Ecological guardians: Preserving the biodiversity of Xizang

The number of rare and unique wildlife species in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has increased significantly in recent years. Tibetan antelopes, black-necked cranes, wild yaks, brown bears, wolves, and corsac foxes are among the species showing notable population recoveries. This positive change is a testament to the combined efforts of the government and countless ecological “guardians” dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of the plateau.

Rangers are seen patrolling at the black snub-nosed monkey nature reserve in Qamdo City, Xizang on February 14, 2023. /CFP

Rangers are seen patrolling at the black snub-nosed monkey nature reserve in Qamdo City, Xizang on February 14, 2023. /CFP

Since 2012, Xizang has prioritized ecological conservation, recognizing its critical role in national ecological security. Through a series of comprehensive measures, significant advancements have been made in protecting the environment.

A file photo shows a herd of kiang roaming the Qiangtang grasslands in Xizang. /IC

A file photo shows a herd of kiang roaming the Qiangtang grasslands in Xizang. /IC

The Qiangtang National Nature Reserve, designated a “zone unsuitable for life” due to its average altitude of over 5,000 meters, is home to more than 70 management stations and hundreds of rangers. Their primary role is to patrol and document the wildlife there. They classify and record the number, population and gender of the animals they encounter, providing essential data for monitoring changes in wildlife populations.

A file photo shows two wild yaks roaming the Qiangtang grasslands in Xizang. /IC

A file photo shows two wild yaks roaming the Qiangtang grasslands in Xizang. /IC

Jiang Nan, a staff member at the Beijing-based Shan Shui Conservation Center, an NGO dedicated to species and ecosystem conservation, has spent five years researching and monitoring the snow leopard population on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Jiang said that despite the harsh conditions, each biodiversity study is filled with joy because of the unparalleled sense of achievement in protecting wildlife.

A file photo shows a black snub-nosed monkey in its habitat at the intersection of China’s Xizang, Sichuan and Yunnan. /IC

A file photo shows a black snub-nosed monkey in its habitat at the intersection of China’s Xizang, Sichuan and Yunnan. /IC

Today, more and more wild animals are appearing across the plateau, offering visitors the chance to occasionally encounter animals like Tibetan antelopes and kiang, the largest of the wild asses. This growing presence of wildlife illustrates a beautiful scene of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Kunming Biodiversity Fund launched in Beijing, China

The Kunming Biodiversity Fund, aimed at supporting biodiversity conservation in developing countries, was launched in the Chinese capital of Beijing on Tuesday, and is expected to make a significant contribution to aiding developing countries in conserving and reversing their biodiversity loss.

The signing ceremony for the fund was witnessed by officials from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and relevant UN agencies.

In October 2021, China announced the initiative to establish the fund and led by investing 1.5 billion yuan (over $210 million) during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) held in Kunming City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. The fund is intended to support biodiversity protection efforts in developing countries.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the signing ceremony of Kunming Biodiversity Fund. /CFP

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the signing ceremony of Kunming Biodiversity Fund. /CFP

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang stated that all parties should view the launch of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund as an opportunity to enhance biodiversity protection and build a shared future for all life on Earth. He emphasized the importance of practical actions to provide financial, technical and capacity support to developing countries in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Framework, adopted at COP15 to reverse biodiversity loss and steer the world towards recovery.

Ding also stressed the significance of solidarity and cooperation, maintaining multilateralism and international operations, and welcomed contributions from relevant countries, institutions and organizations to the fund.

UN Environment Program (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen also stressed the significance of the launch of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, calling it critical to the support for developing countries in biodiversity conservation. She expressed optimism about the initiative, citing China’s positive experiences in conserving biodiversity domestically and the potential for knowledge transfer to other nations.

Under the Kunming-Montreal Framework, 23 goals were established to support biodiversity conservation. Fulfilling the goals are challenging for some developing countries, Andersen said, calling for concerted efforts from all countries to take action and make contributions to biodiversity conservation.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen mentioned the significant growth of mangroves in China and its protection of the endangered giant panda. /CFP

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen mentioned the significant growth of mangroves in China and its protection of the endangered giant panda. /CFP

She also spoke highly of China’s achievements in ecological protection over the past years, including the implementation of the ecological red-line policy, the establishment of national parks and the conservation of wetlands. She in particular mentioned the significant growth of mangroves in China and its protection of the endangered giant panda.

“China has positive lessons at home in conserving biodiversity. Therefore, we will hope to also learn from those lessons and transfer them to other countries,” Andersen said.

(With input from Xinhua.)

Chinese envoy: WHO’s rejection proves ‘Taiwan independence’ a dead end

Delegates attend the opening day of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 27, 2024. /CFP

Delegates attend the opening day of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 27, 2024. /CFP

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations said the World Health Organization’s decision not to invite Taiwan region to the organization’s annual assembly in Geneva proves that seeking “Taiwan independence” is a dead end and any move to undermine the one-China principle is doomed a failure.

The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the WHO, decided on Monday not to include in its agenda a proposal on Taiwan region’s participation in the annual assembly as an observer. This is the eighth consecutive year that the WHA has rejected the Taiwan-related proposal.

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said in a statement on Monday that China’s position on Taiwan region’s participation in the WHA is consistent and clear. The issue must be handled under the one-China principle, which is also a fundamental principle endorsed in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.

The Democratic Progressive Party authorities have stubbornly stuck to the separatist position of “Taiwan independence,” so that the political basis for the Taiwan region’s participation in the assembly no longer exists, he said.

Chen pointed out that the Chinese central government has made proper arrangements for the Taiwan region’s participation in global health affairs under the one-China principle.

There is an International Health Regulations Contact Point in the Taiwan region for it to smoothly access health information from the WHO, and health experts from the Taiwan region can also participate in WHO technical activities in their personal capacities. The past year saw the participation of 21 batches of health experts from the Taiwan region, according to Chen.

Chen emphasized that a vast majority of countries in the international community have reaffirmed their commitment to UNGA Resolution 2758, firmly supporting the one-China principle and opposing Taiwan region’s participation in the WHA.

UNGA Resolution 2758 was passed on October 25, 1971, with an overwhelming majority deciding to restore the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the UN and to recognize the representatives of the PRC government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the UN.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reiterated on Thursday that Taiwan is a province of China, saying the UN abides by the relevant resolution adopted at the UNGA in 1971, during a press briefing.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy: China’s digital economy to grow amid global digital surge

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The tenth ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum will open in Beijing on Thursday, focusing on formulating a comprehensive development plan for China-Arab relations.

Saeed Al Gergawi, vice chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, shared his insights from recent visits to China. He highlighted the extensive growth of the digital economy beyond China’s borders and said that the global digital economy is projected to reach a value of $4.4 trillion.

Chinese ink masterpieces fetching millions at Beijing auction

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Last week in Beijing, a fervor for Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy gripped collectors as a piece by esteemed calligrapher Zhao Mengfu commanded a staggering 92 million yuan ($12.7 million), while a work by painter Fu Baoshi was acquired for 82.8 million yuan.

During an exclusive event on the evening of May 23 hosted by China Guardian Auctions, over 110 exquisite calligraphy and painting pieces captivated buyers, resulting in a total transaction amount of 564.5 million yuan. Notably, 10 pieces by renowned artists, such as Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Wu Guanzhong, and Huang Binhong, surpassed the 10 million yuan mark each.

A standout highlight was a set of three letters penned by the versatile Zhao Mengfu of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to his acquaintances, showcasing his mastery of xingshu or running script and fetching an impressive 92 million yuan. Zhao, celebrated for his diverse calligraphy styles, stands as a monumental figure in Chinese art history, renowned for his elegant, fluid, and traditionally rooted yet uniquely personal calligraphic expressions.

Beijing Dangdai showcases vibrant contemporary art scene

Beijing Dangdai returns to the National Agricultural Exhibition Center this year to show art and hold forums. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Despite the capricious weather that marked the weekend with pouring rains and a sudden temperature drop, art enthusiasts remained undeterred, flocking to this year’s Beijing Dangdai art fair hosted at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center.

Galleries, both local and international, showcased their prowess in exploring new artistic directions for established artists and unveiling the promising potentials of emerging talents. Against the backdrop of this creative showcase, daily dialogues from May 23 to 26 brought together gallerists, artists, curators, collectors, and other luminaries from the art community and creative industry. These discussions delved into pressing topics such as the evolving role of artists in the AI era, the emergence of the younger generation of artists, the significance of women in safeguarding cultural heritage, and the integration of art education in rural revitalization efforts.

Since its inception in 2018, Beijing Dangdai has evolved into a highly anticipated annual spring event, serving as a platform to unveil the latest developments in the capital’s contemporary art landscape. The fair not only celebrates the innovative spirit of the city’s art scene but also solidifies Beijing’s stature as a prominent international art hub.

Swimming star Sun Yang vows to continue his career after lengthy ban

Sun Yang at 2017 Chinese National Games Photo: VCG

Sun Yang Photo: VCG

China’s three-time Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang has decided to return to competitions and continue his swimming career now that his 51-month ban has ended, according to The Paper on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old said he never ceased training during the past four years and wanted to keep his passion alive to open up a new chapter in his professional career.

Sun became the first athlete from the Chinese mainland to win an Olympic gold in men’s swimming in 2012 after he clinched the 400m freestyle and 1500m freestyle titles in the London Olympic Games. He went on to win gold in the 200m freestyle in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, becoming the most decorated Chinese swimmer in history with his 11 world championships titles. 

Sun was suspended for eight years by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2020 for refusing to complete a doping test in 2018. His ban was cut to four years and three months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2021.

He is not able to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games since he missed the domestic Olympic qualifiers for the Paris Games and is currently not eligible to represent China in international tournaments.

Liu Yu, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday that Sun’s comeback is good news for Chinese swimming but it remains a question whether he can return to top form. 

“It’s been a long time since Sun took part in an elite competition. He has to re-establish himself in domestic events before having a chance to return to the national team,” Liu said. 

“The public’s expectations for him remain high as no Chinese swimmer has emulated his performance in long distance swimming in recent years. Like he said, his biggest adversary now is himself,” Liu noted. 

Sun said that he has stayed in good shape by maintaining a five-hour training session every day.

“Four years is long and bitter. I got married and I’m pursuing my PhD at Shanghai University of Sport. But I never thought of retirement while serving the ban. I’m not as obsessed with rankings and gold medals as I used to be. I care more about the meaning of perseverance and endeavor,” he said. 

Sun’s agency posted training photos with a message on Sina Weibo on Tuesday, wishing the intrepid swimmer to transcend himself. 

One Sina Weibo user commented that a four-year suspension for an athlete is career-threatening and that Sun’s never-say-die attitude during the low of his career is deserving of respect. 

If would be the perfect riposte to all the doubters if he could return to international competitions, said another Sina Weibo user. 

China aims to build world-class archaeological institutions

Visitors look at an exhibit during the exhibition of Stars over China: The Ancient Shu Civilization of Sanxingdui and Jinsha in Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, east China, Feb. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Visitors look at an exhibit during the exhibition of “Stars over China: The Ancient Shu Civilization of Sanxingdui and Jinsha” in Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, east China, Feb. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Aimed at providing instruction on upgrading Chinese archaeological institutions into world-class facilities, a national manual was recently released by China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) with the clear goal of having 10 to 15 Chinese institutions reach “world-leading” status by 2030.

As to what defines a “world-class” archaeological institution, cultural policy expert Dou Saiming told the Global Times that “international research resources,” “high-end research facilities,” “good management frameworks,” “ability to undertake niche and novel studies” as well as “a matrix of diverse experts” are all vital factors that should be incorporated. 

The guidelines have set the ambitious goal of not only cultivating 10 to 15 world-class Chinese institutions by 2030, but also enlarging these numbers to a “batch” by 2035.

Cultural resource management expert Bei Jiekai told the Global Times that although the number of institutions included in this batch is uncertain and not “the most important” thing, he still expects to see research institutions attached to UNESCO world heritage sites like the Sanxingdui Ruins be selected. 

The manual highlights “encouraging open collaboration” and “promoting Chinese civilization” as two important parameters for future world-class Chinese facilities. It indicates the country’s archaeological sector should carry out global projects such as joint excavations with global teams, hosting international forums and publishing research overseas. 

Under China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), more than 40 joint excavation projects have been carried out with Chinese teams in more than 24 countries like Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam over the past 10 years. 

Through exchanges, China’s archaeological specialties like rubbings have brought obscure texts on Saudi Arabian artifacts to life. 

In Europe, France has always been an archaeological partner with China. In June 2023, a human distal phalanx fossil was discovered in Dordogne Province, France through China-France archaeological collaboration. Luc Doyon, the chief investigator of the project, told the Global Times that the collaborative excavation was of “significant importance to our understanding of humanity.”

The manual also encourages Chinese institutions to value and participate in national-level archaeological projects that can better explain Chinese civilization to the world. 

First proposed in 2001, the project to trace the origins of Chinese civilization is one of China’s most comprehensive archaeological research projects as it includes numerous site studies like the Neolithic Liangzhu Ruin in Zhe­jiang Province and the Yinxu Ruins in Henan Province, where Shang Dynasty (c.1600BC-1046BC) oracle bones were discovered.

“Chinese history is continuous, and this characteristic is reflected in archaeological sites. Therefore, a top-notch Chinese institution should be able to introduce this characteristic of the country’s civilization to the world,” archaeologist Wang Meng told the Global Times. 

Also in the manual, application requirements and criteria systems have been established for candidates. The NCHA will conduct an evaluation of China’s archaeological institutions every three years and adjust its list of world-class institutions based on the results.

Prior to the 2024 manual, the notion of constructing world-class archaeological institutions in China was highlighted in a 2021 national-level circular that was released by the General Office of the State Council. The circular was dedicated to enhancing the protection of cultural relics and sci-tech innovation in relevant fields during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).