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China on Thursday slammed the passage of a bill that could see TikTok banned in the United States by the House of Representatives, saying the move "puts the US on the opposite side of the principle of fair competition and international trade rules".此前美国众议院通过一项法案，可能导致TikTok在美国被封禁。3月14日，中国政府对此言辞抗议，称此举“使美国站在公平竞争原则和国际贸易规则的对立面”。The bill, approved on Wednesday by a vote of 352 to 65, calls for TikTok's parent company ByteDance, based in Beijing, to divest itself or the platform will be banned from app stores and web-hosting services in the US.该法案于3月13日以352比65票获得通过，要求TikTok位于北京的母公司字节跳动剥离该业务，否则该平台将被应用商店下降，无法获得网络托管服务。It would preclude the popular social media app from operating in the US under its current ownership. The legislation will next head to the Senate, where its passage is less certain. ByteDance would have a little more than five months to comply from the enactment of the bill.此举将使得这款流行的社交媒体软件无法在当下所有权的情况下在美国运营。该法案接下来将提交参议院，但其通过的可能性还不太确定。该法案颁布后，字节跳动将有五个多月的时间来对此做出调整。"If the so-called national security can be cited at will to bring down other countries' competitive companies, there will be no fairness or justice to speak of," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a daily news conference on Thursday. Wang called the passage of the bill an attempt to "try every means to snatch from others all things that are good".中国外交部发言人汪文斌在周四的例行记者会上表示：“如果可以随意以所谓国家安全为由打压别国企业，就没有公平正义可言。”"How the US has handled the TikTok incident allows the world to see clearly whether the US' so-called rules and order serve the whole world or the US itself," he said.Also on Thursday, China's Ministry of Commerce stressed that it will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."We have taken note of this move," He Yadong, a spokesman for the ministry, told a weekly news conference in Beijing.汪文斌表示该法案的实质是“想方设法从别人那里抢一切好东西”，美国对TikTok事件的处理态度，会让世界看清美国的所谓规则和秩序是为全世界服务，还是为美国自己服务。同样在周四，商务部发言人何亚东在北京举行的每周新闻发布会上表示，已注意到美方这一举动，中国将采取一切必要措施，坚决维护自身合法权益。The spokesman said the US should adhere to the principles of a market economy and fair competition, cease the unwarranted suppression of foreign companies, and ensure an open, fair, just and nondiscriminatory environment for companies from all countries to invest and operate in the US. Additionally, relevant parties must rigorously abide by Chinese laws and regulations, he said.发言人表示，美方应坚持市场经济和公平竞争原则，停止对外国企业的无理打压，为各国企业在美投资经营提供开放、公平、公正、非歧视的环境。此外，有关各方必须严格遵守中国法律法规。The TikTok move has also drawn criticism from the US. "I hope that the Senate will refuse to pass parallel legislation," Gary Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Washington-based Peterson Institute of International Economics, said. "The main result of banning TikTok would be to create more business for its US competitors."此项针对TikTok的法案也招致了美国国内的不满。华盛顿彼得森国际经济研究所非常驻高级研究员加里·赫夫鲍尔表示：“我希望参议院拒绝通过此类立法。因为此举反而会为美国竞争对手国家创造更多业务。”parallel 英/ˈpær.ə.lel/ 美/ˈper.ə.lel/adj.类似的unwarranted英/ʌnˈwɒr.ən.tɪd/ 美/ʌnˈwɔːr.ən.tɪd/adj.无理的，无缘由的

Amid global economic uncertainties, economists underscored the strong resilience and great potential of China's economy, anticipating its continued prominence as a pivotal contributor to global economic growth this year.在全球经济不确定的情况下，经济学家强调中国经济具有强大的韧性和巨大的潜力，预计中国今年将继续作为全球经济增长的关键贡献者。Despite challenges stemming from weakening external demand and mounting uncertainties, they expressed optimism regarding China's capacity to achieve its annual GDP growth target of around 5 percent, citing proactive fiscal and monetary measures aimed at stimulating domestic demand as key factors supporting the outlook.尽管外部需求减弱和不确定性增加带来了挑战，但他们对中国实现5%左右的年度GDP增长目标的能力表示乐观，并指出旨在刺激国内需求的积极财政和货币措施是支撑前景的关键因素。Justin Yifu Lin, dean of Peking University's Institute of New Structural Economics, said the annual growth target is achievable if the government steps up both fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate consumption and investment.北京大学新结构经济学研究院院长林毅夫表示，如果政府加强财政和货币政策以刺激消费和投资，年度增长目标是可以实现的。"China still enjoys great potential and ample development space," Lin told a macroeconomic forum held on Wednesday by Peking University's National School of Development.2024年3月13日，林毅夫在北京大学国家发展学院举办的宏观经济论坛上表示：“中国仍然享有巨大的潜力和充足的发展空间。”Dismissing speculation that China's economy has reached its peak, he said China enjoys favorable advantages and conditions to maintain sustained growth, including its ultra-large domestic market, a complete industrial system, huge investment in industrial upgrading and its booming digital economy.他驳斥了有关中国经济已见顶的猜测，表示中国拥有保持持续增长的有利优势和条件，包括超大的国内市场、完整的工业体系、在产业升级方面的巨额投资以及蓬勃发展的数字经济。"China's role in the global economy is substantial, as it accounts for around 18 percent of the world economy," Lin said.林毅夫说:“中国在全球经济中的作用是巨大的，因为它占世界经济的18%左右。”"The nation's anticipated growth rate of around 5 percent is poised to contribute one percentage point to global economic expansion, contributing approximately 30 percent of global economic growth, solidifying China's position as the primary driver of global economic advancement."“中国5%左右的预期增长率将为全球经济增长贡献一个百分点，约占全球经济增长的30%，从而巩固中国作为全球经济发展的主要驱动力的地位。”Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities, also voiced strong optimism about China's economic prospects, saying the country still enjoys ample room and sufficient policy tools to bolster the economy.岳凯证券首席经济学家罗志恒也对中国经济前景表达了强烈的乐观态度，称中国仍有充足的空间和足够的政策工具来提振经济。He said this year's primary support for the economy could come from forceful infrastructure spending and a new round of large-scale equipment renewal, adding that the country needs to strengthen both fiscal and monetary policies to support the spending.他说，今年对经济的主要支持可能来自强有力的基础设施支出和新一轮大规模设备更新，并补充说，国家需要加强财政和货币政策来支持支出。Luo said the real estate sector and exports may continue to be a drag on China's outlook this year, and more efforts should be made to ensure supply, boost effective demand and stabilize housing prices.房地产行业和出口可能会继续拖累中国今年的前景，应该做出更多的努力来确保供应，促进有效需求和稳定房价。Xu Gao, chief economist at BOC International, said the country needs to take both short-term and long-term countermeasures to tackle issues faced by the economy, including pressures from shrinking demand and weakening expectations.中银国际首席经济学家徐高表示，中国需要采取短期和长期的对策来解决经济面临的问题，包括需求萎缩和预期减弱的压力。"More property and infrastructure investment will help stabilize the overall growth," he said.“更多的房地产和基础设施投资将有助于稳定整体增长。”Xu's views were echoed by Lu Feng, a professor of economics at the National School of Development. He called for strengthened macroeconomic policy adjustment and deepened structural reforms to boost China's supply capabilities and expand domestic demand.徐高的观点得到了国家发展研究院经济学教授陆峰的赞同。他呼吁加强宏观经济政策调整，深化结构性改革，以提高中国的供给能力，扩大国内需求。policy tools政策工具growth target增长指标

Local authorities in Sanhe, Hebei province, apologized to the media for forcing them out of the site of an explosion on Wednesday that killed 7 and injured 27 others, according to a statement published on Thursday morning by the city's command headquarters for the handling of the incident.3月14日上午，河北省三河市爆炸事故处置指挥部发布声明称，3月13日，当地发生爆炸事故，造成7人死亡、27人受伤，并就强迫央视记者离开事故现场向媒体致歉。The statement especially mentioned that several reporters with China Media Group were forced out of the site during their interviews. "Due to the poor communication skills and the use of rough methods by our on-site personnel, misunderstandings and public questioning arose from their conducts, leading to adverse social effects," the statement said, adding "for which we feel deeply responsible and extend our apologies to journalists".声明特别就央视记者在现场直播时，遭当地警方阻挠、驱离事件做出回应：“由于我方现场人员沟通能力差、手段粗鲁，引发误解和舆论质疑，造成不良社会影响，对此我们深感责任并予以追究。我们向记者诚挚致歉。”On Wednesday night, a video clip showed two or three CMG reporters being pushed away during their interviews by a dozen of male personnel at the incident site.3月13日晚，一段视频显示，两三名中央广播电视总台记者在采访过程中被事发现场的十几名男性人员推开。Following the matter, the All-China Journalists Association published an article on its official WeChat account, voicing that journalists have the right to conduct interviews. The article went viral online on Wednesday night and got reposted by many netizens, especially by media workers. 事件发生后，中央记协在其官方微信公众号上发表文章，表示记者有采访的权利。这篇文章于昨晚在网上疯传，并被许多网友、尤其是媒体工作者转发。"During the initial stages of the rescue, on-site personnel had maintained good interaction with media reporters," the official statement of Sanhe said.三河市官方声明称，救援初期，现场人员与媒体记者保持良好互动。But as the rescue work progressed, the experts with the command headquarters conducted professional assessments and discovered that there were still ongoing risks of natural gas leakage at the scene, advising that all non-rescue personnel be evacuated beyond the cordon to prevent secondary disasters. During this process, journalists who persisted in reporting from the scene were forcibly led out of the site, the statement added.但随着救援工作的进展，指挥部专家经过专业评估，发现现场仍存在天然气泄漏风险，建议所有非救援人员撤离警戒线外，防止发生次生灾害。在此过程中，坚持现场报道的记者被强行带离现场。"In our future work, we will learn from this experience, further improve relevant mechanisms and actively establish communication platforms with the media," the statement said. It added that local authorities will genuinely safeguard the rights of journalists to conduct interviews, provide more convenience, and respond promptly to social concerns. "We welcome media friends to supervise our work."声明称，在今后的工作中，我们将吸取这次经验，进一步完善相关机制，积极与媒体建立沟通平台。各地将切实保障记者采访权利，提供更多便利，及时回应社会关切。欢迎媒体朋友监督我们的工作。The explosion that drew media to Sanhe occurred at 7:54 am on Wednesday in the town of Yanjiao, suspected to be caused by a gas leak at a shop, according to another statement by the city's emergency management bureau on Thursday.据三河市应急管理局于今日发布的另一份声明，3月13日上午7时54分，燕郊镇发生爆炸，引起媒体关注，疑似由商店煤气泄漏引起。As of early morning on Thursday, the site had been basically cleaned up. All the injured were sent to hospital and their injuries were not life-threatening. Among them, 14 have been discharged. An investigation is underway about the cause of the explosion.截至3月14日凌晨，现场已基本清理完毕。所有伤者均被送往医院，没有生命危险。其中14人已出院。目前正在对爆炸原因进行调查。life-threateningadj.危及生命的the command headquarters指挥部

The global artificial intelligence surge, both technologically and investment-wise, combined with China's emphasis on new quality productive forces, will boost AI-related A-share performance, which in turn will drive up associated indexes this year, said experts.专家表示，全球人工智能在技术和投资方面的激增，加上中国对新质生产力的重视，将推动人工智能相关的A股表现，这反过来将推动今年相关指数的上涨。While the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.41 percent on Tuesday, A-share AI companies registered an average share price increase of 1.15 percent. With this, share prices of these AI companies have jumped nearly 19 percent since Feb 19, when trading resumed after the Spring Festival holiday.2024年3月12日，当基准上证综合指数下跌0.41%时，A股人工智能公司的平均股价上涨了1.15%。受此影响，自2月19日春节假期后复牌以来，这些人工智能公司的股价上涨了近19%。The global AI boom serves as one major impetus, especially after ChatGPT's creator Open AI released text-to-video generator Sora on Feb 16. Nvidia, the major supplier for Open AI's graphics chips, saw its shares hit record highs, overtaking Amazon and Google's parent company Alphabet in terms of market value.全球人工智能的繁荣是一个主要的推动力，尤其是在ChatGPT的创造者Open AI于2月16日发布了文本到视频生成器Sora之后。Open AI图形芯片的主要供应商英伟达(Nvidia)股价创下历史新高，市值超过了亚马逊(Amazon)和谷歌母公司Alphabet。Zhang Yidong, chief global strategist at Industrial Securities, said the global AI phenomenon will not only buoy the US bourse, but also drive up the value of A-share tech companies, thus helping boost A-share performance in general.兴业证券首席全球策略师张忆东表示，全球人工智能现象不仅会提振美国股市，还会推高A股科技公司的价值，从而有助于提振A股的整体表现。More importantly, China promised in this year's Government Work Report to launch an "AI plus" initiative to accelerate the technology's commercial applications. Meanwhile, new quality productive forces, which have been emphasized in the report, also include emerging industries such as AI, computing and humanoid robots. All these suggest an increasing focus on industrial investment, said analysts from Guotai Junan Securities.更重要的是，中国在今年的政府工作报告中承诺，将启动“人工智能+”计划，加快该技术的商业应用。与此同时，报告中强调的新型优质生产力还包括人工智能、计算和人形机器人等新兴产业。国泰君安证券的分析师表示，所有这些都表明，中国越来越关注工业投资。Liu Chenming, chief strategist at GF Securities, said AI will serve as a major force empowering industries' intelligent digitalization in China. The application of AI technologies will help improve total factor productivity and the country's structural transformation and upgrading. This is also in line with this year's Government Work Report which calls for high-quality development, he said.广发证券首席策略师刘晨明表示，人工智能将成为推动中国工业智能数字化的主要力量。人工智能技术的应用将有助于提高全要素生产率，促进国家结构转型升级。他说，这也符合今年政府工作报告提出的高质量发展的要求。Ethan Wang, head of investment strategy for wealth management at Standard Chartered China, said A-share investors should pay particular attention to AI applications in China given the country's advantages in application scenarios in internet and big data modalities, as well as the commercialization of innovative technologies. Specifically, device makers integrating AI services and the commercial use of AI in business scenarios will churn out the most investment opportunities in China, Wang said.渣打银行中国财富管理投资策略主管王昕杰表示，鉴于中国在互联网和大数据模式的应用场景以及创新技术的商业化方面的优势，A股投资者应该特别关注中国的人工智能应用。具体来说，整合人工智能服务和人工智能在商业场景中的商业用途的设备制造商将在中国产生最多的投资机会。Analysts from Kaiyuan Securities suggested A-share investors search for opportunities related to animation along with film and television companies, especially those possessing well-established intellectual property, as the application of multimodal AI will significantly improve their efficiency and reduce costs.开元证券的分析师建议A股投资者寻找与动画和影视公司相关的机会，特别是那些拥有成熟知识产权的公司，因为多模式人工智能的应用将显著提高它们的效率并降低成本。Opportunities can also be found among semiconductor firms as iteration in AI foundation models will drive up computing demand, said experts from China International Capital Corp Ltd.中国国际金融有限公司的专家表示，随着人工智能基础模型的迭代将推高计算需求，半导体公司也可以找到机会。Li Zhan, chief economist at China Merchants Fund, said that technological innovation will be the major investment theme in China for many years to come. Industries which are supported by favorable industrial policies and the country's resources will generate the most investment opportunities, among which AI is included.招商局基金首席经济学家李湛表示，技术创新将是未来许多年中国的主要投资主题。受到有利的产业政策和国家资源支持的行业将产生最多的投资机会，其中包括人工智能。Experts from UBS Global Wealth Management's Chief Investment Office believe that AI will be the fastest growing tech sector globally over the next decade, with the possibility of it growing into the largest tech sector in 10 years' time.瑞银全球财富管理首席投资办公室的专家认为，未来十年，人工智能将成为全球增长最快的科技领域，并有可能在10年内成长为最大的科技领域。UBS瑞士联合银行（United Bank of Switzerland）Ltd.股份有限公司（Limited）

China's focus on developing the high-end manufacturing sector and new quality productive forces will strengthen the world's industrial and supply chains, despite a grim and complex global environment, said industry leaders and business executives on Tuesday.2024年3月12日，行业领袖和企业高管表示，尽管全球环境严峻复杂，但中国重点发展高端制造业和新质生产力将加强世界产业链和供应链。In a rapidly evolving global economy, strategic emerging industries, representing the direction of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, are set to enhance new quality productive forces and foster innovation, they said.他们表示，在快速发展的全球经济中，战略性新兴产业代表着新一轮技术革命和产业变革的方向，将提高新的优质生产力，促进创新。As the world grapples with challenges like climate change, resource scarcity and technological disruptions, China's commitment to advancing high-end manufacturing, including electric vehicles, machine tools, solar panels, energy storage equipment and the next-generation vessels, is not only reshaping its own economic landscape but also making the global economy and supply chains greener and diversified, said Ye Dingda, chief economist of the Beijing-based China Machinery Industry Federation.总部位于北京的叶定达表示，随着世界应对气候变化、资源稀缺和技术中断等挑战，中国致力于推进高端制造业，包括电动汽车、机床、太阳能电池板、储能设备和下一代船舶，不仅重塑了自己的经济格局，还使全球经济和供应链更加绿色和多样化。Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said that one of the key areas where China is expected to make substantial contributions is the realm of electric vehicles and battery technologies.中国汽车工业协会副秘书长陈士华表示，中国有望做出重大贡献的关键领域之一是电动汽车和电池技术领域。With the global automotive industry undergoing a significant shift toward electrification, China's advancements in battery technology and manufacturing are set to play a crucial role in cutting the carbon footprint of transportation and enhancing energy efficiency across the world, Chen said. 随着全球汽车行业向电气化的重大转变，中国在电池技术和制造方面的进步将在减少交通运输的碳足迹和提高全球能源效率方面发挥关键作用。This sentiment is in line with the latest data from the Beijing-based association. China exported 822,000 automobiles in all, including EVs, during the January-February period, up 30.5 percent year-on-year.这一观点与总部位于北京的该协会的最新数据一致。今年1月至2月，包括电动汽车在内，中国共出口82.2万辆汽车，同比增长30.5%。China's ongoing green transformation has also created business opportunities for multinational corporations operating in the country. Ramesh Singaram, president and CEO for Asia at the gas power unit of GE Vernova, a United States-headquartered energy solution and services provider, said that a complementary approach combining gas and renewable power generation is the most effective and sustainable way for China to achieve its dual carbon goals.中国正在进行的绿色转型也为在华经营的跨国公司创造了商机。总部位于美国的能源解决方案和服务提供商通用电气公司（GE Vernova）的天然气发电部门亚洲总裁兼首席执行官拉梅什·辛格拉姆（Ramesh Singaram）表示，将天然气和可再生能源发电相结合的互补方法是中国实现其双重碳目标的最有效和可持续的方式。"Gas power generation, with its inherent flexibility and low emissions profile and the versatility of pumped storage, which offers excellent adjustable performance, is poised to become indispensable components of China's power system," he said, adding that with more than 4,000 employees in over 10 offices and manufacturing sites in China, the company will introduce more solutions and products in the country.他说：“天然气发电具有固有的灵活性和低排放特点，以及抽水蓄能的多功能性，提供了出色的可调性能，有望成为中国电力系统不可或缺的组成部分。”他补充说，该公司在中国拥有10多个办事处和制造基地，拥有4000多名员工，将在中国推出更多的解决方案和产品。Despite facing strong headwinds, including the US restrictions on exporting lithography machines for chipmaking to China through third-party channels and the European Union's initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation targeting Chinese EVs, business leaders said that China's push for innovation in information technology is unwavering.尽管面临强大的阻力，包括美国限制通过第三方渠道向中国出口用于芯片制造的光刻机，以及欧盟发起针对中国电动汽车的反补贴调查，但商界领袖表示，中国推动信息技术创新的步伐坚定不移。Particularly in areas like 5G, artificial intelligence and the internet of things, these factors are expected to revolutionize the way companies in the manufacturing sector operate and interact with consumers.特别是在5G、人工智能和物联网等领域，这些因素预计将彻底改变制造业企业的运营方式和与消费者的互动方式。These technologies are not only driving the development of the manufacturing sector and smart cities, but also enabling more resilient and responsive supply chains, said Zhang Zhiyong, chairman of China Tower Corp Ltd, a Beijing-based mobile communication infrastructure company that runs almost all of China's telecom towers.中国铁塔股份有限公司董事长张志勇表示，这些技术不仅推动了制造业和智慧城市的发展，还使供应链更具弹性和响应能力。中国铁塔股份有限公司是一家总部位于北京的移动通信基础设施公司，运营着中国几乎所有的电信塔。Highlighting the importance of new quality productive forces aimed at emerging and future-oriented industries, Zhang said that integrating the development of a manufacturing powerhouse with the digital economy and industrial informatization is essential.张志勇强调了针对新兴和面向未来的产业的新型优质生产力的重要性，他说，将制造业强国的发展与数字经济和工业信息化相结合是必不可少的。China Tower, a State-owned enterprise, is implementing innovative tasks in strategic emerging industries such as the next generation of mobile communications, computing power networks, 6G and satellite internet.中国铁塔是一家国有企业，正在实施下一代移动通信、计算能力网络、6G和卫星互联网等战略性新兴产业的创新任务。"China's stra

China aims to accelerate research and development of key core technologies and application-oriented technological innovations this year, with a focus on developing a faster bullet train capable of traveling at 450 kilometers per hour and intelligent high-speed rail technologies, said Liu Zhenfang, the president of China State Railway Group, which operates the national railway system.运营国家铁路系统的中国国家铁路集团有限公司董事长的刘振芳表示，中国今年的目标是加快关键核心技术的研发和面向应用的技术创新，重点是开发时速为450公里的更快的子弹头列车和智能高速铁路技术。Liu, who is also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, said the company will continue to promote independent research and the industrial application of key core technologies this year, enhancing self-reliance in railway technology.刘振芳是第十四届全国人大代表，他说公司今年将继续推动关键核心技术的自主研究和产业化应用，增强铁路技术的自主能力。"Technological innovation can foster new industries, new models and new momentum," he said. "It is the core element for developing new quality productive forces.他说:“科技创新可以催生新产业、新模式、新动能。”这是发展新质生产力的核心要素。"China's high-speed railways are a successful example of independent innovation in our country, and the overall technological level of China's railways has entered the forefront of the world."“中国的高铁是我国自主创新的成功范例，中国铁路的整体技术水平已进入世界前列。”The group plans to unveil a more advanced bullet train, the CR450-with a top operating speed of 400 km/h and an experimental speed of up to 450 km/h — by next year.该集团计划在明年推出一款更先进的子弹头列车cr450，最高运行速度为400公里/小时，实验速度可达450公里/小时。It plans to complete a prototype this year and begin testing.计划在今年完成一个原型机并开始测试。Liu said achievements in promoting self-reliance in railway technology had been made last year.刘振芳说，去年在促进铁路技术自力更生方面已经取得了成就。"In 2023, the alliance to promote science and technology innovation in the railway sector was established," he said. "The CR450 science and technology innovation project has achieved major breakthroughs."刘振芳说:“2023年，促进铁路部门科技创新的联盟成立了。CR450科技创新工程取得重大突破。”Last year, bullet trains traveled at speeds of 453 km/h on test runs in Fujian province, collecting data on trains running at different speeds on tracks that include tunnels, bridges and curves.去年，子弹头列车在福建省以453公里/小时的速度进行了测试，收集了列车在包括隧道、桥梁和弯道在内的轨道上以不同速度运行的数据。Currently, the fastest bullet trains in China operate at speeds of 350 km/h along several lines, including the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and the Beijing-Tianjin High-Speed Railway.目前，中国最快的子弹头列车在包括京沪高铁和京津高铁在内的几条线路上以350公里/小时的速度运行。A train traveling at 400 km/h would shorten the journey from Beijing to Shanghai to 2.5 hours.时速400公里的火车将把北京到上海的行程缩短到2.5小时。Liu also said China aims to achieve technological breakthroughs to improve operational safety, enhancing key equipment and infrastructure.刘振芳表示，中国的目标是实现技术突破，以提高运行安全性，加强关键设备和基础设施。"Research efforts will be increased in the application of cutting-edge technologies in the field of railways," he said. “将加大前沿技术在铁路领域应用的研究力度。”"We'll focus on promoting the system's informatization and network security and enhancing the construction of digital railways. We'll also carry out the standardization, interconnection and sharing of railway information systems, aiming to empower the innovative development of railways through digital intelligence."“我们将重点推进系统信息化和网络安全，加强数字铁路建设。我们还将开展铁路信息系统的标准化、互联互通和共享，旨在通过数字智能为铁路的创新发展提供动力。”By the end of last year, China's national railway network extended for 159,000 km, including 45,000 km of high-speed lines. About 80 percent of China's planned high-speed railway network has been completed, with a further 15 percent under construction.截至去年年底，中国全国铁路网延长了15.9万公里，其中包括4.5万公里的高速铁路。中国计划中的高速铁路网大约80%已经完工，另有15%正在建设中。"China's overall level of railway infrastructure has reached the forefront globally, providing the foundation and conditions for further advancement toward a higher level of modernization," Liu said.刘振芳说:“中国铁路基础设施的整体水平已达到全球前列，为进一步向更高水平的现代化迈进提供了基础和条件。”He said China aims to have 165,000 km of track by the end of next year, 50,000 km of which will be high-speed.中国的目标是到明年年底拥有16.5万公里的铁路，其中5万公里将是高速铁路。According to the national plan, by 2035, the railway network in China will reach 200,000 km, with about 70,000 km of high-speed lines, including some high-speed inter-city railways.根据国家规划，到2035年，中国铁路网将达到20万公里，其中高速铁路约7万公里，其中包括一些高速城际铁路。national railway国有铁路new quality productive forces新质生产力

Miao ethnic people in the mountainous area of Southwest China's Guizhou are bringing theirvibrant embroideries to the Milan Fashion Week. #PotsideChats

Science literacy has tripled in the past 12 years in China, Ni Minjing, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, said on Sunday.3月10日，全国政协委员、上海科技馆馆长倪闽景表示，过去12年，中国的科学素养提高了两倍。Speaking at a member's passage interview on the sidelines of the annual two sessions, Ni, head of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, attributed the progress to a society-wide efforts to popularize science.倪闽景在接受两会期间会员通道采访时将这一进步归功于全社会科普努力。"For example, CPPCC National Committee has launched a Members' Science Lecture Hall, where many academicians and renowned scientists take the lead in popularizing science," he said, “an increasing number of scientists are taking on part-time roles as vice-principals for science and technology in primary and secondary schools."具体表现为，全国政协推出了委员科普讲堂，很多院士、知名科学家带头科普。越来越多的科学家在中小学兼职担任科技副校长。Ni said global science education is shifting toward learning for innovation, where innovation stems from diverse minds and actions. Playing basketball, joining a chorus competition, and helping with household chores, can all strengthen their mental faculties and reduce the chance of psychological problems and, eventually, increase the likelihood of innovative talents.他还表示，全球科学教育正在转向为创新而学习，创新源于多样化的思想和行动。打篮球、参加合唱比赛、帮忙做家务，都可以增强他们的心智能力，减少出现心理问题的风险，并最终提升培养出创新人才的可能性。He said that top innovative talents share three common traits: first, they are very independent and proactive; second, they have a strong interest in a particular field and are highly focused; third, they are particularly resilient and can persevere. Regardless of exam performance, these three qualities can be nurtured and are the true value and power of education.倪闽景表示，顶尖创新人才有三个共同特点：一是非常独立、主动；其次，他们对某一特定领域有浓厚的兴趣，并且高度专注；第三，他们的韧性特别强，能够坚持下去。无论考试成绩如何，这三种品质都是可以培养的，这才是教育的真正价值和力量.Ni stressed that scientific education is not just about high-tech education. "Everything is open to exploration, and even rural areas are full of scientific resources. Every piece of soil, every flower and every clear night sky presents excellent opportunities for scientific exploration."倪闽景强调，科学教育不仅仅是高科技教育。一切都是开放的，就连农村也充满了科学资源。每一块土壤、每一朵花、每一片晴朗的夜空，都是科学探索的绝佳机会。literacy英/ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/ 美/ˈlɪt̬.ɚ.ə.si/n.素养Attribute to将A归功于B

President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China's military should improve its strategic capabilities in emerging spheres, during a meeting with lawmakers from the nation's armed forces.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, told national legislators from the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force that strategic capabilities in emerging spheres — new frontiers originating from innovation and applications of science and technology — are closely related to the country's socioeconomic development, national security and military power, and are of great significance to modernization efforts and national rejuvenation.The CPC Central Committee has called for the accelerated growth of new quality productive forces since the 20th CPC National Congress, and that provides valuable opportunities for the building of strategic capabilities in emerging spheres, Xi said, asking the armed forces to integrate the new quality productive forces and new-type combat power and strengthen their mutual development.The president stressed that the military must prioritize key projects and fully implement related plans.He called for the integrated planning of naval operations, maritime rights protection and the marine economy in order to boost the nation's sea power.He also called for the improvement of the nation's space capabilities and the formation of a cyberspace defense system, which can help to safeguard the country's internet security.Research of intelligent technologies will be given more attention, and such technologies will be further promoted, according to Xi.He said members of the armed forces should be confident in their creative capacities. They should strive to bolster independent innovation and give momentum to new quality productive forces and new-type combat power, he added.Xi said that emerging spheres will be crucial fields when the military deepens its comprehensive reform, calling for a supportive atmosphere and an optimized policy system.He also noted that the defense technology sector should be further reformed to suit the needs of and developments in emerging spheres.Before addressing the uniformed lawmakers, Xi listened to thoughts and suggestions shared by six military deputies who spoke about topics such as maritime awareness capabilities, artificial intelligence and the management and use of space-based assets.There are 271 national legislators from the armed forces attending the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, which opened in Beijing on Tuesday.Reporter: Zhao Lei

Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual legislative session, Wang said the recent election on the island was merely a local election within China, and its results "cannot change the fundamental fact that Taiwan is a part of China, nor can it alter the historical trend that Taiwan will inevitably return to the motherland"."Our policy is quite clear — we will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity. Our bottom line is also quite clear — we will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland," he said.He noted that over 180 countries and international organizations have reiterated their adherence to the one-China principle, supporting China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity."This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle has become a general consensus in the international community," he said.He warned that any support for "Taiwan independence" constitutes a challenge to China's sovereignty. "If certain countries insist on maintaining official relations with the Taiwan region, that would be an interference in China's internal affairs."There will be a family photo of the whole international community in which all members uphold the one-China principle. It is only a matter of time."The senior diplomat also issued a stern warning to separatist forces within the island, saying that anyone who wants to pursue "Taiwan independence" will inevitably face historical retribution."Internationally, anyone who indulges in and supports 'Taiwan independence' will surely be playing with fire, leading to self-inflicted consequences."Reporter: Xu Wei 

President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for national political advisers to pool strengths and build broad consensus to contribute to Chinese modernization.He also urged the advisers — members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top political advisory body — to enhance their capability to participate in State affairs in order to create new prospects for the cause of political consultation and multiparty cooperation.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when taking part in a joint group meeting during the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.He said that political advisers from different political parties, organizations, ethnic groups, sectors and all walks of life should conduct in-depth research and actively offer suggestions based on the major strategic tasks laid out by the 20th CPC National Congress in October 2022 and the arrangements made by the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2023.The meeting was attended by members of the CPPCC National Committee from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the science and technology sector and the environment and resources sector.Six political advisers delivered speeches on various topics, including strengthening partnerships on industrial and supply chains across the Taiwan Strait, promoting the complete reunification of the motherland, advancing the industrialization of technological innovation achievements, and promoting the high-quality development of the ecological conservation sector.Hearing their remarks, Xi said that the hard-won achievements that China made in social and economic development in the past year are attributed to the united and tenacious efforts of people of all ethnic groups, as well as the dedication and wisdom of the CPPCC members.He pointed out that over the past year, the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang effectively promoted political consultation and participation in and deliberation of State affairs, continued to play a role in democratic oversight of the environmental protection of the Yangtze River, and actively boosted economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.Xi also commended the CPPCC members from the science and technology sector for their active involvement in technological innovation, and those from the environment and resources sector for their contributions to green transformation.He urged the members from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang to further leverage their advantages in Taiwan-related work, actively unite all patriotic forces at home and abroad, and continuously strengthen the forces that are against "Taiwan independence" and for promoting reunification, thus jointly advancing the process of peaceful reunification of the motherland.Efforts should be made to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in the fields of technology, agriculture, culture and youth development, and deepen integration and development across various sectors on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, he added.Xi called on the CPPCC members in the science and technology sector as well as the vast number of scientific and technological workers to strengthen basic research and the application of basic research, and to make breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields.He called for practical advice and suggestions to help deepen the reform of the scientific and technological system and the mechanisms for talent development, improve the scientific and technological evaluation system and incentive mechanisms, and further stimulate the innovative vitality and potential of all types of talent.Xi emphasized that CPPCC members in the environment and resources sector should make new contributions to strengthening ecological conservation to support high-quality development.It is important to comprehensively implement the policies of pollution control in a scientific and precise way in accordance with the law, he said, and it is essential to promote green and low-carbon economic and social development.Xi also called for efforts to actively and prudently promote carbon peak and carbon neutrality to inject new impetus and shape new advantages for high-quality development.Reporter: Cao Desheng

President Xi Jinping highlighted on Tuesday the need to develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions for high-quality development, amid a new round of technological and industrial transformation.While taking part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu province at the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, Xi emphasized that developing new quality productive forces does not imply neglecting or abandoning traditional industries.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, cautioned against herd behavior or speculative bubbles in developing the new quality productive forces. He also called for selective promotion of new industries, models and new driving forces based on local resources, industrial foundations and research conditions.Xi also underscored the importance of leveraging new technologies to upgrade traditional industries, promoting the high-end, intelligent and green transformation of industries.The country must seize opportunities to intensify innovation, nurture and strengthen emerging industries, and foster future industries with forward-looking planning, he said.Xi first proposed the concept of new quality productive forces during an inspection tour in Heilongjiang province in September. With innovation leading, new quality productive forces means advanced productivity freed from traditional economic growth models. It features high technology, high efficiency and high quality, and aligns with the country's new development philosophy.The term refers to new productive forces that emerge from continuous advances in science and technology, driving strategic future and emerging industries that could introduce breakthrough technological advancements in an era of intelligent information.During Tuesday's meeting, Xi said that Jiangsu province has favorable conditions and capabilities for developing new quality productive forces. He emphasized the need for the province to focus on building a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as the backbone.As one of China's economic powerhouses, Jiangsu saw its regional gross domestic product increase 5.8 percent year-on-year to 12.82 trillion yuan ($1.78 trillion) in 2023, ranking second among 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, following Guangdong province.The manufacturing industry's added value in Jiangsu reached 4.66 trillion yuan last year, accounting for 36.3 percent of the province's GDP.Xi called for a deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation, consolidating the leading position of traditional industries and accelerating the creation of strategically competitive emerging industry clusters in order to make Jiangsu an important stronghold for developing new quality productive forces.The president also emphasized the need to plan for further comprehensive deepening of major reforms to inject stronger impetus into high-quality development and propel sustained momentum for Chinese modernization.In order to promote the high-level socialist market economy system, efforts should be made to improve systems in terms of property rights protection, market access, fair competition and social credit, and support the growth of the private economy and private enterprises, Xi said.It is essential to deepen reforms in the scientific and technological system and the education and talent systems, and remove obstacles to the development of new quality productive forces, he said.Xi reiterated the necessity to continuously promote a market-based, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework, thereby shaping new advantages for a higher level of open economy.He urged Jiangsu to be fully involved in the regional development strategy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yangtze River Delta, and to enhance coordination with other regional development strategies and build innovation, industry and supply chains with a larger scope to better leverage the radiating driving force of an economically powerful province for regional and national development.Efforts should also be made to continue consolidating and enhancing the positive trend of economic recovery and to boost the confidence of the entire society in development, Xi said.Reporter: Cao Desheng

China's top political adviser, Wang Huning, called on Monday for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to make full use of its role as a specialized advisory body, focusing on providing wisdom for the country's modernization goals.Wang, chairman of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, made the remarks while delivering a work report to around 2,100 national political advisers at the opening of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC in Beijing, raising the curtain on this year's two sessions, China's biggest annual political event.President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and other Chinese leaders attended the opening meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People. At the meeting, the agenda for the session was reviewed and approved.This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the CPPCC, and it is a crucial year for achieving the goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).Wang said that upholding the leadership of the CPC has always been the fundamental political principle of the CPPCC since the political advisory body was founded, and it remains the fundamental guarantee for the development and progress of its cause.He stressed the need for the CPPCC to act as a specialized consultative body, closely focusing on the major decisions and initiatives of the CPC Central Committee, national strategic needs and significant practical issues in its advisory role."The CPPCC should leverage its group advantages, conduct extensive investigations and research, and gain a deep understanding of the vivid experiences created in practice, the desires and demands of the people, as well as the difficulties and obstacles in policy implementation," he said.Over the past 12 months, the CPPCC National Committee conducted 94 consultations for advisers and officials to exchange ideas.Wang also emphasized the role of the CPPCC in external exchanges and in promoting the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, telling China's stories and spreading the country's voice to the world.After listening to the report, Zhang Yi, a national political adviser and a lawyer from Shanghai, said, "I was greatly encouraged, especially by the call for us advisers to provide suggestions in line with the central tasks of the Party and the country and fulfill our duties for the people."Zhang said that this year's conference is crucial for achieving the goals set in the 14th Five-Year Plan, particularly in relation to China's economic development and legal construction.He said that he would make suggestions regarding the effective regulation of artificial intelligence through legislation, after conducting research over the past year.Tsoi Wing-sing, a national political adviser from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that in-depth research is crucial in formulating proposals, and this year he would propose a way to leverage Hong Kong's advantages in promoting China's experience in green finance on the global stage.Reporter: Zhang Yi, Yang Yang

China targets economic growth of around 5 percent in 2024, according to a government work report submitted Tuesday to the national legislature for deliberation. 3月5日，提请全国人大常委会审议的政府工作报告显示，中国2024年经济增长目标是5%左右。The country expects to create over 12 million jobs in urban areas and keep the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5.5 percent this year, according to the report.今年城镇新增就业岗位1200万以上，城镇调查失业率控制在5.5%左右。 A proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy will be continued, with the ratio of deficit to gross domestic product (GDP) set at 3 percent and the government deficit to rise by 180 billion yuan from the 2023 budget figure.报告称，将继续实施积极的财政政策和稳健的货币政策，赤字占国内生产总值(GDP)的比重控制在3%，2023年预算赤字增加1800亿元。The country will see 3.9 trillion yuan of special-purpose bonds for local governments to be issued this year, up by 100 billion yuan from last year.今年我国将发行地方政府专项债券3.9万亿元，比去年增加1000亿元。It will also issue ultra-long special treasury bonds over each of the next several years for the purpose of implementing major national strategies and building up security capacity in key areas, starting with 1 trillion yuan of such bonds this year, the report said. The consistency of the macro policy orientation should be enchanced, it said.未来几年还将每年发行超长期特别国债，落实国家重大战略，增强重点领域保障能力。今年将首先发行1万亿元超长期特别国债。增强宏观政策导向的一致性。treasury bonds 国债unemployment rate失业率

China announced on Friday that it will quintuple the transaction limit for foreigners' mobile payments as the country enhances efforts to address payment challenges faced by international visitors.3月1日，中国宣布，将把外国人移动支付的交易限额提高五倍，以此来加大力度解决国际游客面临的支付难题。Zhang Qingsong, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, said it will guide major payment institutions like Alipay to raise the single transaction limit of mobile payment for foreigners in China from $1,000 to $5,000 and lift the annual cumulative transaction limit from $10,000 to $50,000.中国人民银行副行长张庆松表示，将指导支付宝等主要支付机构将外国人在华移动支付单笔交易限额从1000美元提高到5000美元，并提高年度累计交易限额从10,000美元到50,000美元。Also to facilitate foreigners' mobile payments in China, Zhang said at a news conference on Friday that the central bank will support payment institutions to enable foreign users to more efficiently link their mobile payment accounts with foreign bank cards and streamline identity authentication procedures.张庆松在周五的新闻发布会上表示，为了便利外国人在中国的移动支付，央行将推动支付应用允许外国用户将移动支付账户与外国银行卡关联，并简化身份认证程序。The move comes as China intensifies efforts to tackle payment difficulties faced by some foreign visitors who rely on bank cards or cash for payment, whereas mobile payment prevails in China.当下移动支付盛行，中国正在加大力度解决部分外国游客因依赖银行卡或现金支付所面临的支付困难。The central bank has been addressing the issue by facilitating foreign visitors' bank card payments in large transactions, promoting their mobile payment via QR codes in small amounts, and guaranteeing cash payment as the last resort.央行一直在致力于这一问题的解决，为外国游客大额交易银行卡支付提供便利，推广二维码小额移动支付，并保障现金支付作为最后手段。Data from the central bank showed that nearly 4 million foreign visitors used mobile payment in China last year and made more than 70 million transactions with a total value of more than 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion).央行的数据显示，去年有近400万外国游客在中国使用移动支付，并进行了超过7000万笔交易，总价值超过100亿元人民币。Zhang said a guideline, which was approved by the State Council, China's Cabinet, on Feb 23 and will be published soon, promotes the acceptance of foreign bank cards, guarantees the use of cash, improves mobile payment convenience and optimizes account services.张庆松表示，2月23日，中国国务院即将发布已批准的指导意见，推动境外银行卡受理，保障现金使用，提高移动支付便利性，优化账户服务。He added that the PBOC, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will establish a cross-departmental collaboration mechanism to implement the guideline.他补充道，中国人民银行将会同国家发展改革委、交通运输部、商务部、文化和旅游部建立跨部门协作机制，落实好《意见》。Shi Zeyi, head of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's international exchange and cooperation bureau, said the country will continue to provide offline, manned ticketing services at tourist attractions and optimize foreign tourists' online and offline payment experiences.文化和旅游部国际交流合作局局长石泽一表示，国家将继续在旅游景区提供线下人工售票服务，优化外国游客线上线下支付体验。China's inbound tourism has recovered as the country saw 3.23 million inbound travelers during this year's Spring Festival holiday, the ministry's data showed.旅游部数据显示，今年春节期间，中国入境旅游已恢复至323万人次。Liu Chunsheng, an associate professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said China's efforts to make mobile payment services more convenient will improve foreigners' experiences here as mobile payment has become a "daily necessity" in many cases. "This is also a sign that China is devoted to opening its market wider after the COVID-19 pandemic, providing the world with more business opportunities," Liu said.中央财经大学副教授刘春生表示，移动支付在很多情况下已成为日常生活必需品，中国所做的努力将改善外国人在中国的体验。不难看出，新冠疫情以后，中国一直致力于扩大市场开放，为世界提供更多商机。The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference, held in December, stressed the need to make it easy for foreigners to do business, study and travel in China.12月召开的中央经济工作会议强调，要为外国人来华经商、留学、旅游提供便利。quintuple 英/kwɪnˈtjuː.pəl/ 美/kwɪnˈtuː.pəl/v. 是原来的五倍inbound travelers入境旅游者

The Shenzhou XVII crew conducted their second spacewalk outside the Tiangong space station on Saturday, completing the first repair operation by Chinese astronauts, according to the China Manned Space Agency.据中国载人航天局称，2024年3月2日，神舟17号宇航员在天宫空间站外进行了第二次太空行走，完成了中国宇航员的首次修复操作。The agency said in a news release that mission commander Senior Colonel Tang Hongbo and crew member Lieutenant Colonel Jiang Xinlin returned to the Wentian science module at 1:32 pm after floating for nearly eight hours outside the colossal orbital station. The third crew member, Lieutenant Colonel Tang Shengjie, stayed inside Tiangong to provide support, it said.中国航天局在一份新闻稿中说，在巨大的轨道站外漂浮了近8个小时后，任务指挥官汤洪波大校和机组成员江新林中校于下午1点32分返回了问天实验舱。报道称，第三名机组人员唐胜杰中校留在天宫号内部提供支持。With the cooperation and assistance from ground controllers and the space station's robotic arm, the team completed all their assigned tasks, the agency said.在地面控制人员和空间站机械臂的配合和协助下，该团队完成了所有分配的任务。It was the 15th spacewalk carried out by Chinese astronauts.这是中国宇航员进行的第15次太空行走。During the spacewalk, Tang Hongbo and Jiang repaired damage to parts on the Tianhe core module's solar wings that was caused by tiny space debris. After the repairs, the wings resumed normal operations, the release said.在太空行走过程中，汤洪波和江新林修复了天河核心舱太阳翼因微小空间碎片造成的部件损坏。机翼恢复了正常运行。The duo also checked the condition of the space station's external structure, it noted.两人还检查了空间站外部结构的状况。The spacewalk was the third for Tang Hongbo, who is also the first person to return to the Tiangong space station.这次太空行走是汤洪波的第三次太空行走，他也是第一个返回天宫空间站的人。Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said extravehicular repair operations are sophisticated and challenging.《航天知识》杂志主编王亚男表示，舱外维修工作既复杂又具有挑战性。"Repair operation is a very important task for astronauts during their stay inside a space station, because it is vital to fix broken parts so as to avoid safety hazards," he said. "During a repair task, astronauts need to cooperate with each other and ground controllers and usually need the assistance of robotic arms, and they must be familiar with required procedures and maneuvers."他说：“维修作业是宇航员在空间站停留期间的一项非常重要的任务，因为修复损坏的部件以避免安全隐患至关重要。在维修任务中，宇航员需要与地面控制人员合作，通常需要机械臂的帮助，他们必须熟悉所需的程序和操作。”According to Wang, solar wings are most susceptible to external damage, because they are large and thin, making them fragile when hit by space junk.王亚男说，太阳能机翼最容易受到外部损坏，因为它们又大又薄，在被太空垃圾撞击时很脆弱。The Shenzhou XVII astronauts, who are the sixth crew to inhabit the Tiangong space station, arrived at the colossal flying outpost on Oct 26 to take over from their peers in the Shenzhou XVI mission.10月26日，神舟17号的宇航员接替神舟16号的任务，他们是第6批居住在天宫空间站的宇航员，抵达这个巨大的飞行前哨。The crew performed their first spacewalk on Dec 21, completing a host of tasks including carrying out test repairs.12月21日，宇航员进行了首次太空行走，完成了包括测试维修在内的一系列任务。They are scheduled to wrap up their spaceflight at the end of April and will hand over the Tiangong space station to the Shenzhou XVIII crew before returning to Earth.按计划，他们将在4月底结束太空飞行，并在返回地球之前将天宫空间站移交给神舟18号机组人员。wrapv.包，裹，包装；用（手臂、指头或腿）围紧，用……绕住space junk太空垃圾

China's policymakers pledged on Thursday to further invigorate the economy, prevent and defuse risks and improve social expectations as they deliberated on the draft of the Government Work Report before the opening of the national legislature's annual session next week.The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Party's core leadership, highlighted at a meeting the need to build up the momentum of the nation's economic recovery and make sustained efforts to push for the quality and reasonable growth of the economy.The meeting was presided over by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.The draft of the report, which set out priorities for the central government's work this year, will be reviewed by national lawmakers during the upcoming second session of the 14th National People's Congress, which is due to open on Tuesday.The report was also deliberated in February at a plenary session of the State Council, China's Cabinet.Premier Li Qiang also presided over a meeting in January to solicit opinions from experts, business leaders and representatives from sectors such as education, scientific research, culture, health and sports on a draft of the report.The policymakers underscored on Thursday China's accomplishments over the past year, highlighting the challenges posed by a complex international landscape and the substantial tasks of reform, development and stability.The nation has navigated external pressures and internal difficulties, making concerted efforts to achieve a stable transitioning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, securing economic recovery and substantial progress in high-quality development, said a statement issued after the meeting.Official statistics showed that China's GDP expanded 5.2 percent year-on-year in 2023 to 126.06 trillion yuan ($17.53 trillion), surpassing the government's preset annual growth target of around 5 percent.The nation created 12.44 million new jobs last year, with its surveyed unemployment rate in urban areas standing at 5.2 percent.With this year marking the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China and being a critical year for fulfilling the goals set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the policymakers emphasized accelerated steps to foster a new development pattern, advance high-quality development and further deepen reform and opening-up.They also called for steps to work toward a high level of self-reliance in science and technology, bolster macro regulation and coordinate measures in boosting domestic demand and deepening supply-side structural reform.The government's proactive fiscal policy must be moderately intensified toward greater quality and efficiency, while the nation's prudent monetary policy should be flexible, moderate, precise and effective, the policymakers said.The meeting highlighted the necessity to maintain the consistency of macroeconomic policy orientations to create a stable, transparent, and predictable policy environment.The nation must vigorously promote the construction of a modern industrial system and accelerate the development of new productive forces, which feature high technology, high efficiency and high quality, and are aligned with the country's new development philosophy, the policymakers stressed.More steps will be taken to boost domestic demand, deepen reform, expand high-level opening-up, and effectively prevent and defuse risks in key sectors, they added.The meeting reiterated the nation's commitment to work related to farmers, the agricultural sector and rural areas, saying that rural vitalization and urban-rural integration must be advanced.The nation will continue to bolster its efforts in building an ecological civilization and pushing forward green and low-carbon development, the policymakers said. They also underscored the need to continue improving the public's well-being and innovating social governance.It is important to strengthen the government's self-improvement, combat formalism and bureaucracy, and strive to fulfill the economic and social development goals for the year, they added.Reporter: Xu Wei

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Wednesday that the city's economy is set to grow this year by around 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent, while the outlook for 2025 to 2028 is an average expansion of 3.2 percent.2月28日，香港财政司司长陈茂波表示，今年香港经济预计增长2.5%至3.5%左右，而2025年至2028年有望平均增长3.2%。Chan announced the expected growth figures as he delivered the special administrative region's 2024-25 budget. Last year, the city's economy grew 3.2 percent.陈茂波在提交特别行政区2024-2025年度财政预算案时公布了预期增长数字。去年，全市经济增长3.2%。While Hong Kong's economic development will be sustained and solid in the medium term, the SAR government will implement a comprehensive fiscal consolidation program to contain operating expenditure growth and increase revenue as the city has incurred four budget deficits over the past five financial years.尽管中期看来香港经济发展将持续稳健，特区政府仍将实施全面的财政整顿计划，以遏制营运开支增长并增加收入，因为香港在过去五个财政年度已出现四次财政赤字。He said that Hong Kong's anticipated economic growth would take place amid "the gradual revival in global demand, the anticipated progressive declines in interest rates in the United States and the euro area, and the country's focus on promoting high-quality development".陈茂波表示，当下全球需求逐步复苏，美国和欧元区利率预期逐步下降，国家大力重点推动高质量发展，这都将推动香港实现预期的经济增长。Amid the subdued economic environment, the SAR government revised its forecast consolidated deficit for the 2023-24 financial year to HK$101.6 billion ($13 billion), 86 percent higher than the figure forecast by Chan last February. Meanwhile, the city's fiscal reserves are expected to fall to HK$733.2 billion by the end of March this year, from HK$834.7 billion in the previous year.在经济环境低迷的情况下，特区政府将2023-2024财年综合赤字预测修订为1,016亿港元，比他去年2月预测的数字高出86%。与此同时，预计到今年3月底，香港的财政储备将从去年的8,347亿港元降至7,332亿港元。For the 2024-25 financial year, the administration forecasts another budget deficit of HK$48.1 billion after taking account of bond issuance proceeds, and fiscal reserves will decrease to HK$685.1 billion by the end of March 2025. Total government expenditure and revenue for the year are estimated to be HK$776.9 billion and HK$633 billion, respectively.在2024-2025财年，政府预计将发债所得款项计算在内，财政赤字将再达481亿港元，财政储备将于2025年3月底减少至6,851亿港元。 全年政府开支及收入总额预计分别为7,769亿港元和6,330亿港元。"I welcome the budget's fiscal consolidation program, which focuses on restoring fiscal balance while fully taking into account the financial constraints of the public and businesses," said Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.香港特别行政区行政长官李家超表示：“我支持预算案的财政整顿计划，这次计划的重点是恢复政府财政平衡，同时充分考虑公众和企业面临的经济难题”。Tan Yueheng, a member of the Legislative Council, said, "The budget strikes an appropriate balance between considering people's livelihood expenditure and supporting development momentum, embodies the dual combination of proactive government and an efficient market, and also takes into consideration the long-term sustainability of public finance".立法会议员谭粤恒表示，预算案在考虑民生支出和支持发展动力之间取得了适当的平衡，体现了政府积极主动和市场有效的双重结合，也考虑到了公共财政长远发展的可持续性”。Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Steve Chuang said that amid challenges such as the fiscal deficit, an uncertain external environment and high interest costs, Hong Kong should "adhere to the prudent public finance principle of living within our means, while continuing to invest in innovative technologies and new industries and support small and medium-sized enterprises, reflecting the government's flexibility in financial management".香港工业总会主席庄志天表示，面对财政赤字、外围环境不明朗及利息成本高企等因素构成的挑战下，香港应坚持量入为出的审慎的公共财政策略，同时继续投资创新科技和新兴产业，支持中小企业，保证政府财政管理的灵活性。Finance Secretary Chan added that while budget deficits in recent years have limited the government's space in introducing relief measures, he understood the problems faced by some residents, so some of these measures will be maintained but on a reduced scale.财政司司长陈茂波补充道，虽然近年的财政赤字限制了政府推出纾困措施的空间，但他理解部分居民面临的问题，因此会保留部分措施，但规模会有所缩减。Another prominent measure in the budget is that, starting from Wednesday, property purchasers do not need to pay special stamp duty, buyer stamp duty or new residential stamp duty when buying residential properties in Hong Kong.预算案中的另一项重要措施是，从2月28日开始，购房者在香港购买住宅物业时无需缴纳特别印花税、买方印花税或新住宅印花税。The SAR government will also issue HK$120 billion worth of bonds in 2024-25 to enhance financial inclusiveness and public participation in infrastructure and sustainable development.特区政府将在2024-2025财年再次发行1,200亿港元债券，以提升金融普惠性以及增加公众对基建和可持续发展的参与度。fiscal consolidation财政整顿public participation公众参与financial inclusiveness金融普惠性

Senior Colonel Tang Hongbo ended his 216th day in orbit on Tuesday, extending his lead as the Chinese astronaut to have spent the longest time in space.2024年2月27日，汤洪波大校结束了他在轨道上的第216天，成为中国在太空中停留时间最长的人。The 48-year-old from Hunan province is a member of China's second generation of astronauts and mission commander of the ongoing Shenzhou XVII mission. He is also the first person to have returned to China's Tiangong space station.这位48岁的湖南人是中国第二代航天员，是正在进行的神舟十七号任务的指挥官，也是第一个返回中国天宫空间站的人。Tang made his first journey into space in June 2021, on the three-month Shenzhou XII mission, becoming one of the space station's first inhabitants.汤洪波于2021年6月首次进入太空，执行了为期三个月的神舟十二号任务，成为空间站的首批居民之一。During that mission, he spent 92 days and four hours in orbit.在那次任务中，他在轨道上待了92天4小时。On Oct 26, Tang and two crewmates, Lieutenant Colonel Tang Shengjie and Lieutenant Colonel Jiang Xinlin, set out on the Shenzhou XVII mission, arriving at the Tiangong station that afternoon.10月26日，汤洪波和两名队友唐胜杰、江新林出发执行神舟十七号任务，并于当天下午抵达天宫站。By noon on Monday, Tang Hongbo's current mission had lasted 123 days, taking his total time in orbit to 215 days.截至2024年2月26日中午，汤洪波目前的任务已经持续了123天，他在轨道上的总时间为215天。That meant he surpassed Chen Dong, who previously held the record for the longest time in-orbit for a Chinese astronaut after spending a total of 214 days and 15 hours in orbit on two space missions.这意味着他超越了陈冬。此前陈冬保持了中国宇航员在轨道上停留时间最长的记录，在两次太空任务中，共在轨道上停留了214天15小时。The Shenzhou XVII mission crew is scheduled to spend over two more months in orbit, which means Tang Hongbo will return to Earth having clocked about 280 days of orbital flight.神舟十七号任务人员计划在轨道上再呆两个多月，这意味着汤洪波将在完成约280天的轨道飞行后返回地球。He has also made two space flights within the shortest interval — two years and one month — of any Chinese astronaut.他还完成了两次太空飞行，这是中国宇航员中间隔时间最短的一次——两年零一个月。Twenty Chinese astronauts have been in space on 12 space flights.在12次太空飞行中已经有20名中国宇航员进入太空。Among them, Tang Hongbo, Chen Dong and Jing Haipeng — the first Chinese astronaut with four spaceflights — each have more than 200 hours in orbit.其中，汤洪波、陈冬和景海鹏——中国首位进行过四次太空飞行的宇航员——每人在轨道上飞行了200小时以上。Oleg Dmitriyevich Kononenko, a 59-year-old Russian cosmonaut, boasts the longest time in space of any astronaut in the world. He has accumulated more than 900 days in orbit during his five flights to the International Space Station, including his current one-year flight.现年59岁的俄罗斯宇航员奥列格·德米特里耶维奇·科诺年科(Oleg Dmitriyevich Kononenko)自称是世界上在太空停留时间最长的宇航员。在5次飞往国际空间站的任务中，他已经在轨道上累计了900多天，包括这次为期一年的飞行。Orbitn.（环绕地球、太阳等运行的）轨道Boastv.有（值得自豪的东西）；吹嘘，夸耀

The number of passenger flights allowed to be operated by Chinese airlines between China and the United States is set to increase from next month, in the latest step taken to boost direct flight connectivity between the two countries.从2024年3月开始，中国航空公司允许运营的中美客运航班数量将增加，这是促进两国直航互联互通的最新举措。The US Department of Transportation said on Monday that from March 31, Chinese carriers could operate a total of 50 round-trip passenger flights a week, up from the current 35.2024年2月26日，美国交通部(Department of Transportation)表示，从3月31日起，中国航空公司将从目前的每周35架次增加到每周50架次往返客运航班。The move "is a significant step forward in further normalization of the US-China market in anticipation of the Summer 2024 traffic season", the department said in a statement.该部门在一份声明中表示，此举“是在2024年夏季交通旺季之前，美中市场进一步正常化的重要一步”。The increase comes months after President Xi Jinping met with US President Joe Biden in San Francisco in November last year.继去年11月习近平总书记和美国总统拜登在旧金山会晤的数月后，出现了这一增长。During the meeting, the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation in various fields, including significantly increasing flights between the two countries.在会晤中，两国领导人同意在各领域加强对话与合作，包括大幅增加两国之间的航班。China and the US have been working to increase the number of passenger flights between the two countries, after it fell sharply following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 中国和美国一直在努力增加两国间的客运航班数量，此前新冠肺炎疫情爆发后，两国间的客运航班数量急剧下降。In May 2023, the US Department of Transportation allowed Chinese carriers to operate 12 round-trip passenger flights per week. The number was then increased several times, till it reached 35 in November.2023年5月，美国交通部允许中国航空公司每周运营12个往返客运航班。之后，这个数字又增加了几倍，直到11月达到了35个。The latest increase to 50 will bring the market to nearly one-third of pre-pandemic levels, according to Reuters, which said more than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were allowed by each side before the pandemic hit.据路透社(Reuters)报道，最新的50次增长将使市场达到疫情前水平的近三分之一。路透社表示，疫情爆发前，双方每周允许往返客运航班超过150架次。China has called for joint efforts with the US to support and encourage people-to-people exchanges.中方呼吁与美方共同努力，支持和鼓励双方人与人的交流。It has also taken a series of measures to attract foreign travelers, including those from the US, over the past months.在过去的几个月里，中国还采取了一系列措施来吸引包括美国游客在内的外国游客。Last month, the Chinese embassy and consulates-general in the US simplified the documents which applicants for a tourist visa are required to submit.上个月，中国驻美国大使馆和总领事馆简化了申请旅游签证所需提交的文件。bilateraladj.双边的dialoguen. 对话

A media center was put into use on Tuesday in Beijing, ready to serve the influx of international reporters who will cover the upcoming annual two sessions of the nation's top legislative and political advisory bodies.2024年2月27日，北京的一个媒体中心于投入使用，为报道即将到来的“两会”的国际记者们做好了服务的准备。The two sessions — the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the second session of the 14th National People's Congress — will open on March 4 and 5, respectively.两会——中国人民政治协商会议第十四届全国委员会第二次会议和第十四届全国人民代表大会第二次会议将分别于3月4日和5日开幕。The center, at the Media Center Hotel in Beijing, said in a news release on Tuesday that over 3,000 reporters have registered to cover the event, including about 1,000 from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and abroad.位于北京媒体中心酒店的新闻中心在周二的一份新闻稿中说，已经有3000多名记者注册报道这次活动，其中包括约1000名来自香港、澳门、台湾和国外的记者。The center said it is equipped with a news conference hall and several interview rooms, which news outlets are welcome to use.该中心表示，它配备了一个新闻发布厅和几个采访室，欢迎新闻媒体使用。"Digital versions of the main conference documents will be provided to journalists, eliminating the need for media reporters to wait in long queues on-site to collect them," the release said, adding that venues will also be available for conducting interviews at the hotels where NPC deputies and members of the CPPCC National Committee stay.“主要会议文件的电子版将提供给记者，不再需要媒体记者在现场排队领取，”公告称，还将提供在全国人大代表和全国政协委员下榻的酒店进行采访的场所。Shortly after the media center opened on Tuesday morning, correspondents and videographers, including those from Hong Kong Cable Television and Phoenix Satellite Television, streamed into the center for a glimpse of the venue and exchanged contact information with peers.周二上午，媒体中心开放后不久，包括香港有线电视(Hong Kong Cable Television)和凤凰卫视(Phoenix Satellite Television)的记者和摄像师涌入中心，一睹会场，并与同行交换了联系信息。A staff member at the center, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak with the media, said his colleagues had handled a number of phone calls from foreign reporters who sought help with registration or requested additional information about the two sessions.该中心的一名工作人员说，他的同事接了很多外国记者的电话，他们寻求帮助登记，或要求提供有关两会的更多信息。由于无权接受媒体采访，他要求不具名。"Journalists typically want more information than what is officially available," he said.他说：“记者通常希望获得比官方提供的更多的信息。”The multimedia hall on the second floor has been repurposed into a news conference hall, with more than 150 seats facing a podium with eight chairs and a blue background. At the back of the hall, stands have been set up for videographers.二楼的多媒体大厅被改造成新闻发布会大厅，150多个座位面对着一个有8把椅子和蓝色背景的讲台。在大厅的后面，为摄像人员设置了看台。Free refreshments such as cake and coffee were available in the media center's cafeteria. At this year's two sessions, media access for in-person interviews and on-site reporting will be fully restored to pre-pandemic levels.媒体中心的自助餐厅提供免费的点心，如蛋糕和咖啡。在今年的两会上，媒体面对面采访和现场报道的机会将完全恢复到疫情前的水平。Workers mopped the floors while others tested scanning machines at security checkpoints and erected glass-front display counters to be filled with commemorative stamps and postcards issued by China Post.工作人员在拖地，其他人在安检点测试扫描仪，并在玻璃柜台上摆放中国邮政发行的纪念邮票和明信片。A TV correspondent from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who only gave her name as Emily and worked with a laptop in the cafeteria after completing some footage, said it is her first time to cover the two sessions. "Not many reporters have shown up yet," she said, "but maybe in just a few days, the place will be packed."来自香港特别行政区的电视记者艾米丽(Emily)说，这是她第一次报道两会。在完成了一些镜头后，她在食堂用笔记本电脑工作。“到目前为止还没有很多记者来，”她说，“但也许几天后，这个地方就会挤满人。”Sessionsn.会议correspondentn.通讯员

Sienna Stoneking, a freshman at Muscatine High School in the US state of Iowa, could not conceal her excitement when recalling her first trip to China, which she made last month with the encouragement of President Xi Jinping."If anyone is thinking of taking a trip there, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and go for it!" she said.More than 20 students from the high school, including Stoneking, participated in an exchange visit to Beijing, Shanghai and Hebei province from Jan 24 to 30.After wrapping up their tour of China, the students wrote a letter to Xi, sharing their joy during the trip and thanking him for the invitation."More than ever now, this trip motivated me to take a deeper dive into the culture, and someday I hope to become fluent (in Mandarin) and take many more trips," Stoneking said.Xi replied to the young US visitors on Saturday, the Chinese Lantern Festival, which marked the first full moon of the Year of the Dragon. Xi also sent them New Year cards.In his reply, Xi noted that Lantern Festival has long been an important moment for the Chinese people to express their hope for a better life.He extended holiday wishes to the teachers and students of the school, and encouraged more US youths to come to China for exchanges and study.The young visitors became the first group of United States high school students to visit China under a program that aims to invite 50,000 young people from the US to go to China in the next five years for exchanges and study. Xi announced the program in San Francisco in November during his visit to the US.Xi welcomed the school's students to be part of the program when he replied last month to Sarah Lande, one of his "old friends" from Iowa. Lande had hosted Xi in the Iowa city of Muscatine when Xi first visited the US in 1985 as a county-level official from Hebei province.When the US students arrived in Beijing, one of their gifts to Xi was a school flag written with Chinese characters .The students' letter addressed to Xi featured beautifully written Chinese characters as well as vividly hand-painted dragon, Great Wall and giant panda depictions.In his reply on Saturday, Xi said he was happy that the students had visited several Chinese cities, where they saw pandas, tasted Chinese delicacies, experienced Chinese culture and had a lot of fun.Learning that the US students had made many Chinese friends during the trip and had invited them to visit their hometown in the US, Xi said he was touched by their friendship.Stoneking told China Daily: "I feel honored to have the opportunity to communicate with President Xi Jinping. It's still so shocking to me the connection we share with China."She added that she and a classmate "agreed that if we were given the chance to go to college there, we would take a plane in a heartbeat".Dan Stein, chairman of the Muscatine-China Initiatives Committee and a native of Muscatine, accompanied the students for much of the China trip."It was the first time for the students to leave the United States or, for a lot of them, even to travel on an airplane," he said."It's one thing to see in a video or on TV about another country. But to go there firsthand and taste the food and see the sights and smell the air, feel the culture, I think that was what the trip accomplished," he said."I'm hopeful that we can continue to have more exchanges. And at the same time, we want more Chinese people to also come visit us in the US so they can see the same thing and feel it firsthand," he added.'Seeing is believing'In 1985, Xi visited Muscatine as secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhengding county committee in Hebei province.In his reply letter on Saturday, Xi cited a Chinese saying that "seeing is believing", noting that the warm and friendly people he met in the US in 1985 left an indelible impression.Likewise, it is believed that through this exchange visit, the students can gain a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of China and the Chinese people, Xi said.Xi encouraged the Muscatine High School students to revisit China, and he encouraged more young people from the US to come to China for exchanges and study.He added that they can get firsthand experience of the real China in a multidimensional and comprehensive manner, foster genuine friendship with Chinese youths, and learn from one another so that they can jointly contribute to a stronger friendship between the people of the two countries.The students visited Beijing Zoo to see giant pandas and listened to briefings about wildlife protection. While in Beijing, they also joined local high school students at a cultural experience center to learn about traditional Chinese medicine and the evolution of Chinese characters, and they tried on Peking Opera costumes.During their trip to Shijia­zhuang, the provincial capital of Hebei, they toured Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School, tried the Chinese folk art of paper-cutting, and made dumplings together with their Chinese peers."All of

Zong Qinghou, the founder and chairman of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, China's leading beverage manufacturer, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.中国领先的饮料制造商杭州娃哈哈集团创始人兼董事长宗庆后于周日去世，享年79岁。As one of the most respected representatives of China's first generation of entrepreneurs since the country embarked on reform and opening-up in 1978, Zong's down-to-earth style and innovative spirit greatly impressed the public.作为1978年改革开放以来中国第一代企业家中最受尊敬的代表之一，宗庆后的脚踏实地的作风和创新精神给世人留下了深刻的印象。Experts said Zong's rags-to-riches life story will surely inspire more Chinese entrepreneurs to focus on the real economy and run their businesses in a pragmatic and steady manner.专家表示，宗庆后白手起家的人生故事必将激励更多中国企业家聚焦实体经济，务实稳健地经营企业。Born in 1945 in Suqian, Jiangsu province, Zong took over a small grocery store at a school in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in 1987, and worked as a distributor of soft drinks and popsicles for children.宗庆后1945年出生于江苏宿迁，1987年接管了浙江杭州一所学校的一家小杂货店，从事儿童软饮料和冰棍经销。In 1989, he founded Hangzhou Wahaha Nutritional Food Factory, which became Hangzhou Wahaha Group two years later after the acquisition of a local canned food factory on the verge of bankruptcy.1989年，他创办了杭州娃哈哈营养食品厂，两年后收购了当地一家濒临破产的罐头厂，成为杭州娃哈哈集团。In 1996, Zong launched Wahaha AD calcium milk, which became a great hit with Chinese consumers.1996年，宗庆后推出娃哈哈AD钙奶，受到中国消费者的欢迎。The company's products now cover more than 200 categories, including purified water, milk and yogurt drinks, carbonated drinks, fruit and vegetable juice, tea and coffee drinks, with its sales revenue reaching 51.2 billion yuan ($7.1 billion) in 2022. It has nearly 30,000 employees and 81 production bases nationwide.该公司产品目前涵盖纯净水、牛奶及酸奶饮料、碳酸饮料、果蔬汁、茶和咖啡饮料等200多个品类，2022年销售收入达到512亿元人民币。全国81个生产基地，雇佣 3万名员工。As one of the most iconic figures in Chinese business history, Zong was ranked as the country's richest person in 2010, 2012 and 2013 by business magazine Forbes.作为中国商业史上最具标志性的人物之一，宗庆后在2010年、2012年和2013年先后被商业杂志《福布斯》评为中国首富。However, Zong led a simple and thrifty life. He lived frugally, and it was common to see him dressed in a white shirt and black cloth shoes. He once said, "I am an ordinary person, but luckily I was born in such an era." He said that Wahaha would not exist without reform and opening-up.然而，宗庆后却过着简朴节俭的生活。他生活俭朴，经常看到他穿着白衬衫和黑布鞋。他曾说过：“我是一个普通人，但幸运的是我出生在这样一个时代，没有改革开放就没有娃哈哈。“He said that Chinese entrepreneurs should fulfill their social responsibilities, and create wealth for the people, adding that they should create more employment opportunities and participate in public welfare activities, contributing to the country's economic and social development.他表示，中国企业家要履行社会责任，为人民创造财富，创造更多就业机会，参与公益活动，为国家经济社会发展作出贡献。Zong was a deputy to the 10th, 11th and 12th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.宗庆后是中国最高立法机关第十届、第十一届和第十二届全国人民代表大会代表。Pan Helin, co-director of the Digital Economy and Financial Innovation Research Center at Zhejiang University's International Business School, said, "As a representative of the first generation of Chinese entrepreneurs after the start of reform and opening-up, Zong always focused on the real economy and was not involved in finance and property."浙江大学国际商学院数字经济与金融创新研究中心联席主任盘和林表示：“作为改革开放后第一代中国企业家的代表，宗庆后始终关注实体经济，不涉足金融、地产。”Zong turned a small drinks business into a beverage conglomerate, and his down-to-earth entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance and courage to face difficulties will encourage further generations of Chinese entrepreneurs to expand their businesses step by step, Pan said.宗庆后将一家小型饮料企业发展成为饮料集团，他脚踏实地的创业精神、坚忍不拔的毅力和迎难而上的勇气，将激励一代又一代的中国企业家一步步拓展事业。Guo Tao, deputy head of the China Electronic Commerce Expert Service Center, said Zong's deep understanding and insightfulness regarding the real economy not only laid a solid foundation for the company's development, but also made a contribution to the development of China's manufacturing sector. Moreover, Zong attached great importance to technological innovation, which was conducive to ensuring the quality and diversity of Wahaha's products in a highly competitive market, and providing strong impetus to the company's sustainable growth, Guo said. "Zong's management philosophy has set an example for the development of China's private economy."中国电子商务专家服务中心副主任郭涛认为，宗庆后对实体经济的深刻理解和洞察不仅为公司的发展奠定了坚实的基础，也为中国制造业的发展做出了贡献。此外，他高度重视技术创新，有利于在激烈的市场竞争中保证娃哈哈产品的质量和多样性，为公司的可持续发展提供强劲动力，宗庆后的管理理念为中国民营经济的发展树立了榜样。rags-to-richesadj. 白手起家的down-to-earthadj. 脚踏实地的；接地气的

The emergence of text-to-video artificial intelligence technology has the potential to revolutionize advertising, movie trailers and short video industries, as Sora, a new AI model developed by US-based AI research company OpenAI — creator of chatbot ChatGPT — has recently become a global sensation, experts said.美国人工智能研究公司OpenAI，即聊天机器人ChatGPT的创建者，开发的新人工智能模型Sora最近引起了全球轰动。对此，专家表示文生视频人工智能技术的出现有可能彻底改变广告、电影预告片和短视频行业。They added the multimodal large language model, which possesses the ability to generate high-resolution video clips based on given text prompts, is an undeniable future development direction for generative AI, and will inject strong impetus into a new round of industrial development.专家补充道，多模态大语言模型能根据给定的文本提示生成高分辨率视频片段。不可否认，这将是生成式人工智能未来的发展方向，会为新一轮产业发展注入强劲动力。Chinese tech firms should pool more resources into accumulating more training data, improving computing capacities and cultivating talent in the field of AI-powered video generation models, said industry observers.行业观察人士表示，中国科技公司应集中更多资源来积累更多训练数据、提高计算能力并培养人工智能视频生成模型领域的人才。AI-related stocks continued to rally in the A-share market, with Chinese cloud video solution providers Hangzhou Arcvideo Technology Co Ltd and BizConf Telecom Co Ltd seeing their shares surge by the daily limit of 20 percent on the Shanghai bourse's STAR Market on Tuesday.A股市场人工智能相关股票继续上涨，中国云视频解决方案提供商杭州虹视科技有限公司和会畅通讯有限公司的股价周二在上海证券交易所科创板涨停，涨幅达20%。Sora can generate videos up to a minute long while maintaining visual quality and adherence to user prompts, OpenAI said. It is able to generate complex scenes with multiple characters, specific types of motion, and accurate details of the subject and background. The model understands not only what the user has asked for in the prompt, but also how those things exist in the physical world.OpenAI表示，Sora可以生成长达一分钟的视频，能按照用户输入的提示产出视频并确保视频质量。它能够生成包含多个角色、特定类型的运动的复杂场景，并能准确展示主体和背景的细节。该模型不仅能理解用户在提示中提出的要求，还了解这些东西在物理世界中的存在方式。Liu Xingliang, director of the Beijing-based Data Center of China Internet, a research institute specializing in the internet industry, said Sora is undoubtedly a major breakthrough for AI.专门研究互联网行业的研究机构中国互联网数据中心主任刘兴亮表示，Sora无疑是人工智能的重大突破。"It not only demonstrates AI's advanced ability to understand and create complex visual content, but also brings about unprecedented opportunities and challenges for content creation, entertainment and film and television production industries. The video-generation model will help video content creators to turn their ideas into reality at a faster speed and at a lower cost, and offer audiences richer and more diverse visual experiences," Liu said, adding that AI is expected to play a more important role in all aspects of human lives in the future.刘兴亮表示，Sora不仅展示了人工智能理解和创建复杂视觉内容的先进能力，也为内容创作、娱乐和影视制作行业带来了前所未有的机遇和挑战。视频生成模型将帮助视频内容创作者转变想法，人工智能未来有望在人类生活的各个方面发挥更重要的作用。He said with advancements in AI technology, traditional film and TV production processes along with related business models will likely be reshaped, but it does not necessarily mean the demise of legacy industries, and more efforts are needed to explore new artistic forms and expression methods by integrating AI technology.他表示，随着人工智能技术的进步，传统影视制作流程以及相关商业模式可能会被重塑，但这并不一定意味着传统产业的消亡，还需要更多努力实现人工智能技术与已有技术融合，探索新的艺术形式和表现方式。Chinese AI firms have stepped up the push to expand their presence in the AI video generation sector. Cloudwalk Technology said it has a layout in text-to-image and text-to-video multimodal LLMs and launched a digital human generation platform, while Sumavision said it has invested heavily in video content production, and will continue to explore AI-generated content technology.中国人工智能公司努力扩大在人工智能视频生成领域的影响力。云从科技表示在文生图像、文生视频多模态大模型领域有所布局，并推出了数字人生成平台，而Sumavision则表示在视频内容制作上投入了大量资金，并将继续探索AI生成内容技术。Pan Helin, co-director of the Digital Economy and Financial Innovation Research Center at Zhejiang University's International Business School, said as a disruptive technology and milestone in AI progress, Sora will improve the efficiency of video creation, and have an impact on short-video editing and advertising industries.浙江大学国际商学院数字经济与金融创新研究中心联席主任盘和林表示，Sora作为颠覆性技术和人工智能进步的里程碑，将提高视频创作效率，并对短视频产生影响编辑和广告行业。"Talent, data and computing power are key to video generation models," Pan said, adding the process of developing such models necessitates higher requirements for computing capacity, algorithms and high-quality data, and more efforts are required to bolster the circulation of data elements.盘和林表示，人才、数据和算力是视频生成模型的关键。模型的开发过程对计算能力、算法和高质量数据提出了更高的要求，需要加大力度促进数据的流通。Meanwhile, the use of text-to-video AI models raises concerns about ethics, copyright protection, personal privacy leakage and data security, experts said. How to ensure the authenticity and transparency of the content has become an important issue, and more efforts are needed to formulate rules and regulations to ensure the healthy development of such technology.与此同时，专家表示，文生视频人工智能模型应用引起了人们对道德、版权保护、个人隐私泄露和数据安全的担忧。如何保证内容的真实性和透明度成为重要问题，还需要加大力度制定规章制度来保证此类技术的健康发展。Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese cyb

China's domestically developed single-aisle passenger jet C919 netted 40 new orders from Xizang Airlines at the opening day of the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday, while its debut at an overseas air show signals the model's official entry into the global civil aircraft market, said an industry expert.2024年2月20日，在新加坡航展开幕日，中国自主研发的单通道客机C919从西藏航空获得了40架新订单，同时这也是它在海外航展上的首次亮相。一位行业专家表示，这标志着该机型正式进入全球民用飞机市场， Xizang Airlines, a regional carrier based at Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, signed a deal with Commercial Aircraft Corp of China for 40 C919 aircraft in the plateau variant. The variant meets transportation requirements in high-altitude areas by shortening the fuselage and featuring high-altitude modifications.西藏航空是一家位于西藏自治区拉萨市贡嘎机场的区域性航空公司，与中国商用飞机股份有限公司签署了40架C919高原变型客机的协议。这种变体通过缩短机身和高原改造来满足高原地区的运输需求。"The C919 aircraft participated in an overseas air show for the first time, promoting its global sales. We hope that the model will gain new orders from overseas carriers," said Lin Zhijie, a civil aviation industry analyst.民航业分析师林智杰称：“C919飞机首次参加海外航展，将推动其全球销售。我们希望该机型能从海外航空公司那里获得新订单，”So far, the C919, comparable with the narrow-body Airbus A320 and the Boeing B737 series, has netted more than 1,100 orders from home and abroad. Two C919 and three ARJ21 regional aircraft made their debut at the Singapore Airshow.迄今为止，与窄体空客A320和波音B737系列相当的C919已从国内外获得了1100多架订单。两架C919和三架ARJ21支线客机在新加坡航展上首次亮相。As the global air travel market continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the C919 is expected to meet growing travel demand and break the market duopoly of Boeing and Airbus.随着全球航空市场从新冠疫情中持续复苏，C919有望满足不断增长的旅行需求，打破波音和空客的市场双头垄断。Xizang Airlines also signed an agreement with COMAC, the aircraft's manufacturer, for an order of 10 ARJ21 jetliners in the plateau variant.西藏航空还与C919的制造商中国商飞签署了一项协议，订购10架ARJ21高原变型喷气式客机。The ARJ21 is China's first home-developed regional passenger jet, and the plateau variant has good crosswind resistance at high-altitude airports.ARJ21是中国首架自主研发的区域性喷气式客机，其高原变型在高海拔机场具有良好的侧风阻力。Currently, more than 110 ARJ21 aircraft are in commercial operation, with most operating at regional airports.目前，超过110架ARJ21飞机在商业运营中，其中大多数在区域性机场运营。Meanwhile, Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group signed an order with COMAC for six ARJ21 aircraft.与此同时，河南民航发展投资有限公司与中国商飞签署了6架ARJ21飞机的订单。Airports located at an altitude above 1,500 meters and below 2,438 meters are considered high-altitude, and those at 2,438 meters and above are ultra-high-altitude airports. Such airports face significant difficulties due to the high altitude and sparse oxygen.海拔在1500米以上、2438米以下的机场被视为高海拔机场，而海拔在2438米以上的机场则为超高海拔机场。这类机场由于海拔高、氧气稀薄而面临重大困难。High-altitude airports are mainly in China, Nepal, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Among the top 10 airports with the highest altitudes worldwide, China has eight, according to industry reports.高海拔机场主要分布在中国、尼泊尔、秘鲁、玻利维亚和厄瓜多尔。根据行业报告，在全球海拔最高的10个机场中，中国有8个。The C919's high-altitude variant has 140 to 160 seats, and its takeoff and landing performance meets the requirements of all ultra-high-altitude airports in China. The regular C919 passenger jet has 158 to 192 seats and a flying range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers, COMAC said.C919的高原变型有140至160个座位，其起降性能满足中国所有超高海拔机场的要求。常规C919客机有158至192个座位，航程为4075至5555公里，中国商飞表示。"China boasts the world's biggest demand for high-altitude planes. The C919's plateau variant has a smaller passenger capacity, shorter fuselage and lighter weight. Corresponding modifications have been made to the engine and the oxygen system," Lin said. "The plateau variant is of great significance for meeting the travel demand of passengers in high-altitude regions of China," he added.林智杰称：“中国对高原飞机的需求居世界首位。C919的高原变型载客量较小、机身较短、重量较轻，对发动机和氧气系统进行了相应的改造。高原变型对于满足中国高原地区旅客的出行需求具有重要意义。” The Civil Aviation Administration of China has been implementing an initiative to better integrate regional connectivity with the trunk air travel market during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period.在“十四五”（2021-2025年）期间，中国民用航空局一直在实施一项举措，以更好地将区域连通性与干线航空旅行市场相结合。"China should further promote the development of the regional aviation market and launch more regional routes, and build a group of specialized and scaled regional carriers," said Li Guijin, a professor at the Beijing-based Civil Aviation Management Institute of China.“中国应进一步推动区域航空市场的发展，开辟更多的区域航线，并建设一批专业化、规模化的区域航空公司，”中国民航管理学院的李晓津教授说。The C919 aircraft made its first commercial flight in May 2023. So far, four C919 jets have been put into commercial operations by Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines and they have handled more than 110,000 passenger trips.C919飞机于2023年5月进行了首次商业飞行。迄今为止，总部位于上海的中国东方航空已将四架C919飞机投入商业运营，处理了超过11万人次的旅客出行。All four C919 planes were put into operation during the Spring Festival travel rush, which started on Jan 26 and will conclude on Mar 5.这四架C919飞机均在春运期间投入运营，春运从1月26日开始，将持续至3月5日。The planes operate on regular round-trip routes connecting Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing Daxing international airports, as well as Shanghai Hongqiao an

China reiterated on Monday its determination to persist with the key strategy of reform and opening-up in order to address the risks and challenges faced on its development path, as a key meeting set the tone for the overall deepening of reforms this year.President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark when presiding over the fourth meeting of the central commission for deepening overall reform of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which he heads.It was stressed at the meeting that China will continue to work on reform measures to expand domestic demand, boost confidence, ensure the public's well-being and fend off risks, according to a statement released after the meeting.Efforts should be focused on resolving the most crucial and pressing issues through reforms to remove barriers hindering the smooth advancement of Chinese modernization, it said.It was agreed at the meeting that this year's primary task is to plan for further steps to advance the overall deepening of reforms.Efforts must be made to fully mobilize enthusiasm for reform throughout society, further consolidate the consensus on reform and rally the entire Party and the whole nation to carry forward and complete major reform tasks, the meeting said.The meeting reviewed and adopted guidelines regarding land administration system reform, promoting the overall green transition of China's socioeconomic development, enhancing the grassroots emergency management capacity, and accelerating the formation of fundamental systems supporting comprehensive innovation.Xi said at the meeting that a land administration system that can better coordinate macro policies with regional development should be established in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the allocation of land resources.Noting that the comprehensive green transition of socioeconomic development is the fundamental strategy for addressing issues relating to resources, the environment and the ecology, Xi underscored the importance of making coordinated efforts to reduce carbon emissions, reduce pollution, expand green areas and promote economic growth.The concept of green development must be considered during the whole process of socioeconomic development, he said.Xi added that it is necessary to enhance emergency management capabilities at the primary level to prevent and mitigate major safety risks, so that various disasters and accidents could be handled in a prompt and effective way.Reporter:  Mo JingxiXinhua contributed to this story.

 The generosity US lawmakers have displayed in approving sizable military assistance to Israel — about $32 billion over the past month — is in stark contrast with their stinginess toward Ukraine.美国议员在批准向以色列提供大量军事援助方面表现出的慷慨——过去一个月约 320 亿美元——与他们对乌克兰的吝啬形成鲜明对比。这直接反映在各自的实际情况中。That is directly reflected in the respective situations on the ground. While the Ukrainian forces withdrew from Avdiivka last week, a key town which in recent months had become one of the most fiercely contested battles on the eastern front, because of critical shortages of ammunition, Israel is continuing to carry out large-scale bombing of Rafah, the city on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled. Interestingly, US President Joe Biden tells Tel Aviv enough is enough and Kyiv never to give up.  上周（2024年2月第3周），由于弹药严重短缺，乌克兰军队撤离了阿夫迪夫卡（Avdiivka），这是近几个月来东部战线争夺最激烈的战役之一的关键城镇，而以色列则继续对拉法（Rafah）实施大规模轰炸，这是加沙地带南部边缘的城市，有 140 万巴勒斯坦人逃离。有趣的是，美国总统乔·拜登告诉特拉维夫（TEL AVIV）够了，而告诉基辅（Kyiv）永远不要放弃。It is the moral pressure from the international community over the heavy loss of civilian lives in Gaza that has prompted the Biden administration to fake its discontent at Tel Aviv going too far. Its true intention is that Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu government should take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime chance of the Hamas-led Oct 7 attacks to get things done over the Palestinian question once and for all, while avoiding open conflict with Iran. 正是国际社会因加沙平民大量死亡而施加的道德压力，促使拜登政府假装对特拉维夫做得太过分表示不满。它的真正意图是以色列的本雅明·内塔尼亚胡政府应该利用哈马斯领导的 10 月 7 日袭击这一千载难逢的机会，一劳永逸地解决巴勒斯坦问题，同时避免与伊朗发生公开冲突。The US' aim is for a stronger Israel to help offset the US' withdrawal from the Middle East to a certain extent. Neither the Israeli hostages nor Palestinian civilians have ever been the consideration of Washington or Tel Aviv. 美国的目标是建立一个更强大的以色列，在一定程度上帮助抵消美国从中东的撤军。无论是以色列人质还是巴勒斯坦平民，都从未成为华盛顿或特拉维夫的考虑因素。The US' strong support also provides the Netanyahu government a golden chance to pull through its domestic troubles that would have flared up resulting in its step-down were it not for the crusade it started under the excuse of self-defense and "counterterrorism".美国的强有力支持也为内塔尼亚胡政府提供了一个千载难逢的机会，帮助其摆脱国内困境，否则，如果不是以自卫和“反恐”为借口发动十字军东征，这些困境早就爆发了，导致其下台。In a similar light, it is also too early to predict the Ukrainian forces' withdrawal from Avdiivka represents a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Kyiv can use it as a leverage to prompt the US lawmakers to give a green light to more aid. No wonder Biden directly tied the Ukrainian withdrawal from Avdiivka to the US Congress not approving additional military aid for Ukraine, seeking to make the most from the incident to pass the buck for the Ukraine quagmire to the Republicans. 同样，现在预测乌克兰军队撤出阿夫季夫卡是俄乌冲突的转折点还为时过早，因为基辅可以将其作为杠杆，促使美国议员为提供更多援助开绿灯。难怪拜登直接将乌克兰撤出阿夫迪夫卡与美国国会不批准向乌克兰提供额外军事援助联系起来，试图充分利用这一事件，将乌克兰泥潭的责任推给共和党人。Actually neither the Republicans nor the Democrats would like to see a quick end to the Ukraine crisis as they both want to claim the credit for engineering an end to it under their respective government after winning the upcoming presidential election. 实际上，无论是共和党人还是民主党人，都不希望乌克兰危机迅速结束，因为他们都希望在赢得即将到来的总统选举后，在各自政府的领导下，为结束危机邀功。That being said, until Washington thinks the political value of the Gaza and Ukraine crises have been exhausted, neither one will have a quick end.话虽如此，但在华盛顿认为加沙和乌克兰危机的政治价值被耗尽之前，这两个危机都不会很快结束。Ammunitionn. 弹药Quagmiren. 沼泽地

Spring Festival ended on an uplifting note for the movie market this year as it shattered multiple previous records to become the highest-grossing Chinese New Year holiday in the history of domestic cinema.2024年春节档电影市场迎来了开门红，打破了多项纪录，成为国内电影史上票房最高的春节档。Statistics from the China Film Administration, the nation's top industry regulator, showed that during the holiday period from Feb 10 to Saturday, the country grossed a whopping 8.02 billion yuan ($1.12 billion) from 163 million tickets, surging 18.47 percent and 26.36 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year.中国最高行业监管机构中国电影管理局的统计数据显示，2月10日至2月17日的假期期间，全国1.63亿张门票收入高达80.2亿元人民币（11.2亿美元），与去年同期相比分别飙升18.47%和26.36%。Seizing a lot of attention due to actress-director Jia Ling's weight loss of up to 50 kilograms in one year, YOLO — a comedy recounting Jia's portrayal of an oversized woman striving to become her better self — earned 2.72 billion yuan, topping the festival box-office charts.在喜剧电影《YOLO》中，导演兼演员贾玲饰演的超重角色努力成为更好的自己，一年减重50公斤，电影受到广泛关注，票房收入27.2亿元，位居春节档票房榜首。Pegasus 2, the sequel to a 2019 blockbuster racing film by writer-director Han Han, ranked second at the box office with 2.4 billion yuan. Boonie Bears: Time Twist, the latest installment in the Boonie Bears animated film series, took the third spot with 1.39 billion yuan, and Zhang Yimou's Article 20 ranked fourth with 1.33 billion yuan.由韩寒编剧兼导演的2019年赛车大片的续集《飞驰人生2》以24亿元人民币位居票房第二。《熊出没》动画电影系列的最新作品《熊出没之时空扭曲》以13.9亿元人民币位居第三，张艺谋的《二十条》以13.3亿元人民币位居第四。A report from Maoyan, one of the country's largest ticketing services, revealed that 39.2 percent of the audiences purchased movie tickets while returning to their hometowns or traveling, which was the highest in the past four years.中国最大的票务服务商之一猫眼的一份报告显示，39.2%的观众在回乡或旅游时购买了电影票，为过去四年来的最高值。Additionally, up to 58.9 percent of the total box-office revenue was earned in the third- and fourth-tier cities, the highest in five years.此外，三四线城市占总票房收入的比例高达58.9%，为五年来最高。Despite a total of eight movies opening simultaneously on the first day of the Year of the Dragon, four titles, or half of them, canceled screenings one after another starting on Feb 14, announcing that the screenings would resume at a more suitable time.尽管龙年大一共有八部电影同时上映，但从2月14日开始，有一半电影相继取消放映，并宣布将在更合适的时间恢复放映。Viva La Vida, a moving tale about two lovers fighting severe diseases, was the first to make the unusual decision, followed by Andy Lau-starring The Movie Emperor and the animated film Huang Pi: God of Money on Feb 16, and then another animated feature, Ba Jie, on Feb 17.讲述两个恋人与重病作斗争的感人故事《人生万岁》率先宣布撤档。随后刘德华主演的《红毯先生》和、2月16日上映的动画电影《黄貔：天降财神猫》，以及另一部原本预计2月17日上映的动画电影《八戒之天蓬下界》也做出了同样的决定。News and reviews about the highest-grossing blockbusters and the unprecedented scale of cancellations stirred widespread discussions online, accumulating a total of 46 billion clicks on related topics on the popular social media platform Sina Weibo.票房成绩最高电影的相关新闻和评论层出不穷。前所未有的停播规模也在网上引发了广泛讨论，热门社交媒体平台新浪微博上相关话题的点击量累计达460亿次。Yin Tengyu, a senior analyst with Maoyan's research division, said these instances served as a reminder for Chinese film companies to exercise greater caution when choosing appropriate screening times, as well as assessing whether the themes of the movies align with the holiday atmosphere.猫眼研究部高级分析师尹腾宇表示，这些事件提醒中国电影公司要更加谨慎地选择合适的放映时间以及评估电影主题是否与节日气氛相符。"However, the overall performance of the movie market was quite satisfactory. In addition to the box-office success, the ratings of the festival blockbusters were mostly high," said Yin, adding that the robust start of the Chinese New Year bodes well for the domestic film industry, which is expected to see faster and better recovery.尹腾宇表示：“不过，电影市场的整体表现还算令人满意，除了票房上的成功外，节庆大片的收视率也大多很高，农历新年的强劲开局对电影来说是个好兆头。国内电影产业有望更快更好恢复”。bode well for对...说是好兆头boxoffice票房

China's tourism market showed a better-than-expected performance over the just-ended eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which started on Feb 10.从2月10日起，为期8天春节假期刚刚结束，中国旅游市场表现好于预期。Some overseas destinations also offered goodwill gestures and created a festive atmosphere for Chinese travelers, and Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, has officially been listed as a United Nations floating holiday starting this year, which means UN bodies are encouraged to avoid holding meetings on that day.一些海外热门景点也纷纷释放善意，为中国游客营造了节日气氛，而从今年开始，春节已被正式列为联合国浮动假期，联合国机构需要尽量避免在春节当天举行会议。The latest figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that traveler numbers as well as tourism-related revenue during the holiday reached record highs, thanks to people's ever-stronger desire to travel, ample market supplies and good tourism policies.文化和旅游部最新数据显示，人民群众旅游意愿不断增强、市场供给充足和旅游政策大力推动，节日期间出游人次和旅游收入创历史新高。The ministry said on Sunday that the domestic tourism market saw 474 million trips during the holiday, up 34.3 percent year-on-year. The number marked a 19 percent increase compared with the same holiday period in 2019.旅游部周日表示，长假期间国内旅游市场接待游客4.74亿人次，同比增长34.3%。与2019年同期假期相比增加了19%。Domestic tourism-related revenue reached 632.69 billion yuan ($87.95 billion) during the holiday, a striking increase of 47.3 percent year-on-year and 7.7 percent growth from the same holiday period in 2019.假期期间国内旅游相关收入达到6326.9亿元人民币（合879.5亿美元），同比增长47.3%，较2019年同期增长7.7%。"I haven't seen so many people jammed in alleys! The food stores and stands along the alley were crowded with people, and I felt like I was floating with the crowds rather than walking by myself," said Lin Jieyi, a 29-year-old who visited Changsha, Hunan province, with her husband during the holiday.29岁的林杰伊在假期期间和丈夫一起去了湖南长沙，她表示：“我从没见过这么多人挤在巷子里！巷子里的食品店和摊位都挤满了人，我感觉自己只能跟着人潮移动，脚也不听使唤了”。"I love the city, which is filled with a festive atmosphere. The food here is very delicious, and I almost stuffed myself with rice noodles, pork cooked with peppers, and milk tea every day," she added.她补充道：“我喜欢这座充满节日气氛的城市。这里的食物非常美味，我每天都在炫辣椒猪肉米粉、喝奶茶”。Xiao Peng, a researcher with travel portal Qunar, said that the longer holiday this year — it usually lasts seven days in other years — made tourism-focused trips a more popular choice among the Chinese.旅游门户网站去哪儿网的研究员肖鹏表示，往年春节假期通常为7天，今年假期较长，更多中国人选择出门旅行。Southern destinations with warmer climate or tropical views, such as Kunming, Yunnan province, and Sanya, Hainan province, remained top choices for tourists, according to travel agencies. Return-flight tickets in economy class departing Sanya were sold out early, leaving only tickets in business or first class.据旅行社称，气候温暖或拥有热带景观的南方旅游景点，如云南省昆明市和海南省三亚市，仍然是游客的首选。三亚出发的返程经济舱机票早早售空，只剩下公务舱或头等舱机票。Tuniu, another travel portal, said that destinations and museums with a rich cultural atmosphere or those highlighting cultural elements of the dragon were favored by travelers marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.另一家旅游门户网站途牛表示，龙年伊始，文化氛围浓郁或突出龙文化元素的旅游景点和博物馆受到旅客的青睐。In addition, some northern destinations with snow and ice views also proved popular during the holiday. Among them, Harbin Ice-Snow World in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang received 329,000 visits from Feb 10 to Wednesday — the first five days of the holiday — with the traveler number marking a surge of 115 percent from the previous year, according to Harbin's culture and tourism bureau.此外，一些北方的冰雪旅游城市也在春节期间广受欢迎。据哈尔滨市文旅局介绍，2月10日至2月15日（前五天），黑龙江哈尔滨冰雪大世界共接待游客32.9万人次，同比增长115%。In addition to the prosperous domestic tourism, the inbound and outbound tourism market also delivered a surprisingly good performance during the holiday. The Culture and Tourism Ministry said that around 3.6 million overseas trips were made during the holiday, while the Chinese mainland received about 3.23 million visits from overseas travelers.除了国内旅游繁荣之外，假期期间出入境旅游市场也呈现出令人意外的好表现。文化和旅游部表示，长假期间出国旅游人数约360万人次，其中内地接待海外游客约323万人次。A total of 13.52 million inbound and outbound trips were made during the holiday, marking a nearly threefold increase from the holiday period last year, according to the National Immigration Administration.据国家移民管理局统计，假期期间，全国出入境旅游1352万人次，比去年假期增长近3倍。Travel portal Trip.com Group said that among the top 10 overseas destinations, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia were the biggest winners, with total bookings to the three destinations marking growth of over 30 percent at the group's platform, thanks to their visa-free policies for Chinese travelers.旅游门户携程集团表示，十大出境旅游目的地中，新加坡、泰国和马来西亚是最大赢家，受益于对于中国游客的免签政策，这三个目的地的总预订量增长超过30%。Some festive celebrations and folk shows such as lion dancing, traditional Han costume shows and Chinese cuisine shows were organized at overseas destinations like Bangkok and Paris during the holiday, allowing Chinese travelers and local residents to become immersed in cultural ambience.假期期间，曼谷、巴黎等海外目的地举办了舞狮、汉服表演、中国美食表演等节庆庆典和民俗表演，让中国游客和当地居民沉浸在文化氛围中。Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, said that the industry's performance over the holiday exceeded expectation

For the Chinese people, the eternal theme of the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, remains family reunion, yet an increasing number of Chinese are choosing to integrate travel into their holiday traditions.The change was seen this year as the Spring Festival holiday spanned eight days -- possibly nine with a flexible one-day paid leave -- surpassing the usual one-week holiday in previous years.According to data released Saturday by Chinese travel website Mafengwo, Monday and Tuesday saw peak travel activity."We made a random decision to drive to the historic city of Datong (in northern China) on Monday but were surprised to see a large number of tourists. Local hotel chains are almost always full, and restaurants almost always have a waiting line," said a tourist surnamed Li.NEW TRENDS IN DOMESTIC TOURISMAccording to Mafengwo, family travel accounted for 45 percent of all trips during the holiday, reflecting a trend that young people return home for family reunions before embarking on trips with their families, taking advantage of the extended holiday period.Beijing, Xi'an and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area were among the most popular tourist destinations, said Mafengwo, adding that visiting museums, grottoes, temples and other historical and cultural places was another highlight of this year's Spring Festival travel after temple fairs and folk activities.A report by travel portal Tuniu.com showed an emerging trend for cross-regional travel between the northern and southern parts of the country during the holiday.Harbin, capital of northeastern Heilongjiang province, maintained its growing popularity among people from the South who are eager to explore an ice-and-snow world, while tropical cities such as Sanya, Xishuangbanna, and Beihai remained favored destinations for northlanders seeking winter getaways.SURGING OUTBOUND TOURISMData from multiple online travel platforms showed that on the first day of the eight-day holiday, outbound travel bookings already surpassed the 2019 figure, with Southeast Asian countries, particularly those with visa-free policies for Chinese nationals, emerging as red-hot destinations.From Feb 10 to 13, bookings for hotels in Bangkok tripled year on year, while reservations for Singaporean hotels reported a stunning growth of 800 percent, according to the travel platform LY.com.Several European destinations have introduced unique strategies to attract Chinese tourists. A Michelin-starred restaurant in downtown London has launched a menu specially designed for the Year of the Loong (Dragon), while a railway for the well-known scenic spot Jungfrau in Switzerland has been decorated with Chinese elements to greet Chinese tourists between Feb 8 and 20.With a substantial rise in outbound tourism, this holiday is projected to see a daily port clearance of 1.8 million people nationwide, more than triple that of the previous year and nearly reaching the level of 2019, according to the National Immigration Administration.According to a market forecast by Ctrip, a leading travel platform in China, the eight-day holiday would mark the country's first travel rush of the year, with a notable increase in international travel being one of the highlights."Destinations in Southeast Asia have continued to gain traction as many in China opted for the region for an escape from the winter season," said Gao Tao, from Tuniu. "The tourism industry has gone through a rough patch in the past three years due to the pandemic. But it is now poised for a growth spurt, particularly in outbound tourism."In 2023, China saw its outbound passenger trips exceed 87 million, and this figure is projected to reach 130 million in 2024, according to a paper published by the China Tourism Academy.UPWARD MOMENTUMExperts believe that the revved-up Spring Festival tourism consumption heralds an upward momentum in the tourism sector in 2024.In a recent report, the China Tourism Academy estimated that over 6 billion domestic trips will be made in 2024, and the total number of inbound and outbound travelers is expected to exceed 260 million."With the recovery of the economy, the resumption of international flights and the relaxation of visa policies, it is expected that the scale of domestic tourism consumption will continue to grow in 2024, and the scale of outbound tourism will be comprehensively advanced," said Qi Chunguang, vice president of Tuniu.

China is launching a campaign targeting production safety accidents in coal mines following a newly enacted administrative regulation focused on the problem.中国正在开展一场针对煤矿生产安全事故的运动，此前刚刚颁布了一项针对这一问题的行政法规。The regulation was passed at the executive meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet, last December and will be implemented in May.该条例于2023年12月在国务院常务会议上通过，将于2024年5月实施。Huang Jinsheng, head of the National Mine Safety Administration, said at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office on Sunday that coal mining, a traditionally high-risk industry, has always been a priority for production safety officials.2024年2月4日，国家矿山安全监察局局长黄锦生在国务院新闻办举行的新闻发布会上表示，煤矿作为传统的高危行业，一直是生产安全官员的首要关注点。He emphasized that as the nation seeks to further its socioeconomic development, there have been outstanding issues in coal mine production, such as the "inadequate implementation of safety production responsibilities, incomplete investigations, lax oversight of risks and hidden dangers, and an imperfect management system".他强调，随着国家寻求进一步的社会经济发展，煤矿生产中存在一些突出问题，如“安全生产责任制落实不到位、调查不全面、风险监管松懈、隐患多、管理制度不完善”等。The latest regulation was formulated against this backdrop, said Huang, noting that it's a foundational regulation in mining production safety, comprehensively summarizing the results of safety work in the field in recent years.黄锦生说，该条例就是在此背景下制定的。它是煤矿安全生产的基础性法规，全面总结了近年来该领域安全工作的成果。"The adoption of the regulation will help further implement the primary responsibility of coal mine enterprises in terms of safety production, and further strengthen supervision and monitoring responsibilities," he said.他说：“该条例的通过将有助于进一步落实煤矿企业在安全生产方面的主体责任，进一步加强监督和监测责任。” Production accidents in coal mines across the country have occurred frequently in recent times.近期，全国各地煤矿生产事故频发。In November, there was a major gas explosion at a coal mine in Heilongjiang province. The following month in Heilongjiang, there was an underground mine cart accident at another mine. The combined accidents resulted in 23 deaths and 13 injuries.11月，黑龙江省一煤矿发生重大瓦斯爆炸事故。12月，黑龙江另一煤矿发生井下矿车事故。两起事故共造成23人死亡，13人受伤。Also last month, another explosion happened at a coal mine in Henan province, causing 16 fatalities.就在上个月，河南省一煤矿又发生爆炸事故，造成16人死亡。According to the nation's chief mining production regulator, the regulation clearly stipulates that coal mine production should prioritize people's lives and property, adhering to the principle of "safety first".据国家煤矿生产监管部门负责人介绍，该条例明确规定，煤矿生产应当优先保障人民群众生命财产安全，坚持“安全第一”的原则。The regulation requires coal mine enterprises to regularly conduct safety inspections of their mines, marking the first time the relationship between coal mine enterprises and mines has been explicitly defined in administrative regulations.该条例要求煤矿企业定期对所属煤矿进行安全检查，这是行政法规中首次明确界定煤矿企业与煤矿之间的关系。The regulation also specifically demands that governments at the county level and above supervise and inspect coal mine enterprises, especially front-line production workplaces, said Huang, stressing that doing so increases the accountability of government officials.黄锦生说，该条例还特别要求县级以上政府监督和检查煤矿企业，特别是一线生产场所，这样做提高了政府官员的责任感。It's worth noting some local governments have allowed mines lacking safety guarantees to operate to ensure coal production and supply. Some grassroots governments "turn a blind eye" to illegal activities in coal mines within their jurisdictions, "even providing protection", according to another senior mining supervision official.值得注意的是，一些地方政府允许缺乏安全保障的矿山继续运营，以确保煤炭的生产和供应。另一位高级矿业监管官员表示，一些基层政府对辖区内煤矿的非法活动“视而不见”，“甚至提供保护”。Zhou Dechang, deputy head of the NMSA, underscored that safety must come first before ensuring coal production and supply.国家矿山安全监察局副局长周德昶强调，在确保煤炭生产和供应之前，安全必须放在首位。"They (local governments) cannot knowingly allow mines with significant safety risks to operate without shutting them down. Once a production safety accident occurs, ensuring coal mine production and supply is not an excuse to evade accident responsibility," he said.周德昶表示：“他们（地方政府）不能明知矿山存在重大安全隐患而允许其继续运营而不关闭。一旦发生生产安全事故，确保煤矿生产和供应并不是逃避事故责任的借口。”"Those who are directly responsible must be held accountable, and those suspected of illegal crimes should be transferred to judicial authorities for criminal prosecution."“对直接负责的人员必须追究责任，对涉嫌违法犯罪的人员应当移送司法机关追究刑事责任。”Some local coal mine enterprises prefer to pay the relatively low cost of the fines rather than comply with the law, production regulators said.生产监管部门表示，一些地方煤矿企业宁愿支付相对较低的罚款，也不愿遵守法律，。Xue Jianguang, director for policy and regulation at the NMSA, said penalties imposed by previous laws and regulations were too light.国家矿山安全监察局政策法规处处长薛剑光表示，此前法律法规规定的处罚过轻。To address this, the regulation further increases the cost of illegal activities for enterprises, including raising the minimum amount of fines, Xue said.薛剑光说，为了解决这一问题，该条例进一步增加了企业的违法成本，包括提高罚款的最低数额。"According to China's Production Safety Law, the minimum fines for enterprises involved in minor accidents is 300,000 yuan ($42,100); in relatively big accidents, 1 million yuan; and in major accidents 2 million yuan," he said.

随着龙年临近，龙年的英文翻译又吵上热搜了。目前英语里常用的翻译是The Year of the Dragon，但英语受众看到dragon和我们在脑海里浮现的龙的形象完全不一样。2024 is“The Year of the Dragon” on Chinese lunar calendar, but whether that’s the proper translation of the imaginary animal that’s an iconic symbol of China has aroused heated debate.从神话传说上看，欧美文学家想象中的龙是顶级怪物，拥有堪称天花板的顶级战斗力。双翅一展开就能遮天蔽日，血盆大口一张就能喷出火焰。拥有这种技能的龙往往以恶龙的形象出现，飞沙走石为害人间，也特别喜欢从村民处搜刮财富囤积到洞里。欧洲神话里特别爱描绘这样的龙，风靡世界的神话传说《指环王》里就有条巨龙史矛革身形巨大，甚至由于常年睡在黄金珠宝堆里而给自己覆盖了一身刀枪不入的铠甲。Influenced by Greek mythology, the dragon is the keeper of treasures, so the dragon represents the evil symbol of greed and destruction. In addition to the image of“Saint George slaying the dragon” in the medieval manuscripts of Europe, there is also the Great Red Dragon in the Christian Bible, Book of Revelation, which refers to Satan in the end times.所以欧洲神话中的勇士往往是屠龙者，干掉一条恶龙才能证明自己的实力，在这一过程中也能取得财宝充盈自己的库房，在众望所归中成为一片土地的君王。英格兰《圣乔治与龙》中，恶龙要求人类献祭人做它的食物，英雄圣乔治则拔剑斩杀了恶龙才获得影响力，从而晋位英格兰的守护神。更有甚者，拥有强大力量的英雄一旦受到邪恶力量沾染，自己也会变成龙。日耳曼神话《尼伯龙根的指环》中，王子法夫尼尔就因为贪恋财宝而杀害自己的国王父亲还抢夺兄弟的财物，最终受到宝石诅咒而变成了巨龙，守着自己抢来的财宝过日子去了。还有就是大家喜闻乐见的桥段“屠龙者变成新的巨龙”，总之欧洲神话里的dragon基本上没有好东西。从生物学上来说，欧洲人想象的这种两个翅膀四条腿的dragon更像是一种很高等很罕见的爬行动物。Dragon的头很像蜥蜴，尖牙利爪和皮肤上厚厚的疙瘩鳞片也都能从恐龙和鳄鱼身上找到原型。与中国鲤鱼跳龙门的传说对应，欧洲有些神话本身就把蜥蜴和龙视为近亲。ForEuropeans, dragon is usually a monster keeping distances away from people, a symbol of darkness. With four legs and two huge black wings,they can spit fire or even poison gas out of their mouth, with great destructive power.其实生物学分类本来就把dragon往爬行动物上靠，鸟和龟鳖都是主龙类。听起来吓人，其实就是蜥蜴的后代……就这样的dragon，是怎么跟我们的龙对应上的？这完全不是一回事好嘛。中国神话中的龙也很强大，但其强大不一定在力量，而在于象征着祥瑞、和平与喜气。中国龙是可爱的，当听说叶公喜欢自己时，能从高高的天上降下去拜访这位粉丝；中国龙甚至是需要上班打卡的，四海的龙王都有兴风布雨之责，《西游记》里的泾河龙王因为违反工作纪律还被咔擦了。中国龙的强大，在道而不在力，与dragon不是一条道上的。Contrary to the evil image of European dragons, Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious power, strength, and good luck.They even have jobs with strict disciplines, as in Chinese legends dragons were appointed heads of the four seas where they must keep order, as well as the job of bringing rain to the earth.翻翻历史书，这个乱拉郎配的锅应该谁背已经没法考证了。我们唯一能知道的是，在鸦片战争后英国传教士马礼逊编写的首部英汉汉英字典中，龙就和dragon互译了。他也是首位把基督教圣经翻译成中文的人，在他做的《圣经》中文版中，他把英文中的dragon都翻译成了“龙”。不知道他怎么想的，或许当时他考虑的是中西方传说中最强大的生物互相对应？从那以后，在绝大部分场合龙和dragon都是互译关系。电影《卧虎藏龙》英文名为“Crouching tiger, hidden dragon”。无论如何，dragon和龙字并不直接对应却被直接互译，已经在一定程度上导致了文化误解，毕竟中国龙和西方dragon形象的建构千差万别。误解到什么地步呢？2012年，美国著名经济学家威廉·恩道尔写了本书《目标中国：华盛顿的“屠龙”战略》(Target China: How Washington and Wall Street plan to cage the Asian dragon)，揭露了美国政客是怎么计划“屠”中国这条“龙”的。In 2012, US economist William Engdahl had written a book Target China: How Washington and Wall Street plan to cage the Asian dragon, in which he revealed how US politicians planned to “slay” the Chinese “dragon”.其实在我们的东邻日本，中国龙和西方dragon还不是一个词。日语中有两个概念都跟龙有关，一个概念是从中国传入的两个汉字“龍”或“竜”，另外一个是西方传来的dragon音译“ドラゴン”，有一定混用的情形但总体还是能区分开的。两个汉字又有区分，龍常见于姓名，竜则更倾向于与dragon合流，比如恐龙在日语中写作恐竜而非恐龍。从日语里也能看出，中国龙和西方dragon完全不是一回事。In the Japanese language with a shared cultural ground with China, Western dragon and Chinese loong are written in different characters that mix sometimes but generally are separated.中国大陆以外的场合，也有人在表达时注意区分龙和dragon。上个世纪九十年代曾经火遍经济学界的概念“亚洲四小龙”，英文表述就是”four tigers”而不是“four dragons”。在龙的英文表达问题上我们似乎可以更讲究一些区分。这个区分也有现成的例子可以借鉴。龙的英文音译叫loong，新加坡总理李显龙就叫Lee Hsien Loong，美国功夫巨星李小龙则叫Bruce Lee Siu Loong，loong作为龙的英文是没有问题的，至少比dragon少了许多误解。或许loong取代dragon做中国龙还需要时日，但支持的朋友们不妨先用起来。TheWesternconcept of dragon is not so consistent with the image of Chinese dragon. If you want to express the content related to the Chinese dragon, then you should choose“loong”, saying “Iwas born in the year of the loong” or“Happy theYear of Loong”. 记者：张周项

Beijingers usually have spring pancakes at the start of spring, that’s what they call “a bite of spring”. Spring pancakes are not pancakes in the Western sense made from batter, but more like burritos. Here’s how you eat them like a pro. # ChinasHiddenTreasures

Lost for a century and taking 120 hours to prepare, this hotpot was loved by Empress Dowager Cixi, and is now available to everyone. This video unveils the mask of a long-lost Chinese imperial delicacy—chrysanthemum hotpot. #ChinasHiddenTreasures

Forty minutes from downtown #Beijing, you’ll find the bustling Shahe Market where you can taste mouth-watering local food, find some bargains, and immerse yourself in the lively festive atmosphere of the upcoming Spring Festival. Come and see a different side of Beijing city. #ChinasHiddenTreasures 

After the European Union approved a four-year €50 billion ($53.86 billion) aid package to Ukraine last week, it was widely regarded as only being a matter of time before the US Congress would give the nod to the new military aid that the Joe Biden administration has long demanded for US proxies and allies on various fronts.继上周欧盟批准对乌克兰为期四年、金额达500亿欧元（合3865亿人民币）的援助计划后，人们普遍认为美国国会批准拜登的新军事援助只是时间问题。拜登政府长期以来在各方面都要求美国的代理人和盟友进行此类军事援助。Senators on Sunday released the highly anticipated $118 billion package for Ukraine, Israel and other allies of the United States, which, as demanded by Republicans, is paired with border enforcement policy.2月4日，参议员们公布了备受期待的针对乌克兰、以色列和美国其他盟友的一揽子计划，所需金额高达1180亿美元。按照共和党的要求，该计划与边境执法政策相结合，以推进计划平稳落地。That the Biden administration is required to strengthen federal border control in Texas and other border states, something that many Republicans insist is still not strong enough, was made the prerequisite for the military aid package after days of hard debate showed the extent to which some in the country's divided legislature are willing to take advantage of grave geopolitical situations in various parts of the world to realize their domestic agenda.许多共和党人坚称边境管控力度不够，要求拜登政府加强对得克萨斯州和其他边境州的联邦边境管制，经过几天的激烈辩论后，这一要求变成了军事援助计划的先决条件，这表明美国热衷于利用世界各地严峻的地缘政治局势来实现其国内议程。The aforementioned proposal to make border control a condition for the approval of the military aid package quickly ran into a wall of opposition from top House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson. The Senate was expected this week to hold a key test vote on the legislation, but within hours of the text being released Johnson said on social media that it would be "dead on arrival" if it reaches the House.上述将边境管制作为批准军事援助计划的条件的提议很快遭到了包括议长迈克·约翰逊在内的众议院共和党高层的反对。预计参议院本周将对该法案进行关键的测试投票，但在消息发布数小时后，约翰逊在社交媒体上表示，一旦法案提交至众议院，必将“胎死腹中”。As the US media observed, the coming days will be "a crucial test" of whether congressional leaders can once again muscle their members to support such a package that is designed to assert the US' global commitment, and also shows the country's division on its own woes — only by leveraging bipartisan consensus on geopolitics can the two parties seek to accomplish their interest exchanges.正如美方媒体所言，未来几天将是决定国会领导人能否成功再次动员所有议员，支持这一揽子计划的关键时期。这一揽子计划一方面服务于美国的全球野心，另一方面也显示出了美国国内党派的分裂性。两党只有利用两党地缘政治共识，才能实现利益交换。Thus the worry of some is reasonable that the partisan strife in the country, which will only markedly intensify with the unfolding of the presidential election, will add more uncertainties to the solution of international geopolitical problems, including rising tensions.因此，一些人的担忧是合理的，即随着总统选举的展开，该国的党派斗争只会明显加剧，这将为国际地缘政治问题的解决增加更多的不确定性，局势会更加紧张。The quadrennial political show of the US will overlap with the key stages for development of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle East crisis. Both crises have come to a critical juncture with more parties, such as Islamic State, seeking to take advantage of the conflicts after realizing the US is now preoccupied with its pre-election tussling.美国四年一度的政治秀恰逢俄乌冲突、中东危机关键时期。这两场危机都已到了紧要关头，越来越多的政党，例如伊斯兰国，在意识到美国现在正忙于大选前的角，寻求从冲突中获利。With Washington still resorting to force to assert itself, it is in danger of being played if it continues to divide its focus in this way. This will only propel the global turbulence to an even more acutely dangerous pitch.美国若一直诉诸武力来为自己获取利益，不只徒分心神，最终反而惹火上身。这一结果无疑会将全球动荡推向更加危险的境地。turbulence英 /ˈtɜː.bjə.ləns/ 美 /ˈtɝː.bjə.ləns/n.漩涡tussle英/ˈtʌs.əl/ 美  /ˈtʌs.əl/v. 争执；争辩

China is launching a campaign targeting production safety accidents in coal mines following a newly enacted administrative regulation focused on the problem.中国正在开展一场针对煤矿生产安全事故的运动，此前刚刚颁布了一项针对这一问题的行政法规。The regulation was passed at the executive meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet, last December and will be implemented in May.该条例于2023年12月在国务院常务会议上通过，将于2024年5月实施。Huang Jinsheng, head of the National Mine Safety Administration, said at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office on Sunday that coal mining, a traditionally high-risk industry, has always been a priority for production safety officials.2024年2月4日，国家矿山安全监察局局长黄锦生在国务院新闻办举行的新闻发布会上表示，煤矿作为传统的高危行业，一直是生产安全官员的首要关注点。He emphasized that as the nation seeks to further its socioeconomic development, there have been outstanding issues in coal mine production, such as the "inadequate implementation of safety production responsibilities, incomplete investigations, lax oversight of risks and hidden dangers, and an imperfect management system".他强调，随着国家寻求进一步的社会经济发展，煤矿生产中存在一些突出问题，如“安全生产责任制落实不到位、调查不全面、风险监管松懈、隐患多、管理制度不完善”等。The latest regulation was formulated against this backdrop, said Huang, noting that it's a foundational regulation in mining production safety, comprehensively summarizing the results of safety work in the field in recent years.黄锦生说，该条例就是在此背景下制定的。它是煤矿安全生产的基础性法规，全面总结了近年来该领域安全工作的成果。"The adoption of the regulation will help further implement the primary responsibility of coal mine enterprises in terms of safety production, and further strengthen supervision and monitoring responsibilities," he said.他说：“该条例的通过将有助于进一步落实煤矿企业在安全生产方面的主体责任，进一步加强监督和监测责任。” Production accidents in coal mines across the country have occurred frequently in recent times.近期，全国各地煤矿生产事故频发。In November, there was a major gas explosion at a coal mine in Heilongjiang province. The following month in Heilongjiang, there was an underground mine cart accident at another mine. The combined accidents resulted in 23 deaths and 13 injuries.11月，黑龙江省一煤矿发生重大瓦斯爆炸事故。12月，黑龙江另一煤矿发生井下矿车事故。两起事故共造成23人死亡，13人受伤。Also last month, another explosion happened at a coal mine in Henan province, causing 16 fatalities.就在上个月，河南省一煤矿又发生爆炸事故，造成16人死亡。According to the nation's chief mining production regulator, the regulation clearly stipulates that coal mine production should prioritize people's lives and property, adhering to the principle of "safety first".据国家煤矿生产监管部门负责人介绍，该条例明确规定，煤矿生产应当优先保障人民群众生命财产安全，坚持“安全第一”的原则。The regulation requires coal mine enterprises to regularly conduct safety inspections of their mines, marking the first time the relationship between coal mine enterprises and mines has been explicitly defined in administrative regulations.该条例要求煤矿企业定期对所属煤矿进行安全检查，这是行政法规中首次明确界定煤矿企业与煤矿之间的关系。The regulation also specifically demands that governments at the county level and above supervise and inspect coal mine enterprises, especially front-line production workplaces, said Huang, stressing that doing so increases the accountability of government officials.黄锦生说，该条例还特别要求县级以上政府监督和检查煤矿企业，特别是一线生产场所，这样做提高了政府官员的责任感。It's worth noting some local governments have allowed mines lacking safety guarantees to operate to ensure coal production and supply. Some grassroots governments "turn a blind eye" to illegal activities in coal mines within their jurisdictions, "even providing protection", according to another senior mining supervision official.值得注意的是，一些地方政府允许缺乏安全保障的矿山继续运营，以确保煤炭的生产和供应。另一位高级矿业监管官员表示，一些基层政府对辖区内煤矿的非法活动“视而不见”，“甚至提供保护”。Zhou Dechang, deputy head of the NMSA, underscored that safety must come first before ensuring coal production and supply.国家矿山安全监察局副局长周德昶强调，在确保煤炭生产和供应之前，安全必须放在首位。"They (local governments) cannot knowingly allow mines with significant safety risks to operate without shutting them down. Once a production safety accident occurs, ensuring coal mine production and supply is not an excuse to evade accident responsibility," he said.周德昶表示：“他们（地方政府）不能明知矿山存在重大安全隐患而允许其继续运营而不关闭。一旦发生生产安全事故，确保煤矿生产和供应并不是逃避事故责任的借口。”"Those who are directly responsible must be held accountable, and those suspected of illegal crimes should be transferred to judicial authorities for criminal prosecution."“对直接负责的人员必须追究责任，对涉嫌违法犯罪的人员应当移送司法机关追究刑事责任。”Some local coal mine enterprises prefer to pay the relatively low cost of the fines rather than comply with the law, production regulators said.生产监管部门表示，一些地方煤矿企业宁愿支付相对较低的罚款，也不愿遵守法律，。Xue Jianguang, director for policy and regulation at the NMSA, said penalties imposed by previous laws and regulations were too light.国家矿山安全监察局政策法规处处长薛剑光表示，此前法律法规规定的处罚过轻。To address this, the regulation further increases the cost of illegal activities for enterprises, including raising the minimum amount of fines, Xue said.薛剑光说，为了解决这一问题，该条例进一步增加了企业的违法成本，包括提高罚款的最低数额。"According to China's Production Safety Law, the minimum fines for enterprises involved in minor accidents is 300,000 yuan ($42,100); in relatively big accidents, 1 million yuan; and in major accidents 2 million yuan," he said.

As the Chinese people prepare for family reunions to be held during the upcoming Spring Festival, their most important holiday of the year, President Xi Jinping conveyed messages of good wishes, support and confidence for the Lunar New Year.The messages were extended to Chinese at home and abroad as Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made a two-day fact-finding trip to Tianjin starting on Thursday, during which he surveyed a disaster-hit village, a bustling ancient street and a museum.The practice of visiting grassroots families, long upheld by the nation's top leader, showcases a people-oriented development philosophy and the strong emphasis of the nation's leadership on improving the people's well-being, analysts said.Braving freezing temperatures, Xi visited the village of Diliufu, where farmland was hit by devastating floods in late July and early August.It was the third time that the president has visited the flood-hit households since September, as he highlighted the need to ensure that the families have a warm winter.In the village, Xi spoke with vegetable farmers whose facilities were damaged in August, before sitting down for talks with a family of four generations living under one roof.While expressing his delight at the progress of the village's post-disaster recovery, Xi told the villagers that the Party's central leadership has "made a resolution to improve the livelihood of the people by striving to enhance the construction of water conservancy and flood control projects".The message from the president resonated strongly with the villagers of Diliufu.Zhang Caiyun, a 64-year-old resident, said the president's visit has "given the village a festive atmosphere before the arrival of Spring Festival", which falls on Saturday.She said that for her, the visit was filled with touching moments, as Xi patiently inquired about the villagers' daily lives."I didn't expect that the general secretary would visit and that he would pay such particular attention to matters of our concern," she said.The fact that Xi assured the residents that the nation's top leadership would scale up its investment in water management projects gave a lift to villagers like Zhang.She said the flooding in August hit the village extremely hard, as farmers saw their rice paddies and greenhouses damaged. Part of the flooded farmlands has now been planted with wheat and vegetables, with a majority of the greenhouses already repaired.Du Zixi, an entrepreneur who has invested in a tourism program in Diliufu, said the president not only conveyed warmth to the residents, but also extended confidence to businesses.She said the flooding last year nearly washed away years' worth of her company's investment in the village.As the president delivered assurances that more steps would be taken to improve water management projects for the public's well-being, Du said her company will continue to invest in the village and create more jobs for local residents.Han Qiang, dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that during the trip, the president rallied the public to have "full of confidence" for the new year."Strong confidence is the key to overcoming the difficulties facing the economy. It is also a must for the nation as it navigates through a complex global landscape to secure its second centenary goal," he said. The second centenary goal is to turn China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful by the time the People's Republic of China celebrates its centenary in 2049.Since he was first elected as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in November 2012, Xi has made it a regular practice to visit families ahead of the Lunar New Year, especially rural households and groups with difficulties.Between 2013 and 2022, Xi visited rural families in Gansu, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, Hebei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Shanxi provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region before the festival, underscoring the Party's unwavering commitment to boosting rural development.Families that have been affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods are another priority for Xi when choosing the destinations for his trips ahead of the Lunar New Year.In Shanxi, he visited the home of a family that had been hit by floods in 2021 and learned about their living conditions. In 2018, he visited Yingxiu, a township in Wenchuan county of Sichuan province, which was the epicenter of a major earthquake that killed tens of thousands in 2008.Ma Liang, a professor of public administration at Renmin University of China, said Xi's visits to disaster-hit families before Spring Festival showed the strong level of support from the top leadership when the families needed it the most.The trip to Tianjin again reflected the president's high regard for the people and their well-being, he said."It also sent a messa

A judge in the US state of Delaware voided the $56 billion compensation package of Tesla chief executive Elon Musk on Tuesday, siding with a shareholder who claimed the entrepreneur was overpaid.1月30日，美国特拉华州的一名法官宣布特斯拉首席执行官埃隆·马斯克(Elon Musk)的560亿美元赔偿方案无效，法官和该公司一位股东观点一致，认为这位企业家的薪酬过高。The judge in Delaware Chancery Court ruled that the plaintiff, a Tesla shareholder named Richard Tornetta, was "entitled to rescission", approving the annulment of Musk's 2018 humongous compensation agreement worth as much as $55.8 billion.特拉华州衡平法院法官裁定，原告、特斯拉股东理查德·托内塔（Richard Tornetta）“有权撤销”，批准废除马斯克2018年价值高达558亿美元的巨额赔偿协议。Judge Kathaleen McCormick added that the parties must now "confer" and then submit a joint letter "identifying all issues, including fees, that need to be addressed to bring this matter to a conclusion at the triallevel".凯瑟琳·麦考密克法官补充说，双方现在必须“协商”，然后提交一封联名信，确定需要解决的所有问题，包括费用，以便在审判阶段得出结论。The electric vehicle maker's share price fell more than 3 percent in after-hours trading following the publication of the 200-page ruling. In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after the decision was announced, Musk — currently ranked by Forbes magazine as the world's richest person — wrote, "Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware."在这份长达200页的裁决发布后，这家电动汽车制造商的股价在盘后交易中下跌了3%以上。 在该决定宣布后不久，目前被《福布斯》杂志评为世界首富的马斯克在X（前身为Twitter）上发布的一条消息中写道，“永远不要在特拉华州注册你的公司。”A lawyer for Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 马斯克的律师没有立即回应置评请求。"We are enormously grateful for the court's thorough and extraordinarily well-reasoned decision in turning back the Tesla board's absurdly outsized pay package for Musk," Greg Varallo, who represented the shareholders, said in a statement shared with Agence France-Presse. "The court's hard work will redound directly to the benefit of Tesla investors, who will see the dilution from this gargantuan pay package erased," he added.股东代表格雷格·瓦拉洛(Greg Varallo)在法新社分享的一份声明中表示：“我们非常感谢法院彻底且极其合理的决定，取消了特斯拉董事会向马斯克提供的高得离谱的薪酬方案。法院的辛勤工作将直接回报特斯拉投资者的利益，他们将看到这一巨额薪酬方案所带来的稀释作用被消除”。Musk's 2018 compensation plan was "the largest potential compensation opportunity ever observed in public markets by multiple orders of magnitude", McCormick wrote in her decision.麦考密克在决定中写道，马斯克的2018年薪酬计划是“公开市场上观察到的最大的潜在薪酬机会，增长了多个数量级”。The unusual plan, valued at a maximum of $55.8 billion, would allow Musk to receive Tesla shares in 12 tranches, based on hitting certain performance criteria. Musk was sued, along with Tesla and some other members of the company's board of directors; the case went to trial in 2022.  这项价值最高558亿美元的不寻常计划将允许马斯克根据达到某些业绩标准分12批获得特斯拉股票。马斯克、特斯拉和公司董事会的其他一些成员都被起诉；此案于2022年开庭审理。During his trial in Delaware, Musk told the courtroom that investors "thought we would fail and go bankrupt", at the time the pay deal was approved. "We were in quite a tough position at the time. We were losing a lot of money," he said. "The probability of survival was extremely low."在特拉华州的审判期间，马斯克告诉法庭，在薪酬协议获得批准时，投资者认为我们会失败并破产。当时我们的处境相当艰难，们损失了很多钱，生存的可能性极低。compensation agreement补偿协议

Lifestyle app Xiaohongshu announced on Monday it is encouraging its users to report posts that exaggerate and sensationally promote "untapped destinations" or those that may pose a risk to the public. 2024年1月29日，中国生活方式社交平台小红书宣布，为打击平台上误导性旅游内容，将实施更严格的监管措施。该公司特别针对夸大宣传未开发或潜在风险旅游目的地的帖子采取行动，鼓励用户积极举报此类内容。The app said its staff will act quickly to remove posts that feature inaccurate or misleading information.小红书表示，其审核团队将迅速响应，并删除含有不准确或误导性信息的帖子。Xiaohongshu said sharing travel tips on the platform is acceptable, but misleading content or content designed to attract people to risky areas may cause injury and disturb public order. 该公司强调，用户分享旅行经验和建议是被允许的，但故意误导用户或引诱他们前往存在安全隐患的地方的内容将不被容忍。此举旨在保护用户的人身安全和维护公共秩序。It also reminded users to take good care of their personal safety and to keep away from such destinations as the Spring Festival holiday approaches.小红书特别提醒，随着春节假期的临近，用户要增强安全意识，谨慎选择旅游目的地，避免受到误导性内容的影响。The announcement follows the latest crackdown by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission on Monday. The office announced a monthlong action plan to sort out online problems including the improper sharing of untapped tourism destinations, internet fraud and flaunting wealth.该举措得到了中央网络安全和信息化委员会办公室的支持。中央网信办最近宣布了一项为期一个月的专项行动，旨在整顿网络虚假旅游宣传、网络诈骗等不良网络行为。"It's really necessary to regulate some improper posts, not only on Xiaohongshu, but on other platforms like Sina Weibo, where there is a flood of bombastic information," said Yan Qing, a Xiaohongshu user.小红书用户闫青表示：“确实有必要规范一些不当的帖子，不仅是在小红书上，还包括像新浪微博等其他平台，那里充斥着大量夸大其词的信息。”她提到自己曾受到一篇关于北京郊区时髦咖啡馆的帖子的欺骗。She said she was once hoodwinked by a post about a trendy cafe on the outskirts of Beijing. "I jumped on the bandwagon to visit the cafe posted about by many bloggers on the Xiaohongshu. But what I actually found was the place was in a lonesome village with poor transport. It wasn't as beautiful as it was presented on the platform. I was very disappointed and felt cheated.闫青说：“我跟风去了小红书上许多博主推荐的咖啡馆，但我发现那地方位于一个偏远的村庄，交通不便，并没有平台上展示的那么美丽。我感到非常失望，受到了欺骗。”"I think the new policy Xiaohongshu just announced will benefit users and reduce risks. It will help guide bloggers to judge and weigh their sharing, I think, as reporting their posts will bring damage to their reputations, and reputation means everything to these bloggers," she added.她认为，小红书刚刚宣布的新政策将有利于用户并减少风险。她说：“这将有助于引导博主们审慎判断和权衡他们的分享，因为举报他们的帖子会损害他们的声誉，对于博主来说声誉大过天。”The promotion of places off the beaten track has led to fatal accidents in the past. In August, seven people were killed at a "popular but not well-developed" beauty spot on a river bed in Ya'an, Sichuan province, after it was hit by a flash flood.过去，对非热门景点的宣传曾导致致命事故。去年八月，在四川省雅安的一处“受欢迎但尚未开发完善”的河床景点，突发山洪导致七人死亡。Yao Junchang, co-founder of Beijing Weiheng Law Office, said that bloggers' improper sharing of undeveloped travel destinations or places with high risks may have legal liability, such as for financial compensation, if followers are injured or even killed visiting places they have promoted.北京市炜衡律师事务所联合创始人姚俊昌表示，如果博主分享的未开发或高风险旅游目的地导致粉丝在访问时受伤甚至死亡，博主可能需要承担法律责任，如经济赔偿等。"It's not an absolute situation, however. If bloggers put some warnings like 'this place is not recommended because it's not well developed' with their videos and operators in these places have warnings to avoid any traveling activities, they may have legal exemptions," he said.但他也指出：“情况并非绝对。如果博主在视频中加入了一些警示，比如‘这个地方不推荐，因为它尚未开发完善’，并且这些地方的管理者也发出警告以避免任何旅游活动，他们可能会获得法律豁免。”"All in all, platforms where bloggers upload their posts or videos should review with vigilance and they should take necessary measures such as blocking the posts or videos and sending warnings to users whenever finding visible or obvious dangers in the posts," he added.他补充说：“总的来说，博主上传帖子或视频的平台应该保持警惕并进行审核。一旦发现帖子中存在明显或可见的危险，他们应采取必要措施，如屏蔽帖子或视频，并向用户发出警告。”Untapped destinations未开发的目的地 Internet fraud网络诈骗

While China's northern and southern attractions are in a tight contest to lure travelers during the approaching Spring Festival holiday that runs from Feb 10 to Feb 17, some overseas destinations have also joined the "traveling carnival" by issuing visa-friendly policies and showing goodwill gestures.随着春节假期的临近（2月10日至2月17日），中国南北各大旅游景点正展开激烈竞争，以吸引游客。同时，一些海外目的地也通过发布签证友好政策和展示善意姿态加入了这场“旅游狂欢”。Of the overseas destinations, Singapore and Thailand may be the biggest winners after China recently announced the mutual exemption of visas with these two countries.在众多的海外目的地中，新加坡和泰国可能成为中国近期宣布与这两国互免签证后的最大赢家。Chinese people holding ordinary passports can stay up to 30 days without a visa in Singapore for tourism, family visits and business trips, and the mutual visa-free policies with Singapore will come into effect from Feb 9 — the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The policy with Thailand will take effect from March 1, following a temporary visa-free arrangement currently in effect.持普通护照的中国公民在新加坡旅游、探亲或商务出行时，可享受最长30天的免签停留。与新加坡的互免签证政策将于2月9日，即中国农历新年前夕生效。而与泰国的相关政策将从3月1日开始实施，目前已有临时免签安排。"It's good news and it will be more convenient for us to travel to these Southeast Asian countries in the future. I've booked a four-day trip to Singapore this Spring Festival holiday with my family members and we will depart on Feb 13 — the fourth day of the holiday — after we finish gatherings with relatives," said Liu Lei, a 32-year-old from Huangshan, Anhui province.来自安徽省黄山市的32岁游客刘磊表示：“这是好消息，将来我们去这些东南亚国家旅游会更方便。我已经预订了春节期间与家人前往新加坡的四日游，计划在与亲戚聚会后的2月13日，即假期的第四天出发。”"I did some research online and found Singapore will organize some celebration events during the Chinese Spring Festival holiday like music shows, lantern shows and flower shows. I can't wait to experience the views and cultural atmosphere there," she added.她补充道：“我在网上做了一些研究，发现新加坡在春节期间会举办一些庆祝活动，如音乐表演、灯会和花展。我迫不及待地想体验那里的风景和文化氛围。”Fan Dongxiao, director of travel portal Tuniu's short-distance overseas travel department, said that Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are popular among Chinese travelers and China's mutually friendly visa policies with these destinations will boost outbound tourism. She said that tour products linking these destinations, like five-day tours to Singapore and Malaysia for the Spring Festival holiday, are hot items on the platform.途牛旅游网短途海外旅游部门总监范冬晓表示，新加坡、泰国和马来西亚一直受到中国游客的欢迎，中国与这些目的地之间的友好签证政策将进一步推动出境旅游。她指出，平台上连接这些目的地的旅游产品，如春节假期的五天新加坡和马来西亚之旅，非常受欢迎。Some European countries are also rising as popular choices for Chinese travelers thanks to the increasing numbers of flights, said travel agencies.旅行社表示，由于航班数量不断增加，一些欧洲国家也成为中国游客的热门选择。According to travel portal Qunar, hotel bookings to Russia, Spain, Italy and France for the holiday have seen continuous growth on the platform, and hotel bookings for overseas destinations peaked around Jan 10, while flight bookings peaked at the end of January. The Spring Festival holiday this year will see a consumption boom in tourism in the post-pandemic era, it said.据去哪儿网数据显示，春节期间前往俄罗斯、西班牙、意大利和法国的酒店预订量持续增长，海外目的地的酒店预订量在1月10日左右达到高峰，而航班预订量在1月底达到高峰。今年春节假期将迎来疫情后时代的旅游消费热潮。North European destinations with beautiful snow views and the aurora borealis including Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland are seeing skyrocketing popularity on Qunar because of people's growing passion for winter tourism.由于人们对冬季旅游的热情不断高涨，去哪儿网上北欧目的地，如挪威、芬兰、丹麦和冰岛的受欢迎程度飙升，这些地区拥有美丽的雪景和极光。According to Qunar, searches for distinctive hotels in North European destinations — for example, cabins with dome-like sunroofs in cedar forests — have doubled on the platform as of Jan 22 compared with the previous month, as travelers may have a better experience of appreciating the aurora borealis in these rooms.据去哪儿网数据显示，截至1月22日，平台上北欧目的地特色酒店的搜索量较上月翻了一番，例如松树林中带有圆顶天窗的小屋，因为游客在这些房间里可以更好地欣赏极光。The travel portal said that as of Tuesday, some popular domestic destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai have also seen hotel bookings more than triple year-on-year, and about 70 percent of people who booked tour products on the platform will start their trips from Feb 11 — the second day of the holiday.该旅游网站表示，截至周二，一些国内热门目的地，如北京和上海的酒店预订量也同比增长超过三倍。约70%在平台上预订旅游产品的游客将从2月11日，即假期的第二天开始他们的旅程。Train and flight tickets to these popular destinations sold out within seconds after becoming available to travelers. Economy class flights from Beijing to Xishuangbanna and Shanghai to Dali — two popular destinations in Yunnan province on Feb 8 — a day before New Year's Eve, were already sold out, Qunar said.这些热门目的地的火车和航班机票在开售后数秒内就被抢购一空。去哪儿网表示，2月8日，即除夕前一天，从北京飞往西双版纳、从上海飞往大理这两个云南热门目的地的经济舱航班机票已经售罄。Figures from online travel agency Trip.com Group show bookings for the holiday to Sanya have doubled year-on-year as of mid-January. Bookings to Kunming, with its year-round spring weather, have seen a sixfold surge as of mid-January compared with the previous year, according to the group.携程集团的数据显示，截至1月中旬，春节期间前往三亚的预订量同比增长了一倍。而前往昆明，这个四季如春的目的地的预订量，截至1月中旬与去年同期相比增长了六倍。Visa-waiver Policy互免签证政策 Auroran. 极光

More targeted policies and business potential are expected for the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone this year, to boost foreign trade in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.今年，中国（新疆）自由贸易试验区有望出台更多针对性政策和挖掘商业潜力，以促进新疆维吾尔自治区对外贸易的发展。The regional government expects to make the FTZ a hub for reform and opening-up, where major projects and leading companies are introduced, and innovative measures taken in facilitating investment and trade, Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government, said when delivering the government work report at the opening ceremony of the second session of 14th Xinjiang People's Congress on Tuesday.2024年1月30日，新疆维吾尔自治区政府主席艾尔肯·吐尼亚孜在第十四届新疆人民代表大会第二次会议开幕式上作政府工作报告时表示，自治区政府期望将自贸区打造为改革开放的枢纽，引进重大项目和龙头企业，并采取创新措施促进投资和贸易便利化。The three subzones in Kashgar prefecture, Urumqi and Horgos will implement half of the 129 pilot reforms planned for this year, according to the report.报告指出，喀什地区、乌鲁木齐和霍尔果斯三个片区今年将实施129项计划中的一半试点改革。Xinjiang borders eight countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan, and has the longest borders and most land ports in China.新疆与俄罗斯、哈萨克斯坦、塔吉克斯坦和巴基斯坦等八个国家接壤，拥有中国最长的边境线和最多的陆路口岸。The FTZ, established on Nov 1 last year and covering almost 180 square kilometers, has become a driving force to boost China's opening-up to Central Asia, West Asia and South Asia.自贸区于去年11月1日成立，覆盖面积近180平方公里，已成为推动中国向中亚、西亚和南亚开放的重要力量。Since the unveiling of the Kashgar subzone on Nov 11, a total of 86 companies have registered with an investment of more than 12.59 billion yuan ($1.75 billion), according to Dong Youhua, deputy director of the development and reform commission of Kashgar prefecture, who is also a deputy to the congress.据喀什地区发展和改革委员会副主任、大会代表董有华介绍，自喀什片区于11月11日揭牌以来，已有86家公司在该片区注册，投资超过1259亿元人民币（合17.5亿美元）。A series of innovative modes of operation are underway. Cargo inspected at Kashgar Customs will be able to pass Turgart port directly to avoid a second inspection and improve logistics efficiency from February.一系列创新的运营模式正在进行中。从2月起，喀什海关检验的货物将能够直接通过图尔尕特口岸，以避免二次检验，提高物流效率。Xinjiang's first one-stop exported vehicle industrial park opened in Kashgar on Jan 3. An industrial park built for Kyrgyzstani companies was established in Kashgar. The prefecture also opened cargo flights to Moscow, according to Dong.1月3日，新疆首个一站式汽车出口产业园在喀什开园。喀什还建立了为吉尔吉斯斯坦公司服务的产业园，并开通了至莫斯科的货运航班。Li Yang, deputy general manager of Xinjiang Changxin Electronic Technology, a lighting equipment producer, said the FTZ has helped promote its foreign trade in many ways.新疆长新电子科技有限公司是一家照明设备生产商，其副总经理李阳表示，自贸区在多方面促进了公司的对外贸易。"Before that, we transported goods ourselves. Now we can share the same truck with other companies under the arrangement of the government, so that the logistics cost can be reduced," he said.他说：“在那之前，我们自己负责运输货物。现在，我们可以在政府的安排下与其他公司共用卡车，从而降低物流成本。”The government also helped the company build an overseas warehouse in Kazakhstan in December, so that customers can receive their goods faster at lower prices.政府还帮助该公司在哈萨克斯坦建立了一个海外仓库，于12月投入使用，以便客户能够更快、以更低的价格收到货物。He added the government will also organize trips for companies to visit foreign countries, in which he hopes to participate, so that the company can better know clients' needs.他补充说，政府还将组织企业出国考察，他希望能够参加，以便公司更好地了解客户的需求。Rayhangul Sudan, Party secretary of Kashgar Construction Engineering and a deputy to the congress, said Kashgar's fame increased significantly after the establishment of the FTZ, and many companies came to invest.喀什建工党委书记、大会代表热依汗姑丽·苏坦表示，自贸区成立后，喀什的知名度显著提升，吸引了许多公司前来投资。The group's Hualing international trade market, which is located in the subzone, has attracted about 300 companies, including world-renowned brands. "I've learned that Xinjiang's economy develops very fast. I'm fully confident for the future," she said.该集团位于片区内的华凌国际贸易市场已吸引了约300家公司入驻，包括世界知名品牌。她说：“我了解到新疆的经济发展非常迅速。我对未来充满信心。”Kashgar's foreign trade surged 71.2 percent to reach 83.6 billion yuan last year, contributing 23.4 percent to regional foreign trade, data from Kashgar Customs showed.据喀什海关数据显示，去年喀什对外贸易额激增71.2%，达到836亿元人民币，占地区对外贸易的23.4%。One-Stopn.一站式Surgev. 飙升Hubn.枢纽

Wu Xieyu, a former Peking University student who killed his mother, was executed on Wednesday after China's top court approved his death sentence.2024年1月31日，北京大学毕业生吴谢宇因弑母被执行死刑。此前中国最高人民法院已核准其死刑判决。The execution was carried out by the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court in Fujian province, where Wu was convicted of intentional homicide, fraud and the illegal purchase of identity cards and given the death penalty.吴谢宇因犯故意杀人罪、诈骗罪及非法购买身份证件罪，被福建省福州市中级人民法院判处死刑并执行。The court told Wu, 29, he had the right to apply to meet family members before the execution, but he did not make an application. The execution process supervised by Fuzhou prosecutors.法院已告知现年29岁的吴谢宇在执行死刑前有权申请会见其家属，但他并未提出此类申请。此次执行过程由福州市检察机关监督。According to the Supreme People's Court statement approving the death sentence, Wu, from Fujian, was pessimistic and tried to commit suicide. After his father died of an illness he thought the life of his mother, Xie Tianqin, was meaningless, so he prepared to kill her in early 2015 and bought some items for that purpose.根据中国最高人民法院的死刑核准声明，来自福建的吴谢宇性格悲观，并曾有自杀企图。在其父亲因病去世后，他认为母亲谢天琴的生命已无意义，因此在2015年初就预谋将其杀害，并为此购买了所需物品。On July 10 that year, when Xie arrived home, Wu hit her repeatedly in the head and face with a dumbbell, resulting in her death, and then fled the scene, the statement said.声明指出，2015年7月10日，当谢天琴返回家中时，吴谢宇使用哑铃多次猛烈击打其头部和面部，导致谢天琴死亡，之后他逃离了现场。Previous reports said Wu wrapped his mother's body in layers of bedsheets, plastic sheets and activated carbon bags after the killing.此前的报道称，吴谢宇在杀害母亲后，用多层床单、塑料膜和活性炭包裹其尸体。To cover up the killing, Wu "borrowed" 1.44 million yuan ($201,000) from relatives and friends, telling them he and his mother would need the money when she accompanied him as he traveled overseas to study. In reality, he squandered the money, the top court said.为了掩饰杀人行径，吴谢宇以出国留学需要资金为由，向亲友“借”得144万元人民币（约合20.1万美元）。最高人民法院表示，实际上他将这些钱挥霍殆尽。 He also purchased more than 10 identity cards to hide his real identity and avoid arrest, it added.此外，他还购买了10余张身份证件以掩盖真实身份、逃避法律制裁。The relatives became suspicious when Xie failed to contact them for some time, and they found his mother's body in February 2016 in her faculty dormitory apartment at the Fuzhou middle school where she worked.由于长时间未能与谢天琴取得联系，亲友们开始产生怀疑。2016年2月，他们在谢天琴工作的福州某中学教职工宿舍内发现了她的尸体。Wu was then named as suspect by local police. He was captured in Chongqing in 2019 after being on the run for more than three years.随后，吴谢宇被当地警方列为犯罪嫌疑人。经过三年多的逃亡生涯后，他于2019年在重庆被捕。The Fuzhou court heard Wu's case in late 2020, and handed down the death penalty in August 2021.2020年底，福州市中级人民法院审理了吴谢宇一案，并于2021年8月判处其死刑。In May last year, the Fujian High People's Court upheld the original ruling.2022年5月，福建省高级人民法院维持了原判。In China, a death sentence made by lower courts must be submitted to the top court for review. The sentence can only be carried out after it is approved by the top court.在中国，下级法院作出的死刑判决必须提交至最高人民法院进行复核。只有在最高人民法院核准后，方可执行死刑。On Wednesday, the top court said that Wu's behavior had constituted the crimes of intentional killing and the illegal purchase of ID cards, and the sum of the money involved in the fraud he perpetrated was extremely large.周三，最高人民法院表示，吴谢宇的行为已构成故意杀人罪和非法购买身份证件罪，且其诈骗金额特别巨大。"Wu should be punished, as his killing method was cruel, which seriously violated human ethics and trampled on the public's emotion, with severe negative effects to society," it said.最高人民法院表示：“吴谢宇的杀人手段残忍，严重违背人伦道德，践踏了社会公众的情感，社会影响极其恶劣，应依法予以惩处。”It agreed with the verdicts made and upheld by the lower courts, saying the facts in the case were clear, the evidence was sufficient, the application of the law was correct and the sentencing was appropriate.最高人民法院同意并维持了下级法院作出的裁决，认为该案事实清楚、证据确实充分、定罪准确、量刑适当。Squanderv. 挥霍，浪费Trample v. 践踏

As the Year of the Dragon approaches, sales of products with dragon elements have witnessed explosive growth on major e-commerce platforms, which experts said indicates not only the strong resonance of traditional Chinese culture among consumers, but also the vitality of the nation's consumer market.龙年将至，各大电商平台龙元素产品销量爆发式增长，专家表示，这不仅体现了中国传统文化在消费者中的强烈共鸣，也体现了我国消费市场的活力。Dragon, or long in Chinese, a mythical and auspicious creature that is the fifth animal of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, is considered to be a sacred symbol of good luck, strength and fortune in China. The purchasing frenzy ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival holiday is expected to further shore up consumer confidence and bolster the recovery of consumption, the experts added.龙，一种神秘的吉祥物，是中国十二生肖中的第五位，在中国文化中被认为是好运、力量和财富的神圣象征。专家补充说，春节假期前的抢购狂潮预计将进一步提振消费者信心，促进消费复苏。Data from e-commerce platform JD showed that searches for dragon-related merchandise via its online marketplace have surpassed 23 million since January, with dragon-themed Moutai, commemorative coins and apparel leading the trend.电商平台京东的数据显示，自1月份以来，网上市场上与龙相关的商品搜索量已超过2300万次，其中以龙为主题的茅台酒、纪念币和服饰引领潮流。Since the launch of JD's Spring Festival promotional campaign on Jan 17, the transaction volume of dragon-themed commodities in more than 800 subcategories has soared more than tenfold year-on-year, according to the company.据京东介绍，自1月17日春节促销活动启动以来，800多个小品类的龙主题商品交易额同比猛增十倍以上。It said products with dragon-themed elements, such as car ornaments, household accessories, clothing, daily necessities, alcohol, maternal and infant goods, and gold jewelry have been favored by consumers. Purchases by the post-1990s and post-2000s generations accounted for nearly 55 percent of the total, while consumers in Guangdong province, Beijing, Jiangsu province, Shanghai and Shandong province, in that order, were the top five spenders on dragon-featured items, according to JD.车饰、家居饰品、服装、日用品、酒类、母婴用品、黄金首饰等龙主题产品深受消费者青睐。90后、2000后消费群体占比近55%，龙类商品消费前五位依次为广东省、北京、江苏、上海、山东省。Jason Yu, general manager of Kantar Worldpanel China, a market research provider, said that because the dragon is an important symbol of Chinese traditional culture and is believed to bring good luck, Chinese consumers who buy dragon-themed goods are expressing their hopes for a better life in the new year.市场研究机构凯度消费者指数中国区总经理于杰表示，由于龙是中国传统文化的重要象征，被认为会带来好运，因此购买龙主题商品的中国消费者都表达了对龙的期待。新的一年生活更美好。Yu noted that China's Generation Z shoppers — those born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s — are displaying a heightened sense of national pride and confidence in Chinese culture, and "their pursuit of the Year of the Dragon products has also injected fresh vitality into the inheritance of traditional culture".于杰表示，中国的Z世代购物者（即20世纪90年代中期至2010年代初出生的消费者）表现出高度的民族自豪感和对中国文化的自信，他们对龙年产品的追求也为传统文化传承注入了新鲜活力。Dragon-themed red envelopes, refrigerator magnets, mobile phone cases, underwear and socks have gained popularity among Chinese consumers, according to Taobao, the online marketplace of Chinese tech heavyweight Alibaba Group. Searches for dragon-related products skyrocketed 640-fold year-on-year between Dec 27 and Jan 2 on Taobao, according to the company.据中国科技重量级阿里巴巴集团的在线市场淘宝网称，以龙为主题的红包、冰箱贴、手机壳、内衣和袜子受到中国消费者的欢迎。据该公司称，12月27日至1月2日期间，淘宝上与龙相关的产品搜索量同比猛增640倍。Among the items, gold ornaments with dragon elements saw a 500-fold increase in search volume, while searches for "limited collections for the Year of the Dragon" soared more than thirtyfold compared with the same period last year. More than 30 museums, such as the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Gansu Provincial Museum and the British Museum, have launched over 1,000 limited editions of dragon-related products on Tmall, Alibaba's business-to-customer e-marketplace.其中，带有龙元素的金饰搜索量同比增长500倍，“龙年限量收藏”搜索量较去年同期飙升逾30倍。北京故宫博物院、甘肃省博物馆、大英博物馆等30余家博物馆在阿里巴巴B2C电子市场天猫推出了1000多件限量版龙相关产品。The rich cultural connotations and the good wishes that the dragon carries have not only stimulated people's passion for buying, but also satisfied their rising demand for personalized and creative products with unique cultural symbols, said Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation's e-commerce research institute.中国科学院国际贸易经济合作部电子商务研究所副研究员洪勇表示，龙丰富的文化内涵和美好祝愿不仅激发了人们的购买热情，也满足了人们对具有独特文化符号的个性化、创意产品日益增长的需求。"Spring Festival is the traditional festival that Chinese people attach the most importance to, and it's also a peak season for consumption," Hong said, emphasizing that brands should capitalize on traditional Chinese culture to launch more innovative products.The shopping craze for dragon-related products ahead of Lunar New Year is crucial for expanding domestic demand and promoting the recovery of the consumer market, he added.洪勇表示：“春节是中国人最重视的传统节日，也是消费旺季。品牌要结合中国传统文化，推出更多创新产品。春节前的相关产品对于扩大内需、促进消费市场复苏至关重要”。Lunar New Year春节a peak season for consumption消费旺季

A court ruling that recognized the copyright of an image generated via artificial intelligence, together with other recent cases involving AI, has highlighted the need to regulate the application of the fast-developing technology and triggered public discussion. The ruling made by a Beijing court was included in the capital's annual judicial work report, which Kou Fang, president of the Beijing High People's Court, delivered to the Beijing People's Congress last week.人工智能蓬勃发展，近期涉及人工智能的法律案件也不断增多。北京一家法院在裁定一起此类案件中承认了智能生成图像版权，对于人工智能技术监管的必要性不言而喻，公众也对此进行了讨论。北京市高级人民法院院长寇昉也将该裁决纳入向北京市人大提交的首都年度司法工作报告当中。Kou said the landmark decision by the Beijing Internet Court in late November had set standards and market rules for new technologies.In the first ruling of its kind in China, the court said the picture, generated by the text-to-image software Stable Diffusion, was an artwork under copyright protection because of the originality and intellectual input of its human creator.寇昉表示，北京互联网法院11月底作出的具有里程碑意义的判决，为新技术制定了标准和市场规则。法院表示，这是中国首例此类判决，该图片由文本转图像软件Stable Diffusion生成，拥有人类创作者的原创性和智力投入，因此被判定为成为受版权保护的艺术品。Liu Bin, an intellectual property lawyer at the Beijing Zhongwen Law Firm, said that whether an image or a novel generated by AI can be copyrighted mainly depends on whether the content is filled with creativity or originality, which needs to be analyzed case by case.北京中闻律师事务所知识产权律师刘斌表示，人工智能生成的图像或小说能否获得版权，主要取决于内容是否充满创意或独创性，需要具体情况具体分析。The Beijing lawsuit was initiated in May last year by a man surnamed Li, who used the AI program to create a picture of a young Asian woman and posted it on Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform. Li turned to the internet court after he alleged that a blogger surnamed Liu used the image without his permission in a post on Baijiahao, a Chinese content-sharing platform owned by Baidu, claiming Liu had infringed on his copyright of the picture.北京的这起诉讼是由一名李姓男子于去年5月发起的，他使用人工智能程序创建了一名年轻亚洲女性的照片，并将其发布在中国流行的社交媒体平台小红书上。李某指控一位刘姓博主未经他许可，在百度旗下的中国内容共享平台百家号上发帖使用该图片，并声称刘某侵犯了该图片的版权，因此李某向互联网法院提起诉讼。After hearing the case, the court ruled in favor of Li, identifying his AI-generated image was an artwork, and ordering Liu to make a public apology and pay 500 yuan ($70) to Li in compensation. The judge who heard the case, Zhu Ge, said the ruling was made based on the way that Li had continuously added prompts and repeatedly adjusted the parameters to come up with a picture that reflected his aesthetic choice and personalized judgment.审理此案后，法院做出了对李某有利的判决，认定他的人工智能生成的图像是艺术品，并命令刘某公开道歉并向李某支付500元（70美元）赔偿。审理此案的法官朱阁表示，该作品的生成需要李某不断添加提示、反复调整参数，并且作品反映了其审美选择和个性化判断，因此属于艺术作品。"Assigning generative AI content a legal status under certain conditions in this case is aimed at encouraging people to innovate with the new technology, and promoting the development of this emerging industry," she said. But Zhu also emphasized that future copyright disputes related to AI-generated content should be judged on a case-by-case basis. 朱阁表示：“本案在一定条件下赋予生成式人工智能内容合法地位，旨在鼓励人们利用新技术进行创新，促进这一新兴产业的发展。但也应知道，未来与人工智能生成内容相关的版权纠纷应根据具体情况进行判断”。Liu said that "with the rapid growth of AI, problems over its generated content are on the rise. However, because the existing laws don't have clear provisions in this regard, the identification of originality does require judges to spend much more time thinking and studying," he said. " Whether at home or abroad, the identification is a judicial challenge, and legal professionals need to step up efforts in related research and exploration." Cui Guobin, a law professor at Tsinghua University, said the court's ruling provided a reasonable solution for copyright disputes about AI-generated content in a certain circumstance that had important reference value for future legal practice and academic research.刘斌律师表示：“随着人工智能的快速发展，其生成内容的问题正在增多。但由于现行法律在这方面并没有明确的规定，原创性的认定确实需要法官花费更多的时间思考和研究”。清华大学法学教授崔国斌表示，无论在国内还是国外，原创性认定都是一个司法挑战，法院的判决为特定情况下人工智能生成内容的版权纠纷提供了合理的解决方案，具有重要的参考价值。为今后的法律实践和学术研究提供帮助。Hu Ling, an associate law professor at Peking University, said the ruling offered the plaintiff protection for the resources and efforts he expended in learning and using the new technology." In other words, by protecting the content generated by the AI software, the court encouraged more people to apply similar technologies in their work and lives, so that social innovation and market development can be further promoted," he said.北京大学法学副教授胡凌认为，该裁决为原告在学习和使用新技术中所花费的资源和努力提供了保护。换句话说，通过保护人工智能软件生成的内容，法院鼓励更多人将类似技术应用到工作和生活中，从而进一步推动社会创新和市场发展。In addition to AI-related copyright disputes, some other controversies have emerged amid the wider use of the technology in recent years. In December, the Beijing Internet Court began hearing the country's first case concerning the right to a voice generated by AI. It has to decide if an AI-powered imitation of a person's voice can be considered as the person's original voice, and if the technology used in the process infringes upon the person's right to that voice.除了与人工智能相关的版权纠纷之外，近年来随着该技术的广泛使用，还

Two cats were safely relocated from the monkey mountain enclosure at Kunming Zoo in Southwest China's Yunnan province on Saturday night following public outrage sparked by videos showing the monkeys dragging and pulling the stray cats.此前有关猴子拖拉流浪猫的视频引发了公众的愤怒。据悉，1月27日晚，两只猫已从中国云南省昆明动物园的猴山围栏被安全转移。After the two cats were removed from the enclosure, the zoo commissioned an animal hospital attached to the Yunnan Agricultural University to conduct a comprehensive examination. It confirmed that the two cats were in good health and had no external injuries.两只猫被移出围栏后，动物园委托云南农业大学附属动物医院进行了全面检查。经证实，两只猫身体健康，没有外伤。The China Small Animal Protection Association, which sent staff members to help relocate the cats on Friday, said on Sunday afternoon that the two cats had arrived in Beijing. They will be cared for and rehabilitated at the association's facility, it said.1月26日，中国小动物保护协会派出工作人员帮助转移这些猫，周日下午表示，这两只猫已抵达北京。声明称，他们将在协会的设施中得到照顾和康复。Video clips showing the monkeys at the enclosure dragging and hitting the cats went viral recently. Thousands of netizens questioned whether the zoo was mistreating the cats, and urged the authorities to ensure they were treated well and protected.最近，一段显示猴子在围栏里拖拽和殴打猫的视频片段在网上疯传。数千名网友质疑动物园是否虐待这些猫，并敦促当局确保它们得到良好的对待和保护。On Jan 18, the zoo said stray cats were introduced in the enclosure in 2013 as a rodent control measure. The cats did a good job of keeping rodents away. The zoo said the cats and monkeys had coexisted peacefully for many years without any instance of mutual harm, and some cats had even reproduced in the enclosure. It said the issues raised by netizens involved playful interactions between the animals, and there was no evidence of abusive behavior.1月18日，动物园发表声明表示，2013年，为了控制啮齿动物，将流浪猫引入围栏。这些猫能帮助驱赶啮齿动物。猫和猴多年来和平共处，没有发生过互相伤害的情况，有些猫甚至在围栏内繁殖。网友提出的问题只是动物之间的嬉戏互动，没有证据表明存在虐待行为。Despite the explanation, netizens posted video clips again on Thursday questioning the zoo for housing monkeys and cats together, claiming the monkeys were pulling the cats' whiskers and tails.尽管做出了解释，1月25日网友们再次发布视频片段质疑动物园将猴子和猫关在一起，声称猴子拉扯猫的胡须和尾巴。Another video clip posted online on Friday showed visitors thwarting a woman's attempt to jump into the enclosure to rescue the cats. In a video posted later, the woman said she never intended to jump into the enclosure and only wanted to draw attention to the plight of the cats.1月26日发布在网上的另一段视频显示，一名女子试图跳进围栏营救猫，但游客们阻止了她。在后来发布的视频中，这名女子表示，她从来没有打算跳进围栏，只是想引起人们对猫的困境的关注。A netizen who has been following developments said: "Rescuing two cats may not change the world, but it can change their lives. It is recommended to regularly send inspectors to check the management conditions of zoos across the country to prevent similar incidents."一位一直关注事态发展的网友表示：“拯救两只猫可能不会改变世界，但可以改变它们的生活。建议定期派出检查人员检查全国动物园的管理情况，防止类似事件发生”。On Sunday morning, Kunming Zoo posted a statement on its micro-blog account which said: "We will carefully reflect on and improve the shortcomings and gaps in our work, and promptly incorporate opinions and suggestions from the public, to provide better living conditions for the animals."周日上午，昆明动物园在其微博上发布声明称：“我们将认真反思和改进工作中的缺点和差距，及时吸纳公众的意见和建议，为动物们提供更好的生活条件。”Rodents animals啮齿动物Inspectors英 /ɪnˈspek.tər/ 美  /ɪnˈspek.tɚ/n. 检察员

China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs on Sunday. The policy, which will come into effect on March 1, is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.1月28日，中国和泰国签署了普通护照和因公护照互免签证协议。该政策将于3月1日起实施，将促进两国人文交流。The agreement was a major outcome during the first meeting of consultation mechanism between the ministers of foreign affairs of Thailand and China, which was held in Bangkok.该协议是在曼谷举行的中泰外长磋商机制首次会议的一项重大成果。At a news conference in the Thai capital, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said: "It's important that peoples from the two countries have forged closer friendships and stronger bonds, and are now embracing a better life."中共中央政治局委员、外交部长王毅在泰国首都举行的新闻发布会上表示：“两国人民的友谊将更加紧密，血脉将更加牢固，助力拥抱更好的生活。There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, Wang said. "We also welcome friends from Thailand to feel the vitality and vibrancy of China and the hospitality of the Chinese people."王毅表示，前往泰国旅游的中国游客数量将大幅增加。我们也欢迎泰国朋友来感受中国的生机与活力，感受中国人民的热情好客。At the news conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said the visa-free agreement is a symbol of long-lasting Sino-Thai friendship, trust and confidence, which is evidenced at every level. 泰国副总理兼外交部长帕恩普里·巴希达·努卡拉（Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara）在新闻发布会上表示，免签协议是中泰长久友谊、信任和信心的象征，这在各个层面都有体现。"The meeting is a significant step in our cooperation, held at the level of foreign ministers of both countries, and we have agreed to alternately host at least once every year," he said, "I am certain that travel between our two peoples, whether for tourism or business, will become more convenient, and help to stimulate the tourism industry in both countries."他发言表示：“此次外长磋商机制会议是中泰两国外长级合作的重要一步，我们以达成一致，未来每年两国将轮流主办此类型会议。我相信，两国人民之间的往来，无论是旅游还是商务往来都将变得更加便利，有助于刺激两国旅游业的发展”。As next year will mark the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, Wang said China highly commends China-Thailand friendship and mutual trust. The bilateral relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of the changing international landscape and grown from strength to strength over the past half a century, he said.王毅表示，明年是中泰建交50周年，中方高度评价中泰友谊和互信。半个世纪以来，两国关系经受住了国际风云变幻的考验，不断发展壮大。"China always sees Thailand as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and supports Thailand in following a development path that suits its national conditions," Wang stressed.王毅强调，中方始终将泰国视为周边外交优先方向，支持泰国走适合本国国情的发展道路。He also noted that China appreciates Thailand's firm commitment to the one-China principle and its active support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. "China is ready to work with Thailand to jointly deepen the building of a more stable, prosperous and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future, and provide more stability and certainty to a changing and turbulent world," Wang said.他还表示，中方赞赏泰方坚定奉行一个中国原则，积极支持全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议。中方愿同泰方一道，共同深化构建更加稳定、繁荣、可持续的中泰命运共同体，为变化动荡的世界提供更多稳定性和确定性。To strengthen the cooperation with China, Parnpree said Thailand is committed to promoting trade, investment, security and cooperation on culture and tourism, to facilitating connectivity, people-to-people relations, and to advancing cooperation at various multilateral and regional forums.帕恩普里表示，泰国将致力于促进与中国的贸易、投资、安全、文化和旅游合作，促进互联互通和人文交流，推进在各多边和地区论坛上的合作。During the meeting on Sunday, both sides also agreed to speed up development of the China-Thailand Railway, fully implement the China-Laos-Thailand Connectivity Development Corridor Outlook, and open the central line of the Trans-Asian Railway as soon as possible.在1月28的会晤中，双方还同意加快中泰铁路建设，全面落实中老泰互联互通发展走廊展望，尽快开通泛亚铁路中线。The two countries signed agreements on the export of poultry meat and podocarpus plants to China. Podocarpus is a versatile, low-maintenance plant for landscaping.两国签署了向中国出口禽肉和罗汉松植物的协议。罗汉松是一种多功能、低维护的园林绿化植物。China will import more specialty agricultural products from Thailand, support more Chinese companies in investing and growing in Thailand, and foster new drivers of cooperation in new energy vehicles, digital economy and green development. During the meeting, the two ministers also exchanged views on current key regional and international situations, including the situation in Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East.中方将进口更多泰国特色农产品，支持更多中国企业赴泰投资兴业，培育新能源汽车、数字经济、绿色发展合作新动能。会见期间，两国外长还就当前国际和地区重要形势，包括缅甸、朝鲜半岛、中东局势等交换了意见。People-to-people exchanges人文交流Deputy Prime Minister副总理

China and Singapore on Thursday signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption in Beijing, which allows the holders of ordinary passports stays of up to 30 days. The agreement will take effect on Feb 9, the Chinese New Year's Eve.1月26日，中国和新加坡在北京签署了互免签证协议，允许普通护照持有人停留最多30天。该协议将于2月9日，即农历除夕夜生效。The visa exemption applies for tourists, and those visiting family members or for business, according to the agreement.根据协议，免签适用于游客、探亲或商务人士。China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news conference that the agreement is "a Chinese New Year gift for people of both countries". "The agreement will surely further enhance people-to-people exchanges between China and Singapore, and promote the progress of bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields," Wang said.中国外交部发言人汪文斌在新闻发布会上表示，该协议是“给两国人民的春节礼物”。协议的签订必将进一步加强中新人文交流，推动两国关系和各领域合作取得新进展。Singapore has gained increasing popularity among Chinese tourists during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, according to Ctrip, a Chinese online travel agency. According to the agency's statistics, the bookings for people traveling from China to Singapore during the Spring Festival holiday have seen a 14-fold increase year-on-year by Wednesday. Malaysia and China granted visa-free entry to each other's citizens in December. Earlier this month, China said it would implement a unilateral visa-free entry for those holding Ireland and Switzerland passports.据中国在线旅行社携程网称，新加坡日益成为中国游客度过新春假期的热门选择。据该网站数据计，截至周三，春节期间从中国前往新加坡的旅客预订量同比增长14倍。马来西亚和中国于十二月向彼此公民提供免签证入境。本月早些时候，中国表示将对持有爱尔兰和瑞士护照的人实施单边免签入境。High-level opening-up高水平对外开放Wu Xi, head of the Department of Consular Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, said China has shown its resolve to promote the high-level opening-up by adopting a series of measures to facilitate cross-border travel."We welcome friends from countries across the world to come to China for travel, business, investment and study," Wu said during an interview with China Media Group.中国外交部领事司司长吴玺表示，中国采取一系列便利跨境旅行的措施，表明了推动高水平开放的决心。在接受中央广播电视总台采访时说：“中国欢迎世界各国朋友来中国旅游、经商、投资、留学”。China has enjoyed comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 22 countries, including Singapore, the Maldives and Kazakhstan. Wu said she hopes Chinese and foreign visitors will maintain the order of cross-border travel by respecting the laws and regulations of the countries they are traveling to and bilateral agreements signed between China and other countries.中国已与新加坡、马尔代夫、哈萨克斯坦等22个国家全面互免签证。吴玺表示，希望中外游客遵守前往国法律法规和中外签署的双边协议，维护跨境旅游秩序。Visa waiver agreement互免签证协议Foreign Ministry外交部The Department of Consular Affairs 领事司

At a high-end reception marking the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties in downtown Beijing on Thursday, both President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron delivered video speeches and voiced hopes on taking the relations to a greater height.Xi said that looking ahead to the next 60 years, China and France will work together to create greater glories.When asking both sides to unswervingly develop bilateral relations, Xi set a clear goal of "responding to the uncertainties of the world with the stability of China-France relations".Among the members of the European Union, France is China's third-largest trading partner and third-largest source of actual investment. China is France's top trading partner in Asia and seventh-largest in the world.Over the past 60 years, the annual bilateral trade volume has soared more than 800-fold to reach $81.2 billion in 2022.In terms of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, Xi said Beijing and Paris should deepen traditional cooperation and "actively tap the potential of cooperation in emerging areas" such as green industry and clean energy.He emphasized the need to "keep making the cake bigger" and "use openness to pool the strength of cooperation and share development opportunities".Regarding cooperation on the international stage, Xi said the two sides should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and "make further China-France contributions to maintaining world peace and stability and addressing global challenges".He referred to two major events on the agenda this year as "opportunities" — the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the Paris Summer Olympic Games, voicing hopes on expanding cultural exchanges and fostering bonds between the two peoples.In his video address, Macron said the Year of Culture and Tourism should be used as an opportunity for closer interaction between the two peoples, especially young people, in order to cement the foundations for the future of France-China relations.The two countries today "have the responsibility to build on the ambitious goals established in 1964" and jointly build a partnership that "meets the needs of both peoples and contributes to world peace and stability", he said.Paris is ready to work hand in hand with Beijing to "tackle global challenges and contribute to the resolution of international crises", he added.When addressing the reception, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and France "are both major countries with a sense of global responsibilities", they both advocate multilateralism, and they should lead the steady long-term growth of China-EU ties.Beijing will "offer more convenience" for foreign investors including those from France, and Paris is expected to shape a fair, just and predictable business environment for Chinese businesses, he added.French Ambassador to China Bertrand Lortholary said Paris will work with Beijing to further realize the consensus reached by the two heads of state and carry forward the great momentum of bilateral ties.In their video speeches, both presidents noted the fact that in 1964, Chairman Mao Zedong and General Charles de Gaulle pushed for the establishment of diplomatic ties.Xi defined this as "a major event in the history of international relations", saying that the two great statesmen "opened the gate toward China-West contacts and cooperation, bringing hope to a world in the midst of the Cold War".He praised China-France relations over the past 60 years as "always marching on the forefront of China's relations with Western countries", and he endorsed the "China-France spirit" of independence and self-reliance, mutual understanding, foresight and mutual benefit.In face of the changes in the new era, China and France should honor their original aspiration for forging their relations, "actively face the future and dare to make a difference", Xi said.Reporter: Zhang Yunbi