In Shanghai, a new ice cream shop has recently made headlines with its unique offerings: a range of ice creams containing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). With a total of 16 flavors, including mint and watermelon frost, wild chrysanthemum and pistachio, smoked plum, bamboo and jasmine, hawthorn and bergamot, and loquat syrup, the new summer treats are conquering customers.
Priced at 38 yuan ($5.3) for 120 grams and 45 yuan for 150 grams, customers can also ask for toppings made from premium ingredients like ginseng (12 yuan) and caterpillar fungus (known in China as "winter-worm summer-grass," which is said to be effective in boosting the immune system, for 18 yuan). Additionally, the shop sells herbal teas at an average price of around 20 yuan.

According to the staff, these products use ice cream as a primary base, with a small amount of herbal ingredients added to enhance the flavor. The concept is centered around the idea of "new Chinese-style herbs" and the traditional TCM principle that "food and medicine share the same origin."

The TCM ice cream has gone viral online, with the related hashtag on China's X-like platform Sina Weibo garnering over 50 million views and 10,000 comments about it.

While some Weibo users question the compatibility of these ice creams with traditional Chinese medicine principles - citing concerns over the consumption of cold foods, others showed their interest. "My last bit of guilt from eating ice cream has now disappeared," read a Weibo comment.

The rise of TCM-infused ice cream is part of a larger trend where traditional Chinese medicine is being integrated into modern food products. With wellness and health being increasingly valued by younger generations, along with a growing sense of cultural confidence, this fusion of TCM with contemporary cuisine is gaining popularity among young consumers in China. From herbal teas and bread to coffee and now ice cream, TCM is making its mark in the culinary world.

Product diversification

Beyond ice cream, TCM is making its way into various foods. In Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a hospital started producing milk tea, pastries, and lollipops infused with medicinal herbs. In Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, a TCM wellness café offers a variety of herbal coffees. A hospital in North China's Tianjin has even opened a bakery featuring medicinal breads like lotus leaf hydrating toast and Ejiao soft bread.

According to data by The Beijing News media outlet, as of July 7, there are more than 30 TCM tea or herbal tea brands in the country.

Over the past few years, the Chinese government has placed significant emphasis on the development of the TCM industry, introducing various policies and measures to support its innovation and growth. These initiatives have provided a solid foundation for the emergence of TCM-infused culinary products, Yi Lan, an attending TCM physician at a hospital in Guangzhou, told the Global Times.

On top of that, social media has also played a pivotal role in promoting this trend, amplifying its reach and appeal, particularly among younger generations, who are keen to explore new and unique experiences, she added.

For instance, suanmeitang (sour plum drink) has gained popularity since the summer of 2023 as a refreshing and appetizing drink. Traditionally brewed with additional ingredients such as hawthorn, licorice, and rock candy, this traditional beverage is renowned for its delightful taste and its capacity to alleviate heat exhaustion, counteract greasiness, and stimulate the appetite.

On social media platforms, such as the Chinese version of TikTok, many users have posted videos of their experiences of buying suanmeitang in TCM shops. In the lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, search of the "TCM prescription of suanmeitang" yields about 3,000 posts.

A Douyin user's video shows that a packet of suanmeitang costs only 4.5 yuan. The ingredients include dried plums, dried tangerine peel, osmanthus flowers, hawthorn, mulberries, and rock candy. According to the video, stores can even brew it on the spot for the consumers.

Despite TCM being usually consumed warm, some users add ice, saying it makes a deliciously refreshing drink that is "much more affordable than milk tea and healthier as well."

However, due to the high content of organic acids like citric acid and malic acid in suanmeitang, this beverage is not suitable for children to consume, as their stomach lining is relatively delicate.

Adults should also avoid drinking it on an empty stomach or in large quantities. Additionally, sour plum drink is high in sugar, so it is not recommended for individuals with diabetes.

Menstruating women, people with colds or fevers, or those who have a cough with phlegm or a feeling of chest congestion should also avoid drinking suanmeitang, as it could worsen these conditions, she added.
Comfort meets wellness

The increasing interest in TCM-infused foods aligns with a growing interest in wellness among millennials and Generation Z, who are increasingly seeking health benefits in their dietary choices.

According to the Generation Z nutritional consumption trend report by the Xinhua News Agency in 2021, individuals aged 18 to 35 are leading the charge in health-conscious spending, making up 83.7 percent of the market.

The report also revealed that compared to traditional tonics, products that are portable, simple, and ready-to-eat are particularly favored by Gen Z.

The demand for such practical and nutritious products indicates a departure from traditional methods, with a preference for health benefits that are easy to integrate into daily life.

"The trend reflects a growing awareness among the public, alongside a strong sense of cultural confidence," Yi said.

Moreover, for the TCM food industry to sustain its upward trajectory, it must find a development path that truly reflects the unique characteristics of TCM.

"A crucial first step is to enhance public knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, which will enable consumers to make informed choices and fully harness the benefits of TCM," Yi told the Global Times.

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.

"Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was listed as a World Heritage Site at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India on Saturday, becoming China's 59th entry on that list.

The Beijing Central Axis, situated at the core of the ancient city of Beijing, spans 7.8 kilometers from the Bell and Drum Towers in the north to the Yongdingmen Gate in the south, originating in the 13th century and refined over more than seven centuries.

Originating in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), the Beijing Central Axis is classified as a "building complex" in terms of cultural heritage, consisting of 15 elements of heritage composition. It is a combination of buildings and sites that dominate the planning pattern of the entire old city.

Heritage experts told the Global Times that the uniqueness of the Beijing Central Axis fills a gap in the World Heritage List regarding the ideal of urban landscape and the type of core architectural groups in the East, presenting an irreplaceable uniqueness and possessing outstanding universal value.

Lü Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times that many medieval European cities on the World Heritage List have fundamentally different formation processes and urban development trajectories compared to Beijing. 

He explained that Beijing was meticulously planned and constructed based on the ideal of a world central city, with the Beijing Central Axis becoming the most central part of this ideal city form. In contrast, medieval European cities were settlements that grew naturally and were influenced by religion, commerce and municipal systems, resulting in complex urban textures in their central areas.

Jiang Bo, a professor from the Institute of Cultural Heritage at Shandong University told the Global Times that the Beijing Central Axis is a "masterpiece" with a unique Eastern charm in the history of world urban landscape. 

"The urban planning concept of this north-south central axis has a long history and a profound influence, even extending to the Korean Peninsula, Japan, and Vietnam, becoming an Eastern classic in the design concept of ancient world urban planning," he said.

On Friday, the Badain Jaran Desert in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II) were also included in UNESCO's World Heritage List during the event, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

To date, China currently boasts 59 world heritage sites, including 40 cultural heritage sites, 15 natural heritage sites, and 4 mixed cultural and natural heritage sites.

Media reported that the event is scheduled to last until July 31. The primary agenda of the conference includes the examination of 27 sites nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List and the assessment of the conservation status of 124 existing sites on the list.

China's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced plans to phase in a new system that is compatible with a higher-level open economy, and accelerating usage of foreign investment, NDRC Chairman Zheng Shanjie told Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday. 

The announcement reflects China's commitment to promoting opening-up and deepening economic restructuring, experts say.

The announcement follows the recently concluded Third Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The plenum communique stressed an unequivocal commitment to comprehensively deepening reforms to advance Chinese modernization. 

Zheng highlighted that openness is a distinctive marker of China's modernization drive, and it is necessary to foster reforms through greater openness, so as to build a new system for a higher-level open economy.

Zheng underscored four key areas of economic reform including expanding institutional openness, deepening reforms in foreign and outward investment management systems, optimizing the layout of regional openness, and promoting high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China aims to align itself with international high-standard economic and trade rules, focusing on intellectual property protection, and other key areas to achieve compatibility in regulations, management, and standards, Zheng said.

In terms of deepening reforms on outward investment systems, Zheng noted plans to expand the catalog of industries encouraging foreign investment and to further reduce the negative list for foreign investment access. The NDRC will lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, foster opening-up to attract foreign capital, and ensure national treatment for foreign enterprises.

Additionally, Zheng referenced the accelerated development of the pilot free trade zone in South China's Hainan Island, aiming to create a comprehensive open pattern that links land and sea, and integrates the eastern and western regions of China. 

The NDRC will further enhance the stability and effectiveness of international cooperation under the BRI.

Reflecting on China's ongoing opening-up, the country has seen a notable increase in foreign investment. In the first half of 2024, 26,870 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, marking a 14.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. The country also attracted nearly 500 billion yuan ($69 billion) in foreign investment in the first half year, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday, China and the Philippines reached an understanding on managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef) in the South China Sea. This is mainly related to the principles and practices that the Philippines needs to abide by when providing basic living supplies to the personnel on the warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao (Nansha Islands) for a long time.

This is a progress made by the two sides in utilizing the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea issue to control the friction and avoid escalation of the crisis. It demonstrated that Beijing's comprehensive countermeasures against Manila's provocations in the region for more than a year are working in a sustained manner, resulting in the Philippines returning to direct negotiations and consultations.

Judging from the press release issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China's position on managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao has not changed. The Philippines has inevitably informed its ally -- the US, of the situation before the agreement with China was reached, and is expected to continue to keep Washington updated before further agreements are made. Seeing China and the Philippines make efforts to manage their conflicts in the South China Sea through institutionalized consultation, the US, which has long been "fanning the flames" and "fueling the fight" over the South China Sea issue, is inevitably not necessarily happy about this development.

The reason why an understanding can be reached is inextricably linked to the effective operation of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea. Seven years ago, the two countries agreed to establish the BCM to conduct regular consultations on their respective concerns involving the South China Sea to avoid complicating and escalating the disputes as well as affecting the peace and stability of the South China Sea. 

The new "deal" is a concrete manifestation of some consensus achieved by China and the Philippines. It also clearly shows that Manila's attempts to stir up trouble and exert pressure on China through "microphone diplomacy," "gray zone tactics" and "exposure strategy" on the South China Sea issue did not work, and that direct negotiation and consultation between the two countries concerned is the only way.

The new "deal" does not change the rights and wrongs of the maritime situation at Ren'ai Jiao. The reasons that led to the incident are clear: the Philippines broke its promise. Manila not only failed to tow away the illegally grounded warship, but also insisted on sending construction materials to this warship in an attempt to make large-scale reinforcement and then achieve permanent occupation of Ren'ai Jiao. The new "deal" does not recognize the legality and legitimacy of the Philippines' relevant activities, nor does it mean that the Philippines can "legalize" its actions at Ren'ai Jiao in the name of "exercising jurisdiction." 

Over the years, China has exercised great restraint and patience in handling the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, and demonstrating goodwill and sincerity in managing maritime differences. During the previous administration of the Philippines, China and the Philippines reached a "gentleman's agreement" on the management and control of the situation at Ren'ai Jiao. After the current administration came to power, China has repeatedly notified and negotiated with high-level officials of the Philippine government on matters related to the "gentleman's agreement" and has kept on finding ways to manage differences with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation.

In September 2023, China invited the Envoy of the President to China for Special Concerns of the Philippines to Beijing for consultations. The two sides reached an internal understanding on how to manage and control the situation, which was approved by the Philippine leadership. In early 2024, China repeatedly negotiated with the Philippine side through diplomatic channels to reach a "new model" regarding the management and control of the situation at Ren'ai Jiao.  

Given the fact that the Philippines once denied the "gentleman's agreement" of the previous government at the expense of disparaging the country's reputation, and also reneged on the internal understanding and "new model," China will look to what extent this new "deal" be seriously, completely and effectively implemented by the Philippines. If the Philippines abuses China's flexibility and patience based on the humanitarian spirit on the Ren'ai Jiao issue regarding the new agreement as an expedient, and then goes back on its word, it will definitely pay a heavier price for its repeated mistakes.

The regional cooperation office of Yangtze River Delta has issued a three-year action plan (2024-26) for the integrated development of the region, one of China's most economically vibrant regions. The plan clearly defines a roadmap for the next three years, and signals deeper integrated development in the region, according to a press briefing held in Shanghai on Thursday.

In the action plan, nine sectors with 165 key tasks were proposed, including strengthening cross-regional collaboration in science and technology innovation, jointly building world-class industrial clusters, accelerating the enhancement of regional market integration level, and effectively strengthening coordinated ecological environment governance, Gu Jun, director of the Executive Committee of the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone said at Thursday's press briefing.

Among the 165 key tasks, the region will further promote the cooperation and joint construction of two comprehensive national science centers in Zhangjiang, Shanghai and Hefei, East China's Anhui Province, and support the establishment of regional science and technology innovation centers in some of the cities in the region, according to the plan.

It will support the high-quality development of key industrial chains in the manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Delta region, particularly focusing on building a new-energy vehicle industry chain system.

The region will strengthen the coordinated governance of the ecological environment by continuing to promote the 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River, enhancing the coordinated governance of the Yangtze River estuary to Hangzhou Bay key marine areas, and advancing a new round of comprehensive water environment management in the Taihu Lake basin.

Meanwhile, a total of detailed 54 key tasks were released for ecological environmental protection cooperation in the Yangtze River Delta region.

For instance, the region will promote the optimization of the energy structure, ensuring energy security in the region while continuously advancing the control of total coal consumption in key areas. It will also promote the green development of industries, continuing to accelerate the elimination of outdated production capacity, and facilitating the transformation and upgrading of traditional manufacturing industries.

According to the action plan, the region will formulate and implement a new development plan for the sports industry, jointly host cross-regional major sports events and brand activities, and support outstanding cultural works, cultural heritage, and high-quality tourism products to enter overseas markets.

The Yangtze River Delta, encompassing East China's Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, as well as Shanghai Municipality, accounted for nearly a quarter of China's gross domestic product in 2023, despite occupying just 4 percent of the country's total land area, according to Xinhua News Agency.