China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, left the dockyard on Sunday morning. This marks the completion of the construction of the main ship, and the vessel will soon enter the next phase of outfitting and calibration, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

The work of outfitting and calibration involves the debugging of the ship's power system, the installation and debugging of various electronic devices and weapon systems, as well as the interior decoration of the ship's compartments. This part of the work will be carried out by factory personnel. After this phase is completed, mooring tests and sea trials will be conducted jointly by the factory and the receiving naval unit, according to the CCTV's report.

The Sichuan was launched in Shanghai on Friday. It has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with a double island superstructure and a full longitudinal flight deck, and innovatively applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, according to China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with PLA's news media center.

The Sichuan did not leave the dockyard at the launch day due to a scientific assessment that considered specific conditions such as tide levels, wind strength, and visibility, read the CCTV report.

Specifically, the water level in the dock must exceed a certain level for the ship to fully float, ensuring that the vessel can smoothly rise and leave the dock entrance, and the wind strength should not exceed level 6 on the Beaufort scale, with wind speeds not exceeding 10.8 m/s.

Besides, during the undocking process, the tugboat operators need to have a clear view of the surrounding environment and obstacles to make timely and correct maneuvers. Generally, visibility is required to be no less than 150 meters.

"The ship leaving the dockyard indicating that the hull is in good condition and that the ship's watertightness has been thoroughly inspected," an anonymous military expert told the Global Times on Sunday.

According to Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, after leaving the dockyard, the installation of systems related to the entire ship may commence, and the outfitting process may encompass functional systems such as auxiliary power and electronic radar systems.

The anonymous expert noted that the mooring tests will evaluate systems such as the power, electronic, and fire control systems. Additionally, the ship will perform corresponding experiments on its electromagnetic catapult system to prepare for sea trials.

"Mooring tests are very important, as they relate to the overall performance of the hull. When all performance indicators of the tests meet the design requirements, preparations for sea trials can begin," the expert said.

The expert further noted that given the Type 076 amphibious assault ship has adopted many mature technologies, its outfitting and testing time may be shorter than that of the aircraft carrier Fujian.

The PLA Navy's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is China's first warship to utilize the electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, began the sea trials phase with its maiden voyage on May 1 of 2024 following its launch on June 17, 2022.

Netizens have been actively discussing the Sichuan since its launching, with many expressing their admiration and pride for their motherland. "The Sichuan, breaking waves and riding the wind, moves forward courageously, setting sail toward the deep blue sea!" read a Sina Weibo user's post on Sunday.

By establishing the biggest paleobiology database of early Earth to date and employing cutting-edge analytical tools, including supercomputer and artificial intelligence, an international paleontological research team led by Dr Qing Tang and Professor Shuzhong Shen from the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at Nanjing University, for the first time, have constructed a high-resolution biodiversity curve spanning from 2 billion to 500 million years ago.

The findings were published in the academic Science journal on Friday. This study reveals that early life on Earth underwent a prolonged evolutionary journey, marked by multiple major radiations and mass extinctions before the formation of complex ecosystems around 500 million years ago.

"This study fills a critical gap in our understanding of the macroevolution of life on early Earth, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the origins and early evolution of life, exploring the potential existence of extraterrestrial life, and assessing the sustainable development of a habitable Earth," Tang told the Global Times.

Fossils are the most direct evidence of life's evolution. However, when did life, particularly eukaryotes with a membrane-enveloped nucleus, originate and leave its first fossil record more than 500 million years ago? As the ancestors of all modern complex organisms, how did early life cope with environmental challenges and evolve into the diverse biosphere we see today?

These fundamental scientific questions, which are crucial for understanding our origins and future, have remained largely unaddressed for a long time due to methodological limitations, said Tang.

To tackle these questions, the research team spent six years developing a comprehensive paleobiology database of early Earth. By integrating big data analytical tools, such as supercomputing and artificial intelligence, Tang and his colleagues have established the first high-resolution biodiversity curve of early life.

The results indicate that the diversity of eukaryotes maintained low but stable growth since their earliest unambiguous fossil records around 1.7 billion years ago. However, this pattern was disrupted by the emergence of a global glaciation event around 720 million years ago.

Following the end of the glaciation event, life diversity began to increase rapidly and fluctuate frequently, leading to multiple episodes of major biological radiation and extinction.

These include a significant biological radiation event between approximately 635 and 580 million years ago, followed by the first mass extinction event in life history, which resulted in the sharp disappearance of the dominant organism - spiny microorganisms. Following this mass extinction, more complex macroscopic organisms, including animals, underwent rapid radiation. However, these complex macroscopic organisms encountered two significant declines in diversity at the end of the Ediacaran Period (approximately 551 to 539 million years ago), marking the earliest two mass extinction events in the evolutionary history of animals.

This study, by using big data analysis, quantitatively illustrate for the first time the first 1.5-billion-year evolutionary journey of fossilizable eukaryotes on Earth. It delineates the early history of complex life, including its origins, radiation, extinction, re-radiation, and the eventual formation of modern-like ecosystems.

"The findings suggest that extreme climate events, such as global glaciations, severely disrupted the evolutionary trajectory of Earth's early biosphere, leading to mass extinction events," Shen told the Global Times.

Following the end of glaciation events, the subsequent warming of surface temperatures and rise in atmospheric oxygen levels facilitated new radiations of increasingly complex organisms.

"This further confirms that the evolutionary pattern of life from simple to complex is not a straightforward linear process, but rather an alternating pattern of prolonged stagnation and relatively rapid radiation," Shen noted.

This study also highlights the profound impact of abrupt environmental changes, such as fluctuations in surface temperature and oxygen levels, on the evolution of early complex life systems, providing valuable insights for scientists searching for extraterrestrial life in extreme environments and assessing the future habitability of Earth.

"We study the relationship between biodiversity and the process of environmental evolution to better understand Earth's current state. This research helps predict how the planet might develop under environmental changes, offering valuable insights for the future," Shen remarked.

According to Shen, the development of life on Earth, from its origin to the growth of biodiversity, from simple to complex organisms, "provides valuable insights for studying whether other planets have similar conditions."

"Understanding the environmental factors that allowed early life on Earth to thrive and evolve into the biodiversity we see today can offer important clues for exploring the potential existence of life and biodiversity on other planets," he added.

Reviewers for Science journal commented: "This is, in many respects, a long overdue paper to examine the fossil record of the Proterozoic. This is a huge achievement. There will be a plethora of papers following publication of this paper doing just that."

Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djurić in Tianjin on Friday. Wang said China welcomes Serbia to get on board the express train of China's development and work together to achieve modernization for both nations.

Wang Yi asked Djurić to convey President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to Serbian President Aleksandar Vućić. Wang Yi stated that this year is a significant one for China-Serbia relations. President Xi successfully conducted a state visit to Serbia in May, during which the two heads of state decided to build a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. 

The traditional friendship between China and Serbia has been forged in the common opposition to power and bullying, tempered in the struggle to defend independence and sovereignty, and nurtured through mutually beneficial cooperation and common development. It has withstood the tests of changing international circumstances and will undoubtedly grow stronger over time, making the two countries true ironclad friends, the Chinese official said. 

China-Serbia relations are at the forefront of the times and align with the correct historical direction. We are willing to work together with Serbia to continuously create new prospects for our bilateral relationship, Wang Yi emphasized. 

China's economy continues to maintain high-quality development, remaining at the forefront among major economies. China is continuously improving its high-level opening-up, which not only provides momentum for its own development but also offers new cooperation opportunities for countries around the world, including Serbia, Wang Yi said.

"We welcome Serbia to get on board the express train of China's development and work together to achieve modernization for both nations," Wang Yi noted.

During the meeting, Djurić said the relationship with China is a diplomatic pillar for Serbia, and deepening cooperation with China has become a cross-party and whole-society consensus in Serbia.

Serbia supports the promotion of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and looks forward to close communication and coordination with the Chinese side to jointly address global challenges, the Serbian Foreign Minister said. 

Both sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Middle East.

The relevant trials of the Fujian aircraft carrier are a normal part of the construction process. In the next steps, additional trials will be gradually conducted based on the progress of the aircraft carrier's construction, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said on Friday 

Wu made the remarks in response to an inquiry on a notice from the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, which said traffic control will be implemented on the deep-water channel entrance of the Yangtze River estuary for a large vessel in early December with some analysts believing that the Chinese Navy's Fujian aircraft carrier may have completed its fifth sea trial and returned to its homeport.

China and the US on Friday signed a protocol to amend and extend the Agreement Between the United States and China on Cooperation in Science and Technology. They have agreed to extend the Agreement for additional five years, effective from August 27, 2024, according to China's Ministry of Science and Technology, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

On January 31, 1979, then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and the 39th US president Jimmy Carter signed the agreement during Deng's visit to the US. It was one of the first intergovernmental agreements signed between the two countries following their establishment of diplomatic relations.

Since then, it has renewed approximately every five years, paving the way for sci-tech exchanges between the two countries. The agreement was extended for 6 months in August last year, and again in February this year.

"The renewal of the agreement sends a positive signal and holds profound significance for China-US technological cooperation and global technological advancement," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday.

Wang said that this renewal signifies both parties' commitment to maintaining and deepening exchanges and collaboration in the technology sector. Since its inception in 1979, the agreement has served as a cornerstone for cooperation between the two nations, facilitating extensive collaboration across various fields.

Wang noted that the renewal will create more opportunities and platforms for cooperation, promote technological innovation, and foster talent cultivation, ultimately advancing the joint development of the technological sectors in both countries.

On a global scale, this collaboration will facilitate the sharing of technological resources and inject new momentum into global technological progress, Wang added.

Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Friday that this agreement has created substantial opportunities for technological exchanges between the two countries. It not only aligns with the mutual interests of both parties but also meets the expectations of the international community.

Potential for China-US technological cooperation can be seen in multiple fields, especially in fundamental science, advanced technology research and development, and innovative applications, Li said.

China has advantages in market scale and consumer demand, while the US leads in technological innovation and research. If the two countries can engage in deep cooperation in these areas, it will drive global technological advancement and benefit all of humanity, Li said.

The extension of the agreement comes at a time when the US has intensified its technology suppression against China, particularly concerning semiconductor exports.

"Science knows no borders. Politicizing technology can only transform what should be a collaborative effort for human progress into a tool for political struggle, ultimately harming all parties involved," Li said.

Responding to the extension over the agreement, a Chinese scientist in the computer science sector told the Global Times on Friday that China-US technological cooperation is mutually beneficial when it is cooperative, but harmful to both sides when it is confrontational.

The Chinese government will continue to deepen international scientific and technological cooperation between governments and civil society, as well as expand cultural and technological exchanges, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun said in September.

China has established scientific and technological cooperation ties with over 160 countries and regions, and signed 118 intergovernmental agreements on such cooperation, according to Yin.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," took place in Beijing on Saturday. Cui Shixin, a deputy editor-in-chief of the People's Daily, delivered the keynote speech.
Cui noted that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposal of the common values of humanity.

"Faced with challenges such as unilateralism and protectionism, China has put forward the common values of humanity, introduced the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and advocated for taking good care of our home planet," Cui said.

The reason why these efforts have resonated with the majority of nations worldwide is because we uphold principles of win-win cooperation and mutual learning. These ideals not only extend the concept of harmony and unity inherent in the culture of the Chinese nation to a global scale, but also serve as the value-based foundation for multilateralism and a multipolar world, reflecting the shared aspirations of humanity, Cui said.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored, "Win-win cooperation is the sure way to success in launching major initiatives that benefit all." This is the idea behind this year's theme for the Global Times Annual Conference: "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," Cui noted.
Cui stressed the importance of pursuing the spirit of "taking good care of our home planet" through collaboration, making unity, cooperation and mutual benefit the main theme of our time.

He urged efforts to realize shared aspirations of people from all countries through collaboration, join hands on the path to modernization, and gather strong synergy to build a better world together.

Furthermore, Cui emphasized promoting the harmonious co-existence of civilizations through collaboration, outlining a vision for the future of human civilization that embraces cultural diversity and global harmony.

China's connection with the world has never been as extensive and close as it is today under the profound changes unseen in a century, and China's influence on global peace and development has never been as comprehensive and far-reaching as it is today, Cui said.

It is an important "must-answer question" for Chinese scholars and media professionals to let the world understand the practical experience and contemporary significance of China and the international community working together to promote modernization and build a community with a shared future, and to tell the win-win stories between China and the world as they continue to expand the points of convergence of ideas and interests, Cui said.

In his welcome speech, Fan Zhengwei, the Global Times Party secretary, president, and editor-in-chief, welcomed guests, experts, and scholars attending the annual conference.
He remarked that this year's annual conference is themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," because unprecedented changes in the world, our times, and history are unfolding, and it is necessary to reaffirm those common values ​​that have been obscured by conflicts and differences, and firmly stand on the right side of history and on the side of the progress of human civilization. This is also the responsibility of the Global Times to "connect China and foreign countries and communicate with the world."

As China advances in cooperation with the world, it requires the confidence of carrying forward its own excellent culture and enhance cultural awareness and confidence while respecting and safeguarding the diversity of human civilization, said Fan.

Fan highlighted the vision of learning from others' excellent cultures to embrace and learn from humanity's finest civilizational achievements and to achieve a broader civilization while cultivating abundant energy for development.

He stressed the need for a mindset of respecting and treasuring other cultures and values, in a bid to promote the advancement of human civilization, world peace and development, based on the traditional Chinese concept that diverse cultures will interact with each other to form a colorful and harmonious world. He hoped the distinguished guests would speak freely, sparking intellectual insights and sharing profound knowledge on the theme, offering insightful and rational perspectives for a world under profound changes.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2025 features four key topics: "Exploring the path of great power relations: differences and consensus," "Addressing the Global Security Deficit: Hotspots and Solutions," "The Resurgence of the Awakening of the Global South: Mutual Learning and Resonance " and "China's economy 'going toward new direction': openness and opportunities." These discussions aim to explore the value resonance between China and the world from various perspectives.

Additionally, the Global Times will organize sub-forums and special events on topics such as "New Quality Productive Forces," "Globalization of Economic and Trade Cooperation," "Overseas Branding," and "Short Video Collection on Ocean Themes."

China has taken note of the most recent political developments in the ROK. They are the ROK's internal affairs, and we will not comment on it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday, in response to the South Korean National Assembly passing the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday. 

China and the ROK are important neighbors and cooperation partners. The sound and steady growth of bilateral relations is in the interest of both sides. China's policy towards the ROK has been consistent, and we have maintained the continuity of that policy, Lin told a routine press conference on Monday.

We hope the ROK will make continued positive efforts with China to actively deepen our friendly cooperation and strategic cooperative partnership. A peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula is in the interest of all parties and requires the concerted and strong effort of all sides, the spokesperson said.

Responding to a question on whether the appointment of a new Chinese ambassador to South Korea be postponed due to the impeachment, Lin said that he has no information to share, and suggested following the Foreign Ministry's website for any update.

The leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party Han Dong-hoon said Monday he is stepping down amid growing internal strife following the National Assembly's vote to impeach Yoon. Han apologized to all those who suffered from the martial law chaos and Yoon's impeachment but said he has "no regrets" over his decision to support the impeachment, Yonhap reported.

On the same day, South Korea's Constitutional Court said it will hold its first preparatory hearing on the parliamentary impeachment of Yoon on December 27, kicking off the judicial procedure for his impeachment trial.

The top court, which has up to 180 days to deliver its ruling on whether to uphold the impeachment and remove Yoon from office or reinstate him, said it will prioritize Yoon's impeachment trial.

However, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the court is currently operating with only six justices, three short of the full nine-member bench. Despite this, the court said that both the review and trial can proceed with the current six justices.

"The proceedings of the Constitutional Court regarding the impeachment result are highly uncertain," Dong Xiangrong, a senior research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that regardless of whether the six judges support or oppose the impeachment, they face immense pressure from both opposing camps.

"Factors such as public opinion, constitutional provisions, and their personal relationships will all have an impact on the deliberation of the impeachment case," Dong said.

"Another variable is that the South Korean National Assembly may nominate three new justices to fill the nine-member panel in the Constitutional Court, a process that will take time," Dong said, noting that if the nominations are approved and the new justices participate in the rulings, their political leanings will also influence the outcomes of the impeachment result.

If the impeachment result is overturned by the Constitutional Court, the country may experience ongoing turmoil, as the prevailing sentiment among its domestic public is firmly in favor of upholding the impeachment, the expert noted.

Also on Monday, South Korean prosecutors summoned Yoon for questioning for the second time after their botched attempt to subpoena the impeached president last week, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Dong pointed out that regardless of whether Yoon accepts the summon, it will not significantly affect the impeachment trial's outcome. This is because, in addition to his personal statements, there are many other individuals involved who have received orders or have been asked to provide testimonies, the expert said.

Editor's Note:

As one of China's most beloved national treasures, the giant panda has long captured the hearts of people worldwide. But beyond its iconic status, the story of the panda is a tale of ecological revival, cultural pride, and international cooperation.

In this special series, "Walking with the Giant Panda," we take you on an insightful journey through the furry animal's life, from the lush bamboo forests to the global stage, and ultimately, to the ambitious goal of rewilding.

In the first chapter of this exploration, we dive into the stories behind the internet-famous pandas who have attracted throngs of fans to panda reserves. These adorable icons are not only boosting tourism and employment, but also inspiring a new wave of national pride and ecological awareness.
Professional telephoto cameras are all pointed in the same direction, while hundreds of spectators, phones in hand, hold their breath.

"They're here! Over there!" shouts erupt as the onlookers marvels at the sight, accompanied by the rapid clicks of camera shutters.

This is not a meet-and-greet for some pop star. It's afternoon tea time at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and five adolescent pandas, each around 2 years old, have come charging out of their indoor shelter like playful calves. Tumbling over each other - sometimes tripping and then looking grumpy at their own clumsiness - they race toward the freshly laid bamboo. As soon as they find their favorite tender shoots or leaves, they settle in to bask in the sun, munching leisurely on their feast.

In China, pandas are true superstars.

In recent years, internet-famous pandas like Hua Hua, Meng Lan, and Qi Zai have drawn massive crowds to panda reserves and zoos across the nation. Devoted fans flock to these locations with some even live-streaming their visits. On social media and short-video platforms, pandas have "super topics" garnering billions of views.

Whether scratching an itch, yawning, or eating bamboo, pandas draw cheers from onlookers and likes on the internet. And if they roll on the ground, fans are overjoyed as if they've won the lottery.

Qing Feng is a professional panda photographer at the Chengdu base. His daily work involves capturing these adorable moments.

There are about 50 photographers regularly stationed at the Chengdu base, Qing told the Global Times. Some are simply fans, while others have turned their passion into a livelihood. They're easily recognizable by the panda stickers adorning their professional telephoto lenses and badges of their favorite pandas pinned to their backpacks.

Since live-streaming isn't permitted in the park, some panda streamers record footage during the day and broadcast it on short-video platforms in the evenings or mornings, engaging with panda fans worldwide and selling panda-related merchandise.

Among these panda celebrities, He Hua, affectionately known as Hua Hua, is undoubtedly the biggest star. This 4-year-old panda stands out with her especially round physique. At the Chengdu base, seeing Hua Hua for just three minutes requires waiting in line for 1 to 3 hours, with some fans queuing as early as 1 am. Even her keepers and security guards have become famous.

"I fell in love with Hua Hua at first sight. She's so beautiful and has such a gentle temperament," Helen, a retiree, gushed about Hua Hua in the gift shop outside her enclosure. In October, Helen moved from Shanghai to Chengdu to be closer to Hua Hua and now, according to her, visits almost daily.

"She seems to have a human soul," Helen told the Global Times.

In April, the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Bureau appointed Hua Hua as the Honorary Director of Chengdu Culture and Tourism, while announcing her resume and educational background.

According to data from the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, during the 2024 May Day holidays, 264,000 tourists visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, making it the second most popular attraction nationwide. Purchasing a 50 yuan ($7) ticket to the base can stimulate an additional 1,450 yuan ($200) in local spending on transportation, accommodation, and more.

Beyond Hua Hua, panda-housing institutions spare no effort in creating online buzz. For instance, Fei Yun at the Dalian Forest Zoo is known for her sweet smile and has become a beloved figure among panda enthusiasts. Ling Yan, residing at the Luanchuan Bamboo Sea Wildlife Zoo in Henan's Luoyang, has captured hearts with his playful antics, such as pushing toy carts and "dancing." At Guangzhou's Chimelong Safari Park, the panda triplets Ku Ku, Shuai Shuai, and Meng Meng have their own running train.

Giant pandas are accelerating local economic growth and attracting domestic and international tourists. Beyond ticket sales, the growing number of visitors has increased demand for panda-themed products, as well as related hotels and restaurants, leading to increased demand for employment.

However, pandas are more than just that. Their protection and population growth also represent the achievements of China's biodiversity conservation.

This sense of responsibility resonates with many panda fans. While watching pandas, some would advise other visitors to lower their voices, refrain from eating, and learn about the animals. Some would communicate with keepers to ensure the pandas live better lives.

"We are spreading positive energy," Helen says. "We will always accompany these pandas."

China is taking countermeasures against 13 US military firms and six senior executives over the US' recent announcement of arms sales to China's Taiwan region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

From big arms dealers to less known supporting companies, China's countermeasures are becoming increasingly precise and comprehensive, and together with the recently announced tightened export controls on dual-use items to the US, China is launching a combo attack, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Thursday.

The US recently announced another round of arms sales to China's Taiwan region, which seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, severely interferes in China's internal affairs, and seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 15 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions, China has hereby decided to take countermeasures against the following US military companies and senior executives:

For the 13 listed companies, namely Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., BRINC Drones, Inc., Rapid Flight LLC, Red Six Solutions, Shield AI, Inc., SYNEXXUS, Inc., Firestorm Labs, Inc., Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, Inc., HavocAI, Neros Technologies, Cyberlux Corporation, Domo Tactical Communications and Group W, their movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets within China shall be frozen, and they shall be prohibited from conducting activities such as trade and cooperation with organizations and individuals in China.

For the six listed senior executives, including Barbara Borgonovi, president of Raytheon's Naval Power strategic business unit, Gerard Hueber, vice president of Raytheon's Naval Power strategic business unit, Charles Woodburn, Group Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Land and Armament, Richard D. Crawford, founder and CEO of Alliant Techsystems Operation, Beth Edler, president of Data Link Solutions, Inc., and Blake Resnick, founder and CEO of BRINC Drones, their movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets within China shall be frozen, they shall be prohibited from conducting activities such as trade and cooperation with organizations and individuals in China, and they shall be denied visas or entry into China (including Hong Kong and Macao).

This decision shall come into force on Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

The latest US arms sales plan to Taiwan island, announced on November 29, includes spare parts for F-16 jets and radars worth $385 million, according to Reuters.

Elaborating on the countermeasures, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests. In recent months, the US has announced multiple arms sales to China's Taiwan region. This gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, interferes in China's internal affairs, and undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's Republic of China, China decided to take countermeasures against relevant military companies and senior executives of the US. 

Lin stressed that "Taiwan independence" is as incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait as fire with water. The US attempts to assist in the "Taiwan independence" agenda by arming Taiwan. This will not shake our firm resolve to oppose "Taiwan independence" and realize national reunification, and will only push Taiwan towards military danger.

China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué of 1982, act on the US leaders' commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop arming Taiwan at once, and stop aiding and abetting separatists' attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" through military buildup, Lin said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced decisions several times this year, including in May, July, September and October, to take countermeasures against US military companies and senior executives citing US arms sales to China's Taiwan region.

Song, the military expert, noted that these countermeasures not only cover big brands such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, but also relatively small names not commonly known by the general public that produce supporting equipment, drones and data link systems. It showed that China is not only imposing countermeasures on traditional mainstream arms dealers, but also supporting firms, as the Chinese countermeasures become increasingly precise.

A weapons system often includes efforts from many companies, so it is important to counter both the end product company and all other companies involved in comprehensive countermeasures, Song said.

Combo attack

China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday announced measures to tighten controls on the export of relevant dual-use items to the US. Under the new measures, China prohibits the export of dual-use items to US military users or for military purposes. It will also strictly control the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials as well as graphite-related dual-use items to the US.

Song said that many US arms firms heavily rely on rare earths from China, and controlling the export of these resources will limit their development.

Calling the latest countermeasures and the tightened export controls a combo attack, Song said that China is strengthening its efforts in countering the US' military-industrial complex, letting them know that if they do not abide by the three China-US joint communiqués and violate the one-China principle, they are bound to be hit.

Xin Qiang, director of the Taiwan Studies Center at Fudan University, said he believes that China's latest countermeasures are aimed at the supply chain of the US' arms industry. He told the Global Times on Thursday that China is expanding the scope of countermeasures and conducting "precision strikes" on smaller companies and the manufacturing of some particular items.

China has already made it routine to take countermeasures over US arms sales to Taiwan island. Basically, every time the US announces an arms sale plan, China will release a list of targets of countermeasures, Xin noted.

If the US continues its arms sales to the island of Taiwan, the scope of China's countermeasures are expected to further expand, as Beijing still has many cards to play in terms of important minerals and supply chains, Xin said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that the pressing task for the Palestinian question is to comprehensively and effectively implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to end the war as soon as possible.

The fundamental way out is to implement the two-state solution and promote the political settlement of the Palestinian question, Xi said in his congratulatory message to a UN meeting held on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.