US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who arrived in Beijing on Saturday evening, did not wait long to get a bite of genuine Sichuan cuisine. Yellen is currently on a six-day China visit lasting through April 9.
According to media reports, Yellen went directly to a Sichuan restaurant in Dongcheng district to sample her favorite kind of Chinese food.
Staff at the restaurant gifted their American guest Sichuan embroidery, a noted part of China's intangible cultural heritage. In return, Yellen offered souvenir coins bearing her name.
According to the US media, Yellen used to be a regular at a Sichuan restaurant while teaching at Berkeley.
During her visit to the restaurant in Beijing, the American official enjoyed classic Sichuan cuisine including boiled beef and mapo tofu.
Previously, Yellen had also enjoyed Cantonese food for her first dinner after landing in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province on Thursday. That meal involved a selection of iconic dishes including roast goose, chilled sweet and sour pork, crispy tofu, and an assortment of Cantonese dim sum.
"We welcome more American officials to taste Chinese cuisine and experience traditional Chinese culture. We also hope that while American officials understand Chinese cuisine, they can deepen their understanding of China and its people, and respect the development rights of the Chinese people," one Chinese netizen commented on Sunday.
Welcoming American officials to taste Chinese cuisine does not equate to accepting sanctions and restrictions; what would truly improve China-US relations would be concrete actions from the US, others wrote.
US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, a US senior official who is believed to be pragmatic and less hawkish toward China than many of her peers, has arrived Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province, and kicked off her 6-day visit to China from Thursday to Tuesday (April 4-9), with Chinese experts saying on Friday that Yellen is trying to seek helps from China to solve US economic challenges, and they said US officials need to adjust its arrogant attitude and speak nicely when asking helps.
He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Vice Premier of the State Council, has met with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in Guangzhou. The two sides discussed in-depth key issues related to the global, economic and financial fields of China and the US.
He said the main task for this meeting is to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in their meetings and telephone dialogue, and seek to provide appropriate responses to key concerns in China-US economic relations, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.
"I opened meetings with Vice Premier He Lifeng for frank and substantive conversations on our bilateral economic relationship. It is crucial that the two largest economies in the world seek progress on global challenges and closely communicate on areas of concern," Yellen said in a post on social media platform X on Friday afternoon.
On Friday, Yellen also had round-table discussions with economic experts and business leaders from the US and some other countries from Europe and Japan to discuss the economic situation of Chinese market, as well as opportunities and challenges linked to the Chinese economy. Yellen also attended an event with leading representatives of the American business community in China, hosted by AmCham China, and delivered remarks on the bilateral economic relationship.
According to her released schedule in coming days, which expected to include meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and senior Chinese officials who in charge different economic and financial sectors of China, analysts said Yellen's trip eyes on further stabilizing the China-US relations as US President Joe Biden doesn't want a fragile and uncertain bilateral ties with China, and Washington needs China's cooperation to solve its headaches at home: a national debt problem and save US backward production capacity by adding pressure to China's development in new energy technologies with the pretext of "overcapacity."
Jin Canrong, the associate dean of the School of International Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday that "Yellen is an official who is different from the hawkish ones in Washington who actively push for confrontation with China, she is relatively pragmatic and moderate."
In the phone call between the presidents of the two countries on Tuesday evening, Biden is probably asking for China to permit Yellen's visit, as we can see Yellen kicks off her visit very soon after the phone call, which means that the US has prepared for the visit for a long time, and they are just waiting for China's green light, Jin said.
"According to this, we can have a conclusion that the US is asking for something urgent. Washington's national debt problem could be the top of the agenda. Yellen might ask help from China in the field of monetary policy," Jin noted.
The Congressional Budget Office warned in its latest projections that US federal government debt is on a path from 97 percent of GDP last year to 116 percent by 2034, which is higher even than in World War II. The actual outlook is likely worse, Bloomberg reported on April 2.
The CNBC reported on March 1 that the debt load of the US is growing at a quicker clip in recent months, increasing about $1 trillion nearly every 100 days.
Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Friday that in this visit, the Biden administration is seeking the further stabilization of China-US relations in the presidential election year. "The two sides are expected to discuss about coordination on macroeconomic policy and trade, and this is not only important to China and the US, but also significant to the world."
But as a US official with pragmatic and relatively friendly image to China, Yellen this time presented her tough stance in some areas. According to the website of US Department of Treasury, "During her engagements in China, Secretary Yellen will advocate for American workers and businesses to ensure they are treated fairly, including by pressing Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices and underscoring the global economic consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity."
Washington will not allow "a glut of Chinese production to wipe out American manufacturers of green technology," Yellen has warned ahead of a trip to China, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.
Li said the US should take the issue about "overcapacity" more objectively, because China's productive capacity is determined by the global demand and the efficiency and market size of China.
Lü Xiang, a research fellow on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that Yellen's expression is a bad signal for China-US trade ties, as this is implying that when the US development in areas like new energy and electric vehicle (EV) is facing backward or even failure, Washington is trying to contain China's productive capacity to protect its backward capacity.
"This is very disappointing, as this is indecent for a US Secretary of Treasury to blame and contain China's development in advanced areas to protect US' backward productive capacity," Lü noted.
At present, China's EV export and photovoltaic industry have unshakable status in the world market, the US' measure to contain China in these fields will receive no outcomes, Lü said. "Chinese economic and financial officials can give Yellen a good lecture about how to mobilize resources in the market and whole society to develop a new industry. The EV industry is an example of the success of China's market economy."
Chinese analysts said that Yellen and the Biden administration should understand that, if they are coming to China to ask for help and cooperation, they need to adjust their arrogant attitude and speak nicely, and don't ask for unfair competition to confront and contain China, who will never submit to pressure based on hegemonic logic.
Ahead of the Qingming Festival, many localities across China are vigorously promoting eco-friendly burials, which analysts believe will help to alleviate the strain on land resources, contribute to environmental protection, and also fulfill people's emotional needs for remembering their departed loved ones.
Qingming Festival, also known as "Tomb-Sweeping Festival," will fall on Thursday this year, which is a traditional Chinese festival for people to pay tribute to the deceased and to worship their ancestors. As the holiday approaches, eco-friendly burial is being promoted in various locations nationwide, embraced by a growing number of people.
On Sunday, the civil affairs departments of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei collaborated in hosting an event where people could scatter ashes into the sea as a special sea burial ship, carrying the ashes of 35 deceased individuals, set sail toward the Bohai Bay in Tianjin. Family representatives shared stories about their loved ones, and after a moment of silence in tribute, staff handed over the ashes to the family members.
As the ship reached the designated sea area, the family members, guided by the staff, boarded the deck, and with gentle hands, they scattered the ashes of their loved ones into the vast blue waves.
According to China's Ministry of Civil Affairs, since May 1994, Beijing has been carrying out the activity of scattering ashes at sea. Over the past 30 years, a total of 774 collective ash scattering activities have been organized for the ashes of nearly 34,000 deceased individuals, with the number of participates increasing each year.
Shenzhen introduced flower bed burials for the first time ahead of this year's Qingming Festival. The ashes buried there are not engraved with a tombstone, name, or any identification. Instead of a traditional grave, the ashes are buried deep in the flower bed using biodegradable containers, according to the personnel in charge.
In just 10 days, more than 250 citizens applied for this new type of burial, with some saying that the departed loved ones accompanying the flowers could be seen as a continuation of life. According to media reports, a total of 252 sets of ashes were buried in the flower beds on Thursday.
Southwest China's Yunnan Province also promoted eco-friendly burial by encouraging people to choose burial methods such as tree burial or flower burial. Currently, the eco-friendly burial rate in Yunnan has reached 51.02%, and the province is also promoting green and low-carbon memorial methods such as offering fresh flowers and online memorials.
Additionally, provinces including Shandong, Henan and Liaoning are all ramping up efforts to promote alternative burial methods and encourage greater participation in eco-friendly funerals.
Funerals are of great importance in China, with the "luxury" of funerals and tombs once being used as a standard to evaluate the filial piety of the deceased's descendants. However, the increasing amount of land occupied by traditional cemeteries has put pressure on urban planning and land resources.
"Eco-friendly burial will reduce the use and consumption of land resources, making it a good balance mechanism for resource scarcity, especially in large cities. This also represents a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature," Li Zhiqing, a professor of environmental economics and Chinese economy at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Monday.
The adoption of new burial practices represents a significant shift from traditional methods to modern, environmentally conscious alternatives, and this proactive approach is not only beneficial to protecting the environment but also encourages a greater appreciation for and protection of the land, analysts said.
They also pointed out that this new type of green burial involves a change in the concept of funeral for the masses, as many people used to believe that burial in the ground is the most respectful way so that the deceased can rest in peace.
"Nowadays, people have many ways and means to commemorate the deceased, and society also attaches great importance to people's need for emotional sustenance and commemorating their ancestors, which is not contradictory to the new type of burial advocated at present," Zhang Yiwu, a professor of Chinese language and literature from Peking University, told the Global Times on Monday.
Zhang further emphasized that opting for eco-friendly burial methods not only can make people honor the memory of their ancestors but also encourages a more diverse approach to ancestral worship. In addition, these practices align with the principles of environmental protection and natural ecology, meeting the needs for sustainable development.
The new types of burial method are gaining popularity among a growing number of individuals. A staff member surnamed Tao from a funeral company in Beijing told the Global Times on Monday that new methods such as tree burials, flower burials, and sea burials not only save land resources, but are also environmentally friendly and cost-effective, and as a result are gaining more and more recognition and acceptance from the public.
"In recent years, as the importance of ecological environmental protection continues to resonate with the public, there is a growing desire among individuals to opt for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to burial. Various forms of ecological burial are also constantly innovating, and the willingness of families to embrace these alternatives is on the rise," Tao said.
Against the backdrop of recent terrorist attacks in Russia and Pakistan, diplomats and representatives from international and organizations are convening in South China's Hainan to discuss the importance and potential impact of China-proposed Global Security Initiative (GSI) on global peace efforts. The former special envoy for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) told the Global Times the GSI is of great importance in this context as it provides a fundamental path for achieving lasting security.
The initiative is dedicated to respecting and safeguarding the security of every country, rather than seeking dominance in international security affairs, let alone taking sides. This is the fundamental reason why the initiative is widely welcomed, Chen Xiaodong, China's deputy foreign minister, said at the panel session during the Boao Forum for Asia on Thursday.
The concept and the key points proposed in the GSI are very persuasive, conducive to handling conflicts between countries, and promoting trust and dialogue is a cornerstone, which enables us to establish trust in Asia, Sarybay Kairat, Secretary General of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, said in his speech.
On the recent terrorist attacks in Russia and Pakistan, Zhang Ming, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), told the Global Times that he noted that those attacks resulted in significant casualties.
The SCO strongly condemns such terrorist acts, which prompted more agreements in the SCO to unite with the international community to resolutely combat the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, Zhang said.
Highlighting the importance of the GSI against the background of severe terrorist acts shaking the region, Zafar Uddin Mahmood, former special envoy for the CPEC, told the Global Times that the GSI is of utmost importance to achieving permanent security.
Zafar elaborated it by saying that "we cannot assume that our security guarantee is already sufficient, as recent terrorist incidents have shown the need for increased vigilance. It is clear that we must raise our alert level and be prepared at all times.
"The solution must be a long-term process, requiring a plan to ensure permanent security. In this regard, China's Global Security Initiative provides us a path to consider and research common solutions," Zafar said.
Zhang said the GSI has contributed Chinese wisdom to making up for the deficit of peace in the world. China has provided solutions for countries around the world to address international security challenges and achieve common development and progress, Zhang noted.
In order to promote the international community's efforts to eliminate conflicts through negotiations and resolve disputes through consultation, China has demonstrated its responsibility and commitment as a major country, Zhang said.
China is willing to work hand in hand with other Asian countries to coordinate the management of regional security affairs, combat terrorism and transnational crimes in a reasonable manner, strengthen security cooperation in areas such as nuclear facilities, cyberspace, outer space, public health, food and energy, Chen said in his speech.
As for how to further carry forward the GSI into practice, Zafar said he hoped that the SCO, an organization that continues to expand, will play a larger role in addressing security threats and challenges in order to advance the GSI. The SCO not only organizes joint drills in combating security risks, but also pays great attention to nurturing talents in this field, impacting both regional security as well as a broader global sphere.
Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told the Global Times during the Boao Forum that he highly recognizes China's GSI and Global Development Initiative, as they are also focused on restoring livelihoods in fragile situations and preventing violations of international humanitarian law.
China's Foreign Ministry voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Monday to US' repeated slander and smear of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance that just took effect on Saturday in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region following the latest statement from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticizing the legislation. The ministry's spokesperson called the statement "nothing but blatant political manipulation and hypocritical double standards."
The ordinance strikes a balance between maintaining national security and safeguarding rights and freedoms as well as economic development, which fully draws on the legislative experiences of other countries, especially those with common law systems, fully respects and protects rights, clearly defines the elements of crimes, and distinctly delineates what constitutes a crime and what does not, Lin Jian, the spokesperson of the ministry, told a press conference on Monday.
The law effectively protects the legitimate business activities and international interactions of foreign institutions, organizations and individuals in Hong Kong. It does not affect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, nor does it change Hong Kong's capitalist system and way of life, Lin said.
It is beneficial for Hong Kong to better leverage its unique position and advantages, deepen exchanges and cooperation with other countries and regions, and further consolidate its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, the spokesperson added.
In a statement released on Friday local time, Blinken said the US expresses deep concern over Hong Kong authorities' enactment of national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law.
This law will have broad implications for the people in Hong Kong as well as US citizens and companies operating there and threatens to further undermine the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong, which includes vaguely defined provisions regarding "sedition," "state secrets," and interactions with foreign entities that could be used to curb dissent, according to the statement.
The US has an impervious national security system, with an unparalleled number of laws and extensive extraterritorial reach, yet it points fingers at and meddles in the issue of Hong Kong's enactment of the ordinance. This is nothing but blatant political manipulation and hypocritical double standards, Lin said.
The spokesperson stressed that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere. The Chinese government's determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests is unwavering, and its commitment to the "One Country, Two Systems'' principle is steadfast.
We urge the US to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, adhere to the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal matters, Lin said.
With the implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, signifying that Hong Kong has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility as stipulated in the Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong officials have also stepped up efforts in countering Western attacks and smears targeting the new law, emphasizing that foreign companies are still eager to invest in the city despite political maneuvers made by some Western politicians.
China's human rights stories are unfolding in a new era of comprehensive deepening reform and historic changes. It is a great practice of China's poverty alleviation and whole-process people's democracy, a thorough reformation in judicial, medical insurance and other key sectors related to the national economy and people's livelihood, as well as a combination of numerous impressive and inspiring individual stories.
To be nurtured in youth, be educated, secure gainful employment, receive medical care when ill, be cared for in old age, have a place to live, and be supported when weak… these are concrete embodiment of human rights, which explains that the greatest human right is the right to the happiness of the people.
For a long time, some politicians and media outlets in a few countries have been hostile and prejudiced against China, leading to a lack of understanding among foreign audiences about the concepts and achievements in China's human rights development. But what is revealed in the daily lives of the Chinese people speaks to the most basic truth: Rights to survival and development are fundamental human rights.
The Global Times is launching a series of articles, telling the vivid stories about human rights protection in the new era. We expect this series to become a window through which more foreign readers will understand how Chinese people recognize human rights and what efforts they have made to fight for and fully enjoy human rights in their daily lives. Wang Yongcheng, the first and only visually impaired deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), returns home with a sacred mission.
Back to East China's Fujian Province from Beijing, Wang has constantly been on the move. Having visited the Fuzhou School for the Blind, and Fujian Disabled Persons' Federation, he is dedicated to spreading the spirit of the two sessions with no signs of fatigue.
"This is my job. The staff representatives of the disabled persons' federation, the teachers and students at the school for the blind, volunteers, and caring individuals are all eager to learn about the grand occasion of the 'two sessions' through me. Every time I speak, I receive enthusiastic responses," Wang told the Global Times.
During the two sessions, the introduction of a Braille version of the Government Work Report, a concentrated interview in the "Deputies' Passage," and a 6-minute deliberation speech, are all new experiences that impressed and inspired Wang for his rest of life.
Wang said that he always remembers that as early as 1990, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was then secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Fuzhou Municipal Committee, said that the disability cause is a spring cause.
From being the first visually impaired NPC deputy to receiving the first Braille version of a reply to a deputy's motion and the Government Work Report, Wang has vividly witnessed the subtle and considerate changes at the two sessions, which he calls the "springtime grand event."
By witnessing the happiness embraced by the group he represents, Wang perceives the country's tangible democracy.
Wang's story of fulfilling his duties is a microcosm of the protection of the disabled in China. In recent years, from constructing a barrier-free environment to fostering a more respectful attitude toward disadvantaged groups in the public, more disabled persons in the country are now participating in and integrating into society on an equal footing, allowing them to share in the fruits of social development.
Sensing democracy's pulse
On March 5, at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th NPC, Wang was handed a special government work report - white 8K paper, circular binding, and orderly arranged with convex and concave Braille. This groundbreaking Braille version of the government work report made its debut at two sessions, courtesy of the newly established Braille translation team under the secretariat of the NPC.
"For me, this is democracy that I can literally feel," Wang said. With the Braille version of the Government Work Report in hand, he was able to silently follow along as the Chinese premier delivered the report. "I could run my fingertips over every accomplishment our country has achieved. It was an unparalleled experience."
Following his election as a deputy to the 14th NPC, who commenced their five-year term in 2023, Wang attended his first session of the NPC last year. Since then, his room has been equipped with a laptop adapted for visually impaired people. The venue has also been made accessible to ensure his smooth participation in the conference.
"This year, I was provided with Braille documents and even had the opportunity to speak at the 'Deputies' Passage," Wang shared. "I made a promise to myself to bring the voices of visually impaired people to the NPC. We may not be able to see, but we want to be seen by more people."
Born in Ninghua county of Fujian Province in 1967, Wang lost his sight in an accident at the age of 18. Undeterred, he embarked on a challenging entrepreneurial journey by learning massage skills and conducting non-profit training. His efforts helped over 6,000 visually impaired individuals to become self-reliant.
From casting his vote in the majestic Great Hall of the People to proposing to provide large-print textbooks for low-vision students enrolled in regular schools, in 2023, Wang, as an NPC deputy, has had some touching moments. His proposal was adopted and incorporated into China's first dedicated law on constructing a barrier-free environment, which took effect on September 1, 2023.
And in a historic moment in November 2023, Wang received the first-ever braille response to an NPC deputy's motion. The Ministry of Education also embraced this proposal and supported the promotion of large-print textbook publications, starting with the first grade in autumn 2023.
On March 5, Wang delivered a 6-minute speech at the meeting of the Fujian delegation. He put forth two suggestions on facilitating the building of an elderly care service system which could better meet the special needs of people with disabilities, and promote the integrated development of the cause of the disabled on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
"I am honored to have witnessed the country's increasing efforts to improve barrier-free environment construction, help people living with disabilities integrate into society, and share the fruits of economic and social development," Wang said.
Legal protection
Apart from Wang, Li Qingzhong, a national political advisor living with severe visual impairment, also drew widespread attention during the two sessions this year.
Tactile stick in hand, Li spoke to the media at an inclusive interview at the Great Hall of the People on March 4, the first day of the two sessions. He shared that he is able to commute by subway alone and travel by plane or high-speed rail, and he deals with his work online with the help of screen reader software.
"Thanks to China's continuous optimization of a barrier-free environment, and the progress of modern technology, physically disabled people can integrate into society, and work hard in all walks of life," Li said. Also President of the China Association of Persons with Visual Disabilities, Li prepared five proposals for this year's two sessions. Of them, one focused on the promotion of preschool education for the multiplicity of visually impaired children.
Wang and Li's stories let the public once again closely see the aspirations of China's 85-million-strong people living with disability, as well as the many forms of assistance and care extended by the country and society to them.
China attaches great importance to the protection of the rights and interests of persons living with disabilities, said Chen Bin, an associate research fellow at the Institute for Human Rights, East China University of Political Science and Law.
"It not effectively protects their rights to subsistence and development, but also creates convenient conditions for them to perform their duties as the country's legislators and political advisors, guaranteeing their right to participate in national and social affairs," Chen told the Global Times. Chen said that for decades, China has always been committed to protecting the rights of persons living with disabilities from a legal standpoint. The Barrier-free Environment Creation Law, for instance, took effect in September 2023, becoming another law to safeguard the human rights of people living with disabilities. Before that, there had been many related laws and regulations such as the Law on the Protection of Disabled and Regulations on Education for Individuals with Disabilities.
The principle of accessibility is one of the essentials of international human rights law, and constitutes the basic principle of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons living with Disabilities, Chen said. The Convention was eventually adopted by the 61st session of the UN General Assembly in December 2006 after a long motion discussion.
"As a responsible major country, China is not only an active advocate, but also a firm supporter and implementer of the Convention," Chen told the Global Times. He added that in March 2007, when the Convention opened for signing, then permanent representative of China to the UN Wang Guangya signed it for the first time on behalf of China.
Looking back, there is a clear timeline showing how China has gradually fine-tuned laws and regulations to guarantee the well-being and visible human rights of its people living with disabilities, Chen said.
"Every law and regulation carries specific human dignity," he noted.
A decent, dignified life
Apart from protecting the human rights of persons living with disabilities from the legal perspective, China has also strived to improve services through almost every detail of life.
From the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, to education, employment, recreation, and social identification, it spares no effort in facilitating decent and dignified lives for this population.
"We were married voluntarily…" Last week, with the help of Braille and large-print versions of marriage registration notices and marriage vows, a couple with visual impairments said their vows and registered their marriage in Beijing. It was the first time in the country that a marriage registry offered such documents to a visually disabled couple.
As for sporting events, the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games served as a window to show the world China's technological progress, particularly in caring for those living with disability. It used an energy-efficient printing technology for the Braille version of the manual for athletes and officials, spectators' guide, venue introduction, and maps, reportedly the largest use of Braille in the history of the Winter Olympics.
This green printing technology for Braille is energy-efficient and low-cost, and allows Braille to be printed on more materials, including paper, glass, stainless steel, and pottery, said Song Yanlin, a scientist from the Institute of Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, whose team developed this technology.
The green printing technology was already in widespread use across China before the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, Song told the Global Times. At the Beijing School for the Blind, children started to use Braille books printed with this technology as early as 2018. In Shanghai, the city metro operators also offered passengers with visual disability direction information printed in this green technology. The Chinese film industry is also trying to offer visually disabled people better a "viewing experience," by specially transforming the movies into accessible versions with comprehensive audio descriptions for visually impaired audiences. The narrators' voices, which transform action on screen into vivid descriptions, have allowed this special group to access China's various film and television products.
Li Wenwen, CEO of Shanghai PMF Pictures, said the company has made accessible versions for all its productions for visually impaired audiences. "Although it increases production costs, it is worthwhile as it is something meaningful to do," Li told the Global Times in a previous interview.
Moreover, inIn the social atmosphere that advocates caring for those living with disability, some stigmatizing words used to describe persons with disabilities have been eliminated. In 2022, China's Disabled Persons Federation issued a notice that advised media outlets to use updated terms in stories about people living with disability. Some persons with disabilities told the Global Times that, now they rarely see or hear offensive words whether in media coverage or in daily life.
China's efforts in affording its people with disabilities respect, love, and care are obvious to all. These efforts embody the people-oriented and inclusive nature of the development of human rights in China in the new era, which has effectively made Chinese people the main participants, promoters, and beneficiaries of the development of human rights causes, Chen told the Global Times.
On March 9, Wang received a heartfelt letter from Deng Zhiqiang, an individual living with disability from Central China's Hunan Province.
"I am standing by your side, rooting for your success. Your achievements are our patriotic motivation," Deng wrote in the letter.
"We will walk hand in hand with our nation on the path toward advancing the rights of the disabled community. Together, we will continue to contribute to the story of springtime filled with progress and hope with unwavering determination," Wang said.
Nancy Tang sighs in frustration when seeing the negative result on the pregnancy test kit, again. She writes a private post on social media that is only visible to herself: "If I don't get pregnant soon, I'm gonna miss the 'dragon baby.'"
Both Tang and her husband hope to have a "dragon baby" this year. They believe that the dragon, the mythical creature in ancient Chinese legend, is an auspicious symbol, and having a baby born in the Year of the Dragon is "a pretty cool thing."
Tang is among a growing couples of childbearing age who are eager to have babies in this Year of the Dragon. They make no secret of their preference for the Chinese "Dragon" zodiac sign, and they very much expect to get pregnant by March - so that their babies will be born before the end of January 2025, the start of the Year of the Snake.
Chinese demographers predicted that the "dragon baby fever" is likely to cause a small baby boom this year, a positive sign of people's confidence in China's economy and social policies.
Many places in China have inded experienced a small babyboom since the Year of the Dragon, with the birth rate from early 2024 to now increasing by more than 10 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a report of team led by macro policy analyst Ren Zeping released on March 12.
However, in the long term, due to the gradual disappearance of the fertility accumulation effect, low fertility rates, and the continuous decline in the number of women of childbearing age, it will be difficult to reverse the downward trend in the birth rate without substantial and effective pro-natal policies being implemented, the report noted.
Obsession for a 'dragon baby'
Tang is a 35-year-old teacher in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province. She lives far apart from her husband, who works long-term in the Xizang Autonomous Region.
During the summer and winter vacations in 2023, Tang traveled nearly 1,000 kilometers to Xizang region, living there with her husband for several weeks each time. The biggest task for the couple was to conceive a baby, particularly, a baby that would be born this year - the Year of the Dragon.
The long journeys were just a small part of the many efforts Tang made in the past year for the anticipated "dragon baby." To be healthier and more "pregnancy-appropriate," Tang was prescribed traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture sessions for months to "improve the endocrine system."
"I've even been to the temples, praying to the Buddha to have a 'dragon baby' soon," she said.
Similarly, Xiao Ling, a 34-year-old woman working in Beijing, is also looking forward to a "dragon baby."
"I did not have a preference for a 'dragon baby' at first. But my mom consulted a fortune teller who said that a 'dragon baby' would benefit me according to my shengchen bazi, and a baby in the next year of the snake would negatively affect me," Xiao said.
Shengchen bazi means "the date of birth and the eight characters of the horoscope." These eight characters are translated from the birth information - year, month, day, and hour - into four pairs of distinct Chinese characters, which ancient Chinese people believed contained the secrets of a person's fortune.
"I know it is a kind of superstition, but as long I as I have heard it, it is hard to get it out of my mind. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes power, nobility, and intelligence. I have a reserved personality, so I think a 'dragon baby' may complement me well," Xiao told the Global Times.
"But, anyway, I will embrace my baby whenever it comes, my only wish is that it is healthy," Xiao noted. A surge in pregnancy
The Dragon is undoubtedly the most favored sign among all the 12 Chinese zodiacs or animal signs.
Many foreign celebrities have expressed their affection for this special mythical creature. On a late-night show, US actor and film producer Nicolas Cage once shared he thought he was born in the Year of the Dragon, and therefore got a dragon tattoo. But he later discovered that he was actually born in the Year of the Rabbit according to the lunar Chinese calendar.
"I had [an] incredible identity crisis," Cage joked.
Many Chinese people also refer to themselves as "descendants of the dragon." On China's lifestyle-oriented social media app Little Red Book, or Xiaohongshu, a recent survey covering some 148,000 users showed that almost one in three respondents like the dragon the most, unsurprisingly ranking top among all the 12 animal signs.
Chinese people's preference for "dragon babies" has been intuitively reflected in hospitals. Across the country, many hospitals revealed that the numbers of pregnant and "lying-in" women have surged in the last two or three months, to the extent that a few renowned maternity hospitals and maternity departments in some general hospitals have no spare beds at times, according to media reports.
In Shanghai, several major maternity hospitals have seen an increase in the number of obstetrics service registrations. At the Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, the number in January grew by 14 percent compared to the same period in 2021. Its previous obvious growth was in 2012, also a Year of the Dragon, Gu Weirong, deputy director of the hospital, told local media Shanghai Observer.
In Beijing, a woman surnamed Yang witnessed the unusually busy gynecology and obstetrics department in the second half of 2023.
Yang is expecting to have her "dragon baby" in May. She told the Global Times she was amazed that, when she went to the gynecology and obstetrics department at the hospital where her husband works in November 2023 to register, medical staff told her that the beds for May 2024 had been fully booked.
Yang said she learned from medical staff that the workload of the department's ultrasound room at the end of 2023 was up to four times that of the same period in 2022.
"Part of the reason is that people are paying more and more attention to antenatal care. Another reason is that there are indeed more pregnant women," Yang said.
Yang's observation echoed the expectation of some experts for a minor baby boom in 2024 caused by various effects.
The first effect is the preference for the Dragon as a zodiac sign in Chinese culture, Zhai Zhenwu, China Population Association resident and a professor at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times, referring to a similar baby boom that occurred on the Chinese mainland in 2012, also the Year of the Dragon.
Second, many women who postponed pregnancy plans during the COVID-19 pandemic period started to get pregnant after Chinese people stepped out of shadow of the pandemic and kicked off a new phase of life, Zhai said.
Yuan Xin, a professor at the Institute of Population and Development at Nankai University's School of Economics, agreed with Zhai and noted a third major effect. "Improving fertility support policies in China will also encourage people to have larger families," Yuan said.
Chinese think tank YuWa Population Research on Wednesday released a report on the cost of raising a child in China. According to the report, which is based on the China Statistical Yearbook 2023, in 2022, the average cost of raising a child from birth to the age of 17 in China was 538,000 yuan ($7,372).
When compared with GDP, the average cost of raising a child in China until the age of 18 was 6.3 times China's GDP per capita in 2022, higher than many countries including Japan (4.26 times), the US (4.11 times), and Germany (3.64 times), read the report.
Zhai refused to comment on the results of the report, questioning its reliability as it is based on macro statistics. However, he agreed that the high cost is a major factor that prevents some Chinese couples from having children.
Chinese authorities have made various efforts to help reduce fertility costs in recent years, Zhai noted. Based on that, he called for more measures in the field of education, such as establishing a high-quality inclusive childcare system for preschool children.
Some demographers believed the possible temporary baby boom in the Year of the Dragon is unlikely to change the overall trend of declining birth rates, but it is nonetheless a positive sign, as more babies being born implies people's confidence in China's robust economy, good social order, and an improved fertility support policy. Many more boys than girls?
China's sex ratio at birth is another widely watched figure apart from the general fertility rate.
In China, the sex ratio at birth in 2022 was 111.1 (111.1 boys per 100 girls), slightly increased from the previous year's 108.3 ratio, according to data from the National Health Commission. On social media, some users shared their observations of "many more boys than girls in kindergarten," which resonated with many.
However, the Global Times also found many posts on Chinese social media platforms that say there are more girls than boys in kindergarten.
Demographer Zhou Haiwang refuted the saying that China's sex ratio at birth "is seriously misaligned." The personal experiences of some netizens are just individual cases, said Zhou, deputy director of the Institute of Urban and Demographic Studies under the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.
The slight fluctuation in sex ratio at birth in one or two single years is normal, Zhou said. "On the whole, the ratio in China has gradually declined over in the last decade," he said.
Prior to 2022, China's sex ratios at birth saw a 10-year consecutive decrease, dropping from 117.7 in 2012 to 108.3 in 2021. The gender structure of the birth population has improved significantly, according to National Bureau of Statistics.
"The preference for boys over girls is now rarely seen in big cities, and the situation has improved a lot in urban areas as well," Zhou told the Global Times.
Through the years, China has been working hard to achieve gender equality, Zhou noted. Governments at all levels have introduced many laws and regulations to protect the interests of female employees, and pregnant and breast-feeding women enjoy more and more favorable policies, such as extended maternity leave, he said.
It has been more than one month since Japanese ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi arrived in December 2023. On January 18, Ambassador Kanasugi gave an exclusive interview to Global Times reporters Xing Xiaojing and Liu Xin (GT), his first interview with Chinese media, during which he described diplomatic work as a "long-distance relay race," and said that whoever holds the baton should run as far as possible. During his tenure as Japanese ambassador to China, he hopes to use his own experiences to promote mutual exchanges between Japan and China, and contribute to the improvement of bilateral relations. GT: After receiving the news of your appointment as the ambassador to China, we have learned that you are held in very high regard by both Chinese and Japanese individuals who have the occasion of your acquaintance. They view you as a professional diplomat and, although you do not come from a "China school" background, they have high hopes that you will contribute to the improvement of China-Japan relations. How do you view this praise and expectations? Could you please introduce the focus and goals of your work during your tenure as the Japanese ambassador?
Kanasugi: As a diplomat, it's a great honor to receive such praise. Rather than saying this is a recognition of me personally, I hope it can also bring about appreciation for the Japanese people, Japanese companies, and Japan as a whole.
In fact, I am not an expert on China issues. As you know, from 2016 to 2019, I served as the director general of the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, responsible for Japan-China relations. I also served as the director-general of the Economic Affairs Bureau, gaining some firsthand experience in Japan-China relations. At that time, a series of meetings between high-level officials from Japan and China gradually set the gears in motion for the improvement of Japan-China relations.
In October 2018, the late prime minister Shinzo Abe made an official visit to China, and I was also part of the delegation that visited Beijing. I hope to contribute my modest efforts in promoting the advancement of Japan-China relations based on my experiences.
One important duty of the ambassador and the embassy is to ensure the security of Japanese nationals living in China and to protect the Japanese companies' interests. For this, I think Japan and China should still strengthen communication.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, over the last three years, communication between China and Japan was suspended, as it was among other countries. In November 2023, top leaders from China and Japan held a summit to improve bilateral relations after the end of the pandemic. Therefore, I hope to promote mutual exchanges between Japan and China in order to improve bilateral relations.
GT: What impressed you most during your previous visits to China? How do you feel coming to China this time as the newly appointed ambassador?
Kanasugi: My most unforgettable experience was accompanying the then-Japanese prime minister on his visit to Beijing in October 2018. At the time, as the director general of the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, I directly participated in the related work, which left a deep impression on me. Moreover, about 10 years ago, there were voices saying that Beijing had severe air pollution, I was able to see the blue sky during that visit, during which the air in Beijing was very fresh, which surprised me.
Coming to China for work, this time as a diplomat, I feel deeply honored, and as an ambassador to China, one of the most important countries for Japan, I cannot afford to be complacent in any sense. I will try my best to promote the development of Japan-China relations, even if it is a step or two forward.
GT: On November 16, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in San Francisco, US. During the meeting, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to the principles and consensus stipulated in the four political documents between the two countries and reaffirmed the positioning of promoting China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way. They also agreed to dedicate themselves to jointly building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the demands of the new era. What are your thoughts on the significance of this meeting?
Kanasugi: The joint statement on the All-round Promotion of Strategic Relationship of Mutual Benefit was signed by Japan and China in 2008. Its main content is that as neighboring countries, Japan and China face various challenges and should work together to address them. At the same time, there are many areas in which Japan and China can deepen their cooperation.
I believe that deepening cooperation in these areas is the essence of promoting China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way. However, during the pandemic, the exchange of personnel between Japan and China was interrupted, and the relationship between the two countries became somewhat strained.
Against this background, it is of great significance for the leaders of Japan and China to reaffirm the positioning of promoting China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way during their meeting, in order to deepen cooperation between Japan and China.
GT: What measures will Japan take to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries?
Kanasugi: I believe it is necessary to deepen communication through various channels. In fact, consensus has been reached on the Japan-China Economic High-Level Dialogue, Japan-China people-to-people and cultural exchanges dialogue, and mutual visits of foreign ministers during occasions such as the Japan-China leaders' summit.
Such exchanges are crucial for promoting personnel exchanges. What is even more important is to let the people of Japan and China see that unresolved issues are being resolved through this communication. Once exchanges and dialogue resume, things will move forward.
GT: After the Chinese and American leaders met in San Francisco, China-US relations are expected to get warm. Do you think that there is also a possibility for a turning point in China-Japan relations?
Kanasugi: The Japan-China relationship is not defined by the US-China relationship. Japan's foreign policy is entirely based on its national interests, which is a major premise. Under this premise, both sides reaffirmed in November 2023 the positioning of promoting China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way. I hope that progress can be made in Japan-China relations within this important framework.
GT: However, there is a viewpoint that believes that China-Japan relations will also be influenced by China-US relations.
Kanasugi: That is because we are part of the international community, therefore the influence from US-China relations will not be zero. If Japan-China relations are improving, I believe this will certainly have an impact on US-China relations as well. The international community is a relationship of interdependence, and I think [the above viewpoint] should be discussed based on this.
GT: We noticed that you often wore traditional attire while serving as the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia. Would you consider doing the same with traditional Chinese costume?
Kanasugi: In Indonesia, there is a traditional attire called "Batik." I often wore it because, according to Indonesian customs, wearing "Batik" is suitable for any occasion, such as meeting the president, attending weddings, or going to work. It is very convenient, and Indonesians dress this way. So, I was not the only one as the embassy staff often wore "Batik." However, when attending formal occasions in China, it is still necessary to wear a suit, so I usually wear suits during work.
GT: Do you plan to create a social media account after coming to China, and share similar regular life updates as you did during your tenure in Indonesia?
Kanasugi: I have only been here for a month and I don't know yet. If it helps to promote Japan-China relations, I am willing to consider it.
GT: Although you recently arrived in China, we are curious about what kind of outcome you hope to see in China-Japan relations when you leave China.
Kanasugi: In Japan there is a popular sport called Ekiden, in which the baton is passed on from one runner to another in a long-distance race. I believe our work is like a relay race, taking over the baton from our predecessors and running as far as possible during our term, and then passing the baton on to the next person.
I hope that during my term, Japan-China relations can move forward, even if it's just one or two steps. It has only been a month since my arrival, and currently, I want to make efforts to solve as many of the current issues as possible.
GT: Which place do you want to visit during your stay in China?
Kanasugi: China is vast and rich in resources, with many beautiful places. During my time in China, I want to explore more and see more, which will deepen my personal experience. There are still many places that I don't know much about, but many Japanese people, especially my generation, have a strong desire to visit the "Silk Road," so I also want to go and see it.
GT：What is your view on the significance of China-Japan relations to Asia and the whole world?
Kanasugi: When I left Indonesia, many Indonesian friends saw me off and said, the stability of China-Japan relations is crucial for Indonesia and ASEAN. Please make sure to work hard. I will always remember these voices in my work in China.
Editor's Note: Located in the eastern part of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Hami is an important city along the ancient Silk Road and a key node city under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In this city with a total area of 142,100 square kilometers, the permanent population is 680,000, and 39 ethnic groups including Han, Uygur, Kazakh, Hui, and Mongolian live here harmoniously.
GT reporters again traveled to the region. In this fourth installment of a series of articles, GT tells character stories based on multiple local young people who have realized their self-worth here with the continuous improvement of Xinjiang's economic industrial structure. Millionaire camel breeder
Zhonghe Camel Breeding Cooperative in Xiamaya township, Hami city, is about 260 kilometers away from the city center. After a four-hour drive out there, a group of sunbathing camels came into view. Nuraly Kasmu, a 32-year-old Uygur man, is the head of the cooperative.
Talking with the Global Times, he said, "There is a saying that 'having millions in wealth is not considered rich if you have long-haired camels.'" Free-range camels not only tend to wander off, but are also at risk of wolf attacks. Newborn camels also find it difficult to survive, making it difficult for herders to guarantee their economic income.
In November 2014, with the support of the local government, Nuraly's father founded this cooperative to provide custody and breeding services for camels, as well as selling fresh camel milk and other products.
Currently, more than 80 households of herders in the local area entrust their camels to the cooperative, mainly consisting of Kazakh and Uygur herders, as well as Han herders. According to the agreement, the cooperative distributes dividends to herders at a rate of 1,000 yuan ($139.83) per camel per year, and the income from camel milk, camel hair, and newborn camels belongs to the cooperative.
Nuraly said that since 2015, the total amount of dividends given to villagers in Xiamaya township by the cooperative has accumulated to nearly 400,000 yuan. There are currently more than 900 camels in this breeding base covering an area of over 3,000 square meters. Each camel produces about 2 to 3 kilograms of milk per day, with the highest monthly sales of camel milk reaching around 5,000 kilograms, bringing in a monthly income of about 180,000 to 200,000 yuan, and an annual income exceeding 2 million yuan.
"I might be the richest person in the local area!" Nuraly said with a smile.
Nuraly used to work for a local new energy company and joined his father's cooperative in 2018 to continue the family business. Despite his playful nature, he is meticulous when it comes to work.
"To take care of the camels, I specifically hired a camel caretaker from the Barkol Kazak Autonomous County," he said. "Kazakh compatriots have a lot of experience in camel breeding and know how to make them produce milk. More importantly, they have genuine affection for camels and don't treat them as just a job."
In addition, the cooperative pays attention to the nutritional balance of camel feed, regularly conducts vaccinations for camels, hires professionals to take care of newborn camels, and provides insurance for the camels. They also receive technical training from agricultural and animal husbandry experts and scholars every year.
Keram Wudge, a 60-year-old herder, also entrusts his camels to the cooperative. He told the Global Times that herders have signed contracts with the cooperative and receive stable dividend income every year without having to worry. With the free time, older herders can stay at home and take care of their elderly family members, while others work as border guards to increase their income.
When asked about the changes in their lives since taking over the cooperative five years ago, Nuraly smiled and said, "We have money now! Who doesn't want to make money?"
It's not just Nuraly whose wallet has grown. Through systematic management, the cooperative has radiated and boosted the income of farmers and herders in Xiamaya township and surrounding towns, promoting local economic development.
The operation of the cooperative has not been smooth sailing, and the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest test. "The local government waived the cooperative's loan interest, and companies from Central China's Henan Province provided financial support. With the trust and support of people from all ethnic groups, we were able to overcome the difficulties together," Nuraly said.
Nuraly has ideas for the future development of the cooperative. In his view, camel milk has high nutritional value and can help alleviate diabetes and enhance immunity. In the future, he wants to continue to expand the scale and breed more camels, improve the quality and quantity of camel milk, and sell camel milk along the BRI to various parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world.
"At that time, I will proudly tell others that this is the camel milk produced by our cooperative," Nuraly said.
Uygur woman builds promising career
The fresh camel milk produced by cooperatives in Yiwu county, Hami, is mainly sent to Xinjiang Zhongtuo Bio-Technology Co. for processing, and is then sold to various parts of the world.
Zhao Junli, the chairman of the company, said in an interview with the Global Times that as a company that attracted investment from Henan to Xinjiang, the company opened in Yiwu county in April 2016. At that time, although there were not many camels, the natural environment and development prospects were good. In order to ensure a stable supply of camel milk, the company provided 5,000 yuan in funding to the local people for every camel purchased, interest-free, and the camel milk produced would be used to repay the funding. Generally, each camel can repay 500 yuan per month, and it can be repaid in about a year, which immediately mobilized the enthusiasm of the local people.
Zhao said that herders can entrust their camels to the cooperatives, and the cooperatives are responsible for camel breeding and milking. The milk is then transported to his company by milk delivery trucks. After sampling and testing, the qualified camel milk is sent to the production workshop to produce fresh camel milk, camel milk powder, milk slices, and other products. Camel milk biscuits and camel milk shower gel are also popular products.
Some Western countries have been fabricating rumors about "forced labor" in Xinjiang. Zhao said that when he received a group of foreign journalists from eight countries, he told them, "Do not spread false words, do not mislead the public. Many people in Xinjiang have created a beautiful life with their own hands!"
Taking Zhongtuo Bio-Technology Co. as an example, the company's employees are from various ethnic groups such as Han, Hui and Uygur, as well as Kazakh and Tibetan people. Zhao said that regardless of ethnicity or gender, all employees of the company are treated equally, with labor contracts updated regularly to fully protect the rights and interests of workers.
Generally, working hours are from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm on weekdays, and overtime pay is provided at a rate of 25 yuan per hour. In addition to year-end bonuses and other benefits, the company also provides a full attendance bonus based on length of service. Employees who have been with the company for more than one year can receive an additional 40 yuan per day, those who have been with the company for more than two years can receive 60 yuan per day, and those who have been with the company for more than three years can receive 80 yuan per day. This adds up to a considerable amount, resulting in a low rate of people leaving the company. There are people from various ethnic backgrounds who have built careers here, including Amangul Taolang, a 29-year-old Uygur woman.
Amangul graduated from Tarim University with a major in food quality and safety in July 2017. She then worked in an administrative position in another company. In November 2017, she came to Zhongtuo by chance to work as a laboratory technician. She felt that her professional knowledge from university was finally being put to use and decided to stay. At that time, her monthly salary was 3,000 yuan.
"In terms of salary alone, it was similar to my previous job. But I believe that while earning a living is important, I also hope to realize my self-worth in my work," Amangul told the Global Times.
Over the past six years, she has continuously learned professional knowledge and has gone from being an ordinary laboratory technician to a laboratory supervisor, technical manager, and is now the director of food safety for the entire company.
With the improvement of her abilities and position, Amangul's salary has also increased significantly, and her annual income now exceeds 200,000 yuan.
Amangul said that in the early days of the company's establishment, she was the only member of an ethnic minority in the company. Now, there are a total of 10 people in her laboratory, including colleagues from Han, Uygur, and Kazakh ethnic groups. They work together, respecting each other and showing interest in each other's customs. They celebrate festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha together.
Amangul said that the company has facilities such as a basketball court, gym, and public activity room, and she is satisfied with the current working environment and atmosphere.
Now her only goal is to further improve her work abilities and continue to make progress while she is young.
