Gao Gao the giant panda is 32 years old, equivalent to 112 years old in human age. Although he is in the sunset years of his life with some unavoidable age-related health issues such as abraded teeth, Gao Gao still lives in the Dujiangyan panda park of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and has been nicknamed "Grandpa Gao."
Chen Rui, one of the breeders at the CCRCGP who is in charge of taking care of Gao Gao, told the Global Times that he still remembers when he first met the giant panda at the airport after returning to China from the US.
"The lovely 'grandpa' was a fussy eater at the time," Chen recalled, adding that it took a lot of efforts to transform Gao Gao's "addiction" to cookies, persuading him to accept a more balanced diet.
Such stories of giant pandas like "Grandpa Gao" and their breeders happening every day at the breeding base have been presented in a TV show called Panda's Family, recently released on Hunan TV and Mango TV, capturing how Chinese breeders guard giant pandas from cradle to grave and help them return to the wild, giving the public a new perspective on the interactions between humans and animals.
Netizens commented that they saw the cross-species affection between breeders such as Chen and Li Rong and the pandas in their care. These breeders, who are the closest humans to giant pandas, dedicate most of their time and energy to the work and become family to the giant pandas.
The team of panda breeders is growing larger. In the TV show, six younger interns gain experience as breeders and also build firm bonds with the pandas they are caring for. Ma Xiaoyu, one of the interns, told the Global Times that she is eager to take the mantle of caring for giant pandas after officially joining the team.
The program has since come to an end, but the story of the harmonious relationship between humans and giant pandas, as it extends into the natural world, lives on. Love and trust
Mornings at the breeding base are typically busy for Ma. She and other interns need to clean the colony houses for more than one hour and then prepare the giant pandas' breakfast on time, a basin of milk formula specifically formulated for panda cubs and fresh bamboo for the adult pandas.
They then monitor and record the situation of pandas every half hour to spot and rapidly respond to any abnormalities in the pandas' behavior. The collected data is then given to veterinarians and biological experts regularly to help safeguard the endangered animals' health.
"The feeding capability of panda cubs is not like that of the adults, so we need to care for the cubs skillfully and patiently," Li told the Global Times. She has been responsible for taking care of panda moms and their cubs.
The delicate nature of panda cubs also challenges Li's ability to observe and react. She said that they must take painstaking measures to prevent the cubs from contracting diseases as mild as influenza. "Accurately telling if panda cubs are ill usually relies on plenty of experience," Li noted.
Now Li has developed the "eye," instantly taking note of tiny dangerous factors as minute as a wooden thorn in a panda cub's toy.
Chen, who works in panda-related healthcare for aged pandas, has also expressed concern over the fragile state of giant pandas' health. He said that illness among old pandas is usually cumulative and he has to closely monitor surrounding pandas' excrement and movement to confirm if they are healthy.
Chen and Li both mentioned that their attitude to the work has transformed from just a responsibility to an indispensable part of life after becoming closely involved with pandas. Additionally, the pandas also display deep affection and trust in the breeders.
Destination in nature
"Tao Tao, as you walk into nature today, I wonder if we will have the chance to meet again in this lifetime. I hope you grow healthier and stronger in the wild and build your own family," Mou Shijie, the CCRCGP's breeder responsible for captive pandas' rewilding training and release, said to himself when staring at the first panda he trained and released running in the woods.
Chinese giant panda breeders not only care for captive pandas, but also try hard to help the endangered species return to the wild and maintain a wild population. Mou is a veteran member of the rewilding team.
Mou said that rewilding training work consists of two stages. The first is to build trust with panda moms and ensure that the nutritional needs of the cubs are met. When the cubs are about 1 year old, the mom and cubs are transferred to a broader area ready for training.
"The panda mother leads her cubs in the training area, where they can freely eat bamboo, find water sources, locate shelter, and learn crucial survival skills like avoiding predators. These are lessons only a panda mother can teach; we humans can't instill that wild instinct in them," Mou noted.
So far, the CCRCGP has successfully trained and released nine giant pandas back into the wild, which should ultimately be their true home.
The highly anticipated documentary The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru will be released publicly across China on Friday. The film tells a story interwoven with the cruelty of war, the brutality of the Japanese fascists, as well as the courage and humanitarian care of the ordinary Chinese people.
The truth about the sunken Lisbon Maru needs to be known by the whole world, said renowned Chinese filmmaker Fang Li, who directed and produced the documentary.
“I hope that every audience can further learn about the brutality of war through it, and cherish the peace we have today,” Fang told the Global Times on Thursday.
The documentary features the 1942 sinking of the “Lisbon Maru,” an armed Japanese cargo ship that participated in World War II. In October that year, Lisbon Maru transported more than 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) from Hong Kong toward Japan, without bearing a sign indicating it was carrying POWs – a violation of the Geneva Convention.
After being struck by the torpedo of a US submarine, Japanese soldiers cruelly battened the POWs down below deck, left them to drown, and even shot at them, leading to the deaths of 828 prisoners.
When the ship went down off the coast of Zhoushan Islands in East China’s Zhejiang Province, 384 POWs were fortunately rescued by local Chinese fishermen, who pulled them from the water risking their own life.
For decades, the Japanese authorities refused to acknowledge their atrocities committed in the Lisbon Maru incident. By chance, Fang, who is also an expert in geophysical exploration and marine technology, heard the story from some fishermen in Zhoushan in 2014, and later thought about making a documentary about it.
“I made the film to reveal the truth, for the young men who died in the Zhoushan Islands waters, and for the Chinese fishermen who helped rescue them,” Fang told the Global Times.
The film is not only for Chinese moviegoers, but audience from all over the world, particularly young people, he added. “I hope the film enables today’s youth to cherish their families, the people around them, and appreciate everything they own.”
Ahead of its nationwide release, The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru has already received many positive reviews in its preview screenings.
During the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival in June, several families of the POWs attended the documentary’s premiere. Denise Wynne, daughter of one of the survivors Dennis Morley, said that the heroism of the Chinese fishermen showed in the filmed impressed her a lot.
“My dad always said that the Chinese fishermen were heroes, and without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Wynne told the Global Times after the premiere.
Two trucks released a flock of more than 2,000 pigeons onto an expressway in North China's Hebei Province, leading to a semi-trailer's windscreen cracking as it navigated through the chaos, according to the traffic administration bureau of the Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday.
The two drivers, employed by a racing pigeon owner, transport over 2,000 racing pigeons from North China's Shanxi Province to Hebei for release, in order to test the time it takes for the pigeons to return to their breeding base in Shanxi.
They had planned to release the pigeons in a parking area, but since the area was not open, the two drivers were worried that the pigeons might die if they stayed in the vehicle beyond the release time. Consequently, they stopped at the ramp entrance and released them.
Over 2,000 pigeons burst into the sky within an instant, and the two even took out their cell phones to record the event, according to the report. Eventually, a heavy semi-trailer passing by was hit by a pigeon, causing its windscreen to crack.
The traffic police took action against the pigeon owner and the two drivers, and asked them to compensate the semi-trailer driver.
Recently, media representatives from China, Europe, and Africa, who were participating in the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, embarked on a journey to Leshan city in southwest China's Sichuan Province to explore the true essence of Emei. Forging friendship through martial arts
What happens when Emei martial arts, known for combining hardness with softness, intersects with submission grappling, which focuses on defeating opponents with skill?
In front of the main entrance to the Chinese Studies Hall of the Emei Kung-Fu Alliance, more than 30 young martial arts trainees were practicing martial arts moves. During a follow-up demonstration session, Emei martial arts practitioners showcased a range of martial arts techniques and equipment, drawing the interest of foreign media representatives who expressed a desire to become their apprentices and engage in skill-sharing.
"Emei martial arts, originating from Mount Emei, is known for its combination of hardness and softness, speed and slowness, and flexibility. It is recognized as one of the three main genres of martial arts in China," explained Wang Chao, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Emei martial arts.
"With its roots deeply embedded in Chinese culture, Emei martial arts embodies a harmonious blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, making it a highly inclusive practice," Wang elaborated. Inspired by the atmosphere, Per Markus Andersson, an editor with The Nordic Times, Sweden, and Isac Bomen, an editor with Nya Dagbladet, Sweden, teamed up to showcase submission grappling, earning warm applause from the spectators.
"Martial arts exchange fosters mutual learning among diverse civilizations. I have discovered that grappling and Emei martial arts share similarities. For example, both disciplines do not promote violence; rather, they are practiced to cultivate strength, encouraging individuals to develop self-discipline and a positive mindset," said Andersson. Bonding over craft
What happens when tea from Mount Emei meets coffee from Kenya?
Seated around a table, Yang Mei, a Chinese tea artist, and Agnes Mbithe Mwangangi, an editor with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), were presenting Chinese tea culture alongside the coffee culture of Kenya.
Warming the cup, observing the tea leaves, adding them to the cup, steeping, and brewing, all while listening to soothing music, a pot of Mount Emei tea was good to go.
"As the tea neared my nose, a refreshing aroma filled the air, I really enjoy the scent and taste of this tea," said Mwangangi. Kenya is famous for coffee production, and Mwangangi demonstrated the brewing method of Kenyan coffee.
"This one has a chestnut-like aroma when you drink it," said Yang.
"Coffee and tea can also be combined. We have partnered with a coffee shop to create a special blend of coffee and green tea. This unique blend has a fragrant and rich taste, offering a one-of-a-kind flavor experience," Yang added.
"In Kenya, many people also brew and drink tea using locally grown tea leaves. This exchange has brought us closer together," said Mwangangi.
United by artistry
In China, calligraphy is not just visual art but a reflection of deep cultural values, with its unique spirit and poetic essence.
"What does 'De Bu Gu' mean?" asked Cristina Andrade, a journalist from El Periódico de España after receiving a piece of calligraphy.
"It means virtuous people always find like-minded companions," explained a Chinese journalist.
"The Chinese characters represent harmony and kindness, values I strive to promote. If all countries embrace this, the world will be a better place," Andrade said, after knowing the meaning of the Chinese characters.
Foreign journalists gathered around the table of Lin Xu, an inheritor of Mount Emei finger painting, an intangible cultural heritage.
Emile Gankama, editorial director of Les Depeches De Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, a painting enthusiast, joined Lin to finish the same work.
"Painting brings us closer together," Gankama said as he showed off the finished artwork.
"Our collaboration was seamless. I started with a portrait of a man, and Lin really got what I was going for, adding arms and a suit to round out the painting," he explained. As music started playing, Lilon Bongmatur from Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation, Vanuatu, pulled Chinese journalist Qiu Yue onto the dance floor to perform a traditional dance from the South Pacific island nation.
Gankama quickly joined in, followed by Lin.
As the music played, people from China and other countries formed a circle, clapping and dancing together, creating a lively atmosphere. Journalists from different countries exchanged invitations and well-wishes as they danced, fostering friendship.
China and ASEAN will eye more practical cooperation in digital technology and green economy, Chinese officials said on Wednesday, as the upcoming China-ASEAN Expo will add a new strategic theme, focusing on the development of new quality productive forces.
The expo is expected to shed light on the latest technological developments in digitalization, low-carbon transition, new energy and smarter internet-connected auto vehicles.
Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei told a press conference that this year's expo, to be held in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from September 24 to 28, will showcase the latest achievements covering China's cooperation with ASEAN, focusing on promoting the construction of Version 3.0 of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and their high-quality growth.
Li said that the expo will set up a high-tech products exhibition area from ASEAN countries, to display high-tech achievements from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and more, covering health, biomedicine, new energy and IT services, in order to support ASEAN's high-tech enterprises to explore new market shares in China and beyond.
"Both China and ASEAN are facing challenges relating to environmental protection and sustainable development, and there is extensive room for cooperation between the two sides in green infrastructure, green energy and green transport," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Moreover, there is huge potential for cooperation between the two sides in areas such as e-commerce, artificial intelligence, big data and smart cities, Wang said, noting that China's digital economy is among the world's largest, with the world's leading 5G network and a wealth of application scenarios.
"As an important platform for economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN, the expo has played an important role in promoting further cooperation between the two sides in emerging areas," Wang noted.
Li said that it will be the first time to invite some Gulf countries to participate in this year's exhibition, with the United Arab Emirates as a special partner to organize buyer groups to participate in the expo.
For the first time, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries will be invited to participate in the fair, and some products from Kazakhstan and other SCO countries will be displayed. Australia, Japan and other RCEP members and the enterprises from Poland, Serbia and other Belt and Road partner countries will also participate in the exhibition, Li said.
China will support the expansion of trade with ASEAN in agricultural products and manufactured goods, and ramp up imports of products with specialties from ASEAN countries, Li noted.
The expo has gone through 20 years of development, and witnessed the rapid development of China's close partnership with ASEAN, Li said.
Since 2013, China's trade with ASEAN has grown at an average annual rate of 7.5 percent. China has remained ASEAN's top trading partner for 15 consecutive years, and ASEAN has been China's top trading partner for four consecutive years. China's bilateral trade with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and other ASEAN members have all exceeded $100 billion. From January to July this year, China-ASEAN trade volume reached $552 billion, an increase of 7.7 percent year-on-year, accounting for 15.8 percent of the country's total foreign trade in the period.
In the first seven months, China's direct investment in ASEAN amounted to $12.96 billion, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent; ASEAN's direct investment in China reached $7.3 billion, up 14.1 percent.
With the implementation of RCEP and the accelerated negotiations on Version 3.0 of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, the level of regional trade and investment liberalization and facilitation has seen marked improvement, Li said.
"The constantly strengthening partnership between China and ASEAN will help shore up regional stability and prosperity, while create a more favorable environment for furthering cooperation," Wang noted.
China has proposed 10 measures to enhance global public security cooperation, focusing on joint collaborations to crack down on cross-border crime and worldwide terrorism, build peaceful, safe, and open cyberspace as well as deal with risks brought about by the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Global Times learned from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
The measures were announced at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum held in Lianyungang, East China's Jiangsu Province, from Sunday to Tuesday.
They are a vital part of a concept document on global public security cooperation formulated at the forum. Zeng Weixiong, the forum's president, told a press conference on Monday that the document lays out a global public security cooperation framework. "More specific cooperation and outcomes will come out in the future."
The concept document calls for the establishment and improvement of a global cybersecurity governance order and framework, addressing the differences in cyber governance issues between developing and developed countries, and building a consensus on cybersecurity governance.
It also called on more countries to enhance intelligence and information sharing to effectively monitor and prevent global terrorist activities. Developing countries should be provided with more technical training and equipment support to strengthen their counter-terrorism capabilities.
A research report on global public security index was a major topic of discussion during the forum. According to Zeng, the report is set to be published for the first time later this year to support sustained and long-term cooperation in the field of global public security.
A total of 2,100 experts, scholars, and personnel from law enforcement departments of 122 countries, regions and international organizations attended the forum in Lianyungang.
Under the guidance of the Global Security Initiative launched in April 2022, China has been enhancing its actions to make more contributions to promoting global public security.
At the opening ceremony of the forum, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong announced that China would offer training to 3,000 law enforcement personnel from various countries in the coming year, part of the country's efforts to strengthen international cooperation to tackle global security challenges, media reports said.
About 100 senior law enforcement officials, principals of police academies and police experts from 19 countries and regions jointly launched a training plan (2025-2026) for talent in global public security during the forum.
Recently, at the invitation of MPS, six police officers from Serbia have visited China to undertake a one-month joint police patrol mission. According to the agreement between the two sides, Serbian police will collaborate with their Chinese counterparts to address the safety needs of Serbians in China and jointly foster a secure environment for tourism.
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) kicked off in Beijing on September 4. It takes place at a critical juncture when the world is grappling with various regional and global crises and there is a pressing need for countries from the Global South to join hands. How will this year's FOCAC elevate ties between China and Africa? What is the significance of building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future? The Global Times (GT) interviewed a number of former officials and pundits from various African countries to share their insights and stories.
In the third article of this series, GT reporter Li Aixin interviewed Hisham El-Zimaity (El-Zimaity), secretary general of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and former ambassador of Egypt to Japan, Hungary, Slovenia and Pakistan.
GT: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership. How do you view the progress in China-Egypt relations over the past decade?
El-Zimaity: A decade is a just a part of the friendship between China and Egypt. Our relationship originally dates back to 1956. Egypt was the first country in the Middle East and Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China. Since then, our friendship has grown deeper and deeper. The elevation of our relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which happened just 10 years ago, was a natural and logical outcome of this deep bond.
The civilizations of China and Egypt have histories that stretch back thousands of years, unlike other countries that count their histories in the hundreds of years. China and Egypt each have a history of 5,000 years, perhaps more. The depth of these civilizations is deeply rooted in history, rich in experience and abundant in wisdom.
GT: How do you understand the idea of a "high-level China-Africa community with a shared future," which is a part of the theme in this year's FOCAC?
El-Zimaity: In this interconnected world and in this era of globalization, we are all in the same boat. While we may be geographically distant, we are united in our goal to develop our nations and benefit our people. We face significant challenges in education, health, industrialization and agriculture. We struggle with issues like water scarcity and diseases. Therefore, modernizing and building a strong China-Africa community with a shared future is essential. The populations of China and Africa together make up about one-third of humanity. Working together on issues and sharing a future is both natural and something we strongly support.
We should not forget the flagship initiatives introduced by China, such as the Global Development Initiative, which assists developing countries in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthens the understanding of development; the Global Security Initiative, which aims to bring countries together under a security framework governed by the principle of mutual non-interference; and lastly, the Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates for respect for the diversity of civilizations, rather than imposing ideas, such as universal values that are not universally agreed upon. If we add these three initiatives to what will be discussed by the leaders in Beijing, I believe we have a very rich agenda, which will contribute to the success of this forum.
GT: The FOCAC theme also focuses on modernization. How could China and Africa cooperate to join hands to advance modernization?
El-Zimaity: Modernization is the culmination of development. Development begins with establishing political stability and educating people. Additionally, infrastructure is crucial for attracting investments. While Chinese investments across the continent are most welcome, there is a need to attract even more. To achieve this, we must focus on improving education, healthcare and infrastructure, while maintaining political stability. Modernization is a goal in itself that will be achieved through the sustainable development goals.
During the pandemic, Egypt and China demonstrated a remarkable example of solidarity. While other countries were refusing to provide vaccines to Africa, China and Egypt worked together to supply vaccines to African nations. It's a wonderful example of our collaboration.
GT: How do the Egyptian public and businesses view the BRI?
El-Zimaity: Egypt was among the very first countries to join this important initiative. When I say "important," it's because it was a game changer - a game changer that addressed a significant gap in the field of development. This initiative was introduced by the Chinese president as something that would bring us together - not only China and Africa, but China and probably the rest of the world, as the initiative now involves more than 150 countries.
For the Egyptian business community and the public in general, this is a very welcome initiative, and will be fruitful. The initiative itself, as you know, focuses on infrastructure, such as developing ports, roads and industrial zones. It also includes health, the digital Silk Road and the educational Silk Road. It is a comprehensive initiative, where everyone stands to gain, and no one loses.
On the other hand, other [countries'] initiatives launched after the BRI have not materialized. The only initiative that is functioning properly is the BRI. What has greatly contributed to its success is the AIIB, which serves as the tool to implement agreements made among governments. This is something we greatly appreciate in Chinese thinking regarding the development of our region.
China's developmental experience, which managed to lift over 800 million people out of poverty through hard work, sacrifice and real efforts by everyone, is something we in Africa would like to learn from. Unfortunately, in Africa, we have around 600 million homes without electricity and about 900 million households without clean cooking energy. These are challenges that Africa hopes to address by learning from China's successful experience in reducing and alleviating poverty, and hopefully, one day, eliminating it completely from the developing world.
GT: From Egypt's perspective, what would an ideal world order look like? How can China and Africa collaborate to fulfill this vision?
El-Zimaity: It's a difficult question. We want a stable world where we can conduct business, trade, communicate, and exchange goods, services, and ideas. However, this ideal situation unfortunately does not exist.
What we need to do now is to try to pacify all parties. Let's do our best to achieve as much stability as we can. We need to stop further destabilization and the financing of terrorism by some actors. Terrorism has destabilized many countries in the Middle East and Africa. It's high time we cooperate to stabilize the world and address its problems.
It would be much better to resolve these issues at the negotiating table so that we can all benefit from the future. Egypt is not an enemy to anyone and wants to play a role in stabilizing the world, or at least our region, if possible. This includes solving the Palestinian issue by allowing Palestinians to establish their own state and live in peace. This is crucial for our stability, future and the development of our nation.
The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit is being held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. The theme of this year's summit is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." In light of this key event, the Global Times launches a series of China-Africa stories, including interviews with political leaders, stories of exchanges between young people from China and African countries, and intensive cooperation in various fields. Through these stories, we will see how China and Africa are deepening their ties and building a brighter future together.
The English adventure novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, tells the story of a young man who gave up the conventional comforts of a middle-class life and embarked on a sea voyage to seek adventure.
Fast forward three centuries, Millennial Chinese national Cao Fengze, having graduated with a doctorate from China's prestigious Tsinghua University, is following in Crusoe's footsteps by leaving behind his secure career in China to pursue opportunities in Africa.
As he has worked on infrastructure projects in countries like Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa and Lesotho under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Cao's endeavors sparked heated discussion online and inspired a new generation of young Chinese to consider Africa as a promising destination for realizing their own aspirations.
These ambitious individuals recognize that conventional overseas destinations like Europe and the US are no longer the sole gateways to success in today's evolving global landscape. Africa, with its dynamic opportunities and potential, has emerged as a beacon for those seeking new horizons.
By venturing into Africa, these forward-thinking youth are not only forging their own paths but also helping pave the way for the development of both China and other developing countries.
This journey is made possible through the deepening collaboration and strong bonds between China and Africa on the global stage, as well as Africa's increasingly prominent presence in China's social media landscape. Together, these interconnected elements form a network of young individuals transcending the confines of the traditional capitalist order, fostering a "community of shared future for mankind."
Across social media posts sharing people's experiences working in Africa, there's a prevailing belief among these young go-getters that "If you can tough it out, Africa is a goldmine waiting to be tapped." In those posts, Africa is no longer a synonym for poverty and underdevelopment, but is a continent seen as a land of opportunity and growth. With Chinese goods gaining popularity in Africa, young entrepreneurs are seizing the chance to make their own marks in sectors like e-commerce. Empowering small African traders
The active trade between China and Africa has created job opportunities for numerous foreign trade distributors. Among them, 24-year-old Fang Jing stands out for her focus on the emerging small wholesalers and African women running small businesses in this field, rather than the traditional large foreign trade clients.
Fang, the manager of trading company AKOMAPA, facilitates the direct sale and marketing of Chinese goods from factories to small-scale African wholesalers, with products ranging from diapers and mops to factory equipment.
With a turnover exceeding 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) in the past 12 months, Fang's company not only supplies goods but also offers free training to her African customers on selling products using a Chinese e-commerce mind-set.
For these emerging African small wholesalers and women looking to start their own businesses, finding the sources of authentic "Made in China" products. They face obstacles such as making sparse orders, language barriers, a lack of resources for on-site field research, difficulty in navigating online platforms, and troublesome after-sales services.
Fang told the Global Times that she addresses these needs by leveraging social media, where her vlogs showcase Chinese factories and product instructions, garnering significant interests from over 1,300 African retailers.
Fang's engaging videos, featuring the production process of items like diapers and slippers, resonate with African audiences via her down-to-earth personality and lively presentation style.
Her approach, inspired by Chinese e-commerce practices, intrigues many small-scale African retailers seeking to enhance their business strategies. Fang also provides online training on creating compelling product videos with a mobile phone and building customer groups for increased exposure and user engagement.
After quitting the high-paying and demanding IT industry and venturing into the uncharted territory of foreign trade with the Africans, Fang embarked on an adventurous journey two years after her college graduation.
She tirelessly braved the scorching sun to conduct surveys and investigations in various locations, seeking the ideal factory processing line that can manufacture products tailored to the daily habits and aesthetic tastes of African households. She fearlessly pursued debts across the ocean, risking bankruptcy, and burned the midnight oil scrolling through TikTok to grasp the consumption habits and cultural nuances of users in different African regions.
Witnessing the impact of her products, such as writing boards being used in African classrooms, Fang is filled with pride and satisfaction. She views herself as a mutually beneficial partner to her African customers.
In a shifting landscape where traditional manufacturing industries face pressure, young entrepreneurs like Fang are exploring new opportunities in Africa, attracting Chinese factories seeking to expand their presence in the African market. Fang's efforts have enabled her to ship an average of seven 40-foot containers overseas every month only one year after starting her business, showcasing the growing capabilities and confidence of Chinese youth in engaging with Africa. Strengthening small-scale farmers
Before venturing into Kenya to engage in farming and vegetable sales, 30-year-old Li Yi held a prestigious position as a consultant at McKinsey. Working in the firm's Los Angeles office at the time, creating presentations, and catering to clients from diverse industries, she did not even envision that within a few years, she would own a thousand-acre farm nestled at the foot of a mountain in Kenya, waking up at three in the morning to escort trucks to the market in the largest slum in Africa to sell tomatoes.
By the end of 2020, Li and her Kenyan partner had established an agricultural company named "FarmWorks," which primarily utilizes advanced planting techniques to empower local small-scale farmers. Li's company provides seeds, fertilizers, and standardized services such as spraying, while also handling backend crop procurement and sales to guarantee sales for farmers. They address the issues of "what to plant, how to plant it, and who to sell it to" for local small-scale farmers.
"Kenya's agricultural sector may have a modest starting point, but it boasts immense potential and a high ceiling," Li told the Global Times about her entrepreneurial journey.
"The African country struggles with low yields per acre, a scarcity of skilled labor, and limited local operational capabilities," she said. "Nevertheless, rapid population growth in Africa, land degradation due to climate change, and heavy reliance on imported staple foods have created a strong demand for agricultural advancements, particularly in high-yield, cost-effective farming utilizing superior seeds, fertilizers, and technology."
Embarking on a business venture in Africa is no easy feat. Issues such as imperfect social governance and law enforcement in Nairobi, along with incidents of theft by acquaintances and occasional demands for bribes from police and urban management officers are common occurrences.
Nonetheless, Li views starting a business in this enchanting African country as an exciting adventure, offering the opportunity to explore endless possibilities.
"For instance, in 2023, our farm collaborated with the International Potato Center to establish Africa's first solar-powered sweet potato storage facility, utilizing solar energy and a water circulation system for power generation. This innovative storage method enhances the quality of sweet potatoes," Li said, adding that this sustainable development experiment intriguing.
"From a purely financial standpoint, Africa may not yield immediate or substantial profits. For me, the satisfaction of tackling new challenges and making tangible impacts on local livelihoods is immensely rewarding. I believe this is invaluable," she noted.
Risky but enthusiastic
Hu Zhenxing, from Central China's Henan Province, became an internet sensation in October 2023 after a video, which showed him speaking English with a strong "Henan accent" in a meeting with a dozen employees in Africa, went viral.
Over the last 10 years, the scale of the hair products company Hu works for has gradually grown, and the wigs his company produced have sold well in the African market, while providing many jobs for the local people.
At present, the company's Ghana factory employs more than 1,200 people. Hu also graduated from the initial workshop director to the head of the Ghana plant. His career path is also a microcosm of Henan's export-oriented enterprises exploring opportunities in Africa.
Many find that working in Africa offers a less stressful and more fulfilling lifestyle, with opportunities to align their careers with local development goals. With the ongoing implementation of cooperation initiatives within the bilateral mechanism framework between China and Africa aimed at boosting youth exchanges, promoting import and export trade, and advancing China's assistance in agriculture, industry, and talent development in Africa, young people in China are eagerly seeking opportunities to pursue their dreams in the growing dynamic interaction of bilateral relations.
With the right mind-set and determination, these young entrepreneurs are carving out a niche for themselves in Africa's booming economy, actively engaging with the continent's macroeconomic development strategies and making their mark in the vibrant African business landscape.
While the allure of Africa's development potential is strong, venturing into unfamiliar territories do come with risks.
One of the biggest risks is the unfamiliarity with the local market and business environment. Cultural differences, language barriers, and a lack of understanding of local customs can make it difficult for Chinese entrepreneurs to navigate the African market.
Another major challenge is the lack of infrastructure in many African countries. Poor transportation networks, unreliable electricity supply, and limited access to internet and communication services can hinder the smooth operation of businesses. Chinese entrepreneurs may find it challenging to set up their operations and ensure efficient logistics in such environments. The danger of infectious disease is also part of the concern.
Moreover, political instability and corruption in some African countries pose significant risks to Chinese entrepreneurs. They may face challenges in dealing with government officials, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and protecting their investments from potential expropriation or unfair treatment.
Even with great enthusiasm, several entrepreneurs who spoke with the Global Times still urge young Chinese people to carefully consider whether they are suitable to come to Africa for development after they have fully understood the situation. But they also welcome more people to join their ranks, as only by expanding can they jointly find opportunities within this emerging market in the process of the continent's modernization.
The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit is being held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. The theme of this year's summit is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." In light of this key event, the Global Times launches a series of China-Africa stories, including interviews with political leaders, stories of exchanges between young people from China and African countries, and intensive cooperation in various fields. Through these stories, we will see how China and Africa are deepening their ties and building a brighter future together.
In Southern Africa, the Namib, a coastal desert stretching more than 2,000 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world. With little rainfall there, almost no grass grows. However, as the waves crash against the endless and distinctive sand dunes, illuminated by the ever-changing light and shadow of nature, a breathtaking symphony of sand and sea unfolds, creating the unparalleled beauty that is Namibia.
Driving through the heart of the Namib Desert, people can see from afar a Five-Starred Red Flag - China's national flag - fluttering in the wind.
In an open-pit uranium mine, thousands of Chinese and African people work hard under the scorching sun. Crushing equipment, water treatment plants, settling ponds, calciners, and other large equipment are laid out on the ground in the distance, with mining trucks shuttling back and forth, and workers busy with their duties.
This is the scene at the Rossing uranium mine, the largest and longest-operational open-pit uranium mine in the world. It is also a model of cooperation between China and Namibia. It is one of China's most important mining investments and projects in Namibia, producing about 5 percent of the world's uranium supply.
However, this Namibian landmark, once a "star enterprise," had faced difficulties in production and operation due to the sharp decline in natural uranium prices after the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan. Declining production and aging equipment have left local employees lacking confidence in the future, fearing the risk of closure at any time. The Rossing uranium mine thus became known in the industry as the "Old Lady" struggling to move forward.
However, changes began to take place when a Chinese company came to the scene.
In July 2019, the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and the multinational corporation Rio Tinto completed the handover of the Rossing uranium mine, officially taking over the project and bringing new vitality to the mine that was originally scheduled to be shut down.
The Rossing project has now become a "ballast stone" for the natural uranium supply guarantee for nuclear power and a "propeller" for deepening global uranium mining capacity cooperation. The CNNC's acquisition and investment in the mine changed not only the fate of the desert mine, but also the fate of mine workers and many Namibians.
Under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum mechanism, economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa is becoming increasingly close. More and more Chinese companies are investing and developing in Africa, growing together with the African market. These companies provide employment opportunities, conduct skills training, and cultivate batches of outstanding local talents. With the accelerated pace of Chinese companies "going global," the social status and labor skills of African women are also steadily improving.
After the CNNC acquisition, the Rossing project has not only created employment opportunities for many local women, but has also improved their economic and social status. More importantly, it has cultivated a group of high-quality female employees, empowering them to live independent and self-reliant lives. Equally treated
Angela Kapapilo, principal resource geologist at the Rossing uranium mine, is one of the representatives. Angela joined Rossing in November 2010. After the CNNC acquisition, the company actively introduced new technologies and equipment, and the production has reached record highs year after year.
At the same time, the company has conducted efficient research on extending the life of the mine and restarted the Z20 uranium deposit exploration project. Kapapilo was then appointed as principal resource geologist, in charge of leading the Z20 exploration project, including geological, resource, geotechnical engineering, as well as hydrogeological research.
The Z20 deposit is currently in the deep exploration stage, with plans to drill over 30,000 meters by 2024-25. This will provide strong support for the feasibility study of developing over 50,000 tons of resources in the Z20 deposit and lay an important foundation for extending the life of the Rossing uranium mine for another 20 years.
"In the years working at the Rossing, I have gained experience in different positions. Serving as the principal resource geologist is a highlight of my career, thanks to the training provided by the CNNC. This is also a testament to the importance and cultivation of African employees by the Chinese company," Kapapilo told the Global Times.
While working at the Rossing, Kapapilo said, she feels that Chinese enterprises treat every employee equally, enabling them to have the opportunity to become a leader. Especially in the mining industry, being able to achieve personal ambition as a woman gives her a great sense of accomplishment. With the help of the Chinese company, she completed a master's degree in geology. Learning advanced geostatistics and machine learning techniques sharpened her ability to make wise decisions in mineral resource management.
The flexible working arrangements in the Chinese company also allowed her to better balance work and family responsibilities.
"I often take work home while also pursuing part-time studies and other personal interests, so the challenge is mainly around ensuring that I am a supportive and intentional parent. I do my best to achieve a work-life balance by following a schedule, and ensuring family time is prioritized," she said.
Kapapilo would often go to the mine, where vegetation is sparse, rocks are exposed, rainfall is scarce, and the wind is strong, to track project progress, identify problems, gather information, and seek solutions. Under her leadership, Chinese and local employees work closely together to complete their tasks on time.
"All Rossing employees have benefited from the CNNC acquisition, as the alternative would have been the mine closure, leading to an increased number of unemployed Namibians. The recent approval of the Phase 4 plan to extend the life of the mine to 2036 means that most employees will be employed beyond the original 2026. Furthermore, Rossing procures a significant number of supplies and services from Namibian companies, and the company's improved profitability in the last few years has contributed to company income tax revenue for our government," Kapapilo said. "This means that the benefit of Rossing's continued operations via the investment by the CNNC positively impacts the livelihoods of not just Rossing employees, but also the broader Namibian society."
Heartwarming and practical actions
The Global Times learned from the CNNC that the Rossing uranium mine, through the establishment of the Rossing Foundation, supports local medical, educational, and sports projects, with its footprint covering the entire Namibia.
The Rossing uranium mine has maintained a local procurement rate of about 75 percent annually, effectively driving local economic development. It also provides employment opportunities for about 1,000 direct employees and about 1,200 contractor employees, indirectly benefiting more than 10,000 people.
Besides actively cooperating with technical schools, the mine has launched female youth entrepreneurship training programs. Since 2019, eight young women in Namibia have successfully established their own businesses with the support of the Rossing.
Education conditions in Namibia are poor, especially in rural and remote areas where resources are severely lacking. Working with UNICEF and the Namibian Ministry of Education, the Rossing has also helped improve the quality of education in remote schools in the country. In 2023, the company donated materials, textbooks and teaching equipment to schools, as well as established three classes for mathematics, physics, and chemistry across Namibia, providing training courses for nearly 3,000 students.
These heartwarming and practical actions have benefited more Namibians, earning strong support from the local government and high recognition from the surrounding communities.
Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo said at a press conference held in Namibian capital Windhoek in June that Namibia's mining industry is one of the largest contributors to the country's economy, with Chinese investment playing a significant role in the development of the uranium mining sector.
In 2023, Namibia's mining sector contributed up to 14.4 percent of the country's GDP, Alweendo said, noting that Chinese investment has been instrumental in establishing Namibia as one of the world's largest producers of uranium, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The longer Kapapilo works with Chinese employees, the more she intuitively feels the benefits of the latest technology brought along by Chinese enterprises.
"Since my interactions with Chinese colleagues in 2019, I have been directly exposed to the technological innovations within the CNNC and Chinese companies. There was one instance during which we wanted to source a particular technology based on internal metallurgical test results. However, no suitable product was available on the market. Our supply chain general manager then introduced us to a Chinese institution, which used the information we gained from metallurgical tests to help design a suitable solution," she said.
In March this year, Kapapilo came to visit Beijing and Central China's Hunan Province. She was very impressed by the hospitality of the Chinese people, the diversity of Chinese cuisines, the richness of Chinese culture, and the level of Chinese technological advancements.
During the interview, she shared an interesting experience with the Global Times.
"I normally wear masks because I have allergic reactions to various airborne respiratory tract irritants. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized there were almost no fumes from vehicles on the roads as all the vehicles we saw were electric! It gave me an impression of what carbon neutral could look like, albeit far into the future for most countries in Africa."
The People's Bank of China (PBC), the central bank, said on Thursday that there is still room to reduce the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks and pledged to continue to implement the supportive monetary policy to shore up the economy. The comments underscored the PBC's commitment to creating a favorable monetary environment to boost market confidence that will help the country's economic recovery, experts said.
The average RRR for financial institutions now stands at approximately 7 percent, and there is still room for further reductions, said Zou Lan, a senior central bank official.
The PBC will adjust the intensity and pace of monetary policy regulation based on the recovery of the economy and specific issues facing macroeconomic operations, Zou told a press conference.
The RRR reductions so far this year have produced many positive effects on the economy. For example, the PBC implemented a 50-basis point RRR cut for all commercial banks, effective February 5, to support the economic recovery.
Regarding interest rates, Zou said that the central bank will continue to cut the financing costs to aid enterprises and consumers. Since the beginning of this year, the one-year and five-year benchmark lending rates have dropped by 0.1 and 0.35 percentage points, respectively. However, the narrowing of banks' net interest margins would constrain further cuts in the central bank's policy rates.
The PBC said that it will stick to the supportive monetary policy, accelerate the implementation of previously introduced policy measures, and provide stronger support for high-quality economic development.
It will utilize a variety of tools to ensure that overall liquidity remains reasonably ample, "aligning the scale of social financing and money supply with the expected targets for economic growth and price levels," Zou said.
On the structural front, the PBC said it will improve the efficiency of fund utilization and provide high-quality financial services to support strategic industries and vulnerable sectors of the economy.
The central bank has clearly manifested its firm commitment to maintaining the supportive monetary policy, which will help bolster market optimism, Zhou Maohua, an economist at China Everbright Bank, told the Global Times on Thursday.
"We do not rule out the possibility of the central bank implementing further RRR cuts and use structural tools in response to changes in the macroeconomic landscape, in order to ensure that market liquidity remains reasonably ample," Zhou said.
Given the domestic low-price environment, there is ample room for more favorable policy tools to be utilized, Zhou noted.
