The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Army has carried out joint drills to evaluate annual combat readiness in high-altitude and cold environment conditions in the Karakoram Mountains at the start of the new year, featuring drones, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
According to a China Central Television (CCTV) report on Monday, a unit of the Xinjiang Military Command has been conducting reconnaissance tactical drills in an unfamiliar high-altitude area. Multiple forces of reconnaissance, armored and firepower units participated with a range of equipment to test their operational capacity.
In the Karakoram Mountains during the ongoing drills, the reconnaissance unit swiftly maneuvered to the designated area and established a reconnaissance position upon after receiving intelligence from a higher command. Meanwhile, the aerial reconnaissance unit deployed drones to conduct real-time battlefield monitoring.
The command post quickly analyzed the enemy situation and issued combat orders, with all operational units immediately responding. The armored unit swiftly assembled, mobilized their vehicles, and launched an assault on the forward positions. The artillery unit adjusted firing parameters as instructed, preparing for fire support.
According to a participant of the exercise, due to rapidly changing battlefield conditions, the reconnaissance unit must be stealthy, efficient and swift when carrying out missions, which requires the unit not only to possess strong military skills but also to be familiar with the terrain and topography of the battlefield.
The CCTV report shows that as the drills continued, the reconnaissance unit advanced the frontline rapidly, using radar systems, drones and telescopes to conduct comprehensive detection of the enemy’s forward positions.
After obtaining information on enemy troops’ deployments and firepower configurations, an assault group formed by the armored unit launched successive charges. Under the cover of tanks, troops carried by infantry fighting vehicles quickly dismounted and advanced toward the target area, successfully seizing the position.
In accordance with the operational requirements for high-altitude and cold regions, the troops have researched system-based reconnaissance, said Zhou Hongxin from the Xinjiang Military Command. Through targeted enhancement and gap-filling trainings, and repeated rounds of combat drills, each combat unit could spot their shortcomings, which compels PLA soldiers and officers to address and overcome deficiencies, thereby enhancing overall ability.
This year’s military drills officially began on January 2 with all military troops carrying out exercises throughout the country, from the Gobi Desert, the coastal frontlines, the snow-covered plateaus to the dense mountain forests.
On Thursday, drills of a destroyer detachment from the navy of the PLA Southern Theater Command began in full swing. A formation of advanced destroyers and frigates cast off and set sail for designated waters to conduct a series of high-intensity, combat-oriented drills, according to CCTV.
Meanwhile, an air force aviation brigade conducted its first training flight at the beginning of the new year, integrating aerial tactical competitions into their drills. Pilots engaged in realistic combat scenarios, carrying out air combat confrontations, close-range air support, and air-to-ground attack drills across multiple training subjects. The training aims to comprehensively hone the pilots’ combat skills in a simulated battlefield environment, CCTV reported.
Song Xiaojun, a military affairs commentator, said the highlights and characteristics of different services in diversified drills can be summarized with three phrases – actual combat, high intensity and systematization.
Song said that this year’s New Year drills are related to deepening the reform of the joint operational system, which means that different military services and branches should find points of closer interdependence in future operations. Only in this way can they achieve the maximum effect of joint operations and, in turn, constrain the enemy’s decision-making space to force them into difficult situations, CCTV reported.
In a hot pot restaurant in downtown Shanghai, several young South Koreans gather around a steaming pot and chat while enjoying their meal. At a zoo in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, a little girl exclaims, "So cute!" in Japanese while pointing to a panda, with her smiling parents behind her. At Zhangjiajie in Central China's Hunan Province, Korean tourists excitedly capture breathtaking mountains with their smartphones.
Since China further relaxed its temporary entry policy in November to include more countries, including South Korea and Japan, an increasing number of tourists from these two countries have been flocking to Chinese scenic spots, including famous streets and shops.
As close neighbors, the enthusiasm for travel to China among tourists from the two countries has rapidly increased. According to data from China's travel service provider Trip.com, from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, inbound travel orders from South Korea and Japan increased by 215 percent and 145 percent year-on-year, respectively.
On social media, traveling to China for a weekend or holiday getaway has become a trendy activity among young people in South Korea and Japan. Similarly, many Chinese tourists, particularly those from the eastern regions, also enjoy visiting nearby Japan and South Korea for a refreshing and relaxing weekend.
The year 2025 and 2026 is the China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year, and the booming "weekend tourism circle" is becoming a vibrant window for people of the three countries to visit each other's homelands and gain a deeper understanding of each other's cultures, societies, and modern developments.
Tourism serves as a bridge to promote mutual understanding among the Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean people, helping to eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices at the grassroots level, considering the complex historical and political ties among the three countries, said Zhang Lingyun, professor and the executive editor-in-chief of Tourism Tribune, the leading tourism and hospitality academic journal in China. "The 'weekend tourism circle' plays a positive role in strengthening the friendly relations of the three peoples, and contributes to regional peace and stability," Zhang told the Global Times.
'Travel to China after work'
"Travel to China after work on Friday" has reportedly become a popular key phrase and trending hashtag on South Korean social media platforms. The younger South Korean generation's travel choices are increasingly focused on short trips, such as two nights and three days, reported The Korea Economic Daily in November. "This is ideal for what are known as 'night owl travel destinations,' where travelers can enjoy a trip to China after finishing work on Friday evening and return on Sunday or Monday," the article stated.
Cities in Eastern China that are closer to South Korea, such as Shanghai, Qingdao, and Dalian, naturally become the preferred weekend destinations for South Korean tourists. In Shanghai, Global Times reporters have come across many fashionably dressed young South Koreans shopping and taking photos along the Bund, Wukang Road, and Xintiandi. South Korean tourist and content producer Saea recently uploaded her travel vlog about Shanghai on YouTube, which has attracted more than 840,000 views. In this 29-minute video, she shares many exciting moments from her time in the city, such as visiting Yuyuan Garden, enjoying local-style noodles, and savoring hot pot. "I also watched the sunrise at the Oriental Pearl Tower with my friends at the Bund, and it was really fun and enjoyable," Saea told the Global Times.
In her eyes, Shanghai has a lively atmosphere and is seen as a pioneer in fashion and trends. "The European-style buildings were fantastic for taking pictures, and there was an abundance of food, and transportation was convenient with subways, buses, and taxis." Saea has also traveled to other cities outside of Shanghai, such as Harbin, where the local dish "Guo Bao Rou (fried pork in scoop)" left a strong impression on her. "There are many restaurants in South Korea that serve delicious Guo Bao Rou, but when I tried the original in Harbin, it was truly perfect," she recalled.
On social media, there has been an increase in photos and videos shared by Japanese tourists showcasing their experiences while visiting the Great Wall, exploring ancient Chinese streets and towns, and trying on traditional Chinese clothing or Hanfu.
Starting from November 30, 2024, tourists from Japan, along with visitors from eight other countries including Bulgaria and Romania, are able to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
Japanese tourist SU, who goes by the screen name "SU channel" on YouTube, told the Global Times that he decided to travel to China as soon as a visa-free entry option became available. The 30-day validity period has made SU eager for more than just a brief weekend getaway, and he has visited numerous locations across the country, from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, to smaller northeastern cities such as Shenyang and Dalian.
"I appreciate the size and level of development of Chinese cities, many of which surpass those in Japan, and I also enjoy exploring historical and cultural sites," SU said to the Global Times. "I was particularly moved by the old town and cultural heritage of Dalian."
"I'm also considering traveling to China again in 2025."
Tourism boom
China's temporary visa-free travel policy has significantly boosted inbound tourism from Japan and South Korea. On November 30, 2024, the first day of the visa-free policy for Japan, the number of inbound Japanese tourists increased by 107 percent year-on-year, as reported by Beijing Business Today on December 1.
Travel bookings from South Korea to China during this year's Spring Festival holiday (from January 28 to February 4) surged by 452 percent year-on-year, according to data from online travel agency Trip.com.
The influx of Japanese and South Korean tourists to China is not surprising, as the new policy brings novelty and reduces costs for them since the implementation of the visa-free policy, Zhang said. "Moreover, Japan and South Korea are China's geographical neighbors, and we share a deep cultural connection in history," he told the Global Times. "This cultural proximity makes Chinese tourism particularly attractive to them."
The cities of Shanghai and Chengdu, along with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, are some of the most popular travel destinations for Japanese and Korean tourists, Zhang said. Zhangjiajie, due to its successful marketing, is seen as a symbol of filial piety by many South Koreans, who like to accompany their parents to visit the park, Zhang said. "Also, Zhangjiajie has seized this opportunity to provide customized services for Korean tourists, such as recruiting more Korean-speaking staff, and introducing direct flights between South Korea and this destination."
Better services, including multilingual offerings and diverse payment options, are crucial for tourist attractions and businesses in China, as they seek to capitalize on the burgeoning "weekend tourism circle."
Hot pot, for instance, is a popular dish among South Korean tourists visiting China. Lately, some hot pot restaurants in downtown Shanghai have been receiving an average of 60 to 200 South Korean customers daily, accounting for approximately 15 percent of their total clientele, the Global Times learned.
"South Koreans enjoy a lively and cheerful dining atmosphere, and some customers specifically ask if we can sing birthday songs for them," said Liu, a manager at a Haidilao hot pot restaurant in Shanghai. "To accommodate this, we have set up Korean signage and provided birthday greeting services in Korean," Liu told the Global Times. The "weekend tourism circle" is a promising start for China's burgeoning inbound tourism industry. From weekend getaways to longer vacations, "China is expected to become an important destination for young people from Japan and South Korea for graduation trips, study tours, and even wellness travel," said Cai Hong, head of the Department of Tourism Management at the Capital University of Economics and Business.
Baek Seo-Hui, a South Korean student at Fudan University who has been in China for over seven years, usually travels around the country with friends or family during her spare time. This former president of the Association of South Korean Students in Shanghai suggests that South Korean tourists consider taking a few extra days off in addition to their weekend trips to China, so as to fully appreciate the unique charm of different Chinese cities.
"First, as the development levels of cities across China differ, experiencing the atmosphere of various cities can provide a better understanding of the characteristics and diversity of China's regional economic development. Second, China is a multi-ethnic country with 56 ethnic groups, so visitors can experience a rich tapestry of minority cultures. Additionally, if possible, I strongly recommend experiencing the culinary culture found in different cities across China," said Baek.
Strengthening connections At the 15th China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Ministers' Meeting in September 2024, the three countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to achieve the goal of increasing mutual visits among the three countries to 40 million by 2030.
The growing popularity of the "weekend tourism circle" undoubtedly instills strong confidence in the three countries to achieve this goal, and serves as a convenient channel for enhancing mutual understanding and promoting cultural exchanges among their peoples.
Due to historical and geopolitical reasons, the sentiments among the people of the three countries have been complex, leading to some hard feelings toward each other at the grass-roots level, said Zhang. "However, it is precisely because of this, that we need to enhance mutual understanding and effectively eliminate misunderstandings," he said.
"I believe that Japanese and South Korean tourists can experience the real China through their own observations and travel experiences. Likewise, we should be more accommodating toward foreign visitors as well," he noted.
The first step in breaking down stereotypes about a country, is often through visiting it and engaging with its people in person. On China's social media platform Xiaohongshu, a Japanese tourist with the screen name "Ayaka" shared several touching moments from her recent first-ever trip to China. "The landscapes and cuisine of China captivated me, but what moved me even more was the warmth and kindness of the people," she wrote. "My journey in China allowed me to experience the hospitality and friendliness of the locals, and I am deeply grateful for every warm moment."
"I think there are indeed some biases and misunderstandings among the people of China, Japan, and South Korea," Baek told the Global Times. "Nonetheless, true understanding and mutual respect can be deepened through personal experiences and face-to-face interactions. Diplomatic exchanges at the government level and people-to-people communication are equally essential."
On January 1, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) announced the results of the "CJK (China, Japan, and South Korea) Spirit Word of the Year 2025" selection, with the Chinese word for "future" winning the highest number of votes. TCS secretary-general Lee Hee-seop noted that, "future" reflects the optimism and determination of the people in the three countries to build closer ties in the coming years.
The geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and today's significant economic connections among China, Japan, and South Korea highlight the need for increased communication among the three sides, said Baek. "Traveling to each other's countries encourages the peoples of the three countries to perceive, accept, and respect each other's cultures with a more open mindset, thereby laying a solid foundation for the harmonious development of trilateral relations," she concluded.
Chinese and global companies, as well as people from all walks of life have donated money and goods to support the earthquake relief efforts and help disaster-affected people in Dingri county, Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, which was jolted by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday.
Tencent Charity Foundation on Tuesday announced the initiation of the first batch of donations amounting to 20 million yuan ($2.7 million), aimed at emergency rescue and temporary resettlement in disaster-stricken areas, post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, as well as work-for-relief programs.
Mixue on Wednesday announced a donation of 10 million yuan to earthquake-affected areas. Mixue said it has organized all stores in Xigaze to buy instant noodles, mineral water and other supplies to support the rescue team. All Mixue stores in Xizang will also provide free hot water and rest areas for everyone, and free hot drinks for rescue teams.
Other companies, including but not limited to BYD (10 million yuan), Ant Group (5 million yuan), and Xiaomi (1 million yuan), have also donated money to the earthquake-affected areas.
Several companies have donated goods, including clothes, food and medicines, to support earthquake relief work.
Sinopharm Group on Tuesday sent 3,230 bottles (boxes) of medicines, including human blood albumin, antibiotic injections and respiratory drugs, to Xigaze through the cold chain transport.
ERKE donated supplies worth 10 million yuan to provide warmth and protection for those affected by the earthquake. The first batch of donated materials has been sent to the disaster area, ERKE said on Tuesday in a statement.
Other companies, such as Bosideng, Anta and Xtep donated clothing worth 10 million yuan to disaster-stricken areas in Xizang, as seen by the Global Times.
Alibaba has donated the first batch of 100,000 instant food products to Xizang. NetEase has donated goods such as quilts, folding beds and instant food products worth 8 million yuan. Panpan Foods has sent bread and mineral water to Xizang.
Apart from goods and money, companies also provided high-tech services to support earthquake relief efforts.
ByteDance on Tuesday said it will collaborate with media, organizations and rescue teams to launch a victim search function on its public welfare platform, in addition to donating 5 million yuan for earthquake relief efforts.
E-commerce platform JD.com allocated drinking water, food, clothing, tents, emergency power supplies and other urgently needed supplies from warehouses near the earthquake-affected areas. JD Logistics, its subsidiary, had transported these supplies to the disaster-stricken areas with dedicated personnel and vehicles, the company said on its WeChat.
Global companies also lent a hand to support earthquake relief work.
Nestle has raised nearly 5 million yuan worth of materials and cash to support the earthquake relief work in Xizang, of which 1 million yuan will be used for the procurement of emergency relief supplies, transitional resettlement and post-disaster reconstruction, Nestle said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Wednesday.
Besides, Nestle, together with its six major brands, has dispatched ready-to-eat food supplies to the earthquake-hit areas in Xizang to provide emergency needs for people.
Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday announced that coal, coal stoves and other supporting supplies to provide warmth have been dispatched from Xigaze to Dingri county and surrounding areas on Wednesday afternoon, the company said.
The first batch of emergency supplies such as quilts, food and gloves collected by Mercedes-Benz's dealer partner have been sent to Dingri on Wednesday.
BMW donated 3 million yuan for emergency relief, post-disaster school reconstruction and other related work.
Uniqlo announced on Wednesday that it donated warm clothing worth about 10 million yuan to the earthquake-affected zone.
Apple CEO Tim Cook posted on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo at noon on Wednesday, saying "our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating earthquake in Ding'ri. Apple is donating to support the ongoing earthquake relief and rebuilding efforts on the ground."
In addition to corporate contributions, individuals from all walks of life also extended their support to disaster-stricken areas.
As of 3 pm on Wednesday, about 760,000 people have donated more than 12 million yuan designated to support Xigaze earthquake relief on Alipay's welfare platform.
As of 1 pm on Wednesday, 58 cultural and sports figures contributed 11.18 million yuan to the Han Hong Love Charity Foundation initiated by Chinese singer Han Hong, the foundation said on its Sina Weibo.
Among the donors, Chinese filmmaker Jia Ling donated supplies in her mother's name Li Huanying, the foundation said at a post on Tuesday. Jia directed and starred in Chinese comedy drama Hi, Mom, which also named Hello, Li Huanying.
Moreover, China's tennis ace Zheng Qinwen has donated 1 million yuan to support earthquake relief efforts in Xigaze, the China Foundation for Rural Development announced on Wednesday.
Chinese Relief & Development Foundation said on Tuesday that it has coordinated supplies to support five rescue teams working on the front lines to assist the local disaster relief work. The foundation also listed 23 celebrities who provided funds.
According to official statistics, as of 10 am on Wednesday, the Dingri earthquake has killed 126 people and injured 188. So far, 407 people trapped have been rescued.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu visited the US Embassy in China on December 31, 2024 to express condolences on the death of former US President Jimmy Carter. Ma mourned his passing, and made positive appraisal of his significant contributions to the development of China-US relations and friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, according to a release from Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
China deeply mourns the passing of the former US President Jimmy Carter who had long contributed to the development of China-US relations, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. Mao described Carter as a promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the US from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100.
During Carter's presidency, in December 1978, China and the US issued the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. On January 1, 1979, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will visit Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria from January 5 to 11 at the invitation of these countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Friday. This will be the 35th consecutive year that Chinese foreign minister visits Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of the year.
Mao told a routine press conference on Friday that at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last year, President Xi Jinping proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
President Xi noted that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable, open and win-win and eco-friendly, puts the people first, features diversity and inclusiveness, and is underpinned by peace and security, and take ten partnership actions, which were well-received by Africa, Mao said.
Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria are all China's friendly cooperation partners. The purpose of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's upcoming visit is to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and deepen practical cooperation across the board for sustained and substantive growth of China-Africa relations, the spokesperson noted.
"The tradition of the Chinese foreign minister making Africa the first overseas destination at the start of the year over the past 35 years underscores China's commitment to strengthening China-Africa relations and highlights the enduring traditional friendship between China and Africa," Song Wei, a professor from the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday.
Over the past three decades, China and Africa have consistently supported each other, Song noted, emphasizing that despite the shifting international landscape, their traditional friendship has proven resilient in the face of these changes.
Regarding the four countries Wang will visit, Song noted that they represent key aspects of China-Africa cooperation. "China has significant cooperation with Namibia and the Republic of the Congo in terms of energy, infrastructure and others, and China's aid to Chad has played a crucial role in supporting its development. Furthermore, given Nigeria's considerable influence in West Africa and within the African Union, enhancing cooperation with Nigeria is vital for promoting integrated development across the continent."
In light of the fruitful outcomes from last year's Beijing Summit, Song emphasized that this visit also underscores China's commitment to advancing the implementation of the FOCAC pledges and to further aligning China's aid projects with the independent development goals of African countries.
Looking ahead into the China-Africa relations in 2025, Mao said at a press conference on December 31, 2024 that China stands ready to work together with African countries to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, have closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.
"As members of the Global South, China and Africa are expected to strengthen their collaboration in building greater consensus on development and enhancing global governance to better reflect the voices and needs of the Global South," Song said.
China will as always respect Panama's sovereignty over the Canal and recognize the Canal as a permanently neutral international waterway, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday, in response to a question about US president-elect Donald Trump's claim that there are Chinese soldiers stationed at the Panama Canal.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump claimed that Chinese soldiers are "operating the Panama Canal," the latest in a series of statements from the president-elect about the Canal following his December 22 threat to reassert US control over it, which the US handed over to Panama in 1999.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino refuted Trump's claim, saying it is "nonsense" and asserting that there is "absolutely no Chinese interference," according to the BBC. "There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal," he told reporters in Panama City.
Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US ships or ceding control of the Canal, the BBC report said. "The Canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality," he said.
Chinese FM spokesperson Mao said at the Friday press conference that Panama's President Mulino stressed that the Canal has no control, direct or indirect, from any power.
The claim that China has military personnel in Panama is entirely baseless, and fundamentally incorrect. Such remarks appear to be aimed at generating media attention and imposing pressure on Panama to make concessions regarding toll charges for US vessels, in order to secure special privileges and preferential pricing, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday.
Panama's position is unequivocal and issues of sovereignty are non-negotiable and cannot be overturned, said Lü, noting that any attempt to create instability in the canal area would severely disrupt global trade, including US domestic trade, as the US itself depends heavily on the Canal for maritime transport between its East and West coasts.
Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, said that in recent years, the US has been increasingly concerned about China's influence in Latin America, particularly in large infrastructure projects.
With the Belt and Road Initiative advancing, the US views China's growing presence in the Western Hemisphere as a threat to its regional interests, leading to increasing smear campaigns and attacks against China, said Wang.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Panama, their relationship has grown rapidly, marked by increased political trust, trade, and cultural exchanges. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has made notable progress in infrastructure projects in Panama and Latin America, which deserves recognition, Wang told the Global Times.
However, China has never interfered in the operation, pricing, or internal affairs of the Panama Canal, respecting Panama's sovereignty over this neutral international passage, said the expert.
In contrast to US concerns about China's strategic influence, China's cooperation with Panama and other Latin American countries is driven by mutual interests and local needs, fostering regional development and deeper people-to-people ties, Wang said.
December 20, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. It not only signifies the ended centuries of Portuguese occupation, but also heralds the beginning of a new chapter for Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
On this momentous day, those who witnessed this grand event 25 years ago are filled with emotions. With excitement, they shared their memories with the Global Times, recounting the development and changes in Macao since its return and highlighting precious historical details. Their experiences serve as a testament to the enduring emotional connection and consistent, firm direction of development between Macao and the mainland.
This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present. Luo Weijian, a law professor at the University of Macau, views the return of Macao to the motherland and the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in the city as defining chapters in his life.
His involvement - as a member of the secretariat of Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, the Chinese representative of Sino-Portuguese Joint Liaison Group, and a member of the Preparatory Committee of the Macao SAR of the National People's Congress - has placed him at the heart of this transformative journey.
From conception to completion
Reflecting on the historic moment of Macao's return 25 years ago, Luo was struck by a poignant photo album. Among the images, one stood out: Macao residents brandishing a vast banner adorned with a single, powerful phrase in Chinese - "Returned."
"The image was stark yet profound, devoid of flamboyant eloquence, yet brimming with raw sentiment. It resonated with the simplicity of a child, long separated from his mother, on the verge of reunion; not articulating flowery expressions of enduring love, but rather, crying out with unadorned emotion," Luo remarked,
Luo recalled the trepidation that gripped through the people of Macao before the handover. "Macao faced twin challenges: A precipitous decline in public security, with crime syndicates brazenly enacting violence and arson in broad daylight, as the Portuguese authorities' departure loomed and their governance waned. Concurrently, the economy was in a tailspin, with a downward spiral since 1996 that persisted until the return."
Despite these concerns, Luo highlighted the enduring faith of citizens in Macao toward their motherland.
"The Macao compatriots harbored a steadfast belief that with the advent of a special administrative region government of their own, they were poised to surmount these adversities."
"There was no wave of emigration after Macao's return, indicating that the people in the SAR have confidence in the country," Luo stressed.
In the summer of 1988, as Luo stepped onto Macao's soil for the first time, he embarked on a historic mission: To craft the Basic Law of the Macao SAR. "The Basic Law was not just a legal document; it was the blueprint for Macao's future and the safeguard of its people's interests," Luo reflected. "We were committed to including the voices and insights of the Macao community in this foundational process."
"The journey from conception to completion of the Basic Law spanned 4 years and 5 months, and throughout this period, we engaged in three extensive public consultations, ensuring that the Basic Law resonated with the will of the people across the nation," Luo detailed.
With the Macao's Basic Law passed on March 31, 1993, Macao entered a critical post-transition phase. Luo highlighted the challenges of this period, particularly in building a civil service team that reflected Macao's demographic reality. "Initially, Macao's mid-to-senior civil service positions were predominantly occupied by Portuguese officials. Through concerted efforts, by the time of the 1999 handover, 90 percent of these roles were staffed by local Chinese residents who were deeply invested in Macao's progress. The judiciary also saw the rise of locally trained officials since 1988, the Faculty of Law of the University of Macau has been established to offer localized legal courses."
Luo pointed out that Sam Hou Fai, the Chief Executive-elect of the Macao SAR, who had joined Macao's first cohort of judicial auditors in 1995 and later presided over the Court of Final Appeal before his election campaign, was shaped by such a judicial training system.
The local legislature's unwavering dedication to national security and the well-being of Macao's residents since the city's return to China in 1999 has ensured social stability in Macao over the past 25 years, he said.
A demonstrative role
Luo considers himself both a practitioner and a beneficiary of the "one country, two systems" practice.
"Macao's implementation of 'one country, two systems' has not only been a success story but also a model for others to follow," he said.
In his daily interactions with students and residents, Luo has witnessed a profound respect for the policy that underpins Macao's governance.
"There's a clear understanding that the concept of 'one country' serves as the bedrock, supporting two social systems. This principle is not just acknowledged but deeply ingrained in Macao's society," he observed.
The past quarter-century has seen Macao flourish, thanks to the support of the motherland. Once stereotyped as a "casino city" and a setting for gangster films, Macao has reinvented itself as a dynamic economic hub. It is now lauded for its robust economic growth, low crime rates, and its commitment to public welfare, garnering global recognition.
"Macao's development has been a success story of 'one country, two systems' and such success withstood the test of history," Luo emphasizes.
Staple foods in iron pot stews styled to resemble plush toys have become a new social media buzz in Shanghai, with many netizens praising its appeal.
The most recent week, according to figures provided by e-commerce platform Meituan.com, the search volume of this form of cuisine rose over 970 percent week-on-week.
In Northeast China, iron pot stew is a popular dish for social gatherings. The staple foods are typically corn cakes and steamed buns, stewed together in the iron pot.
Many shops are now fashioning the staple food into plush toy designs with decorative eyes and mouths, resembling the British brand Jellycat, a favorite soft toy in China.
The number of restaurants that have listed “steamed buns styled like plush toys” on Meituan.com doubled in two months.
During the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in October 2024 in Milan, Italy, a remarkable exhibit of "extraterrestrial material" caught the eyes of international attendees - a grayish, seemingly unattractive piece of dirt, yet it marked the first global display of the first sample collected from the far side of the moon.
Guests gathered around the display case, some leaning in for a closer look and others taking photos to commemorate the moment when they were finally able to see the true appearance of lunar regolith.
This remarkable feat was accomplished by China's Chang'e-6 mission in June 2024, showcasing the country's steadily advancing aerospace capabilities that earned international recognition. Yet, this is just one of many significant accomplishments China's space sector has delivered this year.
In 2024, driven by the "dual engine" of its "national team" and the booming commercial space sector, China has excelled in the number of rocket launches, satellite networking, technological innovation, commercial space development and international cooperation, Tan Yonghua, a senior expert of China's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology, told the Global Times.
On December 18, the Chinese Academy of Engineering released the "Global Engineering Frontiers 2024" report. Among them, the Chang'e-6 mission and China's progress in its low Earth orbit communication satellite constellation were selected as two of the "Top Ten Global Engineering Achievements in 2024" in the aerospace field.
Embracing the future, Tan highlighted the potential of deeper collaboration between the state and private sector, citing the recent adoption of a cargo spacecraft design that was for the first time selected from non-traditional state aerospace entities. "This innovative competitive mechanism not only opens a new chapter in China's aerospace history but also lays the foundation for future low-cost space exploration. At the same time, fully leveraging the potential of private aerospace and integrating it with national capabilities will inject more vitality into China's aerospace endeavors," Tan said.
Highlights of the year
Since the Tiangong Space Station entered its normalized application and operation phase, it welcomed four missions in 2024 - two crewed missions and two cargo supplies - while seeing two crew rotations of some of the youngest faces of the post-90s generation, one of them being China's first female spaceflight engineer.
Most recently, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, part of the three-person Shenzhou-19 crew, spent more than nine hours spacewalking outside Tiangong on Tuesday, proudly leaving their names in human spaceflight history as they broke the previous duration record for a single extravehicular activity, which was set by NASA astronauts in March 2001, according to a report by space.com.
As for moon exploration and related works, apart from the globally acclaimed Chang'e-6 mission, studies related to Chang'e-5 also saw new advances and breakthroughs in 2024, including the discovery of the sixth new lunar mineral, named Changesite-(Y), which makes China the third country in the world to have identified a new mineral on the lunar surface, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
In the advancement of new rockets, China in December witnessed the maiden flight of the Long March-12, China's most powerful single-core rocket to date. It has potential for reusability and can effectively enhance China's capability to place satellites into sun-synchronous orbits and improve the networking capabilities of low Earth orbit constellations, Kang Guohua, a senior member of the Chinese Society of Astronautics and a professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the Global Times.
In 2024, China actively carried out international cooperation. Dedicated to building an open and shared scientific platform for joint construction, the International Lunar Research Station initiated by China further expanded its "friend circle," so far attracting more than 10 countries and over 40 international institutions to sign cooperation agreements.
A more vibrant commercial space sector
During this year's "Double-11" shopping spree, two tickets for commercial space tourism scheduled for 2027 sold rapidly during a livestream event on China's e-commerce giant Taobao at the end of October. With a price of 1 million yuan ($137 thousand) each, the suborbital manned spacecraft will be launched with reusable carrier rocket Nebula-1 to be developed by private space firm Deep Blue Aerospace.
The event triggered intense discussions across Chinese social media platforms, reflecting an ever-strong passion and expectation that people hold toward the development of the country's commercial space industry.
With the inauguration of the Hainan commercial space launch site, China's first of its kind, the "last piece of the commercial space puzzle" has finally come together - the five essential elements, namely satellite manufacturing, launch services, satellite measurement, satellite utilization and launch facilities, Kang said.
Meanwhile, China's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation was officially unveiled with the Qianfan project taking the lead. Independently developed by Shanghai-based company Spacesail, it aims to establish a network of over 15,000 LEO wide-screen multimedia satellites to provide broadband communication and internet access services, the company said.
On December 5, 2024, the third batch of Qianfan constellation networking satellites was sent into orbit. With a single launch comprising 18 satellites, the total number of the "Chinese version of Starlink" has reached 54 satellites.
Moreover, the technology for reusable rockets continues to advance, as several commercial space companies have successfully completed rocket recovery tests.
However, highlights exist side by side with lessons learned. In July, Tianlong-3, also known as the Chinese "Falcon 9 equivalent," accidentally detached from its launch pad during its static fire test due to structural failure, resulting in an unintended launch. It landed in a hilly area in Central China's Henan Province and caused a fire, Xinhua reported.
"The incident serves as a wake-up call for commercial aerospace, prompting the industry to strengthen the formulation and implementation of regulations and standards," Tan told the Global Times.
Aiming for the moon, Mars, and farther
The China Manned Space Agency in October announced the 2030 target for China's grand lunar crewed landing. In order to achieve this goal, China's crewed lunar rover entered the initial prototype R&D stage in November this year. Other relevant work for the manned lunar landing is progressing smoothly, with the Long March-10 carrier rocket, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, the Lanyue lunar lander and the lunar landing spacesuit all in the initial sample production and ground testing phases as planned.
Apart from putting humans on the moon, China is planning to build the International Lunar Research Station by around 2035, according to the China National Space Administration. Two missions are expected to lay the groundwork, with the Chang'e-7 mission scheduled in 2026 and the Chang'e-8 mission around 2028.
Not only will there be wireless networks and energy on the moon, but growing vegetables may become feasible, scientists said. With simulated lunar soil bricks sent to space for verification, the development team disclosed that they are considering shaping the base into an egg-shaped habitat on the Earth's neighbor, the Global Times has learned.
Next year, China plans to send a probe to a near-Earth asteroid to retrieve samples as part of the Tianwen-2 mission, with the aim of revealing the formation and evolution process of asteroids and the early history of the solar system.
The Tianwen-3 mission is expected to launch around 2030 to collect Martian samples to study the planet's environment. For the Tianwen-4 mission also scheduled for 2030, China eyes exploring the Jovian system to study the evolutionary history of Jupiter and its moons, and unravel the mysteries of Jupiter's space environment and internal structure, Xinhua reported.
Two travelers concealing luxury goods and jewelry in their luggage, carrying a yellow paper with the words "Customs all blind talisman" in the hope of evading customs inspection, were recently seized by customs officers in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, China's General Administration of Customs reported.
Customs officers at Hangzhou International Airport recorded anomalies in the baggage screening images of the two travelers who chose the green channel to enter the country.
Officers then found an excessive amount of luxury handbags, scarves and clothing in the luggage. Several pieces of jewelry were concealed on their pants pockets.
The two travelers admitted that all items were branded goods, which were purchased abroad and would be resold at a profit in China.
They posed as strangers and used separate packages, and created a yellow paper writing "Customs all blind talisman," with the words "frequent sales and safe clearance," in hopes of earning more money and avoiding detection.
