Set against the Lijiang River's karst backdrop, the ancient town of Yangshuo serves up a breakfast that defines Guilin – rice noodles and oil tea.

The noodles, silky and fragrant with a deep savory broth, carry the morning pulse of the streets; the oil tea, pounded from tea leaves and ginger, offers a bittersweet warmth that settles in the stomach and lingers in the memory.

Savor this iconic morning meal with CGTN host Julian Waghann and Filipina singer Eliza Arce as they wander the lanes of Yangshuo County in Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and discover how Guilin's local heritage can be tasted in its everyday breakfast rituals.

What is it like to meet Jackie Chan in person and hear his thoughts on martial arts and action filmmaking? A group of young action film enthusiasts from around the world recently got the opportunity during a five-day cultural exchange program in Beijing.

On December 30, 2019, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway officially began operation, becoming the world's first intelligent high-speed railway running at 350 km/h with driver-attended automated driving.

In parallel, intelligent driving in road transportation is also accelerating rapidly in China. According to Wang Shuiyin, vice president of the Research Institute of Highway under the Ministry of Transport, the country's penetration rate of intelligent driving passenger vehicles has exceeded 68%, and the total length of open testing roads for autonomous driving has surpassed 28,000 kilometers.

However, despite both belonging to intelligent driving, rail and road systems differ fundamentally in complexity and operating environments.

"The gap between automotive and rail automation is significant," Wang Xiaoliang, vice president and chief engineer of Beijing Hollysys Co., Ltd. under the Hollysys Group, told CGTN.

"One of the core challenges is precise stopping," Wang said. "Due to environmental variations, parameter deviations and massive real-time data transmission requirement, achieving this in high-speed rail is extremely difficult."

Unlike road vehicles, high-speed trains operate under tightly controlled conditions at extreme speeds, where even minor deviations can have amplified consequences.

Wang explained that the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway is equipped with the Chinese Train Control System Level 3 (CTCS-3), along with three Radio Block Centers (RBCs) and multiple Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems provided by Hollysys, enabling precise and safe operation.

RBC and ATP are core safety equipment of high-speed rail train control system, which continuously communicate with onboard and offboard equipment, enabling real-time information exchange between train and ground. They function like a "central nervous system" for safe and coordinated train operation.

Ensuring both punctuality and safety

"Behind the punctuality of high-speed rail is truly the train control system," He Chunming, vice president of Hollysys Group, told CGTN.

The system consists of both onboard and ground-based equipment, responsible for managing train spacing and speed. As train speeds increase, manual control by drivers becomes increasingly difficult.

"Braking distance is directly related to speed," said He. "When a high-speed train is running at 350 km/h, the braking distance needs to be about 20 kilometers."

To ensure safety, the system must continuously calculate safe operating speeds based on information far ahead of the train.

"To determine a safe speed, we need to obtain all data within about 20 kilometers ahead. Now, data from up to 32 kilometers ahead is already available." said He. "Only with this level of information can the system calculate safe speed for each segment."

Speed control is not only about distance. Conditions such as gradients, curves, and switches will all have an impact.

"For example, an uphill or downhill slope will have significantly different effects on deceleration," said He, "and if a train enters a curve or switch at excessive speed, it could derail.

"Therefore, all information within 20 or 30 kilometers ahead must be integrated to generate a unified safe speed."

High-speed rail systems are built on very strict safety principles. He noted that if communication is interrupted, the train must stop. "Because once we cannot confirm whether the information is up to date or accurate, we must follow the fail-safe principle."

In railway signaling design, any fault must lead to a safe outcome – the fail-safe principle. If communication is lost beyond certain duration, the system discards all data and triggers an emergency brake.

Although highly automated, high-speed rail does not eliminate human oversight.

"The automated driving system reduces the driver's workload, and about 90% of operations can be automated, but some key points still require human confirmation," said He.

Developing such systems is a long process. A railway control system takes 5 to 8 years from development to deployment.

More comfort through intelligent speed control

Human driving can be inconsistent, and frequent acceleration and braking reduce comfort and efficiency.

Intelligent systems incorporate experienced drivers' strategies into their control algorithms, automatically generating optimal speed curves that balance punctuality, comfort and energy efficiency, enabling the train to run more smoothly and efficiently.

In the future, travel could be more seamless with the advancement of "four-network integration," referring to the deep integration of mainline railways, intercity railways, suburban railways and urban rail transit systems. In this framework, rail services would function as a unified mobility network rather than separate systems.

He noted that this technology is still under development. As a global provider of rail transit control systems and services, Hollysys Group has deployed train control systems on more than 80 main railway lines across China, covering over 16,000 kilometers in total. It is leveraging its accumulated technological strengths to turn this vision into reality.

As of midnight on June 22, Shanghai's immigration inspection authorities celebrated the 20 million mark for entry-exit passenger trips this year. The milestone came days earlier than last year's June 25 mark.

The recent holiday surge also contributed to the breakthrough: over the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday from June 19 to 21, Shanghai recorded approximately 313,000 cross-border passenger trips. 

Nationwide, data from the National Immigration Administration show that border inspection authorities across China handled around 6.67 million entry-exit passenger trips during the holiday, up 12.9% year on year.

Behind these striking numbers lies Shanghai's integrated development of culture, commerce, tourism, sports and exhibitions. This synergy continues to draw global visitors and cement the city's standing as a top-tier gateway.

Chinese film Dear You has started its overseas theatrical rollout after gaining a strong word-of-mouth following in Chinese mainland. Its first international releases began on June 18 in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. This is the start of a wider global rollout aimed at both overseas Chinese audiences and international viewers.

At the heart of the story is "qiaopi," a tradition of letters and remittances exchanged between overseas Chinese workers in Southeast Asia and their families back home. The film follows a young boy who travels to Southeast Asia to uncover a family mystery linked to these letters. He finds that messages his grandmother believed were from her late husband were actually written by a woman who once owed him a debt of gratitude. The discovery changes how he sees love, loyalty and responsibility across generations.

Most of the story is based on real-life accounts. The director spent three years researching and visited many families across Southeast Asia and Europe. The film was shot entirely in the Teochew dialect and used mostly non-professional local actors. With a modest budget, it has a grounded, almost documentary-like style.

Despite its scale, Dear You has performed strongly in Chinese mainland, grossing over 1.86 billion yuan (about $270 million). It holds a 9.3 rating on Chinese review platform Douban and is widely regarded as one of the highest-rated recent Chinese social realist films.

According to CCTV News, after its Asian release, it is set to open in Australia and New Zealand on June 25, followed by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Japan on June 26.

The film also screened at the market section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where its quiet emotional tone drew interest from international distributors. It is often noted for its focus on familiar human experiences of family and separation, without relying on heavy explanation.

China on Tuesday sent a new communication technology test satellite into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province.

Launched at 10:10 a.m. aboard a modified version of the Long March-7 rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit.

The satellite will be mainly used for services such as space-ground communication, broadcasting and television, and data transmission, as well as for conducting technology testing and verification.

The launch marks the 653rd mission carried out by the Long March carrier rocket series.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Egyptian National Security Council Secretary-General Youssef Alaa El-Din in New Delhi on Monday.

Wang said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt and that China is willing to take this opportunity to maintain close high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, advance practical cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination, and continuously promote China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang noted that the international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes. He said China and Egypt are important members of the Global South, sharing broad common interests in international and regional affairs and bearing important responsibilities for maintaining stability.

China, he added, is ready to strengthen coordination with Egypt within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS and the United Nations, jointly uphold the independence and self-reliance of the Global South, promote multipolarity, and work together toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.

El-Din said China is a true friend and partner of Egypt, and that the foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is solid with fruitful results. He thanked China for its long-standing support and assistance, reaffirmed Egypt's firm commitment to the one-China principle, and opposed interference in China's internal affairs by other countries.

He said Egypt is willing to use the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and promote further development of bilateral relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. El-Din briefed on the latest developments and mediation efforts by Egypt and other parties, and highly appreciated China's important role in promoting peace and dialogue.

Wang reaffirmed China's position, stressing that disputes and regional hotspots should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, and opposing the use or threat of force. He said that the recent MoU reached by the United States and Iran sent a positive signal to the world and it should be upheld and implemented. Wang stressed that regardless of difficulties, the direction of peace and dialogue must be maintained.

China, he said, is willing to stay in communication with Egypt, continue promoting peace talks through respective channels, and jointly contribute to regional peace and stability.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with South African Minister in the Presidency in New Delhi on Monday, calling for closer China-South Africa cooperation and greater solidarity among BRICS countries to safeguard multilateralism and the interests of the Global South.

Wang said China and South Africa, as representatives of emerging economies and founding members of BRICS, have consistently upheld multilateralism, promoted the democratization of international relations, maintained close high-level exchanges, and deepened practical cooperation across various fields, which sets a model of solidarity among Global South nations.

"Rising unilateralism and the law of the jungle are undermining the legitimate rights and interests of all countries and eroding the norms governing international relations," Wang said. He called on BRICS nations, as a core force of the Global South, to strengthen unity and coordination, enhance the influence of the BRICS mechanism as a platform for developing countries to pursue common development, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice while safeguarding global peace and stability.

Wang said China is a trustworthy friend and partner of both South Africa and Africa, noting that China-South Africa relations have maintained steady momentum.

He called on the two sides to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state, uphold mutual respect and win-win cooperation, improve exchange mechanisms at all levels, consolidate strategic mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation.

He also said the two countries should make full use of China's zero-tariff policy and the upgraded green channel for African agricultural and food products entering the Chinese market, to inject fresh momentum into the modernization of China, South Africa, and Africa as a whole.

Ntshavheni said South Africa attaches great importance to developing relations with China and has always regarded China as a reliable friend.

She thanked China for its long-standing support for South Africa and Africa, saying China's zero-tariff policy has delivered tangible benefits to African countries and their people.

She expressed South Africa's readiness to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and expand cooperation in trade and investment, cybersecurity, infrastructure and other areas, so as to elevate bilateral and Africa-China ties to a new level.

Ntshavheni reaffirmed South Africa's firm commitment to the one-China policy and said her country is willing to enhance coordination with China within BRICS and other multilateral platforms to safeguard the interests of developing countries, reinvigorate multilateral mechanisms and advance the process toward a multipolar world.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed that China and India should be partners rather than competitors during a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi. 

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Doval on Monday while attending the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security.

Wang noted that the leaders of the two countries agreed that China and India are partners instead of rivals, thus forming the most important strategic consensus between the two sides, providing an important impetus and strategic guarantee for the healthy and stable development of China-India relations.

Wang said that as the two economies with the largest populations, China and India should advance cooperation from a global perspective. He highlighted the broader rise of the Global South, saying BRICS should play a stronger role in promoting multipolarity, safeguarding the interests of developing countries, and advancing a more just and reasonable global order. China, he added, supports India in fulfilling its role as BRICS chair and in promoting the development and growth of the BRICS mechanism.

Wang also urged both sides to respect each other's core interests, properly manage sensitive issues, and place the China-India border issue in an appropriate position, so that it doesn't affect the overall situation of bilateral relations. He called for continued efforts to implement consensus reached by both leaders, expand dialogue mechanisms, and deepen cooperation in trade, finance, law enforcement and media. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening public and societal understanding to build a stronger foundation for bilateral ties.

Doval, in response, said India is willing to approach relations with China from a strategic and forward-looking perspective, implement leadership consensus, and manage differences constructively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. 

He also reiterated that India, as one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China, remains consistent in its position regarding the Taiwan question. He expressed the Indian side's willingness to support each other's core concerns with China, jointly safeguard multilateralism, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

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

Four Chinese weather stations have been included in a new batch of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Centennial Observing Stations, bringing the total number of WMO-recognized centennial weather stations in China to 22.

The recognition was discussed during the 80th session of the WMO Executive Council in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 22 to 26.

The newly recognized stations are seperately located in Guiyang in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Tanggu in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Tengchong in southwest China's Yunnan Province, and Yueyang in central China's Hunan Province.

All four stations have maintained continuous weather observations for more than a century. Observations at the Tanggu and Yueyang stations began in 1909, while the Tengchong station started operations in 1911 and the Guiyang station in 1920.

Through decades of continuous observations, the stations have accumulated long-term and stable meteorological data of significant scientific value. The data have provided essential support for studying climate change patterns in different regions of China, monitoring extreme weather and climate events, and improving weather forecasting services.

A stronger ASEAN-China partnership is necessary amid growing global uncertainty, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said on Monday in Jakarta, calling on the two sides to deepen cooperation to promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Kao made the remarks at the Jakarta Forum 2026, held in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

He said ASEAN-China relations have shown a consistent capacity to evolve and become more dynamic. China and ASEAN have remained each other's major trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding 1 trillion US dollars in 2025.

Kao noted that geopolitical tensions are becoming more complex, economic fragmentation is accelerating, climate pressures are intensifying, and technological advances are outrunning many governance frameworks. Against this backdrop, he said, a stronger ASEAN-China partnership "is not merely desirable - it is indeed necessary."

Looking ahead, Kao said ASEAN and China should focus on five priorities: peace and stability, digital transformation and innovation, energy cooperation, resilience against transnational threats, and people-to-people connectivity.

A more robust and productive ASEAN-China partnership must be forward-looking, practical, inclusive and people-centered, he said.

Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Wang Qing said in his remarks that China and ASEAN are close neighbors with a shared future, and only by pulling together can the two sides promote sound and steady development.

Wang said China and ASEAN should remain committed to openness and cooperation, accelerate the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, build a more open regional common market, and enhance regional food and energy security as well as supply chain stability through mutually beneficial cooperation.

He called on the two sides to expand cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, climate response, clean energy, the blue economy and agriculture, so that all people in the region can benefit from inclusive development and modernization.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday emphasized efforts to develop high-end equipment manufacturing and accelerate the building of a modern industrial system to continuously inject new momentum into high-quality development.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in the city of Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Li said efforts should be made to accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies, train a group of key technical personnel and skilled industrial workers, and continue to consolidate and expand the competitive edge of the shipbuilding and offshore engineering equipment industries.

Dalian's shipbuilding industry has a long history and a sound foundation for developing high-end equipment manufacturing, Li noted, calling for efforts to build advanced manufacturing clusters and a world-class shipbuilding base.

Li also stressed speeding up the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, as well as promoting the safe application of new-generation nuclear power technology to better serve green and low-carbon development.

In building a modern industrial system, efforts should be made not only to cultivate and expand emerging and future industries, but also to upgrade traditional industries, he said.

Li added that research, development and production of high-end petrochemical equipment play an important role in improving the quality and efficiency of related industries.

He called for empowering industries via digital and intelligent technologies, strengthening the resilience of industrial and supply chains, and continuously enhancing core competitiveness.

China's cultural and tourism market sustained stable expansion during the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival holiday, with domestic trips and total spending both registering year-on-year growth, according to official data released on Monday.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that a total of 124 million domestic trips were made across the country during this three-day holiday, representing a 4.4% increase from the same period last year.

Domestic tourism expenditure reached 44.46 billion yuan (about $6.52 billion), up 4% year on year, the ministry said, citing calculations from its data center.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, fell on Friday this year, while the public holiday period ran from Friday to Sunday.

The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) takes place in Beijing from June 22 to 26, 2026. This graphic reviews the event's development over its four editions through key indicators, illustrating its expanding international reach and its role in strengthening global industrial and supply chain connectivity.

A task force of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning concluded its far-sea combat training and returned safely to its home port on Monday, the Chinese navy said.

During the training, the task force operated in multiple sea and air spaces, including the South China Sea and the Western Pacific, planning and organizing activities such as carrier-based aircraft tactical flight drills and task force search and rescue exercises.

Based on the requirements of far-sea actual combat, it planned and organized drills including air supremacy and air defense operations, sea strikes, support and cover operations, far-sea comprehensive rescue and live-weapon use.

This training is a routine exercise conducted by the Chinese navy in accordance with its annual plan, aimed at continuously improving its capability to fulfill its missions, the navy said, adding that it complies with relevant international law and practice and is not aimed at any specific country or objective.

During the training, Japanese vessels and aircraft repeatedly conducted close-range tracking and surveillance, causing disturbances and provocations, the Chinese navy said.

The Liaoning task force maintained a high alert level throughout the entire process, continuously conducting combat takeoffs of carrier-based aircraft, flexibly changing battle formations, and responding to the Japanese side's dangerous actions in a professional, steady and proper manner, the navy added.

Editor's Note: As the Communist Party of China (CPC) approaches the 105th anniversary of its founding, on July 1, CGTN presents "How the Communist Party of China Works," a special series of in-depth news analyses. This series offers a systematic analysis of the CPC's sustained effectiveness, examining its institutional resilience, people-centered philosophy, and global significance.

In its poverty elimination effort, China has succeeded in lifting nearly 100 million people out of absolute poverty in just eight years, a scale and speed the World Bank has recognized as "historically unprecedented" by any measure.

The country's complete eradication of extreme poverty – the first target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – 10 years ahead of schedule, is celebrated as a milestone in the history of the Chinese nation and the history of humankind.

Behind this success story lies the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), whose scientific planning, targeted strategies and people-centered philosophy have underpinned China's extraordinary fight against poverty.

The long-term planning

A fundamental reason for China's poverty alleviation achievement is the CPC's consistent, forward-looking strategic planning and sustained governance efforts.

Since its 18th National Congress in 2012, the Party has elevated poverty eradication as a core priority of its governance, launching an eight-year campaign to 2020 that fundamentally eliminated absolute poverty that had plagued the country for millennia.

To prevent large-scale post-campaign poverty relapse, the CPC designated a five-year transition period from 2021 to 2025, maintaining stable key supportive policies to consolidate poverty alleviation outcomes.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show, the per capita disposable income of rural populations in former poverty-stricken counties stood at 18,627 yuan (approximately $2,729.6) in 2025. Their average annual income growth over the transition phase that aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan period hit 8.2%, higher than the nationwide rural benchmark.

Since the start of 2026, the first year marking the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the Party has been integrating regular poverty assistance into the rural revitalization strategy, opening a new chapter of modernizing agriculture and rural areas.

Xiao Xinjian, a researcher with the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, noted that the CPC avoided a one-size-fits-all approach after the completion of the eight-year poverty relief campaign.

Instead, it has adopted dynamic, targeted policy adjustments and built a progressive, long-term poverty governance system that moves from eradicating absolute poverty to preventing a return to poverty and ultimately promoting rural revitalization, Xiao said.

The strategy of targeted poverty alleviation

Targeted poverty alleviation stands as China's most powerful tool in securing a decisive victory over poverty and a groundbreaking innovation in global poverty reduction theory and practice.

It highlights the CPC's sound and pragmatic approach of tailoring policies and measures to local conditions and developmental needs.

Covering the full cycle of poverty reduction from identification to sustainable exit, the strategy laid out clear answers to five essential questions: who should be helped, by whom, through what means, when to exit, and how to prevent a return to poverty.

To accurately identify the poor in need of help, for instance, China has run a national poverty alleviation information system, where poor households and villages are profiled in detail.

This registration system, officials note, marks a historic first: it has enabled the authorities to identify every poor individual in every village, and to systematically record every poor household's causes of their poverty and specific assistance requirements.

In addition, the targeted poverty alleviation strategy centers on creating the conditions for poor households to secure employment and stable incomes to achieve self-sufficiency, and delivers tailored support such as housing, skill training, healthcare and job search.

Hao Dong, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said that the full-cycle management method, which covers every stage from profiling and on-the-ground assistance to long-term follow-up monitoring, has helped guarantee sustained and effective poverty governance.

The path to prosperity for all

Beyond eliminating absolute poverty, the CPC's poverty alleviation effort prioritizes common prosperity for all, focusing on fostering endogenous momentum and bridging regional growth gaps.

In order to leave no single poor area behind, the Party has pooled national resources and established an assistance framework linking the developed eastern regions with their less-developed western counterparts.

Thanks to talent, technology and market resources brought by the Guangdong-Guizhou pairing assistance program, Zheng'an, once a severely impoverished county in Guizhou province, has grown into one of the world's largest guitar manufacturing bases, producing one in every seven guitars sold globally.

Li Xiaoyun, a renowned development scholar from China Agricultural University, said that the east-west pairing program is not a simple financial transfer, but a transfer of development capabilities, injecting lasting endogenous vitality into underdeveloped areas.

China's CPC-led poverty alleviation experience has also transcended national boundaries, offering a practical Chinese approach to addressing global poverty challenges.

Cangxia was once Fuzhou’s largest shantytown, where most homes were cobbled together from cheap cedar planks and newspaper lined the walls. They leaked when it rained, creaked in the wind, and caught fire easily. During a redevelopment project in 2000, it took just 400 days for more than 3,400 households—nearly 10,000 people—to move from their makeshift homes into Cangxia New Town.

A young woman from a mountain village first encountered the yangqin in primary school. After graduating from college, she returned to her hometown, where she now plants the seeds of music in the hearts of the village children and nurtures the blossoms of their self-confidence.

China on Monday urged Japan to confront its wartime history and fully break with militarism after Japanese media reported newly uncovered evidence suggesting that the Japanese army conducted live human experiments involving animal-to-human blood transfusions during its invasion of China.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had noted the reports, which cited records from a 1940 meeting of Japanese military doctors. According to the reports, the experiments were carried out multiple times in the autumn of 1938, with 23 unidentified individuals believed to have been used as subjects.

Guo said the invading Japanese army conducted large-scale live human experiments and germ warfare during its aggression against China, describing the crimes as brutal and inhumane.

He noted that the Khabarovsk Trials held in 1949 left behind extensive audio recordings, written records and physical evidence, forming a complete chain of evidence regarding Japan's germ warfare crimes. The trials complemented and expanded upon issues that had not been fully addressed during the Tokyo Trials.

According to Guo, an increasing body of evidence continues to reveal the crimes committed by Japanese militarism, while more people, including members of the Japanese public, are learning about this dark chapter of history. Only by respecting established historical facts, addressing historical shortcomings and upholding the bottom line of peace can the tragedy of war be prevented from recurring.

Guo also warned against Japan's remilitarization, saying it's treading a path of no return. We urge Japan to sincerely reflect on its crimes of aggression, make a clean break with militarism, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions, he said. 

Maintaining and implementing the recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran will help consolidate the hard-won ceasefire, open up new prospects for Iran-US relations, and bring peace back to the Middle East, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks while meeting with Qadir Nizamipour, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in New Delhi.

Wang said China welcomes the launch of follow-up talks between Iran and the United States on the MoU under the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, and the consensus reached on the next negotiation mechanism.

The 14-point draft MoU is hard-won, explicitly proposing an immediate and permanent end to hostilities, a halt to the use or threat of force, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refraining from interfering in each other's internal affairs, he said, adding that it is consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and is in line with the norms of international relations.

He said maintaining and implementing the MoU not only serves the fundamental interests of Iran and its people, but also meets the common expectations of the international community.

As Iran's comprehensive strategic partner, China has always upheld a fair and just stance, Wang said, adding that China supports all efforts conducive to peace, supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, and supports Iran in improving its relations with Gulf countries and other regional countries.

China stands ready to continue to provide assistance in its own way and play a constructive role in restoring regional peace and tranquility at an early date, Wang noted.

China has always viewed and advanced China-Iran ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work with Iran to strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation to promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral ties, he added.

Briefing on the latest developments in the Middle East situation and Iran-US talks, Nizamipour said Iran appreciates China for its efforts to promote peace and cease hostilities, voicing expectations that China will continue to play an important role to facilitate the effective implementation of the first-phase MoU.

Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China, and highly appreciates China's positive role in international and regional affairs, Nizamipour said, adding that Iran firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to work with China to further strengthen exchanges at all levels, enhance mutual support, explore cooperation potential, and enhance collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS to jointly address common challenges.

As the world's first national-level exhibition themed on supply chains, the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) is being held in Beijing from June 22 to 26. Please answer the following questions and share your views.

(Cover: The 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opens in Beijing, China, June 22, 2026. /VCG)

The 32nd Beijing International Book Fair that ran from June 17 to 21, 2026, brought together 1,700 exhibitors from 82 countries under one roof. I paid a visit, curious to see whether a fair of this scale, ambitiously claiming to connect the world's publishing industries, could possibly live up to its reputation.

I arrived at the China National Convention Center on a Saturday morning with a plan to weave my way through the country pavilions, get a feel for what different publishing cultures were putting forward, and soak up the particular, magical kind of energy that only exists when you step into a room full of thousands of books. 

Except that this was not a mere room.

The 32nd Beijing International Book Fair had taken over the entire Phase I building of the China National Convention Center – all 60,000 square meters of it – and within ten minutes of walking in, I had already lost my bearings twice and stumbled into three different countries' publishing pavilions. 

Not that I minded at all. 

The scale of BIBF was genuinely hard to prepare for. Over 1,700 exhibitors from 82 countries and regions, more than 220,000 titles on display, and nearly 1,000 events scheduled across five days. The weekend dates, June 20 and 21, were open to the public, and the crowds on Saturday reflected that. Families with children in tow, students with bags already overflowing, and plenty of people like me who had simply come to wander and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The United Arab Emirates was this year's Country of Honor, presenting under the name "Al Bait Al Emarati" – Arabic for "United Arab Emirates House" – and they had gone all out. Two booths, a program of cultural exchange events, and an energy reminiscent of a cultural embassy.

The IP Licensing Zone, which was new this year, had brought together over 120 domestic and international IPs – cartoons, film and television, intangible cultural heritage – one area, with immersive exhibitions that blurred the line between browsing and experiencing. It felt less like a trade floor and more like a preview of things that would eventually become films, games and merchandise. A little overwhelming, but in the best way.

A joint booth for online publications had been set up for the first time, and a dedicated stage hosted web literature authors – a good reminder of how vast China's online reading culture is, and how seriously it is now being taken as a publishing category in its own right.

I left in the late afternoon with a bag heavier than I had intended and a nearly endless list of books and authors I wanted to look up. I'll be back next year with a better plan and a bigger bag.

Editor's note: Zaruhi Poghosyan is a multimedia editor for CGTN Digital. This article is part of China, Soft Focus – a slow journalism series that offers textured, human-centered glimpses into China through measured pace and intimate storytelling. 

Shanghai is leveraging its rich cultural heritage to drive fresh economic growth. Through its innovative "Film +" strategy, the city transforms entertainment into a major consumption driver. The Shanghai Animation Film Studio, for instance, is reviving classic characters to fuel the booming economy of "Guoman" or Chinese animation. Meanwhile, the JUCE Shanghai Centre Theatre is reimagining opera for cinema audiences, boosting merchandise sales. The city is also mapping 45,000 tourism and business sites to seamlessly integrate the visitor experience. CGTN's Zhang Siran explores how culture powers this vibrant economy.

The Duku Highway is a route that connects the northern and southern parts of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Snowy peaks, grasslands, and canyons unfold along the route. Only open for four months a year. Miss it now, wait another year. Who's coming?

How should a Chinese official's performance be measured?

By GDP growth, high-profile projects and visible achievements? Or by lasting improvements in people's lives?

For President Xi Jinping, the answer lies in what he calls a "correct understanding of governance performance" – one that prioritizes people's interests, values long-term development over short-term gains, and emphasizes real results over superficial accomplishments.

Here are some of Xi's key remarks on establishing and practicing a correct understanding of governance performance.

Guess the altitude here.

As the 2026 Summer Davos Forum brings together global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Dalian under the theme "Innovation at Scale," one of China's most treasured intangible cultural heritage practices is demonstrating how tradition can evolve for the future.

Born from the rich marine resources of northeast China, Dalian shell carving, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Liaoning, has transformed nature's gifts into dazzling works of art for generations. Intricately crafted from seashells gathered along the coast, each piece reflects the city's deep connection to the ocean and its enduring artistic traditions.

At this year's Summer Davos, renowned shell-carving masters and heritage inheritors Jin Ashan and Jin Ji unveiled a selection of their most celebrated works, including the monumental masterpiece Nine-Dragon Wall. Their creations captivated visitors from around the world, offering a valuable glimpse into Dalian's maritime culture through the language of art. For these craftsmen, innovation is not only about new technologies. It is also about preserving cultural heritage, reimagining traditional craftsmanship, and sharing it with the world.

On the global stage of Summer Davos, Dalian shell carving serves as a bridge between cultures, generations and ideas. It is a testament to how heritage and innovation can move forward together, transforming ancient artistry into a living expression of creativity for the future.

Watch how a timeless craft, shaped by the sea and refined through generations, continues to inspire the world with its enduring spirit of innovation.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producers: Yang Sha, Wang Kailin

Director: Wang Yuxin

Video editor: Wang Yuxin

Videographer: Jin Zhaoxuan

China hopes that Lithuania will take early and decisive action to correct its mistakes, return to the right track of adhering to the one-China principle, and create conditions for the normalization of China-Lithuania relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on Monday.

Guo said the current difficulties and underlying issues in China-Lithuania relations stem from Lithuania's violation of the one-China principle and its breach of the political commitments made by itself in the joint communique of establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries, adding that China's door to communication with Lithuania remains open.

A male Yangtze finless porpoise calf born at the Institute of Hydrobiology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has reached one month of age and is developing well. Nicknamed "Xiao 26 (Little 26)" by researchers, the calf was born on May 22 to an 18-year-old female porpoise named Fujiu.

The birth marked the first recorded head-first delivery among the managed Yangtze finless porpoise population.

While tail-first birth is generally considered the typical delivery mode for toothed whales such as porpoises and dolphins, head-first births have also been documented in species including killer whales and bottlenose dolphins.

Researchers said the newborn measured about 70 centimeters in length and weighed around 5 kilograms at birth. Now more than one month old, Xiao 26 has grown to over 80 cm in length and weighs about 9 kg, nearly double its birth weight. The calf remains active and healthy, swimming independently and exploring its surroundings.

Fujiu was introduced from the wild in 2011 and has successfully raised two calves, making her an experienced mother. The calf's father, Taotao, is the world's first Yangtze finless porpoise born under human care. Xiao 26 is the third offspring produced by the pair.

Hidden in a Beijing hutong, the Zhihua Temple offers visitors a chance to hear centuries-old music still performed today.

The ancient music performed at the temple, now home to the Beijing Museum for Cultural Heritage Exchanges, has been passed down through 27 generations of inheritors over more than 580 years. Renowned as a "living fossil" of ancient Chinese music, Zhihua Temple music was inscribed on China's national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006.

Originally built in 1444 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Zhihua Temple was the family temple of Wang Zhen, a favored eunuch of Emperor Yingzong and supervisor of the Office of Rites. Today, it is the best-preserved complex of Ming Dynasty wooden architecture in Beijing.

The 2026 Summer Davos will take place in Dalian, China, from June 23–25 under the theme "Innovating at Scale." With more than 1,700 registered participants, the event is set to reach a record scale. The forum will focus on five key agenda topics – shifting trade, China's next chapter, technology in the real economy, jobs for the next generation, and the energy transition as a source of competitiveness.

Terraced fields cascade down the mountainside, where a fiery dragon dances through the night. In Longsheng County, the Shuyang Festival has lived on for over a thousand years. As the Grain in Ear arrives, villagers toil in the paddies by day; as night falls, torches flicker to life, coiling like a dragon along the mountain ridges. Local women carry torches as they tread across the terraces, where starlight meets firelight, illuminating a season of labor and a harvest of hopes.

In the heart of Fuzhou lies the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a historic district that carries half of China's modern history. From the brink of demolition in the 1980s to its remarkable revival today, its story is deeply tied to President Xi Jinping's enduring commitment to preserving cultural roots. How did this ancient neighborhood transform from a preservation project into a vibrant hub where heritage and modern life thrive together? CGTN reporter Yang Yan traveled to Fuzhou to find out more. 

Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town in Hunan Province came alive on the Dragon Boat Festival with a zongzi-making competition. Hundreds of local residents and visitors gathered to showcase their wrapping skills.

Founded in 1894, the century-old Fuquantang Pharmacy recreates the medicine trade of the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the festival, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners taught visitors how to make scented sachets and herbal bouquets using mugwort, calamus and honeysuckle.

The ancient town also rolled out a host of activities, including role-playing games, costume parades, daytime performances and immersive night tours, breathing new life into the thousand-year-old town.

China's Dragon Boat Festival this year is reflecting a consumer market in quiet transition, where traditional holiday spending is being reshaped by regional inventions, health awareness and cultural creativity.

Zongzi market embraces new trends

One of the clearest shifts is in zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, which have evolved into a fast-expanding product category. E-commerce data showed explosive growth in niche regional varieties, with zongzi from Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan surging by 1,240%, 315% and 200% respectively on Tmall. Guizhou-style zongzi, for example, blends local ingredients such as chili-braised pork ribs, spicy chicken and sour soup beef, turning a traditional food into a form of regional branding.

At the same time, health has become a key driver. Low-glycemic index (low-GI), sugar-free and multigrain zongzi are gaining popularity, while excessive packaging is being phased out. Some retailers have also introduced themed products linked to exam success, using wordplay on "zong" to connect festive food with good wishes for the annual college entrance exam, which took place in early June.

The festival is increasingly global. In south China's Shenzhen, foreign visitors are taking part in workshops to learn how to make sea urchin zongzi, a local variety. Export momentum is rising as well, with over 487 tonnes of zongzi shipped through Shenzhen customs since May, worth more than 9.18 million yuan ($1.35 million), up 48.5% and 16.9% year on year.

Traditional crafts find new appeal

Festive goods beyond food are also being reimagined. Mugwort and calamus, traditionally used for warding off impurities and praying for blessings, are now appearing as decorative bouquets and home ornaments. 

In Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, sales of Dragon Boat Festival flower arrangements have more than doubled, driven largely by younger consumers who prefer new interpretations of traditional symbols.

In Qingyang, northwest China's Gansu Province, centuries-old embroidered sachets are entering new markets, including exports to Central Asia. Online, DIY kits for sachets and festival ornaments are also popular, reflecting growing demand for personalized participation.

Industry analysts say the trend reflects a broader shift: consumers are seeking emotional value, health benefits and engagement rather than simple utility, pushing traditional products toward reinvention.

Dragon boat races and tourism lift consumption

The same trend is visible in tourism and sports. Across China, dragon boat races are drawing large crowds, boosting travel demand to southern cities such as Foshan and Xiamen.

Shanghai's international dragon boat race brought together more than 50 teams and over 1,000 athletes from Malaysia, Germany, Russia and other countries, while organizers added digital mascots and AI-generated theme songs to expand its appeal.

In southwest China's Sichuan Province, humanoid robots even joined dragon boat training and demonstrations, highlighting the merging of tradition and technology.

In south China's Guangdong Province, sports events and football screenings in tea houses are creating new consumption scenes that combine sports and dining, reinforced by local subsidies and themed tourism packages.

A group of Japanese scholars and civic activists has called on the government to confront its history of aggression and return Chinese cultural relics that were taken to Japan during wartime.

The appeal was made at a symposium held on Saturday in Tokyo by the Association for Promoting the Return of Chinese Cultural Relics, a civic organization advocating for the repatriation of Chinese artifacts and historical reconciliation between China and Japan.

Members of the organization at the event noted that a large number of cultural relics brought to Japan during wartime remain in the country today. While the Japanese government has long maintained that the origins of many of these artifacts are unclear, they argued that numerous items display distinct Chinese artistic characteristics and that questions remain over whether they entered Japan through legitimate channels, given the context of Japan's wars and overseas aggression.

The organization said it is currently urging the Japanese government to return several artifacts taken from China during wartime, including the Tang Dynasty Honglujing Stele.

Tsuguo Toukairin, vice chairman of the Tokyo Association of History Educators, told Xinhua that a number of European countries have in recent years advanced the return of cultural artifacts as part of efforts to reflect on their histories of colonialism and aggression, while similar awareness has yet to take root in Japan.

"Japan should face history squarely, acknowledge the mistakes it made in the past, and promote the return of cultural relics based on reflection on those mistakes," he said.

Akira Igarashi, a co-representative of the organization, said the issue is not simply whether a particular artifact should be returned, but whether Japan is willing to reexamine its modern history.

"In a sense, these relics are unsettling reminders of the past," Igarashi told Xinhua. "Continuing to possess them brings no benefit to Japan. The key question is how deeply Japanese society recognizes this."

The Honglujing Stele, erected in AD 714 during the Tang Dynasty, is regarded as important historical evidence that the Tang central government exercised authority over the northeastern region of China through the formal appointment of leaders of the Mohe ethnic group.

Before the end of April 1908, the Japanese garrison administration in Lyushun dismantled and transported the stele, along with a pavilion built in 1896 to protect it, and shipped them to Japan. For decades, concerned citizens and scholars in both China and Japan have called for the stele's return, but the Japanese government has yet to respond positively to those efforts.

While people on Earth enjoy the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, China's Shenzhen-23 crew – Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying (also known as Lai Ka-ying) – remain busy working at the space station at an altitude of more than 400 kilometers.

During the past week, the Shenzhou-23 crew carried out a series of scientific experiments across multiple disciplines.

They used the space-based Raman spectrometer for their research on microbiome and nutritional metabolism, analyzing metabolites in urine samples to study how the gut microbiome changes during long-duration spaceflight and how it affects nutrient metabolism.

The trio also conducted behavioral experiments in visual motion processing and microgravity intuitive physics to explore how gravity influences visual information processing and the mechanisms behind the impacts of long-duration flight on intuitive physical perception and its recovery.

In addition, the astronauts carried out studies on in-orbit emotional recognition and evaluation, as well as testing of emergency decision-making capabilities, to understand the changing rules of emotional states and emergency response abilities.

Besides scientific experiments, the crew also performed maintenance tasks, including replacing experimental samples in fluid cabinets, disassembling and reassembling phase-two experiment modules, installing the infrared thermal imaging device, and processing downlink samples related to space-based symbiotic research on aquatic organisms and plants.

First in-orbit medical rescue training

Last week, the crew carried out their first in-orbit medical emergency training since entering orbit, focusing on adapting rescue procedures and force application techniques to a microgravity environment.

On the station's platform systems, they measured cabin airflow, temperature and air cleanliness, collected microbiological samples, inspected and maintained regenerative life-support systems, checked low-temperature storage equipment, and replaced a door in the core module's sleeping compartments.

For health management, the astronauts completed vision, intraocular pressure and fundus examinations. They also used a bone-loss countermeasure device for protective exercises.

Do you know what happened in China last week? Take our weekly news quiz to test your knowledge and get up to speed on the latest developments in case you missed something.

"No matter what your job title is, serve the people diligently, consider the interests of the people with all your heart, maintain close ties with the people, and always stay approachable to the people."

These were the heartfelt words that Xi Zhongxun shared with his son, Xi Jinping. His advice would later become a guiding principle throughout the Chinese president's political career.

A highly respected leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Zhongxun devoted his life wholeheartedly to serving the people.

When Xi Zhongxun worked at the prefectural Party committee of Suide, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, he once said, "We must wholeheartedly and honestly stand firmly on the side of the people." While serving as the Party chief of south China's Guangdong Province in 1978, he spent a summer visiting 23 counties across the province to learn firsthand about the local conditions and the lives of ordinary people. Accompanying him during part of the trip was his son, Xi Jinping, then a student at Tsinghua University, who witnessed his father's close engagement with people at the grassroots level.

What his father said and did left a lasting impression on Xi Jinping.

Throughout his political career – from Liangjiahe and Zhengding to Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Beijing – Xi has consistently placed the people at the center of his work.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, President Xi has conducted more than 50 inspection trips on poverty alleviation and visited all 14 contiguous impoverished areas across the country, listening firsthand to local residents about their challenges, needs and suggestions.

Over the years, Xi inspected production lines and inquired about technological innovation in factories and workshops, observed agricultural activities and gained firsthand insight into the lives of people in rural areas, and visited neighborhoods and households during festive occasions to extend his greetings.

Ahead of this year's Spring Festival, Xi visited a community canteen at an apartment complex for seniors in Beijing to learn about local efforts to improve public convenience services and elderly care. He also spoke with delivery workers taking a break there, asking about their work and daily lives. Xi stressed that Party committees and governments at all levels must care for them and provide better services to support their lives and work.

That people-centered philosophy has gradually been translated into tangible improvements in everyday life. The toilet revolution, waste sorting, clean heating and food safety are among the more than 2,000 reform initiatives introduced over the past years to improve every facet of people's daily lives.

The results are tangible. China, over a period of eight years, lifted nearly 100 million people out of destitution, officially eradicating absolute poverty in 2020. The country has also completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and established the world's largest systems for education, social security, healthcare and urban housing support.

Access to education at all levels has reached or surpassed the average for middle- and high-income countries. Basic medical insurance coverage has remained above 95%, life expectancy has risen above 79 years, and the middle-income group now exceeds 400 million people.

The people-centered approach is also reflected in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), a blueprint for the country's economic and social development. More than one-third of the plan is related to people's livelihoods, covering employment, income, education, healthcare, elderly care and childcare – issues that are of the greatest and most immediate concern to the public.

As 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Xi has repeatedly stressed that Party members must bear in mind that working for the people's well-being is their greatest political achievement. 

Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing visited China this week, where the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture and talent development. In Southwest China’s Yunnan province, researchers from both sides are already turning that cooperation into action, working together to advance agricultural innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen trade links.

New advanced technology for cars - the so-called steering-by-wire system has been put into mass production in China. This system aims to provide smarter solutions to autonomous driving, which is a mutual achievement by China and Europe.

At least six people died on Sunday in a fire that broke out at a residential building in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, media reported citing local authorities.

When words fall short, art speaks.

For children with autism who struggle to communicate verbally, brushes and pigments become their language – a way to express emotions that words cannot capture. Guided by teachers and parents, they find healing through creation, producing artworks of remarkable imagination.

In this episode of Health Talk, CGTN visits an exhibition in central China's Hunan Province showcasing hundreds of paintings by autistic children, known as children of the stars in China. We speak with Liu Chenlei, the exhibition organizer and mother of an autistic son, who shares how painting helps these children connect with the world around them – and how building a care center for children like her son became part of her own journey towards healing.

Chief Planner: Jiang Qi

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Planner: Li Yue

Directors: Wang Qianduowa, Wei Jiaxin

Videographer: Zhou Zhiyue

Cover Designers: Wei Jiaxin, Sha Yunjin

Cover Courtesy: Xiao Yumi

Smart mobility and intelligent vehicle technologies are taking center stage at the 2026 Chongqing International Auto Exhibition, which is running from June 13 to June 21 and bringing together more than 100 global automotive brands, including BYD, Changan, and Tesla.

Beyond the showcases of traditional automakers, the exhibition also features the 2026 Auto AI Expo, a dedicated section for technologies powering the next generation of smart vehicles. Covering batteries, autonomous driving, chips, and smart cockpits, it convenes industry leaders such as Bosch, CATL, and Huawei to showcase innovations shaping the future automotive ecosystem.

Intelligence has become an inevitable trend in global technological development, according to Zhu Huarong, chairman of Changan Automobile. New energy vehicles (NEVs) have opened the prelude to a new era, while digital and intelligent vehicles will define the future, he said, adding that cars of the future will be self-evolving, intelligent robotic vehicles.

Several new products are making their debut at the show. AVATR's concept car, VISION XPECTRA, appears for the first time in Chongqing, drawing crowds with its futuristic design. Volvo has unveiled two new electric models, further expanding its EV lineup in the Chinese market. Changan has introduced the SDA Pilot 2.0 intelligent driving system, an upgraded version set to roll out in new models this year and gradually across applicable vehicles.

In the cockpit domain, automakers are pushing toward deeper integration. The focus is on two fronts: upgrading the in-cabin experience by combining sound, lighting and electronics for better user-vehicle interaction, and cockpit-driving integration that brings different vehicle domains together for a unified intelligent experience.

Electrification remains a major focus as traditional automakers accelerate their shift towards new energy. According to the China Passenger Car Association, China's fuel car retail sales fell 39% year on year in May, while the retail penetration rate of NEVs exceeded 60% – meaning more than six in every 10 new cars sold were NEVs.

The data sends a clear message: the center of gravity in China's auto industry has decisively shifted.

(Luo Huxin contributed to the story.)

Chinese LEO satellite operator Spacesail has successfully completed the country's first direct-to-cell voice calls using unmodified commercial smartphones, with voice quality matching terrestrial 5G networks.

The test was made possible by the Spacesail DTC 01, a dedicated trial satellite launched earlier this month. The company's earlier 200-plus satellites, launched since the constellation's formal inception in 2021, were designed for broadband coverage and lacked direct-to-cell capabilities.

Two systems, two approaches

Huawei and Xiaomi phones launched satellite calling in 2024, but they connect to Tiantong-1 – a geostationary system at 36,000 kilometers, operated by China Telecom. Spacesail's low-earth orbit constellation sits much closer to Earth, delivering stronger signals and enabling standard 5G phones to connect without hardware modifications.

Spacesail roadmap

End of 2026: 324 satellites, initial service capability

End of 2027: 648 satellites, first phase completion

Final: Over 15,000 satellites for full 6G integration

The constellation entered its formal deployment phase in August 2024, and recent launch cadence has accelerated significantly. In May 2026 alone, Spacesail conducted three launches within 11 days, bringing its in-orbit satellite count to 162 by May 17.

By comparison, SpaceX's Starlink had deployed approximately 9,600 satellites in orbit as of March 2026, accounting for roughly three-quarters of all active satellites globally. Its approved constellation size is planned for up to 42,000 satellites.

Starlink's broadband subscriber base reached 10.3 million as of the first quarter of 2026, covering 164 countries and territories. Its direct-to-cell service is now active in 30 countries, with 7.4 million monthly active devices. However, average revenue per user (ARPU) has declined to $66 in Q1 2026, reflecting aggressive global expansion into lower-income markets. 

(Cover via VCG)

A "golden dragon parade" from Yangshuo, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, made a stunning appearance across the moat by Xiangmen Gate in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province.

Walk past and you might think this is a nightclub or an arena. Yet, the Gen Z buzz here is all about farming and food – how do we grow it, how do we secure it and how do we make sure everyone can afford it?

If the China-US Sub-national Cooperation Dialogue can predict a future trend, it's this: more and more young people care about agriculture. And they want to join hands across the Pacific to plant the seeds of the future now. Join CGTN reporter Wang Tao for a closer look.

Editor's note: Biljana Vankovska is a political scientist, international relations expert and media commentator. She also serves as executive director of Skopje-based think tank Synegia Orbi: The Institute for Global Analysis. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

In an era marked by polycentric shifts and compounding crises – from climate disruption and demographic pressures to widening inequality and technological transformation – many concerned intellectuals pose a fundamental question: What is democracy if it fails to improve everyday lives? For decades, the dominant governance narrative has equated political legitimacy primarily with electoral procedures and institutional checks. In the post-socialist Balkans, we were repeatedly told to be patient – that democracy required a "transition." Yet multiparty elections often deepened societal fragmentation without delivering tangible improvements in living standards. The TINA (there is no alternative) doctrine prevailed. Today, ordinary citizens remain alienated from political elites who have consistently fallen short on social promises. Many are still waiting for a better future that never arrives.

The central question is no longer how governments are chosen but how effectively they improve citizens' material conditions and long-term well-being. This tension between procedural legitimacy and performance-based legitimacy can no longer be ignored.

China's governance model offers a different metric. Through continuous policy feedback, grassroots consultation and sustained delivery of public goods, legitimacy is measured not by periodic electoral cycles but by sustained social outcomes. This is the essence of "whole-process people's democracy" – a framework that emphasizes implementation, responsiveness and participatory governance over formalistic procedures. As political science has long distinguished between formal and substantive democracy, China's praxis bridges the two by treating legitimacy as an ongoing relationship between state and society, evaluated through tangible results.

Scholars such as Professor Zhang Weiwei have highlighted China's "selection plus election" model, which combines meritocratic appointment with democratic consultation. The success of this approach is measurable not through media but through public trust and satisfaction with governance from local to central levels. The eradication of extreme poverty stands as its most compelling illustration: a multi-decade achievement rooted in strategic planning, targeted policy implementation and institutional continuity rather than short-term political visibility. In peace studies, this aligns with Johan Galtung's concept of "positive peace," meaning human emancipation from need and fear, enabling genuine development and civic participation. It is a governance philosophy that prioritizes long-term objectives over electoral theatrics.

As China advances through successive development strategies, public policy has gradually shifted from rapid growth alone toward broader goals: common prosperity, ecological sustainability and balanced regional development. In 2026, amid accelerating geopolitical fragmentation, supply chain restructuring and intensified competition over green and digital transitions, long-term institutional capacity has emerged as a critical dimension of governance effectiveness worldwide. China's five-year planning cycles demonstrate how strategic continuity can navigate uncertainty without sacrificing social cohesion.

This people-centered approach is also reflected in evolving domestic governance metrics. The performance evaluation of local officials increasingly incorporates indicators beyond GDP growth, including environmental protection, social welfare provision and rural revitalization. This broader framework has accelerated investment in social protection systems, green energy and technological upgrading. It illustrates a model in which human development and ecological sustainability are integrated into the very criteria of governance success – another dimension of positive peace, reflecting harmony between society and nature.

The relevance of China's governance experience extends well beyond its borders, particularly for countries in the Global South and transitional economies seeking diversified development pathways. In some Western countries, external policy prescriptions have often prioritized geopolitical alignment or conditionality-driven frameworks over domestic well-being. China's cooperation model, by contrast, operates without political strings attached, offering infrastructure-driven partnerships that enhance regional connectivity, industrial modernization and economic resilience. For smaller and transitional states, reclaiming policy autonomy means recognizing that governance must be people-centered, not donor-driven. Rebuilding domestic planning capacity – a strength of the former Yugoslavia, despite its historical imperfections – is a vital lesson for the present.

Ultimately, the debate is not about ranking political systems but rethinking governance itself. The central challenge of the 21st century is whether states possess the institutional capacity to address long-term collective problems while maintaining social cohesion and improving citizens' quality of life. In this context, the question is not only who governs but how governance effectiveness should be assessed. These are not abstract academic exercises; they have direct, daily consequences for every household, especially for younger generations.

Today, the capacity to think and act beyond immediate political horizons has become a universal imperative. Long-term planning, social investment and sustainable development are no longer merely national policy choices – they are emerging as essential components of effective governance in an age defined by uncertainty. Within this broader debate, China's experience offers a valuable reference point for rethinking how legitimacy itself is defined in the 21st century.

Officials, scholars, and civil society representatives have called for reforming the global human rights governance system and improving its effectiveness at a United Nations meeting in Geneva, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation, reduce politicization, and ensure human rights are better integrated into global governance through development-oriented approaches.

The call came during a side event of the UN Human Rights Council's 62nd session on June 16. Titled "Human Rights in Global Governance," the event was co-hosted by the United Nations Association of China (UNA-China) and the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations at Geneva, bringing together about 50 participants from governments, international organizations and academia.

Speakers warned that geopolitical conflicts, uneven global development, and emerging technological challenges are bearing down on the international human rights system, making cooperation both more pressing and more difficult.

Participants agreed that countries should pursue human rights development paths suited to their own conditions and reject uniform models. They also cautioned against politicization and instrumentalization of human rights and called for solidarity over division.

The newly released white paper "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions" was discussed at the meeting. Delegates noted China's vision for development-based human rights, with an emphasis on the implementation of national action plans and international cooperation.

Participants also stressed the importance of the Global Governance Initiative, describing it as a framework for advancing reform of global human rights governance. They called for a stronger focus on implementation, efficiency, and practical outcomes that improve people's livelihoods and development.

They stressed that global human rights governance should be rooted in extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits while increasing the representation and voice of developing countries. They also called for greater exchanges, mutual learning and capacity-building in developing countries to enhance the effectiveness of international cooperation.

Participants further urged the UN Human Rights Council to return to its founding mandate of promoting and protecting human rights, upholding universality, impartiality and non-selectivity, and serving as a platform for dialogue and cooperation rather than geopolitical confrontation.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities on Wednesday for forbidding any local officials from any people-to-people exchanges with the mainland. The DPP authorities confirmed earlier on Wednesday that they will investigate Rao Ching-ling, head of Taiwan's Taitung County, for possible prosecution after she praised cross-Strait business deals signed last week via a video clip. Rao was blocked by the DPP authorities from traveling to the mainland last week to attend the Straits Forum, the largest cross-Strait people-to-people exchange event.

Would you dare to walk this cliffside iron path? Via ferrata, Italian for "iron path," refers to a type of rock climbing that uses fixed steel cables and ladders. CGTN's Julian Waghann traveled to Yangshuo, Guilin, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where he strapped on his gear, clipped into the cables and made his way slowly through the dramatic karst peaks, unlocking a fresh perspective on the region's iconic landscape.

China has decided to provide a new batch of humanitarian assistance to Iran and Lebanon in the near future to support post-conflict recovery and improve livelihoods, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Lin said China is deeply saddened by the humanitarian consequences caused by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as its spillover effects across the Middle East.

In March this year, China had already provided emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran and other relevant countries. Given the actual needs of the countries concerned, China has decided to roll out a new batch of humanitarian aid to Iran and Lebanon soon, to further support the two peoples in advancing recovery and reconstruction, and improving economic development and people's wellbeing, according to the spokesperson.

Lin added that China will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity, while continuing to promote peace talks and play a positive role in the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the Middle East.

A major exhibition dedicated to Italian artist Giorgio Morandi opened at the Museum of Art Pudong in Shanghai on June 17, marking a new chapter in cultural exchanges between China and Italy.

Co-organized by the Museum of Art Pudong and the Museo Morandi in Bologna, Italy, Giorgio Morandi: Solo brings together more than 200 exhibits from over 30 institutions and private collectors around the world. Among them are more than 140 original works by Morandi, including oil paintings, etchings, watercolors and drawings. More than 120 works are being shown in China for the first time.

Cultural bridge between Italy and China

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Massimo Ambrosetti, Italian Ambassador to China, said Italy was honored to have worked with the Museum of Art Pudong on several major exhibition projects over the past few years. He said the Morandi exhibition was made possible through cooperation between the Museo Morandi in Bologna and the Italian Consulate in Shanghai.

Ambrosetti said the exhibition is not only a tribute to the Italian master, but also a cultural bridge between Italy and China. Art was a universal language offering opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding, he said.

"Italy and China share this belief," Ambrosetti said, noting that it forms a solid foundation for bilateral relations. As two ancient civilizations, the two countries are connected by a spirit of mediation, curiosity and mutual admiration, he added.

Giorgio Morandi: Solo

Born in Bologna in 1890, Morandi is regarded as one of the most influential Italian artists of the 20th century. He is widely known for his subtle still-life paintings and the muted palette now commonly referred to as "Morandi colors."

The Shanghai exhibition, however, seeks to present a fuller picture of the artist. From well-known still lifes and rarely seen portraits, to early experiments inspired by Cézanne and Cubism.

With futurism and metaphysical painting featuring in his mature landscapes and later watercolors, the show traces the evolution of Morandi's artistic language across different stages of his career.

Organized into more than 30 narrative sections, the exhibition explores how Morandi transformed ordinary objects into a profound artistic world. It also features more than 50 rare original photographs of Morandi's studio by renowned documentary photographer Gianni Berengo Gardin, as well as a video installation by contemporary artist Tacita Dean, creating a dialogue across time, space and artistic perspectives.

As one of the most systematic and comprehensive presentations of Morandi's work worldwide this century, the exhibition allows Chinese audiences to return to the origins of "Morandi colors" while gaining a deeper understanding of the broader aesthetic and cultural value behind his art.

CGTN's anchor Guan Xin sat down for an exclusive interview with Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director and Chair of Greater China at the World Economic Forum. She hailed China's economy as "very competitive," offering abundant opportunities for partnerships and growth, while also highlighting the country's progress in green energy.

At the invitation of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Singapore's Speaker of Parliament, Seah Kian Peng, has wrapped up a six-day visit to China that took him from southeastern Fujian Province to Beijing. He's held talks on some of the most pressing governance questions of our time with Chinese businesspeople and lawmakers. CGTN's Feng Yilei sought his views on one of Asia's most consequential bilateral relationships.

What does a necklace featuring snakes, scorpions, centipedes, toads and geckos have to do with good luck? In Chinese tradition, these creatures are known as the "Five Poisons." As the weather turns hot around the Dragon Boat Festival, ancient Chinese people believed poisonous creatures became more active, making the holiday a time to ward off illness and misfortune. Inspired by this tradition, the People's Fine Arts Publishing House has launched five necklaces that reimagine ancient folk motifs into stylish accessories.

The National Library of China has also launched a Dragon Boat Festival-themed collection featuring scented sachets, mugwort massage hammers, bamboo-shaped wrist rests and traditional gua sha healing scrapers. Drawing on the festival's long association with seasonal health practices, these products bring traditional wellness customs into modern life. Together, these creative collections offer fresh ways to experience the wisdom, symbolism and lifestyle of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Welcome to the AI Backlot - an immersive, interactive creative hub at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Four teams of filmmakers and AI creators take on a live impromptu challenge: making a one-minute short film in just hours using only AI-generated content. Can AI truly tell a story? We spoke to creators, the tech team behind Minimax, and a university scholar. The verdict: AI can support and empower, but it cannot replace human aesthetic judgment, narrative ability, or unique creativity. As for the big screen? That breakthrough may still be just ahead.

China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions." CGTN has analyzed China's contribution to promoting global governance in the following graphics.

China will continue to steadily expand institutional opening up in the financial sector and welcomes financial institutions from all countries to deepen their presence in the Chinese market and share in China's development opportunities, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Wednesday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai.

Noting the accelerating evolution of major global changes unseen in a century, He said the world economy and global financial system are facing challenges.

China will remain firmly committed to the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics, without wavering or deviation, and will fully implement the priorities set out in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), serve high-quality economic development and inject stability into the global economy, He said.

The Chinese vice premier emphasized that in the face of global development and governance challenges, the only viable path forward is one grounded in mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation based on international rules and multilateralism.

Noting China has in recent years adhered to the main line of strengthening risk prevention, enhancing regulatory oversight and promoting high-quality development in the financial sector, he said China will continuously improve its financial legal and regulatory framework and firmly safeguard national financial security.

China is willing to work with all parties to strengthen cooperation in global financial governance and jointly address risks and challenges, he said.

Highlighting that Shanghai brings together global financial resources and factors and its unique advantages as an international financial center are increasingly evident, He said China will support Shanghai in piloting and experimenting with the development of offshore finance, accelerate the building of Shanghai into a global allocation center for RMB assets and a risk management center, and enhance the facilitation of cross-border trade and investment.

Efforts will also be made to further enrich and improve financial products including credit, insurance, and bonds such as shipping insurance, and promote new breakthroughs and improvements in Shanghai's development as an international financial center.

On June 17, China released the white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," stressing that "China champions the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and takes the lead in practicing true multilateralism." Against a backdrop of growing global uncertainty, Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, who has visited a UN peacekeeping camp in South Sudan, argues that the expansion of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is not about confrontation. Rather, it provides smaller nations with opportunities to engage internationally without being forced to choose sides. According to Wang, this is multilateralism in action.

China has released a white paper to introduce China's principles, proposals and actions on global governance. In the view of Djoomart Otorbaev, former Kyrgyz prime minister, China and the Global Governance Initiative offer countries in the Global South a meaningful alternative to traditional Western governance models. With the expansion of BRICS, the growing membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the initiative provides practical pathways for effective global governance.

When Yin Yuzhen arrived in the Maowusu Desert over 40 years ago, she found herself in a barren and desolate desert covered in shifting dunes. Her house was half-buried and sandstorms could seal the door shut overnight, leaving every corner of the house covered in sand.

However, she did not yield to the stark environment and instead began a battle against the desert. Rising early in the morning each day, Yin planted trees despite heat, drought and sandstorms that would overturn her effort. 40 years later, her relentless effort has turned 28,000 hectares of desert into an oasis, breathing life into a once arid land.

Yin's achievement would not have been possible without the support of an American friend. Ronald Sakolsky, who was teaching English at a high school in China at the time.

Learning Yin's story on TV and moved by her efforts, Sakolsky reached out to organizations in the US and eventually raised $5,000 for Yin, a large amount of money that helped Yin purchase saplings to tackle the tough environment.

Today, that donation has grown into more than 50,000 trees, spreading across the once-barren desert and transforming it into a thriving woodland.

As June 17 marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Yin's story and her friendship with Sakolsky serve as a reminder that the battle against desertification is a global problem that requires collective action.

China's solution to hold back desertification

In China, there are many people like Yin fighting back against the desert and nature.

According to data published by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, since launching the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program in 1978, China's largest ecological restoration initiative, forest coverage has increased from 5.05% to 13.84% in northwestern, northern and northeastern area of the country.

In the past 48 years, China has preserved 480 million mu (around 32 million hectares) of forests, rehabilitated 1.28 billion mu of degraded grasslands, and brought 670 million mu of soil erosion under control – figures reflecting the massive scale and achievements of the campaign.

The project plays a crucial role in halting the process of creeping desert, transforming the lives of the local people for the better, and providing China's own solution to this global challenge.

These remarkable accomplishments were made possible by innovative measures that harnessed the power of technology.

Solar panels used for generating electricity have been widely installed in arid regions. The elevated panels slow evaporation and help to support the growth of grasses and crops by casting shade above them.

The Kubuqi Desert, devoid of rain and rich in sunny weather, was once called the "sea of death" for its severe conditions. Today, the installation of solar panels has transformed the area into a solar farm that both generates clean energy and prevents further degradation.

"Chinese Rubik's Cube," is another dune stabilization technique that represents the Chinese people's wisdom in tackling land erosion.

In northwestern China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, people have laid out straw in a checkerboard pattern on the desert surface to establish a fortified ground for vegetation to take root. This technique is now widely adopted both across China and internationally to increase soil surface roughness, effectively reducing wind erosion in sandy areas.

Led by the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", China has already become the fastest greening country in the world, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) alone, China added 185 million mu of new forests.

China's groundbreaking efforts in combating desertification were recognized by the international community.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat has twice honored China for its "outstanding contribution to combating desertification," commending its significant role in global efforts to control desertification.

China has also shared its desertification control technology and experience with the world, establishing multiple desertification control pilot and demonstration zones in countries including Mauritania and Nigeria.

In pilot areas in Mauritania, the vegetation coverage rate has increased from 3% to 22%, while livestock mortality in Nigeria has fallen by 35%. More than 2,000 herders have also increased their incomes through ecological restoration projects, according to reports by People's Daily.

By 2030, China aims to treat 186 million mu of desertified land while developing "Green Desert" industry, according to an action plan published by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

China's State Council and Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Government: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions". The document outlines the concrete efforts China has made to uphold multilateralism and wisdom to promote a better world. CGTN's Zhao Yunfei explains the document.

China launched a new group of internet satellites from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan Province on Wednesday.

A Long March-12 rocket, carrying the 22nd group of low-Earth orbit internet satellites, blasted off at 10:44 a.m., and has sent the satellites into preset orbit.

Developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the carrier rocket is capable of supporting multiple orbital launch missions. It has a payload capacity of at least 12 tonnes to low-Earth orbit and at least 6 tonnes to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers.

The launch marks the 652nd flight mission of Long March carrier rocket series.

In China, a robot could be your everyday sidekick; a car may come without rearview mirrors; a quick meal can become a cultural adventure; and retirement might look like something straight out of a kung fu movie. Join Hussein Fahmy, one of the Arab world's most beloved film stars, as he discovers a China full of surprises. 

A year after their story moved many people at the China-South Asia Expo, an Iranian couple has come to Kunming in southwest China once again. Despite renewed uncertainty back home, they made the journey to China — bringing not only products but also gratitude, hope and a desire for a simple life.

China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the world's largest developing country, has consistently played an active role in global governance, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a press conference on a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

China champions the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and takes the lead in practicing true multilateralism, Wang said.

It has consistently been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods, while making continued efforts to improve and reform global governance, he added.

In the face of global challenges, a top priority is to fulfill the obligations enshrined in the UN Charter, he said.

Wang added that China stands ready to work with other countries to reinvigorate and strengthen the UN.

As the first country to sign the UN Charter, China is ready to uphold the authority of the UN by advancing the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), he said.

The foreign minister said the GGI has been translated from a Chinese proposal into international practice and is increasingly demonstrating strong vitality.

The GGI has been endorsed by nearly 160 countries and international organizations and has received extensive and positive responses from the international community, he added.

He also stressed the need to reinvigorate multilateralism, uphold rules and the rule of law, and improve governance capacity as the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation.

At the press conference, Wang also urged efforts to commit firmly to a ceasefire in the Middle East, calling on all parties to work toward the same direction and lay the foundation for a sustainable security architecture in the region.

China's State Council Information Office released the white paper on Wednesday.

(With input from Xinhua)

China is accelerating the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cooperation Organization, according to a press conference held by China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

The Chinese government proposed the creation of a global AI cooperation organization on July 26, 2025.

It marks a major step by China to practice multilateralism and promote a style of global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. It is also a concrete action taken by the country in response to the call of the Global South to bridge the digital and intelligent divide, promote the inclusive development of AI and ensure the technology is used for good.

The proposed organization, tentatively planned to be headquartered in Shanghai, is expected to serve as a platform for countries to deepen cooperation on innovation, promote pragmatic cooperation to fully unleash the unlimited potential of AI, and achieve common development and prosperity.

China also plans to host the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in July, aiming to further strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence.

China's ideas and actions increasingly resonate with the international community, with the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) being endorsed by nearly 160 countries and international organizations, according to a white paper released by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

The reason behind this lies in the fact that China understands how to meet the call of the day and shape the trends of our times, according to the white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

An equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization are the trends of the times, and true multilateralism is the only path forward, noted the white paper.

The GGI, while rooted in China, benefits the world, it emphasized.

China has put forward a series of new ideas and propositions that champion shared values and joint action, responding to the common aspirations of the international community and addressing the most pressing issues in global governance.

Championing its rich diplomatic traditions and drawing strength from the fine traditional culture, China advances with and leads the times while remaining committed to action, showed the white paper.

China has adopted a series of initiatives to confront various global risks and challenges, continuously enriching the practice of global governance.

Providing systematic solutions, China's four major global initiatives run in parallel with a focus on different domains and form a complete action framework that promotes prosperity through development, ensures stability through security, enhances mutual trust through exchanges between civilizations, and seeks justice through governance, the white paper noted.

By proposing the GGI and a series of new ideas and approaches, China has deepened its understanding of the laws governing the development of human society, broken free from the outdated "core-periphery" framework of the old international order, transcended the flawed logic that "might makes right," abandoned the zero-sum mentality of "winner takes all," and promoted the advancement of human political civilization, it added.

A white paper released on Wednesday by the State Council Information Office highlighted China's role in actively advancing efforts for building a more just and equitable global governance system.

As a responsible major country, China champions the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and takes the lead in practicing true multilateralism, according to the white paper, titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

As a major country with the best peace and security record, China has enshrined in its Constitution a commitment to peaceful development, the white paper noted.

China champions the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and has put forward the Global Security Initiative and acted on its principles, contributing to lasting world peace and stability, it said.

As the largest developing country, China has always pursued its own growth in the context of humanity's shared development and upheld openness, win-win cooperation, inclusiveness and shared benefits, according to the white paper.

Through Chinese modernization, the country has provided the world with new opportunities and boosted the global drive for modernization, it added.

China advocates and practices true multilateralism and remains an active champion and strong proponent of multilateral cooperation, read the white paper.

Noting that China will always be a member of the Global South, the white paper said China has firmly safeguarded the common interests of the Global South in international affairs and led the Global South in building strength through joint efforts.

China has proposed the Global Civilization Initiative and promoted its implementation, championing the common values of humanity and fostering deeper exchanges and understanding among different peoples, and wider interactions and greater integration of diverse cultures in a joint effort to advance the development and progress of human civilization, it added.

China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

Click here to read the full text of the white paper. 

The Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed by China, responds to challenges of the times, stated a white paper released by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

According to the white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," the world today faces severe and complex challenges with the law of the jungle seriously undermining the international rule of law.

Growing challenges call for more effective governance and efforts to shore up the governance system and to enable more Global South voices to be heard, the report said.

The GGI upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and embraces a global governance vision characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, it said.

By addressing the crux and root causes of crises and challenges, the initiative provides sound guidance for building a more just and equitable global governance system, it added.

According to the white paper, the GGI is built on five core concepts: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and real actions.

Sovereign equality is enshrined in the UN Charter as the first among all principles and the supreme norm regulating state-to-state relations. Countries, whether large or small, strong or weak, developed or developing, are equal members of the international community. Every nation's sovereignty and dignity must be respected, and all countries are equally entitled to participate in, deliberate on, and benefit from global governance, the white paper said.

The international rule of law is the fundamental safeguard for global governance. Only a global governance system that is grounded in the rule of law can provide all countries with a fair and just environment for development, achieve a balance between rights and obligations, and make international order more just and equitable, according to the white paper.

Multilateralism emerged for the cause of peace and development, and multilateral mechanisms are vital for addressing global issues. No country can achieve development outside the global governance system, nor can it secure a future without participating in international cooperation. It is not a matter of whether we choose it or not, multilateralism is the only viable path forward, the white paper said.

People's wellbeing is a core concern of global governance. The people of every country across the world are the essential participants and direct beneficiaries of global governance. Only by serving public interests, boosting public confidence and meeting public expectations can the global governance system win extensive support and function effectively, it said.

Global governance finds its source of vitality in practice, hinges on action and is verified by its effectiveness. A vision is realized only through concrete action. It falls on the international community to turn this vision into reality – setting common goals, embracing a problem-oriented approach and acting in concert, it added.

A white paper released on Wednesday by the State Council Information Office calls on all parties to work together to build a more just and equitable global governance system to advance the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).

The China-proposed initiative is drawing wide participation with broad support from the international community, according to the white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

Global governance concerns the shared and long-term interests of all people, the white paper noted, adding that its essence lies not in deal making but in the pursuit of justice.

Global governance promotes the common well-being of the international community and relies on the collective efforts of all nations, the white paper said.

China advocates that countries unite and cooperate, take concrete action, and transform the vision and blueprint of the GGI into a roadmap and timeline for joint action, it added.

All countries must work hard and make unremitting efforts to reform and improve global governance – no one should look on, hesitate, or slack off, the white paper read.

Looking ahead, as the international community gains a deeper understanding of this initiative and participates in it, the goal of building a more just and equitable global governance system will gradually become a reality, it said.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Tuesday addressed the High-Level Meeting of African Heads of State and Government and Partners on the Ebola Disease Outbreak via video link.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and a global community of health for all has charted the course for international cooperation in fighting the pandemic.

Noting that China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future, Liu said China has provided emergency humanitarian assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the African Union (AU), and dispatched medical expert teams to the DRC.

Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 Chinese medical professionals who are working in African countries stand side by side with local people in combating the disease, he said.

China stands ready to provide more medical support to Africa within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and calls for the international community to enhance solidarity and cooperation to increase support for African countries, said Liu.

Burundian President and current Chairperson of the AU Evariste Ndayishimiye chaired the meeting. Heads of state and government from more than 10 African countries, including South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, attended the meeting. Representatives from international and regional organizations such as the World Health Organization and partners from outside the region also attended.

One person has been confirmed dead and eight others injured as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake jolted Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, rescuers said.

The injured have left the hospital after receiving treatment, according to the earthquake's rescue and relief headquarters on site.

Thousands of residents, students and teachers from local primary and high schools and kindergartens have been evacuated to five makeshift resettlement sites, with necessities provided.

Local scenic areas have been closed and tourists have been relocated to neighboring cities.

To date, relief supplies from central and local governments have been allocated to the affected area, with more than 1,000 rescuers and nearly 200 vehicles on site.

The quake struck at 5:06 p.m. Tuesday at a depth of 10 kilometers, with the epicenter at 37.80 degrees north latitude and 95.56 degrees east longitude, said a report issued by the China Earthquake Networks Center.

China's State Council Information Office released a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions" on Wednesday morning.

The white paper was published to introduce China's principles, proposals and actions on global governance, foster broader consensus within the international community, ensure more effective responses to global challenges, and build a more just and equitable global governance system.

Global governance is a common endeavor that bears on the well-being of all humanity, and building a just and equitable global governance system is a shared vision long pursued by people from across the world, the white paper said, adding that China has always been an active participant in, contributor to and builder of global governance.

In the new era, President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. In promoting a global governance system characterized by extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, he has called for true multilateralism to foster an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, according to the white paper.

In 2025, Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which is designed to offer a Chinese solution to two pressing questions of the era: what kind of global governance system should be established, and how can global governance be reformed and improved?

Upon its introduction, the GGI swiftly gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The international community believes that the GGI sends a clear signal: uphold multilateralism, unite forces and pursue a fair future, the white paper said.

The GGI aligns with the growing trend towards greater democracy in international relations and bolsters international confidence in practicing multilateralism. It offers a clear and feasible roadmap for improving global governance, bringing valuable stability and positive energy to a turbulent world, according to the white paper.

China has proposed the GGI to expedite the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. Resolutely upholding the UN's authority and status is fundamental to the effective implementation of this initiative, the white paper said.

Success will also hinge on major countries bearing a sense of responsibility, and on all nations uniting and cooperating to address deficits in peace and development. All countries should firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core, safeguard the international order based on international law, and uphold the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, instead of reinventing the wheel, according to the white paper.

How GGI responds to challenges of times

Noting that the world today faces severe and complex challenges with the law of the jungle seriously undermining the international rule of law, the white paper said the GGI responds to challenges of the times.

Growing challenges call for more effective governance and efforts to shore up the governance system and to enable more Global South voices to be heard, the report said.

According to the white paper, the GGI is built on five core concepts: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and real actions.

Sovereign equality is enshrined in the UN Charter as the first among all principles and the supreme norm regulating state-to-state relations. Countries, whether large or small, strong or weak, developed or developing, are equal members of the international community. Every nation's sovereignty and dignity must be respected, and all countries are equally entitled to participate in, deliberate on and benefit from global governance, the white paper said.

The international rule of law is the fundamental safeguard for global governance. Only a global governance system that is grounded in the rule of law can provide all countries with a fair and just environment for development, achieve a balance between rights and obligations, and make international order more just and equitable, according to the white paper.

Multilateralism emerged for the cause of peace and development, and multilateral mechanisms are vital for addressing global issues. No country can achieve development outside the global governance system, nor can it secure a future without participating in international cooperation. It is not a matter of whether we choose it or not, multilateralism is the only viable path forward, the white paper said.

People's wellbeing is a core concern of global governance. The people of every country across the world are the essential participants and direct beneficiaries of global governance. Only by serving public interests, boosting public confidence and meeting public expectations can the global governance system win extensive support and function effectively, it said.

Global governance finds its source of vitality in practice, hinges on action, and is verified by its effectiveness. A vision is realized only through concrete action. It falls on the international community to turn this vision into reality – setting common goals, embracing a problem-oriented approach and acting in concert, it added.

China's contribution highlighted

The white paper highlighted China's role in actively advancing efforts for building a more just and equitable global governance system.

As a major country with the best peace and security record, China has enshrined in its Constitution a commitment to peaceful development, the white paper noted.

China champions the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and has put forward the Global Security Initiative and acted on its principles, contributing to lasting world peace and stability, it said.

As the largest developing country, China has always pursued its own growth in the context of humanity's shared development and upheld openness, win-win cooperation, inclusiveness and shared benefits, according to the white paper.

Through Chinese modernization, the country has provided the world with new opportunities and boosted the global drive for modernization, it added.

China has also delivered effective results in implementing the Global Development Initiative. To accelerate the realization of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, China helps steer global development towards a new stage of balanced, coordinated and inclusive growth that delivers more robust, greener and healthier global development, said the white paper.

Noting that China will always be a member of the Global South, the white paper said China has firmly safeguarded the common interests of the Global South in international affairs, and led the Global South in building strength through joint efforts.

China has proposed the Global Civilization Initiative and promoted its implementation, championing the common values of humanity and fostering deeper exchanges and understanding among different peoples, and wider interactions and greater integration of diverse cultures in a joint effort to advance the development and progress of human civilization, it added. 

China's ideas, actions increasingly resonate with intl. community

China's ideas and actions increasingly resonate with the international community, and the reason behind this lies in the fact that China understands how to meet the call of the day and shape the trends of our times, according to the white paper.

China has adopted a series of initiatives to confront various global risks and challenges, continuously enriching the practice of global governance.

Providing systematic solutions, China's four major global initiatives – on development, security, civilization and governance – run in parallel with a focus on different domains and form a complete action framework that promotes prosperity through development, ensures stability through security, enhances mutual trust through exchanges between civilizations, and seeks justice through governance, the white paper noted.

By proposing the GGI and a series of new ideas and approaches, China has deepened its understanding of the laws governing the development of human society, broken free from the outdated "core-periphery" framework of the old international order, transcended the flawed logic that "might makes right," abandoned the zero-sum mentality of "winner takes all" and promoted the advancement of human political civilization, it added.

Joint efforts urged

The white paper also calls on all parties to work together to build a more just and equitable global governance system to advance the GGI.

China advocates that countries unite and cooperate, take concrete action, and transform the vision and blueprint of the GGI into a roadmap and timeline for joint action, it added.

All countries must work hard and make unremitting efforts to reform and improve global governance – no one should look on, hesitate or slack off, the white paper read.

Looking ahead, as the international community gains a deeper understanding of this initiative and participates in it, the goal of building a more just and equitable global governance system will gradually become a reality, it said.

(With input from Xinhua)

As China celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival, traditions only grow deeper for families. A father-daughter duo spent some time practicing the martial art of Wing Chun on a dragon boat in Foshan, Guangdong province.

Take a look.

For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday evening.

Dar briefed Wang on the first-phase memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently reached between Iran and the United States. The Pakistani foreign minister thanked China for maintaining close communication with Pakistan over the past several months and for providing valuable support to Pakistan's mediation efforts.

Dar said Pakistan looks forward to continuing coordination with China to sustain the current momentum of peace talks and jointly play a constructive role in promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated Pakistan on facilitating the first-phase MoU between Iran and the US. He stressed that striving for peace is an international responsibility shared by all countries, including China and Pakistan.

As long as there remains hope for peace, efforts toward that goal are worthwhile, Wang said.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has maintained communication with all relevant parties and actively worked to promote a ceasefire and advance dialogue, Wang said. He noted that China had supported Pakistan's mediation efforts from the outset, emphasizing to all sides that Pakistan is a trustworthy mediator, while also engaging separately with both Iran and the US through its own diplomatic channels.

Wang also said the current consensus reached by the two sides is far from the end of the process but rather a new starting point, adding that achieving lasting peace in the Gulf and the broader Middle East will require sustained efforts from all parties.

The top Chinese diplomat pointed out that negotiations in the next stage are likely to be more difficult than those leading to the first-phase MoU. However, he stressed that the process must not be reversed and that parties should not resort to the use of force again.

The international community should provide greater support for Iran-US negotiations, while multilateral institutions such as the United Nations Security Council should play a more active role, Wang said.

China has consistently maintained that countries in the region should take their future into their own hands, he said, expressing hope that dialogue and consultation could help explore a regional peace and security framework involving all countries in the region.

Now that the door to peace has been opened, it should not be closed again, Wang said, stressing that the Middle East has suffered from conflict for too long and that its people deserve peace.

China stands ready to work with Pakistan to continue encouraging peace and facilitating dialogue and to contribute to the early restoration of peace, stability and development in the Middle East, he added.

The world is bracing for the return of El Nino, a climate phenomenon that could intensify extreme weather and push global temperatures even higher.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, there is an 80% chance that El Nino conditions will develop between June and August 2026, with the probability rising to more than 90% through at least November. Most forecast models suggest the event could reach moderate to strong intensity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that El Nino would "pour fuel on the fire of a warming world" and stressed that early warning systems are essential to protecting vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters.

As countries prepare for potentially more frequent heatwaves, floods and droughts, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a key tool in climate adaptation.

China has been developing a new generation of AI-powered weather forecasting systems, including the "Feng" or "Wind" series (Fengqing, Fenglei, Fengshun and Fengyuan) of meteorological models.

Fengqing is a global medium‑range model that produces 10.5‑day forecasts within three minutes and has been operationalized nationwide. Fenglei is a nowcasting model that directly predicts quantitative precipitation, improving heavy rain forecasts by 25% and extending lead time to three hours. It supports four‑tier severe weather warnings. Fengshun is a subseasonal‑to‑seasonal model with 0.25-degree resolution and excels in international competitions. Fengyuan is a scientific AI base model integrating data assimilation and forecasting, serving as an open research and innovation platform. Together, the series addresses diverse needs – from disaster prevention to renewable energy and aviation – and marks China's fully independent, end‑to‑end AI forecasting capability.

China has also launched the MAZU Early Warning Cloud Platform, a national-level solution supporting the United Nations' "Early Warnings for All" initiative. The platform integrates meteorological monitoring, risk assessment, and disaster alerts and has been introduced in countries including Pakistan, Mongolia and Sri Lanka, helping strengthen local disaster preparedness.

Other countries are also turning to advanced technologies to cope with climate risks associated with El Nino.

In the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses AI-enhanced forecasting systems and climate models to improve seasonal outlooks and extreme weather predictions.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has expanded its climate monitoring and forecasting capabilities as the country faces heightened risks of drought, heat waves and bushfires during El Nino years.

Meanwhile, the European Union has expanded the use of advanced climate forecasting through the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service. These platforms combine satellite observations, AI-assisted modeling and high-performance computing to provide seasonal forecasts that help governments prepare for El Nino-related heatwaves, droughts and extreme rainfall events.

As El Nino approaches, scientists say the challenge is no longer simply forecasting the weather but translating climate information into timely action. Around the world, technology is becoming an increasingly important line of defense against a warming and more volatile climate.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, told President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing Tuesday in Beijing that China is willing to deepen cooperation and promote exchanges between legislative bodies of the two countries.

Zhao said China is willing to work with Myanmar to take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, adhere to good-neighborliness and friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continuously enrich what it means to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

The NPC of China stands ready to conduct closer exchanges and cooperation with Myanmar's Union Parliament at multiple levels and across various fields, step up exchanges and mutual learning on legislative experience, and promote the China-Myanmar ties, Zhao said.

Min Aung Hlaing stressed that Myanmar adheres to the one-China principle, opposes any form of "Taiwan independence," and fully supports the four major global initiatives proposed by China.

Myanmar stands ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side, promote exchanges between legislative bodies of the two countries, and expand cooperation in such areas as special committees and personnel training, Min Aung Hlaing added.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.

Noting that China and Myanmar are good neighbors and friends, Li said China will support Myanmar in following a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly support the governance of the new Myanmar government.

Li said that China stands ready to work with Myanmar to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the steady progress of bilateral relations to better serve the modernization drive of the two countries and jointly promote regional stability and prosperity.

He pointed out that China is willing to deepen high-quality cooperation with Myanmar on jointly developing the Belt and Road Initiative, expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence and digital economy, and continue to move forward hand in hand on the path of common development.

The two sides should further enhance cooperation in law enforcement and security, jointly eradicate cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud, and effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Myanmar, Li said. He added that China is also willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Myanmar in the fields of education, culture, tourism, youth and health.

Noting that the current international situation is complex, Li called on the two sides to coordinate and cooperate closely within multilateral frameworks to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system.

Min Aung Hlaing said that the Myanmar side firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and firmly opposes "Taiwan independence."

He expressed gratitude to China for providing valuable assistance to Myanmar's economic and social development, adding that Myanmar is willing to enhance strategic alignment with China, promote cooperation on the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, deepen cooperation in trade, investment and other fields, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and push the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Myanmar and China to a higher level.

Myanmar is willing to work closely with China to resolutely crack down on cross-border crimes, Min Aung Hlaing said.

The Myanmar side fully supports the four major global initiatives proposed by China, and is willing to enhance communication and collaboration with China to promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, he added.

Amid a global slowdown in the film and television industry, cross-Strait cultural cooperation is experiencing a resurgence in 2026. Popular productions from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are reaching new audiences, while new mainland policies are opening the door to deeper industry collaboration. CGTN's Zheng Yibing reports from the annual Straits Forum underway in Xiamen.

China-Lusophone trade totaled $225.8 billion last year, with Chinese investment stock at $80 billion and engineering contracting turnover at $140 billion, among China's highest regional totals. Now Macao is testing the future: digital currencies. Through its digital sandbox and cross-border settlement links with the central bank, Macao is enabling faster, smarter payments between these markets. Macao is not just a gateway — it is a laboratory for the future of trade.

China's top legislature will hold a standing committee session from June 23 to 26 in Beijing, during which lawmakers will continue to work on a draft revision to the trademark law and review a draft financial law, among other legislation.

During the session, draft revisions to the government procurement law, the public bidding law and the Law on the People's Bank of China, as well as a draft amendment to the law on certified public accountants, will also be reviewed, according to a proposed agenda decided on Tuesday.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over by Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

Lawmakers will also continue deliberating draft laws on procuratorial public-interest litigation, and on Antarctic activities and environmental protection.

Additionally, they will review a report on the central government's final accounts for 2025, and an audit report on the execution of the central government's 2025 budget and other fiscal revenue and expenditure, among others.

For centuries, Macao's traditions have endured: incense at A-Ma Temple, dragon dances during Chinese New Year, and families gazing at the Mid-Autumn moon. Now, inside Dom Pedro V Theatre, China's oldest Western-style theater and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, an immersive show about the Age of Discovery is taking shape. Its mission? To bring 400 years of East-West encounters to life on the stage where history unfolded. This is Macao: innovating while preserving, and growing through exchange. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Rebeca Grynspan, candidate for the next UN secretary-general, in Beijing.

Grynspan, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and former vice president of Costa Rica, outlined her vision for the future of the United Nations, saying the organization remains irreplaceable but must advance reforms to keep pace with the times.

She said the UN should place greater emphasis on peace, development and the future while fully playing its role as the center of the international system.

Reaffirming her commitment to the one-China principle, Grynspan praised China for consistently supporting multilateralism and the UN Charter. Grynspan said she looks forward to working with China and the international community to strengthen the authority of the United Nations and help build a shared future for humanity.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said Grynspan's remarks reflected a firm commitment to the UN cause, an unwavering pursuit of world peace and a deep understanding of the concerns and aspirations of Global South countries.

The United Nations is a century-defining undertaking built through the tremendous efforts of the international community, Wang pointed out.

Since the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations 55 years ago, China has consistently been a supporter and builder of the UN cause, he noted.

Wang recalled that China assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council last month, during which he traveled to New York to chair a high-level Security Council meeting. The meeting delivered a unified message in support of multilateralism, adherence to the UN Charter and efforts to revitalize the authority of the United Nations, he said.

The post of UN secretary-general carries significant responsibilities and global influence, Wang said, adding that the next secretary-general should uphold the UN Charter, demonstrate outstanding competence, act with fairness and integrity, and shoulder responsibilities with commitment and resolve.

As a responsible major country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will participate in the selection of the next UN secretary-general in a constructive manner, Wang noted.

He added that China stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard, revitalize and strengthen the United Nations.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan offers a global roadmap — and the Macao SAR is at the center. As a free port under "one country, two systems," Macao is bridging the 300M-strong Portuguese-speaking markets and reaching into Spanish-speaking countries. It helps overseas brands enter China and Chinese brands go global — backed by Macao's financial, legal and service strengths. This is Macao stepping up as the ultimate super-connector.

China on Tuesday rejected allegations from the European Union's top diplomat that Beijing may have trained Russian military personnel now fighting in Ukraine, calling the accusations "groundless" and a "pure smear."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian pushed back at a regular news briefing when asked about remarks by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Earlier Kallas said the bloc was verifying reports that Chinese forces had provided training to Russian troops deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine.

"The relevant claim has no factual basis and is nothing but defamation and slander," Lin said.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, football fever is sweeping the globe. While the world watches the goals and glory, Shanghai is bringing the beautiful game to life. Football here unites people from all over who now call this city home. CGTN's Zhang Siran heads to the pitch to experience this passion firsthand. Discover how the sport fosters deep community connections and fuels a vibrant local economy.

China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China is ready to work with Nepal, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation.

China hopes to continuously advance China-Nepal relations to better benefit the peoples of both countries, and the CPPCC National Committee is ready to make positive contributions in this regard, he said.

Noting that Nepal-China friendship is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Khanal said Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will never allow any force to use Nepali territory for anti-China activities.

Nepal looks forward to expanding cooperation with China and sharing the fruits of development and prosperity, Khanal added.

One person was confirmed dead and four others injured as of 6:40 p.m. Tuesday after a magnitude-6.3 earthquake jolted Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province.

The quake struck at 5:06 p.m. at a depth of 10 km, with the epicenter at 37.80 degrees north latitude and 95.56 degrees east longitude, according to a report issued by the China Earthquake Networks Center.

The Qinghai provincial seismological bureau dispatched an on-site work team to the quake-hit area to assist local authorities with emergency response.

A Level II provincial emergency response for earthquake disasters was issued at 6:10 p.m., according to the provincial emergency management bureau.

In response to the earthquake, the office of the National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief, the Ministry of Emergency Management, together with the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, on Tuesday allocated 10,000 items of central disaster-relief supplies to Qinghai Province, including tents, folding beds, quilts, blankets, family emergency kits and emergency lighting equipment.

Authorities have also activated a coordinated emergency supply support mechanism involving government agencies and social organizations to assist with relief efforts and ensure the basic living needs of affected residents.

(With input from Xinhua)

China's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday criticized Japan's latest defense policy moves, saying Japan's accelerating remilitarization is turning the country into a "powder keg."

The remarks were made by Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry, in response to reports that the outline of Japan's Defense White Paper 2026 characterizes China as "an unprecedented and greatest strategic challenge" and says Tokyo will counter it with "comprehensive national strength." The question also referred to the recent display by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force of its Type 25 high-speed glide bomb, which is considered a substantive step by Japan toward developing proactive long-range strike capabilities. 

According to Chen, Japan has repeatedly peddled the narrative of a so-called China military threat, deliberately stoked confrontation and created security anxieties in order to fabricate excuses for itself to break free from restrictions on its defense forces and seek a massive military buildup.

He said that the Japanese side repeats its attacks and smears against China in this so-called white paper, which is not worth commenting on. As a matter of fact, those who claim to be threatened are the real source of the threat, he added.

Chen said Japan has drastically increased its defense spending, eased restrictions on exports of lethal weapons, pushed forward the deployment of intermediate and long-range missiles, expanded offensive military capabilities, sought to revise its pacifist constitution, and even clamored to be a "war-capable" nation.

He warned that a Japan accelerating its remilitarization is becoming a powder keg for the Asia-Pacific region, adding that peace-loving people need to remain highly vigilant and take firm action to curb the reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism, prevent it from wreaking havoc on the world, and defend the post-war international order and enduring peace.

China's humanoid robots can already run marathons and play ping-pong, but experts say real-world jobs are the next big challenge. A new national plan aims to move the robots from entertainment to factories, warehouses and hospitals, with 10,000 units targeted for deployment by year's end. See more. 

For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report.

China welcomes the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran and appreciates Pakistan's mediation efforts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said early Monday that a MoU between Tehran and Washington had been finalized, and that all military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, had ceased immediately and permanently.

China hopes that the US and Iran will sign the first-phase MoU as scheduled and that all relevant parties will remain committed to a peaceful solution and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation, Lin said.

He said China stands ready to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability to the Middle East and the Gulf region at an early date.

(With input from Xinhua)

What conditions does respiratory medicine treat? Is coughing a normal part of aging? When does snoring signal potential health risks? How can we prevent asthma and other respiratory illnesses?

To mark June 15 World Breath Day – a public welfare campaign launched in China – this episode of CGTN Health Talk takes you through the essentials of the body's airways. Our guest, Dr. Xu Jinfu, president of Shanghai Tongji Hospital, answers frequently asked questions about coughing and breathing difficulties, and shares three actionable tips for protecting your lungs.

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Chen Qingxuan, Song Chunni

Video Editor: Chen Qingxuan

Cameramen: Kang Kai, Wang Zihao

Cover Photo: Huang Ruiqi, Pei Zihan

China is stepping up efforts to move humanoid robots beyond eye-catching demonstrations into workplaces, as policymakers seek to accelerate the commercialization of embodied AI.

A nationwide action plan launched on June 9 by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission aims to put humanoid robots and related technologies into routine use across a wide range of real-world scenarios by the end of this year.

The initiative supports the deployment of around 10,000 humanoid robots in more than 100 high-value scenarios, marking one of China's most ambitious efforts yet to bring the technology into practical use.

"With the implementation of these application scenarios, we will accumulate more data, and that data will help train more capable and generalized robots in the future," Wang Zhongyuan, president of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, told CGTN.

According to Wang, one of the industry's biggest challenges is improving robots' ability to operate reliably in complex environments.

"The key bottlenecks are still generalization, task execution accuracy, battery endurance and operational safety," he said.

Some humanoid robots have already begun working in controlled environments such as hotels and factories. According to Xinhua News Agency, China shipped about 17,000 humanoid robots in 2025, produced by more than 140 companies nationwide.

But industry experts say large-scale deployment will require more than advances in hardware. Robots must learn to understand and interact with the physical world — perceiving their surroundings, making decisions autonomously and adapting to new tasks in dynamic environments.

These challenges are increasingly described within the industry as building a "physical world model."

"To help robots better understand and interact with the real world, the data and training environments need to be more dynamic rather than purely static," Sui Yanan, an associate professor at Tsinghua University, told CGTN.

Unlike large language models, which are trained primarily on internet-based text data, humanoid robots must learn from constantly changing real-world environments, where people, objects and conditions are continuously in motion.

While six months is a relatively short timeframe, experts say the initiative could accelerate the industry's development by encouraging companies to test technologies in real-world settings, accumulate valuable data and converge more quickly on viable engineering solutions.

Videographer: Wang Peng

When Xi Jinping arrived in the remote village of Liangjiahe at the age of 15 as part of a campaign that sent educated youths to the countryside, he entered an unfamiliar world of cave dwellings, farm labor and hardship, experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to serving the people.

The seven years Xi spent in the small village in northwest China's Shaanxi Province became a defining chapter in his life. He lived alongside farmers, slept on heated brick beds, carried manure, built roads and joined villagers in daily agricultural work. Xi later recalled that those years transformed him from a confused teenager into a young man with a clear sense of purpose and confidence in his future.

Xi joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1974, about five years after he arrived in Liangjiahe. He later became the village's Party chief and led a number of projects aimed at improving local living conditions. Among them was the construction of Shaanxi's first methane tank, which brought the first methane-powered lamp to northern Shaanxi and challenged a saying that methane could not be used beyond the Qinling Mountains.

Reflecting on his years in Liangjiahe, Xi wrote that the northern Shaanxi plateau had become his roots because it had instilled in him an enduring conviction to do practical things for the people. He said he will always be a son of the yellow earth no matter where he goes.

That connection endured long after Xi left the village. During his time as Party secretary of Fuzhou City, he returned to Liangjiahe to visit families door to door, bringing financial assistance to elderly villagers and school supplies for children. Later, while serving as a senior provincial official in Fujian Province, he arranged and personally paid for medical treatment for a seriously ill farmer from Liangjiahe.

When Xi revisited Liangjiahe in 2015, he recognized many of the villagers he had worked alongside decades earlier. Greeting them by name, he reminisced about their shared experiences and said that although he had left the village, he had left his heart there.

Since becoming the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in 2012, he has overseen a nationwide campaign that declared victory over absolute poverty, lifting nearly 100 million people out of poverty. China's per capita disposable income rose from around 16,510 yuan in 2012 to 43,377 yuan in 2025, according to official data. Improving people's livelihoods has remained central to the Party's governance philosophy. 

Those achievements reflect the governance philosophy that Xi originated during his early years in Liangjiahe – the original aspiration and founding mission of Chinese Communists is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.

The approach has also informed China's engagement with the wider world. China has expanded exchanges with political parties from different countries and promoted a path of peaceful development aimed at strengthening mutual trust and safeguarding regional and global stability.

China has also advanced initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, presenting them as platforms for shared growth and improved global governance. The initiatives are rooted in the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and are intended to provide Chinese solutions to common development challenges.

The country's experience in poverty reduction has become part of that message. Having achieved the poverty reduction goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a decade ahead of schedule, China has stepped up cooperation with developing countries and shared its development experience through bilateral programs and party-to-party exchanges.

Last month, China released trial "Guidelines for Home Hospital Bed Services". The policy is simple: bring the hospital to people who can't get there – the disabled, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. CGTN went to Shenzhen to see how it's working. 

China's top market regulator has held talks with Walmart China regarding food safety problems found in Sam's Club's brick-and-mortar stores and online shops, the regulator said on Monday.

The State Administration for Market Regulation recently summoned officials of Walmart (China) Investment Co., Ltd., the headquarters of Sam's Club in China, for regulatory talks in accordance with the law, a statement released by the administration noted.

The administration urged the company to conduct food business activities in strict accordance with Chinese laws and regulations. It also required the company to strengthen food safety awareness, strictly fulfill its primary responsibility for food safety, shoulder its corporate social responsibility, prevent food safety risks across the entire chain and effectively safeguard public safety.

Walmart China said in a statement to multiple Chinese media outlets that it "fully acknowledged, deeply reflected on, and sincerely accepted" the concerns and rectification requirements raised by regulators during the regulatory interview.

The company said it has established a special task force led by senior management and immediately launched a comprehensive review and corrective action campaign across all sales channels and throughout its supply chain.

(With input from Xinhua)