Q: The US presidential election results are out and Republican candidate Donald Trump has won the election. What is China's comment?

A: We respect the choice of the American people and congratulate Mr. Trump on being elected as president of the United States.

Naval forces of Indonesia and Russia began their first joint military training drills in the Java Sea on Monday, Reuters reported, citing analysts as saying that this "shows the Southeast Asian country's willingness to befriend any country."

Chinese experts said on Monday that Indonesia's independent foreign policy, which seeks to foster positive relations with nations including China, the US, and Russia without aligning with any specific side, benefits Indonesia's national autonomy by prioritizing and safeguarding its own interests.

The five-day drills will take place in two phases at a naval base in Surabaya and in the Java Sea. Russia has sent three corvette class warships, a medium tanker ship, a military helicopter, and a tug boat, the Indonesian Navy said in a statement, AFP reported.

ASEAN, which Indonesia is a member of, held joint exercises with Russia in 2021, but Jakarta had never held drills alone with Moscow before this week, according to AFP.

The joint exercise comes as Indonesia's newly-inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto has pledged closer ties with Russia on defense, in his bid to forge ties with any country as part of his country's long-held non-alignment foreign policy, read the Reuter's report.

AFP quoted analysts as saying that the "joint exercises signal Prabowo is beginning a significant foreign policy shift, pledging to boost Jakarta's alliances with major powers."

"Indonesia is committed to an independent foreign policy, rather than dependent diplomatic strategies. As the global landscape continues to evolve, Indonesia is increasingly recognizing the importance of emerging countries like itself taking on a more prominent role within the international system, and this means they should not be subject to the US' pressure to take sides," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Monday.

Indonesia's foreign policy is characterized by diversification, seeking to maintain positive relations with countries including China, the US, and Russia, while avoiding alignment with any particular side, Song said, noting that this strategy is advantageous for Indonesia's national autonomy and the development of its foreign policy, as taking sides would likely result in the loss of more valuable opportunities.

"This is also beneficial for maintaining peace and stability in the region," Song said.

In addition to Indonesia, many ASEAN countries have adopted an independent and autonomous foreign policy, particularly a diplomatic approach that emphasizes balancing relations with major powers, Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, told the Global Times on Monday.

According to Free Malaysia Today on November 1, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is on a working visit to China from Monday to Thursday, has revealed that he recently rejected a call by the top US diplomat to stop being friendly with Russia by saying "We are an independent, sovereign country; we make decisions for our people and our nation."

Many ASEAN countries do not take sides; instead, they pursue foreign policies that prioritize the protection of their own national interests, Gu said.

China and Slovakia have decided to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and strong momentum into bilateral cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said while meeting with visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Friday.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, Xi said that after three-quarters of a century of development, the traditional friendship between the two countries is full of vitality, and the cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

"We have decided to elevate China-Slovakia relations to a strategic partnership, which meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and powerful momentum into bilateral cooperation," Xi said, adding that China is willing to work together with Slovakia to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and lift their ties to a higher level.

China has decided to grant 15-day visa-free entry to Slovak citizens, Xi added.

China attaches great importance to China-EU relations, Xi said, adding that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and China-EU relations should demonstrate due maturity and stability.

For his part, Fico said Slovakia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government representing all of China.

Slovakia appreciates China's decision to grant Slovak citizens the 15-day visa-free treatment, Fico said. Slovakia supports facilitating people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country and strengthen cooperation in areas such as new energy and infrastructure, he added.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi expounded on China's consistent principle and position, commending Slovakia for adopting an objective, rational and impartial stance. He welcomed Slovakia, as well as more like-minded countries, to play a positive role in promoting peace talks.

The two governments on Friday released a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership. It said that friendship and cooperation have always been the mainstream of bilateral relations and are in line with the common and long-term interests of the two peoples.

During the visit, Fico also met Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held talks with Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar on Friday. Wang said that Fico's visit is rich in content and fruitful.

Pragmatic cooperation

In the current complex geopolitical environment, the elevation of relations between China and Slovakia holds significant positive implications, said Yan Shaohua, a research associate professor at the Center for China-Europe Relations, Fudan University.

He noted that due to the trade frictions and renewal of the leadership in the EU's main institutions, China-EU relations have experienced some twists and turns. The elevation of China-Slovakia relations helps improve political trust between China and Central and Eastern European nations, while also sending a positive signal that both sides are eager to stabilize their bilateral relations, Yan said.

Amid Europe's current economic challenges, Central and Eastern European countries are seeking to attract Chinese investment and pursue high-tech cooperation as a path for future growth. Slovakia's unique strengths in traditional automobile manufacturing, electromechanical products, and the chemical industry offer promising conditions for collaboration with China, said Zhao Junjie, senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

According to a release from the Slovak government's press office, in addition to visiting Beijing, Prime Minister Fico will travel to Hefei in East China's Anhui Province to visit Chinese battery maker Gotion, and travel to Shanghai to attend the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo.

The locations in East China that Fico will visit are known for their rapid economic development and leading role in driving China's innovation, said Zhao, noting the potential for expanding cooperation on electric vehicles (EVs) and battery production.

Cooperation between China and Slovakia in areas such as automobile manufacturing, electromechanical products, and high technology not only benefits countries like Slovakia but also provides opportunities to strengthen China-EU relations. Fico's visit is expected to yield meaningful results and conducive to improving and stabilizing these ties, said the expert.

Yan also noted that the meeting between Xi and Fico will have a positive impact on China-EU relations. Despite the EU's decision to impose tariffs on imports of Chinese EVs, negotiations between the two sides are still ongoing, and Slovakia holds significant influence within the European automotive supply chain.

The China Manned Space Agency announced that the Shenzhou-19 manned spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module of the China Space Station at the front port at 11 am on Wednesday, completing the rendezvous and docking in about 6.5 hours.

Next, the three Shenzhou-19 crew members will enter the Tianhe core module, where the Shenzhou-18 crew has prepared to welcome the new arrivals, the CMSA said.

China urges the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop its dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Saturday.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a reporter's query that the U.S. Defense Department on Oct. 26 announced that the U.S. State Department has approved 1.988 billion U.S. dollars in arms sales to Taiwan, including the "National Advanced Surface-to-air Missile Systems" and radar systems.

The U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The sales seriously infringe upon China's sovereignty and security interests, harm China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and send a gravely wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, the spokesperson said.

China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the sales and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side, the spokesperson noted.

The U.S. decision to use Taiwan to contain China and help advance "Taiwan independence" agenda by arming Taiwan goes against the U.S. leaders' commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence" and the two sides' effort of stabilizing the China-U.S. relations, the spokesperson said.

China urges the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop the dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the spokesperson said. China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, smart manufacturing… The major concerns of the current international science and technology community were extensively discussed during the three-day World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) held from Tuesday to Thursday in Beijing.

With the theme "Science and Technology for the Future," the forum attracted more than 350 scientists from 33 countries and regions, including Nobel Prize laureates, officials, and representatives from the United Nations and other international organizations, to exchange insights on solutions for global sustainable development.

The forum was initiated by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in 2019. That year, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the inaugural forum, expressing his hope that the forum would evolve into a platform that facilitates consensus-building, idea exchanges, and deepened cooperation among global scientists, educators and entrepreneurs, contributing to global development.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday met with a group of foreign scientists attending this year's forum. Ding said that China will steadfastly advocate and practice open, fair, just and non-discriminatory international cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Deepened international exchange and cooperation, and the promotion of sustainable development through sci-tech innovation are urgently needed to address important global issues, and to meet the expectations of the global sci-tech community and people in all countries, Ding said.

"The more complex the international environment is, the more open China will be," Ding said.

"Over the last five years, the forum has actively built a platform for civil technological exchanges and continuously helped expand international technological cooperation. This platform not only embodies the world's shared vision for technological progress, but also carries the global common dream for the diversity of global civilizations and the sustainable development of humanity," President of CAST Wan Gang, who is also the chairman of WSTDF 2024, said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the forum on Tuesday.

Looking into the future, we hope that everyone will continue to share insights and wisdom in the spirit of "working together for a common goal," with a philosophy of win-win cooperation and open and inclusive mindset, contributing technological strength and solutions for global sustainable development, and jointly promoting the construction of a community of shared future for mankind, Wan noted.

Executive Vice Chairman of WSTDF 2024 and Executive President of CAST He Junke hosted the opening ceremony.
Innovative governance for AI

AI governance was one of the two major topics of global attendees at this year's forum.

On the first day of the forum, a thematic session on "AI Governance Innovation: Building an International Trust Foundation for Cultivating the Ecology of Science and Technology Governance" was held to share the latest technological trends, industrial applications, and scenario expansions. The session also focused on technology governance, enhancing consensus and mutual trust, and promoting the formation of a collaborative effort for global AI governance.

The session coincided with newly heightened global attention on the regulation and ethical use of AI, reflecting the deep contemplation of various countries, regions, and international organizations on the balance between technological innovation and security.

In his speech, Wan urged the international science and technology community to prioritize research on AI-driven science. He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to foster high-quality development and called for collaborative efforts to enhance the convergence and coordination of relevant laws, regulations, standards, and norms.

"Innovation drives development. The world is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of technological innovation. In particular, AI technologies, represented by large models, are advancing rapidly and leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. The WSTDF brings together experts and scholars from the fields of science, industry, and education to exchange ideas and build consensus. This is of great significance for promoting cooperation and sharing, as well as jointly advancing innovative development," Wang Haifeng, chief technology officer of Baidu and head of the National Engineering Research Center of Deep Learning Technology and Application, told the Global Times.

The recent announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prizes marked a historical moment, as both awards in Physics and Chemistry were awarded to achievements related to AI, heralding the dawn of an AI-driven era in scientific discovery.

As AI continues to engage with and empower various industries, its intersection and integration with an increasing number of disciplines are poised to bring about transformative changes in scientific research paradigms. I believe that future Nobel Prizes will increasingly recognize contributions related to AI. This prestigious acknowledgment will draw greater attention and resources to the field, further accelerating the rapid advancement of AI technology. Ultimately, this progress will yield more sophisticated technologies that enhance human life and promote societal advancement, Wang noted.

Executive Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations Ashok Kumar Basa echoed Wang while emphasizing security management over AI technologies.

"The benefits of AI are innumerable. AI can drastically transform lifestyles. The life will be much easier. But what I am rather emphasizing is, when we are excited about the help from AI, let us not forget the danger it can pose with the example of a nuclear bomb. That's a word of caution," Basa told the Global Times.
Interdisciplinary cooperation for climate change

Jiao Nianzhi, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chief scientist at the Global Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions (Global ONCE), introduced the indispensable role of oceans in regulating the Earth's climate, and the Global ONCE program's aim and prospects during a thematic session on Interdisciplinary Science-Based Solutions Towards Sustainable Development on Wednesday.

Covering 71 percent of the Earth's surface and possessing a carbon reservoir nearly 50 times larger than the atmospheric carbon reservoir, oceans are crucial in mitigating global warming through carbon absorption and heat regulation. However, intensified human activities are putting unprecedented pressure on marine ecosystems, leading to issues such as ocean acidification and biodiversity loss, which directly affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity. Therefore, protecting and restoring the ocean's negative emission capacity has become a critical direction in addressing climate change, according to Jiao.

Against this backdrop, the interdisciplinary integration of marine disciplines with others has become an inevitable trend. Cross-disciplinary research among marine science, environmental science, ecology, economics, engineering, and other fields can not only broaden and deepen our understanding of marine negative emission mechanisms, but also drive technological innovation, leading to more efficient and sustainable carbon reduction and carbon sequestration solutions. This interdisciplinary collaboration mode can not only foster the creation of new productive forces but also provide new ideas for global sustainable development.

Empowered by the idea of "interdisciplinary integration to create new productive forces," the Global ONCE program aims to gather the wisdom of top scientists and engineers worldwide, leveraging the advantages of interdisciplinary integration to deeply explore the processes and mechanisms of ocean negative emissions and develop a comprehensive ocean negative emission solution based on Chinese practices, while aiming for global promotion. This solution will cover various aspects such as pollution reduction, carbon reduction, carbon sequestration, actively promoting the establishment and implementation of international standards, achieving international consensus, and striving for an international voice, seeking synergistic effects to provide powerful scientific and technological support for a global response to climate change, according to Jiao.

The Global ONCE program, launched by Jiao, is part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-30).

Addressing climate change and achieving global sustainable development are long-term and arduous tasks. The Global ONCE is not only a scientific exploration process, but also carries the expectations and responsibilities of all sectors of society for the protection of the shared future for mankind. I believe that through joint efforts, we will overcome many difficulties and jointly create a better, harmonious, and sustainable future, Jiao stressed.

International coordination for shared tomorrow

Since its establishment in 2019, the WSTDF has continuously played a positive role in promoting international technological exchanges and enhancing technological innovation capabilities.

In recent years, the unstable trade environment and escalating political tensions within the international community have hindered prospects for international technological cooperation. In this context, countries around the world must enhance open collaboration in science and technology. With its timing, the WSTDF 2024 is playing an active role in global governance, fostering international technological exchange and cooperation, and collectively addressing both opportunities and challenges. It offers valuable insights into current trends in technological development and exemplifies China's commitment to an innovation-driven development strategy, as well as its vision of building a community of shared future for mankind, guests told the Global Times.

Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for East Asia Shahbaz Khan deemed that this year's WSTDF could help promote science and technology for sustainable development, especially for the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-33) proclamation the UN announced in August, while also promoting shared prosperity and people-to-people exchanges around the world.

As a leading country in science and technology, China has engaged in extensive exchanges and cooperation with numerous countries and international organizations, striving to ensure that technology benefits all of humanity and demonstrating an open and inclusive attitude along with a determination to tackle global challenges together.

These efforts help provide what is absolutely necessary to build a base for developing countries in the Global South to progress to the next level of development. UNESCO is very proud to partner with China, Khan told the Global Times.

The forum will further enhance the international community's consensus on technological cooperation and promote the in-depth sustainable development of international technological cooperation. At this stage, it is especially important to help the international scientific and technological community better understand China's concept of international scientific and technological cooperation. A China-hosted event like the WSTDF will further promote China's "three global initiatives" and the concept of building a community of shared future for mankind, thereby forming a better atmosphere for international scientific and technological collaboration, Liang Huaixin, an expert in international relations from the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged representatives of students participating in China International College Students' Innovation Competition 2024 to promote the spirit of science and actively engage in technological innovation.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a reply letter to them. 

China stands ready to maintain communication with South Korea on its nomination of new ambassador to promote sound and steady growth of China-South Korea relations, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday in response to South Korea naming the former chief of staff of the president as the new South Korean Ambassador to China. 

Mao Ning, spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks at a routine press conference, saying that "ambassadors act as bridges for the growth of relations between countries."

According to the Korea Times, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol decided to name his former chief of staff Kim Dae-ki as the new ambassador to China, his office said.

South Korean presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk announced the decision at a press briefing, saying Kim was chosen for his "abundant policy experience" in economic cooperation with China.

Not only has he delved into China's society, history and culture with a deep interest in South Korea-China relations, mostly concerning economic issues, but he also speaks advanced Chinese, Chung said.

Kim is expected to not only coKim was Yoon's first chief of staff from May 2022 until December 2023, according to the Korea Times.

Lü Chao, a research fellow on Northeast Asia studies at Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday that the nomination shows that Yoon really wants to fix and improve ties with China, as Kim is a core member of Yoon's decision-making group, and his experience in the fields of economy and trade and the pragmatic exchanges that he had with China in the past will greatly help him do a better job than his predecessor in China. 

"We have noticed that Yoon made some positive remarks on China-South Korea relations recently, and we hope South Korea can take concrete actions to respect China's core interests and build a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation," Lü noted. 

Jimmy Chiang Chi Bun and the boys from the Vienna Boys Choir’s Haydn Choir salute the audience during a concert in China in October 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Chen Hui
As one of the most prestigious performance groups in the world, the Vienna Boys Choir boasts a history of over 500 years, with performances across the globe. In 2013, the choir welcomed its first Chinese conductor, Jimmy Chiang Chi Bun. 

The conductor and pianist from Hong Kong leads the Vienna Boys Choir’s Haydn Choir, striving to bring the beauty of classical music from Europe to Chinese audiences, while also hoping to introduce more international listeners to the charm of Chinese music.

Chiang began his strict musical training at an early age, learning piano at just four years old and making his first stage appearance at five. Although his parents were not professional musicians, their deep passion for music laid a strong foundation for his future career. 

Growing up in Hong Kong, Chiang later pursued further studies in Europe and America, studying under several world-renowned music masters, including instructors from the German, Russian, and Austrian schools. 

In an interview with the Global Times, he shared that his musical journey blends Eastern and Western elements, making it "richer compared to many others."

Spreading Chinese culture through music

"You come from the snowy mountains, spring tides are your style; you rush toward the East China Sea, roaring waves reflect your spirit..."

During the National Day holidayS, the young singers from Vienna performed Song of the Yangtze River at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of Beijing. Dressed in their iconic sailor uniforms and singing in classical vocals, they amazed the Chinese audience, who responded with thunderous applause.

Before performing this song, the children showcased the delicate Yunnan folk song The Flowing Stream with their gentle voices. 

The contrast between subtlety and grandeur complemented each other, deeply moving the audience.

Foreign ensembles touring China often perform Chinese songs outside their standard repertoire, but Chiang, as a conductor from Chinese background, makes more thoughtful selections. 

He told the Global Times that he usually chooses Chinese folk songs that carry cultural significance, in line with the theme of the tour. "For instance, for this tour, I thought the theme was 'From the Danube to the Yangtze River,' so I chose ‘Song of the Yangtze River’ as a representative Chinese piece," he explained. 

For Chiang, this is not only a cultural bridge between China and Austria, but also a way for foreign audiences to understand Chinese culture through music.

Since leading the Vienna Boys Choir on its first tour of China in 2015, Chiang has incorporated Chinese music into their performances. The Haydn choir, besides singing the internationally famous “Jasmine Flower,” also performed the Cantonese song “Moonlight” and the Hebei folk song “To the Flowers.” 

This fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions delighted audiences. "I was born in Hong Kong, and ‘Moonlight’ was a nursery rhyme from my childhood. My mother taught me this song when I was just one year old," Chiang recalled.

In 2018, Chiang led the choir in recording a performance of “I Love You, China,” which aired on China Central Television. The video went viral, becoming a widely discussed topic. Reflecting on the song, Chiang said it expressed a deep love for China and showcased Chinese music’s influence on the international stage. "Most of our choir members do not speak Chinese, but they truly felt the emotion behind the music," he noted.

‘China’s development impresses me’

In September and October this year, Chiang once again led his choir on a tour of China, their first visit in several years. The tour covered more than a dozen cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Guangzhou. 

Looking back on a decade of performances across China, Chiang remarked on the noticeable changes in the country each time he returns, particularly in infrastructure and urban landscapes. "From big cities to smaller towns, China’s pace and scale of development are astonishing," he said.

Chiang also observed that Chinese audiences’ appreciation for international art troupes has been growing. "Especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the audience reactions are very enthusiastic," he said. 

However, in some smaller cities, audiences are still getting accustomed to choral performances, requiring more time to understand and accept the art form. "This is one of the reasons why cultural exchanges are so important."

He also highlighted the cultural potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, noting that this region has vast opportunities for artistic exchange. As an international cultural bridge, Hong Kong can drive cultural cooperation and development across the Greater Bay Area, Chiang said. 

"Hong Kong’s rich experience in international musical exchanges provides great conditions for the collaborative growth of this region. By strengthening cooperation, we can further promote traditional music exchange and cultivate a deeper musical appreciation among audiences in the Greater Bay Area," he said. 

As the first Chinese conductor of the Vienna Boys Choir, Chiang found one challenge he need to face is upholding the choir’s 500-year tradition while maintaining its high standards. 

He noted that conducting a children’s choir is similar to working with adult orchestras in many ways, though children’s shorter attention spans require him to use more concise language and methods. "I’ve learned how to communicate the essence of the music more efficiently, which has also boosted my confidence when rehearsing with adult orchestras," he explained.

Chiang, who excels in both orchestral and operatic fields, shared that Western music education focuses on creativity and expressiveness, while he brings the Asian spirit of "hard work and discipline" to the choir’s training. "Our children come from diverse cultural backgrounds, but I hope they can find resonance in the music. For them, music is not just an art form but also a means of communication and understanding." 

He believes that music, as an art form that transcends language, serves as the best cultural bridge.

Chen Hui and Zhang Yunyi contributed to the story

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, expressed the hope that France will view China-EU economic and trade relations with a positive and open attitude, encourage the EU side to meet China halfway, and play a constructive role in consultation and negotiations between the two sides.

Wang made those remarks Thursday during phone talks with French President's Diplomatic Counselor Emmanuel Bonne.