Xi visits Gu Wenchang memorial hall

US President Joe Biden announced a $425 million security assistance package for Ukraine on Wednesday as he prepared to travel to Germany to strengthen the confidence of US allies in Europe. Chinese analysts said the aid won't bring any significant change to end the conflict but will only prolong the war.

The main reason Biden is adding more aid to Ukraine is to comfort US allies that the US policy toward Ukraine will be sustainable no matter who sits in the White House, experts noted.

According to the White House release on Wednesday, Biden spoke by telephone to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine about the security package, which includes additional air defense capability, air-to-ground munitions, armored vehicles, and critical munitions to "meet Ukraine's urgent needs."

The package comes as Biden is set to travel to Germany on Thursday for a brief trip that is likely to be his last visit to Europe as commander in chief. The US president will use the opportunity to "remind the world of the importance of alliances" just three weeks before the US presidential election. Biden will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany before returning to the US on Friday, the New York Times reported.

Lü Xiang, a research fellow on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that "many Americans believe that the US has failed to avoid this war in Europe and spend taxpayers' money to support an endless war with almost no hope of victory." 

At the same time, Biden also sees the aid toward Ukraine as a key "legacy" of his administration, so he has strong intention to safeguard and reinforce this policy, and more importantly, to convince US allies to keep following the US to support Ukraine, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

Therefore, just like US allies, Biden is also concerned about a possible U-turn upon his "legacy," so he is trying his best to add support to Ukraine and emphasize the importance of victory at the very last moment of his term, Lü said.

Military experts said the current situation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict won't be affected significantly by any conventional weapons, so the US aid can only prolong the conflict, but it's not enough to bring a victory for Ukraine, so it seems that the US doesn't want the war to end any time soon.

Lü said that much of US aid to Ukraine is, in nature, the business that transformed the money of taxpayers into the wallet of the military industrial complex in the name of supporting Ukraine, so no one should expect that a few more millions can bring any big change to the combat situation.

'Victory plan'

Zelensky told lawmakers Wednesday that Ukraine's Western partners are "increasing pressure to negotiate with Russia," but he hinted such talks would be unfavorable to Kiev as he unveiled what he called his "victory plan" for the war, the AP reported.

Zelensky presented his "victory plan" to the Ukrainian parliament Wednesday, where he outlined Ukraine's strategy in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The five-point plan covers geopolitical, military, economic, and security goals, calls for Ukraine's NATO membership in the near future, and includes a proposal to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using long-range Western weapons on targets inside Russia, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.

"If we start moving according to this victory plan now, it may be possible to end the war no later than next year," Zelensky told the Verkhovna Rada, the parliament. He is set to present the five-point plan to the European Council on Thursday, according to the AP.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that the new proposal is likely just the same American plan to fight until the last Ukrainian, which Zelensky has now disguised as a "peace plan," according to the Xinhua report.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that the Ukrainian president is using his plan to push NATO toward a direct conflict with Russia, TASS reported.

The NATO chief, Mark Rutte, gave a muted response to Zelensky's plans, saying he and allies "take note" of it. "The plan has many aspects and many political and military issues we really need to hammer out with the Ukrainians to understand what is behind it, to see what we can do, what we cannot do," Rutte said, the Guardian reported.

This shows that the US and its NATO allies are using Ukraine to undermine Russia and hopefully Ukrainians can see through that, said Li.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday said that China is ready to work with Laos to build a community with a shared future with high standards, high quality, and high level and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Li made the remarks in Vientiane when meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president.

Conveying the cordial greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, to Thongloun, Li congratulated Laos on successfully hosting the series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation.

China and Laos are socialist comrades and brothers, Li said, noting that over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations between the two parties and two countries have withstood the test of changes in the international landscape and shown new vitality.

General Secretary Xi and General Secretary Thongloun have maintained close strategic communication with each other to lead the construction of the China-Laos community with a shared future in the new era, said the premier.

China has always placed the development of relations with Laos in a special and important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is ready to work with Laos to follow the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, deepen political mutual trust and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, Li said.

He noted that China firmly supports Laos in pursuing a socialist path in line with its national conditions and stands ready to continue firmly supporting each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

Li called on both sides to speed up the implementation of the new action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future and to continue promoting the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the planned transformation of Laos from a land-locked to a land-linked country.

China and Laos should enhance practical cooperation in trade, investment, production capacity, electricity, minerals and other fields, Li said, calling on both sides to further tap potentials, give full play to the driving-effect of the China-Laos Railway, and push for more visible results in all-round cooperation.

Li also said China is ready to expand people-to-people exchanges and cooperation with Laos in culture, tourism and education to enhance mutual understanding and friendship and lay a more solid public foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation.

Thongloun asked Li to convey his sincere greetings to Xi. He congratulated the success of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Hailing China's historic development achievements and its rising international influence under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Thongloun said the Lao party, government and people have always regarded China as an inseparable good neighbor, good friend, good comrade and good partner.

Thongloun said the Lao side resolutely adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and firmly supports the three global initiatives.

Laos is ready to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, reinforce the alignment of Laos' national development strategy with the BRI, advance cooperation in key areas such as the Laos-China Railway, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and push the construction of the Laos-China community with a shared future to a higher level to better benefit the two peoples, Thongloun said.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) announced on Monday that its formations 2901, 1305, 1303 and 2102 conducted law enforcement patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan island. Liu Dejun, spokesperson of the CCG, said that it is a concrete action to lawfully enforce control over Taiwan island in accordance with the one-China principle.

On the same day, the Fujian Coast Guard said that it organized a formation of vessels to conduct comprehensive law enforcement patrols in the waters near the islands of Dongyin and Matsu. The patrols conducted by the Fujian Coast Guard focused on exercises such as verification and identification, boarding inspections, and control and expulsion operations. These activities were aimed at assessing rapid response and emergency handling capabilities, according to the CCG.

An expert told the Global Times on condition of anonymity on Monday that the CCG conducted multi-unit, multi-formation, and multi-subject drills around the island of Taiwan, focusing on strengthening the control network around the island.

Along with the blockade of key ports and areas around the island by the PLA Eastern Theater Command, the involvement of the maritime law enforcement forces will aid in inspecting and controlling atypical military targets, effectively preventing "Taiwan independence" separatists from evading sanctions under the guise of civilian purposes, the expert noted.

The message and diagram released by the CCG indicated that its formations have navigated waters near Taiwan, effectively surrounding the island. Unlike the specific latitude and longitude details provided in the operational maps of the Fujian coast guard, the CCG diagram lacks precise coordinates, instead, it uses arrows to give a general indication of the routes. This suggests that the law enforcement actions did not follow a fixed cruise line but covered a large area around the island, the expert said.

This indicates that the CCG, as a maritime law enforcement force, will intensify and increase the frequency of its activities around Taiwan, implementing comprehensive control in accordance with national laws. This will further restrict the operational space of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, promote the peaceful reunification of the motherland, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, noted the expert.

According to the CCG diagram released on Monday, in the eastern direction of the island, the CCG deployed one of its largest vessels, the 2901 vessel. According to the expert, this is the ship's first participation in a mission related to the island of Taiwan.

The ship has a displacement of over 10,000 tons, can reach a speed of as high as 25 knots, and is equipped with a 76mm rapid-fire gun. Whether in terms of collision resistance, endurance, self-supply, or comprehensive law enforcement capabilities at sea, the ship can effectively prevent "Taiwan independence" separatists from fleeing, and can carry out control tasks in the eastern waters near the island for extended periods, serving as a comprehensive platform at sea, according to the expert.

The expert also said the entry of the CCG into the waters surrounding Matsu island holds significant importance. Through this action, the CCG is able to strengthen control over the outer region of the Taiwan island that is close to the mainland. In the future, regular law enforcement patrols may occur around Matsu island, said the expert.

The drills are also intended to prevent "Taiwan independence" separatists from fleeing via maritime routes when the PLA enforces comprehensive control over the island, as well as to stop individuals posing as civilians from secretly infiltrating the island by sea, the expert said.

On Monday, the PLA Eastern Theater Command dispatched its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct joint military drills code-named Joint Sword-2024B in the Taiwan Straits and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan island.

The drill serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of"Taiwan Independence" forces, Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement released early Monday morning.

Nuclear industry digitalization is advancing at full speed and has come to fruition again! On October 8, local time, the World Economic Forum announced on its official website the latest list of "Lighthouse Factory" enterprises. Among these, Sanmen Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Power Company (CNNP, stock code: 601985), stood out from thousands of candidate factories worldwide, becoming the first selected enterprise both in both the global nuclear power industry, and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to receive this honor.

The title of "Lighthouse Factory" is awarded to the world's top performers in "Industry 4.0 technology application" and "digital manufacturing," regarded as leaders of the fourth industrial revolution through rigorous evaluation. It represents the pinnacle of high technology, strong innovation capability, high productivity, good economic benefits, and green and low-carbon development, reflecting the highest level of intelligent manufacturing and digital technology. Lighthouse factories are characterized by a high degree of automation, data-driven decision-making, and rapid adoption of emerging technologies to optimize production processes, reduce costs, and improve output quality. The successful award of "Lighthouse Factory" means that Sanmen Nuclear Power has integrated the cutting-edge technologies of the fourth industrial revolution to R&D, production, management, and service.

The CNNC leaders have attached great importance to digital transformation over the years, as a key strategy to improve core competitiveness and build a world-leading nuclear industry corporation, thus contributing to China's position as a global leader in nuclear energy. This vision is being pursued by closely following the application of advanced digital technologies, recruiting and maintaining digital professionals, and exploring innovative digital transformation models. Under the overall coordination of the CNNC, CNNP aims to create a "fully perceptive and intelligently operated" digital nuclear power plant, establish a business, data and industrial chain covering the whole life cycle of nuclear power and promoting the transformation and upgrading of the digital nuclear power industry ecosystem. By concentrating on the design of core business scenarios, end-to-end integration of key processes, and the strategic coordination of cross-domain data, CNNP seeks to continuously optimize production, operation, and management models, ensuring both operational excellence and superior management practices in the global nuclear power industry.

Located in Sanmen county, Zhejiang Province, the Sanmen Nuclear Power project plans to build six third-generation nuclear power units with a capacity of 1 million kW. Phase I of unit 1 and 2 has been completed for commercial operation, Phase II of unit 3 and 4 is under construction, and Phase III of unit 5 and 6 is under preparation. After the completion of all 6 units, the total installed capacity will be over 7 million kW, and the annual power generation capacity can reach up to 60 billion kWh, equivalent to an annual emission reduction of 45 million tons of carbon dioxide. The Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant is an important force to assist the local Zhejiang Province in building a demonstrative province of clean energy, and guarantee national energy security and the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Scientific and technological innovation is an inevitable choice for Sanmen Nuclear Power Company to cultivate high quality development. Relying on the construction, operation and maintenance of the world's first third-generation nuclear power unit, the company has taken CNNP's top-level planning of digital transformation as a guide and committed to scientific and technological innovation to optimize various business processes through digitalization, improving production efficiency and management effectiveness. In order to promote the overall development of digital intelligence in the nuclear power plants, various methods have been applied, including data driven decision-making to achieve accurate management and operation, introduction of advanced technology and application of advanced digital solutions to build a smart power plant, the creation of a solid foundation for cyber security, the cultivation of digital culture, and industry innovation. Meanwhile, pursuing the goals of "intelligent engineering, intelligent operation, intelligent maintenance, intelligent equipment, intelligent management and intelligent plant," the company will lead the establishment of digital intelligence through new technologies such as big data, intelligent robots and virtual reality. This will also ensure the high safety, reliability and economic performance of the power plant as well as a continuous optimization of such indicators as capacity factor, overhaul duration, overall labor productivity and cost per unit of electricity. In turn, this will promote the overall development of the domestic nuclear power industry.

Looking to the future, Sanmen Nuclear Power Company remains committed to its responsibilities and missions, carrying forward the spirit of the nuclear industry, while fostering high quality development. The company will actively expand the application of digitalization in nuclear power design, manufacturing, construction, operation and other scenarios, vigorously push forward the research and development of key core technologies, and establish and improve a modern governance system suited to the demands of digitalization transformation, to further empowering the industry. The company will make every effort to build a nuclear power base integrating two different kinds of third-generation units and turning the plant into a "Charming Nuclear Power, Energetic Sanmen" site, facilitating the implementation of nuclear energy's "three-step" strategy, and making greater contributions to the construction of Chinese modernization.

Tourists experience smart sightseeing boats at Tianjin Water Park on October 7, 2024. The first fleet of 15 smart boats has been put into use at the park, equipped with the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, 5G networking, intelligent driving and other cutting-edge technologies. Photo: VCG

Wu Bangguo, former chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, died of illness at the age of 84 in Beijing at 4:36 a.m. Tuesday, an official statement said.

"Hanlu" or Cold Dew, the fifth solar term in autumn, marks a significant shift in the season. Falling on Tuesday, October 8 this year, it is the seventeenth in the twenty-four solar terms. This period stands as the turning point between cool and cold, and heralds the approach of winter.

During Cold Dew, temperatures drop far below the earlier White Dew, and surface dew starts condensing to frost, a harbinger of winter's impending arrival. During this period, Northeast China enters late autumn, while the Northwest ushers winter in. 

Snow begins to fall on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in the Northeast and in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; meanwhile, daytime temperatures in South China gradually fall below 20 C and rarely exceed 30 C along the Yangtze River. 

Ancient Chinese divided the 15 days of Cold Dew into three pentads. The first pentad welcomes the arrival of the geese that completed their migration in summer. The second pentad reflects the belief that sparrows transform into clams due to their similar stripes and colors. In the third pentad, yellow chrysanthemums bloom, and indeed the period of Cold Dew coincides with the ninth month of the lunar calendar, which is also known as the month of chrysanthemum. 

Besides appreciating the beautiful flowers, during the cold days of Hanlu, people also enjoy drinking chrysanthemum tea and tasting chrysanthemum wine. 

Cold Dew is a perfect time for hikes and enjoying the seasonal landscapes from the mountain peaks. Additionally, viewing colorful maple leaves is a popular pastime during this season. 

This season also draws tourists to enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage, sip on chrysanthemum wine and taste flower cakes, all elements that are synonymous with the season. 

Meanwhile, Cold Dew is a great time for fishing. Because the temperature drops so fast, sunlight cannot reach the deep waters, a natural occurrence that leads the fish swim toward shallower areas where the water temperature is still relatively high, making fishing easier. 

Another seasonal tradition is drinking autumn tea, which is made from the tea leaves picked in the first three days and last four days of Cold Dew.

Beyond the pleasures of the fall, as the weather cools and the air becomes dry, people often experience dry throats and noses. To combat these effects, it's important to adjust one's diet to prevent dryness.

Cold Dew, with its cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and rich traditions, not only marks the seasonal transition from autumn to winter but also invites people to enjoy the beauty of nature and embrace cultural customs that nourish both the body and spirit.

Grammy Award-winning rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, performed a sold-out show in Haikou, South ­China's Hainan Province, on Sunday. Just one day later, an encore performance set for September 21 was announced by the Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports of Haikou City, extending the festivities. 

Prior to the show, Ye met with fans in Haikou restaurants. Before the show, he also shared on social media a childhood photo of himself in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, with the caption: "BACK."

A 24-year-old Singaporean fan named Alex told the Global Times that he was surprised by "how good the overall effects of the show" were since he knew that the show had almost been canceled due to Typhoon Yagi.

He noted that the young "globally connected and open-minded" Chinese fans that he met made him want to visit China again and make some friends.

On the stage, Ye interacted with Chinese fans saying "I Love Haikou." Ye once lived in China at the age of 10. His mother was an English professor and worked as a visiting scholar at the Nanjing University in 1987.

Besides Ye, pop icon Mariah Carey, called "Niujie" (Awesome Sister) in China, also finished her two-day show The Celebration of Mimi in Beijing on Monday.

Carey journeyed to the Great Wall during her visit - and featuring her own style, she did it while wearing heels. Dressed in a chic black dress, black shades, immaculate makeup, and a blow-dried ponytail, she shared a picture of the hike on her X page. 

"At the Great Wall of China!" she wrote. "Someone should've warned me about heels (not that I would've listened)."

Many netizens reported running into Ye in Haikou, while others spotted ­Carey, in high heels, during her climb up the Great Wall in Beijing.

Since the introduction of the 144-hour visa-free policy, the topic of "China Travel" has been trending. 

"The 144-hour visa-free policy has not only attracted international tourists to come over to China but also encouraged international icons to consider performing here," Bruce Xu, a researcher and student mentor in the field of international relations at a US university, told the Global Times.

Xu said that the booming tourism market and increasing global appeal have significantly attracted international performers to perform and travel in ­China at the same time.

"The growing interest in China as both a tourist and entertainment hub has created unique opportunities for global artists to connect with local audiences and explore the country's diverse attractions. For many artists and performers, this presents a chance to expand their reach and tap into one of the world's largest and most dynamic markets," he noted.

Kathryn, a Mariah Carey fan from Shanghai, told the Global Times that she saw many foreign tourists attending the show. 

"I saw four foreign fans just seated in a row in front of me, and many audiences members from different places went to visit Beijing while enjoy the show. I personally went to the Temple of Heaven with some of these fans," Kathryn told the Global Times.

China's Zheng Qinwen will kick off her China Open campaign with a clash against a qualifier in the second round, according to the tournament's women's singles draw held on Monday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, China's men's singles players made history in domestic ATP tournaments, as the hosts of events are expected to fuel a wave of tennis enthusiasm across the country around the National Day holidays.

At the 2024 ATP Hangzhou Open in East China's Zhejiang Province, Zhang Zhizhen defeated compatriot Bu Yunchaokete 7-6 (3), 6-4 on Monday night in a historic first-ever all-Chinese semifinal at an ATP Tour event. Zhang will take on Croatian veteran Marin Cilic on Tuesday in the finals.

At the Chengdu Open in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, rising star Shang Juncheng booked a final spot by defeating Yannick Hanfmann of Germany in straight sets.

Bu secured his berth with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan, achieving his first ATP semifinal. 

As China's top-ranked male ­player at world No.43, Zhang won his quarterfinal match against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. 

This historic moment highlights the rapid rise of Chinese men's tennis, with Zhang, Bu and Shang all included in the ATP top 100 in the same week, a new milestone for Chinese men's tennis. 

Competing on home courts might have given the Chinese players extra motivation, Liu Yu, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times on Monday. 

As more promising Chinese talents make their mark at international events, this is sure to inspire a new generation of young players and increase participation in tennis across the country, he said. 

As the Olympic gold medalist is now the fifth seed in the China Open following the withdrawal of Iga ­Swiatek and Elena Rybakina, Zheng enjoyed a first-round bye and is expected to go further than her first-round exit in 2023. 

She is placed in the same half of the draw as Aryna Sabalenka, who edged her to win the Australian Open in January. 

The 21-year-old aims to secure maximum points to qualify for the WTA Finals scheduled to take place on November 2 to 9, when the world's top eight singles players and doubles pairs will fight for the ­year-end ­championship in Saudi Arabia. 

Taking place in Beijing from Wednesday to October 6, the China Open awarded eight women's singles wildcards to Chinese players, emphasizing the emergence of a new cadre of local talent. 

This year's tournament featured the largest number of Chinese players ever to compete in the singles, reflecting the country's rapid rise in the global tennis scene. 

Notably, a cross-Straits pair will once again feature in the women's doubles. 

Wang Xinyu and Hsieh Su-wei, who won the French Open and reached the semifinals of the US Open in 2023, will continue their strong ­partnership after receiving a wildcard entry into the main draw. 

Wang will also compete in the singles event at the China Open.

Their victory at Roland Garros marked Hsieh's fifth Grand Slam doubles title, showcasing their ­complementary styles, with Wang excelling from the baseline and Hsieh adding her tactical finesse. 

Wang admitted that winning the Olympic mixed doubles silver medal helped more fans learn about her and brought them closer to the sport of tennis. 

She will face a tough challenge from US player Amanda Anisimova in the first round of the China Open.

"Every time I come to the China Open, I can feel the fans' passion," she told ­reporters on Monday.

At the Paris Olympics, Wang teamed up with Zhang Zhizhen at the last minute and eventually won the silver medal in mixed doubles. Wang described her Olympic experience as "dreamlike."

"I had already competed in the women's singles and doubles and thought my matches were over, but then came this unexpected joy. I'm very proud to have won an Olympic medal," Wang told reporters.

"It was my first time partnering with Zhang. We weren't familiar with each other before, but we ended up working well together. He's a very thoughtful player." 

Wang said she hopes to improve her level and world ranking by competing in high-level tournaments. 

"I've played in many big tournaments this year, including the Olympics, WTA 1000 events, and Grand Slam tournaments. Having so many opportunities to compete against top players is a great way to improve," she said.