Namibia on Tuesday launched an initiative aimed at rewarding, recognizing and supporting individuals and entities that play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, hospitality, kindness, care and preservation of the country's tourism.

The campaign, dubbed "Tourism Heroes," was launched by the Gondwana Collection, a hub for travel and safaris in Namibia, in response to a concerning surge in criminal activities targeting international tourists.

Speaking at the launch, Namibian Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta said this reward system will assist and support the government efforts in ensuring that culprits and criminals that target tourists and tourist establishments are quickly identified, apprehended, and brought to book to face the full wrath of the law.

Gondwana Collection Namibia showed its commitment to this cause by contributing 1 million Namibian dollars (about 67,000 US dollars) through the Gondwana Care Trust.

"This great initiative is forward-looking, and we hope that it will be used to bring crime incidents against tourists to zero in Namibia," Shifeta said, welcoming the establishment of the Tourism Protection Unit by the Namibian Police.

Meanwhile, Peter Katjavivi, speaker of the National Assembly who also attended the launch, highlighted the importance of the hospitality industry as well as tourists visiting the country, noting that there is a need to make the southern African country welcoming to all tourists and make it the preferred destination for tourists to experience true hospitality in Africa.

Last week, Namibia experienced a spate of violent attacks on international tourists, which Shifeta condemned as a serious concern for the industry which contributes significantly to the country's gross domestic product.

Following an incident in which a vehicle rammed into the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco on Monday afternoon local time, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, along with the Chinese consulate, voiced strong condemnations of this attack, and urged the US to swiftly conduct an inquiry and to take robust measures to ensure the safety of Chinese diplomatic establishments and personnel. 

San Francisco police and fire crews attended the consulate after the vehicle crashed into the consulate's visa office on Monday, CBS News reported, citing the San Francisco Fire Department.

San Francisco police fatally shot the suspect who drove the vehicle, media reported, citing authorities.

The incident unfolded at 3:09 pm when an unidentified suspect drove a car into the visa office, located at Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard, and the vehicle came to a rest inside the office's lobby, local news site KTVU FOX 2 reported. 

Police responded to the scene and made contact with the driver. During this encounter, an officer-involved shooting occurred, and the wounded male suspect was taken to a hospital where he later died, according to the news site. Police have not yet named the suspect.

On the morning of Tuesday Beijing time, an unidentified individual rammed a vehicle into the visa office of our Consulate-General in San Francisco in an attempt to hurt people and consulate staff on the spot, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a routine press conference on Tuesday. The consulate swiftly responded to and dealt with the situation. The perpetrator was brought under control by the local police.

China has demanded a speedy investigation and effective steps from the US to ensure the safety of Chinese diplomatic missions and personnel in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Wang said.

The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco strongly condemned the attack and said it has lodged a formal protest with the US side. 

This action posed a grave threat to the safety of the staff and the public inside the visa hall, causing serious damage to the consulate's facilities and property. The nature of this incident is extremely heinous, a consulate spokesperson said. 

We strongly condemn this violent attack and reserve the right to pursue accountability related to this incident. We have lodged a formal protest with the US side, demanding a swift investigation to uncover the truth and to deal with the incident in accordance with the law, the consulate spokesperson said. 

This is not the first time the Chinese consulate in San Francisco was attacked. In 2014, it was heavily damaged after an unidentified person set fire to the main gate, according to media reports. 

After each of these incidents, the US government promised to enhance security for Chinese consulates, but subsequent events suggest that these promises have not been adequately upheld, media professional Hu Xijin said in a Weibo post on Tuesday.

It is evident that the situation in US society is chaotic, and it places Chinese consulate staff in a perilous situation akin to "diplomats in a war zone," Hu said, noting that the failure of the local police to prevent such incidents undoubtedly becomes a stain on US diplomacy.

Editor's Note:

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu (Lee), led a high-level delegation of 70 people to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing from October 18 to 19. At the forum, he invited entrepreneurs to Hong Kong to set up belt and road offices. After the forum, he sat down with the Global Times (GT) reporters Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi for an exclusive interview, sharing his insights on Hong Kong's role in the BRI and Hong Kong's strengths on the global stage. Lee also touched on the "competitive role" of the Hong Kong-Singapore relationship, noting that as long as the "pie" of development is made big enough, everyone can also get a larger share.

GT: You led a high-level delegation of 70 people to Beijing on your latest visit to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, including several high-ranking government officials as well as individuals from the business, academic, and scientific communities. What was the consideration behind this? What is Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

Lee: I hope to use this platform of the forum to better promote Hong Kong and seek business opportunities. Many of our delegates have also established personal connections with entrepreneurs from various regions, giving them the opportunity to personally introduce Hong Kong's advantages and services, which will be more persuasive.

Hong Kong is a participant, promoter, and beneficiary of the BRI. In the joint construction of the BRI, Hong Kong has its own unique advantages. We boast the position of "eight centers," namely, an international financial center, an international trade center, an international shipping center, and an Asia-Pacific international legal and dispute resolution service center, as well as four emerging centers: An international innovation and technology center, a Chinese and foreign cultural and art exchange center, an international aviation hub, and a regional intellectual property trading center. I believe that Hong Kong can play its role in promoting financial connectivity, attracting international investment, and promoting the internationalization of the Chinese currency renminbi (RMB).

GT: We noticed that not long ago you visited three Southeast Asian countries: Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. How do you evaluate the prospects for cooperation between Hong Kong and Southeast Asian countries under the framework of the BRI? Which are the areas that hold the greatest potential? In the past, people have often said that Hong Kong is a "bridge" between the East and the West. In the future, do you think Hong Kong will play a similar role between the Chinese mainland and Southeast Asia?

Lee: Hong Kong has a unique status granted by the central government and the One Country, Two Systems policy is implemented in the city. As one of the few cities in the world that can concentrate both China's advantages and international advantages, we are very lucky, and should therefore make good use of this advantage.

First, Hong Kong can help enterprises in the Chinese mainland go global, including in terms of financing, introducing talents, and scientific and technological cooperation. We can give full play to Hong Kong's functions as an international city. This is the "capital" we have accumulated over the years.

Second, Hong Kong attaches great importance to regional cooperation and hopes to have good relations with our neighbors. The ASEAN is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner, after the Chinese mainland. This is why one of my two official trips this year was to the three ASEAN members, and I will also take time to visit other states.

In addition, the ASEAN is also an important force in helping Hong Kong join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) as soon as possible. I am very happy that when communicating with ASEAN states this time, many of them expressed their support for Hong Kong's joining of the RCEP. In the future, we will continue to promote regional cooperation with the ASEAN.

GT: Many people view Singapore as Hong Kong's "competitor" and believe that Singapore has the potential to replace Hong Kong as Asia's international financial center. What's your opinion on this view? Will Hong Kong be replaced by Singapore? Are Hong Kong and Singapore in competition, or do they have more room for complementarity and cooperation?

Lee: Hong Kong and many places have dual competitive and cooperative relationship. Competition is a good thing. Only with competition can we make progress. Healthy competition is beneficial. In fact, I have a very good relationship with Singapore's leadership. We often discuss how there is a lot of room for cooperation and development.

I think the most important thing (for a city) is to compete with itself. Competing with competitors is important, but it is likely that one day you will have surpassed your competitors. Will you not have goals then? So, every day we have to be the object of our own competition, to surpass what we accomplished the day before, and apply this philosophy to the future as an effective long-term goal.

Therefore, I often tell my colleagues that Hong Kong needs to compete and cooperate with other regions, taking advantage of their strengths and compensating for their weaknesses. This is beneficial for our own development. Cooperation between Hong Kong and all countries and regions is aimed at mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. 

Relationships that only benefit one side are not sustainable. Maybe this time you gain more and I gain less, but next time I gain more and you gain less, and that's good.

In the end, what is the most important goal of competition? Is it the development of the economy or improving the lives of the people? As long as the "pie" of development is made big enough, everyone can also get a larger share. This is our ultimate goal.

GT: Some international media outlets have claimed that Hong Kong's international status and international attractiveness have declined in recent years. How do you respond to this claim?

Lee: Hong Kong is attractive in many aspects. In world rankings, Hong Kong holds many top positions: Our investment environment is ranked first globally, our offshore RMB trading volume is the highest in the world, and we are also the world's longest-living city. Hong Kong's public transportation system is ranked first among over 60 advanced cities, and we are the only city with an area of only 1,100 square kilometers that has five "Top 100" universities. Hong Kong also ranks second in many indicators worldwide: economic freedom, government efficiency, and innovation environment are all ranked second globally. Hong Kong has many aspects that other regions in the world envy.

The epidemic in the last few years has indeed slowed down Hong Kong's development in some areas. Some places in the world relaxed epidemic control measures relatively early, and therefore have a time advantage, but I think this advantage (relative to Hong Kong) is only temporary. Since resuming customs clearance, Hong Kong has fully integrated with the world. We are also "catching up with time" in different fields. Now, the work of the HKSAR government is all results-oriented, and many citizens also believe that many things are progressing faster this year than before. I think these are all positive factors for Hong Kong (in terms of international attractiveness).

GT: This year alone, you have visited many places in the Chinese mainland, from Beijing to Guangzhou, Shenzhen to Hainan, and Chongqing to Guizhou, among others… As the head of HKSAR, why do you visit the mainland so frequently? During these trips, what made a particularly profound impact on you?

Lee: I visited different places (in the mainland) to gain understanding. In fact, the main reason was I felt it imperative to do. Hong Kong's biggest opportunity lies in the country's development. It is most beneficial to Hong Kong to fully and proactively integrate into the overall development of the country.

At the end of 2022, I established the Steering Group on Integration into National Development to strengthen the integration of the entire HKSAR government and the entire society into the overall national development. This means that we need to develop close relations with different provinces and cities to work together for mutual benefit and win-win results. I attach great importance to this aspect and will continue to establish cooperative relationships (between them and Hong Kong) in different places.

Hong Kong now has different cooperation mechanisms and systems with many provinces and cities. I also often share my ideas with the leaders of various places in the mainland, that is, our cooperation must be "one plus one equals two." Hong Kong will put its best foot forward and so will our partners. This is "invincible."

GT: Not long ago, you expressed your confidence that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will develop into one of the most dynamic and competitive regions in China and even the world. What makes you so confident about the prospects of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area? The idea of the Greater Bay Area has been proposed for many years. Do you think the construction of the Greater Bay Area will usher in some big breakthroughs in the next year or two?

Lee: I believe that the Greater Bay Area is one of the most promising regions for development in the country. Currently, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have already achieved a high level of integration, and have formed strong cooperation ties with the entire Guangdong Province. With nine cities and two special administrative regions, each with its own advantages, it is no longer just a case of "one plus on," but rather the synergy of all 11 entities working together, resulting in significant collaborative efficiency.

Hong Kong has a lot to contribute to the Greater Bay Area and the country. First, there is a wealth of talent in Hong Kong. The city is able to attract international talents, with its highly internationalized universities that are among the top in the world. 

Additionally, there are scholarships and exchange programs available, such as the "Belt and Road Scholarship," further enhancing the internationalization of Hong Kong's talent pool. Hong Kong's professionals in fields such as accounting and engineering are also highly aligned with international standards.

Second, Hong Kong has a strong advantage in scientific research. In the current complex global (geopolitical) environment, many researchers who had previously left Hong Kong or the Chinese mainland are now looking to return and conduct research in Hong Kong.

Third, Hong Kong implements the common law system, which is similar to the legal systems of many developed countries. As a result, these countries are more familiar with and trust Hong Kong's legal system. This can attract more international partners for cooperation and also make Hong Kong a preferred arbitration venue for international trade disputes.

The entire Greater Bay Area has a population of 86 million and its GDP is equivalent to the 10th largest economy in the world. It is larger than many countries, so the Greater Bay Area can compete strongly with other countries as a whole. 

I feel very happy and proud that Hong Kong has the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area, and Hong Kong will also benefit greatly from it, injecting strong momentum into its own economic development.

Chengdu, the capital city of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, is set to become the vibrant hub of global sportsmanship as the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games is set to kick off on July 28, 2023, captivating athletes and spectators from around the world with a thrilling display of talent, unity, and friendly competition.

China unveiled its delegation for the 31st FISU World University Games on Wednesday, in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin Province. The Chinese delegation consists of over 700 individuals, including 411 athletes from more than 100 universities across 25 provinces in the country. 

These athletes will compete in all 18 events at the Chengdu Universiade, which is scheduled to run from July 28 to August 8. The average age of the athletes is 22.9 years old, according to media reports. 

Out of the 206 male athletes and 205 female athletes, 387 will be making their debut at the summer Universiade in Chengdu. Among them, 344 athletes will be representing China for the first time at an international event, while 34 have previously participated in the Olympics. 

Trials for 11 events, including swimming, judo, badminton, and table tennis, were organized by the Federation of University Sports of China (FUSC) from April to May 2023.

Due to the pandemic, the Chengdu Universiade, which was meant to take place in 2020, was postponed twice. But the preparation work was not delayed. In the last three years, Chengdu has effectively managed the building, refurbishment, and enlargement of 49 stadiums and gyms, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure and service systems that comply with global competition standards.

To ensure the participation of the students and minimize the impact, the FISU raised the maximum age of participants from 25 to 27. Additionally, the rule that only current students and recent graduates could participate was relaxed, allowing students who graduated in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to take part.

Currently, the Chengdu Universiade has launched more than 18 series and over 1000 licensed products, including branded toys, badges, stationery, and stamps, all centered around a panda mascot named "Rongbao." 

This year's Chengdu Universiade also embraces the eco-friendly and low carbon concept. Many new energy buses have been spotted in recent day in the Universiade village in Chengdu. Reports suggest that more than 2,400 new energy vehicles will be used for transportation services during the Universiade to ensure green travel during the games. 

Meanwhile, adhering to the concept of "green, smart, vibrant, and sharing" in organizing the games, all newly built venues for the Chengdu Universiade were constructed using green building materials, and all venues will use LED energy-saving lighting fixtures.

The Universiade has recruited 20,000 volunteers who are currently undergoing pre-event training. In commercial areas, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs, 1,000 city volunteer service stations have also been put up. They will provide convenient services and promote the games as part of the city volunteer service.

Wang Jiayi, China's Chef de mission, urged the athletes to serve as cultural ambassadors. He encouraged them to embody the Olympic spirit and demonstrate through their actions that the Chinese people are committed to contributing to the development of the Olympic Movement and in fostering unity among people worldwide, Xinhua reported.

Editor's Note:

"The Chinese people value friendship. We never forget our old friends, nor your historic contributions to promoting the growth of China-US relations and enhancing friendship between the two peoples," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during the meeting with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in Beijing, on July 20, 2023, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

In the last few years, when China-US relations were at a low ebb, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have never been interrupted. 

How should the two civilizations of China and the US coexist to bring prosperity and stability to their people?

From serving at the grassroots to being the Chinese President, Xi has been a consistent builder of friendship with the American people.

This story is a part of the "Witness to history" series by the Global Times, comprising of comprehensive interviews with people who have witnessed Xi's high regard for and personal efforts in promoting people-to-people friendship between China and the US. They have also actively demonstrated to the world that the will of the Chinese and American people is to cooperate, and how such cooperation is beneficial to the people of the two countries and the world.

As a businessman shuttling back and forth between China and the US, Gary Dvorchak accepted to give an exclusive interview to the Global Times, when he returned to his home in Muscatine, a tranquil city on the banks of the Mississippi River in the central US state of Iowa, at a house located at No. 2911 Bonnie Drive.

Nearly 40 years ago, when a visiting Chinese official spent the night in No. 2911 in Dvorchak's bedroom while he was away at college, no one imagined that the visitor would one day become the Chinese president.

This is believed to be Xi Jinping's first trip outside China and perhaps his first experience of staying with an American family, according to Xinhua. He was then a young and promising junior official, Party secretary of Zhengding County in China's northern province of Hebei. He led a five-person agricultural delegation to Muscatine, Iowa.

At that time, in Dvorchak's house, Xi was hosted in a room that was decorated for elementary schoolboys, with a mini exhibition of American football wallpapers and Star Trek models.

Currently, Dvorchak hopes to expose more people to the atmosphere of friendly exchanges between China and the US. He is in the process of redecorating the house, which is scheduled to open to the public in October or November, "creating what we think will be a very professional and heartwarming symbolic project that benefits China-US relations," Dvorchak told the Global Times. 

"The friendship between the Chinese and American people deserves to be told more positively," he stressed.

Old house, new chapter

"It's [the house] a museum now, but our intention is probably to much more professionally tell the story of China in a very positive way, and promote people-to-people relationships between the American and Chinese citizens," Dvorchak said.

Dvorchak pointed out that Xi's visit in 1985 changed the course of his family's life forever.  

Muscatine is a very small town in Iowa, and in 1985, a visit by a Chinese delegation was an extraordinary event, Dvorchak noted, "It was on the front page of our hometown newspaper, and everyone had very vivid memories of Xi's visit."

The visit seemed to have also impressed Xi. Almost 27 years later, during a visit to the US as vice president, Xi had one personal request on his trip: A stop in Muscatine to visit his "old friends," including Dvorchak's parents.

"Life goes on and there were no ways to stay in touch as there was no internet back then. But so many people in Muscatine were very happy to learn of how President Xi has governed and China has become prosperous step by step," he said.

In 2013, Dvorchak worked for a company in Los Angeles that had an opening for a senior staffer in Beijing. Subsequently, Dvorchak moved to Beijing with his family. His childhood home was purchased by a Chinese businessman and transformed into the "Sino-US Friendship House," becoming the first memorial museum in the US dedicated to the theme of China-US friendship.

"But when the COVID-19 pandemic came, people weren't traveling, and the house gradually lost its original splendor," noted Dvorchak, who had been in negotiations with the previous owner of this house for about three years, in a bid to buy the house again. 

"We finally struck a deal at the beginning of this year and then closed the transaction. So my family now owns the house again," he said proudly.

The Global Times found that the house is now filled with news clippings of China and the Chinese leader. 

"We want school children, as one example, to come on a field trip; come through the house and learn about China and learn about what China is like now and all the great things that China has contributed to human civilization," he said.

More active efforts needed

Dvorchak has been living in China for a decade now.

"It's been absolutely wonderful to experience how that the country is fantastic. We've had such a warm welcome. So I can't say enough good things about China and the experience that we have had," Dvorchak said.

In recent days, Dvorchak and others from Iowa visited Kuliang in Fuzhou, Fujian Province and the Xiongan New Area and Zhengding county in Hebei. There, they marveled at the rapid changes in China, the unique path of modernization that China is firmly following, and were even more touched by the friendship between the people of China and the US.

"I would say the main thing I have gained is a lot of great friendships. In Kuliang we witnessed the warmth and the happiness of reunions between Chinese and American people," said Dvorchak. 

When a group of former Fuzhou residents crossed mountains and oceans to return to this beloved place, they were looking to rekindle the feelings they had when they first lived in China, he noted.

"And when we went to our sister province, Hebei, to see people we have seen many times before we have shared great experiences with. Such friendship is playing an active role in promoting peaceful exchanges and interaction between the two superpowers in the world today," he said. 

Dvorchak pointed out that old friends from Iowa are clearly aware that through President Xi's career, even when he was visiting Iowa in 1985, people-to-people exchanges have been a high priority for him.

Dvorchak said he regrets that many Americans base their opinions on what they hear on television, and from much media and political hype with negative information about China. "I always just tell people to turn off the TV, just look at your daily experience, look at the Chinese friend you have that is gonna make you realize that the negative view is not reflective of reality."

When Xi went to Muscatine in 1985, Dvorchak's parents gave him a parting gift of popcorn, and he left behind Chinese liquor in return. Currently, Dvorchak says he wishes to do more.

"I and the other people from Iowa have been involved [in China-US friendship] for a long time, and are working on the project of the new edition of the Sino-US Friendship House. We're all working on it together. It's just one little house in the middle of Iowa, but it's pushing back and it's saying, 'hey, let's bring positive energy to the US-China relationship,'" he said.

A recent public opinion survey conducted in Dubai targeting Arab youth revealed that eight out of 10 respondents consider China an ally, marking the highest number of respondents to hold this view in four years.

According to data from the United Nations Population Fund, the Arab region is characterized by a substantial youth population, with those under 30 years old constituting about 60 percent of the total population. As a result, numerous international media outlets have shown particular interest in this survey's results, which demonstrate an increasing trend of positive sentiments among Arab youth toward China.

The Global Times reporters found that with the advancement of internet technology and the expansion of avenues for people-to-people exchanges, Arab youth possess richer media exposure to China compared with previous generations. They also have more opportunities for face-to-face interactions with Chinese individuals, leading to a more diversified and contemporary understanding of China.

Moreover, Arab youth approaches the development of different nations worldwide with more pragmatic attitude and are eager to learn from the success stories of other countries.

Experts told the Global Times that further broadening the scope and depth of face-to-face exchanges between young people from China and Arab nations in technology, education, culture, and other domains should be a goal.
An urge to strive forward

Strolling through shops across various Middle Eastern countries, one can find an array of everyday consumer goods from China, such as data cables, power banks, and phone cases.

During the Qatar World Cup in 2022, Global Times reporters visited Doha and found that the backs of each World Cup souvenir item bore the familiar "Made in China" label. Ahmed, a shop assistant at a World Cup souvenir store in Doha, confirmed that many of their products were imported from China, as the wide variety and good quality of Chinese goods are favored by consumers.

Liu Zhongmin, Director of the Middle East Studies Institute at the Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times that the positive perception of China held by youth from Arab countries is largely influenced by the bilateral economic and trade exchanges, particularly since the cities of Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong Province, Yinchuan in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Yiwu in East China's Zhejiang Province, became windows connecting China and the Arab world.

China is the largest trading partner of Arab countries, with bilateral trade volume reaching around $430 billion in 2022, a historical record.

When asked about their impressions of Chinese people, 21-year-old Algerian Nura Omri revealed that she had previously held a rather stereotypical view, believing that the Chinese were subject to arduous labor and were uninterested in engaging with the outside world. However, Nura's perception of Chinese people has significantly changed as she got to know more Chinese friends through learning the Chinese language.

Nura, a master's student majoring in Media and Geopolitics at the University of Algiers 3, secured second place in the Chinese Bridge Competition in Algeria this year after studying Chinese for over a year. Nura stated, "The Chinese nation is a wise one; the Chinese people, just like us, are warm and hospitable, and delight in helping others."

Liu commented that in the realm of culture and society, the influence of Chinese TV dramas and films on the Arab region is gradually increasing. According to media reports, Arabic-dubbed versions of Chinese TV dramas have been aired in multiple Arab countries.

Abdel-Rahman, a 23-year-old graduate from Qatar University, specifically chose to get an internship at a construction project under a Chinese enterprise in Doha. He told the Global Times that he often saw videos on the internet showcasing China's rapid infrastructure development, and this time he finally had the opportunity to see it for himself.

The most profound impression left on him was the efficient project organization and management by Chinese companies, as well as the excellent work capability of his Chinese colleagues. "I feel like every Chinese colleague is an 'all-rounder'; whenever there is a shortage of staff due to vacation or other reasons, they can seamlessly take on other roles."

Similarly, in the job market, Ferial Hamdi from Algeria also favors Chinese companies. Born into a Berber family in the eastern Bouïra Province, Farida received a quality education and is fluent in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Berber. After graduating from university, she chose to work at a local Chinese company rather than a Western or an American one.

She told the Global Times that people often jest that the Chinese are like "robots," but she embraces this culture. She believes that it is this tenacious spirit that has enabled the Chinese nation to achieve remarkable feats in the world. Working with Chinese colleagues continually sparks her urge to strive for more.

More diverse, positive attitude

Favorable sentiments expressed toward China by people in Arab countries began in the 1950s and 1960s when New China steadfastly and selflessly supported the national liberation efforts of Arab countries, generously providing assistance and winning the goodwill and appreciation of Arab nations.

Global Times reporters have visited with or interviewed a number of older scholars and statesmen from Arab countries, and found well-worn copies of Selected Works of Mao Zedong that bear the mark of time.

Al-Rawda, an 18-year-old freshman at Egypt's Suez Canal University, told the Global Times that "Since childhood, my elders have told me about China's achievements in various fields, as well as its history and culture. It is because of this understanding that I chose to study Chinese."

Zou Zhiqiang, a research fellow at Fudan University's Middle East Research Center, told the Global Times that while the older generation in the region holds a friendly attitude toward China, their knowledge of China is not comprehensive. In their impression, China is depicted as having a large population, relatively underdeveloped, and of average product quality.

"However, the younger generation is less influenced by traditional thinking and stereotypes, and holds fewer ideological burdens," Zou said. "Their views on China are more diverse and positive, impressed by China's economic achievements and advanced national development. They regard China as a global technological and economic leader, and view it as a valuable model for Arab countries to learn from."

Resentment against US' hegemony

Against the backdrop of the comprehensive strategic partnership relations established between China and Saudi Arabia, the Global Times public opinion center recently conducted an online survey titled "China-Arab Relationship in the Eyes of Saudi Arabian Youth," which was carried out through online questionnaires targeting young people aged between 18 and 35 in Saudi Arabia, from July 4 to 11. A total of 300 valid questionnaires were collected.

The data shows that over 70 percent of the respondents have a positive impression of China, while only 47 percent, that is, less than half of the respondents have a positive impression of the US. Additionally, more than 70 percent of the respondents were aware of the cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in fields such as infrastructure, trade, and energy, and over two-thirds of the respondents stated that they personally felt the tangible improvements in people's lives brought about by this cooperation.

The US has had significant influence in Arab countries for quite a long time. Some governments in the region still harbor hopes of financial assistance from the US to drive their economic and social development, while some of their citizens have been greatly influenced by American culture and education. However, the US' hegemonic actions, including frequently interfering in other countries' internal affairs and meddling in Arab countries' affairs, have resulted in growing resentment among people in Arab countries, analysts said.

After the 9/11 attacks, the US accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorists, while continues to suppress Arab countries under the pretext of human rights violations and religious freedoms in these countries, which has led to a deteriorating impression of the US among many people in Arab countries.

This trend was reflected in a survey conducted by a Dubai-based public relations firm in July, which included face-to-face interviews with 3,600 youth aged 18 to 24 across 53 cities in 18 Arab countries, according to a report by CNN.

In the survey, 80 percent of respondents considered China to be an ally to their country, and the US ranks seventh among "friendly" nations, compared with China, which ranked second in the Arab Youth Survey.

Arab countries rely more heavily on US in military security, Liu told the Global Times. However, in a broader sense of partnership, the youth in these countries now see China as more of a partner and an "ally," as the US consistently places its own interests ahead of those of its allies, while China's cooperation with Arab countries in various fields is based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, Liu said.

"Unlike the US, which makes empty promises and attaches many stringent political conditions to its aid to Arab countries, China is the most trustworthy country in the world today. China keeps its promises and is a good friend, which has done many good things for Arab and African countries," AL-Labib, a young Egyptian, told the Global Times.

Face-to-face communication

China and the Arab world have a historical foundation of friendly exchanges, and the relationship is further supported by strong practical factors.

China emphasizes exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations to promote people-to-people connectivity. Recent years have seen many achievements in youth exchanges between the two sides.

Among the eight major initiatives by China-Arab practical cooperation put forward at the first China-Arab States Summit in December, 2022, the seventh is the cooperation initiative on youth development.

In July, the China-Arab youth friendship ambassadors 2023 program was inaugurated, with nearly 100 young representatives from Arab countries coming to China for exchanges. The China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center was also established on August 1. The training and exchange program for young sinologists initiated by the Chinese government has also attracted active participation from many students from Arab countries. This series of projects helps enhance mutual understanding and consolidate goodwill between China and Arab countries.

Compared with government-level cooperation, Zou believes that face-to-face exchanges among young people are more direct, emotional, and free. When young people from China and Arab countries travel or study in each other's countries, they can make local friends and engage in in-depth conversations, which will help to enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendships between the people of the two sides in a subtler and more impactful ways.

Zou believes that in the future, deeper and wider youth exchanges between China and Arab countries should be increased in fields of science and technology, education, and culture. Youth from Arab countries have a strong interest in China's emerging technologies, and this group is also a key force for government-level technological cooperation. Chinese technology and gaming companies can expand into the Arab market and increase their popularity among youth from Arab countries, which in turn can also help Arab countries cultivate young scientists and innovative talents.

In the Chinese science-fiction novel "The Three-Body Problem," Wallfacer Bill Hines and his wife develop the Mental Seal as part of his Wallfacer Project plan. The Mental Seal can directly imprint thoughts and beliefs on people's brains based on the theory of "brain quantum layer activity." 

The fictional plot is increasingly becoming a real-life possibility as the research and application of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) technology improves rapidly around the world, which not only leads to renewed hope for the treatment of many diseases, but also offers the first possibility of increased longevity of a healthy person's consciousness, and even immorality.

The rapid development of BCI technology and concerns over how it might change relationships and interactions between humans and machines has also prompted increased vigilance and caution among global authorities regarding opening the free market door to the technology as there has not yet been an approved invasive BCI product on the market globally. 

Aside from practical concerns over the various complex fields involved, potential damage to the human brain, the risk of personal information leakage, as well as ethical controversies, questions haunting the development of BCIs also expand further to metaphysical considerations like: What do BCIs mean for humanity? Would BCIs take control of human beings' brains? Would immortality become possible with BCIs and would we be still human if our bodies are merged with computers?

Rapid advancement

The BCI system refers to the creation of a new information exchange pathway between the brain and external devices. On one hand, it converts brain signals into machine-readable signals to achieve effective mechanical control. On the other hand, it converts external device signals into brain-readable signals to directly interface with the brain. From a technical perspective, the implementation of a BCI device can be invasive or non-invasive.

Wuhan-based Nuracom, in an interview with the Global Times, stated that the company's micro-needle has high reliability and stability in both mechanical and electrical characteristics, making it suitable for neural signal recording and neuron stimulation. 

On August 25, Nuracom's ultra-high-density implantable BCI system was recognized by a panel of 11 top experts in China in science and technology, including Chinese Academy of Sciences academician Zhao Jizong and Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Li Peigen. The expert group believes that the system is innovative, technologically advanced, has broad application prospects, is comparatively advanced in the on an international scale, and will promote the technological progress of China's brain-computer interfaces industry. 

Nearly a month later, Neuralink, a BCI technology company founded by Elon Musk, announced that it had obtained approval from the reviewing independent institutional review board and their first hospital site was ready to begin recruitment for the first-in-human clinical trial for the company's fully-implantable, wireless BCI device. 

Nuracom also said the company is conducting extensive preclinical research, including verification of product performance, safety and reliability tests, as well as extensive animal trials. 

"We are collaborating with medical institutions to conduct in-depth research on relevant diseases, improve our products through these studies, and ultimately develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan to benefit patients. We have also conducted extensive preclinical research and actively laid out clinical trials and registration of medical devices, which will lead to the introduction of clinical diagnostic and treatment products to the market," the company said in a statement to the Global Times.

Neuralink's product implants electrodes one by one through a robotic insertion method and assembles them by soldering to an external device. The product also needs to transmit neural signals out to an external circuit board for A/D conversion before sending out digital signals. 

By contrast, Nuracom's innovative on-site neural signal processing technology optimizes signal quality, improves signal decoding accuracy, and has stimulation precision. It can achieve a one-time implantation of 65,536-channel microneedles, solving the problems of the current single electrode implantation method, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Nuracom said its BCI system not only has precise brainwave signal acquisition capabilities, but also enables reverse stimulation, providing researchers with more complex paradigms.

As leading companies enter the clinical stage, the BCI market is entering a critical period for market adoption. According to a report released by dongfangqb.com, a Chinese industry expert consulting service platform, the global BCI market was valued at $1.74 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2027. 

The Chinese market for BCI devices is expected to have a significant amplification effect when combined with specific use cases. It is estimated that by 2040, the market size of BCI devices in China will reach 56 billion yuan ($7.66 billion), with a compound annual growth rate of 21 percent. 

Among them, the research-grade device market is estimated to be 1.5 billion yuan, and the consumer-grade device market is estimated to be 54.5 billion yuan. The report predicts that the market for BCI devices in China could be valued at hundreds of billions in the future.

Broad potentials

The development of BCI technology has a history of nearly a century since the invention of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in 1924. Before Neuralink's technology debuted in the arena of public discourse in August 2020, multiple international teams had already conducted research on the application of BCIs, most of it in clinical medicine.

In 1978, American biomedical scientist William Dobelle implanted an array of 68 electrodes into the visual cortex of a blind patient, allowing the patient to perceive grayscale modulated dot matrix images within a limited field of view by connecting a camera.

In the 21st century, with the overall scientific and technological advancement, BCI technology has seen rapid growth. In 1998, American scientists implanted a BCI device into the brain of a patient who suffered a brainstem stroke, enabling the patient to control a computer cursor. In 2014, Juliano Pinto, a 28-year-old quadriplegic man, controlled an exoskeleton through a brain-computer interface and kicked the first ball of the World Cup opening ceremony in Brazil, marking a milestone in the development of brain-computer interface technology.

On August 23 this year, a new study was published in Nature demonstrating that BCIs can help restore speech for people who have lost the ability due to paralysis. The clinical trial participant - who can no longer use the muscles of her lips, tongue, larynx, and jaws to enunciate units of sound clearly - was able to generate 62 words per minute on a computer screen simply by attempting to speak. This is more than three times as fast as the previous record for assisted communication using implanted BCI devices and an approach toward the roughly 160-word-per-minute rate of natural conversation among English speakers.

BCIs technology is also used in research for the treatment of various psychological and neurological disorders. In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first deep brain stimulation (DBS) device for the treatment of essential tremor. In 2002, the device was approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, the treatment of dystonia in 2003, and the treatment of epilepsy in 2018. 

A switch between heaven and hell

The DBS technology is also the research foundation for the clinical research project on the use of BCI technology for treatment-resistant depression at the Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

The principle of DBS involves implanting electrodes into specific neural circuits in the brain to regulate corresponding neural clusters through electrical stimulation for therapeutic purposes. However, in previous experiments in the use of DBS for the treatment of depression, once the surgery was completed and the electrodes were implanted in the patient's brain, the parameters of electrical stimulation could only be adjusted externally, and the signals of brain activity could not be transmitted outwards. 

In other words, the communication between the brain and the machine was one-way, explained Sun Bomin, director of the Functional Neurosurgery Center at Ruijin Hospital and initiator of the clinical study of the use of BCI treatment for treatment-resistant depression, to the Global Times.

Research conducted at the Ruijin Hospital integrates BCI devices into DBS technology, which not only allows for external parameter adjustment but also enables continuous collection and export of deep brain activity data from patients, achieving true bidirectional information exchange. These data will help doctors to study the pathogenesis of depression and improve the effectiveness of precise stimulation for patients, Sun said.

According to Sun, he and his team have made unprecedented discoveries in this clinical trial: The energy of a slow-wave frequency band in the gamma wave range in the brain is positively correlated with the symptoms of depressed patients, known as "biomarkers." This means that the patient's "good state" and "bad state" can be quantified into different waveforms. In future research, based on the performance of these "biomarkers," researchers can provide corresponding stimulation to patients to maintain a "good state", thereby achieving the desired therapeutic effect.

Data shows that using BCI technology to regulate the brain can lead to an average improvement of over 60 percent in postoperative depression symptoms, according to a report the hospital released in April.  

For Wu Xiaotian, one of the volunteers in Sun's team's project, the device researchers put in his right chest is like a switch that can transport him from a "hell of depression" to a "heaven of happiness." 

The device is connected to two electrodes, extending from the device to behind the ears, and then from the back of the brain to the front of the brain, passing through the nerve nuclei at the front of the brain. When the device sends electric currents and stimulates the nerves, the symptoms of depression are eased or made to disappear.

Every morning when I turn on the device, I feel like I am freed from the prison of depression, Wu said.  

Some people have expressed concern that BCIs might become something akin to "spiritual opium" for these patients as they rely on the device for emotional regulation and quotidian function. 

Sun dispelled such worry, explaining that "we implant BCIs in these patients to control their brains in order to cure their diseases. These recipients are patients who need such treatment. We would not implant these devices in healthy people, so there is no reason to worry." 

Beyond controversies

Although Sun is seemingly clear on the aim of his research, concerns over how BCI technology might change relationships and interactions between humans and machines has prompted increased vigilance among global authorities.

It may still be too early for human beings to be able to answer questions above as it very likely would take years, even decades, before a mature implantable BCI product is available on the market, and an understanding of and discussions around the issue are also improving accordingly. 

But human beings still have to seize the current opportunity to get current decisions right, experts have warned. Only as people deal with these concerns step by step, will we be able to approach a controllable future.

The impact caused by [technology] depends on its application scenarios. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the priority application areas of brain-machine interface technology that can have a beneficial impact on humans and focus on in-depth research and application, said scientists from Nuracom when asked about how to address ethical controversies surrounding brain-machine interface technology.

We believe that within the framework of law and ethics, brain-machine interfaces technology, in its application process, can reduce negative impacts and ultimately benefit humanity and society, the scientists stressed. 

Some experts have urged that it is necessary to establish a sound ethical framework and moral guidelines for the behavior of brain-machine interfaces developers and users in practice, ensuring the legality and morality of the technology.

Some countries have been making such moves. In 2021, Chile became the first country to have enumerated specific brain-related rights in its constitution, establishing the rights to personal identity, free will, and mental privacy.

The 2021 yearly global cybersecurity report released by the Chinese public security authority also highlighted legal regulation of some rapidly advancing technologies such as quantum computing and BCIs.

"For this surgery, we have prepared for more than half a year," Xiao Yuehai told the Global Times when talking about the first laparoscopic surgery carried out in Solomon Islands.

Xiao is an urologist from the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University (AHGMU) and a member of the second group of Chinese medical workers dispatched to the Solomon Islands.

We reused the laparoscope machines and organized a new one. This helped us save at least 4 million yuan ($548,320), Xiao said proudly.  

The first laparoscopic surgery was conducted by Solomon Islands doctors under the guidance of Chinese medical staff. As of August 22, two such surgeries had been conducted.

"In the past, local doctors had to make an opening of 15-20 centimeters on the patient's torso when they conducted the surgery. The patient would lose a large amount of blood and have to be hospitalized for about one week before leaving the hospital. But now, they can leave the hospital two days after the surgery is completed," Xiao said. 

Meaningful exchanges

This is not just happening in the Solomon Islands, but the whole South Pacific Islands region. 

According to a fact sheet on cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) the Chinese Foreign Ministry released in May 2022, China has sent a total of 600 medical workers to PICs, who have treated 260,000 local patients, provided free medical services on over 100 occasions, and donated a significant amount of both medical machines and medicines. They have helped improve local residents' health and local medical service capacity.

In 2014, the China-assisted Navua Hospital opened to the public in Fiji, bringing benefits to over 30,000 local residents, according to the sheet.

In January 2016, the China-Australia-PNG Malaria Prevention Program was officially launched in Papua New Guinea (PNG), effectively enhancing the ability of malaria prevention and treatment. In October 2017, the Shenzhen municipal government helped launch malaria elimination program in the Kirivina Islands of PNG, reducing the local community's vulnerability to?malaria, the sheet noted.

After the start of COVID-19, the two sides have been helping each other combat the disease. China has held more than 10 bilateral or multilateral public health expert meetings via video link with PICs, which have established diplomatic relations with China, to share experience covering disease prevention, control, treatment and diagnosis. China has actively provided vaccines, supplies and financial assistance to PICs, helping the latter build quarantine cubicles and other facilities. As of May 2022, China had provided PICs with 590,000 doses of vaccines and over 100 tons of supplies, according to the sheet. 

Restricted by their geographic location, medical standards across Pacific Islands Countries and the connectivity between the countries remains low, meaning local residents have difficulty in accessing treatment when faced with serious health issues. 

China's medical support not only brings medicines and equipment to the region, but also advanced technologies, which have helped improve the development of local medical care and bolster the development of the friendship between China and the entire region. 

The Chinese medical team also helps the Solomon Islands to organize an emergency medical team for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games that is scheduled to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, between November 19 and December 2.  

Chinese doctors' selfless contribution has won respect and recognition of local governments and residents. 

In July, as Vanuatu celebrated the 43rd anniversary of its independence, Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu awarded nine members of the first Chinese medical team with state medals in recognition of their significant contribution to improving local medical standards and consolidating the China-Vanuatu cooperation in medical treatment and public health.

Teaching a man to fish

Apart from providing medical services directly to local residents, Chinese medical teams also train local medical staff "how to fish" through lectures, clinical practice and training sessions, which serve to enhance local medical capacity. 

According to the Xinhua News Agency, from 2002 to July 2023, Chinese medical teams to Papua New Guinea held more than 11,000 training courses and held at least 70 lectures to local medical workers. They also provided training for the use of 240 technologies that had never been available in the country.

Medical teams in the Solomon Islands are delivering similar outcomes, despite only being active in the country for two years. 

On August 14, AHGMU and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of the Solomon Islands signed an MOU on medical cooperation. The two sides agreed on support and assistance in upgrading tertiary hospital care at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in the Solomon Islands as the center of teaching, treatment of complicated cases and major referral center.

According to the MOU, the AHGMU will select senior doctors to be part of the China Medical Team in Solomon Islands, providing medical services to local communities. The Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Center and Minimally Invasive Urological Surgery Center will be established at NRH in the near future, in which both sides will work closely on medical equipment and instruments donated to NRH. Doctors, nurses, and administrative personnel will have opportunities to receive training and postgraduate education at AHGMU and related medical technology supports will be provided to the centers to assist NRH medical staff master specialized skills.

Growth in TCM

The arrival of Chinese medical teams also generated new awareness over traditional Chinese medicine in the South Pacific region.

"Thank you, China Medical Team, especially Doctor Jack Lei for giving much of your time with your experiences and techniques in delivering acupuncture treatment to me as one of your patients," commented a local resident on the Facebook page of the Chinese medical team.

In less than half a year, Lei, an expert in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture from the medical team, has changed the local people's attitude toward acupuncture from "never heard of" to "pure magic."

Now the Chinese medial team is also teaching acupuncture and other TCM knowledge to local doctors and nurses and the team also hopes to send some local doctors to China to study acupuncture in the future.

Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark also visited the Solomon Islands in August during its "Harmonious Mission 2023."

During its visit to the Solomon Islands, Peace Ark provided free medical service to local people and overseas Chinese. It also dispatched multiple medical teams to deliver medical care, critical disease consultation and academic exchange. 

In addition to the TCM consultation room's seven beds, some patients were seen with "cups" on their backs, or needles inserted in various acupuncture points on their legs, while other received moxibustion treatment on their feet. A local woman told the Global Times that she came to the hospital ship for treatment because she heard that Chinese medicine is famous and effective for foot pain. 

"I feel very good. Chinese doctors are very good!" she said.

Editor's Note:

The "Cognitive Warfare" has become a new form of confrontation between states, and a new security threat. With new technological means, it sets issues and spreads disinformation so as to change people's perceptions and thus alter their self-identity. Launching cognitive warfare against China is an important means for Western anti-China forces to attack and discredit the country. Under the manipulation of the US-led West, the "China threat theory" has continued to ferment.

Some politicians and media outlets have publicly smearing China's image by propagating the tones like "China's economy collapse theory" and "China's virus threat theory," in an attempt to incite and provoke dissatisfaction of people in some countries with China. These means all serve the peaceful evolution strategy of the US to contain China's rise and to maintain its hegemony.

The Global Times is publishing a series of articles to systematically reveal the intrigues of the US-led West's cognitive warfare targeting China, expose its lies and vicious intentions, in an attempt to show international readers a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China.

This is the second installment in the series.

When the Chinese economy faces a tough time during June and July, with major economic indicators showing a trend moving toward a pessimistic direction, a chorus of voices pushing the "China collapse" theory across some Western media reached a frenzied pitch, churning out some of the most sensational and absurd stories of the year in their cognitive warfare against China.

In addition to the ongoing issue of biased coverage of China, a number of falsehoods have recently emerged in several highly regarded Western journalistic publications. The Global Times analyzed some of the most commonly used tricks appeared in these products of rogue journalism and identified the four most prevailing techniques: double standards, selective blindness, manipulation of statistics and misleading expectations. 

The article aims to dig into the details of how these four techniques are applied by certain Western media outlets when it comes to smearing and discrediting China's economy, and even profiting from it.

Double standards

"Double standards" have become the secret holy grail held by some Western media when it comes to reporting on China's economy. This bias has led to their reports set up with similar angles and laden with extreme view points.

In June 2022, UK-based The Economist published a story with the headline "In stamping out covid, China has stomped on confidence." Then in November, the magazine ran a story titled "Ending China's zero-covid policy could unleash chaos." Then again, in spring, as China reopened, this same newspaper runs a piece "How China's reopening will disrupt the world economy."

Any reader who strenuously followed all the stories published by this magazine following this timeline would see that to The Economist, whether China removes epidemic control measures or not, the Chinese economy will suffer, and even the world economy stands to lose. In both cases it is China's wrong, so that China can be wronged twice.

Recently, some Western media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times have attributed the weak performance of Japan and South Korea to a slowing of the Chinese economy. However, these reports conveniently omitted the US wreaking havoc across global markets with its "decoupling" and "de-risk" push targeting China and intervention that impeded trade between these countries with China.

Other facts that have conveniently gone missing include the US' debt ceiling crisis, downgraded ratings, the banking crisis in the West and protectionist measures like the US Inflation Reduction Act that include unfair subsidy provisions.

There were other times, when the Chinese economy somewhat outperformed expectations in certain sectors, and was quickly labeled as a threat to the global economy.

This week, in tandem with the European Commission's so-called anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, a common word that appeared in the headlines of stories run by The New York Times, Financial Times and Wall Street Journal was the "threat" of China. 

Those media outlets often vacillate between their so-called "China collapse" theory and "China threat" theory, spinning between "China is collapsing" and "China is a threat" as the Chinese economy experience ups and downs on the arduous path to recovery. 

Selective blindness

In September, Michael Yon, who calls himself "America's most experienced combat correspondent," posted pictures depicting an empty coffee shop and deserted streets in Shanghai's financial center Lujiazui on the US social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "China is showing the most signs of an economy in trouble. Shanghai is a ghost town compared to what it was," Yon wrote in the post.

The US news magazine Newsweek was quick to cite it, without any level of fact checking, when it perceived an opportunity to stoke its agenda to smear China. In the article, the publication, turning a blind eye to the long list of follow-up posts by netizens claiming the contrary, suggestively asked "Has China's Shanghai turned into 'ghost town'?" 

The article, despite noting "disputes" over how the pictures were used via social media, also claimed that "economists have raised concerns about the state of the Chinese economy." 

In fact, the US coffee chain Starbucks, which in the latest fiscal quarter saw its China revenue jump 51 percent year-on-year and has opened up more shops in the period when the article emerged than the two previous quarters combined. And it's unlikely the coffeemaker was opening up shops in empty areas. 

While the whole news product is a fake and absurd slander, it served its purpose - to paint a gloomy portrait of the Chinese economy which is experiencing hardship during an unprecedented economic recovery and further dent confidence in China at a crucial moment.

The fail-safe excuses of these Western media seem to be: while the fact we point out may not be as correct as it should be or even completely false, our concern that the Chinese economy might not be doing OK is always forgivable, or even commendable.

Analysts noted the absence of logic in this approach, saying that it kills the essence of journalism and such ignorance and negligence should not be tolerated. The phenomenon also reflected a deep-down impulse by some Western media and establishment to throw whatever they have at China to contain the country's growth and development.

But one thing is for sure: to underreport the positive news about China's economy and to spread panic and misinformation is a common tactic employed by some Western media when it comes to discrediting China.

Between August 25 and 30, The New York Times ran a total of nine stories devoted to examining problems across the Chinese economy. The topic ranged from China's real estate debt and "How should the West mange China's decline" to "The Scientist Who Foresaw China's Stagnation" and a crisis of confidence in China.

Then, on September 15, when China published its economic data for August and the data pointed toward a marked improvement and a turning point from an earlier phased slowdown, guess how many articles the same newspaper wrote? Just one. And the article reluctantly admitted "Chinese consumers are spending a little more," but noted that "apartment prices and the pace of construction keep falling."

Many Western media outlets eagerly reported China's customs import and export data while largely ignoring the balance of payments data, despite the fact that the latter data, with standardized global accounting practices, offered a more meaningful window into China's economic performance.

Analysts said the deep-seated reason behind this slanted coverage is the significant seasonal fluctuations in customs data, while China's balance of payments data remained largely stable and its proportion to the GDP has continued to be within a reasonable range, and therefore, less leverageable for their angled reports to attack China. 

Yu Miaojie, the president of Liaoning University, told the Global Times that the "China collapse" theory pushed by the West since the 1990s, with claims of Chinese exports underperforming is also a well-worn attack line. .

"They often adopt fragmentary narratives, zoom in on certain negative events and irresponsibly connect dots between single and isolated cases to spin their narrative. They focus on problematic trees and intentionally leave the overall healthy state of the forest untold," Yu said.

Yet the fact that such claims have repeated run into wall of facts have not prevented a continued avalanche of anti-China sentiment, Yu said, noting that some Western media's obstinately clinging to the belief that their model is the only viable model and the deep-down denial of the existence, let alone the success of the Chinese economic model.

Manipulation of statistics

The manipulation of statistics in an effort to favorably portray Western economies and cast doubt on China's economy is yet another tactic used by the Western media, who often describe themselves as impartial and data driven. 

For instance, The Economist's cover story on August 26 stated that China's annualized growth rate in the second quarter was a disappointing 3.2 percent, whereas a seemingly robust US economy posted an annualized growth rate of nearly 6 percent.

The data is appalling. Insightful readers would be alerted by the growth data of the US, as the US economy's averaged growth rate in the decade prior to the pandemic only came at 2.25 percent, and now, there is a 6-percent growth?

In fact, the estimate that the US economy would see a "nearly 6 percent growth" was based on a prediction within a model issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, even as the bank itself had cautioned that this prediction was unreliable and was double that of market expectations.

The article deliberately overlooked data from China's National Bureau of Statistics, which showed year-on-year growth rate of 6.3 percent for the quarter. Instead, it chose a quarter-on-quarter growth rate of 0.8 percent and projected this rate over the next three quarters to calculate the annualized growth rate, producing a lower figure than the year-on-year data.

If calculated with the method they used to assess China's economy, the US annualized GDP growth in the second quarter of 2023 would be 2.1 percent, lower than that of China's.

Analysts noted that manipulation of data by using non-comparable statistical methods is the opposite of professional journalism and serves certain Western media's malicious intents to undermine China. By making China look weak, they hope they could comfort their readers amidst high and untamed inflations inflicted by the irresponsible policies of their governments.

Jeff Zhang, a senior vice president with a Hong Kong-based bank, told the Global Times that one of underlying reasons for these distorted presentation of the Chinese economy is the hidden motivation by Western media to shepherd international capital and investors away from the Chinese market, as draining such valuable resources away from China will hinder the country's effort to catch-up technologically and cultivate new strategic industries.

Misleading expectations

Liu Ying, a research fellow from the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times that perhaps where these Western media truly excel is the timing they chose to promulgate their fake news.

The Chinese economy went through a tough period in the summer, with major indicators in June and July falling below expectations. Instead of wanting to see the phenomenon in a rational light, as economies around the world suffered a long and arduous process after the reopening, and recognize the wave-like and zigzag nature of trajectory of Chinese economic recovery, some Western media took the opportunity to push fear and crisis.

They intentionally constructed a narrative suggesting that China's consumer market should experience an immediate "revenge" surge, and China's economy should maintain a "strong rebound." Adding that deviation from these so-called "constructed expectations" was a clear sign that they want to send: China's economy was in big trouble.

Rogue journalism has not gone unnoticed by those with insights around the world and these Western media's move of tarnishing their own credibility has its consequences.

On October 4, Richard Kozul-Wright, the director of United Nation Conference on Trade and Development's Globalisation and Development Strategies division, criticized the prevailing pessimism surrounding the Chinese economy, according to AFP. The UN official said his institution "certainly don't agree with the almost hysterical reaction some of the Western press has adopted toward China."

"Badmouthing China and Russia sell newspapers! Anyway, I cancelled my subscriptions. The [Western] media only add to their own self-inflicted delusions and nightmares," a user commented.

The research fellow Liu warned that established and respectable Western financial institutions are increasingly colluding with Western politicians and media, issuing biased reports or ratings designed to undermine the Chinese economy and profit from the chaos as they pick up assets at low prices by those who become snared in their misinformation.

Editor's Note:

On October 18, 2023, as the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) came to a conclusion, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in a keynote speech. Benefiting over 150 countries, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become the most popular international public good and largest international cooperation platform in today's world.

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI and 10th year since China first proposed building a closer China-ASEAN community of shared future. The ASEAN is the priority and key region for the implementation of the BRI, and is an active respondent and beneficiary of the framework. 

In a recent interview with the Global Times reporter Wang Qi (GT), Shi Zhongjun (Shi), the Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center (ACC), said ASEAN members highly value the tremendous achievements made with China under the BRI over the last decade, which has brought tangible benefits to ASEAN people and has been sincerely welcomed by them as a road to development and prosperity. He said ASEAN members generally look forward to the continued promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation, rather than becoming geopolitical pawns. All-round cooperation between China and ASEAN has also injected more positive energy into regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity amid global uncertainties and chaos.

GT: How do you interpret the outcome of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) and what is the response from ASEAN members? 

Shi: The third BRF has just been successfully concluded, with representatives from 151 countries and 41 international organizations participating, and more than 10,000 registered participants, which fully demonstrates that the BRI has taken root in people's hearts worldwide, and the global influence of the concept is increasing. 

President Xi Jinping met with heads of state, including leaders of ASEAN members, to reaffirm the broad consensus to continue to build a high-quality BRI. A total of 458 outcomes were delivered during the BRF and 369 practical collaboration projects have been inked, of which nearly 80, or more than one-fifth, are related to ASEAN members. These outcomes have drawn a new blueprint, opened a new phase, and injected new momentum into the BRI's future.

I've noticed that the leaders of the participating ASEAN members highly value the tremendous achievements made in the last 10 years of the joint construction of the BRI. They have expressed their willingness to continue to participate in the BRI, and hope that more pragmatic projects that are beneficial to the people will be implemented. They also welcome more Chinese investment to maintain the positive momentum of high-quality and inclusive development.

GT: What can we expect from future cooperation between China and the ASEAN, and what roles can the ACC play in this regard?

Shi: China and ASEAN members will work together to implement the important outcomes of the BRF. 

First, we will further promote the BRI to dovetail with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the development strategies of each ASEAN member. Second, we will continue to strengthen infrastructure development in railways, highways, ports, airports, electricity, and communications to build a three-dimensional network of connectivity. Third, we will further enhance economic and trade exchanges, stabilize and smooth the supply chain and industrial chain, and cultivate new growth points for cooperation in emerging areas such as the digital economy, green transformation, and scientific and technological innovation. 

Regarding promoting policy communication, the ACC will continue to maintain close communication with government departments and embassies of China and ASEAN members, and promote exchanges and docking of policies through co-organizing briefings and other activities.

In terms of promoting trade, the ACC will continue to build platforms, actively matchmaking enterprises and products from both sides to enter each other's markets, inviting ASEAN business to participate in economic and trade activities in China, and organizing face-to-face exchanges between governments, businessmen, and enterprises from the two sides, so as to facilitate the landing of more projects.

When it comes to promoting people-to-people exchanges, the ACC will continue to actively carry out exchange projects in the fields of education, culture, youth, tourism, and media between China and the ASEAN, to promote tourism recovery, and cultivate a positive atmosphere of public opinion for the China-ASEAN relationship.

GT: How do you view the cooperation between China and the ASEAN under the BRI in the last decade? What does it mean for the development of ASEAN members?

Shi: China and most ASEAN members are developing countries, which makes development a common goal for both sides. Over the last decade, China and ASEAN members have continuously strengthened their strategic synergizing, and have achieved fruitful results and joined hands to build a high-quality BRI model.

China and all 10 ASEAN members have signed bilateral cooperation documents on the joint construction of the BRI. The two sides have been each other's largest trading partner for three consecutive years and are accelerating version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN free trade agreement.

Facts have proven that the joint construction of the BRI has brought ASEAN members greater opportunities for cooperation and development dividends, as well as a greater sense of gain and happiness to the people on both sides.

For instance, the China-Laos Railway. It has been hailed by the Lao people as a "landmark project" that has transformed Laos from a "land-locked country" to a "land-linked country." 

The railway has been in stable operation for 22 months, carrying more than 20 million passengers and 26.8 million tons of goods. Through the railway, fresh fruits from Southeast Asia can be delivered to Chinese consumers in a shorter period of time and at a lower cost. The project has provided more than 110,000 jobs for the Lao people and trained local technical and managerial staff, leading to the economic and social development of Laos.

GT: Since you became the Secretary-General of the ACC in September 2022, you have visited a number of ASEAN members. What are the attitudes and feelings of ASEAN members toward China and the BRI? What has impressed you the most after one year in office?

Shi: This year, I have visited six ASEAN members, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar, and met with high-level officials from the foreign affairs, economic and trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism departments of the host countries, as well as exchanging views with people from all walks of life, such as local chambers of commerce, universities, think tanks, and the media. 

I feel that all sectors of ASEAN members welcome the BRI and highly appreciate the results achieved. ASEAN members generally believe that jointly building the BRI can improve the infrastructure of ASEAN members, narrow the development gap between regions, promote the region's post-COVID recovery, and effectively benefit the local people.

I have a deep impression that locals often talk about two BRI projects. The first is the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, which has just come into operation. 

When I was in Jakarta, many local people said to me, "In the 1990s, it took a whole day to go to Bandung, but now it only takes 40 minutes through the high-speed railway, which is incredible!" 

The second is the Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia, which connects the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh with the largest deep-water seaport, Sihanoukville. Locals in Phnom Penh say that it takes more than 5 hours to drive between the two places, but now it takes less than 2 hours, which brings great convenience to people.

At the same time, some media sources and think tanks in ASEAN members have told me that some ordinary people still do not have a comprehensive understanding of the BRI. In the future, the two sides should carry out more economic and livelihood projects, especially small but practical projects, so that more people in the ASEAN can share the dividends of the BRI. 

GT: Under the US "Indo-Pacific Strategy," more external factors are intervening in the Asia-Pacific region. What is the importance of practical cooperation between China and the ASEAN under the BRI to maintain the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region?

Shi: China-ASEAN cooperation under the BRI has brought tangible benefits to ASEAN people and has been sincerely welcomed by them as a way to development and prosperity. ASEAN members generally look forward to continuing to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, rather than becoming geopolitical pawns. Regional countries are well aware of the motives and intentions of the interfering external forces.

At present, the recovery of the global economy from the pandemic is still generally weak, while the geopolitical situation is still strained and chaotic, with the issues of inflation, environment, food, and energy security still complex and grim. This poses a number of challenges to regional peace and stability.

The jointly construction of BRI has allowed for a large number of infrastructure projects to take root in the ASEAN, which not only improves local production and the living environment, but also effectively reduces the cost of participation in international trade for ASEAN members, strengthens their ability to integrate into the world economy, and stimulates the region's potential for greater development.

In addition, China and the ASEAN have been cooperating on trade facilitation, accelerating the process of regional economic integration, promoting the stability and smooth flow of the regional and global industrial chain supply chain, and injecting strong impetus into a steady recovery after the global pandemic.

In general, the all-round cooperation between China and the ASEAN under the BRI has injected more positive energy into regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity, and has become the greatest certainty amid current global uncertainties.

GT: What are the lessons that partners can learn from the successful China-ASEAN cooperation under the BRI?

Shi: China and ASEAN members are natural fellow travelers in the construction of the BRI, and have been working hand in hand for 10 years, achieving fruitful results along the way and bringing great benefits to the people of both sides. I believe that there are at least three aspects of experience that are worth learning from:

First, focusing on strategic synergizes. Over the last decade, the BRI has not only been designed to dovetail with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, but also has been customized to dovetail with the development strategies of each ASEAN member. 

Second, we insist on mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. China and ASEAN members have been practicing the principle of joint construction and sharing and have deepened cooperation in these fields with complementary advantages.  

Third, it's always keeping pace with the times. Both sides attach importance to "hard connectivity" in infrastructure, "soft connectivity" in education, culture, and tourism, and now, the "new connectivity" in green, digital, and artificial intelligence. 

The core idea is to ensure that cooperation remains at the forefront of innovation, leading the trend, and truly benefiting the region.