Senior Colonel Zhang Lu, a distinguished astronaut and commander of the upcoming Shenzhou XXI mission, has been selected to lead China’s latest space endeavor to the Tiangong space station. The 49-year-old native of Hunan province, who joined the PLA Air Force in 1996, brings a wealth of experience to this critical mission. Zhang, who holds a master’s degree, began his career as an elite fighter jet pilot before being chosen as one of the seven second-generation astronauts in May 2010. His previous spaceflight experience includes the six-month Shenzhou XV mission, which commenced in November 2022. For his exceptional performance during that mission, Zhang was awarded the honorary title of ‘Heroic Astronaut’ and a Third-grade Space Service Medal. Currently, he serves as a first-grade astronaut in the PLA Astronaut Division. The Shenzhou XXI mission, set to launch on Friday, marks another significant milestone in China’s ambitious space exploration program, which includes plans for a manned moon landing by 2030.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Astronauts of China’s Shenzhou XXI mission meet press
The astronauts of China’s Shenzhou XXI mission, Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, addressed the media on October 30, 2025, ahead of their scheduled launch. The mission, set to depart from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, marks another significant step in China’s ambitious space exploration program. The launch is scheduled for 11:44 pm on Friday, Beijing Time, as announced by the China Manned Space Agency during a press conference. The Shenzhou XXI mission is part of China’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in space, particularly with the Tiangong space station. This mission underscores China’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities and contributing to global space exploration. The astronauts’ press appearance highlights the meticulous preparation and national pride associated with this endeavor.
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Xi urges China, US to work together to accomplish more great, concrete things
During a pivotal meeting in Busan, South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity for China and the United States to collaborate on significant and tangible initiatives that benefit both nations and the global community. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and a state visit to South Korea. President Xi highlighted the enthusiasm of US President Donald Trump in addressing various regional hotspot issues and acknowledged China’s role in promoting peace talks to resolve these issues. President Xi stressed that in the face of numerous global challenges, both countries have a responsibility to act as major powers and work together towards common goals.
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Environment forum in Hong Kong fosters green collaboration across GBA
The 2025 United Nations China Youth Environment Forum, held in Hong Kong on October 29, 2025, brought together approximately 150 participants to discuss carbon neutrality education and regional ecological cooperation. Titled ‘Beautiful China, Zero Carbon Action,’ the event featured representatives from ecological and educational departments across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, alongside experts, youth delegates, and educators. The forum was co-organized by the United Nations Environment Program’s Chinese Office and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, with support from the Hong Kong SAR government and a Shenzhen-based overseas friendship association. Keynote speeches and experience-sharing sessions highlighted China’s progress in ecological civilization education and showcased the collaborative efforts of its youth in building a sustainable future. China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, Yu Huiwen, underscored Hong Kong’s pivotal role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a bridge for ecological protection and international cooperation. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, reiterated the city’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with national dual carbon goals. The forum also provided a platform for global environmental experts to share insights on climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of carbon neutrality among young participants and inspiring a sense of mission.
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Climate change intensified India’s heatwaves in 2024 – Lancet study
India has been grappling with increasingly severe heatwaves, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, according to a recent report by The Lancet. The study revealed that nearly one-third of the 19.8 heatwave days recorded in India in 2024 were directly attributable to human-induced climate change, equating to 6.6 days that would not have occurred otherwise. These extreme temperatures have had profound consequences, resulting in the loss of 247 billion potential labor hours, primarily in agriculture and construction, and causing an estimated economic loss of $194 billion. The report also highlighted the escalating health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat, including dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, and increased mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and outdoor workers. The Lancet Countdown report, a key scientific reference on the health impacts of climate change, emphasized that the health risks posed by rising global temperatures are now more severe than ever. It noted that 152 record-breaking extreme weather events occurred across 61 countries in 2024, with life-threatening heat events becoming more intense than previously predicted. Jeremy Farrar, assistant director-general for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care at the World Health Organization (WHO), stated, ‘The climate crisis is a health crisis. Every fraction of a degree of warming costs lives and livelihoods.’ The report also found that heat-related mortality has increased by 23% worldwide since the 1990s, with an average of around 546,000 deaths annually. Additionally, the report shed light on India’s worsening air quality, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, where air pollution levels have remained in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ categories, sometimes reaching hazardous levels. In 2022, atmospheric pollution, primarily caused by PM2.5 pollutants, was responsible for 1.7 million deaths, with 44% of these deaths linked to harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels. The report also highlighted the deadly impact of heavy reliance on biofuels such as wood, dung, and crop residue for cooking, which continues to claim thousands of lives, especially among women and children in rural areas. The findings were released ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil, underscoring the urgent need for global action to address the intertwined crises of climate change and public health.
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Advanced heavy-ion accelerator successfully tested in South China
In a groundbreaking achievement for scientific research, the High Intensity Heavy-Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF), the world’s largest full ion accelerator, has successfully completed its beam commissioning phase. The milestone was announced by the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Tuesday in Huizhou, Guangdong province. The HIAF, a flagship national science and technology project, began construction in December 2018 and features over 6,000 large-scale equipment units, nearly 5 million component parts, and a pipeline network exceeding 1 million meters in length. The project utilized digital twin technology, significantly reducing installation time from the typical two to three years to just eight months. The HIAF is set to conduct beam performance tests and is expected to initiate its first scientific experiment by the end of 2025. Once fully operational, it will provide the world’s highest pulse intensity heavy ion beams and the most precise multi-functional nuclear mass spectrometer. This facility will serve as a global hub for cutting-edge research in atomic nuclei exploration, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear energy development, and multidisciplinary applications. Additionally, the HIAF will offer a shared platform for facilities, services, data, and talent, fostering international collaboration among top scientists and research teams.
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Young people carry torch of reunification
At a significant commemorative event held at the Taiwan Guild Hall in Beijing on October 21, 2025, four young representatives from Taiwan shared their reflections on the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. The event highlighted the historical struggles and the enduring spirit of resistance against colonial forces, particularly during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. One of the speakers, Lu Ying-chu from Taipei, recounted her family’s history, illustrating the deep-rooted connection between Taiwan and mainland China. Her great-grandfather, a prominent figure during the late Qing Dynasty, resisted Japanese cultural assimilation by maintaining traditional Chinese customs and preserving family heritage. Lu emphasized the importance of understanding this history to appreciate the mission of peace and unity that her generation carries forward. The event served as a poignant reminder of the shared cultural and historical ties that bind Taiwan and China, underscoring the ongoing efforts toward reunification.
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GGI provides wisdom for multilateralism
The Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed by China, has been hailed as a significant contribution to multilateralism, aligning closely with the core values of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Introduced by President Xi Jinping in September, the GGI emphasizes five key principles: sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and actionable solutions. Experts believe this initiative provides a robust framework for APEC economies to address global governance challenges. Kang Ho-gu, director of the Sino-Korea Economy/Society Institute, noted that the GGI is particularly timely as unilateral policies, such as the ‘America First’ approach, have weakened multilateral mechanisms. As the Republic of Korea hosts the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting under the theme ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,’ Kang highlighted that integrating the GGI’s principles could foster economic cooperation and global stability. Daryl Guppy, an international financial expert, acknowledged the GGI’s role in promoting a rules-based trade order but stressed the challenge of balancing sovereign equality with APEC unity. Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute emphasized the GGI’s potential to enhance institutional coherence and regional resilience through collaborative governance. Additionally, leveraging financial instruments like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund could align APEC projects with the GGI’s sustainable development goals. Jose Alves, dean of the Faculty of Business at the City University of Macau, praised the GGI’s focus on inclusive growth, particularly its support for small businesses, women, and youth. As China prepares to host APEC 2026, the alignment of the GGI and APEC frameworks could drive sustainable growth through green technologies, cross-border trade, and inclusive policies.
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Educational exchanges sow seeds of understanding
Educational exchanges between China and the United States are proving to be a vital conduit for fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral ties. James Long, co-chair of the Durham Sister Cities Kunshan Committee, exemplifies this trend. His journey began with a minor in Chinese studies during his undergraduate years, followed by immersive language studies at Nanjing Normal University. Long believes that firsthand experiences in China can dispel misconceptions and showcase the nation’s rapid development and rising living standards. He is now actively working to establish student exchange programs between North Carolina and China, leveraging technology to bridge language barriers and spark curiosity among American youth. Digital platforms like TikTok are making Chinese language learning accessible and popular, further enhancing cultural exchange. The importance of educational collaboration was underscored at a recent panel discussion in Hangzhou, attended by representatives from the US education, political, and academic sectors. Participants emphasized that such exchanges go beyond knowledge transfer, fostering dialogue and friendship. Susan Thornton, vice-chair of the US Heartland China Association, highlighted the need for broader access to study opportunities in China for American students, noting that the future of US-China relations hinges on grassroots connections. Initiatives like the recent visit of 20 young agricultural professionals from the US heartland to China demonstrate the transformative impact of such exchanges. Participants returned with broadened perspectives and a renewed sense of shared purpose. Natalie Mihalek, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, echoed these sentiments, stressing that educational exchanges build empathy and trust, transcending political differences. She called for expanded student exchange programs, increased teacher collaboration, and joint research initiatives to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
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Ancient ancestor honored in Zhejiang
A significant ceremony commemorating Huangdi, the revered Yellow Emperor, took place on Wednesday at the Huangdi Temple in Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. Huangdi, a legendary figure who unified China approximately 5,000 years ago, is celebrated as the progenitor of the Chinese people and the architect of Chinese culture. The event, attended by over 400 participants, including national role models, Taiwanese compatriots, and overseas Chinese, featured traditional rituals, music, and dance performances. The ceremony began at 9:50 AM, symbolizing the ‘nine five’ numerical combination that signifies Huangdi’s supreme majesty. Drums and bells were struck 34 and 15 times respectively, representing China’s 34 administrative regions and the 1.5 billion Chinese people worldwide. Tsai Meng-hsuan, a Taiwanese doctoral graduate from Fudan University, emphasized the importance of these traditions, stating, ‘These rites are our roots and origins. If you lose them, you will lose your direction and forget who you are.’ The event also coincided with the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday honoring the elderly. Zhang Hongmin, a researcher at the Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted the enduring legacy of Huangdi’s culture, noting that advancements in artificial intelligence could further enhance the understanding and dissemination of this cultural heritage.