BEIJING — In a significant meeting held on Tuesday, Song Tao, the Chinese mainland’s leading official on Taiwan affairs, underscored the vast opportunities available for Taiwanese businesses on the mainland. Speaking to a delegation from the Taiwan Federation of Industries (TFI), Song, who heads both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, highlighted the potential for enhanced economic collaboration between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. He pointed to the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) as a pivotal framework for deepening integration and fostering mutual growth. Song urged Taiwanese business leaders to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, reject any moves toward ‘Taiwan independence,’ and resist external interference. He emphasized the shared responsibility of safeguarding the Chinese nation’s unity and prosperity. Miau Feng-chiang, honorary chairman of the TFI, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the 1992 Consensus remains the cornerstone for peaceful cross-Strait relations. He affirmed the federation’s commitment to promoting industrial cooperation and supporting Taiwanese enterprises in expanding their presence on the mainland.
博客
-
Students in Xinjiang’s prestigious ski destination to embrace 1st ‘snow break’
In a groundbreaking initiative, over 70,000 primary and secondary school students in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, are set to enjoy their first official ‘snow break.’ This innovative holiday, spanning nine days from December 1 to 5, including adjacent weekends, aims to promote the region’s burgeoning ice-and-snow economy. During this period, students will have free access to local ski resorts and public transit within Altay city, facilitated by their identity certificates. Additionally, local cultural venues, libraries, and museums will host a series of ice and snow-themed events. The initiative seeks to connect students with nature, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance physical health. Altay’s cultural and tourism departments are collaborating with ski resorts, hotels, and cultural venues to offer discounts on skiing, food, accommodations, and transportation. This move is part of China’s broader strategy to develop its ice-and-snow economy, which has seen significant growth since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. In the 2023-2024 snow season, Altay attracted approximately 4.89 million tourists, generating 5.1 billion yuan in revenue, contributing significantly to Xinjiang’s overall growth. The State Council’s guidelines aim to expand the ice-and-snow economy to 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.
-
Macao SAR chief executive delivers policy address on reform, economic diversification
In a pivotal address to the Legislative Assembly on November 18, 2025, Sam Hou-fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), unveiled the government’s strategic priorities for 2026. Emphasizing administrative reform, economic diversification, and deeper integration into national development, Sam outlined a comprehensive roadmap for Macao’s future. The policy address highlighted the SAR’s commitment to addressing systemic inefficiencies, fostering economic resilience, and enhancing regional and international cooperation. Sam stressed the urgency of tackling interdepartmental communication gaps, improving coordination, and streamlining workflows to create a more collaborative and efficient government. Economic diversification was identified as a critical objective, with plans to bolster policy support, increase investment, and cultivate internationally competitive industries. Macao’s integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and its role in the Belt and Road Initiative were also underscored as key priorities. Additionally, Sam pledged to accelerate the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, aiming for seamless integration between Macao and Hengqin. The address reaffirmed Macao’s commitment to leveraging its unique position to drive sustainable growth and strengthen ties with mainland China and global partners.
-
Chinese vice-premier calls for enhanced economic, trade exchanges on Eurasian continent
Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the importance of bolstering economic and trade exchanges across the Eurasian continent during his keynote address at the second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The event, held on November 18, 2025, brought together approximately 450 participants, including international experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Ding, who also serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the China Railway Express as a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring its role as a premier international logistics brand with significant influence. He outlined a four-point strategy to enhance the railway’s development, focusing on improved connectivity, technological innovation, risk management, and integrated growth to stabilize international supply chains and foster regional economic prosperity. The forum, themed ‘Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future,’ also featured remarks from Tsoncho Ganev, Vice-President of the Bulgarian National Assembly, who discussed bilateral cooperation with China. This gathering underscores China’s commitment to fostering collaborative economic growth and mutual learning across Eurasia.
-
Drone light show celebrating spirit of sports staged in Hong Kong
China Daily Information Co (CDIC) holds exclusive rights to all content published on its platform, encompassing text, photographs, and multimedia materials. Unauthorized republication or use of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from CDIC. The site recommends using browsers with a resolution of 1024*768 or higher for optimal viewing. Additionally, the platform operates under the online multimedia publishing license number 0108263 and is registered under the number 130349. China Daily also offers various services, including advertising opportunities, job offers, and employment resources for expatriates. Users can stay connected with China Daily through its social media channels for updates and news.
-
Envoy: Japan ‘totally unqualified’ to seek permanent seat on UN Security Council
China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has strongly condemned recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, labeling them as ‘extremely erroneous and dangerous.’ Speaking at a UN General Assembly plenary session on Tuesday, Fu asserted that a nation making such statements is ‘completely unfit’ to pursue a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The comments come amid ongoing tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan, which China views as an inalienable part of its territory. Fu’s remarks underscore Beijing’s firm stance on safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also challenging Japan’s aspirations for a more prominent role in global governance. The incident highlights the broader geopolitical rivalry between the two Asian powers and raises questions about Japan’s diplomatic credibility on the international stage.
-
Family of Indian man lynched over beef rumours vows to keep fighting for justice
The family of Mohammad Akhlaq, a Muslim man brutally lynched by a Hindu mob in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2015, has vowed to continue their fight for justice. This comes after the state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently moved to drop all charges against the accused. Akhlaq, then 50, was killed following rumors that he had stored and consumed beef—a claim his family vehemently denies. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, which dominates India’s population of 1.2 billion, and Uttar Pradesh is among 20 states with strict laws banning cow slaughter and beef consumption. The incident, which occurred in Dadri, 49km from Delhi, marked the first widely reported case of cow-related violence in India, sparking nationwide protests. Initially, 18 individuals were charged with offenses including murder and rioting, all of whom are currently out on bail. Last month, the public prosecutor filed an application citing ‘inconsistencies’ in witness testimonies, urging the court to close the case. The court is expected to decide on the application by December 12. Akhlaq’s family, who fled their village after the attack, expressed shock and fear over the government’s move, questioning whether it would embolden criminals. The incident unfolded on September 28, 2015, when a mob armed with sticks, swords, and pistols stormed Akhlaq’s home, accusing the family of slaughtering a cow. While Akhlaq died on the spot, his son Danish sustained severe injuries. The family maintains that the meat found in their fridge was mutton, not beef. The case has drawn widespread criticism, including accusations of delayed response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP members allegedly defending the attackers. Despite the challenges, Akhlaq’s brother, Jaan Mohammad, remains hopeful, stating, ‘I still have faith in the court. I believe justice would be done one day.’
-
Klimt painting second most expensive artwork sold at auction
A masterpiece by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, the Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, was auctioned for a staggering $236.4 million in New York on Tuesday, securing its place as the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The intense 20-minute bidding war involved six participants, though the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed by Sotheby’s, the auction house overseeing the sale. Painted between 1914 and 1916, the portrait has a tumultuous history, having been looted by the Nazis during World War II and nearly destroyed in a fire. It was rescued in 1948 and returned to Erich Lederer, the brother of the subject and a friend of Klimt’s contemporary, Egon Schiele. The painting remained in the Lederer family until its sale in 1983. The artwork depicts Elisabeth Lederer, an heiress and daughter of one of Klimt’s patrons, adorned in a white robe against a backdrop of a blue tapestry adorned with Asian motifs. The Nazis, who annexed Austria in 1938, plundered the Lederer art collection but spared the family portraits. In 1985, Leonard A. Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder fortune, acquired the painting, displaying it in his Fifth Avenue residence. The sale far exceeded pre-auction estimates of $150 million, surpassing the previous record for a Klimt artwork, Lady with a Fan, which sold for $108.8 million in 2023. The event also featured other Klimt works from Lauder’s collection, including Flowering Meadow and Forest Slope at Unterach am Attersee, each fetching between $60 million and $80 million. The most expensive artwork ever auctioned remains Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which sold for $450.3 million in 2017. In a curious twist, a fully functional gold toilet sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan was sold for $12.1 million just an hour after the Klimt sale, with the buyer identified as a prominent American brand.
-
Former official to quit public roles over Epstein emails
Larry Summers, former US Treasury Secretary and Harvard University professor, announced his decision to withdraw from public engagements following the release of emails linking him to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, Summers expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the harm caused by his continued communication with Epstein from 2013 to 2019. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for organizations to sever ties with Summers in light of the revelations. The House Oversight Committee recently disclosed Epstein-related documents, prompting bipartisan scrutiny. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is poised to pass a motion compelling the Department of Justice to release its Epstein investigation records. President Donald Trump, who initially opposed the release, reversed his stance, claiming transparency would dispel Democratic allegations. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, remains a focal point of conspiracy theories. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is serving a 20-year sentence for similar charges. The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates the release of unclassified documents within 30 days, excluding sensitive information that could endanger victims or ongoing investigations.
-
Global soybean market reshaped by trade tensions
The global soybean market has undergone significant transformation this year, driven primarily by escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. Soybeans, one of the most widely cultivated crops globally, are predominantly used as livestock feed rather than for human consumption. China, the world’s largest soybean importer, relies heavily on these high-protein crops to sustain its massive hog population. However, recent trade conflicts initiated by the US have disrupted traditional trade flows, leading to a reshuffling of the market. China has increasingly turned to Latin American suppliers, particularly Brazil and Argentina, reducing its reliance on US exports. This shift has dealt a severe blow to US soybean farmers, who are already grappling with declining export values. Argentina’s decision to temporarily eliminate export taxes on soybeans in September further exacerbated the situation, making its products more price-competitive. Despite ongoing economic and trade talks between the US and China, including a recent agreement for China to purchase US soybeans through January, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Analysts warn that US tariffs, intended to boost domestic production, may backfire, making domestic industries less competitive and prompting retaliatory measures from other nations. The reshaping of the soybean market has also impacted global prices, with South American suppliers driving prices down. As US farmers consider adjusting their crop acreage in response to these fluctuations, the future of the global soybean trade remains in flux.