The recent boom in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry has brought increased attention to the computing-related sector, including cloud computing and chips. With the rapid growth of AI applications in various industries, there is a growing demand for more powerful computing systems to support these applications. 

Officials and industry leaders attending an ongoing industry expo have expressed confidence in the domestic development of advanced computing capabilities, as Chinese enterprises have made significant advances in the sector, relying on their experience and technology prowess.

The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024, which opened on Wednesday in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, attracts many Chinese technology companies eager to capture a piece of the booming domestic AI-related industry.

Wang Chenghong, a representative of Henan Kunlun Information Technology Co, told the Global Times that the company has its own high-performance AI servers and self-developed technology for integrating AI with general computing.

In addition to establishing related infrastructure such as data centers, regions across China have rolled out measures to boost computing power infrastructure development. 

Xu Lin, Party secretary of Guizhou Province, announced plans to further develop intelligent computing industrial clusters with a primary emphasis on AI technology. 

The province aims to cultivate industry-specific large language models, enhance data center infrastructure and broaden the utilization of data elements across various sectors. 

The computing power is reshaping global economic landscapes at an unprecedented pace, said Gao Wen, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, at a forum on Thursday.

To strengthen advanced computing capabilities and foster new quality productive forces, China has invested more than 43.5 billion yuan ($6.12 billion) in a nationwide project to build computing data centers, Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration, said at the expo.

China's massive investment in computing comes as it faces increasing restrictions from the US, which has limited exports of some advanced computing products, including those from industry leader Nvidia in recent years, according to Reuters.

As Washington steps up controls on chip exports to China, the US chipmaker is still actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with Chinese enterprises and benefit from their rapid progress.

While China was a "significant contributor" to the data center revenue in the past quarter, "it remains below levels seen prior to the imposition of export controls," Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said during an earnings call on Thursday. "We continue to expect the China market to be very competitive going forward." 

China's success in self-reliant semiconductor production hinges on surmounting technological hurdles, navigating geopolitical complexities, and fostering a domestic AI chip supply that is both cutting-edge and economically viable, experts noted.

A local resident from Xuzhai Village in Dongyang, East China's Zhejiang Province, makes decorated lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 3, 2024. Decorated lanterns from Xuzhai Village have a long history, integrating multiple techniques including wood carving, bamboo weaving and tailoring. They're sold in other parts of China as well as overseas markets. Photo: VCG

China's manufacturing sector showed signs of improvement in August, with the Caixin Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 50.4, up 0.6 percentage points from July, bringing the index back above the expansion threshold. 

The data suggest a pickup in demand, steady employment levels and improving business confidence, but challenges remain in the face of external uncertainties, according to the survey published on Monday.

A reading above 50 indicates an expansion in activity, while a number below signals a contraction. 

The production index in August saw a slight increase in the expansion range, while the new orders index reversed its contraction in July and returned to expansion territory.

According to surveyed enterprises, growth in new orders was mainly driven by improvements in basic demand and various promotional measures. 

Employment in the manufacturing sector stabilized in August, with the employment index hovering in expansion territory. 

Manufacturers in the industry generally believe that factors such as business expansion, new product releases and an improvement in economic conditions will drive sales growth. 

Wang Zhe, a senior economist at Caixin Insight Group, said that the August PMI data suggest a modest recovery in the manufacturing sector, with both supply and demand expanding, but challenges remain in achieving stable growth in the face of external uncertainties.

The Caixin data showed that external demand weakened in August, with the new export order index falling below the critical point for the first time this year, marking the lowest level since December 2023. 

China's official manufacturing PMI released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) came in at 49.1 in August, down from 49.4 in July. 

Zhao Qinghe, an NBS statistician, attributed the slight drop to factors such as extreme weather and off-season production in some industries. 

Zhou Maohua, an economist at China Everbright Bank, told the Global Times on Monday that there is a need for increased implementation of macroeconomic policies, with a continued focus on boosting effective demand and promoting domestic circulation. 

The key priority is to accelerate the implementation of policies to fully unleash their benefits and boost market confidence. Additionally, policy support should be optimized based on the uneven recovery of different industries, Zhou added. 

A US Navy patrol aircraft was reportedly spotted as a Philippine Coast Guard ship rammed into a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel in the lagoon of China’s Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea on Saturday, with experts saying the US plane serves as encouragement for the Philippines to conduct bolder and riskier provocations.

The Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-9701, which has been illegally stationed at China’s Xianbin Jiao, on Saturday lifted its anchor and conducted continuous maneuvers, stirring up troubles in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. CCG Vessel 5205 took measures including verbal warnings, monitoring and control in accordance with the law and regulations, Liu Dejun, a CCG spokesperson, said in a statement on Saturday.

In the process, the Philippine MRRV-9701 deliberately rammed into CCG Vessel 5205 in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, causing a collision for which the Philippines bears full responsibility, Liu said.

Liu demanded the Philippines to immediately withdraw its ship from the Chinese reef.

The CCG also released a video showing the Philippine ship sailing into the path of the Chinese vessel, causing the collusion.

The Philippines has repeatedly attempted to send supplies to the MRRV-9701 that has been illegally anchored in the lagoon of China’s Xianbin Jiao since April, first using ships then using a helicopter, marking serious violations to China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The latest movement by the MRRV-9701 showed that, unlike the Philippines’ old warship illegally grounded at China’s Ren’ai Jiao, the MRRV-9701 is capable of moving on its own, observers said.

Xue Chen, a research fellow at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times that if the MRRV-9701 runs short of supplies, it should withdraw from Xianbin Jiao and return to the Philippines.

It exposed that the Philippine ship’s deployment at Xianbin Jiao is aimed at creating a false concept to smear China in the international community, with the aim of violating China’s sovereignty, Xue said.

During the incident, a US Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft was spotted on-site disrupting the CCG’s law enforcement operations, according to Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster China Central Television.

A Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday that the US military aircraft could gather intelligence and potentially carry out jamming on Chinese vessels.

The P-8A’s presence serves as an encouragement to the Philippines to conduct harder provocations, the expert said, noting that US aircraft could also serve as an aerial military “journalist” contributing to its scheme of throwing mud on China.

Such moves will only sabotage peace and stability in the South China Sea, experts said, predicting new rounds of provocations by the Philippines in near future, backed by the US.

The Embassy of Pakistan in China celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan in Beijing on August 14. Activities were hosted at the embassy. The friendship between China and Pakistan was also celebrated at an award ceremony.
In the early morning, officials and members of the Pakistani community participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. Holding the national flag, Pakistani children smiled in the morning sunlight.

Messages from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, as well as Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, were extended to those in attendance.

In his keynote speech, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi said, "This day marks a celebration of our nation's enduring spirit, a testament to the sacrifices and unwavering resolve of our founding fathers, who paved the path for our freedom. As we unfurl our national flag today, let us reflect on the progress we have made and renew our commitment toward a prosperous and peaceful country."

The ambassador also stressed the importance of Pakistan-China friendship.

"Here in China, we are privileged to witness the blossoming of a friendship that has grown alongside our nation's journey. The bond between Pakistan and China, characterized by mutual respect and a shared vision, is unparalleled in inter-state relations," he said.

Moreover, the Embassy of Pakistan in China hosted a Pakistan Civil Award Investiture Ceremony. Two representatives who contributed to the bilateral ties were awarded - Sha Zukang, former permanent representative of China to the UN in Geneva, who also served as president of the China-Pakistan Friendship Association, and Nong Rong, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, who also served as the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan.

Ambassador Hashmi, on behalf of the President of Pakistan, conferred the prestigious "Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam" award.

In his remarks, the Ambassador extended heartfelt congratulations and paid a rich tribute to the contributions made by the two dignitaries. He highlighted the significant impact of their efforts on bilateral relations and beyond.

In a video interview with China Central Television on Monday, China's men's table tennis world champion, Fan Zhendong, said that he has been harmed by "fan culture," which also undermined Team China's solidarity.   

Fan was frank about the harm toxic fandom has brought. He said that some behaviors of out-of-control fans has made it difficult for athletes to train and that the hostile environment they have created has impacted athletes. 

"Fans over-focus on a lot of things off the court, creating a lot of pressure for us," said the player. As a result, he felt that it was not okay to lose a match, but it also seemed to him that things were still not right even if he won a match. 

After the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, some netizens speculated that Fan might retire. In response, Fan said, "I feel really tired after this season, and I need to take a good rest. So far, I haven't thought about the next Olympic Games yet. Leave it to time to see what the future holds," he said. 

On Saturday, China's Table Tennis Association issued a statement, saying the organization stands firmly with authorities in cracking down on illegal behavior in fan circles.

Regulating the illegal behavior of fans in sports can create a more inclusive environment for training and the lives of athletes, while fans can return to an appropriate, rational and positive culture, forming a benign online environment, as many netizens commented. 

The original children's play Black Eyes on the Plateau successfully premiered recently at the Nanluo Theater in Beijing. 

Set in the black-necked crane nature reserve in the Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Northwest China's Qinghai Province, the play follows the touching story of a Beijing boy named Xia Tian and his young companions from the region getting to know each other while forming deep bonds of friendship. Yushu is the home of Sanjiangyuan, or Source of the Three Rivers, which contains the headwaters of the Yellow, Yangtze and Lancang rivers. 

"Sanjiangyuan is truly a treasure, I had no idea that the water I drink every day comes from there. The scenery is so beautiful, and I want to help protect Sanjiangyuan in the future," one excited child in the audience said.

Chinese Commerce Ministry (MOFCOM) on Sunday blasted the US' sanctions on Chinese companies over their alleged involvement in Russia-Ukraine conflict as a typical example of long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions, vowing "necessary measures" to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

On Friday (US time), the US imposed sanctions on more than 400 entities and individuals for allegedly supporting Russia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including Chinese companies, Reuters reported, citing the US State Department.

It said the Biden administration's sanctions include measures against companies in China allegedly involved in shipping machine tools and microelectronics to Russia. Meanwhile, the US also added 42 companies in China on its Entity List, forcing suppliers to obtain licenses before shipping to targeted companies, according to the report.

China firmly opposes the sanctions, a MOFCOM spokesperson said in a statement published on the ministry's website.

The practice is a typical example of long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions, which disrupts international trade norms and rules, impedes normal trade between countries, and impacts the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, said the spokesperson. 

"We urge the US to immediately halt these misguided actions, and will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," the spokesperson said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held phone talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Xinhua reported.

To strengthen the supervision and management of soccer activities, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has appointed 41 individuals as social soccer supervisors, an initiative that aims to enhance transparency and promote healthy development of the soccer industry.

The first batch of supervisors consist of 21 social representatives, 10 fan representatives, and 10 media representatives, who are drawn from national media, fan organizations and representatives from disciplinary inspection and supervision departments.

Wang Dazhao, a soccer commentator from Beijing, told Global Times that while the intention behind establishing supervisors is good, its effectiveness remains uncertain. He said that the development of Chinese soccer largely depends on high-level directives and instructions, which are not easily influenced by social supervision.

The primary duties of these supervisors include attending briefings by the CFA on key soccer tasks, providing feedback and suggestions, and participating in the supervision of professional leagues, youth matches and referee assignments.

Their supervision work focuses on ensuring that soccer industry professionals abide by the law, maintain integrity and fulfill their responsibilities. Social supervisors are expected to report their findings to the CFA, highlight issues and suggest improvements.

Many fans have expressed a positive attitude toward the establishment of supervisors, seeing it as a crucial step toward the healthy development of Chinese soccer.

"As ordinary fans who love soccer, we are well aware of the problems and shortcomings in the current domestic soccer industry. Having more channels for supervision and feedback through the supervisor system to make the industry more transparent and fairer is a good thing," Zhao Yuting, a soccer fan, told Global Times.

During the selection process, media personnel had to obtain the approval from their organizations, while fan representatives were chosen from officially registered fan organizations approved by local soccer associations and sports administrative departments.

Despite the relatively cumbersome selection process, Wang said it is unlikely to reverse the decline in Chinese soccer. 

"In recent years, the overall level of Chinese soccer has declined, including the quality and behavior of fans. It will likely require additional measures to improve the situation," Wang said.

"Drafting standards and regulations is relatively easy; the challenge lies in whether the implementation mechanisms are strict, reasonable, effective and fair," Wang said.  

"In the CFA's appointment of supervisors and the handling of 'fake gambling and match-fixing' issues, while the regulations are detailed and clear, the key is practical implementation." 

Soccer commentator Fu Yayu also posted on social media that the role of social supervisors is more symbolic than practical, as it lacks effective mechanisms and channels. 

Despite many questioning voices, many fans like Zhao still choose to support this measure.

"For a long time, we have witnessed some opaque and unfair practices in the soccer industry, which have affected the enjoyment and credibility of the games. I hope supervisors can play a role in advocating for civilized behavior, creating a healthy and positive soccer culture," Zhao said.

"Good supervisors will help build a positive soccer culture. When that culture is in place, the level of Chinese soccer will naturally improve," Zhao added.