Basketball, one of the three major ball sports in China, continues to play a significant role in China-US cultural exchange. Basketball remains a unifying force, fostering connections and mutual understanding between the two countries. 

The recent Olympics highlighted the stark contrast between basketball in the two countries. While the US secured both the men's and women's gold medals in the five-on-five tournaments, China's men's team did not even qualify, and the women's team failed to advance to the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, the sport's influence in China remains profound, and various levels of basketball exchanges between the two countries are actively taking place.

One such example is the recent invitation by the CBA's Xinjiang team to three other foreign basketball clubs, including a team from the US, for a series of friendly matches in China. Although these games were not without contentious moments, the teams managed to reconcile after the matches, demonstrating the resilience and importance of such exchanges. 

These opportunities are particularly valuable given the Chinese men's national team's absence from major international competitions in recent years, serving as a necessary substitute for the lack of experience in high-level competitions. 

In addition to professional exchanges, grassroots and college basketball also play a pivotal role in fostering connections. 

A recent college-level exchange in Shanghai saw the Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) men's team defeat New York University (NYU) 73-56, while the SJTU women's team was narrowly bested by their NYU counterpart 69-64. 

Beyond the court, the event's organizers provided ample opportunities for off-court interactions, allowing players from both universities to bond and learn from each other. SJTU players took on the role of cultural ambassadors, introducing NYU players to the rich heritage and culinary delights of Shanghai, including popular local dishes like xiaolongbao (a type of steamed bun) and shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns). Some NYU players even expressed a keen interest in learning Chinese characters, highlighting the depth of cultural curiosity and appreciation fostered through these exchanges.

The recent success of young Chinese players on the international stage further underscores the importance of these exchanges. For instance, young prospect Cui Yongxi's impressive performance in the NBA Summer League and Li Yueru's contributions to the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA demonstrate the growing potential of Chinese players in the global arena.

Basketball remains a vital channel for China-US cultural exchange, offering a unique platform for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Through matches on professional and grassroots levels, sports continue to build bridges between the two countries, paving the way for future collaboration and exploration.

Africa has recently emerged as one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists thanks to its unique travel experiences such as wildlife safaris, favorable visa policies, and improved travel infrastructure.

Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt have become popular destinations for Chinese tourists who are particularly drawn to Africa as it represents a "final frontier" for seasoned travelers who have already explored more traditional destinations including Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. 

They are also keen on sharing their travel experiences on social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and the lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, where the posts about wildlife sightings and cultural encounters have intrigued the interests of a growing number of potential backpackers. 

Han Jie, chairman of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Company, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the number of Chinese tourists traveling during the summer season of 2024 to Africa through CYTS Aoyou increased by 40 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Morocco are seeing a surge in popularity.

Egypt welcomed 7.069 million inbound tourist trips in the first half of this year, generating a record $6.6 billion in tourism revenue. During the first quarter alone, around 90,000 Chinese tourist trips were recorded in Egypt, marking a 178-percent year-on-year increase. The Egyptian Tourism Authority aims to welcome a total of 300,000 Chinese tourist trips throughout 2024, the People's Daily reported.

Massive migration

"I still remember the local hotel staff member greeting us with a loud 'Jambo' as soon as they see you. If someone had a birthday or an anniversary, they would bang on pots and pans and sing the song 'Jambo' to celebrate with everyone," Yuan Liuliu, a tourist from Southwest China's Sichuan Province, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

In June, Yuan and her colleagues decided to travel to Africa together, inspired by the continent's "vast wilderness."

"It feels like Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, allows you to see the most authentic animal world, far from the workplace and human beings, and makes you feel the abundance of possibilities in life," Yuan said.

For many Chinese travelers, many parts of Africa offer a unique experience that contrasts with the urban landscapes. Yuan said her experience in Kenya changed her perceptions as she went on a safari led by a local tour guide who loves China and has catered exclusively to Chinese tourists for years. 

"One amazing thing is that he has been doing safari tours for many years and doesn't need GPS. Driving such a large vehicle on the desolate savanna, he can find where the animals are precisely," Yuan noted.

According to the Kenya Tourists Board, Kenya's tourism industry has reported significant growth in the first six months of 2024, with revenue reaching Sh142.5 billion ($1.1 billion). The board said that the country welcomed 1,027,630 international visitors, marking a 21.3-percent increase from the same period in 2023.

Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, currently at full capacity due to the wildebeest migration, serves as a major driving force behind the surge in visitors. 

The yearly migration, which reaches its peak in August, features wildebeests, zebras, and hippos crossing the Mara River on their journey to seek water and pasture, according to Africa News. 

The most dramatic moment occurs when the animals jump across the river, which is teeming with crocodiles. The migration kicks off in early July as the Serengeti in Tanzania dries up, prompting the animals to move toward greener pasture and water sources in the Maasai Mara. The spectacle concludes in October when the animals return to the Serengeti.

Study tour

Beyond wildlife tourism, Africa is also attracting young people for study and volunteer opportunities. A Chinese student studying in Canada, who requested anonymity, recounted her experience to the Global Times about volunteering in Kenya. "We built a foundation for a water tank at a local primary school in a week." She described her first impression of Kenya as "rustic and vibrant," noting the friendliness of the locals, especially the students who were excited to meet her.

Zhang Zining, who has been working in the tourism industry for eight years, told Portrait magazine that Kenya, in addition to being a popular destination for young people to take photos, has also become a new choice for many parents to send their children for study tours.

Compared to other places, Kenya's advantage is its high cost-effectiveness. A 5-day trip to Singapore, with average accommodations and only half a day of classes at the National University of Singapore, costs over 20,000 yuan ($2,804.03). If you go to Europe or the US, the price doubles to at least 60,000 to 70,000 yuan per person. However, a 10-day trip to Kenya, staying in luxury hotels throughout, costs just over 30,000 yuan, Zhang said. 

Many African countries have been introducing promotions to spur tourism since 2023. 

Angola announced a unilateral visa-free entry policy for citizens of 98 countries, including Chinese citizens. 

The Kenyan government implemented a visa-free policy for tourists worldwide, allowing visitors to enter without applying for a visa and only requiring them to obtain a travel permit through an electronic platform starting from January 2023. 

However, travelers to Africa are advised to remain cautious. Han emphasized the importance of safety, with travel agencies prioritizing secure routes and providing safety tips. 

As Africa's allure continues to grow, so does the importance of embracing both its natural beauty and the necessary precautions for a safe journey.

"The performance is amazing, the dancers vividly recreated the movements of the crested ibis, while also interpreting the whole process of co-existence, conflicts and harmony again between human being and nature," a Shanghai resident told the Global Times on Saturday after watching the dance drama Crested Ibises (Zhu Huan in Chinese pinyin) in Shanghai.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the debut of Crested Ibises produced by the Shanghai Dance Theatre (SDT). The drama was inspired by China's miracle in saving and protecting the crested ibis, which is also known as an auspicious "fairy bird" or "bird of good fortune" in Asian culture.

The crested ibis, with its iconic red crest and long black beak, is believed to have existed for 60 million years and commonly found in China, on the Korean Peninsula, Japan and Russia until the 1960s. Bird conservationists attribute pesticides, fertilizers, hunting, environmental and ecological reasons for bringing the birds to the brink of extinction.

The crested ibis was thought to be extinct in China until seven wild birds were spotted in Yangxian county in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province in 1981, a discovery that prompted captive breeding and enhanced protection of the species.

After more than 40 years of continuous conservation, it is estimated that there are over 11,000 crested ibises alive in 2024, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The Shanghai Dance Theatre introduced the drama in 2014, and integrated Chinese folk dance and Western ballet. Traditional Chinese dance gestures are used in upper body movements, while ballet and Western dance elements feature in the footwork, which makes it a masterpiece receiving recognition both home and abroad, according to critics.

Since its premiere in 2014, the Crested Ibises has performed 348 shows at home and abroad, the STD told the Global Times on Saturday. According to media reports, it has consistently been the most frequently performed and highest-grossing dance drama of the SDT.

In the past 10 years, the drama has been performed in Japan, the US. Overseas audiences consistently give enthusiastic applause at the end of the show, providing strong encouragement to the dancers.

"We will not only continue to inherit the essence of this art on the domestic stage, but also tour again in Japan in February next year. We look forward to sharing the story of the crested ibis with more audiences and conveying the importance of 'environmental protection and harmonious coexistence,' so that the artistic beauty can spread across national borders and touch more hearts," Wang Yan, director of the Shanghai Dance Theatre, told the Global Times on Saturday.

"For what was lost in the past, let's appeal to cherish the future forever," SDT put it as the slogan in the promotional materials of the dance drama, reminding the public to learn from the lesson of the crested ibis and to protect both the environment and the ecosystem.

"It's really a good China story. I would say both the commercial and artistic successes of the dance drama was a paradigm of the Chinese modernization of cultural-ethical advancement, which has definitely boosted our cultural confidence," a journalist surnamed Chen who watched the performance 10 years ago told the Global Times on Saturday.

China’s social media Sina Weibo has taken actions to address violations of its guidelines related to irrational discussions and personal attacks about Black Myth: Wukong. In response, the platform has removed 1,187 items of content and banned 138 accounts, according to Weibo.

Long-awaited Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the story of the Monkey King, topped PC gaming platform Steam’s chart by a large margin after launch on Tuesday and triggered widespread discussions on its cultural implications.

The game involves high development costs, long production cycles, and substantial resource investment. It has not only attracted the interest of many users who are eager to experience it, but also because of its rich traditional Chinese cultural elements, it allows players from around the world to learn about Chinese culture through the game, Weibo wrote in the notice released on Wednesday.

However, a few users are deviating from discussing the game itself but instead using it as a platform for spreading “gender opposition,” “personal attacks,” and other irrational comments. Some users are even organizing on external platforms to “incite group opposition,” “provoke conflict,” and attack users discussing the game on the platform through mass posting, creating discord in the comments area, according to Weibo.

A total of 138 accounts have got a seven-day to permanent ban based on the severity of their violations, said the platform.

Many netizens expressed their support for the way Weibo handled the issue, supporting rational discussions, focusing on game content and player experience.

“If it can promote Chinese culture, then it is a good game, allowing players from all over the world to understand Chinese culture,” one netizen commented.

“When participating in discussions about gaming hot topics, it is important to maintain a rational attitude and express reasonable opinions,” another netizen wrote.

The platform also called on the public to focus more on the game content and player experience and work together with rational and objective voices to promote the progress and development of the Chinese gaming industry.

Weibo will continue to increase efforts to investigate and deal with user violations, urging netizens to maintain a rational attitude and express reasonable opinions when participating in discussions, avoiding malicious provocation and attacks.

In a tense series of events, the Chinese national soccer team narrowly secured their place in the third round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers and earned a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals. This outcome, however, was not achieved through their own triumphs but rather by relying on the failure of others. 

While the relief among players and fans is palpable, the journey to this point has highlighted several critical issues within Chinese soccer that demand attention. Branko Ivankovic, the head coach, has made some commendable adjustments. 

His willingness to trust new talents like Baihelamu Abuduwaili, Xie Wenlong, and Yang Zexiang is particularly noteworthy. Yet, despite these positive steps, Ivankovic's performance has not significantly outshone that of his predecessor, Aleksandar Jankovic, raising questions about the long-term strategy of the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

The rapid dismissal of Jankovic after the team's failure to advance from the Asian Cup group stage earlier this year underscores a reactive rather than strategic approach by the CFA. This cycle of hiring and firing coaches without substantial introspection into systemic issues only perpetuates instability and hinders progress.

Ivankovic, though yet to be confirmed by the CFA, is likely to be tasked with steering China through the crucial 18-team stage of the World Cup Asian qualifiers, meaning that he faces immense pressure. The reality is that qualifying for the World Cup remains a distant dream given the current state of Chinese soccer. Instead, the focus should be on building a resilient, cohesive team capable of competing at a higher level. This requires faith in Ivankovic's professional judgment and commitment to a long-term developmental strategy, particularly one that emphasizes youth.

Historically, Chinese soccer has often relied on veteran players with supposed experience, only to fall short repeatedly. The failure to capitalize on opportunities for generational renewal has left China fielding some of the eldest squads in recent tournaments, with declining tactical and technical prowess. This misstep has not only stalled progress but also fueled ongoing criticism about the inadequacies of China's youth training systems.

The 30-year-old Yang's debut against South Korea, despite his age and the high stakes, was a testament to the potential within lesser-known players. His solid performance under pressure suggests that China does not lack talents but rather the courage to nurture and trust them. Players like Baihelamu and Xie, who demonstrate a willingness to execute tactics and give their all on the pitch, embody the spirit needed to revitalize Chinese soccer.

Ivankovic's tenure could be a pivotal turning point if he continues to integrate young, energetic players into the squad. The success of China's under-19 national team against their South Korean counterparts highlights the effectiveness of disciplined, hardworking young players. The likes of Wang Yudong, whose tenacity and defensive commitment were crucial in the youth matches, must be given opportunities at the senior level.

Moreover, the temptation to revert to naturalizing foreign players as a quick fix should not be listed as a priority. Previous attempts at using naturalized players have not yielded sustainable success and have often been criticized as short-sighted and emblematic of a lack of faith in domestic talents. The resources spent on these players could be better invested in developing local youth, fostering a sense of national pride and continuity.

Chinese soccer's path forward lies in recognizing and learning from its past mistakes. An overreliance on experienced veterans and naturalized players has only provided temporary relief without addressing underlying issues. True progress will come from investing in the next generation, allowing them to grow and compete on the international stage. Ivankovic's willingness to trust younger players is a positive step, but it requires the full support of the CFA with a commitment to a long-term vision.

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics began on Friday in Paris, France.

China's veteran shooter Li Yuehong won his maiden gold at his thrid Olympics after victory in men's 25m rapid fire pistol here on Monday.

The 34-year-old made 32 hits in the final to secure the fifth shooting gold for powerhouse China. 

​Li won bronze at both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Olympics.

China's Xu Shixiao and Sun Mengya defended their Olympic title in the women's canoe double 500m final at the Paris Olympics on Friday.

The pair stormed to victory with an Olympic best of 1 minute and 52.81 seconds, 1.49 seconds ahead of Ukraine's Liudmyla Luzan and Anastasiia Rybachok. Canada's Sloan Mackenzie and Katie Vincent took the bronze.

From the heats and semifinals to the final, they broke the Olympic record three straight times, underlining their dominance in the canoe sprint event. 

Despite tailwinds creating some of the roughest conditions yet, Xu and Sun had an impressive start. However, the Canadian team kept the competition tight before falling behind in the final stretch.

Since pairing up in 2019, the Chinese duo have maintained an undefeated record in major international competitions. They have won three consecutive Canoe Sprint World Championships and claimed the gold medal in the sprint event at the Tokyo Olympics, marking the first-ever Olympic gold for the Chinese canoe spring team. 

Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Xu said winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics could have marked a perfect ending to her career, but she felt a strong attachment to her nearly flawless partnership with Sun. 

"After the Tokyo Olympics, I could have retired, but I wanted to make my life even more fulfilling. Finding a great partner is rare, and I hope to stay with my partner and become the first women in canoe sprint to win Olympic gold in two consecutive Games," said the 32-year-old Xu, who plans to retire after the Paris Games. 

On Thursday, China's Liu Hao and Ji Bowen claimed gold in the men's canoe double 500m final. 

Team China secured qualification for all 10 events in the canoe sprint discipline for the Paris Games, underscoring China's strength and depth in the sport.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation issued a draft rule on Friday confirming the penalty benchmark for monopolistic behavior by companies, ranging from 1 million yuan ($139,600.5) to 4 million yuan, based on the degree of violation of the nation’s anti-monopoly laws. 

The draft rule shows there is an improving market regulation system in China, Liu Dingding, a veteran industry observer, told the Global Times on Friday.

The preliminary amount of the fines will be determined in stages. For cases without the effect of severely excluding or restricting market competition, the preliminary fines will be set at 2.5 million yuan. 

Business entities that report their monopolistic practices to the market regulator and that take measures to rectify the situation will be exempted from penalties. 

China’s State Council, the cabinet, unveiled revised rules on January 26 this year for declaration standards in this area.

The revised rules are meant to ease market access, reduce institutional transaction costs, make anti-monopoly and law enforcement oversight more efficient, and promote mergers and acquisitions, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

Chinese analysts warned that Manila is likely to be more proactive in the South China Sea to undermine the goodwill of China in calming tensions, after a senior official from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs said a provisional arrangement on humanitarian resupply of living necessities to a Philippine warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef may be subject to future review.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the understanding with China did not compromise the Philippines' South China Sea position and could be re-evaluated if needed. "The review will be there. When that will be is subject to further discussion," Lazaro told Reuters on the sidelines of a congressional hearing.

The provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of living necessities to a Philippine warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef was reached in July after China engaged in a series of consultations with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren'ai Reef.

The two sides agreed to jointly manage differences on maritime issues and work toward de-escalation in the South China Sea, which observers regard as a promising step to calm tensions in the region.

The comment from the senior Philippines official and the recent provocations in other islands of South China Sea clearly reflects that the Philippines has no intention to diminish the tensions, Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The Philippines is planning to send a second coast guard vessel to anchor in the lagoon in China's Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef) in the South China Sea in an attempt to construct a forward deployment base in the form of a semi-permanent floating platform, the Global Times learned from a source familiar with the matter on Wednesday.

Manila is attempting to expand its illegal occupation of China's Xianbin Jiao, a move that seriously violates China's territorial sovereignty, Chinese experts said, noting that China will not let this take place.

Manila does not cherish China's efforts to deescalate the tension by allowing humanitarian resupply of living necessities to the Philippine warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef, and is even behaving boldly by inciting a series of flare-ups over the South China Sea, Chen said.

"Manila's strategy is in line with the US' 'Indo-Pacific Strategy.' We should be vigilant in case Manila takes more small steps clandestinely to incite tension and attempt to bargain with China," Chen said.

A Philippine Air Force NC-212 aircraft illegally intruded into the airspace over Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea on August 8, interfering with China's regular training activities despite repeated warnings from the Chinese side.

However, the Philippine Navy criticized the recent actions of the Chinese air force as "coercive, aggressive, and deceptive", media reports said.

"It is an old trick of the Philippines, taking a blatant provocation first and then portraying itself as a victim to the international community to gain sympathy," Chen said.

In light of the "cunning" tactics of the Philippines, observers emphasized the importance for China to maintain its redline.

In the event of additional provocations, China should increase surveillance not only around Ren'ai Reef but also at Xianbin Reef, Huangyan Island and other areas in the South China Sea.