Chinese tech firm Alibaba Group has completed a three-year rectification under the supervision and guidance of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), according to a statement on the top market regulator's website on Friday. Industry observers said the move marked a phased development of Chinese platform businesses. 

As one of China's largest internet firms, Alibaba's completion of the rectification process shows that the industry as a whole is "returning to the right track" of compliant development under guidance and regulation, a departure from the previous rampant model of expansion that created disorder and heightened risks.

Also, it sends a resounding signal on Chinese authorities' great emphasis on boosting the platform economy and encouraging attitude to drive its innovative and healthy growth - on the basis of a balance between supervision and development, analysts said.  

In April 2021, SAMR imposed an administrative penalty on Alibaba for the monopolistic practice of "forcing merchants to choose one of two platforms." Alibaba was ordered to cease its illegal activities, conduct a comprehensive self-examination and rectification, and submit a self-examination compliance report to SAMR for three consecutive years. 

SAMR added that the company's rectification efforts have achieved positive results.

Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday that the move demonstrates the Chinese government's unwavering support for and encouraging attitude on boosting platform businesses, which will greatly rally and reinforce market confidence. 

"The end of the rectification also means that the company is now in compliance with regulations, and is thus conducive to creating a better, fairer and market competitive environment," Wang said. He also called for relevant platform enterprises to play a bigger role in China's economic upgrade.

Japan and Australia will hold a "two-plus-two" security meeting in Australia on Thursday, aiming to strengthen defense and security cooperation, which Chinese analysts warn would be disruptive and detrimental to the regional stability and exert significant impact to push the Asia-Pacific region into security dilemmas or traps.

Japanese media outlet Jiji Press News reported on Friday that Japan will be represented by Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and Australia by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles.

Jiji noted that Tokyo and Canberra are expected to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening collaboration, citing China's behavior in the region. 

According to analysts, the promotion of Japan-Australia cooperation came as the US launched the so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy and stepped up its pressure to push forward the coordination among allies and partners in an attempt to contain China and undermine its peaceful development.

Since the Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a treaty that provides a framework for each country's forces to operate in the other's, came into force in August 2023, how to further deepen and cooperate with each other based on the agreement could be a matter for discussion during the upcoming security meeting, said Chen Hong, executive director of Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University.

With Japan also hyping up the Taiwan question and the Diaoyu Islands issue and stirring up trouble over the South China Sea issue, it is believed that Australia may conduct some cooperative actions under the guidance of US' anti-China strategy, according to Chen.

"It cannot be ruled out that Japan and Australia may propose joint military exercises, or even rope in a third party, such as the Philippines, to join," Chen said.

Also, considering that Japan might one day in some capacity join the AUKUS, an Australia-UK-US security partnership, related discussions are expected to be covered during the Japan-Australia security meeting, as they want to form a circle of deterrence around China, Chen noted.

The expert warned that as the Asia-Pacific is the engine of the world economy, undermining peace and stability in the region is actually a threat to world peace, security and development, which is also a serious concern for the international community.

After the robust micro-drama industry intrigued young Chinese viewers with romance shows, it is now experiencing a notable surge in popularity among middle-aged and elderly audiences, evolving from a niche medium into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. These short, melodramatic shows, often featuring middle-aged protagonists in fantastical scenarios, have captured the imagination of an older demographic. However, this burgeoning trend also brings to light significant challenges, particularly concerning content homogenization and the need for stricter regulation.

The appeal of micro-dramas to older demographics is significant. According to the 2024 China Micro-Drama Industry Research Report by iResearch.com, users aged 40-59 constitute 37.3 percent of the micro-drama audience, with those aged 60 and above accounting for 12.1 percent. This shift highlights a broader trend: Digital entertainment is increasingly catering to an aging population. With China's elderly consumption potential projected to soar from 40 trillion ($5.6 trillion ) to 106 trillion yuan by 2050, the market for such content is both expansive and lucrative.

The success of micro-dramas among older viewers is evident from their prominence on various platforms. Data from DataEye and WETRUE reveals that micro-dramas featuring middle-aged protagonists frequently top the charts, reflecting their widespread appeal. Shows like The Flash Marriage at Fifty, which features a wealthy CEO marrying a middle-aged woman, have resonated with viewers seeking both escapism and relatable narratives. The dramatic plots, marked by themes of instant romance and personal transformation, offer a stark contrast to the everyday realities faced by many elderly viewers.

Experts suggest that as the internet and mobile media become more prevalent among older adults, these platforms increasingly serve as substitutes for diminished social support. Micro-dramas, particularly those exploring family dynamics and emotional conflicts such as "mother-in-law issues," "divorces," "flash marriages," and "reconciliation," provide emotional compensation and a sense of connection.

However, concerns about content homogenization are growing. Many micro-dramas rely on repetitive and formulaic elements, such as "villainous female characters" and "hasty marriages," which can lead to viewer disengagement. Additionally, the stereotypical portrayal of family conflicts in these dramas may exacerbate negative perceptions of real-life disputes, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and potentially increasing emotional strain for older audiences.

For instance, the emergence of themes like "tyrannical CEOs" and "sweet romances" has become predictable, with many new dramas offering little beyond superficial variations of these tropes. This homogenization risks reducing the genre's appeal as viewers may grow tired of repetitive plots and characters.

Monetization practices within the micro-drama sector further complicate matters. Reports indicate that many platforms employ aggressive and often deceptive tactics to extract money from viewers, including hidden fees, automatic renewals, and misleading pricing structures. These practices place a substantial financial burden on consumers, particularly elderly viewers, who may struggle with the complexities of digital payments and subscription models. Many elderly individuals find themselves facing unexpected charges due to poorly disclosed fees and manipulative marketing strategies, exacerbating their financial strain and sense of exploitation.

As highlighted by recent user experiences, elderly individuals often find themselves unwittingly spending significant amounts of money on micro-dramas due to poorly disclosed fees and manipulative marketing strategies. Such issues are compounded by a lack of adequate support and recourse for resolving disputes, leaving many viewers feeling exploited.

To address these challenges, the National Radio and Television Administration has implemented new regulations that went into effect on June 1. Dramas are managed based on their investment levels: Projects with high amounts of funding are overseen by national and provincial bodies, while lesser funded projects are handled by the online platforms. Furthermore, unapproved and unregistered micro-dramas are prohibited from being disseminated online.

As micro-dramas continue to captivate older audiences, addressing the issues of content quality and regulatory oversight will be crucial in ensuring that this genre remains both engaging and ethically responsible.

Young Chinese athletes born after 2000 have made their mark at the Paris Olympic Games, securing 10 out of the country's 13 gold medals as of Friday Beijing time, capturing the global attention with their athletic talent and spirited demeanor. 

Among these rising stars, 17-year-old Huang Yuting and 19-year-old Sheng Lihao clinched China's first gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team event in Paris. Meanwhile, 20-year-old swimmer Pan Zhanle shattered his own world record to win gold in the men's 100m freestyle, underscoring the new generation's prowess on global stage.

Deng Yawen, 18, also a first-time Olympian, won gold in the women's park final of cycling BMX freestyle, as the Gen-Z athletes aim for medals in emerging Olympic sports such as breakdancing, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. 

In addition to their athletic achievements, these young talents have made their mark in the global sporting showpiece through their unique demeanor and relaxed attitude, which has captured the attention and admiration of spectators worldwide.

Sheng, known on China's X-like platform Weibo by the username "only by eating," quickly gained widespread attention. His nickname, when combined with the Chinese phrase "duo guan" (win the championship), humorously transforms into "Winning the championship just by eating."

Netizens also noticed that Huang frequently carries adorable soft toys and often shares pictures of cute dogs on her social media account.

"Young athletes should have their own personalities. I like their relaxed attitude," a netizen said on Weibo.

Yang Hao, who won gold in the men's synchronized 10m platform diving with teammate Lian Junjie, appeared in the post-match press conference wearing glasses with the iconic Olympic rings.

The average age of the Chinese sports delegation at the Paris Games is 25.

The 11-year-old skateboarder Zheng Haohao, who is the youngest member of the Chinese delegation, made history by becoming China's youngest Olympian. 

Zheng told the Xinhua News Agency that the Olympics will be the least stressful part for her. 

"Participating in the Olympics means more people will get to know me. I started skateboarding just to make new friends and have fun," she said. 

The Gen-Z athletes' attitude and demeanor have turned people's focus from counting the number of gold medals to the excitement of sport and the Olympic spirit.

The Ministry of Public Security of China released details of four cases of combating and rectifying illegal activities related to toxic fan culture in sports on Thursday. Since the Paris Olympics, the cybersecurity departments of the Public Security Bureau have been paying close attention to this issue and have been combating related illegal activities.

Among these cases, a suspect, He, was found to have posted defamatory content about table tennis players and coaches on social media, causing significant social harm. The Beijing Public Security Bureau took criminal compulsory measures against her on August 6. 

Another suspect, Wang, was found to have repeatedly posted abusive and defamatory content about table tennis players and coaches on social media, causing significant social harm. The Guangzhou Public Security Bureau took criminal compulsory measures against her on Tuesday. 

Suspects Gai and Xu were found to have created and widely spread an article questioning a Paris Olympic champion on social media. This article caused negative social impact. The public security bureaus in Shandong and Hebei respectively have imposed administrative penalties on them. 

Another suspect, Yang, was found to have publicly abused a gymnastics athlete on social media, causing a negative social impact. The Henan Public Security Bureau has imposed administrative penalties on her.

These posts are malicious and false, posing significant risks. Recent actions have led social media platforms to clean up thousands of posts related to controversial discussions and malicious attacks.

“Most of these so-called fans do not understand or appreciate the professional skills or talents of famous athletes. Instead, they tend to focus solely on the athlete's image and appearance,” Wang Dazhao, a Beijing sports commentator, told the Global Times.

To support their idols, fans in this toxic culture see no teammates, only enemies. Anyone who hinders their idol's pursuit of victory becomes a target for attack, Wang noted.

Recently, some toxic fans have been aggressively leading discussions and attacks on various social media platforms, organizing and spreading derogatory comments, even fabricating scandals and spreading conspiracy theories.

“Those who invade others’ privacy should be punished, while those who do not violate criminal laws should be guided and warned through positive and healthy education,” Wang said.

Previously, some irrational fans were detained by the police for posting inflammatory and defamatory comments against Chinese athletes and coaches after the women's singles table tennis final at the Paris Olympics. The General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Olympic Committee condemned these comments, and the impact was limited.

The intrusion of toxic fan culture into the sports arena is not new and is not limited to summer sports; winter sports also face similar issues.

“In the past two years, there has been a phenomenon of sports becoming fan-centric, which has caused significant distress to some athletes,” Yang Yang, China's first Winter Olympic gold medalist, noted in a recent interview.

Table tennis player Fan Zhendong has also faced harm from toxic fans, including illegal intrusion into hotel rooms, exposure of personal information such as ID cards and phone numbers, and harassment at the airport.

Not only athletes but many sports enthusiasts and even viewers are harassed by these toxic fans for merely mentioning or commenting on their favored individuals.

“I faced cyberbullying because I mentioned an athlete’s poor performance online,” a person who was once targeted by extreme sports fans told the Global Times on condition of anonymity.

The anonymous victim expressed concern that such online behavior could lead to real-world violence. “I was worried that I might be ambushed when going out one day and was also concerned that my family might be harassed,” he noted.

Chinese swimming champion Pan Zhanle, who recently broke a world record at the Paris Olympics, disbanded his only fan group on Monday. 

He previously mentioned in a CCTV interview that many people were waiting downstairs at the hotel to get his autograph. 

The 20-year-old swimming prodigy is using his own way to say “no” to toxic fan culture.

“Be more low-key and keep things quiet,” Pan advised his fans.

The EU continues to take protectionist actions against Chinese products, with biodiesel becoming the latest Chinese product targeted by the bloc in a move that will further escalate tension between China and the EU amid the dispute over the EU's additional tariffs against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).

The EU's protectionist actions will not protect the bloc's businesses from normal market competition, but instead will undermine the competitiveness of EU industries and slow the bloc's transition toward green development, the experts noted.  

In the latest example of the EU's growing protectionism against China, the bloc imposed provisional anti-dumping tariffs of between 12.8 percent and 36.4 percent on Chinese biodiesel starting on Friday, according to media reports. 

China's exports of biodiesel to the EU have dropped sharply since mid-2023, with the volume in the first half of 2024 plunging 51 percent amid the EU's protectionist actions. The EU is one of the largest destinations for Chinese biodiesel exports, accounting for 90 percent of the total export volume in 2023, Reuters reported. 

This is just the latest example of the EU's growing protectionism against Chinese products and companies. The EU has announced so-called anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 37.6 percent against Chinese EVs after what Chinese officials and experts said was a discriminatory investigation into Chinese EVs. The EU has also targeted Chinese companies' involvement in some projects in EU member countries. 

Chinese officials have repeatedly criticized the EU's actions and Chinese industry groups have warned of grave consequences for bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as the EU's plan to transition toward green development. 

Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, said that the EU's latest actions against Chinese biodiesel is just another example of the bloc's growing protectionism. "The best way forward is cooperation," Zhao told the Global Times on Sunday, "however, the current political environment in the EU has become inward. The EU's protectionist actions, including the so-called anti-dumping investigations, are very unwise." 

Chinese officials have vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. 

As part of China's efforts to protect its rights and interests, the Ministry of Commerce earlier this month announced that it has initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the EU's provisional anti-subsidy measures against Chinese EVs at the WTO.

The EU's protectionist moves against Chinese products and companies have already caused damage to trade in relevant industries. 

In the first half of 2024, Chinese EV exports to the EU plunged by 15 percent year-on-year to 221,000 units, according to Chinese official data. In June alone, EV exports fell below the level of 30,000 units, a decline of 31 percent year-on-year and the lowest in the year, the data showed.

Negative impact

Meanwhile, the EU's additional tariffs have caused significant uncertainty within the bloc. According to the latest data, the share of Chinese EVs among newly registered EVs in the EU reached 12.4 percent in June, compared with 10.4 percent a year earlier. 

Commenting on the data, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) said that the change most likely reflects fluctuations created by the EU's plan to impose additional tariffs on Chinese EVs. "The data highlights the nervousness and uncertainty in European markets caused by the EU's protectionist measures," the CCCEU said in a statement shared with the Global Times.

The EU's protectionist actions against Chinese EV and biodiesel may led to declining exports to the EU in the short term, however, the moves will also have negative impacts on the EU's development, particularly its transition toward green development, experts said.

"The EU's protectionist actions may be only targeted at certain Chinese products, but it will hurt more industries," Zhang Jian, a vice president at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times. "Chinese exports of biodiesel are in line with the EU's energy policies because the EU plans for its green transition are about cutting the consumption of fossil fuel. Biodiesel is conducive to the EU's green transition and its goals of cutting carbon emissions." 

In addition to the additional tariffs against Chinese products, the EU has become increasingly hostile toward Chinese investments. Under its so-called Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), Brussels has launched so-called investigations and even raids against Chinese companies, some of which led to Chinese companies to withdraw from projects in EU member countries. 

Since the beginning of this year, the EU has launched five investigations under the FSR into Chinese companies. In one of the striking examples, in March, Chinese train maker CRRC withdrew from a 610 million euro ($660 million) public tender for a Bulgarian railway project, after the EU launched an investigation into the bid under the FSR framework.

The EU's moves have created great uncertainty for Chinese businesses operating in the EU and it will lead to a decline in Chinese investments, even as some EU member countries are seeking to attract Chinese investments, Chinese industry groups and experts have warned. 

On Friday, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products warned that EU members' backing of anti-subsidy measures targeting Chinese EV manufacturers will inevitably lead to a loss of investment in Europe.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday disclosed a case in which a device resembling a USB flash drive turned out to be a covert eavesdropping device, reminding the public to be cautious of seemingly inconspicuous devices. Once they are used for espionage activities, they become specialized espionage equipment, posing a threat to the national security.

For example, a pen with a hidden camera could be used by spies to secretly photograph sensitive documents. Miniature drones that resemble insects can be used for information gathering with their tiny capture devices. These covert tools highlight the potential dangers of seemingly harmless objects in our surroundings, according to the ministry.

A Chinese business delegation participating in a development project bid overseas discovered a listening device disguised as a USB flash drive in a box of napkins delivered to their private dining room. They immediately reported it to the Chinese Embassy in the country. 

The device was brought back to China, and after identification by national security authorities, it was confirmed that the device had two miniature microphones, a lithium battery, a hidden micro button for operation control and digital encryption recording capabilities, said the ministry.

Detailed rules for the implementation of the Counter-Espionage Law stipulate that "specialized espionage equipment" refers to equipment such as covert eavesdropping and surveillance equipment, and electronic monitoring and interception equipment used to obtain intelligence. National security authorities are responsible for the confirmation of specialized espionage equipment.

According to China's Counter-Espionage Law, no individual or organization shall illegally produce, sell, possess, or use specialized spy equipment for espionage activities. Specialized espionage equipment shall be confirmed by the national security authorities in accordance with regulations.

Clinical trials have showed effectiveness of China's domestic brain-computer interface (BCI) system and Chinese scientists are trying to accelerate pace to launch the products in market as early as possible. 

 A recipient of a BCI system developed by a team from Tsinghua University can now control a computer with his own thoughts and brain signals. He is also able to control a wheelchair with his mind. These prove that signal control of BCIs has been successful, Hong Bo from the School of Medicine with Tsinghua University who leads the research, told the Global Times.

According to Hong, a wireless minimally invasive BCI system developed by the Tsinghua team was implanted in December 2023 into the brain of the recipient, surnamed Bai, 35, who have been paralyzed for years following a car accident.

And another patient, surnamed Yang, 54, who has been paralyzed for 14 years, also received the implantation surgery of the Tsinghua team's BCI system in 2023. He is now able to proficiently use his minds to control exoskeleton glove. His hands have also regained some of its grabbing function, Hong said.

These all prove the effectiveness of our BCI system. Looking ahead, the team will, subject to regulatory approval, further expand the scale of medical clinical trials on the path to providing a commercially viable service to benefit the greatest number of patients, he noted. 

BCI refers to the technology that establishes a direct connection pathway between the human brain's nerves and electronic or mechanical devices, to achieve information interaction and functional integration between the nervous system and external devices. 

Chinese scientists have achieved breakthroughs in domestic research and development in BCI technology in recent years and actively applying the technology in rehabilitation, epilepsy and depression treatment. Research in technology in China has now reached a crucial stage, transitioning from the laboratory to the market. Industry observers noted that this shift is expected to play a significant role in driving economic development and creating new competitive advantages in the future, experts said.

Many view the BCI technology as holding the key to an "era of neuroscience," but the technology has also encountered controversies in safety and ethics after Elon Musk said in January 2024 that his BCI company, Neuralink, had successfully completed the first human brain implantation surgery of its BCI device.  

In previous interviews, Hong told the Global Times that compared with Neuralink's invasive technology, his team's wireless semi-invasive BCI technology offers higher level of safety and a longer product lifespan. 

The possibility of the new pair of pandas breeding baby pandas in Hong Kong is promising thanks to advancements in technology and a better understanding of the endangered animal, an official from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, told the Global Times, saying that preparation work for sending pandas to Hong Kong is still underway.

John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), revealed on July 1 that the central government would be sending a new pair of giant pandas from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda to Hong Kong to mark the 27th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland, adding that the two pandas would arrive within months.

Lee said the HKSAR government has told central government that hopefully the new pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong will be young adults, healthy and strong, and can give birth to the next generation in Hong Kong. Previously, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration has agreed to send a pair of giant pandas aged around five to eight years old after considering Hong Kong's request.

Li Desheng, deputy director of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda believed that it is highly possible that the pair of giant pandas being sent as a gift to Hong Kong will be able to breed.

Li said in an interview with the Global Times that his team has carefully considered various factors such as the pandas' physical health, genetic background, and temperament when selecting the giant pandas. He noted that selected pandas, aged between five and eight, have reached sexual maturity, and as long as they can adapt to their new environment, they can successfully breed.

Moreover, Li said the advance of technology and deeper understanding of the endangered animal will also help.

The first pair, male An An and female Jia Jia, arrived in the city in 1999 to celebrate the smooth establishment of the One Country, Two Systems. Ying Ying and Le Le were the second pair that the Chinese mainland gifted to Hong Kong in April 2007, sparking a "panda fever," drawing a crowd of 35,000 visitors when they made their official debut to the public at Ocean Park.

According to Li, his center has conducted fruitful cooperation with Hong Kong in taking good care of the giant pandas in the city, but it is still a pity that the previous two pairs failed to breed baby pandas.

The panda expert in Sichuan said that the preparation work for sending pandas to Hong Kong remains underway, with an arrival date yet to be set.

Hong Kong's Ocean Park, new home of the pandas, will dispatch caretakers to Sichuan to receive training in feeding management, disease prevention and control, and artificial breeding, said Li, adding that the Sichuan center will pass on their years of experience in breeding giant pandas to the experts in Hong Kong.

The Global Times learned at a forum in Hong Kong held this month that the Ocean Park is making final preparations for the new pair, including enhancing their living space and providing innovative digital and immersive experiences for visitors.

Paulo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park, said he is optimistic about the significant economic impact, citing the success of the first pair of pandas in attracting visitors.

A former employee of a wealth fund management company in Beijing has secured a new job at a kindergarten operated by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), with the unusual career path arousing both interest and debate on social media, Chinese domestic news portal thepaper.cn reported.

Curious netizens pored over government announcements to unveil a former employee with a postgraduate degree working with a wealth fund management company, was now listed as a top out of a total of five job applicants at a kindergarten associated with MOFCOM.

The new position is an accountant at the kindergarten. Chinese government departments and its affiliated entities are required to publish their annual employment history and the details of all job applicants to the public for transparency purposes.

Some netizens were appalled by the switch of this person from a highly sought-after financial position to a new job at a kindergarten associated with a government department.

But there are also netizens who believe the job at a government affiliated institution offers stability and the job could be less stressful.

The news came against the backdrop of reported industry-wide salary reductions across the asset management industry, which is undergoing a correction following a massive boom in the past several years.

"Some may see it as a downgrade, but I believe this could be an upgrade [in job]," one netizen commented.

Experts pointed out while the new job at the kindergarten may sound like a "step backward", it reflected the unique career path chosen by each individual based on his or her career planning, area of interest and the reassessment of situation of the line of trade the person engages in. So, the job change was quite "normal," they noted.

China's central government aims to create more than 12 million urban jobs in 2024, with a surveyed urban unemployment rate kept within 5.5 percent in 2024, as it implements an employment-first policy.