China's A-share market soared strongly on Monday, with the turnover on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges exceeding 2.5 trillion yuan ($356.5 billion) in total. Monday is the last trading day before the week-long National Day holidays.
The Shanghai Composite Index increased by 8.06 percent to reach 3336.5 and the Shenzhen Component Index ended 10.67 percent higher. ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, witnessed an increase of 15.36 percent. The index that comprises 50 representative companies listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange increased by 22.84 percent. The Beijing bourse index and ChiNext Index witnessed their highest single-day gains on record.
The Shanghai Composite Index has surged more than 17 percent in September.
On Monday, the turnover on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges exceeded 1 trillion yuan for the fourth consecutive trading day.
The Shanghai Composite Index opened 3.47 percent higher on Monday. The Shenzhen Component Index opened 4.58 percent higher at 9,950.65 points and the ChiNext Index rose 5.77 percent at the opening on Monday.
China's A-share market has rallied since Thursday, after a key Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership meeting on that day stressed the need to boost the country's capital market, and actively promoting the medium- and long-term funds to enter the market, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
After the meeting, the Shanghai Composite Index closed above 3,000 points on Thursday, the first time above the key benchmark since July 2.
The enthusiasm for the stock markets flooded the trading systems of stock exchanges and many securities companies.
On Sunday, the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) completed all trading tests, with the bidding system received 270 million orders, which is double the historical peak and three times the number of orders submitted on Friday. Earlier, the SSE announced plans to conduct trading tests on Sunday, aimed at validating the performance of its trading platforms in handling large volumes of orders, according to media reports.
Saudi Arabia is working with international partners and prioritizes cooperation with China to achieve its goal to a regional hub, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi told the Global Times.
He also expressed a willingness to welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Saudi Arabia across various sectors such as the petrochemical and oil, the automotive industry, and infrastructure, which, he pointed out, would be in the interests of Saudi Arabia and China.
Al-Harbi made the above statement during an interview with reporters at Saudi Arabia's 94th National Day Reception event held in Beijing on Monday.
He noted that the bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and China is an outstanding example of inter-state relations, characterized by deep friendship, mutual trust, and respect for each other, continuously advancing forward. In recent years, high-level exchanges between the two countries have been frequent, and cooperation in various fields has yielded remarkable results.
Saud Arabia and China signed the implementation plan for the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in 2022. The Saudi diplomat said the plan laid a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation, and noted that both sides not only share many common interests but also match in various sectors.
According to him, both sides have already cooperated across various sectors, including petrochemicals and oil, the automotive industry, technology, logistics, and infrastructure.
"We believe there are many sectors and sub-sectors in which we have common interests. Joint investments have already taken place between both sides, and we welcome more Chinese investment," he said.
When discussing the role of China-Saudi Arabia cooperation in addressing the challenges of conflicts in the Middle East and achieving regional peace and security, Al-Harbi said that the two countries share similar positions on many regional and international issues. Both countries' foreign policies support the realization of global security and peace, respect for the sovereignty of other nations, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. As important members of the international community, Saudi Arabia and China have significant influence globally. Their productive cooperation has already had a notable positive impact on regional and international stability, and is expected to play an even more important role in the future.
According to Saudi Arabia's media reports, the Saudi Ministry of Education recently officially announced the inclusion of Chinese language courses in the country's primary and secondary school curriculum, designating Chinese as one of the main teaching languages. The aim is to teach students the basic skills of reading, writing, and conversing in Chinese. The Ministry of Education has begun to take necessary measures to adjust the curriculum and class hours, as well as provide professional teachers to accommodate the new teaching system.
In that regard, Al-Harbi further explained that learning Chinese is of great significance for enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, and cultural exchanges fully reflect the friendly bilateral relations between them. More than 170 Chinese teachers have recently arrived in Saudi Arabia to teach Chinese in public schools. Additionally, about 100 Saudi students have gone to China to study Chinese, preparing for future careers as Chinese language teachers in Saudi Arabia.
There are less than 50 days until the US presidential election on November 5. Gao Zhikai, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), recently conducted research in the country. He engaged in in-depth discussions with Americans from various social classes, professions, backgrounds, and age groups to hear their perspectives on US politics and livelihoods. In Gao's view, there is an interesting and stark contrast between the attitudes of American elites and the general public regarding this election. The elites are actively participating and making strategic plans for the future, while ordinary citizens are more focused on pressing issues such as prices and employment, showing little interest in the election.
Meanwhile, the Chinese American community appears to be more silent in the face of this political event. They express some concerns about their future living conditions amid a complex and changing political environment. This article is written by Global Times reporter Bai Yunyi based on Gao's observations, providing a glimpse into a complex and contradictory America through the firsthand insights of a Chinese think tank scholar. Contrast in political enthusiasm
One significant observation I have made during my time in the US is that people from different social classes, identities, and age groups have varying levels of participation in and enthusiasm for the election, as well as differing areas of focus.
First, let's talk about what we generally refer to as the "elite class." During this trip to the US, I visited several important political figures in Washington and New York: one was a senior member of the Democratic Party, another one was a politician from a Republican family, and the third was a politician from a swing state.
The first Democratic Party member was assisting Kamala Harris at the time, helping her prepare for the debate with Donald Trump. He was ambitious and actively involved in election-related activities, offering various suggestions to Harris's team. The second politician, from a Republican family, has known me for over 10 years. He believes that this election is very important for the US and will influence the country's future direction. He told me that he would not vote for Trump, which I think may reflect the attitude of a portion of the Republican elite toward the former president.
The third person is a politician from Ohio who is also very interested in the election and is in contact with Trump's team, and hopes to join his administration if Trump wins.
The general attitude of the American public seems to be quite different. They are not very focused on the presidential election. On one hand, this may be because there is still more than a month until the final vote, and it's not yet the critical moment for determining the outcome.
On the other hand, compared with the election, many people are more concerned about specific issues in their lives, such as whether prices can stabilize, whether their income can increase, and the direction of real estate prices. They believe that It is unlikely that the election result will really have much impact on these issues.
A person from a traditional "Rust Belt" state told me that what people there are most concerned about is finding a suitable job, as many local businesses have been "hollowed out."
He believes that both candidates are trying to avoid meaningful discussions when it comes to specific policies, perhaps out of fear that they might not be able to deliver on their promises once in office, or maybe they are concerned about eliciting different reactions from various groups. As a result, the election campaign has devolved into a "fatiguing and frustrating exchange of attacks."
In addition, due to the US' Electoral College system and the basic principle of "winner-takes-all," the true determinants of election outcomes are actually a few swing states and their independent voters.
This demographic is not large in number, leading many voters in other states to feel that their vote is essentially inconsequential, making little difference whether they vote or not.
Especially in many deeply rooted "red" and "blue" states, where there are traditional party leanings that are hard to shake, public interest in the election is even lower because they feel they cannot change anything.
Therefore, although the presidential election attracts global attention, many Americans feel that the impact of their individual vote is "diluted."
Dualities in US economy, society
Ordinary American citizens are most concerned about the economy, especially the prices of goods.
Although data shows that inflation in the US is cooling down, the actual prices of goods on the market have not decreased. Many Americans complain that the prices of meat, eggs, milk, and beverages keep rising, leaving the public feeling helpless.
The rising fuel costs have also increased people's living expenses.
Groups such as the Chinese community are particularly concerned about their children's education, as tuition fees for Ivy League and other prestigious schools have repeatedly broken records, putting significant financial pressure on middle-class families compared to the past.
Many Americans do not expect the candidates from either party to help them solve their troubles. The US has 50 states, each with its own unique conditions, making it difficult for federal policies to have the same effect everywhere.
As a result, many Americans are more concerned about who their governor is and the economic policies at the state level.
Besides, there is a culture of "self-reliance" in American society, with most people believing that their well-being largely depends on their own efforts rather than government policies. The prevailing mindset among many Americans today is, "If you succeed, enjoy it yourself; if you fail, deal with it yourself."
However, I believe that when we observe the American economy and society, we should objectively recognize the "duality" of the US.
If you take a cursory glance at the country, it is easy to see various problems, such as crumbling infrastructure and homeless people on the streets.
This is certainly a real aspect of the US. But there is also another side in the country. New concepts and ideas in the high-tech sector have been emerging one after another in recent years.
The US is developing rapidly in fields such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, space technology, and deep-sea technology, and in some areas, it is in a leading position globally.
I have been pondering why the US can maintain its leadership in these industries against the backdrop of a declining manufacturing sector. What are the underlying advantages?
My observations are as follows: first, the US has a strong higher education system that continues to attract the best talent from around the world; second, the efficiency of the US capital market is relatively high. If a good concept is deemed promising, even if it carries significant risks, capital will quickly flow in.
Third, the US market has relatively few restrictions and is highly flexible.
Suspicion toward Chinese Americans
During my recent stay in the US, I also interacted with many local Chinese Americans. The attention the Chinese American community pays to this election is relatively low, with many expressing almost no interest at all. Their primary concerns now revolve around the survival environment and social status of Chinese people in the US, as in recent years, a large number of Chinese expatriates, Chinese Americans, and Chinese students have been labeled as "agents" or "spies." To them, it seems that McCarthyism is making a resurgence in the US.
Many local Chinese told me that even those scientists or scholars who were born in the US and hold US citizenship are also facing increasing suspicion. The atmosphere within the Chinese community is mixed with anxiety and fear.
A respected elder in the Chinese community in the US lamented to me, "I was born in the US, and my family has settled here for many generations. I never imagined that we would end up in this situation. Now I don't even dare to return to China to visit relatives, because every time I come back to the US, I have to be monitored and questioned by various US departments. When I interact with Chinese people in the US, I am always met with suspicion, and I am often questioned by American authorities every few days. Sometimes I even encounter 'phishing operations' by US government agencies."
The Chinese community feels quite pessimistic about the future. They worry that their situation tomorrow may be worse than today. Some have bluntly told me that neither of the two major parties in the US currently shows a rational or wise attitude toward or policy on China, making it difficult for US-China relations to show any significant improvement. Many Chinese individuals I have spoken with are pessimistic about the years following the upcoming elections.
China's central bank on Wednesday lowered the cost of its medium-term loans to banks , marking the first reduction of the country's market-based interest rates after the relevant Chinese authorities on Tuesday rolled out major policies to support the economy, including cuts to the reserve requirement ratio and interest rates.
Observers said that the sweeping move is conducive to reducing banks' lending costs and could be followed by more "proactive" policies such as cuts to the market-based benchmark loan prime rate and deposit rate.
Those concrete measures would channel more liquidity into the market and continue lifting up market confidence, providing a solid foundation for steering the world's second-largest economy toward the annual GDP growth goal of 5 percent, they noted.
The People's Bank of China (PBC), the country's central bank, announced on Wednesday that it cut the rate on 300 billion yuan ($54.7 billion) worth of one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans to some financial institutions to 2 percent, from the previous 2.3 percent.
The bid rates in Wednesday's operation ranged from 1.90 percent to 2.30 percent, and the total balance of MLF loans now stands at 6.878 trillion yuan, according to a statement on the PBC's official website.
"Wednesday's MLF cut further sends a resounding signal that, despite internal pressures and external volatility, the Chinese government is determined to and has abundant toolkits to cushion against headwinds and bolster the economic recovery's momentum," said Yang Delong, chief economist at Shenzhen-based First Seafront Fund.
Chinese stocks on Wednesday extended their rally from Tuesday, with all three major indexes closing up by more than 1 percent on major policy support, which indicates heightened investors' confidence in the prospects of the world's second-largest economy. Trading volume in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets surpassed 1 trillion yuan for the first time since May 6.
After a humiliating 7:0 defeat to Japan last week on away soil, the Chinese national soccer team will take on a crucial match at home as they host Saudi Arabia in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province on Tuesday.
This match not only represents a key moment for Team China's quest to qualify for the next round in the World Cup Asian qualifiers, but also serves as a critical opportunity for the team to recover from the embarrassing defeat to Japan on September 5.
While China's loss to world No.18 Japan, a team that has risen to the ranks of global soccer elites, wasn't entirely unexpected, the manner of the defeat was shocking. Frequent errors, lack of tactical coherence and a glaring absence of physicality were observed by fans, leaving those who spent their passion on the team massively dismayed.
The performance on the pitch was characterized by lethargy and defeatism, with Chinese players struggling even to maintain basic levels of intensity. In the aftermath, fans and commentators alike condemned the team for their lack of tenacity, labeling the performance "spiritless."
Losing to Japan, a team that has long surpassed China in soccer strength in the past two decades, isn't an unforgivable offense. However, the real blow for Chinese fans was witnessing a team that seemed to have no fight left in them.
A defeat like this naturally stings, but what stung even more was the sense that the players had mentally checked out before the game was even over. The absence of any visible desire to compete or respond to adversity was a bitter pill to swallow.
For the Chinese team, however, one loss - even as devastating as a 7-0 blowout - does not spell an end to their World Cup qualification campaign.
The reality is that Team China currently trails far behind Asian powerhouses like Japan and Australia in terms of overall strength. But they still have chances to secure valuable points against other teams like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia.
This makes the upcoming match against Saudi Arabia pivotal. A strong showing could help mitigate the damage done by the Japan defeat and restore some belief to a team and fanbase.
In the days following the match against Japan, senior officials of the Chinese Football Association, along with head coach Branko Ivankovic, captain Wu Lei and vice-captain Wang Dalei, held serious discussions with the team after their return to Dalian from Japan.
The message was clear: They must regroup and show resilience. The national team cannot afford another display of weakness and disorganization. Players were urged to give everything they have to restore pride and faith in Chinese soccer, especially following a series of high-profile corruption cases that have marred the dignity of the sport in China.
The objective for this next match is simple: mentally rebound and fight with everything they've got. Chinese fans, for all the frustration they've endured over the years, have always been emotionally invested in their national team.
Many supporters, despite witnessing countless defeats, have learned to temper their expectations for the national team. Yet, even the most disillusioned fan hopes to see a team that at least fights with determination and pride. The fans' desire for the team isn't for victory, but for a display of grit and competitive spirit, qualities sorely lacking in their last outing.
The loss to Japan has exposed numerous flaws with Team China, particularly in areas like concentration and tactical execution. These are not issues that can be solved overnight, and the progress of Chinese soccer still has a long way ahead to close the gap with Asia's elite teams.
Many Chinese fans expressed online that they are not expecting immediate tactical brilliance or sudden technical improvements during the match against Saudi Arabia. Instead, the hope is for a performance that reflects courage and determination, and a refusal to back down from being lag behind during the match.
The 7-0 loss to Japan was an undeniable low point, but it can also be a turning point if the team responds with resilience and determination. The upcoming match against Saudi Arabia is a chance for the Chinese national team to prove they can rebound from adversity, if they understand that every qualifier match is an opportunity to restore faith.
Chinese soccer has arrived at a crucial juncture. The team needs to rise from the ashes of their defeat and fight for their future. Anything less than a display of heart and effort will not only disappoint the fans but set Chinese soccer back further. The time has come for the team to confront its shortcomings and find the courage to rise stronger. The future of the team - and the dreams of millions of fans - depends on it.
Boasting elements like stone bridges, winding rivers and elegant above-water architecture, ancient towns are highlights to the landscape of China's Jiangnan. Jiangnan is a geographic area that is commonly known as the south of the mighty Yangtze River.
Built with a touch of garden aesthetics, these towns are popular touristic destinations. Comparing to renowned sites like the Zhouzhuang Town in Jiangsu Province, the Puyuan Fashion Resort, opened to public in 2023, is an emerging spot that shows how an old rural town can sustain people's modern and fashionable lifestyles.
Old yet fashionable
Puyuan is located in Tongxiang, East China's Zhejiang Province. Its history dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), and the town is one of the stops where the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal flows through.
To promote the protection of the ancient canal culture heritage, in 2016, a renovation project was carried out in Puyuan, covering an area of approximately 858,000 square meters.
In order to preserve the traditional look of the town's above-water architectures, the renovation project followed the concept of "repairing old buildings by keeping their old aesthetics while also integrating new cultural and commercial elements into the town," Yao Jie, a manager of the resort, told the Global Times.
Nine well-preserved ancient bridges, including the Zong'an Bridge and the Dayou Bridge are distributed along the "H"-shaped river system of the Puyuan Fashion Resort. Many of those bridges date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Some of those bridges connect to inns. For instance, an owner of the Xianzi Beach Inn told the Global Times that the inn is not the biggest one in the resort, but it can offer an "authentic taste of Puyuan" as guests can see the green and clear river flowing beneath their feet just by opening their bedroom's window.
Wooden boats and shuttle buses are always available in the resort. Boats take visitors underneath the bridges' arches to arrive at notable scenic spots in the ancient town. Two popular local destinations are the Meijing Theater, founded in 1947 and offering performances of the traditional Yue Opera, and the Xiangyun Taoist Temple, a symbol of the Taoist philosophy's development in the region, built in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).
The ancient town's time-honored locations are mixed with new buildings including modern hotels, performance plazas, and a visitor center that boasts a T-stage venue for fashion shows.
Puyuan, where the resort is located, is one of China's most dynamic centers for fashion production, especially in the cashmere and knitwear sectors. Around 700 million sweaters made in Puyuan are sold worldwide every year.
Relying on the Town's solid foundation in the clothing industry, the resort has found its niche character of promoting shows and exhibitions that connect to the international market.
One of its strategies is to collaborate with the entertainment industry. It has invited highly popular reality shows such as Funny Team 2024 to film at the resort. In the show, Chinese stars such as Na Ying and Huang Zitao run around the resort, taking audiences on a visual journey around Puyuan's beautiful scenic spots.
In 2023, the resort organized a successful campaign in collaboration with the Chinese version of the fashion magazine Gentlemen's Quarterly, also known as GQ. By having superstars such as Fei Xiang (also known as Kris Phillips, is a Chinese-American pop icon and musical singer) posting photos of the resort, the fashion title of the ancient town was accentuated.
"There are many ancient towns in China, and we need to give them unique themes to make them stand out. This is the creative strategy we need to promote Chinese ancient towns," Xiao Junfu, a marketer of the touristic industry, told the Global Times. Niche interests
Other than Puyuan, the Wuzhen Town and Xitang Town, two ancient water towns nestled in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang Province, have also embarked on a journey of remarkable transformation.
Wuzhen Town, whose roots trace back over 1,000 years, found a way to bridge the gap between past and future. Its once quiet canals, lined with Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1368-1644) buildings, became the stage for a new kind of digital dialogue: the town's transformation began with its establishment as the permanent home of the World Internet Conference, cementing its role as a digital pioneer.
But it was the birth of the Wuzhen Theatre Festival in 2013 that truly brought Wuzhen's spirit into full bloom. The event integrated Wuzhen's historical landscape with cutting-edge theater, making the town a beacon of artistic and cultural exchange.
A few kilometers away, Xitang Town embarked on its own revival journey. Originally created back in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), the town still thrives nowadays thanks to its own unique cultural initiatives. For example, the Xitang Hanfu Culture Week showcases not only the town's past but also its deep connection to Chinese tradition. During the week, people dress in elegant Hanfu attire strolling through the streets, bringing the past vividly to life as workshops and parades make the town a living museum of ancient fashion.
The Xitang Ancient Town Protection Regulations of Jiaxing City released in 2023, further promote the construction of an ecological cultural tourism zone and the integration of ancient town culture and tourism, while continuing to protect the cultural heritage and traditional architecture of the ancient town.
Together, the Wuzhen and Xitang water towns breathe a new life, exemplary for the cultivation of a new cultural ecology in historical towns, one that honors the past while embracing the future.
Chinese scientists have demonstrated their brain-computer interface (BCI) systems are successful and effective in rehabilitation, and have the potential to bridge biological and artificial intelligence.
In a video revealed by the China Central Television (CCTV) on Saturday, a young man surnamed Bai was trying to control his wheelchair by his mind.
What Bai needed to do was to focus his attention and imagine the movements. "The system is quite sensitive," he told CCTV.
In December 2023, a wireless minimally invasive BCI system developed by the Tsinghua team, also known as NEO, was implanted into the brain of Bai, 35, who had been paralyzed for years following a car accident.
Bai can now control a computer with his own thoughts and brain signals. He is also able to control a wheelchair with his mind. These prove that signal control of BCIs has been successful, Hong Bo from the School of Medicine with Tsinghua University who leads the research, told the Global Times. Another patient, surnamed Yang, 54, who has been paralyzed for 14 years, also received the implantation surgery of the Tsinghua team's BCI system in 2023. He is now able to proficiently use his mind to control the exoskeleton glove. His hands have also regained some of its grabbing function, Hong said.
These all prove the effectiveness of our BCI system. Looking ahead, the team will, subject to regulatory approval, further expand the scale of medical clinical trials on the path to providing a commercially viable service to benefit the greatest number of patients, he noted.
BCI refers to the technology that establishes a direct connection pathway between the human brain's nerves and electronic or mechanical devices, to achieve information interaction and functional integration between the nervous system and external devices.
Many view the BCI technology as holding the key to an "era of neuroscience." According to reports of 21jingji.com, the global BCI market is expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2027, with an annual compound growth rate of about 14 percent in seven years.
Chinese scientists have achieved breakthroughs in domestic research and development in BCI technology in recent years and actively applying the technology in rehabilitation, epilepsy, and depression treatment. Research in technology in China has now reached a crucial stage, transitioning from the laboratory to the market. Industry observers noted that this shift is expected to play a significant role in driving economic development and creating new competitive advantages in the future.
The BCI technology encountered controversies in safety and ethics after Elon Musk said in January 2024 that his BCI company, Neuralink, had successfully completed the first human brain implantation surgery of its invasive BCI device. Concerns increased after the company revealed in May that a number of the implant's connective threads retracted from the brain a few weeks after the surgery, causing a reduction in the signals the device could capture.
In previous interviews, Hong told the Global Times that compared with Neuralink's invasive technology, his team's wireless semi-invasive BCI technology offers higher levels of safety and a longer product lifespan.
"I hope that the two recipients of our implants can achieve observable neurological repair within six months to one year," Hong said.
At the Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, the clinical research on a wearable robotic finger, also known as the Lingxi Finger, developed by a neuroengineering team from Tianjin University has also been ongoing for over half a year. A patient surnamed Qiao, who lost the ability to grip with his left hand due to acute cerebral infarction, is participating in the clinical research.
The Lingxi Finger is a non-invasive BCI rehabilitation system developed by the Medical School at Tianjin University. By putting a BCI cap on the patient's head, the system can help the patient to actively control machine fingers worn on his hand by reading his brainwave information. Research data has confirmed that this system can greatly accelerate the recovery progress of patients, according to the university.
Chinese scientists are also exploring the most cutting edge area of BCI technology. The Global Times learned from the university that a team from the Haihe Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interaction and Human-Machine Integration, led by Tianjin University and their collaborators from the Southern University of Science and Technology have successfully developed an open-source brain-on-a-chip (BOC) interface system, MetaBOC, which enables a "lab-grown brain" to conduct unmanned control of robots to perform tasks such as obstacle avoidance, tracking, and grasping.
BOC is formed by coupling a lab-grown brain with electrode chips. As an emerging branch of brain-computer interface, the BOC interface refers to a technology that enables bidirectional interaction between a lab-grown brain and external devices through encoding and decoding techniques and stimulation feedback.
BOC interface system technology is widely believed to play a revolutionary role in the development of cutting-edge technologies such as hybrid intelligence and brain-like computing.
Li Xiaohong, a professor at the Medical School at Tianjin University and the head of the on-chip BCI team said, a lab-grown brain has the advantages of low power consumption and fast learning speed. Moreover, the brain-on-a-chip interface system represents a transformative approach to bridging biological and artificial intelligence.
MetaBOC is also the world's first full-chain, open-source brain-on-a-chip interface system designed to enable closed-loop interaction between a lab-grown brain and external devices. Li showed the Global Times MetaBOC's efficacy in performing intelligent control tasks, such as robotic obstacle avoidance, in both virtual environments and real-world scenarios.
Li said MetaBOC represented a significant advancement in the field of BOC technology, offering a versatile platform for exploring the computational mechanisms of biological intelligence.
At a forum in April in Beijing, Gao Xiaorong from the Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence said, "The interaction between AI and BCI is bidirectional. A certain part of the development of BCI, especially in terms of algorithms, is aided by advancements in AI technology, allowing BCI developers to extract brainwave information. At the same time, BCI technologies can also promote the development of AI. For example, the uniqueness of brainwave information will further enhance the operational capabilities of AI and even influence its evolutionary direction."
At the forum, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also called on national colleges, institutes, and companies to cooperate to promote a combination of the two fields and accelerate the research and development of core technologies and products.
China's top 500 enterprises have moved ahead steadily, setting new records for revenue growth, rapid innovation-driven advancement and ongoing structural optimization, despite a complex and volatile global economic climate, an industry ranking report showed on Wednesday.
The 2024 list of the top 500 Chinese enterprises has been released by the China Enterprise Confederation and the China Enterprise Directors Association, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The total revenue of the 500 companies reached 110.07 trillion yuan ($15.45 trillion) last year, up 1.58 percent year-on-year to a record high, per the report.
Their net profits totaled 4.51 trillion yuan last year, up 5.01 percent from one year earlier.
Experts attribute the growth to technological innovation driven by new quality productive forces, accelerated optimization of enterprise structures, and the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy -- driving forces that will anchor China's steady economic growth amid rising global uncertainties.
According to the report, the average research and development (R&D) intensity of these top companies increased for the seventh consecutive year, with total R&D investment accounting for 1.9 percent of their total revenue, the highest level since 2002.
Moreover, innovation output rose, with these enterprises holding 2.03 million valid patents in 2024, up 7.66 percent year-on-year, underscoring a steady boost in innovation capabilities.
These figures show that the leading domestic companies are on an upward trajectory not only in financial performance but also in structural improvement and technological innovation, Li Jin, chief researcher at the China Enterprise Research Institute in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
"China has accelerated the restructuring of state-owned enterprises in recent years to optimize the distribution of state-owned capital and speed up the shift toward emerging and future industries," Li said.
The report also pointed to a rising number of advanced manufacturing and modern services enterprises among the top 500. The number of companies in sectors like new-energy equipment, power storage batteries, communication equipment and semiconductor manufacturing have increased to 31, up by 18, during the past five years.
Li further highlighted the record-high technology investment by China's private enterprises over the years, with various emerging sectors showing steady growth, thanks to the government's push for new quality productive forces.
Despite rising global violability, Chinese firms' steady growth reflects the resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy and will contribute to the country's continued healthy growth, experts said.
In the early morning light of Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province, the city hums with the rhythmic sound of tennis balls colliding rackets. Residents come out of their homes to watch those on the court without a single complaint about the noise. In this small city with a population of approximately 600,000, there are more than 340 high-standard tennis courts and over 100,000 tennis enthusiasts.
"Hubei's success in tennis isn't just a coincidence or a discipline, but it's a tradition and an inheritance," Luo Le, a sports industry scholar at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology told the Global Times.
The accessibility of tennis courts - within a 15-minute walk - may explain why Hubei has nurtured so many tennis prodigies. Rising star
August 3 is a day that many Chinese tennis fans will never forget. Zheng Qinwen, nicknamed "Queen Wen," a 21-year-old Chinese tennis player from Hubei, clinched China's first-ever gold medal in women's singles tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She also became the first Asian player to reach the top of the podium in women's singles tennis at the Olympics.
Zheng follows in the footsteps of another legendary Hubei tennis player, Li Na. With two Grand Slam titles and a personal best world ranking of No.2 in women's tennis, Li transformed tennis from a niche sport to a mainstream passion in China, achieving unprecedented success for an Asian player.
The emergence of Li and Zheng as world champions begs the question: Why are tennis talent emerging from Hubei?
The region's deep-rooted passion for the sport dates back to the 1920s when tennis became part of the Hubei Provincial Games, which took the lead in including women in competitions, as reported by CCTV news.
With excellent infrastructure and a legacy of accomplished players returning as coaches, Hubei has become a breeding ground for tennis talent.
Names like Li Ting, Zhu Benqiang and Pan Bing are all synonymous with Hubei's tennis legacy. After retiring, Pan served as the head coach of the Hubei Provincial Tennis Team and the Chinese Women's National Tennis Team, contributing to the growth of future champions.
"Many outstanding players from Hubei returned as coaches. Along with well-established infrastructure, these are the main reasons for Hubei's success," Liu Mingyi, chief expert at the China Youth Sports and Physical Education Integration Public Policy Research Center and professor at Wuhan Sports University told the Global Times.
Liu noted that even 20 years ago, when tennis wasn't as popular, Wuhan in Hubei already boasted many tennis courts, including those at the Xinhua Road Stadium and Wuhan Sports University. "There were even indoor courts for training when weather was not good. The infrastructure was already very well-developed back then," Liu added.
He also highlighted the standardization and systematization of coaching in Hubei as key factors in the region's tennis success.
One of the most influential figures in this system is Yu Liqiao, who has shaped multiple generations of players since 1973, including both Li and Zheng. Under Yu's rigorous training, these athletes grew into world-class competitors. In Li's autobiography My Life, she recalls the intense training under Yu's guidance, which, though harsh, was emblematic of the times and also crucial to her success.
Zheng, who also trained under Yu, was later advanced to Potter's Wheel, where she honed her skills under top coaches, including Carlos Rodriguez. While there, she got the chance to have international tennis exchanges.
After the match, Zheng also reflected on the importance of "passing the torch."
"If today's victory can inspire more children to dream of playing tennis, then everything is worth it. I hope that in 10 or 20 years, you can stand on this stage," Zheng said. Nurturing potential
Indeed, aside from tennis, many regions in China have developed distinctive features in the sports field, with regional characteristics remaining quite evident, especially based on economic and natural conditions. Each region utilizes its strengths, taking advantage of its training system and resources.
Looking back at each Olympic Games, many sports have formed "champion systems" in some specific Chinese provinces, such as table tennis in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, diving in the South China's Guangdong Province, and swimming in East China's Zhejiang Province.
"Local governments discover and nurture young talent, providing them
with training platforms and placing them in environments with suitable economic and training conditions. This is a comprehensive training system," Liu noted.
Having produced legends like Ma Lin, Ma Long, and Liu Shiwen, Liaoning Province is renowned for its dominance in table tennis. The city of Anshan, recognized by the General Administration of Sport of China, has become a crucial hub for table tennis, with a dedicated training center and the highest number of registered coaches in the country.
In Guangdong, particularly in Zhanjiang, the "Hometown of Diving," in proximity to the sea, offers an unparalleled environment for water sports.
It was here that Quan Hongchan, who was discovered at a rural elementary school by coach Chen Huaming, began her journey in diving. She then entered Zhanjiang Sports School at the age of 7 to start diving training.
Once talented individuals are identified, the school recommends them to higher-level teams. Chen recommended Quan to the Guangdong provincial diving team by sending video footage. She went on to win gold in the women's 10m platform event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing the success of Guangdong's comprehensive training system.
China widely organizes various sports events based on this talent identification and regional training system.
"The development of sports is indeed complex, not just limited to basic education facilities. It requires frequent competitions, guarantees, and a comprehensive training environment," Liu said.
"Now the system for training young athletes has changed as it combines the state-sponsored and market-oriented systems."
Following the opening of the International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation held in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu Province on Monday, more countries are seeking cooperation with the Dunhuang Academy, which boasts rich experience in relic restoration and protection with the strong support of multiple disciplines as well as world-class digitization technology.
At the forum, experts in the preservation and research of grotto temples from 16 countries are engaging in discussions and exchanges in three sub-forums to further promote cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
During the event, the Dunhuang Academy and the heritage and museum organizations of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, held a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In addition, the event also launched a book presentation ceremony for a training course for Afghan senior professionals on archaeology and cultural artifact conservation.
Guan Qiang, deputy head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), noted at the opening ceremony that the millennium-old Mogao Caves were located at a strategic point on the ancient Silk Road and therefore served not only as a transit point for trade between the East and West but also as a junction for religion, culture, and knowledge.
"The Mogao Caves and other cultural treasures like India's Ajanta Caves and Cambodia's Angkor Wat are the prominent outcomes of the continuous exchanges and mutual learning in human civilization," he said.
The level of protection and utilization of grotto temples has significantly improved, and their cultural influence has been increasingly enhanced, he noted.
Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said at the opening ceremony that the training for Afghanistan and collaboration with Dunhuang Academy is commendable and aligns with the vision of shared prosperity and cultural exchange.
"These efforts, whether in China or globally, showcase human ingenuity and the deep bond between culture and nature," he said.
Delegations from different countries told the Global Times that the protectors of the Mogao Caves share "universal values" in relics protection that they can all learn from.
Shakirdjan Pidaev, director of the Institute of Art Studies of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, told the Global Times on Monday that he expects more joint excavations with Chinese archaeological teams.
