Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 to premiere in Poland

Audience wait for the screening of the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 during a preview event at a cinema in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 26, 2025. The film is scheduled for official release in Poland on Aug. 29. (Xinhua/Xia Yuanyi)

Posters of the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 are displayed at the ticketing area of a cinema in Warsaw, Poland on Aug. 26, 2025. The film is scheduled for official release in Poland on Aug. 29. (Xinhua/Xia Yuanyi)

Giant panda Katyusha enjoys the ice birthday cake prepared by the caretakers at Moscow Zoo in Moscow, Russia, Aug. 24, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)

Giant pandas are globally recognized as flagship species and umbrella species. In line with this, Moscow Zoo launched a special themed tour titled “Guests from China,” linking exhibits of animals native to China to highlight the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological progress.

MOSCOW, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — “Katyusha,” the first giant panda ever born in Russia, celebrated her second birthday on Sunday at Moscow Zoo, where a week-long gala greeted visitors pouring in to honor the “popular star.”

To mark the special day, the zoo crafted a bespoke “cake” using bamboo and fresh fruits, paired with an ice sculpture shaped like the number “2.” Frozen within the ice were carrots, one of the cub’s favorite treats.

On her birthday, zookeepers went the extra mile to build a tiny bamboo hut as a special gift. Amid visitors’ cheers, “Katyusha” was instantly captivated by the hut: she sniffed out the biscuits hidden inside by her keepers, then quickly tore into the bamboo structure, munching away with obvious delight.

Moscow Zoo was decked out in Chinese-style decor throughout the week. Red lanterns, an iconic symbol of joy and festivity in Chinese culture, lined the path from the zoo’s entrance all the way to the Giant Panda Pavilion. Visitors enjoyed traditional dragon and lion dances, elegant tea ceremonies, handicraft workshops, and a documentary on the growth journey of “Katyusha.”

People take pictures of giant panda Katyusha at Moscow Zoo in Moscow, Russia, Aug. 24, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)

Giant pandas are globally recognized as flagship species and umbrella species. In line with this, Moscow Zoo launched a special themed tour titled “Guests from China,” linking exhibits of animals native to China to highlight the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological progress.

Svetlana Akulova, director general of Moscow Zoo, shared updates on the current condition of “Katyusha.” “She is not just a symbol of the Russia-China friendship, but also a vital component of our joint Sino-Russian scientific research program on giant pandas. Her growth is a rare example of natural maternal rearing in a zoo setting,” Akulova said.

Vasilyeva, a Russian teenage girl, dressed up as an adorable giant panda in a black-and-white patterned hoodie. She made a special trip to the zoo with her family to join the celebrations. “I’ve always loved giant pandas,” she said, “because they’re a bit lazy, just like me! We have so much in common.”

Outside the panda’s enclosure, Ms. Dmitriyeva held her young daughter and watched the panda for a long time. “It’s so good to see an animal as precious and unique as this in Russia,” she told Xinhua.

Even in China, the family of “Katyusha” has a huge group of fans. Chinese netizens affectionately refer to her as “Princess Shasha,” a cute diminutive of her Chinese name.

Giant panda Katyusha eats at Moscow Zoo in Moscow, Russia, Aug. 24, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)

Wu Kai, an expert in giant panda breeding and cub rearing at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda, has a special bond with “Katyusha.”

Two years ago, he traveled to Moscow to assist with the panda mom’s delivery and witnessed the cub’s birth.

With over a decade of experience, Wu has been part of nearly 200 giant panda births. “Katyusha” is the third cub he has helped deliver outside of China.

“I often watch videos about this panda family online,” Wu said. “Once you’ve cared for a panda cub, they stay in your heart. I just hope she grows up healthy and happy.”

At the grand celebration, the Chinese Embassy in Russia presented a special gift to “Katyusha.” Minister Counselor Zhang Wei said, “The birth of ‘Katyusha’ is a cute representative of the enduring China-Russia friendship in the new era. She’s not just a ‘special envoy’ for cultural exchange, she has also become a top celebrity loved by millions on social media in both countries.”

The cub’s parents, “Ru Yi” and “Ding Ding,” arrived in Moscow in April 2019 as part of a Sino-Russian panda conservation collaboration. On Aug. 24, 2023, “Ding Ding” gave birth to her first cub, making “Katyusha” the first giant panda born in Russia. The cub’s name was chosen via a public vote that drew over 380,000 Russian participants.

The panda family has held a special place in the hearts of the Russian people since then.

This photo taken on April 28, 2025 shows a scene of the opening ceremony of the 11th China-Arab Business Conference and the 9th Investment Seminar of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Trade between China and members of the Arab League reached 1.72 trillion yuan (about 241.61 billion U.S. dollars) during the first seven months of 2025, setting a record for this period and rising 3.2 percent year on year, official data showed on Tuesday.

According to the General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade has expanded steadily in recent years — with China remaining this bloc’s largest trading partner for several consecutive years.

In July alone, two-way trade reached 245.31 billion yuan, up 6.9 percent year on year. China exported 135.54 billion yuan worth of goods to the bloc last month, while imports totaled 109.77 billion yuan.

Complementary economies and a mutually beneficial trade structure continue to fuel cooperation between the two sides. From January to July, more than 40 percent of China’s crude oil imports were sourced from this bloc.

During the same period, China shipped 557.66 billion yuan of machinery and electronic products to the bloc, accounting for nearly 60 percent of its total exports to the bloc.

China is also deepening agricultural collaboration with the bloc, providing support in developing modern farming systems while expanding imports of signature agricultural products, such as Egyptian frozen strawberries, Lebanese chocolate and Algerian wool.

LUSAKA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — The implementation of a comprehensive zero-tariff policy covering all tariff lines has significantly boosted bilateral trade between China and Zambia, a Chinese government official has said.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing said that trade volumes between the two countries reached 3.56 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2025, representing a 15.5 percent increase year on year. He noted that Zambia recorded a trade surplus of 1.92 billion dollars during the same period.

Speaking at the eighth Council Inaugural Ceremony of the Association of Chinese Corporation in Zambia (ACCZ) on Monday, Han said that the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership has strengthened mutual trust and yielded further benefits from cooperation.

Han noted that since its establishment in 2005, ACCZ members have become key players across various sectors and major contributors to Zambia’s economic development, as Chinese enterprises under the ACCZ have invested more than 5 billion dollars in Zambia and created over 20,000 local jobs.

He added that the enterprises remain confident in Zambia’s development potential and plan to continue expanding their investments.

Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali commended Chinese enterprises for playing a pivotal role in driving Zambia’s economic development.

He said Chinese investment has been particularly instrumental in infrastructure development. “The results of Chinese investment are visible, from job creation, technology transfer, and skills development to the growth of local industries,” Tayali noted.

Tayali further praised Chinese enterprises for their role in modernizing infrastructure such as airports and roads, key components of Zambia’s vision to become a transport and logistics hub in the southern African region.

He also acknowledged that Zambia still faces a significant infrastructure gap, calling on Chinese investors to take advantage of ongoing public-private partnership opportunities in infrastructure development.

Liao Jianfeng, newly elected ACCZ chairperson, pledged that the association would promote responsible and forward-looking investment to ensure projects deliver mutual benefits.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and human connections, noting that cooperation between the two countries should be rooted not just in trade, but also in friendship and shared understanding.

This undated photo shows Tajikistani entrepreneur Amirhamza Temurzoda posing for a photo with the “Tianjin Eye” ferris wheel in north China’s Tianjin.(Xinhua)

TIANJIN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — After completing intensive Chinese language training in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, Tajikistani citizen Amirhamza Temurzoda is pursuing a work visa, eager to gain hands-on experience in international trade in China before launching his own trading venture back home.

Temurzoda, 24, hails from Danghara, a city about 100 km from the Tajikistani capital, Dushanbe. His entrepreneurial ambition originates from the tremendous change of his hometown, which has become an important hub for Tajikistan-China economic and trade cooperation in recent years.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative that was put forward in 2013, an agriculture and textile industrial park funded by Chinese investment has been established in Danghara, encompassing the entire cotton-to-garment production chain.

“Seeing more and more Chinese companies investing in my hometown, I realize economic and trade cooperation not only creates job opportunities but also has a profound impact on regional economies,” Temurzoda said.

During his studies in finance and economics at Tajik National University, Temurzoda began sourcing products through Alibaba’s international platform and selling them to the Tajikistani market via Instagram.

Within two years, his Instagram account amassed over 40,000 followers, many of whom became loyal customers, with his monthly profits reaching around 1,000 U.S. dollars per month.

“Chinese tech products like smartwatches and smartphones are of high quality and affordable, making them very popular among young people in our country,” he said.

As his business expanded, he registered a trading company during his third year of university, creating his own brand and forming a professional team covering procurement, logistics, warehousing and IT operations.

“As a Chinese proverb goes, ‘A small sparrow has all its vital organs, ‘” Temurzoda said with a smile. “Although the company was small in the beginning, it had all the necessary functions, laying the groundwork for future growth.”

As a member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Tajikistan has seen its economic and trade relations with China flourish in recent years.

Data shows that China has been Tajikistan’s largest source of investment and a major trading partner for many consecutive years. In the first half of 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached 2.04 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 12.5 percent. Among them, imports from Tajikistan totaled 260 million U.S. dollars, representing a staggering year-on-year increase of 56.2 percent.

Inspired by the potential of the Chinese market, more and more Tajikistani youth like Temurzoda are heading to China to study the Chinese language, economics and trade.

In April 2023, Temurzoda came to China for the first time to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration at Shanxi University of Finance and Economics in north China’s Shanxi Province. Two years later, he began studying Chinese at Tianjin University.

To better understand Chinese culture and daily life, Temurzoda frequently visited local markets near the university and chatted with vendors. He also enrolled in an online course on international trade practices, learning about cross-border trade processes, company registration procedures, customs clearance, and tax and financial regulations in China.

As the SCO Tianjin Summit will be held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1, Temurzoda hopes to explore more potential for economic and trade cooperation via the summit and deepen his understanding of Chinese culture, economy, and market dynamics.

He plans to work in a company related to Tajikistani-Chinese international trade for several years before establishing his own business in the sector.

“China has opened up a world of possibilities for me. With its vast market and abundant opportunities, I want to bring more Chinese products to Tajikistan while also helping Tajikistani specialty products reach the Chinese market,” Temurzoda said.

SANYA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Waseem Raza, a 45-year-old Pakistani, works as an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS). He pursued a doctoral degree at Nanjing Agricultural University and joined the university as a faculty member after graduation. This year, he was recruited by the CATAS Sanya Research Institute through a high-level talent program, embarking on a new career in Sanya of south China’s Hainan Province.

Waseem Raza poses for a photo at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza observes a diseased banana plant in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza observes banana plants in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem researches soil ecology, soil microbiology, and the interaction mechanisms between plants and soil microorganisms, with a focus on the prevention and control of banana Fusarium wilt. To him, CATAS boasts advanced technology and rich experience in banana research, highlighted by its cultivation of Fusarium wilt-resistant varieties and bio-organic fertilizer R&D.

Waseem Raza (R) observes a banana plant at a banana test field in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza works at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza works at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza works at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Yushen)

Bananas are a key crop in Pakistan, which is also troubled by diseases like banana Fusarium wilt. Waseem believes China and Pakistan have a solid foundation for agricultural cooperation and share a broad potential for collaboration in banana cultivation and disease control.

“I’m studying bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can promote plant growth and inhibit pathogens,” Waseem said, adding that he has completed technical research in the lab and plans to roll it out to the field in the near future.

Waseem Raza works at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza (1st L) works at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza talks with his colleague at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza (2nd R) talks with his colleague at a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem has been in China for over 20 years and decided to stay in Sanya, as it has well-equipped laboratories that can meet scientific research needs, as well as its beautiful environment and sound climate conditions. “I hope to do in-depth research and make more scientific research achievements,” he said.

Waseem Raza shops at a supermarket in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza cooks at his apartment in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza prepares to have a meal at his apartment in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza heads to a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza works at the office in a tropical crop breeding lab of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza shares research findings with his colleagues and students in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza shares research findings with his colleagues and students in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Waseem Raza shares research findings with his colleagues and students in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Coordinators: Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang, Hu Zhixuan, Chu Jiayin

Reporters: Yang Guanyu, Xu Yushen, Luo Jiang

Designers: Zhou Dixiao, Mu Wenchun

CHANGCHUN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — A train loaded with high-end auto parts from leading Chinese automaker China FAW Group Co., Ltd. departed Changchun in northeast China’s Jilin Province for Europe on Monday, marking the company’s first direct China-Europe Railway Express service.

The train, carrying components for FAW’s Hongqi, Jiefang and Bestune brands, will travel approximately 7,900 kilometers, passing through Manzhouli Port before continuing on to Europe.

As the only automaker in China licensed to operate the China-Europe Railway Express, Changchun-headquartered FAW has innovatively adopted a multimodal transport solution that seamlessly integrates rail and sea freight and overseas warehousing. This comprehensive approach delivers end-to-end service, effectively reducing overall logistics costs and significantly enhancing the resilience of its supply chain.

Compared with traditional sea freight, this route has reduced transportation time from 45 days to just 18, while cutting logistics costs by more than 30 percent. This efficiency boost is set to significantly enhance the international competitiveness of FAW’s vehicle exports.

In 2024, FAW exported 125,000 vehicles, marking a year-on-year increase of 36.2 percent. Two flagship new energy models under the Hongqi brand made their debut in the European market, considerably enhancing the brand’s international profile.

Meanwhile, FAW sold 3.2 million vehicles in 2024, generating revenue of over 550 billion yuan (about 77.3 billion U.S. dollars) last year.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday met with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing.

Han said China is willing to work with the ROK to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate strategic mutual trust, expand common interests, enhance multilateral coordination, and promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of the bilateral ties.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula, Han said China is ready to work with the international community, including the ROK side, to jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II and uphold true multilateralism.

Park Byeong-seug said the new ROK government attaches great importance to its relations with China and respects the one-China principle.

The ROK is willing to bring the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries back on track for the benefit of the people of both countries under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, he added.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs, speaks at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) — China has made steady progress in trade facilitation and international customs cooperation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a customs official said on Monday.

Trade facilitation is crucial in advancing high-standard opening-up, improving the business environment, and safeguarding the multilateral trading system, Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), told a press conference.

During the past years, the GAC has led annual initiatives to improve cross-border trade efficiency, introducing 108 reform measures aimed at creating a more convenient, secure and predictable business environment, which has been widely welcomed by enterprises.

Simplified clearance procedures and optimized supervision models have ensured faster cross-border logistics and smoother economic and trade exchanges, while institutional innovations have supported the growth of new forms of foreign trade, Sun said.

Data showed that China has added or expanded 40 ports of entry since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), bringing the total to 311 nationwide, and 271 types of agricultural and food products from 81 countries and regions have been newly approved for import.

These efforts have underpinned steady growth in foreign trade. In 2024, China’s total goods trade reached 43.8 trillion yuan (6.16 trillion U.S. dollars), maintaining its position as the world’s largest trading nation for the eighth consecutive year.

China has ranked among the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions worldwide, Sun said.

In 2024, China’s trade with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries reached 22 trillion yuan, comprising over 50 percent of its total imports and exports. The nation’s trade with emerging markets, including ASEAN, Latin America, Africa and Central Asia, has expanded at an annual pace of more than 10 percent since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to Sun.

EXPANDING COOPERATION

Facing a complicated international economic and trade situation, China has opened its door wider to the rest of the world, and has taken multiple measures to enhance international customs cooperation, said Zhang Baofeng, an official with GAC, at the press conference.

China has newly built 85 customs cooperation mechanisms with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), bringing the total number to 138, Zhang said.

Customs inspection and quarantine platforms with African nations and Central and Eastern European countries have been established, which helped facilitate the entry of quality products such as African citrus fruits, coffee beans and wild aquatic products, as well as honey, wine and cosmetics goods from Central and Eastern European countries into the Chinese market, according to Zhang.

In addition, China has organized 204 sessions of foreign aid training, benefiting nearly 7,000 participants from 120 countries and regions, and promoting exchanges in customs regulations, technology and standards.

Looking forward, China will continue to deeply engage in the reform of global customs governance, Zhang said.

STRENGTHENING IPR PROTECTION

China’s customs authorities have scaled up efforts to protect intellectual property rights (IPRs) and have maintained a high-pressure stance against IPR infringement during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said Wang Jun, deputy head of the GAC, at the press conference.

Customs authorities have adopted a series of targeted operations to crack down on IPR infringement, resulting in the seizure of nearly 400 million pieces of suspected infringing goods during the period, according to Wang.

Wang noted that a total of 1.83 million pieces of suspected infringing Labubu products have been intercepted since the beginning of this year, safeguarding a fair and healthy international trade market environment.

China has also deepened collaboration with customs authorities from a number of other countries in a concerted effort to bolster the global crackdown on IPR infringement, he added.

Media professionals work at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A press conference on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) is held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Media professionals work at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A journalist asks questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs, speaks at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) — China has ranked among the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions worldwide, said Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), at a press conference on Monday.

In 2024, China’s trade with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries reached 22 trillion yuan (about 3 trillion U.S. dollars), comprising over 50 percent of its total imports and exports, Sun said.

The nation’s trade with emerging markets, including ASEAN, Latin America, Africa and Central Asia, has expanded at an annual pace of more than 10 percent since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to Sun.

Sun emphasized China’s commitment to international cooperation, revealing 519 international cooperation documents signed since 2021 to foster mutual economic benefits. 

Media professionals work at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A press conference on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) is held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Media professionals work at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A journalist asks questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China Customs’ achievements in safeguarding borders and promoting high-quality development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows a cargo ship at Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) — China has added and expanded 40 ports of entry since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), bringing the country’s total ports of entry to 311, said Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs, at a press conference on Monday. 

A member of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone provides medical consultations for a child with tetanus in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Aug. 21, 2025. (The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)

Chinese doctors bring healthcare to Sierra Leone despite challenges they faced include the shortage of medicines, unstable water and power supply, as well as cultural and language barriers.

FREETOWN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) — “The child arrived in critical condition, exhibiting intense sensitivity to light and sound, along with frequent convulsions,” recalled Huang Yunjun, a pediatric specialist with the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone.

Huang shared a poignant story about a 6-year-old girl admitted to the hospital with tetanus during an interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

“We diagnosed her immediately, but the biggest challenge was securing the scarce tetanus antitoxin,” he recounted. Through meticulous coordination, the medical team managed to procure the medication just in time. After undergoing active treatment and receiving attentive care, the child has shown marked improvement.

However, the shortage of medicines was not the only challenge the medical team faced. Liu Longfei, chief of the medical team, noted the limitations posed by the local healthcare environment after landing in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, in early March, including an unstable water and power supply, as well as cultural and language barriers.

Members of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone perform a surgery for a local patient in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 12, 2025. (The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)

Despite these obstacles, Chinese doctors successfully addressed internal medicine cases, performed general surgeries, and provided specialized care in obstetrics and pediatrics.

The medical team has completed more than 10,000 medical treatments since arrival, including nearly 100 highly challenging surgical operations and over 100 emergency rescues. The types of surgeries performed span various fields, including general surgery, orthopedics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Their broad expertise allows them to meet diverse medical challenges.

“We will continue to improve specialized medical care and emergency treatment capabilities,” said Liu. “The Chinese people will always stand with the Sierra Leonean people on their journey to health.”

Echoing these sentiments, Fanta Jalloh, mother of the 6-year-old patient, voiced her gratitude. “I am so thankful to the Chinese doctors for restoring my daughter’s life,” she said, expressing her belief that the relationship between the two countries will continue to flourish.

A member of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone teaches a training course on traditional Chinese medicine techniques in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 26, 2025. (The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)

Training and knowledge transfer are also foundational aspects for the medical team. Describing their educational efforts, Liu said, “It’s better to teach people to fish than to give them fish.” Through daily mentorship, lectures, and skill-training workshops, the team ensures that vital knowledge remains within the local healthcare system.

According to Liu, the medical team also organizes free clinics and health campaigns in communities and welfare centers, delivering services and medicines to those most in need, which have received overwhelmingly positive responses.

A member of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone performs fundus examinations for a local orphan at the Saint George Foundation Children’s Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 16, 2025. (The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)

Local doctors and nurses have lauded the high-level collaboration with the Chinese medical professionals. Many describe it as not only educational but also pivotal in strengthening the overall health sector in the West African country.

“The partnership we have established is transformative,” Abdul Bah, chief of surgery of Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, commented. “It has opened up new avenues for learning and improved healthcare delivery.”

This photo taken at Batam Port, Indonesia, shows the maiden container ship of the new direct shipping route operated by China’s COSCO from Batam Port to Yangpu Port in south China’s island province of Hainan, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Direct sailings will shorten transit time, reduce logistics costs, and bring tangible convenience for trade between China, Indonesia, and the wider region, said Wang Wei, managing director of COSCO Shipping Lines Indonesia.

BATAM, Indonesia, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) — Amid the sound of ship whistles, a container vessel slowly departed from Batam Port in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province.

The voyage marked the inaugural sailing of a new direct shipping route operated by China’s shipping giant COSCO from Batam to Yangpu Port in south China’s island province of Hainan, enhancing sea connectivity between China and Southeast Asia.

“It is a great honor to be in Batam today, a city full of vitality and opportunities, to witness the launch of this new direct service,” said Wang Wei, managing director of COSCO Shipping Lines Indonesia, at the inaugural ceremony on Thursday.

He noted that the new route linking Batam and Yangpu is a vital step in strengthening regional connectivity. “Direct sailings will shorten transit time, reduce logistics costs, and bring tangible convenience for trade between China, Indonesia, and the wider region,” he said.

This photo taken at Batam Port, Indonesia, shows the maiden container ship was loading and unloading goods at the terminal, during the inaugural sailing of a new direct shipping route operated by China’s shipping giant COSCO from Batam to Yangpu Port in south China’s island province of Hainan, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Located at the crossroads of Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, Batam sits at the heart of the “growth triangle” of trilateral cooperation. As one of Indonesia’s earliest industrial development zones, Batam, along with two neighboring islands, formed a free trade zone in 2009, becoming an important window for the country’s opening up.

In recent years, Batam has experienced rapid growth in industries such as electronics, shipbuilding, photovoltaics, and oil and gas equipment manufacturing, attracting increasing foreign investment. Container throughput at Batam Port reached around 670,000 TEUs in 2024.

“In the past, Batam Port relied mainly on basic equipment such as truck-mounted cranes. Now it has upgraded to an international-standard container terminal with ship-to-shore cranes, gantry cranes, and straddle carriers,” said Djoko Prasetyo, president director of Persero Batam, which manages the port.

“In addition, direct services save both cost and time, while further boosting local industries,” he added.

This photo taken at Batam Island, Indonesia, shows Djoko Prasetyo, president director of Persero Batam, being interviewed on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

The launch also brings fresh opportunities for Ecogreen Oleochemicals in Batam, a leading global producer of natural fatty alcohols, whose products are exported worldwide.

“This direct route significantly lowers costs and improves efficiency. China is one of our key markets, and the new service has strengthened our competitiveness there,” said Herny Lim, the company’s distribution center manager.

According to Wang, the route will operate on a fixed schedule linking Batam, Yangpu, and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. From Yangpu, it will connect with mainline services bound for North and South America, creating a fast channel from Indonesia to the Americas.

“This new service not only builds a bridge for China-Indonesia trade but also strengthens ASEAN-China connectivity. It is truly a win-win opportunity,” Wang said.

This photo taken at Batam Island, Indonesia, shows guests attended the inaugural ceremony of the new direct shipping route operated by China’s COSCO from Batam Port to Yangpu Port in south China’s island province of Hainan, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Economic cooperation between China and Indonesia has continued to deepen in recent years. China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner and one of its main sources of foreign investment. Bilateral collaboration has been expanding in sectors including new energy, manufacturing, and the digital economy.

At the inaugural ceremony, local government officials, port partners, and representatives from Chinese and Indonesian companies gathered to witness the opening. Participants agreed that the launch represents more than just a new logistics channel; it symbolizes a new stage of cooperation between the two nations.

KATHMANDU, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — Telecommunication equipment, readymade garments, machinery and parts, textiles and electrical goods emerged as the top five products Nepal imported from China in the 2024-25 fiscal year which ended in mid-July, the central bank said on Sunday.

Nepal’s total imports from China stood at 341.1 billion Nepali rupees during this period and the top five items accounted for nearly 37 percent of the imports, the Nepal Rastra Bank said in a report.

Telecommunication equipment topped the chart with a total value of 30.73 billion rupees, and the imported smartphones alone were valued at 24.91 billion rupees.

Nepal imported from China readymade garments worth 28.08 billion rupees, machinery and parts worth 23.90 billion rupees, textiles worth 21.97 billion rupees and electrical goods worth 21.34 billion rupees, the bank noted.

China has long remained the second-largest trading partner of Nepal after India. (1 Nepali rupee equals 0.007125 U.S. dollar) 

HARARE, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — Nearly six months on, the 22nd batch of the Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe has delivered treatment to more than 7,000 local patients.

In an interview with Xinhua on Sunday in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, the team said its 11 medical professionals, covering various specialities from neurology to orthopedics, have been carrying out free medical consultations across the country and have performed over 200 surgeries since they commenced their practice in March.

“Some locals in remote areas don’t have access to quality medical services; that’s why we have been extending our reach to them by doing voluntary consultations,” said Zhang Xiong, an orthopedist of the team.

Zhang, together with some of his colleagues, also offered free outpatient services every week at the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) center of the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) in Harare, providing TCM therapeutic techniques to help patients suffering from chronic diseases.

“Many local patients have come to realize that the TCM therapy is much safer and cheaper for some diseases,” Zhang said.

Gao Juhua, the team’s neurologist, told Xinhua that many Zimbabwean patients suffered from high blood pressure and high blood sugar, but many of them have little knowledge about their conditions.

“The free clinic offered them a place for medical checkups, and we will give them advice like how to take medicine rationally and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Gao said.

In the meantime, the team has been imparting cutting-edge medical knowledge and technology to their Zimbabwean counterparts by conducting training sessions, benefiting around 100 medical staff so far.

Li Jie, a respiratory physician of the team who was dispatched by central China’s Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, said the Chinese hospital has partnered with the PGH on a respiratory and critical care medicine project since 2022, through which thousands of local patients have been treated.

“Under this project, we are able to invite many top-notch specialists in the Chinese hospital to help PGH, the largest general hospital in Zimbabwe, strengthen its capacity in this field by training local medical professionals consistently,” Li said.

China has dispatched 22 medical teams to Zimbabwe since 1985, which played an important part in boosting the medical services in the southern African country. 

CHONGQING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — Muhammad Shahbaz, a 37-year-old medical researcher from Pakistan, currently works at the neutron science institute (Chongqing) of the FDS consortium, focusing on the clinical application and international collaboration of precision radiotherapy technology.

Muhammad Shahbaz (1st R, front) poses for selfies with Pakistani students near Liziba sightseeing platform in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Muhammad Shahbaz makes an experiment at the neutron science institute (Chongqing) of the FDS consortium in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Muhammad Shahbaz (R) makes an experiment with a colleague at the neutron science institute (Chongqing) of the FDS consortium in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

In 2006, Shahbaz came to China from Pakistan to study medicine and has lived in the country for nearly two decades. “Chongqing not only boasts cutting-edge precision radiotherapy technology but also offers a comprehensive talent system that gives me a sense of belonging,” he said.

Muhammad Shahbaz (L) discusses precision radiotherapy technology with a colleague at the neutron science institute (Chongqing) of the FDS consortium in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Muhammad Shahbaz (R) talks to colleagues at the neutron science institute (Chongqing) of the FDS consortium in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

During his time in China, Shahbaz has built platforms to help Pakistani students pursue education in China and invited Chinese experts to provide guidance in Pakistan. He actively promotes Sino-Pakistani cooperation in medical education, scientific research, and digital healthcare, and helps more people in his home country benefit from China’s innovations.

Muhammad Shahbaz (4th L) introduces Xiahaoli ancient street to Pakistani students in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Muhammad Shahbaz (2nd R) talks with Pakistani students at Xiahaoli ancient street in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Muhammad Shahbaz talks with his family via video link in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, July 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Coordinators: Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang, Hu Zhixuan, Chu Jiayin

Reporter: Huang Wei

Designers: Zhou Dixiao, Mu Wenchun

ZHENGZHOU, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) — Luoyang, central China’s Henan Province — once the capital of 13 ancient dynasties and renowned for its Buddhist grottoes that stand as testaments to human devotion and artistry — recently hosted global heritage experts to address the preservation of the world’s fragile stone heritage.

The International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation 2025 convened from Aug. 19 to 21 in Luoyang, home to the iconic Longmen Grottoes. Attendees included specialists from over 10 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Singapore and Japan, alongside international organization representatives and Chinese scholars.

Participants exchanged insights on cave temple preservation and inheritance, jointly exploring scientific approaches to conservation.

“Cave temples are extraordinary monuments to human creativity, spiritual devotion and cross-cultural exchange. These sacred spaces embody complex histories, intricate craftsmanship and a profound connection between people and their environment,” said Duong Bich Hanh, director of the culture sector, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia. “They remind us that heritage is both local and universal, an integral part of humanity’s shared story.”

China brings invaluable expertise to global cave temple conservation. A 2021 national survey recorded 5,986 cave temples and cliff statues, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Mogao Grottoes in northwest China’s Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in the northern city of Datong and Longmen Grottoes.

Xie Bing, deputy head of China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, highlighted the country’s theoretical and practical innovations in cultural heritage conservation over the past two decades.

“A comprehensive protection strategy — encompassing value interpretation, monitoring and early warning, environmental control, disaster management and restoration — has become a consensus,” Xie said, emphasizing China’s systematic and holistic conservation framework for cave temples.

This integrated approach is now a model for the world. Long Kosal, deputy director-general of the APSARA National Authority of Cambodia, expressed keen interest at the forum.

“China’s grottoe preservation model offers a highly effective approach,” Kosal said, highlighting China’s successful practices in preserving the authenticity of cultural heritage while enhancing cultural identity and boosting local economies.

Technical ambition was on full display at the forum. Su Bomin, dean of the Dunhuang Academy, presented a province-wide digital monitoring platform encompassing six major grottoe sites, providing key data to track dynamic changes comprehensively and preemptively identify potential risks.

The newly inaugurated Longmen Grottoes heritage scientific conservation center features state-of-the-art research facilities, including specialized laboratories for mechanics, biology, and materials science. The center is equipped with high-tech instrumentation such as rock permeability analyzers, Raman spectrometers and 3D printers.

A particularly compelling innovation was the microbial mineralization technique for stone relic restoration, developed by Liu Hanlong — academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Chongqing University. This breakthrough attracted significant attention from international participants. Nawaz-ud-Din Siddiqui, director of the Swat Museum in Pakistan, praised China’s advanced conservation technologies and expressed strong interest in future collaborative preservation projects.

Digital technologies have also immortalized China’s cave temple treasures in virtual space. Through systematic application of 3D digitization, Longmen Grottoes has pioneered a complete workflow for the virtual reconstruction of dispersed heritage, achieving digital reintegration of fragmented statues. At Dunhuang, a newly launched “digital cave library” has assembled 9,900 scrolls and over 60,000 images of sutras and paintings — many once scattered abroad — into one publicly accessible platform.

China’s international collaborations in cave temple conservation — including the restoration of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temples, Dunhuang’s Belt and Road partnerships and a China-Italy stone conservation lab — have substantially boosted its global influence in heritage preservation.

“We’re looking forward to pooling global expertise through extensive exchanges and in-depth cooperation to better safeguard cave temples as shared treasures of human civilization,” Xie said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met here on Thursday with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, saying that the friendship between Pakistan and China is unique, with their all-weather friendship covering various fields and levels.

Sharif said he very much looks forward to attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit in China and commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He said that the Pakistani side hopes to work with China to promote the building of an upgraded Version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), deepen cooperation in agriculture, mining, energy and resources, aviation and aerospace, information technology, infrastructure construction and other fields, and enhance the vitality of Pakistan’s economic and social development.

The prime minister said that the Pakistani side attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan and will make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and projects.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China welcomes Shehbaz to visit China and looks forward to working with Pakistan and all parties of the SCO to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit and make the summit an event of friendship, solidarity, and fruitful outcomes.

The theme of the commemorative events to be held on Sept. 3 is to bear history in mind, honor all those who laid down their lives, cherish peace and open up the future, manifesting China’s firm resolve to uphold the outcomes of the victory of World War II and international fairness and justice, and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

Calling the China-Pakistan relationship unparalleled, Wang said that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan remains unshakable and unbreakable. The building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future aims to closely link each other’s future and destiny, promote common development and prosperity, and work together on their way to modernization.

Wang said that China has always been the most reliable partner and strongest supporter for Pakistan. Both sides need to accelerate the building of an upgraded Version 2.0 of the CPEC, focus on agriculture, industry and mining, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in Gwadar Port, industrial parks, connectivity and high technology, comprehensively enhance Pakistan’s independent development capabilities, and strengthen its resilience against external challenges.

Wang also said that China supports Pakistan in resolutely cracking down on all forms of terrorism and creating a secure and favorable environment for national development and bilateral cooperation.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

A passenger train runs on a bridge of the China-Laos Railway in Luang Prabang, Laos, May 28, 2023. (Photo by Chen Chang/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) — The China-Laos Railway is transforming Laos by boosting trade, improving transport efficiency, and expanding market access, especially for agricultural products, driving national economic growth while enhancing the everyday livelihoods of its people.

Since its launch, the China-Laos Railway has transported more than 14 million tons of goods, becoming a vital link connecting Laos to regional and international markets. In the first seven months of 2025, it carried over 3.47 million tons, marking a 6.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, 171,000 tons of fruits were transported during this time, a 62.8 percent increase, highlighting the railway’s growing role in supporting Laos’ agricultural exports.

Saiynoy, a fruit vendor and farmer from southern Laos’ Savannakhet province, said the China-Laos Railway has opened new opportunities for Lao farmers to expand their production and access international markets.

“This improved transportation has increased farmers’ incomes, encouraged higher production, and inspired more people to return to farming, while also creating more jobs for local communities,” Saiynoy told Xinhua on Thursday.

“Beyond agriculture, the railway has created jobs in logistics and trade, helping to stimulate local economies and strengthen communities along the route,” he said.

Overall, the railway is not only driving economic growth but also improving livelihoods and fostering hope in rural areas, he added.

Passengers leave the Vientiane Station of the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

In early August, the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) held a consultation meeting to plan transportation for the second half of 2025, aiming to develop a forward-looking strategy to promote Lao exports while enhancing railway capacity and service quality.

The LCRC reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the transport of Lao goods, especially agricultural products. To support this, it has increased train routes for agricultural exports and coordinated with Lao and Chinese customs authorities to streamline procedures, reduce clearance time, and ensure timely delivery. Going forward, the LCRC will work closely with all stakeholders to develop a detailed work plan and coordination mechanism to ensure efficient railway operations and continue contributing to Laos’ economic growth, it said.

Beyond its economic and trade benefits, the China-Laos Railway has also improved daily life for many Lao citizens by making domestic travel faster, safer, and more convenient. For Phouphet, an office worker who frequently travels for business, the railway has been a game-changer — saving time, reducing stress, and even boosting local tourism.

“My job requires frequent travel to provinces across Laos, especially to Luang Prabang. Before the railway, the journey could take 6 to 12 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. It was exhausting and often unsafe, especially during the rainy season,” said Phouphet, who is based in the capital Vientiane.

Now, the same trip takes just two hours. Phouphet noted that the reduced travel time not only makes work easier but also encourages more people to travel for leisure, helping promote tourism in northern Laos.

Passengers enter the Vientiane Station of the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

While individuals benefit from improved travel and mobility, others recognize the railway’s broader impact on communities and national development. For Pao, a 32-year-old worker, the railway is also a powerful symbol of Laos’ growing regional connectivity and economic potential.

He believes the railway has brought significant benefits to the country — opening doors to international trade, foreign investment, and tourism, while raising Laos’ profile as a more connected and accessible nation.

“It’s a symbol of progress — creating real opportunities, boosting the economy, and improving people’s lives,” Pao said.

Alongside its role in driving economic growth, the China-Laos Railway is bringing people closer and improving community infrastructure. Somhak, a 41-year-old resident of Vientiane province, highlighted how the railway has made family visits easier and enhanced daily life.

“Families who live far apart can now travel and visit each other much more easily, especially during special occasions or emergencies,” she said.

Somhak also said that the railway has led to broader improvements beyond transportation, including better roads and infrastructure around the stations. She believes that, if managed well, the railway and its surrounding development could bring lasting benefits to the country.

Tourists visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in central China’s Hunan Province, Oct. 3, 2024. (Photo by Wu Yongbing/Xinhua)

CHANGSHA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — For his first trip to China, Park Jun-min from the Republic of Korea (ROK) headed straight to Zhangjiajie, the “Avatar” city known worldwide for its dreamlike landscape.

“It is incredible! I thought I was prepared after seeing photos and videos, but being here in person, surrounded by soaring peaks and mist-shrouded cliffs, felt like stepping into a wonderland,” Park marveled while visiting the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Nestled in the mountainous northwest of central China’s Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is a renowned tourist city and the real-life inspiration for the floating mountains in the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar. Though landlocked and far from China’s borders, it has risen as a popular gateway for international travelers, spurred by China’s expanded visa-free entry and eased transit policies.

Walking through the bustling streets of Zhangjiajie, visitors can hear languages from around the world. Korean barbecue restaurants, Japanese eateries and Western-style cafes line the sidewalks, while signs in multiple languages appear in attractions and hotels. At local markets, even stall owners have picked up a few foreign phrases to welcome international customers.

In the first seven months of 2025, the city received 722,000 international visitors, who spent a total of 380 million U.S. dollars, representing year-on-year increases of 14.2 percent and 16.4 percent, respectively. Despite a permanent population of fewer than 1.5 million, more than 300,000 people are employed in tourism-related sectors during peak periods.

Among Zhangjiajie’s inbound visitors, tourists from the ROK are particularly numerous. For a long time, the country has been the city’s largest source of foreign tourists.

In July, comedian Kim Won-hyo was appointed as a promotional ambassador for a scenic area in Zhangjiajie. Local authorities said they intend to tap into the influence of Kim and other Korean public figures to further develop the tourism market from the ROK and deepen cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

Having visited Zhangjiajie several times, Kim has witnessed a change in the city’s visitors. “Young Koreans used to send their parents to the city as a sign of filial piety. But on my recent trips, I’ve been delighted to see more young Koreans visiting the scenic spots themselves,” Kim said.

Zhangjiajie now draws visitors from well beyond the ROK. In 2024, the city welcomed tourists from 183 countries and regions, 50 more than its previous record. Emerging markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Europe, the United States and the Middle East are contributing to its growing international appeal.

“Each quartzite sandstone peak rises like a pillar, one after another,” said Liu Yang, deputy secretary-general of the Zhangjiajie tourism association.

He noted that the city’s unique, fairyland-like scenery embodies the poetic landscapes many foreigners imagine when they think of China. With an expanding range of tourism products and improved services in recent years, even this small inland city can now offer international visitors a rewarding travel experience.

At a local souvenir shop, Filipino visitor Ezekiel Santos paid with GCash, a mobile wallet from his home country. “I used to exchange currency at a bank before traveling abroad. But now in China, I can simply scan and pay with the same app I use at home. It is fast, convenient, and the exchange rate is favorable,” he said.

In recent years, Hunan Province has rolled out a series of policies to make travel easier for inbound visitors, covering entry procedures, payments, transportation and shopping. In January 2025, 18 provincial departments jointly issued 12 measures to further boost inbound tourism and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience for international travelers.

“The steady rise in inbound tourism has pushed us to raise the bar in areas such as infrastructure, service quality, and talent development,” said Tian Hongman, deputy director of Zhangjiajie’s bureau of culture, tourism, broadcasting, and sports.

“Zhangjiajie is embracing the world with greater professionalism and openness, and we hope every visitor can feel at home here,” Tian added. 

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — China has launched a pilot program for green foreign debt financing in a bid to attract the inflow of global capital into the country’s green sector.

Piloted in 16 provincial-level regions and cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Hebei and Qingdao, non-financial enterprises are encouraged to use cross-border financing funds for qualified green and low-carbon transition projects, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) announced Thursday.

Supportive policies will be implemented in the pilot areas to expand the upper limit on cross-border financing scale for enterprises investing in green and low-carbon transition projects, and to facilitate green foreign debt services, according to the SAFE.

Going forward, the SAFE said it will ensure both openness and security, and further facilitate cross-border financing to support the high-quality development of the real economy.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chaired the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Thursday.

Wang said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is steadily advancing with more strategic significance. He congratulated Pakistan for assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July, upholding justice for developing countries, and enhancing Pakistan’s international status and influence.

Wang stated that China is willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and prepare for high-level exchanges in the second half of the year, so that the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future will continue to take the lead during the process of China’s building a community with a shared future with its neighboring countries.

Wang pointed out that China supports Pakistan in developing its economy and consolidating its national strength to fundamentally enhance its ability to respond to internal and external challenges. Both sides should work together to uphold the multilateral trading system and oppose unilateral bullying.

Dar said the bilateral dialogue was held in due time, which concretely manifested the two countries’ ironclad friendship. Friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and a common understanding throughout the country. The Pakistani side will continue to fully support China’s work as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and jointly promote the successful hosting of the Tianjin summit.

Dar said that the Pakistani side looks forward to further deepening practical cooperation in various fields between Pakistan and China, while continuously enriching the connotation of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

He added that Pakistan will firmly support the building of a Pakistan-China community with a shared future, and support the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China.

Pakistan will make every effort to combat all forms of terrorism and take all measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan, said the Pakistani foreign minister.

Both sides also had in-depth exchanges of views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on China and Pakistan to advance the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership through “four always” principles.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks here during a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

Wang said that the dialogue was held in a cordial and brotherly atmosphere, during which both sides reached consensus on almost all issues through comprehensive and in-depth communication.

China-Pakistan strategic cooperation bears great significance for the common development of the two countries and for regional peace and stability, Wang said, noting that the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan stands the test of time, and that the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is unbreakable.

Wang stressed that China and Pakistan will stay committed to the “four always,” the first of which is always maintaining high mutual trust and mutual support.

The two sides agreed to take the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries as a strategic guide, continuously consolidate and deepen strategic mutual trust, and firmly support each other in safeguarding core interests, Wang said.

The two sides will always focus on development and win-win cooperation, Wang said, adding that the two sides agreed that the current priority of bilateral cooperation is to jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with high quality and build a “version 2.0” upgrade of CPEC.

The two sides will make solid efforts to deepen cooperation in the three key areas of industry, agriculture and mining, effectively improve the well-being of the Pakistani people, foster Pakistan’s capacity for independent development, and enhance the resilience of Pakistan’s economy, he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua)

In light of the recent heavy rainfall disaster in Pakistan, China shares the feelings of the Pakistani people and will immediately provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Pakistan, he added.

China and Pakistan will always safeguard security and improve people’s livelihood, Wang said, noting that China appreciates Pakistan’s unremitting efforts and huge sacrifices in combating terrorism, and believes that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism endeavors will ultimately prevail.

Pakistan will take concrete measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the country, while working with China to further deepen counter-terrorism and security cooperation and strengthen coordination on regional counter-terrorism affairs, Wang noted.

He said that the two sides will also vigorously promote exchanges and cooperation in education, youth and culture, so as to consolidate the public and social foundation of China-Pakistan friendship.

China and Pakistan will also always strengthen coordination and meet challenges together, Wang stressed, adding that at a time when the regional landscape in South Asia is closely linked with global changes, the two sides agreed to enhance regional cooperation and promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home in Asia.

The two sides will firmly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II, practice true multilateralism, and oppose all forms of unilateral bullying, Wang said.

China and Pakistan will take the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative as important platforms and driving forces, vigorously enhance solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, and work together to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization, and make unremitting efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalization for Asia, especially South Asia.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

He was responding to a question from reporters about China’s view on the current situation in South Asia and the role of China-Pakistan cooperation, as Pakistan is the last stop of his recent visit to three South Asian countries.

South Asian countries have a long history, splendid civilization, large population, and huge development potential, Wang said, referring to them as China’s close neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and also an important direction for China to build a community with a shared future in its neighborhood.

Stressing that he felt the immense development potential and resilience of South Asia following this visit to India, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wang said the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalization for Asia, especially South Asia.

Although India, Afghanistan and Pakistan have different national conditions, they all recognize that development is the top priority and the broadest consensus among them, as well as among all countries in the region, Wang said, adding that a peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia serves the common interests of all parties and meets the aspirations of the people of all countries.

In the face of pressure from unilateral bullying, Wang said the three countries all believe that they should adhere to multilateralism, safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and strive to promote equal and orderly multipolarization of the world and inclusive economic globalization.

The three countries are willing to strengthen good-neighborly friendship with China, their largest neighbor, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and seek mutual benefit and win-win results, Wang said, noting that China will be a reliable partner and a solid support for South Asian countries.

China pursues the policy of an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, adhering to the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and a shared future. It is always committed to mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual success with South Asian countries, Wang said.

China and South Asian countries are natural partners, and there is broad space for cooperation, he said.

Despite ups and downs, China-India relations have a long history and increasingly demonstrate a clear historical logic; the China-Pakistan friendship has withstood the test of time, gaining stronger internal impetus, Wang said.

The relationships between China and Pakistan, China and India, as well as China and other neighboring countries, are not directed against any third party and are not subject to any third-party influence, he said.

Highlighting that China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners, Wang said the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future is at the forefront of China’s building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, setting an important example.

He said China and Pakistan are leading the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, and the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will not only benefit the people of the two countries but also extend to Afghanistan and other countries.

The two countries also practice the Global Security Initiative, uphold the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and are committed to developing high-level security cooperation, Wang said, adding that both sides attach importance to the Global Civilization Initiative, transcending differences in civilizations and social systems, and promote greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Wang said that both China and Pakistan are important members of the Global South, stressing that Pakistan has assumed the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) starting this year, and China has gained another partner in upholding fairness and justice in the UNSC.

The two countries will closely coordinate and cooperate to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and the Global South, Wang said.