The Shenzhou-20 crew members, who are currently on board China's space station, will conduct a second round of extravehicular activities within the next few days, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Wednesday.
Since completing their first spacewalk on May 22, the crew has undertaken a series of tasks, including monitoring the station environment, conducting inspections and maintenance of the space station's equipment, and managing inventory and transfers.
The CMSA noted that the crew has made steady progress in experiments in fields such as space life sciences and human research, microgravity physics, and new space technology.
It also confirmed that after two months in orbit, the three crew members are in good health and the space station is operating smoothly, fully prepared for the upcoming spacewalk.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held separate meetings in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on Thursday with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev, Uzbek Defense Minister Shukhrat Kholmukhammedov, Kazakh Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov, Tajik Defense Minister Emomali Sobirzoda and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, according to a statement released by official WeChat account of China's Ministry of National Defense.
The SCO is an important force in practicing true multilateralism and safeguarding global strategic stability, Dong said. He said this meeting has sent a clear signal to the international community that member states are committed to the "Shanghai Spirit" and to deepening unity and cooperation. Dong expressed the hope that all parties would work together to implement the consensus reached at the meeting, jointly respond to the severe impact of unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism and inject more certainty and positive energy into regional prosperity and stability.
China is willing to strengthen coordination with the defense departments and militaries of member states, promote progress in defense and security cooperation and contribute to building a closer SCO community with a shared future, Dong added.
The SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting was held from Wednesday to Thursday. Rajnath Singh attended the event, and Indian media noted that he is the first Indian defense minister to visit China since the 2020 China-India border standoff. His visit "marks a significant diplomatic development as both countries cautiously work to restore functional ties after years of frozen engagement."
The Global Times reporter saw Singh arriving at the Qingdao International Convention Center on Thursday afternoon, where bilateral meetings between Chinese and foreign representatives were held.
According to China's Ministry of National Defense, Singh said that India and China are neighbors that cannot be separated and share a long history of interactions. He was quoted as saying that India does not seek conflict or confrontation with China and is willing to properly manage differences, enhance communication and mutual trust and promote steady development of bilateral relations.
Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Thursday that Singh's participation sends a positive signal. It shows India's recognition of the SCO as a valuable platform for dialogue and reflects respect for the host country, while also signaling India's willingness to continue improving relations with China.
Meanwhile, in response to Indian media reports claiming that "India refused to sign the SCO Defense Ministers' joint statement due to differences over terrorism-related issues," Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, stated at a press briefing on Thursday, "As far as I know, with the concerted efforts of all parties, the SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting concluded successfully."
Commenting on this, Qian said that the SCO, as a regional multilateral cooperation mechanism, has always upheld the "Shanghai Spirit" of equality, consultation and mutual benefit. Its core value lies in providing a platform for member states to build consensus, deepen cooperation, and enhance strategic mutual trust.
"The longstanding differences between India and Pakistan are well known," Qian noted. "China and other SCO members have consistently called for resolving such issues through bilateral channels or existing mechanisms for the benefit of regional peace."
The expert noted that although some Indian media outlets unilaterally claimed that India refused to sign the joint statement due to disagreements over terrorism, they overlooked the fact that the SCO is a platform for building multilateral consensus, not a venue for resolving specific bilateral issues between India and Pakistan.
"China's response once again demonstrates the SCO's ability to transcend bilateral disputes and focus on multilateral cooperation," Qian said.
The "Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue: Roundtable Forum of China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries" were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday local time.
Attendees from the political, academic, media and business sectors of China and LAC countries conducted in-depth discussions on topics including cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, technological advancement and green development, BRICS and the Global South, as well as media transformation and think tank exchanges.
The Global Times Research Institute (GTI) also released the results of the first mutual perception survey between China and LAC countries during the forum.
In recent years, China-LAC cooperation has shown strong momentum. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, where he said that China and Latin America are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future and announced that the two sides would jointly launch five programs of solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity, which provided clear direction for building a China-Latin America community with a shared future in the new stage.
As important members of the Global South, China and the LAC countries have been enhancing mutual understanding and promoting mutual learning, in a bid to deepen and expand cooperation. Ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro, the Global Times, together with Brasil 247 and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, jointly organized the event to take concrete actions to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and contribute media strength to building the "five programs" between China and LAC countries.
Fan Zhengwei, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, said in his welcome speech that China and LAC are writing a new chapter of joint development for the Global South. This event is a vivid embodiment of efforts by academia and media on both sides to deepen cooperation, enhance exchanges, and strengthen friendship.
Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the Global South is no longer merely a geographical concept, but embodies a development aspiration, a vision for cooperation, and a historical trend.
The upgrading of China-LAC relations and the development of the Global South require joint fostering from governments, local authorities, friendship associations, and people from all walks of life. As a Chinese media outlet, the Global Times has long committed itself to bridging China and the world and is honored to help build a bridge of people-to-people connectivity between China and Latin America, Fan said.
Leonardo Attuch, Editor-in-Chief of Brasil 247, said in his speech that the world today faces major conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and serious threats to humanity's future. Amid such instability, Brazil and China have become two important pillars of global peace.
Both countries uphold rationality and balance, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, advocate multilateralism, and actively seek to resolve disputes through negotiation in all diplomatic settings. China-Brazil cooperation should be extended to more critical areas, including universities that nurture intellectual capital, think tanks that support long-term strategy, and media platforms that help spread culture and dispel bias and misunderstanding, he said.
Roberto Medronho, president of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, said during his speech that China and Brazil have played important roles in international exchanges over the more than 50 years since they established diplomatic ties. He noted that Brazil has learned a great deal from China and hopes to continue doing so. At the same time, Brazil also has much to contribute to China. "We do this not only for bilateral interests, but also to build a more peaceful world," he said.
Zhu Qingqiao, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil, said via video that both China and Latin America are important members of the Global South. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Over the past decade, strategic mutual trust has deepened, pragmatic cooperation has expanded, and the bonds of friendship have been steadily strengthened.
As the largest developing countries in their respective hemispheres, China and Brazil, under the strategic guidance of President Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have entered a "golden period" of building a China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies, Zhu said.
Zhu pointed out that China is ready to work with Brazil to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and further enhance exchanges in culture, education, tourism, media, and local affairs, enriching the bilateral relationship with contemporary significance.
The forum featured in-depth discussions on four key issues of mutual concern. Zhu stated that these exchanges will help further consolidate development consensus within the Global South and contribute intellectual support to the success of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, said in a video address that the Brazil-China friendship has remained strong over time. President Lula's visit to China this year for the fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum has further deepened bilateral ties. Amid multiple global challenges and increasingly complex regional dynamics, exchanges between China and LAC countries in economic, trade, political, and cultural fields are crucial to the region's overall development and social prosperity, Amorim said.
The forum covered four themes: "Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilizations," "Green Development and Scientific Cooperation," "The Global South and Common Interests," and "Media Cooperation and Think Tank Exchange."
The rich and diverse range of topics drew enthusiastic responses from the participating guests, who unanimously agreed that as the Global South becomes an increasingly important force in driving the reform and improvement of the international order, this in-depth conversation, which brings together representatives from across China and Latin America, holds unique significance, and serves as an inspiring platform for promoting the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future and offers a new channel for strengthening unity and cooperation within the Global South.
Many guests told reporters on-site that they were honored to participate in the event, noting that Brazil and China have much to learn from each other. Elizabete Souza, who works for a Brazilian media outlet, said, "This forum was rich in content and truly impressive. It was one of the most valuable learning experiences I've ever had. I look forward to more opportunities to participate in future China-Latin America exchange activities."
Cultural exchange promotes heartfelt connections The friendship between China and Latin America has deep historical roots. Though separated by great distances, as the saying goes, "Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspirations" — the two regions have maintained sincere exchanges and cooperation.
In recent years, as the Belt and Road Initiative advances, cooperation among Global South countries grows more diverse, and platforms such as the China-CELAC Forum take shape, cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations have become key pillars of China-Latin America relations. Amid the complexity of global information flows, both sides are eager to break stereotypes and present authentic and multidimensional images of their civilizations.
Marcio Pochmann, President of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), stated that we are living through a time of profound change - possibly the most significant transformation in the past 400 years. The center of global gravity is shifting from West to East, and from the Global North to the Global South.
In this context, Global South nations must reflect on their roles, reconstruct their identities, and embark on a new enlightenment. This will help us draw closer, strengthen connections, and challenge the long-standing Western dominance in knowledge, politics, and information, Pochmann said.
Maria Luisa Campos, Honorary President of the Latin American Television Network, noted that in today's world, connections between countries are often measured by metrics like export volumes and infrastructure connectivity. Yet there is another, less visible but longer-lasting dimension: the shared narratives we are building together.
According to Campos, over the past 20 years, ties between China and Latin America have grown closer. A true "Southern perspective" means listening, respecting, and cooperating as equals. We are not merely telling stories - we are reflecting together on how to tell the story of "who we are."
Brazilian actress, director, and producer Lucélia Santos stated that China and Brazil have now become vital trade partners, and culture, as a key driver of bilateral relations, plays an indispensable role.
"Culture is the most fundamental bridge for building trust and emotional connection between people. China and Brazil must make better use of digital platforms and truly step into each other's societies to understand one another's cultures and ways of life," she said.
Qiao Jianzhen, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Fluminense Federal University, emphasized that the essence of civilizational exchange is not one-way transmission, but equal dialogue, mutual appreciation, and shared learning. Against the backdrop of global challenges such as conflict and instability, dialogue between the civilizations of China and Latin America can offer valuable wisdom and diverse solutions.
Leveraging complementary strengths to expand cooperation pathways
As the world confronts climate change and advances sustainable development, green development and technological cooperation are becoming key pillars of strategic alignment between China and Latin American countries.
China has made remarkable progress in new energy, photovoltaics, energy storage, and digitalization, while Latin America possesses abundant renewable resources and vast market potential. Faced with the dual demands of development and climate resilience, both sides are working to tap into and activate their complementary advantages in sustainable development to enable greener, more efficient cooperation.
Daniel Filmus, Director of the Ibero-American Center for Research in Science, Technology, and Innovation of Argentina, stated that scientific cooperation helps build trust, address common challenges, and promote cross-cultural understanding. It is one of the most important forces for uniting nations and peoples. In the field of sustainable development, China and Latin American countries have clearly complementary natural resources and expertise. In this context, it is essential to incorporate collaboration in the social sciences and humanities, so that scientific achievements can be adapted to the specific national conditions and cultural realities of each country and region.
Orlando Silva, Federal Deputy of Brazil, noted that Brazil and Latin America possess advantages and potential in energy transition, but still need progress in technological innovation to develop solutions suited to local conditions. Under these circumstances, strategic cooperation between China and Latin American countries is of immense value and can bring mutual benefits. China's leading position in digital technology and infrastructure provides a solid foundation for such cooperation.
Tereza Campello, Director of Sustainability and Green Transition at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), reflected from a cross-sectoral perspective that the world is undergoing accelerated transformation - from trade disputes to armed conflicts, from the AI revolution to the reshaping of global value chains. "Against this backdrop, we must seriously consider two key themes: the climate crisis and the rise of the Global South. China and Brazil are not only crucial players in tackling the climate crisis, but also leaders in building development models that are more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable," he said.
João Valente, director of digital assets at Ambipar, shared insights on how businesses and governments can work together to advance green development. He stated that in Brazil today, any notion of "development" that is not sustainable is essentially invalid. Brazilian companies no longer speak only of "environmental protection" but of "ecological restoration." "Protection" is becoming a concept of the past, as many ecological changes have reached irreversible stages. In light of this, Brazil is committed to helping every company find its role in the sustainable development agenda, he said.
Huang Yehua, President of CNOOC Brazil emphasized that whether it is forests, freshwater, or biodiversity, these treasures hold immense potential for the future development of our planet. "Only when every individual and enterprise actively participate can green development truly take root and flourish," he said.
South-South cooperation benefits the peoples of China and LAC countries
As important components of the Global South, China and the LAC countries are comprehensive cooperative partners based on equality, mutual benefit, and common development. The two sides share broad common interests in advancing multipolarity, reforming global governance, and addressing development imbalances. According to the speakers, under the new international context, China and the LAC countries should strengthen collaboration within multilateral mechanisms, leverage complementary strengths, promote joint development, and strive for greater rights and interests for developing countries.
Francis Bogossian, president of the Clube de Engenharia do Brasil, stated that only through solidarity and cooperation can the strengths of different countries and sectors truly come together to advance global development. Today's Brazil urgently needs to integrate into global high-quality supply chains. "As long as we uphold the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results, and work together in technological innovation, job creation, and international cooperation, we will certainly achieve tangible benefits for local communities."
Patricio Conejero Ortiz, director of Latin America-China Observatory (OLAC) at University of Buenos Aires, pointed out that unlike other forms of international alliances defined by territorial attributes or geographic proximity, the Global South is fundamentally built upon aligned development goals. In essence, the creation of the Global South is a necessary process to grant voice and representation to peoples historically excluded from the core of global decision-making. This space must be constructed through multiple dimensions, including politics, economy, culture, education, communication, and knowledge production.
Monica Bruckmann, Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, remarked that the world today is undergoing a profound and decisive geopolitical transformation. Emerging nations of the Global South are rising rapidly. Many countries, including China, are gradually reshaping the global power structure. In the face of numerous challenges, the importance of South-South cooperation is becoming increasingly evident. It is a key driving force in the construction of a new global economic order, signifying new development paths and a redefinition of the global system.
Xu Wenhong, deputy secretary general of the Belt and Road Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), stated that countries of the Global South share three major common interests: first, the aspiration for greater political discourse power and equal status; second, the desire to free themselves from Western constraints in economic and technological fields, to achieve economic growth and improve people's livelihoods; and third, the hope of jointly addressing global challenges. At the same time, the Global South faces unprecedented historic opportunities: first, the international landscape is trending in a favorable direction for the Global South; second, digital technologies and green transformation offer an opportunity to leapfrog development; and third, the practice of Chinese modernization has broken the Western mold, providing a new reference for the Global South to explore modernization paths suited to their national conditions.
Media and think tanks facilitate deeper integration Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global landscape and deepening South-South cooperation, media collaboration and think tank exchanges between China and Latin America are playing an increasingly irreplaceable role. In an era of rampant misinformation and intensifying cognitive divisions, how to help people overcome information barriers, foster deep integration, and accurately share stories of cooperation to dispel long-standing stereotypes became a shared concern among the speakers.
Leonardo Attuch, Editor-in-Chief of Brasil 247, believes that without convergence in ideas, values, and worldviews, it is difficult to maintain strong and lasting economic and trade relations. Therefore, strengthening connections on the ideological and cultural levels is essential - and this requires joint efforts by universities, research institutions, think tanks, and a group of active Brazilian Sinologists.
He emphasized that China's public communication is not driven by clickbait or emotional engagement, but rather aims at social stability and shared progress. The values promoted by China include poverty eradication, social cohesion, sustainable development, and international peace. Guided by these principles, China has built one of the most efficient and stable governance systems in the world today.
Elias Jabbour, associate professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the State University of Rio de Janeiro stated that the most important tool of communication today is discourse power, which is also a key instrument of governance.
Jabbour noted that China and Brazil share common interests and goals, which should extend beyond the economic and trade fields to encompass deeper cooperation in cultural, academic, and think tank domains.
Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, professor at Fluminense Federal University in Brazil, shared insights from the book Stories about Not Being Afraid of Ghosts, exploring how to confront the unknown and fear with calmness and courage. He believes these stories remind us to view reality with objectivity, scientific understanding, and fearlessness—rather than through illusions, misconceptions, or fear rooted in ignorance. He called on media and think tanks to play an active role in dispelling misunderstandings and promoting international understanding and cooperation.
Song Yiran, People's Daily journalist in Brazil shared three stories with the audience to convey the China-Latin America friendship, warmth of cooperation, and media responsibility she witnessed in the region. "When media professionals and think tank members of the Global South unite, we transmit not merely information, but the power of mutual empowerment; we create not just written accounts, but narratives of a shared destiny," she said.
José Reinaldo Carvalho, international editor of Brasil 247, stated that as media professionals, our responsibility is to debunk fake news, expose lies, reduce wars and conflicts, and oppose armed oppression, dictatorship, monopoly, and terrorism.
During the forum, the GTI released the results of the mutual perception survey between China and Latin America, which notably fills a gap in understanding how Chinese people view Latin America.
The survey was conducted from April to June this year in Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish across China and six Latin American and Caribbean countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Cuba, and Panama. Respondents were permanent residents aged 18 to 70, and demographic quota controls were applied in each country. As of June 2, a total of 5,472 valid responses were collected - more than 2,000 from China and over 3,300 from the six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The questionnaire mainly covered topics such as mutual impressions and perceptions, China-Latin America relations, future development and cooperation, and the concept of a China-Latin America community with a shared future.
Chinese taikonauts have made steady progress in multiple experiments over the past week, including a vertical visual field study, and have also conducted research related to microbiota and nutrient metabolism, CCTV News reported on Monday.
In the field of space medicine, multiple studies — including the upward and downward visual field study — have progressed smoothly. Using specialized equipment and testing software, the crew completed behavioral assessments, according to the report.
The data collected will help examine how microgravity and shifts in attentional focus affect the asymmetry of taikonauts' vertical visual fields and the associated neural mechanisms, providing valuable references for future mission planning and human-machine interface design.
The crew also conducted microbiota and nutrient metabolism research using a Raman spectrometer. By analyzing metabolic components in urine samples, they further refined the indicator system and evaluation criteria for key metabolites. Downlinked samples will support multiple experiments, including studies on bone metabolism and regulatory interactions, according to CCTV News.
Additionally, the taikonauts continued collaborative research with the onboard intelligent flying robot, focusing on spatial human-robot interaction, robot behavior modeling, and multimodal interaction technologies, to explore efficient cooperation methods with the smart assistant "Xiao Hang."
Last week, the crew completed scheduled tasks such as deep maintenance of the microgravity resistance exercise device, inspection of regenerative life support systems, and thermal control equipment maintenance.
When asked to comment on a recent report released by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security claiming that the hacker attacks targeting Canadian telecommunications companies were almost certainly conducted by the Chinese state-sponsored cyber actor Salt Typhoon, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada stated on Tuesday that China firmly opposes and rejects such accusations. The spokesperson said that despite China’s repeated solemn representations, the relevant Canadian authorities once again distorted facts and hyped up disinformation to smear China.
China is one of the major victims of cyberattacks and consistently opposes and combats all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law, the spokesperson said, noting that China is firmly committed to safeguarding cybersecurity.
We urge the Canadian side to act responsibly, immediately cease its groundless accusations and smears against China, and stop the wrong practice of politicizing and stigmatizing cybersecurity issues, said the spokesperson.
A portion of tiles from the eastern side of the Fengyang Drum Tower's rooftop detached and fell at around 6:30 pm on Monday, no injuries were reported and the investigation for the incident was underway, said the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Fengyang County in the city of Chuzhou in East China's Anhui Province in a statement on Tuesday. The statement followed several viral videos online showing a large number of roof tiles falling from the top of the tower, which had completed maintenance just a year earlier.
Videos taken at the scene showed a slow initial slide of tiles from the top edge of the tower, followed by a sudden large-scale detachment of additional tiles that crashed down at the entrance, raising clouds of dust. The hashtag "Fengyang Drum Tower collapsed" became the top trending topic on China's X-like social media platform Weibo on Tuesday, Beijing Youth Daily reported.
The Fengyang tourism authority said in a statement on Monday evening, confirming no injuries. A more detailed statement was released on Tuesday, saying that following the incident, local authorities promptly evacuated bystanders from the scene and cordoned off the area with secure barriers. An investigation team has been set up and the repair project's design, construction, and supervision units have been instructed to report to the site. Experts have also been invited to assist in the investigation and verification process.
According to the statement, Fengyang Drum Tower, consisting of the foundation and building, was built in 1375. The original part of the building was destroyed in 1853 while the current building was rebuilt in 1995. According to the official WeChat account Chuzhou Culture and Tourism, the drum tower is recognized as the largest existing one in China.
The Fengyang tourism authority noted that sporadic roof tile falls and cornice board damage had occurred since 2017. A repair project began in September 2023 and was completed in March 2024.
According to Chuzhou public resources trading center website, the contract for the repair project was valued at approximately 3.4 million yuan (roughly $473,300) and the final settlement amount was 2.9 million yuan. The project's safety compliance and quality compliance were rated as satisfactory, Beijing Daily reported.
The Fengyang tourism authority announced on Tuesday that the tower would be temporarily closed for roof repairs starting that day. The reopening date will be announced at a later time.
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) upgraded its emergency response to heavy rainfall from a fourth-level to a third-level at 8:30 am on Wednesday, according to a release from the CMA’s WeChat account.
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a blue rainstorm alert at 10 am on Wednesday. It is forecast that from 2 pm Wednesday to 2 pm Thursday, there will be heavy to torrential rain in parts of Northwest China’s Gansu Province, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province and Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. Rainfall may reach 100-140 millimeters in a certain period in some regions of Sichuan and Chongqing, according to the NMC.
Meanwhile, the NMC continued to issue a yellow alert for high temperatures at 6 am on Wednesday. Temperatures in the southern parts of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, southern parts of North China’s Shanxi Province and some regions in Central China may exceed 40 C.
The ground temperatures in some regions such as Henan soared above 70 C on Tuesday, according to Weather China.
Meteorological experts indicate that Thursday will mark the peak of this precipitation cycle. Regions such as South China are expected to experience significant rainfall, and due to the large cumulative precipitation in the earlier period, it is necessary to be vigilant about the potential secondary disasters including landslides and severe convective weather hazards caused by continuous rainfall or localized heavy rain, according to the NMC.
The city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province on Wednesday issued a red alert for high temperatures, according to Xi’an authorities. Forecasts indicate that in some regions of the city, the highest temperatures surpass 40 C. Local authorities advise the public to implement emergency heat prevention measures.
Linfen in Shanxi Province issued the city’s first red alert for high temperatures on Tuesday, with predictions that some regions will exceed 40 C, according to Linfen Daily.
China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. The emergency response system has four tiers, with Level I being the most severe, according to Xinhua.
Liu Jianchao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met with a delegation from the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union, led by Chairman of the union and Secretary-General of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Hiroshi Moriyama on Monday in Beijing, according to the IDCPC on Tuesday. Both China and Japan should jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, strengthen exchanges and dialogue and achieve lasting friendship between the two nations, said Liu.
Since the end of World War II, Asian countries have adhered to the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, handling disputes in an “Asian way,” and maintaining overall peace in Asia, thereby creating a favorable environment for the development of all countries, said Liu.
Amid a complex and changing international situation, China and Japan should advocate for unity and cooperation, seek development opportunities, and work together to address common challenges. Unilateralism and protectionism harm the common interests of all countries. As major economies in the world, China and Japan should uphold openness and inclusiveness, and jointly safeguard the global free trade system, Liu noted.
The Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union is an important cross-party organization in Japan that promotes friendly relations with China. It is committed to fostering a correct understanding of China among various sectors in Japan which contributes to the development of bilateral relations, said Liu.
Hopefully the union will carry forward its fine traditions and make efforts to enhance mutual understanding and trust between China and Japan, as well as to maintain peace and development in Asia and the world. The CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with all political parties in Japan through mechanisms such as the China-Japan ruling party exchange mechanism, and to enhance communication and exchanges with various sectors, according to Liu.
Hiroshi Moriyama said that in the current situation, it is very important for Japan and China to strengthen exchanges and establish strong dialogue channels. The union is willing to promote exchanges among the youths, women and local communities of both countries to enhance mutual understanding and trust. The Japanese side is highly concerned about the current global economic situation and will continue to commit to maintaining a rules-based, free and open international trade system, said Hiroshi Moriyama, according to the IDCPC.
On Monday, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Yang Wanming also met with the delegation.
Yang welcomed the delegation and praised the union for its efforts to improve and develop relations between the two countries, stating that the current situation of China-Japan relations is at a critical period for improvement and development.
Yang said the association is willing to work with the union to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, expand dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, improve the public opinion foundation, and promote China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in the right direction.
The cross-party group of China-friendly Japanese lawmakers on Monday asked China to lease more giant pandas to the neighboring country, the head of the delegation told reporters, as four pandas currently at a western Japan zoo will return to China around late June, the Mainichi reported.
The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft, carrying taikonauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on 13:08 pm on Wednesday, marking the complete success of the mission.
The three taikonauts are in good health, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The Shenzhou-19 was successfully launched on October 30, 2024. During the mission, Chinese taikonauts completed three spacewalks and conducted six payload operations. They set a world record for the longest single spacewalk by a taikonaut — at nine hours — and broke the national record for the most spacewalks performed by a Chinese taikonaut.
According to CMSA, the three taikonauts spent 183 days in orbit, completing tasks such as the installation of space debris protection devices for the space station, multiple cargo transfer missions, and carrying out installation, commissioning, inspection, maintenance, and repair of both internal and external equipment. These efforts contributed valuable data and experience for the station's long-term, stable operation.
While in orbit, the crew, working closely with ground-based researchers, conducted a wide range of space science experiments and tests in fields such as microgravity physics, space materials science, space life sciences, aerospace medicine, and aerospace technology.
Faced with a substantial extravehicular workload, Chinese taikonauts demonstrated outstanding professionalism and technical skill, Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times.
The tasks performed during spacewalks demand exceptional precision and meticulous attention to detail, and successfully completing such extended extravehicular activities is a remarkable achievement, said Wang, "This underscores the formidable teamwork and resilience of the Chinese taikonaut corps."
Wang added that the achievement also reflects China's strong confidence in its spacesuit design and technology, which are engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to the harsh environment of space.
Wang noted the Shenzhou missions have evolved into a highly stable and routine operation. "Many tasks are continuous, with experiments unfinished by Shenzhou-19 seamlessly passed to Shenzhou-20. Completed experiments are returned to Earth, while new experimental equipment is launched, ensuring a smooth transition within a cohesive work team."
As time progresses, such updates may become increasingly routine to the public, said Wang.
Cambodia is becoming a "hidden gem" destination in the eyes of Chinese travelers, Global Times reporters learned from a number of local tourism industry insiders on Thursday. With improvements in Chinese-language services, the rise of customized travel packages, and the strengthening of digital payment systems, Cambodia is becoming ever more attractive for Chinese tourists.
Walking through the streets of Phnom Penh, Global Times reporters saw Chinese characters everywhere - on billboards, LED screens and storefront signs. From the airport to the city center, familiar Chinese brands, such as Mixue Ice Cream & Tea and Haidilao Hotpot, lined the roads. Locals greeted Chinese visitors with warmth and sincerity, and many could easily exchange a few words in Putonghua - small gestures that made the welcome feel all the more genuine.
According to the latest report released by Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed over 1.26 million international visitor trips in the first two months of this year, marking a 27.9 percent year-on-year increase. Among them, Chinese tourists accounted for 184,300 arrivals, representing a sharp 67.6 percent year-on-year growth. China has now become Cambodia's third-largest source of international tourists, following Thailand and Vietnam, the Cambodia China Times reported.
Zhou Yingping, general manager of China Southern Airlines Company Limited Phnom Penh office, highlighted Cambodia's Angkor Wat as a major draw for Chinese travelers - the country's most iconic attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Cambodia.
Other key destinations include the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, a sacred site where generations of kings practiced Buddhism; the Koh Rong Island near Sihanoukville, ranked by CNN as one of the world's most beautiful beaches; the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and often referred to as Cambodia's "lake of life"; and the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri.
"As Chinese-language services improve, along with the rise of customized travel packages and enhanced digital payment systems, Cambodia is becoming ever more attractive for Chinese tourists," Zhou said.
As one of the earliest airlines to establish an air route between China and Cambodia, China Southern Airlines launched its first regular round-trip flight between Guangzhou and Phnom Penh in 1999. Today, the airline operates three daily flights on this route. Leveraging its Guangzhou hub, China Southern offers connections to over 100 international destinations worldwide, as well as all major airports across China. This extensive network has maximized overall connectivity between the Cambodian capital to the world, Zhou said.
With the rise of social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, and China's major short-video platform Douyin, more travelers are sharing detailed itineraries and travel tips online, which has gradually influenced the way Chinese tourists plan their trips abroad.
In the China-Cambodia tourism market, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional group tours to independent travels, Zhou said. Classic travel routes - such as entering through Phnom Penh and departing from Siem Reap, or starting in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam and ending the trip in Siem Reap - have become especially popular among backpackers seeking more flexible and immersive experiences.
Dong Xiaoyan, a visitor from Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang Province, shared her experience with the Global Times. "My husband has been working in logistics here for 11 years, so I brought my parents and the whole family to visit. We went to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Koh Rong Island in Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. The travel experience was fantastic - the Cambodian people are simple, kind and welcoming, and it's very safe here, nothing like some of the negative things you see online."
She added, "I would definitely recommend Cambodia to my family and friends, especially during the Khmer New Year. The water festivals and all kinds of celebrations create such a relaxed and joyful atmosphere and make everyone feel really immersed in the joy and just live in the moment."
Hun Dany, Secretary of State and spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, said during a recent forum that under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Cambodia and China, tourism has become a key pillar of bilateral cooperation. "China has long been one of Cambodia's most important sources of international tourists," she said. "We will take the opportunity of the 2025 Cambodia-China Year of Tourism to further improve tourism services, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic levels."
Dany said the ministry will introduce a series of measures, including the diversification of tourism products to attract more Chinese visitors, adding that Cambodia is expected to attract over 1 million Chinese visitor trips in 2025.
Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak said in January that the growing number of Chinese tourists presents a significant opportunity for Cambodia, not only for the development of its tourism sector but also for creating new investment prospects in other areas of the local economy. He emphasized that the future of Cambodia's tourism industry is closely tied to the continued inflow of Chinese tourists and investors, China News Service reported.
