As the world's second-largest and one of the fastest-growing economies, China has a vibrant and vast market, and continues to provide new opportunities for the world through new developments. As China continuous to develop, its biomedical industry is undergoing an important phase. Strategic opportunities are attracting more multinational pharmaceutical companies to expand their footprint in China, demonstrating the strong pull of the country's market. Following Bayer's first innovation center's establishment in Beijing in 2023, Bayer Co.Lab China, a global life sciences co-creation platform, celebrated its grand opening in Shanghai on September 26. At this point, Bayer's "innovation double engine" in China's cutting-edge life sciences sector has been officially completed, giving the Chinese market a "vote of confidence" with its actions, marking a new step forward in Bayer's innovation strategy in China.
Guests unveiled Bayer Co.Lab China, from left: Friedemann Janus, Senior Vice President, Head of Regional Business Development & Licensing, Co.Lab and Divestitures, Pharmaceuticals Division at Bayer; Wu Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee, Deputy Governor of Pudong New Area, and Deputy Director of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration; Sebastian Guth, Chief Operating Officer of Bayer Pharmaceuticals; Zhu Zhisong, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Secretary of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee, and Director of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration; Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development, Licensing and Open Innovation at Bayer AG's Pharmaceuticals Division; Seth Ettenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of BlueRock Therapeutics; and Gustavo Pesquin, Chief Executive Officer of AskBio.

The "Bayer Yizhuang Open Innovation Center" aims to deepen the integration of production, academics and research. It seeks to accelerate pioneering fields of the biomedical industry, such as cell and gene therapies, and help upgrade the local biopharmaceutical industry. As part of Bayer's global strategic innovation ecosystem, the Bayer Co.Lab co-creation platform will provide exclusive space and tailored support services for Chinese startups, promote open innovation and collaboration in the biotech ecosystem and play an important part of Bayer's efforts to promote local R&D and innovation throughout the whole chain. Bayer Co.Lab China will empower eight to 10 start-ups, focusing on state-of-the-art innovations, including cell and gene therapies, oncology and new technology platforms. Previously, Bayer Co.Lab has been strategically deployed in innovation hotspots around the world, such as the United States, Japan and Germany.

Open collaboration empowers source innovation in whole chain

Bayer Co.Lab China relies on the dominant position of China's local pharmaceutical industry cluster and the resources of the whole industry chain. It is located in Shanghai Innovation (SH-INNO), which hosts first-class universities and top scientific research institutions. With the open, shared and collaborative innovation of the industrial ecosystem around SH-INNO, Bayer Co.Lab will provide end-to-end full-chain support for residents, helping local companies improve their sci-tech innovation-sourcing capabilities in advanced areas, such as cell and gene therapies, and empower local innovation.

Co.Lab China will not only provide an ideal co-creation space for residents but will also leverage Bayer's global R&D network and expertise to help biotech startups connect to a global innovation collaboration network, providing international perspectives and resources. Bayer Co.Lab China hosts a wealth of internal and external expert resources to accelerate innovation transformation through professional guidance and consultation. As an important component of Bayer's open innovation strategy, Co.Lab China will not only inject new momentum into Bayer's global R&D and innovation but also will become an important window for the globalization of China's innovation.

"China has become an important source of innovation in global life sciences," said Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development, Licensing and Open Innovation at Bayer AG's Pharmaceuticals Division. "We are honored to bring the Bayer Co.Lab platform to China, and we hope that through multiparty collaboration, we can quickly identify and drive early-stage innovations to jointly explore solutions to major health problems and unmet medical needs, so that more ideas can be put into practice in China."
Expand footprint, dive into innovation and development of China's pharmaceutical industry

Bayer has long regarded the Chinese market as one of the most resilient growth engines in the world. With more than 140 years of experience in China, Bayer has continued to expand its innovation footprint. In 1995, Bayer Pharmaceuticals established a production and packaging plant in Beijing - the company's first of its kind in China - and continued to invest heavily in expansion, greatly increasing the Beijing site's production capacity. In 2009, Bayer established a global R&D center for prescription drugs in Beijing. Through this R&D center, China is included in more than 80 percent of Bayer's pivotal multicenter clinical trials, including early and late-stage clinical development programs. After nearly 30 years of development, Bayer is the only biomedical company in Beijing with an output value exceeding 10 billion yuan （$1.42 billion） for 11 consecutive years. It is also one of the few foreign-funded enterprises in Beijing that has both a "world-class product supply center" and a "global R&D center".

In addition, by deepening its strategic partnerships with well-known local academic institutions, especially Tsinghua University and Peking University, Bayer is committed to accelerating the transformation of basic research results into new drug R&D, and helping to improve China's pharmaceutical R&D and innovation capabilities. To date, Bayer has carried out more than 100 joint research projects with these two universities. These partnerships have become a model of collaborative development and innovation of "industry-university research" in China's domestic pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

The scale of China's biomedical market ranks second in the world, and the pipelines of pharmaceutical innovation ranks among the top of the world's second echelon. Its drug research and industrial development are entering a new stage of innovation and are consequently leapfrogging. As for cell and gene therapies, oncology and other innovative areas, China has shown great potential and innovative vitality, and occupies an increasingly important position in the global pharmaceutical industry chain.

Based on a deep understanding of China's pharmaceutical innovation potential and a strong recognition of local innovative forces, Bayer's Co.Lab's growth in China marks another major move by Bayer to increase its investment in innovation in the country, demonstrating its firm determination to take root in the Chinese market. Bayer will continue to enhance local collaboration to accelerate innovation and co-creation in China, work with more local companies to promote innovation and development in the medical and health industry in China and even the world, further stimulate the innovative vitality of China's pharmaceutical industry and attain a stronger footing in the global pharmaceutical innovation stage.

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About Bayer

Bayer is a global company with core competencies in health and agriculture in the life sciences sector. The company is committed to helping people and the planet thrive through products and services that help people overcome the major challenges posed by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainability and making a positive impact on its business. At the same time, the Group is also improving profitability and creating value through technological innovation and business growth. Globally, the Bayer brand stands for trustworthiness, reliability and quality. In fiscal 2023, Bayer will have approximately 100,000 employees and sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D investment, excluding special projects, amounted to EUR 5.8 billion. See www.bayer.com for more information.

Having walked through yesterday, New China has undergone monumental changes and a transformation. Today, it continues to evolve with vigor and vitality, and while the journey ahead remains challenging, the future is promising.

Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been the collective aspiration of the Chinese people since modern times. Not long after the founding of New China in 1949, our Party set forth the goal of building a modern socialist country.

The path we choose determines our destiny, and the path changes destiny.

In the past 75 years, New China evolved from a nation of poverty and weakness to one that has completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, embarking on a new journey of fully building a modern socialist country. The Chinese nation has made a significant leap, progressing from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. "The fundamental reason is that we have found a correct path that suits China's national conditions, conforms to the trends of the times and enjoys the support of the people. The path is socialism with Chinese characteristics." 　

Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted: "Promoting the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization is not only a bright road for the Chinese people to pursue a better and happier life, but also a just one to promote world peace and development." This significant conclusion contains profound historical, theoretical, and practical logic.

By 2035, we will basically realize socialist modernization, and we will build China into a great modern socialist country from 2035 through the middle of the 21st century. The 20th National Congress of the CPC held in 2022 made a macro-outlook on the "two-step" strategic plan and introduced key theoretical innovations - summarizing and deeply elaborating on the theory of Chinese modernization.

In planning and deploying reforms aligned with the Party's central mission, the resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee pointed out: "As Chinese modernization has been advanced continuously through reform and opening-up, it will surely embrace broader horizons through further reform and opening-up."

Our rich history and profound civilization serve as the foundation of our confidence and strength. Having walked through a glorious journey and moving toward a bright future, we will unite to gather strength, and through hard work, we will achieve great accomplishments. Together, we will write a magnificent chapter of Chinese modernization, filled with confidence and determination.

The expedition driven by dreams has never feared the mountains and rivers, nor has it been daunted by difficulties and dangers.

In the Wumeng Mountains, the North Panjiang River flows swiftly through deep gorges. To traverse these mountains, three bridges have been constructed over the years.

In 1970, a suspension bridge was constructed; in 1990, a steel plate bridge was built on top of the suspension bridge; and in December 2016, the world's highest bridge - the Beipan Bridge - was completed and opened to traffic, turning the chasm into a vital thoroughfare.

Since the beginning of the new era, China has successively tackled world-class challenges in areas such as super-large bridges, long tunnels, rapid island construction, and roads in special geological conditions, achieving a series of "world-leading" milestones in expressway development. The terms "Chinese roads," "Chinese bridges," and "Chinese tunnels" have become shining symbols of the country.

The evolution of roads reflects "epic progress" over the past 75 years, symbolizing the steadfast journey of an ancient nation toward rejuvenation. It is precisely by courageous advancing along the path of Chinese modernization that we have achieved rare "two great miracles" and unveiled a bright prospect for national rejuvenation.

A road is not merely a physical passage but also a reflection of the times.

Today in China, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge establishes a world-class standard, the G60 Science and Technology Innovation Corridor in the Yangtze River Delta fosters innovative elements, Anhui Province's "Quantum Avenue" has evolved from being a follower to a leader, the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway in Xinjiang creates a "happy road" across the desert, and the ancient Silk Road radiates with new brilliance in this era…

The road of upward climbing and forward advancement interlinks the diverse developments of the new era, weaving a beautiful tapestry of life. Navigating uphill struggles and overcoming obstacles, we carve out new paths. When faced with mountains, we build roads, and when encountering water, we build bridges, thus establishing thoroughfares. Each day in the new era brings us nearer to new horizons.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC held in 2012, based on the long-term exploration and practice since the founding of New China, particularly following the reform and opening-up, our Party has successfully advanced and broadened Chinese modernization, instilling a sense of confidence among hundreds of millions of people that "we are on the right path."

This globally noteworthy Chinese path provides a more comprehensive institutional guarantee, a more solid material foundation, and a more dynamic spiritual force for building a strong nation and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The advantages of the "Chinese system" have turned out to be ever more apparent. The system has enhanced the Party's leadership structure, clarifying the boundaries of government power with "power lists" and "responsibility lists," and integrating the work of the Party and the state into a legal framework, and utilizing institutional strength to respond to risks and challenges. The advantages of socialism with Chinese characteristics are continuously evolving into governance effectiveness.

The quality of "Chinese development" is gaining increasing recognition. The total economic output has risen from 53.9 trillion yuan in 2012 to more than 126 trillion yuan in 2023, with the overall scale of manufacturing remaining the largest in the world for 14 consecutive years. This reflects not only a leap in "quantity" but also an improvement in "quality." China is charting a path of higher quality, increased efficiency, and more equitable, sustainable, and safer development.

The power of the "Chinese spirit" is on the rise. Whether competing in the Olympic Games to bring glory to the nation, advancing in times of crisis, honing skills at the grass-roots level, or leading the way in innovation, the dedication of hundreds of millions of people to the practice of reform and development reveals the rich heritage of remarkable traditional Chinese culture, the open and inclusive spirit of China, and the determination, resilience, and confidence of the Chinese people.

In this process, our Party adheres to the "two combinations" and has established Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, providing fundamental guidance for Chinese modernization.

The automotive industry is universally acknowledged as one of the most important indicators of a country's manufacturing strength. At the founding of New China, we were unable to produce one single car.

By 2023, China's automobile production and sales both exceeded 30 million units, making the country the world's largest automobile producer and consumer for 15 years running, and it has also become the largest automobile exporter globally. In the first eight months of 2024, the production and sales of new-energy vehicles in China rose by 29 percent and 30.9 percent year-on-year, respectively.

Through hard work and perseverance, progressing through reform and opening-up, and striving in the tide of the new era, practice has fully demonstrated that Chinese modernization is a broad avenue for building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation, and the avenue will continue to expand.

To achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the path is of utmost importance. Chinese modernization is the only correct path for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation, which has been opened up by the Party leading the people.

More than 100 years ago, Dr Sun Yat-sen outlined the first blueprint for China's modernization in his "International Development of China," which mentioned the construction of 1.6 million kilometers of roads, about 160,000 kilometers of railways, and three world-class seaports…

Today, roads are crisscrossing, high-speed trains are running, and China's railway operating mileage has exceeded 160,000 kilometers, with seven of the world's top 10 ports located in China. The level of modernization in China has greatly surpassed the expectations of our predecessors.

In 2020, Xi paused before an exhibit in a museum in Guangdong Province showcasing a grand plan that Sun Yat-sen devised to modernize China a century ago. "Only we Chinese Communists can make it happen," Xi remarked before the exhibit.

Why can the CPC make it happen?

Our guiding ideology evolves with the times. We will continue to promote the "two combinations," with the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times guiding our direction and providing fundamental adherence.

Our historical mission remains steadfast. For over a century, the Party has united and led the people in all our efforts to build our country into a strong and modern nation and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The goals of our efforts remain consistent. From the first Five-Year Plan (1953-1957) to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the unchanging theme has been to build China into a modern socialist nation.

Great achievements are etched in history. The Chinese people have become the master of their own destiny, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an unstoppable historical process. The socialist China stands tall and proud in the East.

Leading social revolution through the Party's self-revolution, the CPC is infusing more vibrancy into its revolutionary forging, determined to achieve the great cause of the Chinese nation for generations to come, and it is thriving.

Practices have clearly demonstrated that the Party's leadership is directly related to the fundamental direction, future destiny, and ultimate success or failure of Chinese modernization. Only by unwaveringly upholding the Party's leadership can Chinese modernization have a bright future and flourish.

Time flows on, telling the story of the times, and the story of the light.

"Every household using electric lights was something we could never even dare to imagine." On December 23, 2015, there was a significant celebration in Guomang village, Banma county, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Northwest China's Qinghai Province. On this day, the electricity-access projects in Guomang village and two other locations were completed and approved, marking the end for the last 39,800 people in the country living without electricity as they stepped onto the "path of light."

With this, whether in the snowy plateau or in remote mountain villages, everyone has entirely bid farewell to the history of living without electricity. Our country has taken the lead among developing nations in achieving universal electricity access.

Across the globe, such a remarkable achievement can only be realized under the leadership of the CPC!

The passage of time witnesses change, and time provides the answers.

The dreams of a strong nation and national rejuvenation have been truly awakened under the leadership of the CPC, filling people with greater confidence - "Our golden world, a world of brilliance, is right ahead!"

Having traversed thousands of mountains and rivers, we still need to press forward by confronting challenges.

Chinese modernization is modernization of a huge population, which will greatly transform the modern world map. Xi pointed out: "Our modernization is both the most difficult and the greatest."

Standing at the forefront of the times, we observe the trends of history.

Committed to seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, committed to advancing progress for humanity and striving for harmony in the world, and with the belief that the world belongs to all, and the right path is for humanity - this is the strongest conviction our Party has in its historical mission.

To strengthen and empower the Party, ensuring that Chinese modernization overcomes challenges and progresses steadily, our Party remains clear-headed and resolute in addressing the unique challenges confronted with by large parties.

The principles remain consistent, the aspirations are unwavering, and we boldly move forward.

"The country is the people, and the people are the country." Chinese modernization is dedicated to the common prosperity of all people and the promotion of comprehensive human development, serving as a "road to happiness" that benefits the people.

In the expansive region of Northwest China's Gansu Province, a significant thoroughfare has been constructed. In November 2023, the Linxia-Dahejia Expressway, connecting 15 towns and 28 villages along the route, was completed and opened for use, becoming a route to prosperity for the local community and a pathway to an improved life.

The construction of this road was marked by a notable interaction, representing a vivid practice of the whole-process people's democracy.

In March 2019, during the country's annual two sessions, Dong Caiyun, a delegate from Gansu, voiced a grass-roots demand, stating, "We lack a highway connecting to the outside." Xi pointed out at the meeting that the officials present should actively listen to and adopt the suggestions of the delegates. That year, the construction of the Linxia-Dahejia Expressway commenced.

The people's calls are met with actions. Every detail is important, and we remain mindful of these concerns.

Today, across China, a series of roads leading to happiness, unity and revitalization vividly demonstrate the unwavering pursuit of Chinese modernization, centered on people's livelihoods.

In the depths of Daliang Mountain, robust steel ladders facilitate a prosperous life in the cliffside villages; the "backpack special line" in Chongqing better connects farmers' "money bags" with residents' "vegetable baskets," the integration of urban goods into rural areas, rural products into cities, e-commerce into villages, and express delivery to homes - these initiatives have created a vibrant new life in the countryside through the "Four Good Rural Roads" program…

"Our goal is both inspiring and simple. Ultimately, it is about delivering a better life for the people." These words from Xi capture the core essence of Chinese modernization.

The core of modernization is the modernization of people. In promoting Chinese modernization, the people are the logical starting point, the ultimate goal of the values, and the source of strength.

"Refine the employment-related public services system," "basic pension benefits for rural and non-working urban residents under the basic old-age insurance scheme will be raised gradually," "meet the essential need of salaried people for a home to live in"… The resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposes a series of reform measures that focus on the needs of development and address the expectations of the masses.

The starting point and ultimate aim of Chinese modernization is to empower over 1.4 billion Chinese people to achieve improved living standards. Numerous small yet significant aspects of daily life are increasingly incorporated into the overarching national development framework, transforming into the sense of gain, happiness, and security among the people.　

The Grand Canal embodies half of China's history. The millennium-old waterway has nurtured and benefited communities on both banks through its commercial civilization and the transmission of cultural heritage across time and space. In the decade following its successful designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canal has been revitalized to reflect contemporary ethos, becoming a truly "river of wealth and happiness."　

Chinese modernization seeks not only the substantial enhancement of material wealth but also the profound enrichment of spiritual wealth, nurturing confidence and strength in thought and culture. From intangible cultural heritage evolving into cultural innovation, to the ascent of China Chic gaining popularity, and the emergence of miners-writers and deliverymen-poets… Chinese modernization empowers Chinese civilization with contemporary strength, and the edifice of the Chinese national spirit stands tall, further stimulating the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of hundreds of millions of people.

Xi's attention and support for hardworking individuals in various sectors inspire and motivate hundreds of millions of people to make their lives shine and realize their dreams through hard work.

Chinese modernization is a common endeavor for all people. Dedicated officials commit to fostering regional coordinated development through collaboration between the eastern and western regions in China; skilled craftsmen pursue excellence, enabling Chinese manufacturing to excel on the global stage; new farmers establish themselves in rural areas, injecting new vitality into ancient lands… By upholding the principles of collaborative participation, collective construction, and mutual benefits, we can ensure that everyone progresses toward modernization together.

The cultural spirit of a society is frequently found in the details.

From the creation of a wall of honor for over 4,000 builders at the Shanghai Tower to the lighting of landmark buildings in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, in tribute to ordinary and compassionate workers; from the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" spirit and the spirit of Jiao Yulu to the spirit of poverty alleviation and the entrepreneurial drive; from the further improvement of the social governance system based on collaboration, participation, and shared benefits to the commitment to and advancement of the whole-process people's democracy… The interests of "people" are being realized, their value is acknowledged, and their status as subjects is respected. This provides the strongest confidence in advancing Chinese modernization.

On this extensive journey, the people are paramount.

"To achieve national development and revitalization, the most important thing for China, a country with a vast territory and large population, is to follow a development path suiting its local conditions."

Chinese modernization stands as a significant achievement made by the CPC, which led the people to adhere to independence and self-reliance through long-term exploration and practice.

In 1909, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway was completed. In 2019, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway commenced operations.

The development of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou railway exemplified China's path of independent innovation - beginning with independent design and construction starting from zero and achieving world-leading standards. Train speeds escalated from 35 kilometers per hour to 350 kilometers per hour. Just as Xi pointed out: "Looking back at history, the new line carries even greater significance."

Self-reliance is the cornerstone of the Chinese nation's efforts to establish itself among the nations of the world. History and reality alike affirm that "advancing Chinese modernization requires staying independent and maintaining self-reliance."

The history of the scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation also reflects the rise and fall of great powers.

Today, as we are confronted with a new wave of scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations at the pivotal intersection of China's development model transformation, the Chinese Communists, "standing in front of the world map," look at the future in a far-sighted way.

The key to Chinese modernization is the modernization of science and technology.

On January 1, 2024, the domestically manufactured large cruise ship "Adora Magic City" set sail on its inaugural commercial journey.

By conquering a series of crucial core technologies and driving the development of manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation, and other upstream and downstream industries, China is now equipped to construct aircraft carriers, large LNG transport vessels and large cruise ships, achieving the "three jewels" of the shipbuilding industry.

The Chang'e lunar exploration missions, the Tianhe core module, the Tianwen Mars mission, the Crust 1 deep-earth exploration, the Fendouzhe manned submersible, establishing leadership in 5G communication, thinner steel, larger screens, better chips, and advanced CNC machine tools… these are all vivid examples.

Emerging sectors like integrated circuits and artificial intelligence are experiencing rapid growth, domestically developed large passenger jet have commenced commercial flights, and high-speed rail technology has established international standards, while commercial aerospace and the low-altitude economy are accelerating.

Since the dawn of the new era, by seizing the essence of scientific and technological innovation, the drive for innovation and developmental vigor has surged, accelerating the formation of new quality productive forces and demonstrating strong driving and supporting forces for high-quality development.

China should enhance its strength to survive, compete, develop and sustain amid all sorts of predictable and unpredictable storms and high winds so as to ensure that the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not be delayed or interrupted. The most essential feature for constructing a new development pattern is achieving a high level of self-reliance and self-improvement.

Experience has thoroughly demonstrated that independence and self-reliance embody the essence of the Chinese national spirit and represent a crucial principle underpinning the CPC's foundation and governance. Following our own path constitues the foundation of all the CPC's theories and practices.

Reflecting on our journey, we have transitioned from a "latecomer to modernization" to a "growth hub of global modernization." Amid the wave of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, the Chinese people have bravely faced the challenges, pursued progress, and kept pace with the times and led them. We have more firmly walked on the path of our choice, while firmly holding the fate of China's development and progress in our own hands.

As we look ahead, grounded in Chinese soil and heritage, inheriting Chinese civilization, and following the correct path that suits China's national conditions, the Party and the people possess an expansive platform in this era, a rich historical legacy, coupled with a robust resolve to advance.

Guided by the future of humanity and the welfare of the people, Xi pointed out: "To understand China, the key lies in understanding Chinese modernization."

"Promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind" is one of the essential requirements of Chinese modernization. China uniquely enshrines the commitment to peaceful development within its Constitution.

In September 2024, the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation convened. Through collaborative efforts toward modernization, we aim to establish a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, China-Africa relations embarked on a new journey.

From the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway to the Maputo-Katembe Bridge in Mozambique, and then to the Kribi Deep Seaport in Cameroon and the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Zambia… Since the new era, with the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) having been progressing steadily, numerous "development routes," "dream bridges," and "prosperity ports" have boosted the interconnectivity across the African continent.

Concentrating on crucial sectors like industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent training in Africa, from jointly implementing the "10 cooperation plans," "Eight major initiatives," and "Nine programs," to jointly promoting the "10 partnership action plans"… The construction of the China-Africa community with a shared future has set a brilliant example for the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. The modernization of China and Africa, aiding the modernization of the Global South, will surely write a new chapter in the development of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In October 2023, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, designed and built by China with a speed of 350 kilometers per hour, commenced operations, establishing Indonesia as the first Southeast Asian nation to possess modernized high-speed rail. By the end of September 2024, it had carried over 5.4 million passenger trips, averaging around 16,000 passenger trips per day.

The joint construction of the BRI gathers the greatest "common denominator" of human development.

Standing on the right side of history and on the side of human civilization's progress, what China pursues is not a modernization that benefits itself alone but a collective effort for the common good, fostering the creation of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Over the 75 years since the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the nation's outlook and the lives of its people have experienced transformative changes, but its peaceful and benevolent nature, broad and inclusive mind, and pursuit of fairness and justice have remained unchanged. These are deeply rooted in the more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and grow deep in the souls of the Chinese people.

Since the new era, lifting nearly 100 million rural poor out of absolute poverty has made a significant contribution to global poverty reduction efforts; contributing to about 30 percent of global economic growth for many years has vigorously advanced the global development cause; continuously hosting the CIIE, CIFTIS, and CICPE has constantly offered new opportunities for the world with China's new development…

Enhancing the welfare of the Chinese people while facilitating the modernization of nations worldwide, Chinese modernization embodies a trajectory of peaceful development that will inject new momentum into maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

Recently, when legislators from various countries visited the Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve and electric vehicle production bases in Shanghai, they were deeply impressed by China's successful exploration of a sustainable development path aimed at common prosperity.

"We should strengthen ourselves with the hard work and creativity of all our people and pursue development by boosting internal drivers and making peaceful use of external resources," Xi's critical insight profoundly uncovers the essence of Chinese modernization.

Presenting a new vision of modernization and representing the direction of human civilization's progress, Chinese modernization pioneers a new path for humanity toward modernization and establishes a new form of human civilization.

In June 2024, the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence was held in Beijing.

Seven decades ago, confronted with the tragic devastation of hot wars and the divisions of the Cold War, the newly established PRC offered the historical solution of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Today, facing the major question of "what kind of world to build and how to build it," China in new era offers the era's answer of proposing a community with a shared future for humanity.

From historical answers to the answers of the era, the international landscape changes, but what remains unchanged is China's commitment to world peace and development and its relentless pursuit of a just and reasonable international order.

Embracing the currents of history, we traverse the righteous path to achieve far-reaching goals.

Routes to national prosperity and the happiness of the people are unfolding beneath our feet across this expansive land. Above the vast ocean, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link broke 10 world records, proving that Chinese modernization is achieved through actions.

In the Yangtze River Delta, thousands of kilometers of railways extend as a "green corridor," transforming transportation lines into ecological lines, interpreting Chinese modernization as a modernization of harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

The powerful voice of history consistently transcends time and space, resonating through the ages.

Xi pointed out that Chinese modernization is our answer to the major historical question of how to awaken the 'sleeping lion' and realize national rejuvenation. It is to choose our own path and do our own thing.

Significant advancements always begin at the outset. We recognize that the broad road does not guarantee a smooth journey, and "advancing Chinese modernization is a whole new endeavor; on the journey ahead, we will inevitably be confronted with problems, risks, and challenges."

On this new journey, toward this new advancement, it is essential to stay focused on our set goals, enhance historical initiative, and continuously push forward the great cause of nation-building and national rejuvenation.

To forge our own path, we must uphold historical confidence.

In 2019, amid increased risks and challenges, 'China's GDP per capita surpassed the $10,000 mark. During three years of fighting the pandemic, China's economy grew at an average annual rate of 4.5 percent, significantly above the global average. In the first half of 2024, a growth rate of 5 percent still leads globally.

"China's development and growth, driven by its own inherent logic, will not be stopped by external forces." This internal logic is rooted in the trials and glories of the Chinese nation and nourished by the formidable power of the Chinese people.

To walk our own path, we must always strive together in unity.

Wang Yongzhi, Wang Zhenyi, Li Zhensheng… The recipients of the Medal of the Republic and national honorary titles represent the countless outstanding individuals who have contributed to the cause of the Party and the people. With their firm ideals and beliefs and relentless spirit of struggle, they have achieved extraordinary accomplishments.

Unity and struggle are the most distinctive spiritual symbols of the CPC and the Chinese people, representing the necessary path for the CPC to lead the people in creating historical achievements. Hardworking farmers, industrious workers, risk-taking entrepreneurs, and soldiers defending the country… people from all walks of life are sweating and forging ahead, forming a mighty current of progress on the new journey and contributing to the new era.

On this new journey, united under the banner of the CPC as "a solid piece of steel," when hundreds of millions of people think and act as one, we can surely accomplish anything we set out to do.

To forge our own path, we must be skilled at overcoming challenges.

Facing countless difficulties and persevering through countless dangers, the Chinese people have fought tenaciously against foreign aggression, battled bloodily when the country was shattered, strived vigorously when everything needed to be rebuilt, and advanced with the times. Adversities have tested and strengthened the Chinese people.

The grand cause of national rejuvenation we aspire to create today is not about achieving success in tranquil circumstances, nor enjoying the fruits of flowers and applause. By taking the initiative in the face of opportunities, confronting difficulties head-on, and actively managing risks, we will surely win even greater victories.

The path is as firm as a whetstone, and the journey is boundless. Xi's words echo profoundly:

"Practice has amply demonstrated that as long as our path, theory, system, and culture are correct, we remain steadfast, tenacious, perseverant, and unremitting, we continuously advance toward our great objectives, and we are unshakeable in the face of difficulty, our goals will be achieved. Our goals will certainly be achieved!"

China's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch on Wednesday is a routine military training that is completely legitimate and reasonable, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The launch aimed to test the performance of weapon and equipment, as well as troops training level, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

Zhang stressed that China's nuclear policy is highly stable, consistent and predictable. 

China always follows a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense, does not engage in an arms race, committed itself not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear states or in nuclear-free region, and keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security, the spokesperson said.

The PLA's news media center on Thursday released photos of the test launch of ICBM on Chinese social media platforms, showing the moment the missile was launched.

Zhang's remarks came after the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that the PLA Rocket Force launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead to the high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08:44 am on Wednesday, and the missile fell into expected sea areas.

The Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday that China had informed the relevant countries prior to the launch.

The Pentagon praised China for its transparency before the test launch, which helped prevent miscalculation, in a sign that military communication between the two countries is improving, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that China is engaged in the development of its armed forces and has the full right to test missiles, Russian news agency Tass reported on Wednesday.

AP reported on Thursday that "China rarely tests ICBMs out in international waters, with some experts tracing the last such deployment back to May 1980."

The test verified the reliability of the PLA's nuclear arsenal, a crucial component of credible nuclear deterrence, vital to both China's national defense and global peace and stability, according to experts reached by the Global Times.

African officials and business representatives expressed their high expectations for  cooperation with China regarding digital transformation which can help with Africa's industrial upgrade at the ongoing third Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE). 

The annual expo is held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, from Wednesday to Sunday, an annual international expo that attracts companies from both home and abroad with cutting-edge products and diverse services.

Hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and Zhejiang provincial government, one highlight of this year's edition is digital trade cooperation between China and African countries, the Global Times observed on-site. 

Speaking at the expo, Robinson Jean Louis, Ambassador of Madagascar to China, said through this event, Madagascar can boost fruitful cooperation with China especially in digital trade and innovation and he looks forward to leveraging this opportunity to bring more digital technologies to Madagascar.

Tichaona Mashiri, founder and CEO of DBI Intelligent Technology Group in South Africa, is excited about the new possibilities for his business here.

"We come here to see if there are companies that we can build partnership within areas such as telecommunications and cybersecurity, areas that our business operates in South Africa... There is a lot of things we can learn from this event in terms of technology exposure," Mashiri told the Global Times. The business opportunities are huge and there are technologies and products of Chinese companies which they can adopt back home in South Africa, Mashiri said. 

Data from China's Ministry of Commerce shows that China's digital trade is developing rapidly. In the first half of 2024, China's services trade delivered digitally reached 1.42 trillion yuan ($202 billion), an increase of 3.7 percent. During the same period, cross-border e-commerce imports and exports reached 1.22 trillion yuan, an increase of 10.5 percent. China-Africa trade has been an important part of the digital trend.

Through digital platforms, African products find more efficient way to enter the vast Chinese market, industry insiders said.

At the Africa booth at the expo, African products such as Ethiopian coffee, Kenyan tea, South African red wine and Nigerian cashews are on display. A professional host is promoting these products via livestreaming to Chinese consumers.

"We use cross-border e-commerce livestreaming and other platforms to bring Africa's high-quality products into the Chinese market in a more efficient and effective way... At the same time, we are also helping Chinese companies, including those in cross-border e-commerce and online payment, enter the African market, boosting the region's digital economy," Xie Qi, director of Zhejiang-Africa Service Center, a non-profit organization promoting trade between Zhejiang Province and African countries, told the Global Times.   

With digitalization being the global trend, China-Africa trade, which is highly complementary, will unlock more impetus for growth, Xie said.

China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong denounced the indiscriminate attacks on Lebanese civilians through wireless communication device explosions as “outrageous” and “something unheard of in history,” while calling for Israel to abandon its reliance on force and refrain from further risky actions that could plunge the Middle East into new disasters.

Fu expressed deep concern over the potential escalation of tensions between Lebanon and Israel during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, and urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint.”

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have been escalating since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Hamas. The latest explosions of pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday have resulted in 37 deaths and 2,931 injuries, the Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday, citing Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad.

Fu said the attack using remote-controlled communication devices, which caused mass civilian casualties and panic, is something “unheard of in history,” and such actions constitute “a serious violation of a nation’s sovereignty and security, a blatant breach of international law, particularly humanitarian law, and a complete disregard for human life.” 

“The brutality of the attack and its heinous nature are outrageous and deserve the strongest condemnation. China called for a comprehensive and timely investigation into the incident to hold the planners and perpetrators accountable,” Fu said.

“The destruction of a nation’s critical infrastructure using these tools as weapons has set a dangerous precedent and could provoke other terrorist or extremist forces. This not only highlights the immediate severity of the situation, but also exposes potential future security risks and hidden dangers,” Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Saturday.

The Chinese envoy also emphasized the precariousness of the current situation in the Middle East, as Israel on one hand continues its ongoing military actions in Gaza that have claimed the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians, while on the other hand escalating tensions along its border with Lebanon.

China specifically called on Israel to abandon its reliance on force, immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, stop infringing on Lebanon's sovereignty and security, and refrain from further risky actions that could plunge the region into new disasters, Fu said.

Israeli launched an air strike on the southern suburb of Lebanon’s capital Beirut, killing at least 14 people with another 66 wounded, including five children, said Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health on Friday. Lebanese group Hezbollah’s senior commander Ibrahim Aqil was also downed in the attack, the group has confirmed, Al Jazeera reported on Friday. 

Multiple aerial bombs exploded around the camp of China's 22nd batch of peacekeeping troops in Lebanon on Thursday. The shockwaves and debris from the explosions damaged some facilities in the camp, but fortunately no one was injured, China Central Television reported on Saturday. The troops were in the midst of their daily peak physical training at the time of the explosions, and the bombing took place just 730 meters away from the camp, the report said.

A series of global activities will kick off on Tuesday local time in Paris to mark the anniversary of the birth of Liu Hui, a prominent figure in ancient Chinese mathematics.
Co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the commemorations aim to show and share the brilliant achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics to the world, as well as to promote exchanges and mutual learning among global civilizations.

Liu, born circa 225-295, was one of the founders of classical Chinese mathematical theory. He made great contributions to the history of Chinese mathematics and also gained an important position in the history of world mathematics. Liu’s commentary in the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art had great a influence on a large number of mathematicians and mathematical works in later generations.

In November 2023, UNESCO held the 42nd session of the General Conference and approved the proposal made by the CAST to celebrate the anniversary of Liu’s birth. It was the first time China had successfully applied for a birthday anniversary event for a scientist at UNESCO, said the CAST.

A launch ceremony will take place at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a year-long global commemoration of Liu. A themed exhibition featuring Liu’s achievements in mathematics, and an international symposium on his academic thought, will also be held in Paris this week, according to the CAST.

Liu’s commentary in the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, and his Mathematical Canon of Sea Island, were important achievements in ancient Chinese mathematics, said Zhou Xiaohan, an associate research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, who is going to deliver a keynote speech at the symposium.

“With in-depth theory and comprehensive proof, these works embodied a distinct and unique algorithmic feature in the history of mathematics,” Zhou told the Global Times. “The terminology, expressions and ways of proof in his works had a profound impact on later generations.”

“Liu’s achievements are not only a treasure to China, but also a great legacy of human thought for the world,” noted Zhou.

Andrea Bréard, a professor and the vice president of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, has also been invited to the launch ceremony and symposium in commemoration of Liu as an expert representative.

Bréard has affirmed the positive significance of the events in honor of Liu in promoting the world’s better understanding of the great achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics. “It is a good opportunity to raise awareness about the non-Western contributions to the history of mathematics in the past,” she told the Global Times via email.

The Ministry of Education of China announced plans to add 39 new soccer sports majors at universities on Friday. This highlights the current scarcity of soccer programs in higher education and underscores the pressing need for the development of Chinese soccer. While the impact of this initiative may take time to materialize, it represents a promising long-term strategy for the sport's advancement in China.

Recently, following the national team's consecutive losses to Japan and Saudi Arabia, numerous football fans, media personalities, and authoritative bodies have voiced their opinions and proposed solutions. Eventually, the idea of establishing soccer majors gradually emerged.

This initiative provides a new platform for children passionate about soccer to focus on their athletic development without fear of academic compromise. 

It allows students to balance soccer training with their studies, treating soccer as a means of learning and personal growth.

For students aspiring to become professional soccer players, the establishment of soccer majors offers a clear career path and development opportunities. 

The initiative also has the potential to enhance the sport's visibility and broaden its audience. 

Parents may be inspired to introduce their talented children to soccer, recognizing that the existence of such majors indicates a commitment to and support for soccer education.

The majors will promote soccer on a wider scale and advance soccer culture in China. Through systematic learning and training, even students who do not become professional players will acquire valuable soccer knowledge and skills, contributing to the long-term development and talent pool in the sport.

Wang Dazhao, a soccer commentator and member of the News Committee of the Chinese Football Association, told the Global Times that the key to advancing Chinese soccer is fostering children's interest in the sport.

"Those soccer powerhouses did not establish specialized soccer majors. Their success often relies on a well-developed soccer system and cultural tradition rather than academic programs," he noted.

Wang emphasized that the development of Chinese soccer should not be rushed or forced. Instead, the focus should be on creating conditions for children to develop their interests willingly.

"To truly inspire children's love for soccer, it's crucial to provide them with proper facilities and professional guidance. Only when children receive systematic training in a positive environment will their interest be sparked, and they will seek more opportunities," Wang said.

He pointed out that every country has its strengths and weaknesses in sports. In China, where soccer is relatively underdeveloped, it is not necessary to force it to become mainstream immediately. Instead, gradual progress and scientific development should be the focus.

By improving infrastructure, cultivating youth interest, providing professional guidance, and increasing resource investment, a solid foundation for the long-term development of Chinese soccer can be established. 

It is important to respect the natural development of sports and allow soccer to grow and progress under appropriate conditions. Only through this approach can the development of Chinese soccer be better promoted.

The inaugural Peiyuan Arts Festival, running from Friday to Sunday, aims to nurture young theater ­talent and promote original stage art. 

This innovative event serves as a platform for showcasing and incubating original Chinese artistic works, infusing new vitality into the country's theatrical landscape.

A total of 20 pieces were publicly showcased in a "work-in-progress" format, covering various artistic forms including dramas, Yue Opera, children's theater, dance, musicals, script-based performances, sound theater, and installation theater. 

The themes range from historical legends and future sci-fi to ­real-life experiences, magical realism, suspense, and existential issues.

The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has announced the inclusion of three Chinese geological heritage sites in its second batch of sites to be inscribed on the global 100 Geological Heritage Sites list. The recognized sites are the Permian vegetation of the Wuda Fossil Site, the Dashanpu Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Site, and the Guilin Karst landscape.

The announcement was made during the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, South Korea. A press conference was held in China on Tuesday to announce the specifics of the inclusion.

"The three geological heritage sites from China that were selected this time are outstanding representatives of the country's geological heritage. Their scientific value and the quality of the research produced on them have been unanimously recognized by the international academic community, and their current conservation status has received high praise from the global community," said Zhang Jianping, vice chair of the IUGS International Commission on Geoheritage and a professor at China University of Geosciences (Beijing), at the press conference.
The Permian vegetation of the Wuda Fossil Site in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is often referred to as the "Pompeii of Plants." The coal-forming forest was preserved between two coal seams in the Wuda Coalfield in Inner Mongolia by volcanic ash that was deposited during its growth. High-precision zircon dating of the volcanic ash indicates that the age of this coal-forming forest is about 298 million years, making it the world's oldest Permian coal-forming forest. Plant remains are preserved in unusually complete forms, with some structural mineralization retaining internal features of the plants.

Research has uncovered over 50 species of plant fossils at this site, highlighting the high diversity and evolutionary level of the coal-forming forest during that period. The site was first discovered in 1998 but was not identified as volcanic in origin until 2003. The international scientific community continues to conduct in-depth research on this geological heritage site.
The Dashanpu Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Site in Zigong, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, has unearthed over 200 dinosaur and vertebrate fossils from strata nearly 180 meters thick. Zeng Xiaoyun, director of the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, emphasized the site's critical role in filling gaps in the evolutionary history of dinosaurs.
Guilin in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is home to the world-famous karst landscape. As early as the 17th century, the renowned Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) geographer and explorer Xu Xiake explored 88 karst caves in the region.

Chen Weihai, vice chief engineer at the Institute of Karst Geology of the China Geological Survey, explained that the Guilin Karst is a representative example of continental tower karst, showcasing the coexistence and interaction of peak forest and peak cluster karst formations. It serves as an important reference for global karst studies.

These additions bring the total number of Chinese sites on the IUGS list to 10, following the inclusion of seven sites as part of the first batch of sites announced in October 2022.

Recently, several music pieces themed around Journey to the West have gone viral on social media platforms, both in China and abroad. 

The theme song from the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, "Yungong Xunyin," has been rearranged, which not only enhances its fantasy feel but also gives it an epic sense of grandeur. Tracks such as "cyber sutra chanting" and Shaanbei-style storytelling have not only ignited passion among young Chinese audiences but have also attracted international listeners.

It can be said that along with the success of China's first triple-A video game Black Myth: Wukong, traditional Chinese music presented through digital means is also making its mark on the global stage.

The reason why these rearranged traditional Chinese music pieces such as "Yungong Xunyin" have garnered such global attention is primarily because they create a rising "digital ambiance." Here, "digital ambiance" refers to the concept of ambiance in traditional literary and artistic works, which, empowered by digital technology, is presented through more vivid and dynamic audiovisual imagery, creating a multi-dimensional and immersive effect. Supporting this "digital ambiance" is the implementation of relevant digital technology used to create "digital scenes," as represented by games like Black Myth: Wukong. 

In today's media ecology, which is dominated by mobile internet mediums such as games, short videos, and livestreams, these "digital scenes" not only realize commercial value in the global market but also provide the technical foundation for "digital ambiance," effectively promoting the international dissemination of traditional Chinese culture.

An important but often overlooked step in the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture is its digitization. For instance, through advanced sound technology in "digital scenes" like games, the audio collected from replicas of the Zenghouyi chime bells (an ancient Chinese musical instrument with a history of more than 2,400 years) from the Hubei Provincial Museum can be presented almost in full detail to the public. 

Moreover, by digitizing the musical notation of the guqin (an ancient Chinese zither), techniques that were once dependent on a few cultural inheritors can now follow clearer patterns. Through this process, digital technology is helping outstanding traditional Chinese culture, especially Chinese music, explore viable paths for digital transformation. In this light, Black Myth: Wukong offers an excellent example of how traditional Chinese culture can be effectively communicated through digital platforms, achieving meaningful international outreach. In another globally influential Chinese video game, Genshin Impact, the presence of Chinese opera and culinary traditions have both successfully created a melodious "digital ambiance" within the "digital scene" of the game.

As a "digital scene" with millions of daily active interactions, games are playing a crucial role in promoting the digitization of Chinese culture, not only preserving traditional culture in a "living" state but also helping it break through globally. This is a true reflection of modern Chinese civilization.

Currently, digital cultural industries have become the main driving force of China's cultural industry. As the fusion of culture and technology deepens, these industries are leading the charge, helping traditional Chinese culture integrate into modern Chinese civilization through digital means. Since the advent of the new era, China's rapid development in digital technology and infrastructure has spurred the flourishing of industries, including the cultural sector. These digital advancements, driven by market forces, are creating synergies that enhance cultural exchange. 

The "digital ambiance" supported by "digital scenes" is promoting high-level dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, both domestically and globally. Through the advocacy of diversity among civilizations, equal dialogue, and mutual respect between different cultures, China is now equipped with new "digital tools" to contribute to the global conversation on civilization.