinized American swimmers Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.

Pau Gasol, former NBA player and a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, expressed "regret" over the frequent doping tests faced by Chinese swimmers at a press conference during the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, calling for respect for WADA's authority and testing system.

According to the Chinese swim team, from May 5, when the team began training for the Paris 2024 Olympics, to July 22, the athletes underwent extensive international and domestic anti-doping tests, including both urine and blood tests, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Zhang, Qin and several competitive swimmers were tested over 25 times each, while most other athletes underwent more than 20 tests.

An insider told the Global Times that China has maintained a strict stance against doping violations, with an enforcement rigor that is arguably the highest in the world and recognized internationally as a high standard. China's punitive measures are also unique, involving severe administrative penalties for those who violate doping regulations. It can be said that China has been genuinely committed to anti-doping efforts over the years.
Compared to the frequent therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) applications by American athletes, China's requests for TUEs are notably few. This is also largely because doping has long been a zero-tolerance issue in China, the insider noted.

World Aquatics noted that since January, each Chinese swimmer has been tested an average of 21 times by various anti-doping organizations. In contrast, Australian swimmers were tested an average of four times, and American swimmers six times.

Moreover, on Saturday, IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that WADA and other authoritative bodies have the authority to decide the number of doping tests to ensure the fairness of Olympic competitions.

Smear campaign

As the proverb goes, you can never wake someone who pretends to be asleep. In the face of truth, some Western media remains willfully blind.

One of the US' favored strategies in recent years has been to incessantly hype suspicions of doping among Chinese athletes. This tactic, shrouded in a veneer of concern for fair play, often seems more like a calculated move to cast a shadow over China's sporting achievements.

The tactic is both incredibly disgusting and offensive, as no matter the frequency with which the international and Chinese official institutions have refuted and clarified the accusations, the US government, media, and opinion leaders just turn a blind eye and continue to maliciously smear China's credibility. With false accusations, they jointly conspire to draw the targeted Chinese athletes into an incredibly time-consuming and energy-draining self-justification trap, observers noted.

Several major mainstream media outlets have played an essential role in the US' chain of fabricating and spreading the "doping" accusation. The latest round of hype started from a July 30 article by The New York Times (NYT), which quoted two anonymous sources "with direct knowledge of the matter," as saying that two Chinese swimmers "tested positive in 2022 for a banned steroid," including one who was named to be in the Olympic team in Paris. It viciously hinted that the swimmer used drugs and was unqualified for the ongoing Olympics.

Regardless of WADA's responding statement on the same day, which dismissed the NYT's accusations, mainstream US media like The Associated Press soon joined in spreading the slander, by citing one-sided sources from among US swimmers who expressed "disappointment" in their Chinese competitors.

It's infuriating that self-claimed professional US news agencies play up anti-China sentiment in the Olympic arena while setting facts aside. "The politicization of anti-doping continues with this latest attempt by the media in the US to imply wrongdoing on the part of WADA and the broader anti-doping community," WADA said at the end of the statement, noting that it has been "unfairly caught in the middle of geopolitical tensions."

Similarly, before the Paris 2024 Olympics took place, the US had launched a round of misinformation campaign against Chinese swimmers, so as to exert public pressure on China and its athletes on the eve of this global sporting pageant.

In early July, some mainstream US media including the NYT, NBC, and CNN intensively reported that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department had opened a criminal investigation, into "how anti-doping authorities and sports officials allowed elite Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for a banned substance," to "escape punishment and win a slew of medals."

The case they mentioned was about United States Anti-Doping Agency claiming that 23 Chinese swimmers were suspected of using a banned drug in 2021. It's worth noting that, WADA and FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation Association) had determined it was an accidental food contamination incident and absolved the involved swimmers after conducting an investigation, but the US government departments and media still hyped the case with misleading, suggestive language, which was "extremely rude and evil-minded," said observers in media and sports reached by the Global Times.
Worse still, US media publicly disclosed the complete name list of the 23 swimmers involved after they had been proven innocent. WADA prohibits making public the names of the innocent athletes who have been cleared of wrongdoing, Shang Ximeng, a research fellow at the Center for International Sport Communication and Diplomacy Studies at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times. She added that US media had seldom exposed the names of US athletes involved in similar cases.

"But this time, the media deliberately made the names of Chinese swimmers public and put them in the spotlight, so as to harm their reputation and bring disruption to their matches," she told the Global Times. "That was immoral and against the rules."

Weaponizing sports

American sports history is riddled with instances in which athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs were shielded from consequences.

For example, at the 1996 Olympic trials, Mary Slaney tested positive for steroids but claimed her positive result was due to birth control pills. US authorities later believed her and reinstated her eligibility. Similarly, in 1998, Dennis Mitchell's positive drug test was absurdly attributed to excessive sex and beer, a flimsy excuse that was accepted.

The intersection of politics and sports has been a longstanding tool for the US to exert influence. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter called for a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, garnering support from 65 countries.

David Niven, a political science professor from University of Cincinnati, asserts that understanding American life requires understanding its politics and sports, noting a resurgence of political activism in sports.

Shang noted that funding is an another tool the US uses to exert its jurisdiction in sports. Contributing about $3 million annually to WADA, the US leverages this to attempt to place more Americans as decision-making roles in WADA, threatening to cut funding otherwise. The Rodchenkov Act allows the US to conduct independent investigations and levy penalties, causing unease for WADA and the IOC. This act places US legal standards above global anti-doping efforts.

However, the global anti-doping field continues to harbor persistent malice toward China. As China's strength has become increasingly apparent, it has faced baseless accusations for a long time. Today, China has earned the respect and recognition of WADA through its own integrity and rigorous anti-doping efforts, analysts said.

Nigeria, one of Africa's largest economies, is making its debut at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) with an independent booth for the first time, a Nigerian trade official told the Global Times.

The 2024 CIFTIS is the first large-scale international, comprehensive exhibition held after the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. It highlights China's commitment to further opening up to the world and its readiness to share the benefits of its economic growth.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from countries across the globe, with Nigeria, Portugal, and France among 13 nations and international organizations setting up an independent booth at CIFTIS for the first time.

"This is the first time Nigeria is participating in CIFTIS. We expect to showcase Nigeria's services sector to the world using the CIFTIS platform. At this time, our expectation is to see that the relationship between Nigeria and China to remain cordial and continue improving," Ibrahim Akopari Ahmed, a trade commissioner from the Nigeria Regional Investment and Trade Office (Asia), told the Global Times on Friday.

"Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa and the services sector is the highest contributor to GDP, accounting for more than 50 percent of our GDP. So, Nigeria has a well-developed services sector, especially in entertainment such as Nollywood [the Nigerian film industry]. In this, we are No.1 in Africa," Ahmed said.

At the booth, several Nigerian companies are showcasing musical instruments and telecommunication services, highlighting the country's growing presence in the tech sector.

"We are trying to showcase to the Chinese business community that we can benefit one another on a win-win situation," said the trade commissioner.

The booth was set up at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, which recently hosted the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"We expect that the FOCAC and the CIFTIS will contribute to enhancing and improving the trading relationship between China and Nigeria and to see that our services sector is also well exposed to Chinese business community," Ahmed said.

"Maybe next time, we will set up a silver screen at our booth [to showcase our cinema industry]," Ahmed said.

On Wednesday, China's General Administration of Customs announced import permit for Nigerian peanuts for processing, further expanding the scope of bilateral trade. Nigeria is China's third-largest trading partner in Africa and one of major investment destinations in Africa. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $22.56 billion, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As Australia grapples with a new policy capping the number of international students, the dreams of many international students, including those from China, are hanging in the balance. 

Elly Xing, a high school senior in Perth, is among those feeling the weight of uncertainty as she navigates her final year before university. Once set on pursuing a finance degree at the prestigious University of Melbourne, Elly now finds herself reconsidering her options in light of the recent changes that could reshape the landscape of international education in Australia.

Elly arrived in Perth last August after completing her second year of high school in Beijing. “I thought studying here would give me a chance to gain international knowledge and experience,” she reflects, as her voice is tinged with anxiety. “But now, with the new policy, I feel lost.”

The Australian government’s decision to limit the number of foreign students has sent ripples through the A$48 billion ($32.5 billion) international education sector, which has long been one of the pillars of the country’s economy. The decision, which was announced by Canberra, would limit the number of new enrolments to 270,000 for 2025, which is 53,000 fewer than last year, as Australia aims to ease record migration levels, Australian media outlet ABC reported.

With the cap on international students, Elly’s aspirations are increasingly clouded by doubt. The Group of Eight (Go8) in Australia, which comprises the country’s top-ranked universities, are expected to reduce their intake of foreign students, making the competition fiercer than ever. The University of Melbourne is also included in Go8.

“My parents are also suggesting I consider backup options,” she admits.

Elly is not alone in her predicament. Several other students from China share her concerns, and their carefully laid plans are now in jeopardy. One student said that had they known about the policy changes, they might have chosen to stay in Shanghai and prepare for the national college entrance examinations, also known as gaokao. “It would have been more certain, and I could have had my family’s support,” they lamented. 

A representative from a Sydney-based study abroad agency believes the new policy will primarily affect future applicants rather than those already enrolled in Australian universities. “Current students are unlikely to experience immediate changes, but the overall admissions landscape is expected to shift,” the representative told the Global Times.

The representative predicted that under the new guidelines, Australian educational institutions are expected to transition from an “open-door” policy to a more selective admissions process. Prospective applicants from China, particularly those aiming for popular programs at the prestigious Go8 universities, may face increasing challenges in securing spots, the representative noted.

Harsh opposition

According to media reports, the Australian government’s rationale for the caps centers on addressing the strain on housing and infrastructure caused by record migration levels. However, the Go8 argues that this approach is fundamentally flawed. 

“The government is making a critical mistake,” Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson told the Global Times in an exclusive written reply, calling the decision “draconian, interventionist” and “economic vandalism.” 

This “rushed and poorly framed legislation” will have damaging consequences for the Australian tertiary education sector, economy, skilled workforce and the country’s international reputation, Thomson stated. 

International students, particularly from China, have long been an important presence in Australia’s higher education landscape. They not only contribute significantly to university revenues but also enhance the cultural and intellectual diversity of campuses across the country. According to Australia’s Department of Education, Chinese students ranked first in terms of the number of new international students studying in Australia, with 153,504 new arrivals in January to May, followed by Indian and Nepalese students. 

While noting the government has not explicitly targeted Chinese students with the new caps, the Go8 warns that no doubt that even the prospect of a cap will deter some international students from considering Australia as an option.

“Using international students as a scapegoat to manage a short-term spike in migration is a critical error,” Thomson added. “The prospect of a cap will deter some international students from considering Australia as an option, which is detrimental to our future.”

Spillover impact

The implications of these caps extend beyond the immediate impact on student numbers. The Go8 emphasizes that the funding generated from international student fees is vital for sustaining Australia’s research capabilities. “Go8 universities do the heavy lifting in research, accounting for 70 percent of all university research in Australia,” Thomson explained. “Currently Australia’s university research effort relies on funding from international student fee revenue.”

Also, there is growing apprehension within the Australian education sector regarding whether this cap is a final step in a series of restrictive policies or merely a small part of a larger plan, the Global Times learnt.

Australia’s economy is currently experiencing stagnation, with rising living costs and the looming threat of a recession adding to the pressures faced by local communities. Educators argue that reducing the influx of international students could further hinder economic growth at a time when it is most needed. 

“We oppose measures that diminish economic growth potential during a crisis,” stated an education insider.

She is called China's Sleeping Beauty as the 2,200-year-old lady looks nearly as good as when she was buried after she died at the age of about 50, in China's Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25).

The tombs, which contain the well-preserved remains of the lady, Xin Zhui, also known as Lady Dai, and 3,000 artifacts, which were discovered in 1971 in Mawangdui, Central China's Hunan Province have been seen as among the most important archaeological findings in the 20th century.

As 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the evaluation of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs, a new documentary that provides a portal into the life of the Han Dynasty for young audiences started being aired on Mango TV on Monday.

"The charm of the project not only lies in the well-preserved Xin Zhui and her family's story, but also the continued connection between the ancient Chinese and us," Li Dongshen, the documentary's director, told the Global Times.

"The early Chinese people's understanding of life and its relationship to the world as well as the cultural impact from the early texts found in the tombs and unique versions of Chinese philosophical classics like I-Ching and Tao Te Ching… all matter to today's world."
Life of 2,000 years ago

The excavation of the Mawangdui site started in 1970s, and three tombs dedicated to the family of Li Cang, the Marquis of Dai, a nobleman who boasted significant power in the Western Han Dynasty were discovered.

Buried in a separate tomb to Li Cang was his wife Xin Zhui,with thousands of artifacts from the ancient Han Dynasty, such as delicate silk manuscripts, lacquered vessels, and herbal medicines made from cinnamon, magnolia bark, and peppercorns.

According to the director, more than 3,000 cultural relics buried underground for over 2,000 years present a panoramic view of the daily life of the Xin Zhui family. There are many types of dishes recorded on the bamboo slips, and we can also see the dining preferences of the Xin Zhui's family from more than 2,000 years ago. The three characters "Jun Xing Shi" written on small lacquer plates, lacquer ear cups and other cultural relics, meaning "having a good meal" reflect the ancients' attitude toward life. The daily emphasis also conveys the blessing of "eating well" from people more than 2,000 years ago to modern young people who also love food; the many cosmetics unearthed from Tomb No. 1 reveal that people have never stopped pursuing beauty since ancient times.

Xin is thought to have lived a wealthy lifestyle with private musicians and access to a variety of imperial foods, including various types of meat. Most of her clothes were made of silk and other valuable textiles, and she owned many cosmetics.

From 3,000 to 26,937

The Hunan Museum announced on August 13 that the collection of artifacts unearthed from the Mawangdui Tombs includes a total of 26,937 items, covering three primary categories: Lacquerware, textiles, as well as bamboo and silk manuscripts.

Among the unearthed artifacts, 1,017 pieces of lacquerware were cataloged, with 869 appearing to be very well-preserved. The textile collection, predominantly silk, includes 24,490 items, 212 of which are intact, while the remaining are fabric fragments. Additionally, 1,430 bamboo and silk manuscripts were identified, including silk books and paintings, wooden tablets, and bamboo slips.

Initial reports, published in October 1973 and July 2004, documented over 3,000 artifacts from the tombs. The leap from "over 3,000" to 26,937 artifacts highlights the advancements in research methodologies and technological capabilities in the field of archaeology.

The museum also released a 3D digital image of Xin Zhui in May as her body was found to be intact and in a remarkable state of preservation. Her skin remained moist, her subcutaneous soft tissue has retained its elasticity, and some joints are still movable. Even her eyelashes are still in place and the lines on her fingers and toes are discernible, leading to the estimation that she was about 50 years old when she died, says Duan Xiaoming, curator of the Hunan Museum.

High technology means including CG tools introduced in the documentary to display these findings and the achievements. Director Li said that under the high-definition lens, the textures and color details on the silk artifacts emerge vividly, and the movements of auspicious animals and gods are clearly discernible.

Compared with the traditional museum viewing perspective, the documentary presents more vivid and rich details, bringing the audience a viewing experience that goes beyond the physical object. It is through such innovative shooting techniques that the documentary perfectly integrates documentary shooting, painting, and CG special effects, uses the power of science and technology to amplify the beauty of cultural relics, and turns the entire museum into a large studio full of creativity and imagination.

Young perspective

When filming in the museum for dozens of days, the director said the museum is like a studio, which has not only recorded the life of the Xin Zhui family and the philosophy of ancient Chinese, but is also a witness to young people's love for museums and their cultural confidence.

As the documentary starts with the scene of the narrow elevator in the museum, the audiences open a tour route as the wisdom of ancient and modern times runs through. "Upward, it is the day and night over 2,000 years ago; downward, it is the undisturbed dream."

Director Li Dongshen told the Global Times that Japanese architectural designer Arata Isozaki drew inspiration from the Mawangdui Han Tombs and Chinese culture and incorporated it into the design of the new museum.

"I really hope to have a personal dialogue with the late designer as he had a very good understanding of Chinese culture and the understanding of life and death," added Li, who was known for his documentaries series including the China and Hexi Corridor.

In August, the Daping Moutai Organic Sorghum Base brims with the possibility of a bountiful harvest, as fields of sorghum turn golden. The heavy heads of the sorghum bow down, transforming the landscape into a golden carpet meticulously woven by nature, quietly unfurling while heralding another year of abundant harvest.
On August 16, an event was hosted by the Moutai Group and the Renhuai Municipal Government, and undertaken by the Moutai Liquor Co Ltd, and the Moutai Hongyingzi Company. The event was themed "Honoring the Grain Farmers with a Harvest: Committing to Quality for Generations," and took place at the Daping Organic Sorghum Base in Maopo village, Changgang township, Renhuai.

Over 2,000 participants including grain farmers, inheritors, distributors, and workshop representatives from Moutai were present. The Hongyingzi sorghum symbolizes the harvest of this land and the essence of Moutai's traditional brewing craftsmanship. As a special variety used in the production of Moutai liquor, Hongyingzi sorghum is closely linked to the Chishui River. The soil, water quality, and climatic conditions of the Chishui River basin provide an exceptional cultivation environment for Hongyingzi sorghum, playing a crucial role in shaping the unique flavor of Moutai liquor.

This variety of sorghum, originating from the local traditional Hongyingzi, is small grains, thick skin, and has a firm, plump structure. These characteristics enable it to perform exceptionally well in Moutai's multiple rounds of cooking and fermentation processes.

Agricultural experts participating in the Moutai Hongyingzi Sorghum Harvest Season event shared with the Global Times that Hongyingzi sorghum features "eight highs, one low, and one moderate" - high in starch, phenolic compounds, fats, branched-starch ratio, crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, calorific value, long-branch chain ratio, along with a low retrogradation of starch and moderate content of tannins. These unique structural characteristics make it the ideal choice for brewing Moutai liquor, crucial in achieving its signature aroma, full-bodied richness, and lingering finish.

"The harvest of Hongyingzi sorghum marks the hard work of farmers bearing fruitful results, and a solid foundation for Moutai's raw brewing materials," Zhang Deqin, the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Moutai Group, said.

The Hongyingzi Sorghum Harvest Season conveys Moutai's respect for natural and humanistic stories. Moutai liquor closely integrates its production and brewing with agricultural timing and activities, embodying the traditional brewing concept of "following nature and seasonal harmony, and co-brewing with the cosmos."

Crafting legendary quality

The Moutai Hongyingzi Sorghum Harvest Season both celebrates agricultural bounty and epitomizes Moutai's belief that "quality is the soul of life."

Moutai regards this land as the "primary workshop," enforcing strict quality control throughout the entire process to ensure the high-quality and stable production of brewing materials. In collaboration with the Renhuai People's Government, Moutai has embarked on a five-year project, investing heavily in the establishment of a high-quality sorghum cultivation base to guarantee a long-term and stable supply of raw materials.

The base's construction includes land consolidation, water conservancy projects, electrical infrastructure, and pest control, enhancing the quality of farmland and achieving full mechanization of sorghum production, thus significantly increasing the per-acre yield.

With steadfast dedication to artisanal management, Moutai has made history once again: It became the first Chinese company to receive the highest level of seven diamonds at the EFQM Global Award under the new evaluation standards and is also the first in the liquor industry to achieve this honor.

China's traditional brewing culture

Hongyingzi sorghum serves both as a material basis for the long-term sustainable development of Moutai liquor and as an important vessel for cultural heritage and innovative growth, contributing uniquely and profoundly to Chinese brewing culture.

The brewing of Moutai liquor is an ancient ceremony that breathes and shares its fate with the natural seasons. The cultivation of Hongyingzi sorghum follows the natural rhythm of sowing in spring and harvesting in autumn, closely intertwined with the changing of the seasons. In spring, farmers sow seeds of hope amid gentle rains; in summer, the sorghum robustly grows under the nurturing sun and dew; and by autumn, with the refreshing breeze, the sorghum ripens to a deep red, signaling optimal harvest time.

As Moutai liquor gains global prominence, an increasing number of people are beginning to understand and appreciate China's traditional brewing culture. The ancient brewing techniques of Hongyingzi sorghum and Moutai liquor not only showcase the allure of Chinese brewing to the world but also reveal the depth and breadth of Chinese culture.

With the conclusion of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, the focus in Chinese sports has begun shifting toward winter sports, especially with the 2025 Asian Winter Games to be hosted in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, just six months away and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, looming on the horizon. 

One of the recent notable developments is the upcoming second season of the Women's Chinese Ice Hockey League (WCIHL), which is set to commence on September 1, according to the Chinese Ice Hockey Association (CIHA). 

The WCIHL, initiated in November 2023, was a milestone for Chinese women's ice hockey, as historically China's women's ice hockey has faced challenges due to limited exposure and opportunities for domestic players. 

"The teams participating in the inaugural season gained valuable experience through 71 matches, significantly improving their overall competitive level," Wang Xuan, head of the CIHA, told a news conference on Wednesday. "This has made an outstanding contribution to the cultivation of talent, and the professional development of teams and clubs." 

Previously, a women's ice hockey club that featured mainly the Chinese national team's players relied on competing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) to hone the players' skills.
Now the domestic league is poised to play a significant role in enhancing the level of competition within China and ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the national team. 

Li Yutian, a senior official with the CIHA, told reporters that although the Chinese women's ice hockey team was unable to maintain its position in the top tier during the year 2024's Women's Ice Hockey World Championship, they still demonstrated strong competitiveness. 

The women's national team has a tight schedule in the lead-up to 2026, with the Asian Championship to be held in Beijing in late October, the Milan Winter Olympics qualifiers in Japan in February 2025, followed by the back-to-back Asian Winter Games at home in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

The Chinese women's ice hockey team recently completed a two-month training session. The players are expected to immediately begin preparations for the league, according to Li. With the league's regular season running till December, the national team will also participate in important events such as the Asian Championships in Beijing from late October to early November. 

Ripple effect

The success of the WCIHL could also have a ripple effect on the development of ice hockey more broadly in China. Plans are already underway to launch a men's professional league later this year, further cementing the sport's growing presence in the country. 

"The establishment of domestic ice hockey leagues addresses the need for a platform that could sustain and grow the sport in China," Mao Jiale, a Chengdu-based sports commentator, told the Global Times. 

"The league's consistent schedule will help players refine their skills, build team chemistry, and gain valuable experience under pressure, which also provides the national team with a broader pool of talent to draw from when selecting players, ensuring that the team is well-prepared to face the world's best." 

As the league grows, it is expected to not only elevate the standard of play, but also  increase the visibility and popularity of ice hockey across the country. 

In addition to the professional leagues, a series of grassroots initiatives are being rolled out to increase public participation in ice hockey. 

These include programs such as "hockey in schools" and "hockey in communities," which aim to introduce the sport to a wider audience and inspire the next generation of players.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which was a pivotal moment for winter sports in China. 

Beijing 2022 legacy

The Beijing Games sparked a nationwide surge in interest in winter sports, with the government committing to the ambitious goal of "engaging 300 million people in winter sports." 

Since then, the country has made significant strides in expanding access to winter sports facilities, increasing participation rates, and raising the profile of winter sports among the general public.

One of the most visible manifestations of this effort is the National Winter Sports Week, which was launched on August 19 in Harbin. 

This event showcases a variety of winter sports activities, including off-season training methods such as roller skiing, dry-land ice hockey, and curling. 

These activities not only offer fun and engaging ways for people to stay active during the warmer months, but also help maintain the momentum generated by the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and keep winter sports in the public eye year-round.

In addition to domestic initiatives, China's national teams are also intensifying their preparation for the upcoming international competitions. 

The short-track speed skating team, for example, embarked on a 41-day summer training camp in Italy in June. 

This rigorous training program is designed to fine-tune the athletes' physical conditioning, technique, and mental endurance, all of which will be crucial in the high-stakes environment of the Asian Winter Games and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Similarly, the national freestyle skiing and snowboard cross teams have traveled to the southern hemisphere where it is currently winter to participate in international competitions to gain experience. 

 "These overseas training programs highlight China's commitment to leaving no stone unturned in its quest for excellence in winter sports," Mao said. 

"By seeking out the best training environments and competing against top-tier international opponents, Chinese athletes are gaining the experience and confidence they need to succeed on the world stage."