Shanghai authorities recently issued a notice encouraging employers to designate positions with flexible working hours, adaptable work styles, and family-friendly environments as parent-friendly positions, primarily aimed at workers responsible for caring for children under age of 12, thepaper.cn reported on Friday.

The issue was recently released by Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the municipal federation of trade unions in Shanghai, and Shanghai Women's Federation.

Parent-friendly positions offer a flexible work system, enabling employers to implement measures such as flexible working hours, remote or home-based work, adaptable leave policies, and performance-based assessments, tailored to their operational and management needs.

These measures aim to facilitate a balance between work and parenting responsibilities for employees. Relevant rights and obligations, once clarified through consultation between the employer and employee, should be incorporated into the employment contract or formalized in a written agreement, according to the report.

Relevant departments, including human resources and social security and women's federations, will focus on guiding industries such as manufacturing, accommodation and catering, and residential services, as well as new economic forms, to pilot the parent-friendly position employment model, thereby expanding the availability of parent-friendly positions.

The notice said Shanghai will establish a list of employers offering parent-friendly positions. Human resources and social security departments at all levels should urge employers to strictly implement special labor protections for female employees, including maternity leave, birth reward leave, paternity leave, and childcare leave, according to the report.

Trade union organizations at all levels should support employers in creating family-friendly workplaces, promoting the development of "Mommy care rooms," employee centers, and parent-child workstation for employees, as well as organizing childcare activities during winter and summer vacations and after-school hours to help employees alleviate parenting pressure.

The notice requires that parent-friendly positions be included in public employment services, with relevant employment training subsidy policies implemented as outlined. Dedicated sections for parent-friendly position recruitment should be established, with these positions clearly labeled when employers post job listings, thepaper.cn reported.

According to the notice, employers offering these positions should prioritize postnatal return-to-work retraining for women re-entering the workforce after childbirth. Workers in parent-friendly positions who participate in vocational training and assessments are eligible for corresponding skill development subsidies.

At the same time, human resources departments will also support vocational schools, social training institutions, and others in conducting vocational skill training in areas such as elderly care, domestic services, infant care, health care, as well as internet marketing and multimedia operations.

In a bid to support work-life balance for mothers and support a fertility-friendly society, the port city of Qingdao in East China's Shandong Province has also launched a "mommy position" program, offering flexible job opportunities tailored to the needs of working moms, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

In response to an inquiry on will the PLA conduct any military exercise around the Taiwan island, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said that it is the PLA's lofty mission to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, safeguard the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and defend the shared interests of compatriots on both sides of the Straits.

Recently, Taiwan regional leader Lai Cheng-te transited through Hawaii and Guam. The PLA has not announced any information on conducing military exercises. Taiwan's defense authorities claimed that the mainland has implemented restrictive measures on coastal airspace and the number of warships deployed around Taiwan is bigger than ever before, and that Taiwan's military has established an "Emergency Operations Center" to closely monitor the PLA's actions and will stay on high alert. 

As water has no constant form, there are in warfare no constant conditions, Wu said. The PLA will decide whether and when to conduct military exercises in accordance with its needs and the situation on the ground. Whether there is a military exercise or not, the PLA will never be absent in fighting "Taiwan independence" and promoting national reunification.

Any attempt to split the nation through soliciting external support or resorting to force will be punished, and will never succeed, said Wu.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday China supports the early realization of peace in Syria, and supports the country in finding a rebuilding plan that meets the wishes of the people through inclusive dialogue.

Wang made the remarks when asked about China's views on the current situation in Syria during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty after the China-Egypt foreign ministers' strategic dialogue in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is highly concerned about the situation in Syria, which has been volatile recently.

China has long pursued a policy of friendship and cooperation with Syria, never interfered in Syria's internal affairs, and respected the choice of the Syrian people, he said.

"We support Syria in realizing peace at the earliest, implementing Security Council resolution 2254, advancing the domestic political process in accordance with the principle of 'Syrian-led, Syrian-owned', and finding a rebuilding plan that meets the wishes of the people through inclusive dialogue," said the minister.

Wang added that the future Syria should firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and extremist forces. Meanwhile, the international community should earnestly safeguard Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect Syria's ethnic and religious traditions, and allow the Syrian people to make independent decisions.

All countries should work together to extend a helping hand to Syria, push for the lifting of the illegal unilateral sanctions imposed on the country over the years, and ease its grave humanitarian situation, Wang said.

Several key statistics are some of the footnotes that the People's Republic of China has written over the past 75 years: GDP per capita has risen from a few dozen dollars in 1952 to $12,700 in 2023, average life expectancy has increased from 35 years to 78.6 years, and railway mileage has expanded from 22,000 kilometers to 159,000 kilometers, including 45,000 kilometers of high-speed rail… 

There are more comparisons across various sectors which demonstrate how China is marching forward with solid steps. 

At this historic juncture, it is crucial to understand what kind of path China has taken and what has empowered its great strides. 

The answers not only shed light on China's further quest for modernization but also offer inspiration for the rest of the world, particularly the Global South, in face of development challenges. 

Strong leadership

China's modernization steps have been and will continue to be solid only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). 

Yang Xuedong, director of the Department of Political Sciences at Tsinghua University, saw the leadership in three layers - pioneer in exploration, the central pillar to unite all, and the ultimate guarantee in a crisis.

The CPC is "a pioneer" in the senses of both ideology and practice, Yang told the Global Times.  

The CPC has envisioned the country's future path through the pursuit of Chinese modernization. With nearly 100 million Party members at different positions in all walks of life, the CPC also leads the effort in practice, Yang continued.  

Cohesion is vital for a country as unique as China, with its huge population, vast landscape, diverse ethnicities and cultures, and varying interests of different groups, analysts said.

With Party organizations at various levels, the CPC effectively mobilizes people toward a common goal, Yang said. 

The CPC has also acted as a safeguard during major challenges, Yang noted.

China's socialist cause had faced setbacks, but we can always overcome challenges with a strong leadership, analysts said.   

In face of profound global changes unseen in one century, the CPC fulfills its role in the duty of every Party member, as they participate in rural revitalization in villages, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity along both land and sea borders, and strive to tackle cutthroat problems and make scientific and technological breakthroughs, they said.  

Clear road map

China's path has a clear goal of achieving Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation, and a well-defined road map is guiding the great cause, Yang said. 

President Xi Jinping first introduced the concept of Chinese modernization in a speech he delivered to mark the CPC's centennial in July 2021. 

During the 20th CPC National Congress held in October 2022, Xi delivered a report which clarified five features of Chinese modernization, as well as the essential requirements and major principles of it. 

In July 2024, the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. 

According to analysts, there is a clear trajectory for how Chinese modernization was envisioned, enriched, and will be realized step by step.

Yang particularly highlighted the keyword "people," which is crucial for this trajectory to succeed. 

A people-centered philosophy is reflected in China's system of democracy, its governance and pursuit of high-quality development. Yang said that China can pool all resources to complete major missions, overcome difficulties, and ensure that the fruits of development are shared by the people.  

Bojan Lalic, director of the Belt and Road Institute in Belgrade, noted that China's modernization is a comprehensive model with focus on the state's role, and the objectives incorporate development of infrastructure, technology and innovation, together with social progress. 

China also prioritizes environment and ecology, as well as sustainable development, and values culture and tradition in the process of modernization, Lalic said.  

Inspiration for world

China's modernization is not only meaningful for the 1.4 billion Chinese people, or one-fifth of the world's population, but also offers development opportunities for others through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the three global initiatives - the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, analysts said. 

China has signed more than 230 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.   

Beyond immediate economic benefits, China engages in knowledge sharing and cultural exchanges with other countries and regions, showcasing the benefits of collaboration and a collective approach, Lalic said. 

Hamad Al Hosani, a senior research fellow at think tank TRENDS Research and Advisory in the United Arab Emirates, told the Global Times that in contrast to rapid democratization as advocated by Western-style modernization, China's approach has been more gradual, emphasizing economic development alongside social and political continuity.

The Chinese path demonstrated the importance of long-term planning, and the value of tailoring modernization strategies to each country's unique historical, cultural, and social context, Hosani noted.  

Lalic said he believes China's modernization journey provides pragmatic and adaptable insights for countries and regions facing development challenges. 

Countries can tailor approaches to their unique contexts while striving for sustainable growth and development, "the key is China is replacing zero-sum game with win-win cooperation," Lalic noted. 

President Xi has often said that only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not, according to Xinhua. 

China's experience challenges the belief that Western-style democracy and capitalism are the only viable paths to modernization, and offers an alternative approach and contributes Chinese wisdom to global development, analysts said. 

For the world, China's modernization demonstrates how different governance models can coexist, promoting a more pluralistic understanding of progress and global cooperation, Hosani noted. 

President Xi Jinping on Sunday called on the Chinese people to learn from heroes and role models to form a mighty force to build a strong China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a ceremony awarding the country's highest state honors ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

China is in a crucial period for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, Xi said.

Before his speech, Xi presented the Medal of the Republic, the Friendship Medal, and medals of national honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People.

Four people, including Wang Yongzhi, a late missile and rocket expert and a pioneer of China's manned space program, were awarded the Medal of the Republic. Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, received the Friendship Medal. Ten people were awarded medals of national honorary titles.

Among the highest state honors are also a previous border guard from Tajik ethnicity in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County Tiznapu Township, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. For three generations spanning 70 years, Baiyika and his family have guarded the border on the Pamir Plateau.

President Xi extended warm congratulations and high respects to the recipients of China's highest state honors.

On this occasion, Xi said that over the past 75 years the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led Chinese people of all ethnic groups in creating the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

He hailed the earthshaking changes that have taken place in China and stated that national rejuvenation is now on an irreversible historical course.

A galaxy of heroes emerging generation after generation will ensure the lasting prosperity of the Party and the people's cause, Xi said.

The Chinese president also called on the Chinese people to learn from heroes and role models to form a mighty force to build a strong China.

China is going through a crucial period for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, Xi said.

He emphasized the need to bear in mind the aspirations, hone the skills, and make contributions to building a strong China.

He encouraged the Chinese people to strive for extraordinary achievements at ordinary job posts and urged all to make contributions to resolve development and reform challenges, and safeguard social harmony and stability.

Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, received the Friendship Medal.

Xi lauded Rousseff as an outstanding representative of China's old friends and good friends who have shared the same aspirations and stood together with the Chinese people over the past 75 years.

Chinese people will never forget international friends who have made prominent contributions to China's development and the friendship between Chinese and foreign peoples, Xi said.

Xi said Chinese people stand ready to work together with people of various countries to safeguard world peace and boost common development.

Xi also called for joint efforts to build a human community with a shared future and create an even brighter future for humanity.

Before the ceremony, the recipients of the national medals and honorary titles were escorted by the state guest motorcade to the Great Hall of the People.

China National Nuclear Power (CNNP) released its first technical service brand “I-Nuclear” on Wednesday, aiming to further provide all-around and multi-level technical support for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants.

Based on the eight technical service products released in 2017, “I-Nuclear” is a brand product of the CNNP continuously exploring and improving the core capabilities of its nuclear power technology services, catering to the diversified needs of the future nuclear power market.

Positioned as a leading one-stop nuclear power technology service provider, “I-Nuclear” covers eight key aspects in nuclear power projects: Production preparation (i-Prepare), nuclear commissioning (i-Commission), operational support (i-Support), major overhauls (i-Outage), specialized maintenance (i-Maintain), professional training (i-Train), technical support (i-Tech), and nuclear informatization (i-Informatization), according to the CNNP.

The eight products above make up the CNNP’s new “I-Nuclear” brand. They represent the culmination of the CNNP’s 260 reactor years of operational experience, serve as a significant symbol of the development of new productive forces, and reflect the successful practice of China’s nuclear safety culture, said Lu Tiezhong, chairman of the CNNP, in a video speech he delivered at the brand’s launch ceremony on Wednesday.

“It is hoped that this platform will facilitate the sharing of nuclear power experiences, enhance the safety and operational standards of nuclear power, and create even more outstanding operational achievements in the nuclear sector,” Lu said.

“As the pioneer, main force, and leader of China’s nuclear power industry, the CNNP is committed to promoting the safe and innovative development of nuclear energy, continuously exploring and improving its core capabilities in nuclear power technology services,” he noted.

The Wednesday launch ceremony was held in Shanghai along with the CNNP’s culture festival, where it was also announced that a new CNNP cultural creativity and brand studio would be set up.

Wisdom, green, health, and safety are the keywords of future technology and industrial development, which are closely linked to the CNNP’s efforts, said Fang Xin, former deputy secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), who attended the ceremony as a guest.

Fang praised the release of “I-Nuclear” as a new milestone in the development of the CNNP. “The Chinese nuclear industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation as a national strategic scientific force,” she said at the ceremony. “We believe that through the hard work and dedication of all those involved in nuclear power, the future of China’s nuclear energy will be even more brilliant.”

A year-long global commemoration of Liu Hui, a prominent figure in ancient Chinese mathematics, kicked off in Paris on Tuesday local time.

Co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the commemoration celebrates Liu, whose works and theories not only have a profound impact on ancient Chinese mathematics, but also continue to provide a source of inspiration for scientific and technological progress and civilization exchanges in today's world.

In November 2023, UNESCO held the 42nd session of the General Conference and approved the proposal made by the CAST to celebrate the anniversary of Liu's birth. It was the first time China had successfully applied for a birthday anniversary event for a scientist at UNESCO, said the CAST.

"We hope that through such events, we can showcase to a global audience the remarkable scientific achievements, exceptional ideas, and significant contributions to human civilization made by ancient Chinese scholars like Liu Hui," said He Junke, executive president of the CAST, in a speech he delivered at the launch ceremony of the commemoration on Tuesday local time, at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris.

An ancient Chinese mathematical master

Liu, who lived in the 3rd century, was one of the founders of classical Chinese mathematical theory.

Liu had a profound influence on ancient Chinese mathematics and a direct influence on mathematics in the whole East Asia region, and he also indirectly influenced other regions in the world, said Zou Dahai, a research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Liu's commentary in China's mathematical classic Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art inspired numerous mathematicians and mathematical works in later generations.
"Emerging during the mid-1st century BC and having been passed down to present day, Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art contains numerous universal algorithms and corresponding mathematical problems," Zou, who attended the Tuesday commemoration events online as an expert representative, told the Global Times. "The book has extremely rich content, featuring many significant academic achievements. But it doesn't provide explanations of how the algorithms and formulas were derived."

Liu's commentary was then an essential complement to the book, giving a comprehensive demonstration of mathematical methods in it. "Also, he made original and significant achievements in various areas, such as the theory of lü (ratio), the method of infinite division, volume theory, indirect surveying, the ratio of circumference to diameter, and decimals," Zou said.

Mathematics plays a crucial role in the modern scientific framework, He said at the launch ceremony on Tuesday. In ancient China, mathematics was one of the most advanced disciplines, deeply embedded in everyday life, he said.

"The mathematical system outlined in 'The Nine Chapters' serves as a bridge connecting abstract mathematical theories with practical applications," noted He. "From land measurement to urban planning, from building houses to constructing levees, it not only introduces precise calculation methods but also provides rigorous mathematical proof."

A light of wisdom spanning two millennia

Weeks ago, the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Naming Committee officially named an asteroid discovered in China the "Liu Hui Star," paying tribute to this precious cultural heritage of all humanity, He mentioned at the launch ceremony of the commemoration.

Many Chinese and international scholars invited to the commemoration told the Global Times that Liu's thoughts and his contributions to mathematics not only have great historical value, but also a profound enlightenment in contemporary mathematical learning, scientific research, and youth science education.

"The achievements, thoughts, and methods of ancient Chinese mathematics have long been integrated into the mathematics that we study today, and Liu's contributions are also part of this integration, having both tangible and intangible effects on the development of Chinese mathematics," Zou said. He explained that many kinds of knowledge of proportions that (modern Chinese people) learn, including the idea of viewing fractions as the ratio of two numbers, were actually influenced by Liu.

"Apart from Liu's specific mathematical achievements, his scholarly attitude and scientific spirit are worth our study and promotion," added Zou.

Jeff Chen, a professor of mathematics at US St. Cloud State University who attended the commemoration in Paris on Tuesday, emphasized how Liu's work can inspire and benefit the science education of today's youth.

"Liu's works clearly demonstrated that he had a curious and logical mind," Chen told the Global Times via email. "Although the mathematical knowledge in the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art may be considered elementary or even rudimentary, Liu's thinking and modes of reasoning are definitely not. They help us to make sense of the knowledge and lead us to utilize the tools at our disposal, applying them in ways beyond the conventions."

"In short, Liu's works really train students to think for themselves - the ultimate goal of education," Chen noted.

A bridge connecting Eastern and Western civilizations

Following the launch ceremony, an international symposium on Liu's academic thought was also held at the headquarters of UNESCO on Tuesday afternoon, where global experts in the history of science and technology, and the history of mathematics, made multi-dimensional interpretations and held discussions on Liu's academic contributions and scientific heritage, as well as their modern value.

Furthermore, they delved into the global dissemination of Liu's mathematical ideas, and proposed suggestions to further promote China's classical mathematical heritage.

Earlier, as another highlight of this series of commemorative events, a themed exhibition featuring Liu's achievements in mathematics kicked off at the Réfectoire des Cordeliers in Paris on Monday, so as to showcase Liu's mathematical achievement, and to deepen the civilization exchanges and mutual understanding between China and the world, read the exhibition's foreword.

Zhou Xiaohan, an associate research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, CAS, believes that the exhibition is an opportunity to show Liu's important contributions, as well as the efforts made by Chinese and foreign scholars to study ancient scientific thought in China and their in-depth cooperation over the last century.

"Liu's achievements are not only a treasure to China, but also a great legacy of human thought for the world," he told the Global Times.

"I wish there were exhibitions and presentations [in commemoration of Liu] in more major cities around the world," said Chen. "With the backing of UNESCO, such occasions will encourage more international interest in his works and attract students into the field of the history of mathematics in China. It will promote dialogue, discussions, and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world."

One of the themes of our time is exchange and mutual learning among different civilizations, Zou said in a speech he delivered at the launch ceremony. "Indeed, our commemoration of Liu Hui today, as well as the academic achievements supporting these activities are exactly the product of civilizational exchanges and mutual learning," he said.

The commemoration event in honor of Liu further conveys China's outstanding scientific achievements and scientific culture to the international community, which showcases both the characteristics and the universality of Chinese mathematics, Zou told the Global Times on Monday, ahead of the ceremony.

"This is a model case showing the diversity and accommodation of Eastern and Western cultures," Zou said.

Delivering performances in several Chinese cities like Beijing and Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, Spanish jazz pianist Marco Mezquida recently made his debut in China featuring a solo piano concert in Beijing on September 9. 

At the Beijing show, the Spanish artist has delivered a music repertoire which included an improvisation piece featuring multiple instruments and a reinterpreted piano piece of John Lennon's "Imagine." 

A jazzy interpretation on a 1970s Chinese song, "I Love Beijing Tian'anmen," was performed by the artist as a special gift engaging on-site audiences to hum along with his piano flow. 

Mezquida told the Global Times that he learned the song in only a few hours after arriving in Beijing. He noted that approaching Chinese songs with a new twist helps him "to connect deeply to the indigenous cultures he experiences." 

"When I finished the show, I will go taste some nice Beijing food and visit museums that have nice textile pieces," he told the Global Times. While noting the difference existing between music traditions of Spain and China, the artistic observance of Mezquida has made him able to grasp inspirations, such as the sounds in temples, from Beijing. 

"I know the music culture here has thousands of years of histories. I felt something really special about the city when I arrived here," Mezquida told the Global Times. He has also revealed that how his unique music was created starting from "hearing the sounds, and recording it and then transcribing it into the language of music."  

Before his Beijing performance, Mezquida played at the JZ Club in Shanghai, a renowned venue with over 20 years of history, serving as a key gathering place for Chinese jazz enthusiasts and professionals from across the country.

"I can feel the passion of audiences in China and I think in 20 and 30 years of time, there will be more great Chinese musicians in Jazz for sure," Mezquida told the Global Times. He added that he is looking forward to collaborating with classic and jazz musicians across the country. 

Born in 1987, Mezquida is a prolific artist who has taken part in the recording of more than 50 albums. He is known for his talent in giving original music expressions through fusing different genres.

If you asked people about artificial intelligence (AI) 10 years ago, most wouldn't have understood its meaning. Today, however, AI has been gradually integrated into all aspects of daily life in China, such as travel, retail, medical care, entertainment, logistics and many other fields. 

Analysts noted that the acceleration of digitalization and expanded AI applications in the services sector has become a new trend, driven largely by advancements in AI innovations.

In the near future, a more extensive and faster digital transformation of the services sector is essential to ensure broader benefits for the public. Progressively, thousands of industrial lines will be empowered by AI, which could reduce the cost of manufactured products and service charges. 

Recently, several AI-powered service examples were showcased at the just-concluded 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing.

Deep AI integration

For example, AI has already assisted many people to land a job in China. At the 2024 CIFTIS, Alipay unveiled an AI-powered public employment robot named Xiaogu, designed to support the smart transformation of employment-related services. 

According to data, assisted by AI, the matching rate of people and job vacancies has been increased by at least 10 times, Alipay said. 

While AI-powered services like this may go unnoticed by many, the application of AI innovations in sectors like tourism and online gaming is more visible. 

The integration of AI with specific scenic spots in China is providing significantly improved travel experience. 

For instance, in the scenic area of Mount Huangshan in East China's Anhui Province, an AI escort service has been introduced -- showcased at the 2024 CIFTIS. The AI-powered application can recommend services throughout the entire journey, assisting tour guides, taxi bookings and food options, based on tourists' spatial positioning, the Global Times has learned. 

"AI can facilitate very creative content production, and the digital content can be combined with the natural scenes in the scenic spots, using augmented reality (AR) technology carriers, like AR glasses," Chen Xi, a vice president of Rokid, a Hangzhou-based AR tech startup, told the Global Times on Friday.

AR is a technology that enhances or provides additional information about what people can see in physical reality through digital images, sounds and text. AI enhances AR by enabling it to recognize and augment the real world more effectively.

"In addition to immersive travel experience realized by tapping the AR technology, we could also create some treasure-hunting games with the help of AI in the context of local culture to better fit in to the needs of the sightseers," Chen said.

AI technologies have been applied in museums too. Foreign tourists visit exhibitions using AR tools in Chinese museums, enhancing the quality of their experience, as AI could help remove barriers such as language, Tian Feng, dean of SenseTime's Intelligence Industry Research Institute, told the Global Times on Friday.

OUTPUT, a Shanghai-based leading digital content technology company aiming for the creation of an ecosystem for digital culture, has recently created digital content and new scenario-based experience works in collaboration with Beijing's Palace Museum and Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden.

"We have helped showcase the treasures of the Palace Museum digitally in Singapore and participated in the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival in Paris and Shanghai to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France," said Liu Yinmeng, founder and CEO of OUTPUT.

'AI Plus' initiative

"The development of AI technologies will bring great changes and opportunities to many sectors, such as tourism, sport and gaming," Tian said.

"AI Plus" was mentioned in the State Council's Government Work Report for the first time in 2024, saying that China will launch an AI Plus initiative, and build digital industry clusters with international competitiveness, and will also promote the digitalization of the service sector.

"AI Plus" will serve as a key driving force of the economy, integrating with a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, education, while helping promote the transformation and upgrading of many traditional industries, Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday.

In 2023, China unveiled a plan to ramp up the country's comprehensive digitalization process, including support for in-depth integration of digital technology and the real economy, and the application of AI technology in agriculture, manufacturing, finance, education, medical services, transport and energy.

China has experienced rapid development in the creative industry, also known as the "orange industry", industry observers said on Friday at the Orange Industry and Sustainable Investment Forum, a sub-forum of the 2024 CIFTIS.

The UN defines the creative economy as cycles of creating, producing, and distributing goods and services  that use creative intellectual capital as primary inputs.

According to UN Trade and Development, by 2020, China was the largest exporter of creative goods and services, at a reported value of $169 billion. The export value of China's creative industry has grown from $59 billion in 2020 to $67 billion in 2022.

With the rapid advancement of information technologies, such as 5G, big data, cloud computing, and AI in the country, China's "orange industry" is developing quickly globally, Liu noted. 

Industry analysts said that the "orange industry" exemplifies creativity and innovation, aligning closely with China's pursuit of an innovation-driven development strategy and the cultivation of high-quality new productive forces.

"In the coming years, China's 'orange industry' is expected to see significant growth. Technological innovation, market demand and government policy support will promote the industry to become an important force in China's economic diversification," Liu said.

Editor's Note:

Over 700 years ago, Italian traveler Marco Polo journeyed through China, documenting his experiences and introducing the splendor of ancient China to Europe in his book. Fast forward to the present day, when people discover China through online videos. With China's visa-free policies and the introduction of 144-hour visa-free transit, a wave of international YouTubers and vloggers has flocked to China.

After exploring gateway cities, where they gain initial insights into China's modern cityscapes and rich cultural heritage, these YouTubers and vloggers soon turn their attention to localized regions, delving into frontier areas, revolutionary sites, and public infrastructure to find the answers to the questions: "What is modern China like, why is it the way it is, and how does it function?" Through their cameras, they present a real, friendly, and vibrant China to the world. They are affectionately referred to by the Chinese as the "Marco Polos" in the New Era.

Therefore, the Global Times presents this "Marco Polo" Trilogy. In the first story, we shared the story of those young travelers who have ventured into China's border regions. Their videos and posts showcase the vast grasslands and bustling markets of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the majestic mountains and mysterious temples of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, displaying to the world a diverse and peaceful China.
"I am in Xinjiang… the most controversial region of the country." This is the first sentence uttered by German travel content creator "Ken Abroad," in a video he shared on YouTube in February.

"In this video, we will get impressions of this Uygur Autonomous Region, which is over Western media for not-so-good reasons," he says, while walking on a snowy street in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. "Let's see what life is really like here."

Ken Abroad is among an increasing number of international vloggers who have visited Xinjiang with great curiosity. A somewhat remote and mysterious region in China, Xinjiang is nonetheless a name constantly spotlighted in many Western media stories, which are usually filled with misinformation.

Many travel vloggers including Ken Abroad and their audiences are eager to get a closer look at Xinjiang in person. "I am curious to see things with my own eyes. So, I booked a flight to Urumqi," Ken Abroad wrote in the video caption, which garnered over 800,000 views as of the end of February.

"According to some comments on my channel, I would not be allowed to enter, as the region is apparently closed to foreigners. Well, I was able to enter without any problems and soon after I found myself exploring the city center of Urumqi," wrote the vlogger with 356,000 YouTube subscribers.

The first time Ken Abroad visited China was at the end of 2023, when he only visited Shanghai. "I had a Chinese friend at university, and I also made a Chinese friend on other travels. Both of them told me so many great things about China," he told the Global Times. "That made me curious to visit the country."

Ken Abroad's vlogs about his visits to China have amassed millions of views thus far. "I am happy to see that so many people watched my China-related videos, and the responses I got were overall mostly positive," he said.

In the Urumqi tour video, Ken Abroad said that he understood Xinjiang from some Western media reports which claimed that "Uygur Muslim here are being oppressed, and they can't practice Islam."

"[Let's] see if we can find any mosques," he said.

Then the video cuts to views of different mosques across the city. In the vlog, Ken Abroad also tasted local snacks and talked to locals. He asked about the opening times of the nearby mosques and received friendly responses.

"[An] interesting fact about the mosques here, as I read before, is that Xinjiang, this region of China, has more mosques than the US or any Western countries in Europe do," Ken Abroad said in the video while walking on the street.

"And, …do you have the impression so far that the majority of people that we spoke to today, we interacted with, we saw, were Muslims?" he asked. "Yet the Western media are trying to tell us that the Muslims are being oppressed here by the Chinese government; that they don't live a normal life. I don't want to judge now, but just asking you, what is your impression of the people that we have seen so far?"

'Is that real?'

Compared with Xinjiang, Xizang region might appear even more mysterious.

Due to Xizang's high altitude and harsh climate, as well as the challenging rescue and medical conditions in some inaccessible areas, there are certain precautions in place, according to local authorities.

To prevent such incidents, authorities implemented the Entry Permit requirement. This permit allows them to confirm the traveler's itinerary and provide appropriate services, including medical support if needed.

However, some of the most daring travelers have made Xizang the ultimate destination on their bucket lists when exploring China.

Birat Aanupam, a young journalist and writer from Nepal, remarked "For me, Lhasa felt like home."

He noted that the sweet tea served in Lhasa is a familiar drink enjoyed daily across Nepal, and he found it easy to pronounce Tibetan names and understand Tibetan culture, as Nepal shares aspects of this Himalayan culture, tradition, and lifestyle.

Lhasa's Barkhor Street, where Nepali traders have maintained a presence for centuries, was another unforgettable sight for him. The presence of Nepal's Consulate General, Lhasa's only diplomatic mission, also held significant meaning.
Aanupam was amazed by Xizang's development. His 435-kilometer-long journey aboard a bullet train from Nyingchi to Lhasa provided a striking example of Xizang's rapid progress.

He saw no conflict between development and traditional practices, observing road signs in English, Putonghua, and Tibetan, as well as monks using smartphones.

Aanupam told the Global Times that the Xizang he imagined was both similar to and different from reality. The similarities lay in the friendly locals and well developed infrastructure, while the differences were in the deference shown for the local language, culture, and traditions.

Aanupam observed that foreign perceptions of Xizang have begun to shift slightly, with people starting to see the region differently.

After sharing videos of rail travel and conversations with locals in Xizang on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Reel, X, and Facebook, many of Aanupam's friends began asking, "Is Xizang really like this?"

Safe and comfortable

"Xinjiang is not what you think!" "Unbelievable impression in Lhasa!" Alongside thumbnails featuring exaggerated expressions, such videos have been emerging on YouTube in recent months.

In the past year alone, at least five YouTubers with over 100,000 subscribers have posted travel vlogs about their journeys to Xinjiang, amassing millions of views.

Whether in Xinjiang or Xizang, in the videos, these vloggers encountered kind and friendly locals, felt comfortable and safe, and discovered that these regions, while preserving their unique cultures and cuisines, are just as convenient as other parts of China.

One viewer's comment under a latest Lhasa vlog on YouTube channel "Josie lifts things" reads, "I don't think there is a country that cares for its people as much as China. Just knowing the geographical location of Xizang, you can see how much the Chinese government loves Tibet. There's even a 5G network at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, and the hydropower facilities are perfect. These projects are very challenging."

British budget travel blogger Mike Okay recently hitchhiked to Kashi, the cultural center of the Uygur people in Xinjiang. He documented his journey, including being picked up by a friendly truck driver from North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

While on his travels, Mike Okay recorded at least three instances of being stopped by Xinjiang police for passport checks. Although the officers were friendly - one even bought him traditional Xinjiang naan bread to try - Mike Okay still found the frequent checks puzzling.

His confusion was cleared up at the end of his recent video. While staying overnight at a camping park in Aksu Prefecture, which had well equipped facilities including bathrooms and water, he was approached by a few police officers who recorded his information before leaving.

A manager at the camping park, who later sat down to have tea with Mike Okay, used a translation app to explain that the checks were not a sign of any problem.

On the contrary, since foreign tourists are rare in the area, the police needed to document his presence to ensure no incidents occurred.

"This is for your safety," the manager said.

An increasing number of people have come to understand that the intensified efforts on enhancing security in Xinjiang is not an overreaction.

From 1990 to the end of 2016, ethnic separatist forces, religious extremist forces, and violent terrorist groups plotted and carried out thousands of violent terrorist attacks in Xinjiang, resulting in a large number of innocent civilian casualties. Since 2014, authorities have dismantled 1,588 terrorist groups, arrested 12,995 terrorist suspects, and seized 2,052 explosive devices. The infiltration of extremism has been effectively curbed, and public security has significantly improved, greatly protecting the basic rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the right to life, health, and development.

With several consecutive years free from violent incidents, local residents have come to deeply cherish this sense of security. According to China Youth Daily, the public safety index in Xinjiang increased from 87.58 percent in 2012 to 99.14 percent in 2021. Xinjiang has achieved lasting stability and prosperity.