CNAD-#66- China's ??????????????Updates about ????+(????????????????????????????????????????????)&????

Everyday Briefing: 2024-05-26

????China Internal??

?? The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has opened its longest intercity railway route, connecting cities including Huizhou, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan, and Zhaoqing. The 258-kilometer line has 39 stops for ordinary trains and 14 for fast trains, with a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour. Passengers can buy tickets using the official railway ticket-booking app 12306 or swipe their public transportation cards. The railway will provide convenience to locals, similar to subways. China has recently increased connectivity in the area, with the Guangzhou Metro predicting a 7,500-kilometer operational rail transit by 2035.

?? A short-finned pilot whale, Haitang, has been successfully rescued from a scientific research ship in Hainan, China, 145 days after being found injured and stranded in the Haitang Bay. The male whale, named Haitang after its rescue, has grown significantly since its initial rescue. Over 100 volunteers from the BlueRibbon Ocean Conservation Association (BROCA) took turns caring for it, and Haitang has since grown from 3.6 meters long to 3.7 meters and its bust measurement from 1.9 meters to 2 meters. After several drills, Haitang has been released into the wild. A special water tank was created by the Haichang animal conservation center, and BROCA found vehicles and ships for transportation. Scientists have attached a device on Haitang's back to monitor its condition.

??Science and Technology??

???? Italy's Siliva Menegazzi, an Italian professor for international relations, believes that China's leading position in electric vehicles, solar panels, and lithium batteries could be a significant factor in Europe's green transitions. Menegazzi believes that developing green energy-related sectors can trigger global competition but also strengthen global cooperation and improve global environmental governance. While some countries are prioritizing domestic industries development, Menegazzi believes that China's technologies will play a crucial role in accelerating the green transition.

?? A new nuclear power unit using Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation reactor, has started power generation in Fangchenggang, southern China. The Guangxi Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., under the China General Nuclear Power Corporation, announced that the No. 4 unit at the Fangchenggang nuclear power station completed its 168-hour trial operation. The operation confirmed the safety, maturity, and advanced nature of Hualong One technology, providing a replicable experience for large-scale deployment. The Fangchenggang nuclear power project plans to have six units, with the No. 3 and No. 4 units expected to meet the electricity needs of 2 million people annually while reducing standard coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The project is seen as crucial for Guangxi's green energy transition and China's dual carbon goals.

?????? Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has urged efforts to promote the spirit of scientists and build China into a sci-tech powerhouse. Speaking at the 2024 National Science and Technology Week and Beijing Science and Technology Week, Ding emphasized the need to uphold scientists' patriotic, innovative, practical, dedicated, collaborative, and educative spirit to create a social environment that respects science and advocates innovation. He visited the offices of renowned scientists Qian Xuesen and Guo Yonghuai, the exhibition hall dedicated to the spirit of scientists, and the laboratory for testing the mechanical properties of materials. He also emphasized that young people are the future of innovation and encouraged elementary school students to maintain their interest in exploration and empower their dreams with the wings of science and technology.

??Business China??

???? A promotion event for the 7th China International Import Expo in Istanbul attracted nearly 100 representatives from government, business, and academia sectors. The event, which has been in operation since 2018, has forged a strong connection between Türkiye and China. Turkish enterprises participate in the exhibition, showcasing a variety of products from home appliances to food. China anticipates an increased flow of high-quality Turkish goods and services through this platform, allowing Türkiye to benefit from China's economic development. Turkish Aegean Exporters' Association coordinator Jak Eskinazi expressed excitement about participating in the upcoming expo, while Korhan Kurdoglu, head of the China Working Group at the Turkish Industry and Business Association, encouraged Turkish companies to actively engage in the expo and present their products to the Chinese market. Turkish companies are committed to fulfilling the demand for organic and healthy food products in China.

?? The second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing has attracted over 150 representatives from British and Chinese business associations, enterprises, and media organizations. The event, which will take place from November 26 to 30, has already attracted nearly 400 Chinese and foreign companies. Chinese Ambassador to Britain, Zheng Zeguang, emphasized the importance of stable and smooth international industrial and supply chains for the global economy's recovery and the sharing of development fruits. The expo has attracted 515 enterprises and organizations from 55 countries and regions, with over 200 cooperation deals and tentative deals worth over $20 billion signed. The relationship between Britain and China is a vital artery in the global economic body, as the supply chain is the lifeblood of the global economy.

???? China-Europe freight trains have reached 90,000 trips, transporting over 8.7 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers of goods valued at 380 billion U.S. dollars. The annual number of China-Europe freight train trips increased from 1,702 to over 17,000 between 2016 and 2023. The service has transported over 50,000 different types of goods, including IT products, clothing, footwear, automobiles, daily necessities, food, timber, furniture, chemicals, and machinery. Since 2023, an increasing number of Chinese-made "tech-intensive green trio" products, such as lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaic products, and NEVs, have been transported through the trains. The service network covers almost the entire Eurasian continent.

???? At the GreenTech conference in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, cutting-edge sustainable energy products from China were showcased. Shanghai Cantron Robotics, the founder and CEO of the company, introduced groundbreaking innovations to the European market, including a Level 4 autonomous driving energy robot with a 104 kWh battery. The robot can be summoned via the Drop'nGo mobile app, offering a convenient charging service that eliminates the need for fixed charging stations. Tang Rui, CEO of Shanghai Cantron Robotics, expressed optimism about the future of his company in Europe, highlighting Hungary's significant battery manufacturing capacity as a crucial portal. The company works with partners in Hungary and other European countries, such as HUMDA, WHB Energy, and IonDynamics Energy. The conference organizer, Karoly Kovacs, emphasized the growing importance of Chinese companies in the GreenTech market.

???China-Foreign Affairs??

???? China hopes that Guatemalan officials will recognize the global trend and make the right decision based on the country's interests and its people. China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, stated that there are no diplomatic relations between China and Guatemala and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community. President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala met with Taiwan's leader via video link this week. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala Carlos Ramiro Martínez attended the "inauguration ceremony" in Taiwan on May 20. The situation is not conducive to cooperation between Guatemala and China, including Guatemala's exports to China.

???? Greece and China held a "dialogue of civilizations" in Athens, where experts discussed the preservation of world cultural heritage sites. The event, which took place last year in Hangzhou, China, involved Greek archaeologists and scholars discussing the preservation of cultural relics. Greek Deputy Minister of Culture Christos Dimas emphasized the ability of cultures to transcend geographical limitations and build lasting communication and friendships. The event was an endless dialogue, with Greek cultural figures visiting the Liangzhu Ancient City site and the Liangzhu Museum, and discussing the virtues of the people who built these cities.

???? At the Greentech conference in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, China showcased innovative sustainable energy products. Shanghai Cantron Robotics' founder and CEO, Tang Rui, highlighted the company's latest product, a Level 4 autonomous driving energy robot with a 104 kWh battery. The robot can be summoned via the Drop'nGo mobile app, offering a convenient charging service. Tang also mentioned that the robot can charge back to the microgrid for electricity usage, addressing infrastructure investment challenges. The company is optimistic about its future in Europe, particularly Hungary due to its significant battery manufacturing capacity. The conference's chief organizer, Karoly Kovacs, emphasized the growing importance of Chinese companies and the broader Hungarian market. He praised the high quality and innovation of Chinese companies' offerings.

???? Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, Gan Kim Yong, emphasized the importance of China's active participation in regional and global affairs. Speaking at the 29th Future of Asia forum, he emphasized China's role as the largest trading partner for most Asian countries and its involvement is necessary to address global challenges like climate change. He emphasized China's significant influence on Asia's growth story and expressed optimism about its long-term economic outlook. He also noted that China will continue to be the world's major and highly competitive producer in the future. Singapore plans to deepen its cooperation with China, particularly in digitalization and sustainable development.

?? China's digital economy has seen significant growth in recent years, reaching 10% of its total GDP in 2023, according to the National Data Administration's report. This demonstrates the country's progress in facilitating the development of the digital economy, which was set to increase the proportion of value-added output of core digital economy industries in its GDP to 10% by 2025. The country's digital infrastructure has improved significantly, with computing power reaching 230 EFLOPS in 2023, ranking second globally. The demand for computing power for large model training has surged in various sectors. China generated 32.85 zettabytes of data last year, up 22.44% YoY, due to the rapid development of 5G and AI technologies and the widespread use of smart devices. The country's cumulative data storage volume reached 1.73 zettabytes in 2023, with a 59% storage space utilization rate.

???? China's GX Foundation and the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding to combat dengue fever and control insect-borne diseases along the China-Laos Railway. The project will gradually deploy mosquito-killing lamps donated by the foundation along the railway to prevent and control the spread of these diseases. Between January and March 2024, 1,837 dengue cases in Laos occurred, with three deaths. Lao health officials and medical staff are working to increase public understanding of the disease's danger.

???? Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on South Korea to work with China to foster friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. He hoped that the two sides could become friendly neighbours and partners, promoting the development of China-South Korea relations. Since establishing diplomatic ties over 30 years ago, China-South Korea relations have grown rapidly with economic and trade cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to both countries. Li emphasized the importance of mutual respect, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit. He suggested exploring new cooperation areas, expanding cooperation scope, and seizing development opportunities together. He also urged against turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues and maintaining stable industrial and supply chains. China is ready to work with South Korea to accelerate the second phase of the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations, advance the building of the China-South Korea International Cooperation Demonstration Zone, and strengthen cooperation in high-end manufacturing, new energy, artificial intelligence, and bio-medicine.

??Cultural??Insights ??

?? Chinese firm Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) and the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe held a cultural exchange event in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe, to mark Africa Day. The event featured cultural performances from China and Zimbabwe, including Chinese martial arts, Zimbabwean traditional dance, music, and poetry. Traditional leadership, local government representatives, Chinese and local PLZ staff, and local school children attended the event. Sheila Zvakurumbira, acting district development officer in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, welcomed Chinese guests and emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two countries. David Nkanka, a student from the University of Zimbabwe, said the event was a testament to the cordial Zimbabwe-China relations. School children could experience Chinese calligraphy, painting, and tea.

?? Gold has regained its momentum among the youth in China, with national gold consumption reaching nearly 1,090 tonnes in 2023, an 8.78% increase year on year. The China Gold Association reports that the young population aged between 25 and 34 have become the main force behind gold consumption, rising from 16% to 59% of total consumers in 2023. Most consumers are young people between 25 and 35, and the price of gold has continued to grow. Liu Yuning, a senior gold analyst and professor at the China University of Geosciences, believes that many young people in China see gold as an alternative to houses and stocks for investing, giving them more confidence in the gold market. The Shanghai Gold Exchange data shows that the price of gold that is 99.99 percent pure or above rose to a new high of 578 yuan (about 81 U.S. dollars) per gram on Monday afternoon.

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