भारतीय रोज़ नई ख़बरें

00:41

With the Peony Festival in town, there are some new specials on the menu at one coffee shop in Luoyang. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, this is your chance to enjoy an uplifting Vairocana Buddha latte or a sumptuous cake shaped like a peony.

At the Beijing International Auto Show, Chinese-made new energy vehicle models attract attention at a NIO booth, Beijing, China, April 29, 2024. /CFP

At the Beijing International Auto Show, Chinese-made new energy vehicle models attract attention at a NIO booth, Beijing, China, April 29, 2024. /CFP

Editor’s note: Sheng Zhongming is a research fellow at the China Finance 40 Forum (CF40) think tank. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

China’s new energy sector has experienced rapid growth both in scale of production and export in recent years, attracting widespread attention. 

To understand the dynamics driving this expansion and China’s position in the global market, three key issues need clarification: the underlying demand for new energy products, the role of subsidies and the sources of China’s export advantage.

China’s new energy industry driven by global demand

Firstly, the expansion of China’s new energy production is driven by global demand for carbon reduction. 

Reports from the International Energy Agency show that if all countries fulfill their emission reduction commitments, by 2030, the annual demand added for new energy vehicles and lithium batteries globally will exceed 70 million units and 6,600 gigawatt-hours (GWh), respectively, which are 5.5 and 4.9 times the global output in 2023. This means that it is imperative to achieve average annual growth rates of at least 25.5 percent and 27.5 percent for the production of new energy vehicles and lithium batteries, respectively, from 2024 to 2030.

Reports from the International Renewable Energy Agency also suggest that to meet global temperature control goals, the cumulative installed capacity of global photovoltaic power generation needs to reach at least 5,200 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. This means that from 2024 to 2030, the average annual growth rate of cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity needs to reach 18.4 percent, and the average annual installed capacity added needs to be higher than 515 GW, roughly equivalent to China’s current level of photovoltaic cell production.

The substantial demand brought about by global carbon reduction processes is the driving force behind the expansion of China’s new energy production.

Role of subsidies in China’s new energy industry

Secondly, subsidies for the new energy industry are not unique to China and do not provide a competitive advantage.

To tackle climate change and achieve their respective carbon reduction targets, countries worldwide are extensively subsidizing their domestic new energy industries.

In 2022, the U.S. passed the Inflation Reduction Act and planned to spend $391 billion by 2031 to subsidize clean power production and transportation. Under the current new policies, the subsidy for new energy vehicles in the U.S. has not been weakened but has become more discriminatory. To receive tax credits, new energy vehicles must be assembled and produced in North America, and the key minerals in the power batteries and battery materials carried must be sourced from the U.S. or countries that have signed free trade agreements with the U.S.

Japan initiated subsidies for clean energy vehicle models such as electric and clean diesel cars as early as 2008. Germany also started universal subsidies for the sale of new energy vehicles in May 2016. 

China implemented a wide-ranging subsidy policy for new energy vehicles in 2013, but this policy was officially phased out in 2023. Moreover, China’s subsidy intensity for new energy vehicles is not high: the tax credit for new energy vehicles in the U.S. is between $2,500 and $7,500 per vehicle, Germany’s subsidy still stands at $3,200 per vehicle in 2024 despite a continuous decrease and Japan’s lowest subsidy amount currently exceeds $2,800 per vehicle, while China’s subsidy before the withdrawal was less than $2,000 per vehicle.

Reasons for China’s export advantage

Finally, China’s export advantage in new energy products stems from technological advancement, economies of scale and a comprehensive industrial chain.

Technological advancements have significantly reduced production costs and improved efficiency in the photovoltaic field, making photovoltaic power generation more competitive against coal-fired power generation. Solar grid integration has also progressed rapidly, especially in middle-income and low-income countries, driving the global green transformation process.

The expansive market scale and rapid technological updates in the new energy sector have provided significant opportunities for research and development. Chinese auto companies are leveraging the vast consumer market and diverse vehicle usage environment to develop competitive technologies applicable to new energy vehicles.

China’s new energy industry has benefited from a comprehensive supply chain in the photovoltaic and lithium battery fields. This has ensured production efficiency and competitiveness, supported by advanced industrial infrastructure and policy environments.

In conclusion, China’s growth in the new energy sector has been driven by global demand for carbon reduction, supported by subsidies that are not unique to China, and built upon solid industrial competitive advantages. This expansion has not only contributed to global and domestic green transformation but also fostered new drivers for China’s economic development.

People hold portraits of “comfort women” and their testimonies during a protest rally held in Seoul, South Korea, August 14, 2022. /Xinhua

People hold portraits of “comfort women” and their testimonies during a protest rally held in Seoul, South Korea, August 14, 2022. /Xinhua

South Korea on Sunday expressed regret over Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sending a ritual offering to the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine on the occasion of the shrine’s spring festival.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that the South Korean government expresses its deep disappointment and regret over Japan’s responsible leaders once again sending offerings to and paying respects at the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s war of aggression and enshrines war criminals.

The ministry noted that South Korea urges the Japanese leaders to squarely face history and demonstrate through action their humble reflection and sincere remorse for Japan’s past history, adding that it would be an important cornerstone for the future-oriented development of South Korea-Japan relations.

The Yasukuni Shrine, located in central Tokyo, honors 14 convicted Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II. It has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.

Read more:

Poll on Japan’s distortion of history in its new textbooks

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

An undated photo shows the facade of The Paramount in Shanghai, China. /IC

An undated photo shows the facade of The Paramount in Shanghai, China. /IC

April 30 marks the International Jazz Day, a celebration of a musical genre that blends elements of European and American culture. Jazz arrived in China as early as the 1920s, with Shanghai serving as its cradle. As a landmark venue in Shanghai, The Paramount witnessed the early development of jazz in China, including the emergence of the country’s first Chinese jazz band, the Jimmy King Band.

Founded by Jin Huaizu, commonly known as Jimmy King, the band was born out of his passion for music, which was nurtured by frequent visits to The Paramount to enjoy performances. His dream was to form a jazz band composed entirely of Chinese musicians. In 1947, the owner of The Paramount hired Jin to form a band. At his invitation, Zheng Deren, who later became known as the master of the double bass in China, joined the band, demonstrating his exceptional musical talent and making a significant contribution to the arrangements.

An undated photo shows an interior view of The Paramount in Shanghai, China. /IC

An undated photo shows an interior view of The Paramount in Shanghai, China. /IC

The Jimmy King Band gained popularity among Shanghai audiences for their polished performances and unique interpretation of Chinese pop songs in a jazz style. Their shows attracted large crowds, with queues for parking stretching several blocks, breaking the monopoly of foreign bands and paving the way for the development of jazz in China.

Zheng Deren excelled not only in performing and arranging for the Jimmy King Band but also continued to contribute to the jazz scene in the years that followed. In the mid-1980s, he was invited to perform at the Peace Hotel, recreating the jazz nights of the 1940s for audiences.

On January 19, 2022, a grand concert was held at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Music Hall to celebrate the centenary of Zheng’s birthday, where a jazz band played “Happy Birthday” to him and offered heartfelt wishes. Zheng’s musical journey not only witnessed the development of Chinese jazz but also showcased the diverse cultural charm of Shanghai.

As pioneers of Chinese jazz, the Jimmy King Band represented more than just a musical legacy; they affirmed the diversity of Chinese culture. And their music will continue to inspire future generations to explore and create jazz sounds unique to China.

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

Spectacular sunrise, sunset and nighttime at Mount Siguniang in Sichuan Province help produce breathtaking photos. /CGTN

The four peaks of Mount Siguniang are truly a sight to behold. Meaning “Mountain of the Four Sisters” in Mandarin, the highest peak is Yaomei or “Youngest Sister.” It can sometimes be seen with hat-shaped clouds billowing around its summit. 

In Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, an over 3,000-square-meter garden is home to more than 2,000 plant species, platforms filled with bouquets for sale and arches weaving a narrative of color and fragrance, beckoning visitors into their embrace.

Among the bouquets, several employees are busy broadcasting live from their cell phones. Meanwhile, the garden’s owner, “Heidi’s Mama,” Qiu Yamin, introduces the flowers to snap-happy tourists and intrigued international breeders.

Qiu, the founder of the “Heydear Garden” brand, was appointed the promotion ambassador of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu.

Since founding a 13.5-square-meter fresh flower shop in 2008, fueled by her passion, Qiu has dedicated years of hard work to its success. After the birth of her second child, Qiu renamed her business after her daughters “Heidi and Lulu’s Garden.” She has risen to prominence as an “internet-famous” flower grower, delivering approximately 5 million packages by 2023. With a social media following of tens of millions, she is endearingly referred to as “Heidi’s Mama” by her admirers.

Through the integration of online and offline channels, her business has seen remarkable growth. She established her own base, importing and selecting varieties from around the globe and engaging in production and breeding, resulting in an average annual compound growth rate exceeding 60 percent.

“People’s pursuit of nature and beauty has enabled the flourishing development of the home gardening market in China,” said Qiu.

People visit Heidi and Lulu’s Garden in Chengdu City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, April 27, 2024. /CFP

People visit Heidi and Lulu’s Garden in Chengdu City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, April 27, 2024. /CFP

Through years of exploration, Qiu has gained profound and unique insights into the horticultural industry’s consumer market in China. She believes that the essence of the home gardening market lies in its emotional appeal, a vibrant vitality exhibited by plants during their growth process, which serves as excellent “emotional regulators” for plant enthusiasts.

“People aspire to create their own ‘poetry and distant lands’ on a balcony through home gardening, aiming to have a more open urban space where they can coexist and share with plants, insects and birds,” Qiu explained.

A team of international breeders visited Qiu’s garden on the sideline of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu to see how Chinese horticulturalists utilize e-commerce to further deepen the home gardening market.

Qiu believes the widespread adoption of e-commerce has brought revolutionary changes to the Chinese home gardening market. In 2014, Qiu seized the opportunity to open a store on Taobao, a major online shopping website run by Alibaba, which has since expanded to 10 online stores. Additionally, her planting area has grown from the initial 0.53 hectares to 33 hectares, with an expected production volume of around 67 hectares.

“In the past, gardening shops in Chinese cities were mostly located in the suburbs, existing in the form of ‘flower markets.’ Compared to many Western countries with garden centers, purchasing was relatively inconvenient, and it did not become a common habit,” Qiu said.

“But since the advent of e-commerce channels, purchasing gardening products has become increasingly convenient and affordable. Moreover, Chinese online selling platforms reach a broader audience and offer a more comprehensive range of gardening products than any single garden center.”

To improve production and sales efficiency and meet the demand for intelligent management in the Chinese market, Qiu’s team collaborated with a software company to develop a smart management system.

This system enables effective traceability, allowing for the identification of issues such as improper watering, fertilization, or pesticide management for every flower or leaf sold, ensuring quality control throughout the supply chain.

People visit Heidi and Lulu’s Garden in Chengdu City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province on April 27, 2024. /CFP

People visit Heidi and Lulu’s Garden in Chengdu City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province on April 27, 2024. /CFP

Qiu’s insightful perspectives have also influenced global breeders who are optimistic about the Chinese market.

Christian Kappler, a business development manager at Benary, said he was “blown away” by the speed of development in China. “It’s incredible how much things change from one year to the next. This trip is the first time I’ve seen an online business here.”

“The shipment and logistics pose a real challenge to the plants to arrive healthy,” he said, reflecting on his impression of Qiu’s online shipment system. He added that it offered inspiration when facing the challenges of bringing bedding plant genetics to consumers.

“Perhaps we need to innovate our breeding process to better meet market needs. Each place has offered unique insights into our business and partnerships with our Chinese counterparts. We’re excited to continue exploring and learning,” he said.

Yoav Scholz Sagie, key account manager at Volmary, highlighted the vast potential for the global market’s expansion and reaching end consumers in China, indicating significant room for growth.

“In Europe and North America, if you want to gain market share, you need to take it away from competitors. Here, there’s so much potential, additional potential, without even fighting. There’s ample space for everybody,” said Sagie, adding that understanding what Chinese customers are looking for is vital.

As the promotion ambassador for this year’s international horticultural expo, Qiu hopes to leverage this opportunity to further promote home gardening.

Qiu also plans to use this opportunity to engage in learning and exchange with international counterparts, spreading Chinese horticultural concepts to the world.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

A view of cloudy weather in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, April 20, 2024. /CFP

A view of cloudy weather in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, April 20, 2024. /CFP

China’s meteorological authority on Tuesday issued an orange alert for severe convective weather, forecasting thunderstorms, gales, hail and heavy downpours in some parts of the country.

According to the National Meteorological Center, thunderstorms, gales, and hail will sweep parts of Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangxi and Guangdong from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning.

Torrential rain, with hourly precipitation exceeding 80 mm, will lash parts of Jiangxi, Fujian and Guangdong, the meteorological center said.

The public has been advised to refrain from outdoor work, while local authorities have been asked to stand ready for emergency rescue efforts.

The center also suggested taking necessary drainage measures in urban areas and farmlands.

China has a three-tier, color-coded weather warning system for severe convective weather, with orange representing the most severe warning, followed by yellow and blue.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

01:57

The re-entry capsule of the Shenzhou-17 spaceship, with three astronauts aboard, successfully returned to the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 6:37 p.m. Beijing Time (10:37 UTC) on Tuesday.

Initial health checks showed that the three crew members, Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, are in good condition.

“Every time when I fly over the homeland, I always look for it,” Tang told China Media Group right after he exited the capsule. “Thanks for everyone’s attention. I miss you so much.”

04:04

Tang set the record for the longest stay in space for an astronaut, totaling 279 days for his two trips to the China Space Station.

China has announced that the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceflight mission was a complete success.

Click here for CGTN’s livestream of the event.

The three astronauts were launched to the China Space Station last October and have lived in orbit for about half a year.

On Thursday, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, sending three more astronauts, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, to its space station for another six-month mission. The Shenzhen-17 trio met with the new trio on Friday for an in-orbit crew handover.

The Shenzhou-17 crew carried out 84 in-orbit experiments and tests for space applications, producing more than 200 samples in multiple fields such as space life science and biotechnology, space medicine and space material science. The crew will deliver the samples for scientific study, potentially leading to significant scientific advancements.

Previously, the cable of the Tianhe core module’s solar panels was hit by space debris, causing a partial loss in power supply. In response, the Shenzhou-17 crew carried out two extravehicular activities, completing China’s first-ever extravehicular repair mission.

Read more: Shenzhou-17 highlights a new chapter of China Space Station adventure

Apart from manned missions, China aims to launch the Chang’e-6 lunar probe in early May. The probe is set to collect samples from the far side of the moon in a mission that will be the first of its kind in human history.

The Chang’e-7 is scheduled to be launched around 2026, and Chang’e-8 around 2028. Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 will form the basic model for a lunar research station to carry out further exploration of the lunar environment, according to CNSA.

(Liu Yuyao contributed to the story.)