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.
The Shanghai Conservatory of Music successfully hosted the “Opera Performance Talent Training” report performance at the He Lüting Concert Hall in Shanghai on Friday. This event was part of the National Arts Fund’s 2024 annual art talent training funding project.
The concert, Essence of Chinese and Foreign Classical Operas, featured a series of splendid opera duets, trios, and quartets performed by the students of the training program and accompanied by the Shanghai Opera House Orchestra.
Thirty young opera performers from various cultural troupes and art colleges across the country demonstrated the achievements they had made during the 30-day intensive training program. The concert was composed of excerpts from both Chinese and foreign operatic works, showcasing the students’ learning outcomes in vocal skills, language pronunciation, stage performance, and overall presentation.
The training curriculum covered multiple aspects of the development of opera, with expert classes focusing on various aspects of opera performance. Musicians such as baritone Liao Changyong provided valuable professional guidance to the students, drawing on their rich stage experience to offer detailed instruction on vocal techniques, musical processing and stage performance.
As a vital component of social aesthetic education, all four report concerts of this training program were open to the public. The initiative invited citizens to experience the beauty of opera up close, receiving a warm social response.
A recent exhibition of a Spanish artist held in Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province marked the latest event heralding the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain in 2025. Named "Different Cycles from Different Eras United by a Single Paintbrush," the exhibition at Xuzhou Art Museum features 119 artworks by Jorge Rando, one of the most internationally recognized Spanish artists and a main exponent of neo-expressionism in Spain.
During a recent interview, Rando told the Global Times that art is a universal language that promotes the cultural exchanges between China and Spain.
"Art is essential, not only in cultural exchanges between China and Spain, but it is and should always be an open door for relations between people and nations. Art speaks the same language in all countries around the world. Art unites people and teaches all humans that united we will be stronger and happier," Rando said.
"China and Spain are two great nations with an ancient culture and, despite the distance that separates us, with many similarities in the philosophical concept of life, the understanding between our two nations is enriched by cultural exchanges that are necessary and I would say even logical," said the 83-year-old artist.
As a prominent figure in Spanish neo-expressionism, Rando is renowned for his powerful depictions of human emotion, nature, and life. His work often explores themes such as motherhood, nature, and the human condition through cycles of paintings that include recognizable yet abstract figures.
The exhibition showcased some of Rando's paintings, created from the 1960s to the present, highlighting his artistic evolution and his deep emotional responses to nature, life, and humanity.
Deepening relations
The art exhibition is the result of the collaboration between Xuzhou and Rando's hometown Malaga, as it received strong support from various entities, including the Chinese Embassy in Spain, the Spanish Embassy in China, the Spanish Consulate General in Shanghai, and the governments of Xuzhou and Malaga.
The exhibition stands as a fresh testament to the deep friendship between the two cities.
Luis Calvo, the consul general of Spain in Shanghai, said that "in 2025, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain. This exhibition has played a significant role in promoting bilateral cultural exchange."
Li Shuxia, member of the standing committee of the Xuzhou Municipal Party Committee and head of the publicity department, said that Xuzhou and Malaga share many similarities as cultural cities, transportation hubs, and tourist destinations. With the deepening relations between China and Spain, the exchanges and cooperation between these two cities have become increasingly frequent, solidifying their friendship and broadening prospects for future collaboration.
"This exhibition not only offers the public an elegant artistic experience and strengthens Xuzhou's reputation as a city of calligraphy and painting, but also serves as a vivid symbol of the deepening cultural exchange and friendship between China and Spain," said Li.
Rando also pulled off an exhibition in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province from March to May this year, which is part of the larger celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Spain. Destined connection
Rando said that he had connections with China since his birth and previous trips to China offered him a wealth of artistic inspiration.
"I was born in 1941. My first memories as a child are the smell of colored pencils and my constantly black fingers from the black ink; even then, China took hold in my subconscious… over time, my interest in Chinese culture matured," he recalled.
"My eyes were opened for the first time to the land of China when I arrived in 2019 in Xiangtan [Central China's Hunan Province] to admire the paintings by Qi Baishi at the Memorial Hall of Qi Baishi.
Born in 1864, Qi is the most creative master painter in the 20th century. He is noted for his watercolors featuring a huge variety of subjects.
During my stay in this beautiful and welcoming city, I was able to visit its surroundings and other places in Hunan. I got to know the beauty of its mountains that wanted to cover the sky with their green mantle. My eyes were unable to capture all of the paradise that embraced me at once but my mind did merge with that infinite light that began to guide my brushes beyond the picture frame," said Rando.
"In those moments of ecstasy, my eyes also discovered the silent fluttering of thousands of butterflies, of thousands of colors and of thousands of captured sensations. In that magnificent reverie the butterflies drew closer. They became my butterflies and showed me the beginning of nature. And that was when I began to paint them like a madman. That inspiration from China was brought to life in my artwork of My Butterflies in the following four years," he noted.
To Chinese students who wish to pursue an artistic career, Rando would make a request that they love art.
"Painting without love is just color without a soul. Don't forget that everything is moved by love and that we artists have a great responsibility in the society we live. I wish that in your artistic careers you always keep in mind that the triumph of the painter is painting," said the Spanish artist.
China's Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen rallied from one set down to achieve a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Amanda Anisimova of the US in the women's singles first round at the US Open on Monday.
"It's a very difficult match for a first round. She's a tough opponent to face, but I'm glad at the end I found a way to be through the match and win this match," Zheng said.
"I had this experience already, so this time when I had success in the Olympic Games, to come to the next tournament, I say, everything starts at zero. You are not any more the Olympic champion. Just be humble and try to work, fight every single match, because if you don't fight, you have a big chance to lose."
Wang Yafan also advanced to the second round after her opponent Maria Sakkari exited early due to an injury after the first set. However, the other two Chinese women's singles players on Monday faced first-round exits: Wang Xiyu lost to Diane Parry of France 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5), and Yuan Yue was defeated by Russia's Erika Andreeva 6-3, 7-6 (9/7).
In the men's singles, China's 19-year-old Shang Juncheng earned his first US Open win over Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, in a match that lasted three hours and 34 minutes.
"Very happy and tired. Very tired. Interesting match against Alex. He has everything, he throws anything at you, some second-serve bombs, also drop shots, underarm serves, anything," Shang said. "You really have to focus the whole match, and I'm glad I did all the way till the end. It was just a good win, and hopefully I can continue."
Another Chinese player, Bu Yunchaokete, lost to Norway's Casper Ruud 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2.
A suspect involved in a major financial criminal case of organizing and leading a pyramid scheme with funds of over 100 billion yuan ($14 billion) has been successfully extradited from Thailand, marking the first financial criminal suspect extradited to China from Thailand since the two countries' extradition treaty took effect in 1999.
With the collaboration of relevant departments, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and the law enforcement departments in Thailand, China's economic fugitive repatriation campaign Fox Hunt's work group under China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) successfully extradited the suspect surnamed Zhang from Thailand back to China on August 20.
Zhang was discovered to have led a pyramid scam operation under the guise of issuing virtual currency since 2012, as participants were required to pay fees ranging from 700 yuan to 245,000 yuan to obtain membership on the platform, according to the People's Daily report.
The scheme lured participants by offering high returns on their investments. The rebate system was based on the number of new members each participant could recruit and the amount of money invested by these new recruits. More than 10 million investors have fallen prey to the scheme, and the money involved amounted to over 100 billion yuan.
The public security organ of Chongqing Municipality launched an investigation into Zhang in 2020, and an Interpol Red Notice was issued in March 2021, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Zhang was captured by Thai police in 2022, and was ordered to be extradited to China following a sentence made by Thailand's Appeals Court in May 2024, a decision later supported by the Thai government, according to Xinhua.
An official from the office of the Fox Hunt campaign said that the successful extradition of Zhang shows the Chinese government's firm determination and will to uphold Chinese people's rights and defend the dignity of the law.
The extradition is a major achievement in China-Thailand law enforcement and judicial cooperation, marking a milestone in consolidating and deepening cooperation between the two countries and serving as a positive example for future extradition cooperation between China and other countries, the official said.
Branko Ivankovic, China's national soccer team head coach, has emphasized the importance of offense in the team's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Thailand, as China will host the visitors on Thursday in Shenyang, the capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province.
"I heard that the tickets for this match sold out quickly. We expect 50,000 to 60,000 fans to cheer us on at the stadium," Ivankovic said. "We are eager to win this match with a great performance, as our goal is to defeat the Thai team."
The Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium has a capacity of 60,000. Tickets sold out on May 30.
At the beginning of the current round of qualifiers, the national team defeated Thailand 2-1 in an away match in November, thanks to goals from striker Wu Lei and midfielder Wang Shangyuan.
However, following a series of underachieving performances in the group, securing a victory against Thailand at home is essential for China to secure second place in the group. This would guarantee automatic qualification to the third-round Asian qualifiers, comprising 18 teams.
"Our opponent is also a strong team with its own strengths. Both teams need a win to compete for a spot in the 18-team final round of the qualifiers and to vie for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup," he said.
"We are fully committed to our preparation and hope to achieve our goals in every aspect."
Even a draw against Thailand would complicate their chances, making the subsequent match against South Korea critical for China.
"With a draw, no one can guarantee what will happen in the final group game [next week]. So, I believe Thailand is an ambitious team with courage, and they won't play too conservatively. They will strive to play well, and we are fully prepared for this. Our goal is clear."
The Chinese national team is playing without its star player Wu Lei, as the domestic top scorer faces suspension for actions during the Thailand game. Three Brazil-born naturalized strikers A Lan (formerly known as Alan), Ai Kesen (Elkeson) and Fei Nanduo (Fernandinho) have been included in the 30-man squad.
"To win a football match, we need to score more goals than our opponent. We've called up six forwards this time. We will make the best use of our available resources," Ivankovic said. "We must stick to our playing style, and I trust our players to meet our tactical demands."
The Croatian also hinted that some young players might see their chances to make an appearance for the national team.
"I came to China just a few days before the match against Singapore [in March], and there weren't many changes to the squad then," he said.
"Since then, we've seen many players perform exceptionally well in the league. They deserve to be in the training camp, and we believe these capable players will also have the opportunity to play in the match."
Captain and keeper Wang Dalei, 35, told reporters that this could be his last chance to strive for a World Cup spot, and he hopes to lead the team to victory in this match. He dedicated the match to fans before noting the young players have experienced intense competition in the domestic Chinese Super League (CSL).
"I believe they [the young players] will adapt during these days. On the defense line, they have been defending against foreign players in the CSL," Wang said.
"These foreign players in the CSL are very strong as we know. Since the young players perform so well in their respective teams, I believe they will do just as well if they play."
Shenyang is known as a lucky place for Chinese soccer, as it witnessed the team's only qualification for the World Cup in 2002.
After the Thailand game, the team will fly to Seoul to prepare for an away match against South Korea.
China's golf team, including two men and two women with a mix of veterans and newcomers, will compete for medals in the golf competitions of the 2024 Paris Olympics that will start on August 1.
In the women’s category, China will be represented by athletes Yin Ruoning and Lin Xiyu. This marks Yin's debut in the Olympics, having emerged as a stand-out player despite her young age.
Born in 2002, Yin has rapidly ascended the world rankings, currently sitting at No. 4 as of July 15. Her breakout year in 2023 saw her winning her first major title at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in June, finishing third at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September, successfully climbing to the top of the women's golf world rankings and becoming the second female golfer from the Chinese mainland to reach world No.1.
Yin expressed her hope to win a medal for China and is to enjoy her first Olympic experience. To achieve this, she has been actively recovering from a former injury recently to ensure peak physical condition for the Games.
In contrast with Yin's debut, Lin will make her third Olympic appearance. As a veteran of the sport, Lin has achieved many impressive results from a young age, having won five professional championships by the age of 18 and topping the 2014 China LPGA Tour money list, becoming the youngest money maker in the history of the tour. She also made history at the Rio Olympics by scoring the first hole-in-one in the women's golf competition in Olympic history. Acknowledging that this will be her final Olympics, Lin is determined to deliver a commendable performance.
Notably, this combination of a "promising rookie" and a "veteran" creates high hopes for winning a medal.
In the men's competition, China will be represented by Yuan Yechun and Dou Zecheng. Yuan, participating in his second Olympics, has bolstered his world ranking to No.155 after a good year of strong performances in tournaments such as the Sony Open in Hawaii. Dou’s qualification journey has been arduous, culminating in earning sufficient points through active tournament participation over recent month.
Among other competing teams, the US team is particularly strong with both world No.1 Scottie Scheffler and defending Olympic champion Xander Schauffele competing. Scheffler has won the Masters twice in three years, and the gap between him and other players in the world rankings is the largest since renowned golf player Tiger Woods peak.
Compared to the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, the golf competitions at the Paris Olympics has garnered greater interest. In the past two Olympics, some players opted to participate in other important tournaments or were affected by the virus and did not attend. The Paris Olympics, however, have swept away this "gloom", with only a few qualified athletes opting out.
After a 112-year hiatus, golf returned to the Olympic family at the Rio Olympics in 2016. In Paris, the golf competitions will award gold medals in both men's and women's individual events, with 60 players competing in each category. It will take place at the National Golf Club of France, featuring four rounds of 18-hole stroke play.
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.
