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Thirteen days have passed since Israel launched its bombardment offensive against the besieged Gaza Strip, following a deadly attack on October 7 by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The conflict had killed more than 3,700 Palestinians, including more than 1,500 children, and about 1,400 Israelis as of Thursday, according t
The Global Times will publish a series of in-depth reports on the "Past and Present of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," exploring the historical, religious, and cultural clashes, delving into the various wars and internal struggles between Israelis and Palestinians, and analyzing the power struggles triggered by external influences from Europe and the US, in an attempt to clarify how the past has influenced the present Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Climbing five flights of stairs can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease by 20%, according to a recent study published in the journal Atherosclerosis.
The study collected data from more than 400,000 adult participants in the United Kingdom.
“These findings highlight the potential advantages of stair-climbing as a primary preventive measure for ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) in the general population,” said study corresponding author and the United States’ Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Regents Distinguished Chair Professor Dr Qi Lu in a news release.
The researchers say climbing stairs is more effective for cardiovascular health than walking 10,000 steps a day.
They based this off the data collected from participants who were susceptible to cardiovascular disease based on their “family history, genetic risk factors and established risk factors such as high blood pressure and history of smoking”, along with their lifestyle habits.
The researchers followed up with the participants after 12-and-a-half years.
“Short bursts of high-intensity stair-climbing are a time-efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile, especially among those unable to achieve the current physical activity recommendations,” Prof Qi stated in the press release.
The research also shows participants who stopped climbing stairs daily saw a 32% increase in cardiovascular disease.
According to the digital publication Well and Good, climbing stairs daily can help lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, lower blood pressure, and improve balance and skeletal muscles.
While adding a few extra flights during your day is great, experts recommend taking it in stride, especially if you’re not used to that kind of activity.
“If the shortness of breath becomes more significant or chest pain occurs, you may want to seek medical attention, just as you would with any exercise,” cardiologist and US’ University of Michigan Health-West chief medical officer Dr Ronald G. Grifka told Well and Good. – By Ebony Williams/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Tribune News Service
China has always stood on the side of peace, international law, and the legitimate demands of the Arab and Islamic countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Malaysian counterpart Friday, as the conflict in Gaza strip continues to escalate.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in face of war and peace, all parties are called on to abandon geopolitical considerations, form international consensus, cease fire and stop the war as soon as possible so as to prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Zambry Abdul Kadir told Wang that he highly appreciates the effort that China has been made in promoting cease-fire, protect innocent civilians and seeking dialogues for peace talks.
Zambry said he expects China to play an important role in prompting Israel, Palestine back to the negotiation table and supports China's position on ensuring the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid, expediting the implementation of the "two-state solution," and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
At the invitation of the Egyptian government, Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on Middle East affairs will attend a summit on the Palestinian question held in Cairo, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
Zhai arrived in Doha and spoke with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov and Qatar's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi on Thursday.
Wang told Zambry that while we are enjoying peace here today, the world is not peaceful or fair, and many innocent people are suffering and dying. China opposes all attacks on innocent civilians and any actions that violate international law. China supports the statement issued by the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit over Gaza strip.
The root of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the constant occupation of Palestinian land and the long-term neglect of the Palestinian people's demands for statehood, Wang said, adding that the fundamental solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to implement the "two-state solution" and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel.
China supports the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation and hopes that the Palestinian question will return to a track of political settlement and the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council on this matter will be effectively implemented, Chinese foreign minister said.
China is willing to strengthen communication with Malaysia and all peace-loving countries and continue to make efforts for peace in the Middle East, Wang said.
In their phone call, Zambry also congratulated China on the successful hosting of the third Belt and Road Initiative International Cooperation Forum and believes that the Belt and Road Initiative is conducive to promoting regional connectivity, strengthening international trade ties, and bringing more opportunities for regional and global development.
The US' "China Military Power report," like its previous editions, ignores the facts and is filled with bias, spreading the "China threats" theory which only serves as an excuse to maintain its military hegemony, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday, in response to a Pentagon report that warned Beijing is building up its nuclear and long-range missiles arsenal "faster than previous projections."
The newly-released annual Pentagon document claimed that China has more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023, surpassing earlier projections, and forecast that China would likely have more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030.
Describing China as a "pacing challenge," the US Defense Department report also said that Beijing may be exploring the development of conventionally-armed long-range missiles that could reach the US. It said that Beijing has completed the construction of three new fields of long-range ballistic missiles silos.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Friday that China is firmly committed to a defensive nuclear strategy, and has always maintained nuclear forces at the lowest level required for national security, and has no intention of engaging in a nuclear arms race with any country.
China has a unique nuclear policy among nuclear weapon states and has maintained a high degree of stability, consistency and predictability, Mao said, "No country will be threatened by China's nuclear weapons as long as it does not use or threaten to use them against China."
We urge the US to abandon its Cold War mentality and hegemonic logic, to view China's strategic intentions and national defense development objectively and rationally, to stop publishing such irresponsible reports year after year, and to take practical actions to maintain the stability of the military-to-military relationship between the two sides, Mao said.
Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe said that it's hilarious that a country with more than 5,000 nuclear warheads says another nation poses a threat.
In 2020, Fu Cong, then director general of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament, cited statistics from renowned international think tanks, pointing out that the US nuclear arsenal stands at about 5,800 nuclear warheads.
Even if China does have 500 nuclear warheads, they are not even close to the size of the US' arsenal. In addition, the number of US strategic nuclear submarines, strategic bombers, and the number of warheads they carry are far higher than any other country in the world, including China, Zhang remarked.
According to Zhang, the US is developing a new generation of strategic nuclear weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), sea-based strategic missiles and airborne nuclear weapons, a new generation of nuclear submarines, and strategic bombers.
In addition, the US is miniaturizing nuclear weapons for so-called tactical use, namely, lowering the threshold for the use of tactical nuclear weapons, Zhang said, "The US is also considering resuming the storage of nuclear weapons in other countries, such as the UK, a Cold War era practice of nuclear sharing with allies."
The hyping of the "China threats" is nothing but a search for excuses for Washington's uncontrolled nuclear arsenal expansion, and to discredit and suppress China's normal military development, so as to maintain absolute military superiority, Zhang said.
'Undesirable hobby'
The report smeared China's military modernization as a means of projecting power across the Pacific region and ultimately around the globe, saying China's strength is growing in all the domains of warfare, including the traditional land, air and sea, as well as nuclear, cyber and space, according to CNN.
The 212-page report also mentioned the word "Taiwan" 261 times, highlighting the Chinese mainland's "military pressure" against the island.
The US is worried that the increase of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's military capability could pose challenges to US military hegemony, thus affecting the US political hegemony and global hegemony, Chinese military expert and TV commentator Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Friday.
Given that the report was released ahead of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a China-hosted platform on defense and security issues, Chinese analysts believed it was also aimed at entrapping Chinese neighbors, cajoling them to resist and oppose China's normal military development so that they can be better "utilized" by the US in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the world's largest nuclear state, the US has not made a commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, as China has done, as well as a commitment not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries and regions. Instead, the US has even been aggressive, emphasizing the pre-emptive use of nuclear forces, according to Zhang.
The nuclear strategy of the US is global in its scope. When it provides nuclear umbrellas and even nuclear sharing to some allies, it poses a serious threat to other countries, and at the same time is extremely destructive to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation around the world, and ultimately exacerbates regional tensions, Song said.
In July, the US deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine to South Korea for the first time since 1980s. North Korea later fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern waters as a response to the "grave provocation," media reported.
The problem that the US poses to global security is its nuclear superiority and military power, said a Beijing-based expert. "When it comes to the resolution of regional crises, the US is inclined to resort to the use of force, either by itself or through its allies. And the US' absolute military strength and nuclear power has further encouraged that undesirable hobby."
"The US, with the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal in the world, follows a first-use nuclear deterrence policy, keeps making enormous investment to upgrade its nuclear triad, advances forward deployment of strategic forces, and strengthens extended deterrence for its allies," Mao said. "These policies and acts heighten the risk of a nuclear arms race and nuclear conflict, and will only adversely affect the global strategic security environment."
US media is currently attempting to redirect the current Israel-Palestine conflict toward the rise of China. The New York Times, in an article titled "New Global Divisions on View as Biden Goes to Israel and Putin to China," directly contrasts .
A Canadian CP-140 plane illegally entered China's airspace
China's military power only makes those with malicious intent feel 'threatened'
PLA Photo:VCG
The US Department of Defense (DoD) released its annual report to Congress on "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China" (China military power report) on Thursday. People familiar with China-US relations know that since 2000, the Pentagon has issued this report every year, which basically compiles some public information, including media reports with unknown sources, into a "collection of annual China threat theories" in a bid to request funding from Congress and deceive allies into buying US weapons. As a result, one can imagine the level of professionalism in this report.
The China military power report can be roughly divided into three parts. First, it assesses China's current military capabilities without any real basis. Second, it selectively hypes China's military activities over the past year. Third, it distorts and speculates about China's military intentions. This year's report has an additional section - complaints about China's "resistance" to military-to-military communications with the US.
By combining these factors, the US attempts to fabricate a terrifying image of China, whose military strength is rapidly increasing, military behavior is becoming more aggressive, and "military ambitions" are insufficiently transparent. All the malicious speculations and smears about China's military in the report are far from the reality of China's military situation, but instead resemble a reflection of the US military itself.
The Pentagon's report always focuses on China's modernization of its nuclear capabilities and makes groundless speculations and comments on the situation in the Taiwan Straits. It is worth noting that this year's report claims that the DoD estimates that China possessed more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 - on track to exceeding previous projections, and that China will probably have over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030. In the 2020 report, the DoD made its first public estimate of China's nuclear warheads, and said its nuclear arsenal was slightly more than 200. In just three years, the number of China's nuclear warheads in the US report has more than doubled. Common sense dictates that on such a significant issue, the US report has not shown the required rigor. The specific number depends on the needs of the Pentagon and Washington at different times.
The US needs to understand two points. First, China pursues the strategic thinking of active defense, and the deployment of nuclear forces is part of its defense strategy. However, no matter how many nuclear warheads China has or how strong its defense capabilities are, they will not become violent tools for China to dominate the world, as is the case with the US military. Instead, they are a strong guarantee for China to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as regional and global peace. Second, the development of China's defense force has its own established pace, it does not target any specific country, but it firmly safeguards China's sovereignty, security, and developmental interests. As long as China has not achieved reunification and external forces continue to interfere without restraint, China will not cease to strengthen its defense capabilities.
In addition, many have also noticed that this year's report highlights the PLA's so-called coercive and risky operational behavior in the past two years. The Pentagon even presented videos and photos of Chinese military aircraft "intercepting US military aircraft flying in international airspace with dangerous maneuvers," claiming Chinese aircraft have adopted more dangerous, coercive and provocative actions toward the US and its allies in the airspace of East China Sea and South China Sea. However, what the Pentagon never mentions is that this so-called international airspace is primarily located along China's coast, with some US aircraft even intruding into China's territorial waters, while none of these incidents occurred along the US coast. Doesn't this already make the point clear? If we were to reverse the situation, in an atmosphere where even harmless balloons create a sense of impending crisis in Washington, the reaction from the US side would likely be far more significant if Chinese warships or aircraft appeared in international waters and airspace outside San Francisco Bay, beyond just what is termed "dangerous intercepts."
The US, with the most powerful armed forces in the world, has become one of the most enthusiastic proponents of the so-called "Chinese military threat" theory, which in itself is abnormal. If the US had no ill intentions toward China, has no desire to interfere with China's reunification efforts, and has no intention of conflict or suppression, it would not perceive such a strong "threat" from China's peaceful armed forces. In the past year, the actions of the US military have made it even clearer who the escalating threat in the Asia-Pacific region truly is and what poses the greatest challenge to peace and stability in that region.
At roughly the same time as the report's release, multiple US military bases in the Middle East came under consecutive attacks. The US State Department also issued a rare worldwide caution alert citing potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests. All of these factors indicate that the real danger facing the US does not actually stem from its imagined challenge to its position of leadership by China. Rather, it arises from its excessive interventions and the blowback resulting from creating tension and inciting the risk of war on a global scale. This is what the US truly needs to pay attention to and reflect upon.
A man carries an injured child at a hospital after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, October 17, 2023. Photo: Xinhua
The US veto is stained with the blood of Israeli and Palestinian civilians
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consisting of 15 member states, voted on October 18 on a draft resolution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The US cast the sole dissenting vote, leading to the resolution's failure to pass. China expressed shock and disappointment at this decision, which is not exclusive to China but represents a general sentiment within the international community. Even the US' allies, Japan and France, voted in favor, choosing to stand with the just forces of the international community, leaving the US standing alone on the opposite side.
The draft resolution submitted by Brazil sends a clear signal, which is to prioritize achieving an immediate comprehensive ceasefire above all else. This reflects the most significant consensus within the current international community. However, it was vetoed by the US, resulting in direct and severe consequences.
The situation in Gaza is escalating, with more civilians losing their lives and suffering. The recent tragic incident where over 500 people lost their lives in a hospital in Gaza due to an airstrike has made the situation even more urgent. Every minute and second counts, and there is an urgent need for swift and decisive action by the UNSC. All countries genuinely concerned about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza are making maximum efforts. The US veto is stained with the blood of innocent civilians, and it is a grave injustice. It not only prevents collective action by the UNSC but also sends an extremely negative signal, indicating that the UN cannot ensure basic international humanitarian principles at critical moments. In fact, this gives a green light to those who do not abide by international humanitarian law.
The reasons for the US veto are increasingly untenable and appear to be mere excuses. The US claims it voted against the resolution because it didn't mention Israel's right to self-defense. However, as the French representative pointed out, there is no contradiction between the resolution and Israel's right to self-defense. The contradiction lies with the US. On Monday night, the US vetoed a resolution proposed by Russia, citing the absence of condemnation for Hamas and expressing a willingness to use the Brazilian proposal as a basis, requesting more time to seek consensus.
While this was somewhat regrettable, it also provided hope that the Brazilian proposal might pass. In the over 40 hours before the vote, the US neither commented on the Brazilian resolution nor indicated opposition, further raising expectations that the resolution would be adopted. Nevertheless, the US still cast its veto, which is truly unbelievable and raises doubts about whether the US really wants the UNSC to take any action and genuinely solve the problem.
The Brazil-drafted resolution condemns all violence and hostilities against civilians and all acts of terrorism, urging all parties to act in consistent with international law. It also calls for the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians, the rescission of the order for civilians and UN staff to evacuate all areas in Gaza north of the Wadi Gaza as well as the ensuring of humanitarian assistance. The draft resolution in general reflects the universal call of the international community and represents the initial steps taken by the UNSC to promote a ceasefire. It may be the only text that the UNSC can reach a consensus on in the current situation. If passed, it is believed that it will play a role in achieving a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and avoiding a greater humanitarian disaster.
However, the draft resolution was easily blocked by the US with a veto, reflecting the deep-rooted disregard of the US for the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The US, which often talks about human rights, reveals its true face when it comes to the urgent moment when a large number of civilians' right to life is trampled upon. This incident has also attracted considerable attention in the US public opinion. The New York Times stated that the UN Security Council displayed deep divisions when it failed to pass the resolution; CNN said that the veto sparked "more criticism of political paralysis in the powerful global body."
The veto from the US has not only violated the most basic morality and justice, but also damaged the authority and credibility of the UNSC, weakening the ability and willingness of the international community to maintain peace and security. The "inability" of the UN in upholding international humanitarianism today is directly caused by the US' disregard and deviation from international humanitarianism. The Security Council needs to make changes and cannot remain stagnant. The international community needs to increase moral condemnation of such behavior by the US, exert pressure, and urge it to quickly turn away from standing in opposition to the international community.
The biased attitude of the US is one of the root causes of the long-standing Palestine issue, and it acts as a catalyst for escalating the conflict when it erupts. Currently, the international community must prioritize achieving an immediate comprehensive ceasefire to prevent the war from turning into a catastrophe that engulfs the entire region. The US bears the greatest responsibility in this regard and cannot evade it.
As dramatic as it may sound, this scenario may exactly describe what some drivers have unfortunately experienced.
According to data from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, there is at least one case of vehicle fire in the state each week.A recent incident involved a bus with eight passengers that caught fire in Jalan Tandang here on Oct 1.
Another case had an electric vehicle (EV) parked in Jalan Puchong Jaya burst into flames on Monday.
Thankfully, no one was hurt in both instances.
In the event of a car fire, Automotive Workshop Industry Operators’ Association secretary Anisah Mohammad said it is best to prioritise personal safety by keeping away from the vehicle.
“There is a risk of explosion in EVs, and it is important for firemen to use specialised extinguishers to neutralise the lithium-ion battery fluid as water should not be used.
“Fire and Rescue teams have specific protocols and safety measures in place to extinguish such fires.
“It is advisable for vehicle owners or users to distance themselves from the vehicle, take photos and videos as evidence, and file a report with the relevant authorities for insurance claims,” she said.
Anisah said vehicle fires from cars powered by internal combustion engines could originate from hot components such as the power steering oil, engine oil or gear oil.
“If any of these oils leak when the engine is running and come into contact with the exhaust, it can ignite, leading to a fire.
“This is the primary cause of vehicle fires.
“Another issue that contributes to car fires is the maintenance problem, specifically with oil hoses and petrol leaks.
“Newer cars, especially those from the year 2010 and onwards, are more prone to car fires due to numerous electronic parts,” she said.
“Hybrid cars and EVs are particularly susceptible to fires caused by the battery cooling system.
“The expansion of the battery due to excessive heat can result in sparks, leading to a fire,” she added.
Anisah also noted that performance modifications on vehicles are okay as long as the owner understands its function, and the mechanic has the necessary knowledge and expertise.
“Vehicle owners should only allow mechanics who are recognised with a certificate, diploma or degree in the field of automotive, hybrid cars and EV technology, to handle such modifications,” she said.
She also called on vehicle owners to be aware of safety precautions, such as equipping their vehicles with proper fire extinguishers.
In the event of a car fire, you will be likely in shock and panicked, as they don’t happen nearly as frequently as car collisions. However, a car fire is just as deadly, so it’s worth knowing what to do in the event of a car fire.
Causes of car fires
Unfortunately, the majority of car fires are started deliberately, either by arson, by criminals trying to cover their tracks or committing insurance fraud. Only 35% of car fires are accidental, stemming from manufacturing issues and fixes that may have accidentally been done wrong. Sometimes a car fire is down to the lack of basic car maintenance, so make sure you’re getting regular servicing on your car and complete MOTs when they are due.
Dealing with a car fire
When a car fire starts, it’s vital you act quickly before you’re overcome with smoke and can’t evacuate the building. Vehicle fires spread rapidly, so follow these steps in the event of a fire:
Pull over immediately and switch off the engine, this stops the flow of fuel, which is highly flammable.
Get yourself and passengers out of the car and as far away as possible.
DO NOT return to the vehicle for possessions, the vehicle might explode at any moment.
Call 999, or if you have left your phone in the car, flag down another motorist and get them to call the emergency services for you.
Stay aware of your surroundings whilst you wait for help, you might have stopped next to a busy roadside and it’s important you stay away from moving traffic. If you’re with kids stay extra vigilant and keep an eye on them.
You may have the instinct to try and put out the fire yourself, but unless you have the right fire extinguisher, you may be causing more damage than good:
Opening the hood of the car will let more air reach the flames, which will in turn fuel the fire.
Do not put water on the flames, the water might wash the burning petrol away to other areas where it will cause further problems.
If it’s crucial you attempt to put the fire out without the proper fire extinguisher, earth and sand are a good way of suffocating the fire.
Here at Protect & Detect, we pride ourselves on delivering a fully comprehensive fire alarm installation service and an extensive range of fire extinguishers to keep you and your family safe. To enquire further about our fire extinguishers or any other services, give us a call or request a callback using our form.
While the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was being held fervently in China, US President Joe Biden flew to Israel on Wednesday to express support to this US staunch ally, which is currently in the midst of war and facing criticism and condemnation
China and the US are truly different. China calls for and supports global construction, such as building roads, bridges and ports, while the US encourages war and supports confrontation. Currently, there are two wars in the world, and China has not joined either of them. China is calling for a ceasefire and resolving issues through negotiations. In contrast, the US "stands with" one side in both wars, providing money and weapons to support that side in achieving victory.
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You cannot help but think that there may be a major reason behind this. China is a big nation in construction and infrastructure development, so we encourage the world to join us in promoting infrastructure construction, allowing China's tremendous advantages to benefit the world. On the other hand, the US has the fastest weapon iteration and it's the No.1 military power in the world. Hence, it needs tension and frequent wars because the more wars it fights in, the more important the US becomes, and also the better its weapons sell. There will be also more countries seeking US' assistance from different perspectives.
China maintains cooperative relationships with all countries, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the world's largest platform for consultation, construction, and cooperation. The US claims to be a leader, but often acts more like a kidnapper. It promotes various conflicts and tensions, and then offers the so-called "protection," causing many countries to be swept along in the major conflicts and situations driven by the US.
China sends engineering teams and machinery to various parts of the world, while the US deploys military forces. American aircraft carriers roam the major oceans, and US intelligence agencies are also very active. American modern war films and spy films have an endless supply of real-life materials.
After the Cold War, peace and development had become the theme of the world. However, it was the US that destroyed the cooperative relationship among major countries and brought the world back to the era of the so-called "great power competition." It seems that the US is familiar with and only adapts to a pattern of fighting and confrontation in order to regain its sense of purpose.
Let the US go crazy and provoke hatred around the world. China needs to stick to its own path. A bright future cannot be achieved through fighting alone; it must be built through cooperation, just like the principles advocated by the BRI. China has sufficient military strength to defend itself, and our development path aligns with the aspirations of countries around the world. The return to the path instigated by the US will surely become narrower in the course of time, while the future path pioneered by China will only become wider.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation, with guests of the event and Chinese experts acknowledging what China and its partners worldwide have accomplished in the past decade. They're also co
Xi announces eight major steps, to advance modernization of all countries
Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for a group photo with distinguished guests attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, October 18, 2023. Xi on Wednesday attended the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and delivered a keynote speech. Photo:Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation, with guests of the event and Chinese experts acknowledging what China and its partners worldwide have accomplished in the past decade. They're also confident that the encouraging message and promises will start a new journey for another "golden decade."
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives, including heads of state, government chiefs and senior officials, from over 140 countries and 30-plus international organizations, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Analysts said the grand event has showed the influence of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and in the next 10 years, with continuous efforts by China and other members of the international community, the BRF is able to become the biggest and most important multilateral platform for global development and governance.
Experts said in the next step China will keep its investment but will diversify the source of funds by encouraging and attracting more funds from private capitals inside and outside China, to push for the internationalization of the yuan, and based on the current geopolitical situations, to reduce and avoid risks, and promote the projects based on characteristics of various regions in different continents, and make high-quality development better serve the interests of more countries and more people.
"Belt and Road cooperation, robust and fruitful in its first decade, is now full of dynamism and vitality. We must embark with drive and enthusiasm on the new journey toward another golden decade," Xi told the guests, including state leaders and heads of international organizations, when giving a toast at the banquet held at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday.
Encouraging message
Among the eight major steps announced by Xi, first, China will build a multidimensional Belt and Road network. "The country will speed up high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, participate in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, and host the China-Europe Railway Express Cooperation Forum," President Xi said.
Xi noted that China, together with other parties, will build a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation.
Second, China will support an open world economy, with its total trade in goods and services expected to exceed $32 trillion and $5 trillion respectively in the 2024-2028 period. Third, China will carry out practical cooperation for the BRI. The country will promote both signature projects and "small yet smart" livelihood programs, the president said.
Xi vowed more financing support for BRI projects on the basis of market and business operation, noting that the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China will each set up a 350 billion yuan ($48.75 billion) financing window, and that an additional 80 billion yuan will be injected into the Silk Road Fund.
Analysts said 350 billion yuan each plus 80 billion yuan, which would be 780 billion yuan ($106 billion), if this goal is achieved, the money will be able to afford 20 more "Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway" projects, which cost about $5.1 billion, or 2.5 "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" projects, which is a flagship project of the BRI estimated to cost $46 billion investment in total.
Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times that the plan of financing will be able to attract more funds from private capitals around the globe, and will also promote the reform of Chinese State-owned companies, and will also further advance the internationalization of the yuan.
"The two financing windows announced by the Chinese President will play a crucial role in mobilizing more international funding for BRI projects, meanwhile offering an open, transparent way that could invite more nations into the joint construction of BRI," said Xu Liping, the director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
"For instance, for some nations in the Middle East, they may have substantial funds but limited investment channels. But this can enable them to find a way to invest while also offering help for those in urgent need for the capital," Xu told the Global Times on Wednesday, noting that the transparency and internationalization of the financing channels are also designed to counter Western smears such as the so-called "debt traps."
China will carry out 1,000 small-scale livelihood assistance projects, and enhance vocational education cooperation through Luban Workshops and other initiatives, Xi said during his speech, adding that more efforts will be taken to ensure the safety of BRI projects and personnel. The CEO Conference held during the forum saw the conclusion of agreements worth $97.2 billion, he said.
Liang Haiming, dean of the Hainan University Belt and Road Research Institute, told the Global Times on Wednesday that these data showed the BRI is very popular and welcomed globally, and that's why entrepreneurs from all over the world can reach deals worth $97.2 billion at the CEO conference.
Shen Yi, an expert on international relations at Fudan University, said that "Although some Western political elites and media outlets are being hostile toward the BRI, we can barely hear criticism from Western companies. Why? Because they are also earning money from it. Many BRI projects are open for international participation with transparency and fairness."
On building a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, Zilola Yunusova, a spokesperson of the Uzbek Embassy in China, shared some encouraging news. Yunusova told the Global Times that "Work is currently under way on a trilateral basis on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad construction project. The realization of this project will have a positive impact on the economic development of the republic and will be an important link in the formation of the China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor - one of the key corridors of the Belt and Road."
Foreign guests are confident about China's determination and the actions that China announced for starting another "golden decade." Hon Viliame R. Gavoka, Fiji deputy prime minister and minister for tourism and civil aviation, also a guest at the opening ceremony, told the Global Times on Wednesday that "Knowing what you have accomplished in the last 10 years. I'm very confident this [the eight major steps] will also be accomplished."
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation when addressing the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation: GT Graphic
High-quality development
Dennis Munene Mwaniki, executive director of the Africa Policy Institute, told the Global Times about his expectations for the future, saying that "China and African countries, including Kenya, should focus more on boosting the green silk road, health silk road, and a digital silk road," as the expert hopes the BRI can improve Africa's health system and help the continent to tap into global markets that can link the African Continental Free Trade Area with other free trade areas such as the Asia-centric Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
In response to these sorts of expectations from not only Africa but also many other regions worldwide, apart from the first three major steps covering infrastructure construction and financing, Xi announced concrete moves to boost high-quality BRI cooperation.
Fourth, China will continue to promote green development. The country will further deepen cooperation in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and green transportation, and step up support for the BRI International Green Development Coalition. Fifth, China will continue to advance scientific and technological innovation. China will continue to implement the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, and hold the first Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, noted Xi.
China will put forward the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance at this year's forum. "We stand ready to increase exchanges and dialogue with other countries and jointly promote sound, orderly and secure AI development in the world," Xi said.
AI is a cutting-edge technology, yet there is no international consensus on making rules to govern it. Some Western countries with technological advantages are even using it to isolate and contain other countries' development, so as a major power with capability, China needs to step forward in this area and guide and improve international cooperation and coordination, experts said.
Sixth, China will support people-to-people exchanges, and seventh, China will promote integrity-based Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said.
Together with its cooperation partners, China will release the Achievements and Prospects of Belt and Road Integrity Building and the High-Level Principles on Belt and Road Integrity Building, and establish the Integrity and Compliance Evaluation System for Companies Involved in Belt and Road Cooperation, Xi announced. "We will also work with international organizations to carry out research and training on promoting integrity in Belt and Road cooperation," the president said.
Xu said that action to promote integrity-based cooperation is aimed at "addressing concerns raised by Western media about the lack of transparency in some BRI projects." As Belt and Road construction has transitioned to a phase of high-quality development, a greater alignment with market dynamics and international standards will be significant.
In order to respond to concerns as well as dispel rumors like "debt trap diplomacy" and "lack of transparency," the best way is to let actions speak louder than words, and by promoting integrity-based Belt and Road cooperation, the BRI will not just benefit the economic development of the Global South, but will also improve the capability of governance and morality among officials in developing countries, a remarkable achievement that can bring sustainable benefits, experts said.
Eighth, China will strengthen institution building for international Belt and Road cooperation. China will work with its BRI partner countries to strengthen the building of multilateral cooperation platforms covering energy, taxation, finance, green development, disaster reduction, anti-corruption, think tanks, media, culture and other fields, Xi said. China will continue to host the BRF and establish a secretariat for the Forum, he said.
Future and hopes
Apart from promising future, experts warned that challenges and problems should also be noticed. "The BRI still faces many new challenges, including geopolitical challenges caused by containment and hostility from the US and its alliance system, changes brought about by the new technological revolution, new pressures on global warming and climate change issues, and terrorism and turmoil. China should improve its ability to respond to risks and enhance the stability of the BRI," said Huang Renwei, executive director-general of the Fudan Institute for Belt and Road and Global Governance.
In the future, based on the situation that has emerged in recent years, including the Ukraine crisis and the renewed outbreak of the Palestine-Israel conflict, as well as the US-launched new cold war against China, the BRI can make adjustments to deal with these challenges. Huang said the BRI can be specifically designed for different regions based on their characteristics, and increase efforts to accomplish medium-size projects that are closely related to people's livelihoods to deliver them as quickly as possible. For large projects that take longer time, the priority would be risk management and control.
Foreign leaders and guests have voiced their confidence in the BRI's future. Gyorgy Matolcsy, governor of the National Bank of Hungary, gave his opinion at a sub forum about why the BRI is successful and accepted worldwide. "First of all, it's fair and just," and for the about 150 countries that participate in the BRI, they all benefit, "so it's not just about win-win, but win, win, win, win, win…."
Boris Tadic, former president of Serbia, said at a sub forum of think tanks at the BRF on Wednesday that in the past, people consider that the US is the country of hope, but now, China is the hope. He noted that China has chance to create many opportunities for the world by promoting the harmony of international relations and the BRI has done much to contribute in this aspect.
With the advancement of the high-quality construction of the BRI, more enterprises from participating countries as well as other countries have jointly constructed a more diverse and vibrant economic ecosystem for the Belt and Road.
This year not only marks the milestone of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) but also serves as a testament to the transformative impact it has had on the numerous countries in the Global South. As the world faces a complex web of geopolitical intricacies and intense confrontations, the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) offers a refreshing platform and sustainable way to achieve harmony and win-win, Dato Majid, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former Malaysian ambassador to China, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
