Three dock workers have been sentenced to prison after being convicted of stealing cultural relics from exposed Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) tombs in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, according to a report by The Paper on Saturday. The three men, identified as Liu and two other accomplices, were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from three years and 10 months to four years and six months, and each was fined 30,000 yuan ($4,190).
In 2011, Liu and his co-defendants discovered exposed tombs when the water level in the Three Gorges Reservoir receded. The trio excavated the site and found 20 items, including Western Han Dynasty bronze drinking and ritual vessels. They later gave up to the police and confessed their crimes in March 2024.
China has a large number of buried cultural relics, especially in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. As early as 2 million years ago, the famous Wushan Man lived in this area. The region is also known for the Bachu culture as well as cultural relics.
With the box office of the film Decoded surpassing 300 million yuan ($42 million), it has become a standout work in the 2024 summer movie season. The film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Mao Dun Literature Prize winner Mai Jia, showcases a blend of cinema and literature.
Mai expressed his high regard for the film in an interview with the Global Times, calling it "the ultimate in artistic beauty." Mai said that Decoded is not only a faithful adaptation that adheres to the spirit of literature but also a bold exploration and attempt at artistic pursuit in Chinese cinema.
"I believe that whether it's a novel or a film, to reach the world, it first needs to be technically proficient. If the technical aspects are not addressed, it's difficult to move people," Mai noted.
Decoded demonstrates rare courage and determination in technical innovation. The film team boldly employs cutting-edge techniques such as IMAX photography, high-frame-rate shooting, and virtual reality pre-visualization to elevate the visual and auditory experience to a new level.
The film presents a series of spectacular scenes, including golden reeds, a shining Ferris wheel, giant walruses, deep-sea whirlpools, and enormous computers, all of which provide viewers with a visual feast. Many audiences regard Decoded as a visual effects blockbuster.
"Recently, the Chinese market has been flooded with a lot of popcorn movies, deliberately pandering to audiences without treating film as an art form, or lacking a cinematic dream. However, the dream in Decoded is particularly grand. For example, to achieve an aesthetic effect, the crew used 60 tons of sand to create a red beach," Mai told the Global Times.
One particularly striking scene takes place on this red beach, which was brought to life by the crew constructing a 5,000-square-meter soundstage and a 2,000-square-meter man-made red beach. It took 90 days to finish the entire process, from construction to filming.
Decoded made full use of innovative technology, presenting key scenes like the confrontation on the red beach and the dreamscape under the setting sun with grandeur and meticulous detail.
From the perspective of a literature enthusiast, Mai said that Decoded is a sophisticated film, turning a grand narrative of mainstream themes into something artistic and aesthetically pleasing.
In recent years, China's film industry has made continuous breakthroughs in technical innovation, artistic exploration, and market strategy, and Decoded has made a significant mark in this process. This film not only attracts audiences with its unique narrative style and visual impact but also promotes the upgrading and transformation of China's film industry on multiple levels.
Chinese humor in English has become a powerful tool for fostering global understanding through cultural products. Social media is buzzing with examples where this unique blend of English, infused with Chinese cultural nuances, not only entertains netizens, but also bridges gaps in cross-cultural communication.
A viral example of Chinese humor in English evolving appeal surfaced when a foreign blogger YourKris shared an emotional post on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu about seeing off her boyfriend at the airport.
Her comments quickly were filled with well-meaning but imperfectly translated messages from Chinese netizens, turning phrases like "You pretty, he ugly, u swan, he frog" into a source of both consolation and amusement.
This exchange highlighted how Chinese-style English, referred to as Chinglish, once seen as an embarrassing mishmash, has become a unique cultural bridge, resonating with humor and warmth across languages and borders.
Originally, Chinglish was often viewed as mistakes to be corrected or even ridiculed, especially in formal English education in China, where accuracy and native-like pronunciation were emphasized.
However, after the Beijing 2008 Olympics, when English speakers expressed a relaxed attitude toward Chinglish signs in China, this linguistic blend gained recognition, not just as a source of humor, but as a reflection of the cultural exchange and globalization that characterizes modern China.
The shift in perception is reflected in the gaming community, particularly in the recent hit video game Black Myth: Wukong, where terms from Chinese mythology, such as yaoguai, are no longer translated as "monster," but kept in their original form.
Chinese netizens have started explaining key game terms to foreign players to help them better understand the cultural background of the game. This effort fosters a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of China.
A writing professor in the US told the Global Times on condition of anonymity that Chinglish is increasingly used by teenagers as a tool for better communication, citing phrases like "Long time no see."
He emphasized that language, as a form of communication, can evolve with cultural exchanges, making it acceptable to use Chinglish phrases in everyday conversation to achieve better understanding.
The story of German scholar Oliver Radtke also illustrates this shift. His curiosity about Chinese society led him to document the various Chinglish signs he encountered during his travels in 2019.
Initially, Oliver's project was met with criticism from some Chinese netizens who perceived it as mocking.
However, as he clarified his intentions - to highlight the charm and creativity within Chinglish - more people began to appreciate the unique cultural interplay these translations represent, according to the Chinese Consulate-General in Frankfurt.
Chinglish has not only captured the interest of individuals like Oliver, but has also entered broader cultural conversations.
The stage play Chinglish, written by David Henry Hwang in 2011, set in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou Province, explores the complexities and humor of cross-cultural communication.
The play underscores how Chinglish can create both challenges and opportunities for understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Moreover, the incorporation of Chinglish into mainstream language resources, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, further solidifies its status as a recognized linguistic form.
Phrases like "add oil" - a cheer meaning "go for it" are now officially recorded in the dictionary, demonstrating how Chinglish captures uniquely Chinese expressions that resonate globally.
These entries, often related to Chinese culture and food, highlight the growing influence of Chinglish as a distinct variant of English.
However, the US professor also expressed concern over the potential misuse of Chinglish, emphasizing that while it can be effective in oral communication, it remains unsuitable for formal and academic settings. Learning and using standard English remains important in public and professional contexts.
The spread of Chinglish reflects a broader acceptance of linguistic diversity and the idea that language evolves with cultural exchange.
The playful mix of languages has become a way for people worldwide to engage with Chinese culture, often leading to moments of cross-cultural understanding and amusement.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently held a joint naval exercise with the Egyptian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea, with observers on Wednesday highlighting the PLA Navy's strides toward blue water operations and the deepening of friendships with its foreign counterparts.
After completing a five-day friendly visit to Egypt, the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Jiaozuo and the Type 903A comprehensive replenishment ship Honghu of the PLA Navy's 46th escort task group embarked from the Egyptian port city Alexandria on Monday local time and held a joint maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea with the Egyptian side, the PLA Navy said in a press release on Wednesday.
The joint exercise took place in waters to the north of Alexandria, as the Jiaozuo and the Honghu joined forces with the Egyptian Navy's FREMM multipurpose frigate Al-Galala and carried out training courses including communications coordination, formation maneuvering and maritime replenishment positioning, the PLA Navy said.
During the drill, the two navies' ships took turn to command in close coordination, and successfully completed all scheduled trainings before holding a flotilla separation ceremony, according to the PLA Navy.
During the Chinese warships' visit in Alexandria from August 15 to Monday, sailors from the two sides visited each other's vessels and took part in activities including professional exchanges and soccer friendly matches, as the visit significantly promoted exchanges between the two navies and deepened friendship between the two countries, the PLA Navy said.
Before visiting Egypt, the two Chinese naval vessels visited St. Petersburg in celebration of Russia's navy day, after which they held a joint exercise with the Russian Navy in the Gulf of Finland in late July, according to the PLA Navy.
The PLA Navy vessels' consecutive visits to Russia and Egypt and joint drills with them show deep friendships and high levels of pragmatic cooperation, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Observers noted the long distance the Chinese warships have sailed. The 46th escort task group set out from South China's Guangdong Province in February and conducted escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, before sailing all the way to St. Petersburg and then Alexandria on the return voyage.
It reflects that the PLA Navy is capable of operating in distant waters for extended periods, the expert said, highlighting the PLA Navy's progress in its pursuit of building a blue-water navy.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit China from August 27 to 29, Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Saturday, and the two sides will hold a new round of China-US strategic communication.
Observers said maintaining open communication channels at a high level between China and the US is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings in the current complex China-US relationship. The visit to China, the first by Sullivan, will also provide an opportunity to discuss urgent issues of concern and manage differences.
Sullivan's visit is at the invitation of Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Saturday.
The Financial Times described the visit as "part of a broader effort to stabilize the relationship between the two superpowers."
Sullivan's upcoming visit comes only months before the US presidential election.
During recent discussions on drug control and financial stability, the overall atmosphere between the two countries was calm, with a focus on addressing specific and practical issues. However, tensions remain elevated due to actions taken by the Biden administration in areas such as economic and trade policies, in addition to national security. These actions have had a detrimental effect on the relationship between the two countries, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. "We may now find it very difficult to rely on a national security advisor to ease ties."
However, China will remain open for discussion as long as it is conducive to developing situation in a stable direction.
Maintaining open communication channels at a high level between China and the US is crucial in preventing misunderstandings, and the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss pressing issues and address differences promptly, accurately, and effectively, Li Haidong, a professor from the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.
As two major global powers, China and the US maintain that high-level visits are crucial for stabilizing the expectations of other countries. This is particularly true regarding the current and future development order and the handling of transnational issues, Li noted.
Li believed that China will express core concerns to the US during Sullivan's visit. The US persistently interferes in China's internal affairs, including issues related to Taiwan and human rights. Recently, on the South China Sea issue, the US has been encouraging the Philippines to provoke tensions, reflecting its ulterior motive to create problems for China, Li said.
Such behavior clearly violates the basic principles of international relations and the UN Charter. The US defines its relationship with China as one of competition, which clearly goes against the objective reality that neither side can do without the other or change the other, Li said.
In areas such as drug trafficking, climate change response, and the maintenance of the non-proliferation system, there may be progress, but whether both sides will have very practical measures to stabilize their strategic relationship remain to be seen, Li said.
"The most important thing is to look at the actual actions of the US. The US talks big, but its actions could be very disappointing."
Wang Yi and Sullivan have met four times over the last year and a half, according to a recent AFP report.
An official from China’s delegation for the Paris Olympic Games clarified rumors about the Chinese team bringing self-installed air conditioning and their own mattresses at an online press conference held Wednesday.
Zhang Xin, the secretary-general of the Chinese Olympic delegation, said that the Olympic Village can provide mobile air conditioning rental services. The delegation will consider renting based on the weather conditions. It is not true that the team had their own air conditioning installed, and it is also not true that the delegation brought their own mattresses, Zhang said, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The Chinese delegation and nearly 20 teams have already settled in the Olympic Village. Zhang said that at every Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee and the event organizing committee provide excellent services for athletes from around the world.
“Compared to previous Olympic Games, the accommodation and dining conditions, living environment, training, competition, venues, and transportation services in the Paris Olympic Village all have their own characteristics, but the basic standards remain consistent,” Zhang said.
Rumors about Chinese athletes in the Olympic Village installing their own air conditioning units and bringing their own mattresses are false. Each delegation is assigned accommodation with different cooling systems, and the Olympic Village provides rental services for portable air conditioners.
“It is not true that we brought over 300 air conditioners with us. The Olympic Village can provide portable air conditioning rental services, and the delegation will assess the weather conditions and the need for air conditioning,” said Zhang. If necessary, the delegation may consider renting portable air conditioners for specific teams, according to Zhang.
Regarding the rumors of bringing their own mattresses, Zhang said that there are a few athletes or staff members who may have their own sleeping habits, or they may be staying in official hotels outside the village. In order to better serve the athletes, they sometimes prefer to sleep on the floor in the village, so will prepare mattresses.
“Interpreting one mattress as the entire delegation bringing their own mattresses, which is also inaccurate,” Zhang noted.
Chinese athletes “are not delicate flowers in a greenhouse, they can actively overcome various challenges and make timely adjustments. Currently, each team is focusing on pre-match training and preparing for the competition seriously,” Zhang said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta on Monday, saying that China's comprehensive deepening of reforms will provide new impetus and opportunities for global economic development and bilateral cooperation.
Noting that the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee was held successfully two weeks ago, Xi said China will further comprehensively deepen reform and promote high-quality development and high-level opening up, which will provide new impetus and new opportunities for global economic development and cooperation between China and Timor-Leste.
China is ready to work with Timor-Leste to take the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he said.
Ramos-Horta arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a state visit to China that will last till Wednesday, which is his first visit since he took office in 2022 and the first state visit to China by a Timor-Leste president since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2002.
Xi emphasized that China is ready to work with Timor-Leste toward long-term and stable development of bilateral relations by firmly supporting each other to build a higher level of bilateral relations, adhering to mutual benefit and win-win situations to carry out higher-quality practical cooperation, and promoting a higher level of multilateral collaboration.
Chen Hong, executive director of the Asia Pacific Studies Center at East China Normal University, said on the basis of such cooperation, the two parties can make use of their respective strengths.
Ramos-Horta thanked China for its long-term and valuable support for Timor-Leste's economic and social development and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Timor-Leste hopes to further consolidate and develop its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, strengthen cooperation in areas such as food security and infrastructure development, so that to help Timor-Leste achieve development.
Timor-Leste also firmly adheres to the one-China principle, believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, opposes "Taiwan independence" and interference by external forces, and supports China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ramos-Horta also said that the South China Sea issue should be resolved by the countries concerned through negotiations, and Timor-Leste is willing to work with China and other countries in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The two countries signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of agriculture, green development, digital economy and air transportation.
Chen told the Global Times on Monday that China, in particular, has extensive experience in these areas, which fully demonstrates what is meant by higher-quality practical cooperation, as Ramos-Horta also acknowledged during the talks that he had visited China several times since 1976 and had witnessed the radical changes that had taken place in the country.
Chinese technology companies are showcasing their cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) products to the world at the Paris Olympic Games, a move that has gained wide recognition, the Global Times learned from companies on Sunday.
The participation of Chinese companies highlighted their capability to shine at the world's top sports event. It also shows that China's AI technology is bringing a new level of innovation and efficiency to the world event, Chinese experts said.
"Alibaba plays an essential role when it comes to supporting technology during the Olympic Games, greatly increasing the efficiency and sustainability of Olympic Games operations," International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said during an event in Paris on Saturday. He highlighted the partnership between the IOC and Alibaba as a significant step toward embracing the digital era in sports.
Chinese AI-driven technology is providing advanced solutions for various aspects of the Paris Olympics, including real-time live commentary, 360 degree livestreaming technology, visual searches and more, the Xinhua News Agency reported. AI applications developed by Chinese tech companies such as Alibaba, SenseTime, Baidu and Lenovo have benefited athletes, coaches, referees and spectators of the world sports competition.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics is ongoing, the world is witnessing a new era of sports broadcasting, one in which Chinese AI and cloud technology are playing a crucial role.
Alibaba told the Global Times on Sunday that more than two-thirds of the live broadcast signals will be facilitated by Alibaba's cloud broadcasting services, enabling transmission from Paris to more than 200 countries and regions globally, reaching billions of viewers worldwide.
Alibaba's large language model (LLM) Tongyi Qianwen is being used in assisting the IOC's official commentators during the Games, the company said.
Moreover, Alibaba's cloud computing unit is offering an AI-infused platform to support the broadcasting of the Paris 2024 Olympics, overtaking the satellite broadcasting system adopted six decades ago as the main method of distribution, the South China Morning Post reported.
In addition to supporting the broadcast coverage, Chinese AI tools will assist athletes with analyzing their performances and will be deployed to "enhance the fairness and accuracy of judging and refereeing through the provision of precise metrics," according to the IOC.
Chinese AI company SenseTime told the Global Times that it is also working with the China men's national basketball team to offer AI-driven sports data analysis and advice on strategy during the competition.
The Chinese national diving team utilizes Baidu's LLM Wenxin Yiyan to provide accurate information in a timely manner, and even score diving movements in real time for precise quantitative analysis and guidance.
According to the Olympic Broadcasting Services, it is collaborating with Alibaba to provide a record number of multi-camera replay systems with AI-powered, high-quality reconstruction in the cloud, to create three-dimensional models and mapping of additional viewpoints across 21 sports and disciplines. This will deliver more compelling replays from more camera angles.
The innovative use of AI technology is supporting the athletes and revolutionizing the way audiences experience the event, said experts. It's enhancing the viewing experience while setting new standards for future Olympic Games and the broader application of AI in sports and beyond.
AI is being integrated into every aspect of our lives, and it has made its way to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said on Sunday.
Notably, the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris is the first Olympic Games to implement AI technology at a significant level. In a groundbreaking initiative, the IOC launched the Olympic AI Agenda in April, setting out the envisioned impact that AI can deliver for sports. The Paris Games will witness the first examples of implementation, said the IOC on its official website.
AI can help to identify athletes and talent in every corner of the world. AI can provide more athletes with access to personalized training methods, superior sports equipment, and more individualized programs to stay fit and healthy, Bach said.
China's AI technology is expected to bring a new level of innovation and efficiency to the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing the country's cutting-edge capabilities in the field. The Paris Olympics serves as a platform for displaying athletic achievements and for demonstrating the power of AI innovation on the global stage, Liu Gang, chief economist at the Chinese Institute of New Generation AI Development Strategies, told the Global Times on Sunday.
Multinational companies are eagerly preparing for the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) as the 100-day countdown begins on Saturday. With a strong belief in the China market and its potential for growth, multinational companies will be showcasing new technologies and innovative products for the CIIE, which is scheduled to take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.
Many of these companies are also ramping up their investments in China, demonstrating their confidence in the country's economic prospects, experts said, adding that the moves highlight the continued interest and commitment of foreign companies in the China mar-ket, rebuking any speculation about a decline in foreign investment.
US firm 3M will showcase a range of global debut and Chinese debut products in the new-ly established new material zone at the 7th CIIE. It will also introduce a variety of innova-tive products made from recycled and sustainable materials in the consumer market.
"China is a crucial market for 3M, and we have great confidence in the country's economic development. We will continue to increase our investment in the Chinese market and ex-pand our business operations," Ding Hongyu, vice-president of 3M told the Global Times on Friday.
The company will increase investment in areas such as new-energy vehicles, consumer electronics, and sustainable development. It will also increase investment in local R&D and manufacturing, Ding said.
The 3M factory in Jinshan district, Shanghai, is currently undergoing expansion. The pro-ject is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year, according to Ding.
German company Henkel will showcase its sustainable solutions in the adhesive technolo-gy and consumer goods sectors at this year's CIIE.
Henkel is investing around 500 million yuan ($69 million) in the expansion of its Shang-hai Innovation Experience Center. The center is expected to be completed and operational by 2025 and will become the company's second largest adhesive technology innovation center globally.
Earlier this year, Henkel's Asian consumer goods R&D center was inaugurated in Shanghai with an investment of around 100 million yuan.
"The accelerating formation of a green and low-carbon supply chain in the Chinese mar-ket, coupled with increasing consumer focus on environmental protection, is providing a vast market and platform for sustainable innovation technologies for companies like Hen-kel," Anna An, president of Henkel for Greater China, told the Global Times on Friday.
More than 150 international businesses have signed up to attend the CIIE in Shanghai for a seventh time, having attended all previous CIIEs, organizers said on Wednesday.
From January to June, China saw a significant increase in the establishment of new for-eign-invested enterprises, with a total of 26,870 set up during this period, marking a 14.2 percent rise compared to the previous year.
The manufacturing sector emerged as a key attraction for foreign investment, with a total of 141.86 billion yuan invested in this industry, up 2.4 percentage points from last year.
Hong Kong officials and the business community have voiced their support and enthusiasm for a resolution recently adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, vowing to make greater efforts to give full play to the advantages of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for promoting Chinese modernization and high-quality development.
The reform-themed meeting, also referred to as the third plenum, adopted the resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.
Harnessing the institutional strengths of the One Country, Two Systems policy, we will work to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, support Hong Kong and Macao in building themselves into international hubs for high-caliber talent, and improve relevant mechanisms to see the two regions playing a greater role in China's opening to the outside world, according to the resolution adopted at the third plenum.
"People from all walks of life in the HKSAR are uplifted and have full confidence in the future of our country and the city. We should join hands to help Hong Kong nurture new quality productive forces in a bid to contribute to the country's new round of reform and seize important opportunities," Hon Sunny Tan, chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, told the Global Times.
Tan said that the council will fully support the development strategies of the country and the HKSAR, contribute to the transformation and upgrade of traditional industries and the nurture of new technologies, and bring in more international resources and talent, while helping more companies in the Chinese mainland to go global.
Following the conclusion of the third plenum, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po began his visit to Beijing starting from Tuesday, according to a statement on the HKSAR government website.
During his meeting with Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Xia said that the central government is firmly committed to the implementation of the One Country, Two Systems principle, supporting Hong Kong in leveraging its own strength to implement the spirit of the third plenum, to pool together international top talent, deepen cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and play a better role in the country's opening up to the world.
The resolution pledged to support Hong Kong's development with specific measures proposed, which underlines the central government's great support for the development of the city, Yu Lingqu, director of Financial Development and SOE Research Department at the China Development Institute in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
"A new round of reform and opening-up will create golden opportunities for Hong Kong," Yu said.
"We should fully recognize and precisely understand the HKSAR's strategic position in China's further comprehensive reforms and seize new opportunities for new development in multiple aspects," Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, told the Global Times.
Lam said that the city should give full play to the institutional advantage of the One Country, Two Systems principle to actively contribute to China's comprehensive opening-up, and build the city into an important bridgehead for the country's two-way opening-up by combing its unique advantages with the Chinese mainland's vast market, complete industrial system and strong sci-tech capacity.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong should deepen cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA and strengthen the docking of rules so as to tap the great mainland market, according to Lam.
The HKSAR plays a unique role in China's comprehensive reform to advance Chinese modernization, Liang Haiming, chairman of the China Silk Road iValley Research Institute, told the Global Times.
"As an international financial center, Hong Kong has a mature financial system and sweeping international network, which can provide comprehensive financial services for mainland companies' cross-border financing, merger and acquisition deals and risk management, and help them go global."
"With its rich experience and resources in international trade and shipping, Hong Kong can also provide more convenient and highly efficient international channels," Liang said.
This year, Hong Kong celebrates the 27th anniversary of its return to the motherland. Since its return to the motherland, with the firm support of the central government, the efforts of the HKSAR government, the concerted efforts of all sectors of society and the hard work of residents, Hong Kong has been riding the waves and constantly breaking new ground, creating success for the practice of the One Country, Two Systems principle.
Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, while there have been ups and downs in our economy, the average growth rate has been about 2.6 percent per annum, higher than the average growth rate of 2.0 percent for advanced economies. In 2023, Hong Kong's per capita GDP was about $50,500, among the highest globally, according to data released by the HKSAR government.
Amid globalization, Hong Kong will continue to play its unique role and actively participate in global governance and cooperation to contribute its wisdom and strength for the building of a human community with a shared future. At the same time, by unswervingly safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, the city will contribute its own strength for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Liang said.
