After a concert held at the Shanghai Cultural Square Theater on Monday night, renowned Welsh musical theater actor and singer John Owen-Jones met his Chinese fans at the "More than Music" event hosted by the British Consulate-General in Shanghai on Tuesday to share his career experience, and celebrate the rich cultural exchanges between the UK and China. John Owen-Jones, also known as JOJ, is most famous for his portrayals of Jean Valjean in Alain Boublil's and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Les Misérables and the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. Speaking of blending Western and Chinese instruments and making a very unique version of The Phantom of the Opera, which they performed during the China tour, JOJ said, "It's always one of the most exciting parts of the show for me because I get to see how the audience reacts to that, because cultural exchange is such a rich tapestry of different things all over the world that we can all learn from each other and make better art and make better music. And that's what's so exciting about being here in China. I think I'd like to explore more, so I definitely would like to integrate, explore more cultural opportunities between where I'm from, where you are from."
"Regardless of where we come from, music is this universal language, and it reminds us of that shared humanity and the things that bind us together," echoed the British Consul General in Shanghai Matt Burney.
World-renowned Chinese restaurant that specializes in soup dumplings and noodles, Din Tai Fung, announced on August 26 that it would close 14 of its restaurants in the Chinese mainland, including those in Beijing, Tianjin and Xi'an, by October 31.
According to Din Tai Fung, the closures are due to the expiration of the 20-year business license of its operator in the mainland.
Mixed reactions
The news sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some diners expressed regret, lamenting the loss of a reliable dining option where they could enjoy high-quality dishes such as the signature Xiaolongbao, or steamed soup dumplings.
However, some other sentiments reflected dissatisfaction with the disproportionately high prices, less than ideal service, and perceived decline in value after the recent price hike.
In 1993, Din Tai Fung, originally from Taiwan island, was included in a New York Times list of 10 "top notch tables" from around the world. The restaurant's standardized approach to Chinese cuisine marked a turning point in its expansion strategy.
Yang Ji-Hua, the founder's eldest son, introduced precise measurements into the kitchen. Each soup dumpling was crafted according to exacting standards: a 5-gram dough ball, a 6.5-centimeter wrapper, and a 16-gram filling, folded into 18 pleats. This rigorous attention to detail became the hallmark of Din Tai Fung.
Following the same model, Din Tai Fung expanded its brand to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, and the US.
In 2001, Din Tai Fung opened its first location in the Chinese mainland in Shanghai, followed by its entry into the Beijing market in 2004 .
However, as of now, many diners especially young people are not willing to pay for Din Tai Fung's so-called high-quality dining experience anymore, unimpressed with its unchanging product and service on offer.
Zhang Yi, CEO of iiMedia Research, noted that the rapid development of social media in the Chinese mainland, including Apps like WeChat, coupled with the fast pace of fashion and consumer trends, means that an unchanging product is clearly out of step with current consumer preferences for innovative dining experience.
"It's like rowing against the current; if you don't move forward, you fall behind. The competition in the Chinese mainland market is fierce, and this positive competition has given rise to many new brands with unique characteristics," Zhang said.
He noted that now, consumers have many new choices that are better in quality. "Products similar to Din Tai Fung's now face competition from innovative brands that have already established a market," he said.
Exploring Xiaolongbao treasures
While Din Tai Fung is renowned for its Xiaolongbao, China is home to many other well-known and delightful steamed soup dumplings. These include the Kaifeng Xiaolongbao from Central China's Henan Province, the Hangzhou Xiaolongbao from East China's Zhejiang Province, and the Wuxi Xiaolongbao from East China's Jiangsu Province.
These regional varieties are not only more affordable but also offer unique tastes and textures that reflect their origins.
Kaifeng, one of China's ancient capitals, is famous for its Xiaolongbao, a dish that dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
With a history as rich as the city itself, Kaifeng's version of steamed soup dumplings features thin, delicate wrappers encasing a variety of fillings, from pork to chicken and shrimps. The buns are known for their generous amount of savory soup inside, a hallmark of this regional specialty.
Hangzhou, another historic city, offers a more refined take on steamed soup dumplings, influenced by the culinary traditions of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).
Hangzhou Xiaolongbao is praised for its paper-thin skin and light, flavorful fillings. The buns are steamed to perfection, showcasing a balance between delicate textures and its signature fresh and aromatic broth.
Xiaolongbao has a long history in Hangzhou and its surrounding areas, and it is an indispensable part of the local diet. Many restaurants and snack stalls offer this delicacy, making it a must-try for tourists wanting to experience the flavors of Hangzhou. Hangzhou Xiaolongbao is not only a delicious snack but also an important representation of Hangzhou's culinary culture, reflecting the refinement and attention to detail characteristic of people living in the south of the Yangtze River.
In Wuxi, Xiaolongbao is celebrated for its unique sweet and savory flavor profile, a nod to the local palate. Originating in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wuxi Xiaolongbao often includes a hint of sugar in the pork filling, creating a distinctive sweetness that complements the rich, savory soup. The filling of Wuxi soup dumplings is generally made from fresh ingredients such as pork and shrimp. The meat filling is mixed with broth, and after steaming, the soup is formed inside the dumpling. When you bite into the dumpling, the soup flows out, creating a delicious taste. To enhance the flavor, seasonings like scallions and ginger are often added to the filling.
Mastery in crafting the elastic dough and precise steaming techniques is key to achieving Wuxi's signature taste.
There are many time-honored restaurants in Wuxi that specialize in making and selling steamed soup dumplings today, making it one of the city's culinary landmarks. Wuxi also hosts food festivals where the presence of Xiaolongbao is one of the main attractions, drawing a large number of tourists and food enthusiasts.
These regional varieties of steamed soup dumplings not only represent the diverse culinary landscape of China but also highlight the deep cultural heritage embedded in these beloved dishes.
Finally, each city's version offers a unique experience, making the exploration of these hidden gems a rewarding culinary adventure.
Based on the voluminous imperial archives in its collection, a new exhibition shedding light on the lives of princesses in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) opened at the Taipei Palace Museum, the island of Taiwan on Saturday.
The exhibition consists of five sections: The Emperor's Daughters, Royal Treasures Unveiled, The Marriage Mission, Fleeting Royalty, and In Closing: Princess Reflections. These detail the life journeys of Qing princesses from birth and marriage to their funerals. The exhibition is set to run until December 1.
"History is full of 'unheard voices.' Individuals who, though scarcely mentioned in official records, lived rich lives and shaped their times in unique ways," noted Su Feng-nan, curator of the exhibition. "Women are among those people whose stories often went untold in the male-dominated societies of the past."
Drawing primarily on the museum's collection of Qing imperial archives, the exhibition explores the status, relationships and life stories of these imperial women, examining their roles and significance within the political landscape of the Qing Empire, said the curator.
Some documents are being exhibited for the first time, such as "The List of Dowries for the Marriage of Gulun Princess," which records more than 300 articles ranging from jewelry to toothbrushes. Some historical facts are revealed as well, such as the fact that the average life-span of a Qing princesses was 26 years.
"When I was younger, I thought princesses lived carefree lives. Today, I see a more nuanced and complex picture of their existence, and it leaves me with deeper feelings," said a visitor from Taipei surnamed Lin, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
In preparing for the exhibition, the museum collaborated with several schools in Taiwan to gather insights from younger generations about their perceptions of princesses.
"I hope the exhibition not only presents a diverse and compelling portrayal of history, but also encourages visitors to reflect on contemporary life and societal issues," Su said.
Fifty years ago, not only the archaeological community but also ordinary people were stunned by the excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs. Among the findings was a remarkable discovery known as China's "Sleeping Beauty" (Lady Xin Zhui), an over 2,100-year-old lady who looks nearly as good as she did when she was buried after her death at the age of about 50, during China's Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25). The world has marveled at the mystery behind her body, as well as the numerous precious treasures unearthed from the tombs, including textiles, bamboo and silk manuscripts.
In this Mawangdui trilogy, the Global Times Culture Desk explores how digital technologies have brought the public closer to the heritage and how the "Mawangdui IP" was revived by the creative industries. This is the third installment. Although there are many sites in China that can embody the country's Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history, Mawangdui is the most exceptional one mainly due to its mysterious finds like the 2,100-year-old mummified aristocrat that is known as Lady Xin Zhui.
Three excavations on the site were carried out from 1972 to 1974. At that time, such excavations brought a research craze to the academic field worldwide. Thanks to new means such as the digital technology, such a scholarly craze in the past 50 years has been extended to the public, especially among the young people.
Decoding mystery
Lady Xin Zhui's silk garments are Mawangdui Han Tombs' stellar artifacts. Due to their brittle and fragile nature, many original pieces are now only stored as archives at the Hunan Museum in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province. To connect the heritage with people, making replication for public display was a crucial task. The task engages both technological tools and the ingenuity of textile experts like Yang Jiyuan.
Yang, a restorer of ancient silk textile in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, has replicated seven Lady Xin Zhui's garments since 2016. She told the Global Times that the printed and painted floss silk-padded gauze robe was one of the most challenging tasks.
Through examination using a microscope and creating 3D modeling of the original "printed and painted gauze robe," Yang revealed to the Global Times that the piece's air-like fabric actually consists of seven sheerest silk layers, and the thickness of each one of them is like "one-third of the tissue's thickness."
Matching such almost disappearing silk textiles together was not the most challenging task. Yang told the Global Times that the "painting" process was even harder since the colors should keep looking "not too vibrant and new."
She said the gauze needs to be "1:1 the same to the original one" that has more than 2,000 years of history. Thanks to advanced technologies that can decode the ingredients and composition of ancient fabrics, Yang discovered that Lady Xin Zhui's garment was painted in natural mineral dye and was covered with an extra "glue-like substance" to make it look understated while in a good shape. She said that she was only one of the heritage protectors in China, who has "felt the responsibility to show the public a legacy's authentic aesthetics and story."
"Technological tools are our assistants. They ensure the history we deliver to the public is correct," Xiang Benshan, a restorer of underwater ceramic relics, told the Global Times.
Cross-field collaborations
Other than the research sector, technological innovations are now diversely applied on shows that relate to the Mawangdui Han Tombs.
Currently, a blockbuster show called The Art of Life: Multimedia Exhibition of Mawangdui Han Culture is ongoing at the Hunan Museum. The immersive digital project, a collaboration between the Hunan Museum, Digital Library of China, and the Harvard FAS CAMLab, presents a new model for showcasing the Mawangdui Han Tombs through multimedia installations.
The show includes three thematic sections such as "Time and Space." They highlight the artistic grandeur and spiritual reflections of ancient Chinese, giving insight into their concepts of life, death and afterlife.
Lü Chenchen, associate director of Harvard FAS CAMLab, told the Global Times that the future of Mawangdui-themed exhibitions lies in global academic collaboration and the integration of advanced technologies such as VR tools and interactive animations.
"By partnering internationally, institutions can leverage cultural IPs like the Mawangdui Han Tombs and digital tools to broaden access to historical knowledge from different perspectives and different disciplines," Lü told the Global Times.
If the research lab and the museum are where the Mawangdui IP provides intellectual inspirations to people, then the site's cross-field collaborations with the cultural and creative industries have made the heritage a joy of people's everyday lives.
The Hunan Museum recently collaborated with a food brand to launch a "Mawangdui spicy strip," one of the favorite snacks by young people that is also known as La Tiao.
At the museum's "digital Han lifestyle experiencing center," symbols of relics like the round lacquer plate and Lady Xin Zhui's garments have been printed on products like scarves, fans and cakes.
An exhibition themed on the history of cooperation between the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the World Federation of Scientific Workers (WFSW) opened on Tuesday as part of the activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the cooperation between the two sides.
The WFSW is the first international organization that CAST joined. In 1964, the Peking Symposium, the first large-scale international academic conference held by China, took place, according to CAST.
Looking back at the history of cooperation between CAST and WFSW, their shared original aspiration and central theme have always been working together for science. Chinese scientists actively participated in the preparation and establishment of WFSW and related activities, promoting scientific and technological cooperation. To facilitate this, China hosted the 1964 Peking Symposium, inviting scholars from around the world to discuss the mission and development of science. Since the start of reform and opening up in 1978, CAST has continued to deepen cooperation with WFSW, committing to international scientific and technological exchanges, advocating trust and cooperation, and contributing to maintaining world peace, addressing global challenges, and promoting the sustainable development of human society, according to a statement from CAST sent to the Global Times.
So far, CAST and other Chinese scientific associations have joined 875 international organizations, and nearly 800 international academic conferences are held in China annually. These achievements and prospects in the field of science and technology demonstrate China's significant progress in opening up to the outside world.
Looking ahead, CAST stated that they are unfolding a new chapter in international scientific cooperation. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Peking Symposium, providing an excellent opportunity to review the history of cooperation and create a better future. As part of this commemoration, CAST organized an exhibition themed on the history of cooperation between CAST and WFSW.
China will continue to adhere to a high level of openness to the world. In today's world, cooperation is the only way to achieve win-win results, especially in the field of technology, as science knows no borders, Shi Yigong, deputy president of CAST, said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
In 1964, the WFSW and CAST jointly organized the Peking Symposium, successfully breaking through technological barriers and promoting international scientific exchanges. Today, as we gather here, we are not only commemorating this conference but also reflecting on the past and present, and opening up new pathways for our future cooperation and mutual benefit, Shi noted.
Many valuable materials that document the history of China's scientific cooperation with the world are displayed at the exhibition.
For example, the first picture in the first unit of the exhibition, "The Vision of the World," comes from a report in the British journal Nature on the conference “Science and the Welfare of Mankind,” held in February 1946 in London. Related questions concerning the establishment of WFSW were discussed after the conference. Chinese meteorologist Tu Changwang and the late nuclear physicist Qian Sanqiang attended the conference, representing the Chinese science and technology community.
Another picture in the third unit, "Enhancing International Collaboration," shows then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai meeting with representatives from various countries attending the inaugural meeting of the WFSW Peking Center and the preparatory meeting of the Peking Symposium in September 1963. Co-chairman of WFSW, Jean-Paul Lainé, expressed his appreciation for the positive, fruitful, and sincere cooperation between CAST and WFSW over the past 60 years during the exhibition. He emphasized that this collaboration should serve as a model for cooperation between different scientific organizations worldwide.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China shared information about the virus with the world soon after the pandemic broke out. This is a typical example of the benefits of cooperation, Lainé told the Global Times.
Lainé emphasized the importance of cooperation and communication in addressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised China for sharing information about the virus early on, which he believes is a testament to the benefits of working together.
However, Lainé also raised concerns about the threats facing such cooperation, particularly due to geopolitical tensions.
A report published in Nature in July revealed a decline in research collaborations between China and the US. "This decline is a really bad signal. Regardless of the political climate, scientific communication should remain unaffected, as the purpose of science is to benefit people rather than governments," Lainé stressed.
CAST is the largest scientific organization in China, serving as a home for 120 million Chinese science and technology workers. It represents China in 380 international scientific organizations and maintains long-term cooperation with 136 scientific and engineering institutions in 49 countries, according to the association.
Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world, and the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum (BXF) plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, which is fundamental for building understanding and mutual trust, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, former permanent representative of Indonesia to the UN, and Executive Director of ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, told Global Times reporters Li Aixi, Guo Yuandan and Zhang Yashu during the event. "Talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension," Pujia said.
GT: What are your observations of this forum, ranging from its theme "promoting peace for a shared future" to the discussions?
Puja: For me, understanding this theme is quite straightforward because at the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation our focus is on peace. We conduct extensive research and capacity-building activities to share the spirit of peace. In the future, we hope to contribute to establishing a culture of peace in our region, particularly in Southeast Asia. We believe that peace is essential for bringing prosperity to our people and enhancing their well-being, as conflict cannot achieve these goals.
From my observations, this forum plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, which is fundamental for building understanding and mutual trust. Dialogue and mutual understanding are, I believe, the essence of peace. From what I observed, the communication at this forum has been very positive, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere. During this forum, discussions are very open, which is crucial for ensuring that no aspect is overlooked. Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world.
From Chinese speakers, I sensed how China is trying to contribute to peace, not just between China and its neighboring countries but globally. Specifically, I am impressed by China's diplomatic achievements, such as the negotiation and peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which I believe is a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Our relationship between China and ASEAN has been established for over 30 years. It is crucial to nurture this long-standing bond, trust, and mutual confidence to further benefit both sides. There is no doubt that ASEAN and China have developed trust in each other. With this trust and confidence, we can work together to build a more stable and secure region, focusing on enhancing prosperity, stability, and welfare for our people.
GT: It is clearly sensed at the forum that observers are concerned about tensions in the South China Sea. The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea stipulates that parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner. Based on that, what's your take on the Philippines' move to illegally strand its vessel at the Xianbin Jiao (Sabina Shoal)?
Puja: I will not comment on that. But what I can share is that the spirit of the declaration should serve as a reference for future activities in the absence of further negotiations or agreements on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which ASEAN and China are currently pursuing. The key principles are the non-use of violence and restraint from activities that could escalate tensions. It is crucial to explore collaboration and cooperation to reduce tensions and prevent hostilities. This is important for creating an environment conducive to the next level of negotiations on the COC.
GT: There have been reports that China and ASEAN are working to finalize the Code of Conduct by next year. What's your comment on this?
Puja: It depends. If the situation on the ground is not conducive, it's hard to build trust and confidence in the negotiations for the COC. However, looking at the other side of the coin, the deteriorating situation could serve as a reminder of the necessity to finalize the negotiations and the COC sooner rather than later.
GT: China has consistently advocated for both sides to return to the negotiating table. Do you think this is the best way to resolve the dispute?
Puja: As I said, talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension. Hopefully, this can also build trust and confidence among the concerned parties. Cultivating a culture of dialogue and communication is key to peacefully resolving conflicts.
We should continue listening, communicating, and maintaining dialogue in a healthy and trustworthy manner - I believe that honest communication and dialogue will ultimately prevail in creating common goals for the COC in the future.
GT: Be it in South China Sea tension or major power games, how can ASEAN play a bridging role in facilitating some degree of strategic opportunities and strategic accommodation?
Puja: ASEAN can play a role as a bridge and, at the same time, as an honest broker in this respect. If ASEAN can fulfill this role effectively and gain more trust, whether as a region or as individual member states, it will enhance ASEAN's leverage in dealing with dialogue partners.
In June of this year, Kenya experienced protests primarily targeting the government's proposed policy to increase taxes. When analyzing the causes, Western media largely focused on Kenya's foreign debt issue, with some even linking it to the country's debt to China.
Kenya's foreign debt amounts to $82 billion, but only about $8 billion is owed to China, which is less than 10 percent of the total. While this total debt is substantial for a country with a GDP per capita of just over $2,000, for a rapidly developing country like Kenya, the question is more about how to repay the debt rather than whether it can be repaid.
In fact, the Western media's focus on China-Africa relations has consistently centered on the debt issue, as this narrative aligns with their subjective assumption of the "China threat theory." This association aims to tarnish the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which has played a significant role in promoting African development and is undergoing adjustments to further enhance the economic capacity of African countries.
Of course, Western media is also concealing an increasingly prominent issue that constrains African development: Why didn't Western colonizers leave behind an economic foundation capable of supporting continued growth in Africa, such as basic manufacturing capabilities? Even the education system left by colonizers is now limiting young people's employability, becoming increasingly disconnected from local development. I discussed this matter with some locals during my recent trip to Kenya. The issues behind the recent protests are problems Kenya's economy encounters after rapid growth, which is somewhat familiar across Africa.
The protests were mainly driven by Generation Z, which is grappling with severe unemployment. The main reason for this critical issue is the maladjustment brought about by Kenya's economic rise, accelerated urbanization and the increasing number of young people receiving basic and higher education.
The most significant change I observed during this visit was that all children could now attend school. Improved road connections have enabled many young people to seek work in cities. This change has fundamentally altered the traditional tribal structure, which has been part of their culture for hundreds of years.
However, those working in cities told me that many of these young people flocking to urban areas can only find low-end jobs. Meanwhile, many newly established small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to find suitable labor.
Kenya's future looks promising with the potential of China-Africa vocational education cooperation. The current university system, established according to Western standards, offers overly theoretical courses. Graduates often lack the practical skills needed to meet the demands of the job market, especially in manufacturing. However, the introduction of vocational training institutions could bridge this gap and significantly enhance the country's employability.
Our African guide said that speaking Chinese has become an important employment skill as many Chinese tourists visit Kenya. Also, many Chinese businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, need employees who can speak Chinese. Enhancing young people's employability is crucial for Kenya's economic development and long-term debt solution. This requires policy adjustments and profound reforms, with education reform being the most important.
This is also why China's increased investment in improving the quality of the labor force in African countries, including Kenya, is a reassuring sign for the country's economic future. China's influence, far from weakening due to reduced infrastructure investment, is promoting change through more targeted training programs, which bodes well for Kenya's labor force and economic development. As creditors, the World Bank and the West could play a greater role in talent training and cultivation. The key question is whether these Western nations will prioritize African development based on the needs of the African people or focus primarily on countering China's influence.
Fifty years ago, not only the archaeological community but also ordinary people were stunned by the excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs. Among the findings is a remarkable discovery known as China's "Sleeping Beauty" (Lady Xin Zhui), an over 2,100-year-old lady who looks nearly as good as she did when she was buried after dying at the age of about 50, during China's Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25). The world has marveled at the mystery behind her body, as well as the numerous precious treasures unearthed from the tombs, including textiles and bamboo and silk manuscripts.
In this Mawangdui trilogy, the Global Times culture desk explores the decades of work in unearthing, research and development that can be seen as a milestone of China's great archaeology achievements. Have you ever caught a glimpse of an ancient corpse over 2,100 years old, with moist skin, elastic subcutaneous soft tissue, and movable joints? Have you heard of a piece of gauze clothing woven in the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) that weighs just 49 grams? And have you tried playing an elegant competitive game called Liubo chess, which was already commonplace before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC)?
All of aforementioned treasures, unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs 50 years ago, continue to stun numerous visitors every day at the Hunan Museum in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province. These items are just a tiny part of more than 20,000 artifacts excavated from the Mawangdui Tombs, which embody the Han dynasty's grand vision of afterlife transformation, rooted in sophisticated cosmological and philosophical conceptions of life and the universe.
Yu Yanjiao, director of the Research Center for Exhibition and Collections of Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs at the Hunan Museum, told the Global Times that the daily life objects and dietary utensils unearthed reflect the living habits and dietary customs of ancient Chinese people. These customs have been passed down through generations and are still preserved in many places today, demonstrating the continuity of Chinese civilization in terms of lifestyle habits.
With the unprecedented discoveries in the tombs shocking the world, the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs has emerged as one of the most significant events in the Chinese and even international archeological field. To fully showcase the fruitful results in the preservation, research, and utilization of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs, an international academic seminar kicked off in Changsha in August.
Gao Chenglin, deputy head of the Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, told the Global Times that the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui holds significant meaning, not only as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of China but also as a model for interdisciplinary collaboration in archaeological endeavors.
Model of research
For the past 50 years, over 4,000 scholars have devoted themselves to the study of the Mawangdui tombs, achieving the first truly multidisciplinary collaborative archaeological study of science and technology in the history of Chinese archaeology.
A comprehensive inventory of the artifacts unearthed from the tomb revealed a total of 26,937 items. The human remains, including the well-preserved body of Lady Xin Zhui, have been effectively protected through a comprehensive three-tiered approach at the holistic, cellular, and molecular levels, supported by a robust team from the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, as well as the participation of a local medical college in Hunan Province in the preservation of the ancient corpses
"This model of national-level coordination and expert guidance has been inherited and promoted in other significant archaeological discoveries across China," Gao noted. The fruitful archeological discoveries and comprehensive research into the Mawangdui tombs have garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally.
The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. The theme of this year's summit is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." In light of this, the Global Times launches a series of China-Africa stories, including interviews with political leaders, stories of exchanges between young people from China and African countries, and intensive cooperation in various fields. Through these stories, we will see how China and Africa are deepening their ties and building a brighter future together.
In this instalment, Global Times reporter Zhao Yusha talked with Mwangi Wachira, an advisor for the Kenyan government and also a former economist with the World Bank. The keyword for China-Africa cooperation is "empathetic," as China "is able to put itself in my shoes, see the world from my perspective, and recognizes my ability to cause things to happen," said an advisor to the Kenyan government, noting that the West simply treats Africans as though they are passive.
Mwangi Wachira, an advisor to the Kenyan government and also a former economist at the World Bank, said that he holds high expectation of this year's FOCAC as it is the first after the COVID-19 pandemic. "There will be face-to-face meetings and more new programs will be launched… The Africans, at least the ones who are coming, are expecting a new chapter during the post-COVID era of cooperation."
Cooperation with China is accelerating at a better time for Africa, as countries in this continent are trying to get rid of an old model of development and emerging from the COVID swoon, Wachira said during an interview with the Global Times. "The news that some Chinese companies are interested in locating some of their operations on the continent is excellent news for us."
China-Africa trade reached a record high of $282.1 billion in 2023, up 1.5 percent year-on-year, showing strong resilience. In 2023, exports of China's new-energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products to Africa increased by 291 percent, 109 percent, and 57 percent year-on-year respectively, data from the General Administration of Customs showed in August this year. Cooperation alone is not the whole story of the deep ties between China and Africa. Many African countries are also eyeing the insights and lessons from China's rapid development.
As a policy advisor to the Kenyan government, Wachira has followed China's policies and development model closely. He said he paid close attention to the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which convened in Beijing in July.
"One is hoping that, as China jumps into or gets deeper into innovation, change, and fast-tracking changes for its own economy, we will benefit as a result of that," said Wachira.
"Most of the policymakers with whom I have talked would love to figure out how you could uplift so many people out of poverty in such a short time," said Wachira. "We would pay anything to figure out how you did it."
Such development also sheds light on what he called "modernization with African characteristics."
Experts and scholars from Africa, including Wachira and Nkolo Foe, a professor at the School of Humanities of the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon, noted recently that advancing modernization bears on the future of humanity and the well-being of people of all countries, and that China, in its cooperation with Africa, "leaves the continent free to pursue modernization 'African style'" and the two sides need to work together in their pursuit for modernization.
In response, Lin Jian, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday that "realizing modernization is the common pursuit of China and African countries. China firmly supports Africa in exploring the path of independent development and focuses on the three areas where modernization is most needed."
Lin said that at the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum held in March this year, Chinese and African scholars reached the Dar es Salaam Consensus, stressing that countries should choose development paths based on their own national conditions and cultural characteristics; jointly promote the building of equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization; and address the structural difficulties constraining developing countries' modernization process.
This form of thinking breaks the myth that "modernization equals Westernization," expanding developing countries' choices of modernization paths, and reflecting the common aspiration of the Global South.
In recent years, US officials have also called on Washington to prioritize matching China's presence in the Global South. Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in August, Ben Cardin, a Democratic senator and chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the US needs to offer the Global South an alternative to China, US media reported.
Wachira used the word "empathetic" to describe China's cooperation with African countries, and described the fundamental difference between China's cooperation with Africa and the US' cooperation with Africa.
"My own view is that China's engagement recognizes my agency. It recognizes my ability to cause things to happen. The other one simply treats me as if I am passive. And that's the difference. Many people and policymakers with whom I talk will share this opinion," said Wachira.
He cited an example of how Chinese companies operate in Africa compared to how the US-owned ones work. When Chinese companies establish operations in Africa, they hire local people, offer training to those African workers, and raise local people to the management level, said Wachira. Meanwhile, Western companies sell things at higher prices and don't generate as many jobs, said Wachira.
"The world needs to be truly multinational. We want a multipolar world. And the collaboration between Africa and China does help create that multipolar world. It's a world which gives Africans the hope that their voices will be heard," Wachira noted.
