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.

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.

After Super Typhoon Yagi pounded South China’s Hainan Province, leading to power outages in many areas, a man was reported to have bathed in water collected from coconuts dislodged by the storm, Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported on Tuesday.

The man mentioned that he used coconut water for almost everything from washing his face and brushing his teeth to cooking vegetables and preparing meals, according to media reports.

The man joked and referred it as “luxurious,” given that a tub of coconut water he used would normally cost up to 300 yuan ($42). 

Many netizens were surprised at his innovative use of the fallen coconuts, though some questioned the practicality of his action.

Hainan has witnessed its production gradually resumed after Super Typhoon Yagi, according to Xinhua News Agency. China Southern Power Grid has deployed emergency power repair personnel and vehicles to support disaster relief and power restoration efforts in Hainan Province. 

Chinese and international celebrities, including Jay Chou, Ye, and Mariah Carey, will perform in cities across China for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival holidays.

These singing events are expected to be major holiday economy drivers, especially in second- and third-tier cities.

Chou, a singer from the island of Taiwan, is scheduled to give singing events four days in a row in South China's Shenzhen from Thursday to Sunday. The tickets, on sale for up to 2,000 yuan ($280), were sold out only minutes after they were released.

Li Jian, a Chinese mainland singer best known for his poetic musical style, plans to sing on stage in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on September 14 and 16.

In addition to Chinese artists, international celebrities are also planning to perform in China around the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, which will be marked from Sunday to Tuesday.
American rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was set to hold a "listening party" for his new "Vultures" studio album in South China's Hainan Province on Sunday. Ticket for Ye's performance, also up to 2,000 yuan, were snapped up as soon as they hit the market.

Wuyuan River Stadium, where Ye's singing performance is scheduled to be held, was damaged by typhoon Yagi, which struck Haikou in recent days. The Haikou tourism authority said on Thursday that it was racing against time to repair the stadium so that the singing performance can be held on Sunday as scheduled.

Mariah Carey, another American singer, will be performing in Beijing from Sunday to Monday.

In the first half of 2024, the total box-office revenue from singing events across China has reached 10.14 billion yuan, with the singing events with 3,000 seats or more generating 10.08 billion yuan. This represents an increase of 8.37 billion yuan compared to the first half of 2023, according to an industry report by an independent research institute.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi attended the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors, in St. Petersburg, Russia on Wednesday.

This is the first meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials responsible for security matters/National Security Advisors following the historic expansion of BRICS. Analysts said that BRICS, as a crucial platform for developing countries, will enhance cooperation among the Global South and contribute to global stability.

During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said he welcomes new members to join the BRICS family, stating that the world today is entering a new period of turmoil and transformation, with various security threats intertwining and resonating. Against this backdrop, it holds special significance for BRICS countries to discuss cooperation plans and seek peaceful solutions together.

Wang proposed four initiatives for BRICS countries to jointly address security threats. BRICS countries should take the lead in practicing peaceful coexistence, and adhering to independence and autonomy. They should also be guided by true multilateralism, reject exceptionalism and double standards.

BRICS countries should firmly promote the political resolution of hotspot issues, and respect each other's legitimate concerns. They must take the lead in speaking out for justice and handling affairs fairly on the international stage, and jointly advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, Wang said.

The BRICS meeting in St. Petersburg is addressing security issues of shared concern in response to rising security threats and risks, which indicates that BRICS is expanding beyond economic matters to explore a broader scope of multilateral cooperation, said Cui Heng, a research fellow with the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University.

As the Global South is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs, particularly in security and development, China and Russia, along with other BRICS members, aim to deepen ties with these nations to further enhance international influence while addressing the challenges from Western countries, Cui said.

Stanislav Byshok, an expert from the Faculty of Political Science in Moscow State University, said that a key issue for the meeting is how to support each other despite existing barriers, adding that peace initiatives are also anticipated to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

A team led by Chinese academician Fang Xiaomin from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has reached 750 meters, during their environmental science drilling in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, or the Tibetan Plateau, setting a new record, the Global Times learned from the ITP on Tuesday.

The project is currently ongoing in the Lunpola Basin with the goal of drilling beyond 1,000 meters, marking the first initiative of its kind on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, according to the ITP.

The Lunpola Basin is situated in the central part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, with an average altitude of 4,600 meters. It contains the most continuous Cenozoic strata of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau dating back to 55 million years and is the first oil-producing basin in the core area of the plateau.

Numerous fossils, such as tropical palm trees, camphor trees, golden rain trees, split-belly fish and climbing perch, as well as water spiders, have been unearthed, along with multiple layers of ancient soils and volcanic ash. These findings provide a detailed record of the uplift of the central Tibetan Plateau and the historical changes in climate and ecological environment, making it one of the key areas for studying the co-evolution of tectonics, climate, biology and ecology.

In previous research, scholars have reconstructed the ancient elevation history of the Lunpola Basin using various methods, including the analysis of fossils as well as the oxygen isotopes found in ancient soil carbonates. However, significant debate remains concerning when the basin reached its present elevation. The comprehensive understanding of the co-evolution of tectonic, climatic, biological, and ecological processes has yet to be fully established.
In the past 20 years, Fang and his team have utilized the absolute dating of volcanic ash to establish a high precision paleomagnetic chronological sequence of the Cenozoic strata in the basin. They discovered that the Lunpola Basin has a distinct history of two phases of formation, evolution, and deformation: the early phase involved slow subsidence from approximately 42 million to 26 million years ago, while the later phase involved rapid uplift from about 26 million to 20 million years ago.

In the future, the research team plans to combine analyses from paleoclimate, paleobiology, and paleoecological environments, along with tectonics, sedimentology, and geochemistry, to reveal the history of the Asian monsoon's entry into the Tibetan Plateau over the past 40 million years, the co-evolution of climate, environment, and biodiversity in the heart of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, as well as the formation processes of hydrocarbon source rocks and arid salt lake deposits. This will provide important scientific evidence for simulating and predicting the impact of global warming across the plateau, in addition to protecting its ecological environment, and guiding the exploration and development of hydrocarbon and salt lake resources, according to the ITP.