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.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Jemimah Rodrigues powers India past Australia into Women’s Cricket World Cup final
In a thrilling showdown at Navi Mumbai, India, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a masterclass performance, scoring an unbeaten 127 runs to lead India to a five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia in the Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinal on Thursday. Rodrigues’ stellar innings, which included 14 boundaries, powered India to chase down a formidable target of 339 runs in 48.3 overs, marking a record chase in World Cup knockout history. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also played a pivotal role, contributing 89 runs off 88 balls. Despite a valiant century from Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield (119 off 93 balls), the seven-time champions fell short of securing a spot in the final. India’s triumph ended Australia’s 16-match unbeaten streak in the tournament, dating back to 2022. The hosts will now face first-time finalists South Africa in the title clash on Sunday, with both teams vying for their maiden Women’s World Cup trophy. Rodrigues, named Player of the Match, expressed her joy and dedication, emphasizing the collective effort over individual glory. This historic victory has set the stage for an electrifying final, promising a new champion in women’s cricket.
-
Gaza ceasefire challenged by strikes
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faced its most severe test yet as overnight Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people, including numerous children, according to local hospital officials. The violence, which erupted on Wednesday, marks a significant escalation in the conflict that has plagued the region for years. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for a rescue agency operating under Hamas authority, reported that 101 fatalities, including 35 children, were brought to hospitals within a span of less than 12 hours. The strikes targeted tents for displaced families, residential areas, and the vicinity of a hospital, described by Bassal as a ‘clear and flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement.’ The Israeli military, however, defended its actions, stating that the strikes were aimed at ‘terror targets and terrorists’ and that the ceasefire remains intact. The military also confirmed the death of one of its soldiers during the latest attack. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with Hamas calling on mediators to pressure Israel to halt the strikes. The United States was notified prior to the Israeli operation, and President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the ceasefire, which began on October 10, would endure despite the recent violence. Meanwhile, hospitals in Gaza were overwhelmed with casualties, and survivors questioned the effectiveness of the ceasefire. International reactions included Turkey’s condemnation of the strikes as a violation of the truce and a call for global powers to push Israel to adhere to the agreement. The ceasefire, which halted two years of fighting following the deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, remains a critical yet precarious step toward peace in the region.
-
Xizang’s green success exemplifies sustainable development
The Xizang autonomous region has emerged as a global exemplar of sustainable development, showcasing a unique blend of modernization and ecological preservation. This was the central theme at the 2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, held in Nyingchi, where over 400 participants from 44 countries and regions gathered to discuss the region’s progress. The forum highlighted Xizang’s transformation from a remote area to a hub of green innovation and cultural preservation. Mo Gaoyi, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the region’s new historical starting point as China prepares its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). He underscored the importance of governance experience exchange, human rights advocacy, and cross-cultural learning. UNESCO representative Shahbaz Khan lauded Xizang’s modern infrastructure, which has connected its most isolated communities, expanding access to education, services, and markets. Pakistan’s ambassador Khalil Hashmi praised Xizang’s green growth model as replicable for other plateau regions, noting the success of its highland barley industry, which is projected to exceed 5 billion yuan in output by 2025. Timor-Leste’s ambassador Maubere Lorosae da Silva Horta highlighted the shared challenges of climate change, calling for enhanced South-South cooperation through a Plateau-Island Ecological Monitoring Mechanism. Zhao Peng, vice-chairman of the regional government, emphasized the role of Xizang’s youth in driving sustainable development, urging them to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and contribute to the region’s ecological and economic progress.
-
Calls for commitment to fair trade echo at APEC meeting
The APEC CEO Summit, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, underscored the critical need for fair trade, investment liberalization, and multilateral cooperation to address global economic challenges. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized APEC’s historical role in fostering free trade and driving regional economic growth. He called for collective efforts to achieve sustainable development and equitable prosperity, particularly in the face of rising protectionism and inward-looking policies. The summit, themed ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,’ also introduced an ‘AI for All’ initiative, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of APEC’s future agenda. U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the robust growth prospects of the U.S. economy and engaged in bilateral discussions with Lee. The event, organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together over 1,700 business leaders from 21 member economies to discuss pressing issues such as digital transformation, carbon neutrality, and global economic uncertainties. Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of deepening trade and investment ties among APEC members to ensure regional prosperity. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann warned of the adverse effects of trade tensions and policy uncertainty, urging APEC economies to resolve disputes through dialogue. Experts, including Choi Pil-soo of Sejong University, cautioned against unilateral trade measures that could undermine the global trade system, advocating for adherence to the WTO’s most-favored-nation principle.
-
Shenzhou XXI launch to Tiangong space station set for Friday
China is set to launch the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft on Friday night, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration program. The mission, led by Senior Colonel Zhang Lu, will transport three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month stay. The launch is scheduled for 11:44 pm from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia, utilizing a Long March 2F carrier rocket. The crew includes Major Wu Fei, the spaceflight engineer, and mission payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang, both of whom are embarking on their first space mission. The Shenzhou XXI spacecraft will employ a rapid autonomous rendezvous-docking mode to connect with the Tianhe core module of the Tiangong space station, a process expected to take approximately three and a half hours. This mission will facilitate the crew exchange with the current occupants, Senior Colonel Chen Dong, Colonel Chen Zhongrui, and Colonel Wang Jie, who have been aboard the station since late April. The Tiangong space station, completed in late 2022, remains the only independently operated space station in orbit, positioned approximately 400 kilometers above Earth. This launch underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to maintaining a continuous human presence in space.
-
China and Africa strengthen legal ties
In a landmark event held in Guangzhou, senior judicial officials from China and 12 African nations convened at the China-Africa Prosecutorial Cooperation Forum. The forum, themed ‘The Role of Prosecution in the Modernization Process of China and Africa,’ aimed to strengthen legal ties and enhance prosecutorial exchanges to support mutual modernization efforts. Chen Wenqing, a key figure in China’s political and legal affairs, emphasized the importance of aligning laws and policies to create a conducive legal environment for trade and development between the two regions. This initiative is part of the broader framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Ying Yong, China’s top prosecutor, highlighted the role of law-based governance in China’s modernization and expressed readiness to collaborate with African counterparts in combating transnational crimes and enhancing judicial cooperation. African representatives, including Firmin Mvonde of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor of Kenya, lauded China’s legal advancements and expressed eagerness to learn from its experiences in areas such as anti-corruption and digital economy legal frameworks. The forum concluded with the signing of the ‘Minutes of the China-Africa Prosecutorial Cooperation Forum,’ solidifying commitments to mutual legal assistance and the protection of shared interests.