On Tuesday evening, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with US President Joe Biden on the phone at the latter’s request. Experts view the conversation as a continuation of the San Francisco vision as both sides have expressed a desire for further cooperation and managing differences. It also reflected that the current anchor of stability in China-US ties amid growing negative factors is the smooth communication mechanism between the top leaders. 

Analysts said the calls between the Chinese and US heads of state once again supported the judgment that, despite differences, there is a will in Beijing and Washington not to let the relationship slip off the bottom edge.

According to the readout published by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two presidents held a “candid and in-depth” exchange of views on China-US relations and issues of mutual interest. President Xi noted that his San Francisco meeting with President Biden last November opened a future-oriented San Francisco vision. Over the past months, their officials have acted on the presidential understandings in earnest. The China-US relationship is beginning to stabilize, and this is welcomed by both societies and the international community. On the other hand, the negative factors of the relationship have also been growing, and this requires attention from both sides.

Multiple “firsts”

The term “negative factors” appears for the first time in the readout of the Chinese side on summits or dialogues between Xi and Biden. It shows the divergences that the US had either created or magnified have grown to a degree that demands public acknowledgment and serious consideration, Lü Xiang, research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. “Yet in the phone call, both sides expressed the wish to prevent negative factors from influencing the general stability of bilateral ties,” Lü added. 

Xi also, for the first time, underlined three overarching principles that should guide China-US relations in 2024:

“First, peace must be valued. The two sides should put a floor of no conflict and no confrontation under the relationship, and keep reinforcing the positive outlook of the relationship. Second, stability must be prioritized. The two sides should refrain from setting the relationship back, provoking incident or crossing the line, so as to maintain the overall stability of the relationship. Third, credibility must be upheld. The two sides should honor their commitments to each other with action, and turn the San Francisco vision into reality.”

The principles stresses that China values peace and stability, while looking forward to seeing positive statements from the US being translated into action. “Overall stability” is also new in the readout on the Chinese side, indicating that China is more realistic and confidence in ties with the US – striving for peace and stability in the big picture, while not being afraid of competition and rivalry on specific issues if necessary, Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, told the Global Times.

Xi stressed that strategic perception is always fundamental to the China-US relationship, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right. This is the first time that Xi used this metaphor to talk about China-US ties, Shen said. 

This shows how China understands and defines the framework of China-US ties. While the US is haggling over every ounce of divergence, China steps to the next level and sees the ties from a more systematic and macro perspective. It sent a clear signal to the US that having a right strategic perception toward China is the first step to make a difference in its China ties for the better. “If the first button of a shirt is wrong, all that follows will be wrong,” Shen noted.

During the telephone dialogue, Biden said the US will send Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China shortly to strengthen dialogue and communication, avoid miscalculation and promote cooperation, so as to advance the relationship on a stable path and jointly respond to global challenges. The Chinese side welcomed visits, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry readout.

Following the Xi-Biden phone call, it was announced on Wednesday that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit China from April 4 to 9.

This marks the first time a specific arrangement of personnel visits in Xi and Biden’s dialogue. Shen said it indicates a more mature and stable China-US relationship, stressing that maturity and stability do not necessarily equate to a much friendlier relationship, in which China has to accept every single requirement from Washington, rather, it means the two sides are at equal position, and should be capable of managing differences while fostering cooperation simultaneously.

“In general, the phone call can be viewed as a positive one. Both sides expressed the wish for stabilizing bilateral relations, managing differences, expanding cooperation, and that a stable and predictable China-US relationship is in the interests of both sides. This message was conveyed very clearly in this conversation between the top leaders,” Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Li added that both countries acknowledged that disagreements did exist and had even increased. But with the call, China and the US expressed their hope to better manage differences and not let the issues explode.

US duplicity remains

“The timing of the call took place after the results of primary elections in two parties were almost settled, but before the next round of fiercer electoral processes. The conversation displayed both sides’ hope that China-US relations will not be influenced or jeopardized by US partisan politics, but could be rooted in long-term common interests,” Li told the Global Times.

Right before the call, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair of the Board of Trustees Laura Rosenberger arrived in Taipei on Sunday for a weeklong visit. Meanwhile, the US and the Philippines are gearing up for fighter exercise over the South China Sea, while also boosting their bilateral interactions on multiple levels.

Yet, from the readout on the US side, apart from touching slightly upon the content of the dialogue, “the US left an impression that it wants to pass the buck to China for the divergences and tensions between the two sides by portraying itself as a role that actively engaged with China,” Li said. 

The US termed the dialogue as a “candid and constructive” one, stating that the two leaders welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication and responsibly manage the relationship.

On the other hand, the White House readout devoted more space to disagreements. It said Biden reiterated the US’ position on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea, raised concerns over “the PRC’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base,” and “unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices.”

In response to Biden mentioning the issues of Ren’ai Jiao, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang in the phone call with Xi and urging China to stop supporting Russia in the Ukraine crisis, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao (Nansha Islands) and their adjacent waters. The root cause of Ren’ai Jiao is that the Philippines has broken its promise, attempting to build permanent outposts on China's uninhabited islands so as to realize permanent illegal occupation there. The US is not a party to the South China Sea affairs and should not intervene in issues between China and the Philippines.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, the spokesperson said that China's position is consistent, clear and transparent. There is a danger that this crisis will worsen and escalate. We should push for de-escalation and end this war through negotiations, not armed conflict. China is not the creator or party to the Ukraine crisis and has not provided lethal weapons and equipment to any party in the conflict. We have not and will not do anything to profit from it. Other countries should not smear and attack the normal state-to-state relations between China and Russia, should not harm the legitimate rights and interests of China and Chinese companies, and should not unreasonably blame China and provoke camp confrontation.

The US sometimes pretends to be a gentleman in its diplomatic rhetoric but acts like a villain, and this two-faced nature is apparent to many countries, including China, Li said. 

Therefore, it is necessary for us to urge the US to honor its commitments to China, and reduce negative factors affect the stability of relations between the two countries, Li noted. 

US needs China more

As the phone call took place at the request of the US, observers believe this fact mirrors that the US needs China more amid the problems Washington has to confront both at home and abroad. 

Frankly speaking, everyone knows that nowadays the US is deeply trapped in the conflicts in both Gaza and Ukraine. It's crystal clear that Washington cannot afford a deteriorating situation in the Taiwan Straits or to foot the bill for forces which are making waves for “Taiwan independence.” That's why President Biden made his "no support for Taiwan independence" promise again in the call. While at the same time, China pays more attention on actions rather than words, and Beijing would be more satisfied if Washington can publicly support for the peaceful reunification and stop arms sales to the island, Shen told the Global Times.

During their conversation, President Xi stressed that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. Biden said the US follows the one-China policy, and does not support "Taiwan independence." Xi urged the US side to translate President Biden's commitment into concrete actions.

Analysts said the US needs China's cooperation in various important areas such as fentanyl control, climate change, artificial intelligence, green-energy transition and financial stability.

Lie 1: China condones transnational organized crimes, specifically drug trafficking, in Fiji.
Fact: China has a history of drug problems due to Western imposition so it maintains strict zero-tolerance anti-drug policies. It has implemented comprehensive controls, scheduling a large number of substances and chemicals, and actively participates in international anti-drug efforts.

Lie 2: China uses gangsters as political proxies to advance its interests in Fiji.
Fact: The United Front led by the Communist Party of China aims to unite various groups, promoting cooperation and peaceful development. China's outreach, including to overseas Chinese, is transparent and legitimate, focusing on fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

Lie 3: China-Fiji police cooperation is a means to conduct "mass kidnapping" and exert power in the region.
Fact: The police cooperation between China and Fiji, established in 2011, is professional, open, and transparent, focusing on addressing transnational crimes and is in strict compliance with international law.

Lie 4: China seeks to gain as much access and influence as possible in the South Pacific, with its investments in Fiji signifying growing regional clout.
Fact: China's engagement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) respects their sovereignty and independence, aiming to support economic growth and improve livelihoods based on the needs of PICs, without any geopolitical agenda. China's assistance is part of South-South cooperation, contributing to regional development and stability.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) published a notice on Thursday to openly employ football social supervisors nationwide to further strengthen the management of Chinese football industry and improve the transparency of football work, following a series of football corruption cases were exposed to the public in recent years.

According to the notice, the job responsibilities of supervisors include but are not limited to participating in supervision of activities, soliciting opinion from the public regarding the development of China's football ecosystem, and oversee the football industry practitioners in their compliance with the law.

The CFA also issued measures on Thursday for reporting and dealing with illegal and disciplinary acts, including the violation of sports competition rules or sports ethnic by footballers, coaches, referees and participants, which cause improper changes in the competition process or results.

For whistleblowers who provide valid tipoffs and have been verified, cash rewards ranging from 2,000 yuan ($276) to 20,000 yuan will be offered; for those who provide valuable clues multiple times, special rewards will be given.

People can send reporting clues and evidence by calling the reporting phone, sending emails, or mailing reporting letters, according to the CFA.

The round of anti-corruption drive in soccer started from November 2022. Several football corruption cases of senior CFA officials have been revealed this year.

As previously reported, four high-profile football officials, including former CFA chief Chen Xuyuan and vice chief Yu Hongchen, were sentenced to imprisonment on Tuesday for taking bribes, with their jail terms ranging from eight years to life imprisonment.

Chen accepted bribes surpassing 81 million yuan ($11.23 million). He also exploited his influence to benefit multiple soccer clubs and regional soccer associations, and sought personal gains by facilitating promotions and adjustments for others.

Additionally, Yu was sentenced to 13 years in prison for bribery by the Huangshi Intermediate People's Court. Yu's ill-gotten gains had surpassed 22.54 million yuan ($3.12 million).

According to reports, a four-episode documentary on corruption in Chinese football aired by China Central Television (CCTV) in January shocked many football fans. It recorded the largest anti-corruption campaign in the history of Chinese soccer.

Li Tie, former head coach of the Chinese men's national football team, Chen, and Du Zhaocai, former deputy director of the General Administration of Sport publicly repented in front of the camera during the documentary. Du, in particular, holds the highest-ranking position among all officials arrested in previous soccer-related anti-corruption operations.

According to the CCTV report, the bribery case of Li will be openly heard on Thursday in a court in Central China's Hubei Province.

China has continued to launch a series of major scientific and technological projects and initiatives, including drones, big data, cloud computing, and the internet of things, in the ecological and environmental field, according to the country's environmental authorities.

The technologies have been effectively applied in the battle against pollution, providing strong support for precise, scientific, and lawful pollution control and the construction of a beautiful China, Wang Zhibin, Director of the Science, Technology, and Finance Department under China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), said during a monthly press conference on Wednesday.

Wang stated that the ministry has continuously deepened technological reforms in the ecological and environmental sector. This includes the implementation of major actions for scientific and technological innovation in ecological and environmental protection and advancing the key national project for comprehensive environmental governance in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in northern China, thereby strengthening the strategic, scientific, and technological support for ecological and environmental protection.

Since 2023, the ministry has established three key laboratories, such as the Environmental Sensory Stress and Health Laboratory, three engineering technology centers, including the Internet of Things Technology Research and Application in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu Province and seven national scientific observation and research stations, such as the Hulunbuir Forest-Grassland Ecotone in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Progress has been made in coordinated pollution prevention and control of PM2.5 and O3, ecological and environmental protection and restoration of the Yangtze River, and ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin. This has resulted in over 400 technical schemes and policy recommendations, providing strong support for scientific decision-making and precise implementation in pilot cities.

Wang introduced that as of now, data sets from 25,000 local monitoring stations across the country have been shared online. The ministry has also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the National Space Administration to deepen the application of satellite remote sensing, with the high-resolution spectral observation satellite being put into use. In collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the ministry issued the "National Ecological Quality Supervision and Monitoring Work Plan (2023-2025)," establishing the first batch of 55 national comprehensive ecological quality monitoring stations, and completing the construction of automatic monitoring systems for sound environmental quality in 36 key cities. A nationwide agricultural non-point source monitoring network covering 175 monitoring areas has been established.

Taking the ecological and environmental protection and restoration projects in the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers as examples, Wang introduced comprehensive management plans for total phosphorus pollution in the Yangtze River and guidelines for compiling inventories of urban water pollution sources as part of the joint research.

Wang emphasized that the coming five years are crucial for the construction of a beautiful China. The MEE plans to undertake long-term strategic research in the field of ecological and environmental science and technology. It aims to issue policy documents to enhance scientific and technological innovation in the ecological and environmental sector, and support the construction of a beautiful China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit in Beijing on Monday.

Noting that Dominica is an important country in the Caribbean, as well as a trustworthy good friend and partner of China in the region, Xi said the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago.

With increasing political mutual trust, vigorous exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and deepening friendship between the two peoples, China-Dominica relations have become a good example of South-South cooperation, he added.

China highly appreciates Dominica's steadfast friendship, Xi said. China is willing to work with Dominica to synergize their development strategies, and turn the friendly relations into a driving force for win-win cooperation to achieve more results and deliver more benefits to the two peoples, he said.

Xi stressed that the key to the sound development of China-Dominica relations lies in the high level of political mutual trust, as well as mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. China firmly supports the people of Dominica in following a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to bolster friendly exchanges and strengthen sharing of experience on governance with the Dominican side, he added.

China welcomes the Dominican side to board the "express train" of Chinese modernization to expand bilateral cooperation in trade and economy, infrastructure construction, agriculture, health care and other fields, Xi said, noting that China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Dominica's economic and social development.

China is willing to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the Dominican side, welcomes more Dominican students to study in China, and will continue to provide scholarships and training programs, Xi said.

He added the two sides should jointly develop the Confucius Classroom at the Dominica State College, and explore more cooperation in vocational and technical training in Dominica.

Editor's Note:

A violent incident at a concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow resulted in the death of at least 137 individuals and left over 100 injured. The assailants used automatic firearms during the incident and utilized an inflammable substance to start a blaze.

Analysts have noted that this is one of the most severe terrorist attacks Russia has faced in over a decade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the capture of all four assailants responsible for the onslaught, stating that everyone involved in the act, from those who carried it out to those who organized and funded it, will face consequences.

More than 30 hours after the tragic event, those who experienced the ordeal are still deeply shaken. Several Chinese residents in Russia have shared their close encounters and emotions regarding the terror attack with the Global Times.

This story is part of the Global Times' series "Witness to history," which features first-hand accounts from witnesses who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historic moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid steps forward taken in the past and the present.
Moscow's streets on Friday night were bustling with traffic and crowded with people preparing for the upcoming weekend.

For Chinese student Chen Yiming, this was supposed to be a good opportunity to unwind in the Russian capital.

Chen is a student at Saint Petersburg State University. On that Friday, he returned from a short trip to Armenia and arrived in Moscow, ready to transfer back to Saint Petersburg.

He visited Crocus City Hall, a spectacular complex stretching 1.2 kilometers with four floors housing restaurants, entertainment, and shopping, bustling with activity in Krasnogorsk, in the northwest of Moscow. Chen intended to enjoy a meal at a restaurant on the fourth floor, unaware that the wheels of fate were already turning.

As he browsed the menu, pondering his meal choice, a deafening explosion shattered the peace, too loud to ignore, unsettling everyone around.

Chen sensed it might be a drone attack. With Ukraine's repeated drone strikes on Moscow, this thought was not unfounded.

However, the continuous sound of gunfire soon made him realize it was not a drone but actual shooting. Panic spread, and the crowd in the mall began to scatter in chaos, with no one knowing what exactly was happening or where to flee.

Following the crowd, Chen rushed outside, filled with fear and uncertainty, witnessing people falling, screaming, and some lying on the ground. He followed the crowd toward a nearby bridge, thinking it might be safer.

"The gunfire lasted about 10 minutes," he recalled.

About ten minutes later, through social media, Chen knew the truth - the mall's concert hall had been attacked.

After the initial shock, the gravity of the situation finally donned on him, as such terror attacks are extremely rare in Russia, only seen in movies.

Police quickly arrived at the scene, about 10 to 20 minutes after the incident. The sound of helicopters added to the tense atmosphere.

Chen took the opportunity to leave, fortunately catching a free taxi ride.

Chen was not the only Chinese person close to the attack.

A Chinese person surnamed He from North China's Hebei Province, was also right in the concert hall and witnessed the attack.

He, a pianist who won international competitions for China, had been invited to perform at the concert. He was sitting at the back, listening to the performance, when armed attackers disrupted the venue, causing chaos.

He immediately hid under his seat, trying to stay silent amid the turmoil and screams. He saw the attackers' entry through the gaps in the seats, hearing live gunfire for the first time in his life, according to a report published by Chongqing News.

After a period of chaos and tension, police took control, and he was then safely escorted back to his school.

Tragically, his Russian friend, a girl, was not so fortunate. It is reported that the girl left the concert hall to go to the restroom midway through the event, where she unfortunately encountered the armed assailant and tragically lost her life.

Other survivors also recounted their escape experiences through various means.

One survivor said that the security staff directed people into a boiler room where water tanks or fire hose boxes were stored, with about 50 people hiding there, The Beijing News reported.

The survivor said that they used water from the fire hydrants to wet their clothes to cover their faces, sat on the floor to remain as low as possible. He recalled that subsequently, rescuers broke into the boiler room, the survivors inside responded, and they all fled together.

Another survivor mentioned that she was injured and fell to the ground, managing to survive by playing dead. She waited until the terrorists left before crawling out of the concert hall.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday all four gunmen in the Moscow terrorist attack were arrested. Putin, addressing the nation, said that all those responsible for the deadly attack would be punished. He also ordered that March 24 be a nationwide day of mourning.
Bonding of community

In the southwest part of Moscow, Xu Wenteng was live-streaming on TikTok as usual, sharing daily activities as a Chinese Volunteer Union in Russia.

However, that night turned out to be so different.

During the live stream, Xu, the president of the association, received a message about a terrorist attack in western Moscow. The sudden news disrupted the live stream's flow and Xu's peace of mind.

His live stream quickly turned from routine to a hub of urgent news update. With the help of the Chinese community in Moscow and Russian friends, he began to report the latest developments of the incident to his audience.

That night, his live stream became an information center, with the Chinese residents in Russia and netizens sharing information, helping each other understand the situation.

Despite the attack happening far from his residence in the southwest district, he immediately worried about his niece and family, and fortunately was relieved to learn of their safety.

The familiarity of the attack location deeply affected Xu. "It was a gathering of young people," he told the Global Times.

Nevertheless, during the live stream, he used his two-decade experience in Moscow to advise calmness, especially when the situation was unclear, recalling past incidents and emphasizing staying informed through official news sources.

Even though the intense discussion temporarily choked his live stream, Xu continued to communicate with the Chinese community in Russia through various channels, sharing real-time information and offering assistance.

After the attack, he saw increased security in Moscow, with more police at important sites like Red Square, but he remained vigilant, believing that the act was organized and deliberate.

Xu knew that such events could shock recent Chinese arrivals and those new to Moscow. He specially conveyed reassurance to anxious parents in China, urging them to avoid spreading panic and unfounded rumors, and to not spread anxiety to their children in Russia.

China strongly condemns terrorist attacks, and firmly supports Russia in safeguarding its national security and stability, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday.

The spokesperson said China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns terrorist attacks, and firmly supports Russia in safeguarding its national security and stability.

Preciousness of national stability

Chen spent the following Saturday indoors in central Moscow, only going out to eat. He is still feeling tense but not seeking embassy assistance, considering his situation manageable.

For safety, his university in Saint Petersburg decided to suspend classes for the next week.

The attack also caused flight prices to spike. The prices of direct flights from Moscow back to China surged over the weekend. The direct flight tickets from Moscow to Beijing on March 24 were all priced at more than 10,000 yuan ($1,383), with only a small number of tickets available. Air China's Moscow-Beijing flight had only first-class tickets priced at over 50,000 yuan left, media said.

However, Chen had no immediate plans to return home. Despite the foreign environment and the sudden panic and chaos, he felt a growing inner calmness, choosing to stay in Russia to continue his studies and life.

Survivor He who escaped the concert hall has also resumed his studies at school, taking Russian language courses online. He, too, expressed his intention to stay in Russia to continue his education and to prepare for his dream of participating in the Chopin Piano Competition.

Moscow's streets, once lively, were shrouded in a thin layer of gloom. Following the attack, the city center, including the Red Square, was closed on Saturday, but tour groups still visited nearby, and some tourists took photos from behind the fences.

In a video clip Xu sent to the Global Times, a group of middle-aged and elderly tourists shouted together in front of the Saint Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, "Today is March 23rd, Moscow is very safe."

While going out, Chen noticed a significant reduction in traffic and pedestrians compared to the previous day's hustle and bustle, with increased police patrols. Some public places were closed, while some others are still open.

He remembered the scenes of helplessness, fear, and desperate attempts to escape during the attack, haunting his thoughts. However, as time passed, his fear was gradually replaced by rationality.

On Sina Weibo, he wrote, "The explosion last night is still fresh on my mind, reminding me of life's unpredictability and the preciousness of national stability and unity. I hope everyone stays healthy and safe."

Many netizens also expressed their concerns for his safety and wished him an early return home.

On Sunday morning, in a WeChat group of the Russian Chinese community, an elderly Chinese resident in Moscow posted a warning about the possible still-at-large terrorists, advising caution and reduced outings.

This message brought some reassurance to the community, knowing they were not alone and unsupported.

Apart from directly stirring up frictions in the South China Sea region, it has been found that the Philippines has cooperated with some US anti-China forces to launch a cognitive warfare that defames China on the South China Sea issue, to hurt China's international image, and drive a wedge between China and relevant countries in this region.

Recently, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), a project under the US' long-established conservative think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), released a report on "environmental threats" in the South China Sea. The report, which groundlessly claimed that China has destroyed or damaged over 21,000 acres of coral reef in the South China Sea, has been cited by many Western and Philippine media sources.

The false report cited a few satellite images and referenced falsified allegations from years ago, making such a report neither factual nor verifiable, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines responded on Saturday.

"China has always attached great importance to the protection of the ecological environment of the Nansha Islands and Reefs and their adjacent waters," it noted.

While studying this report, the Global Times found that it had little persuasive and systematic evidence, relying heavily on some citations of media reports and "expert" claims. Its only "first-hand evidence" seemed to be its "analysis of commercial satellite imagery" on 181 features of the South China Sea.

Chinese scholars on the South China Sea have refuted this discredited report. 

The methods used to reach its conclusions were not scientifically rigorous, Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.

Claiming itself an "objective platform" that takes "no position on territorial or maritime claims," the report's producer AMTI is actually a "shadow tool of the US government that manipulates public opinion regarding South China Sea issues," said Liu Qing, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.

As a US-based project, AMTI is not trying to hide its ties to the Philippines. The AMTI website shows that it is financially backed by several parties from the US, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, and it "appreciates contributions from various partners, including Japan and the Philippines."

Under the support of the aforementioned factions, the AMTI has released many unauthentic reports attacking China, most of which used satellite images as their main "evidence." The precision of commercial satellite imagery aside, some of AMTI's imagery providers are quite questionable, and have even been found to have colluded with the Philippines.

One of the providers, Simularity, is a US tech company based in Florida. The AMTI's website shows it has cooperated with Simularity in several reports on South China Sea issues.

This superficially US firm is actually a Philippines-invested company that even has connections to the Philippine government, the Global Times found.

Among Simularity's three directors, one is Peter Anthony Abaya, brother of the former secretary of the Philippines' Department of Transportation and Communications Joseph Abaya. Simularity was founded in Delaware in 2011, and later moved to Florida in 2020, after receiving a $1-million investment from the Abaya family's Philippine company Shatter Tech Venture Holdings, according to Filipino journalist Rigoberto D. Tiglao.

In a July 2021 article titled "Abaya must explain hand in hoax-making US firm Simularity," Tiglao urged Peter Anthony Abaya to spell out his role in transforming a small tech firm "into a clever generator of fake news against China in its territorial dispute with the Philippines."

Simularity has produced many pieces of fake news against China. They include a laughably ridiculous rumor that Chinese vessels were dumping waste in the South China Sea. The satellite photos used by Simularity in spreading this rumor were later proven to have been taken in the Australian Great Barrier Reef in 2014, Philippine media reported in July 2021. 

Simularity has been openly connected with some media sources, think tanks, and government representatives from the Philippines and the US since the Pilipinas Conference in November 2020, according to an article by scholar Dan Steinbock published by the international research network South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative in April 2021. 

It's hard to exactly know what sort of "alliance" these parties have formed in attacking China on South China Sea issues. Since then, various rumors have been hyped and spread repeatedly via some major Western media outlets, causing tensions between China and relevant countries in the region.

And just like that, as Steinbock wrote in the 2021 article, "Everything old is new again."

China's leading Tsinghua University announced on Wednesday that Chinese scientists had made a breakthrough in the world's first patient brain-computer interfaces (BCI) rehabilitation trial on Monday, one day after Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the success of a procedure to implant Neuralink's brain chip into the first human patient.

The Chinese scientists' research has met the highest standards of safety and their achievements are expected to be commercially available within the next two years, scientists involved in the research told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The Global Times learned from the university that a team, led by principal Biomedical Engineering researcher Hong Bo from the School of Medicine with Tsinghua University, designed and developed the wireless minimally invasive implanted BCI technology device NEO (Neural Electronic Opportunity). The NEO was successfully implanted into a patient's brain for the BCI-assisted treatment trial at the Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, on October 24, 2023.
The subject of the trial is a 54-year-old male patient with complete spinal cord injury of the cervical spine after a car accident. He has been paralyzed for 14 years in all four limbs since then.

After implanting two coin-sized BCI processors into his brain, scientists successfully collected intracranial neural signals of the somatosensory motor brain area of the patient.

Ten days after the surgery, the patient was discharged and returned home. When used at home, the external device of the NEO supplies power to the internal device through the scalp and receives neural signals from the brain, which are then transmitted to a computer or mobile phone through decoding algorithms to achieve BCI communication.

This system uses near-field wireless power supply and communication technology. The implanted internal device in the skull does not require a battery and can be used for a lifetime, the Global Times learned.

After three months of home-based BCI rehabilitation training, the patient was able to use brainwave activity to drive an air-powered glove and drink water independently, with a decoding accuracy rate of over 90 percent.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) clinical score and somatosensory evoked potential response of the patient's spinal cord injury has also significantly improved. Pictures and videos provided by Tsinghua University show the first patient successfully initiating brain-controlled grasping of a mineral water bottle through the wireless minimally invasive BCI.
One day before the Chinese team's research was revealed, Musk said that his BCI company, Neuralink, had successfully completed the first human brain device implantation surgery. Although the surgery was a success, Musk's invasive BCI technology experiment has sparked controversy in terms of surgical safety and medical ethics in the US.

The Chinese research team told the Global Times that their project, which is different from Neuralink's "mind control" device Telepathy, has achieved two major breakthroughs in wireless minimally invasive BCI technology.

On one hand, the NEO is implanted, burying the internal device in the skull, with electrodes covering the dura mater between the skull and the cerebral cortex, which protects neural tissue. It ensures the quality of intracranial signals without damaging neural tissue. On the other hand, it uses near-field wireless power supply and signal transmission. The implanted internal device in the skull does not require a battery and can be used for a lifetime.

Team leader Hong told the Global Times in an exclusive interview that compared with Neuralink's technology, the NEO technology has the advantages of higher safety and long-term use.

Currently, BCI technology is classified into three categories: Non-invasive, invasive, and semi-invasive, based on whether it requires the invasion of the brain and the degree of invasion, according to Hong.

Hong explained that invasive BCI usually involves the implantation of a large number of neural electrodes in the cerebral cortex, which causes significant trauma and makes it difficult to solve the problem of immune-inflammatory reactions. After a certain period of implantation, the electrodes will be covered by glial cells, resulting in a gradual decrease in signal quality.

Conversely, wireless minimally invasive implanted BCI technology is usually implanted on the human dura mater, without invading the neural cells of the cerebral cortex. It uses a combination of software and hardware to enhance signal quality, effectively solving the problem of biocompatibility and achieving a balance between high signal intensity and minimal implantation damage.

The Global Times learned from the team that the clinical trial of this wireless minimally invasive BCI was approved by the Xuanwu Hospital in April 2023. It has also been registered for both international and domestic clinical trials of implanted medical devices.

The second clinical surgery for a patient with spinal cord injury was successfully performed by Professor Jia Wang's team at the Tiantan Hospital on December 19, 2023. The patient is currently undergoing home-based rehabilitation training.

Asked when the NEO technology could be available on the market, Hong told the Global Times that currently, the technology is undergoing large-scale clinical trials in accordance with the relevant regulations. It can be put into actual application after obtaining an implanted medical devices license.

"It is expected to take at least two years," he said.

Editor's Note:

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. Manuel C. Menendez, founder and CEO of MCM Group Holdings, was one of the earliest American businessmen to come to China. He facilitated the establishment of the first China-America joint venture.

Over the last 45 years, Menendez has experienced the ups and downs of China-US relations and the expanding economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Currently, the development of China-US relations is at a critical juncture. Regarding the future direction of China-US relations and how the two countries can strengthen cooperation, Global Times reporters Xie Wenting and Zhao Juecheng (GT) recently interviewed Menendez to gain his perspective on these and more pertinent questions.

GT: On November 15, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden held a meeting at the Filoli Estate in San Francisco, US. How do you view the significance of the meeting and its impact?

Menendez: Without engagement and contact, misunderstandings can arise, leading to misjudgments and trouble for everyone involved. That is why the only way to avoid this is to continue the momentum we have now, especially with President Biden and President Xi meeting together. I am extremely excited and pleased that the two presidents were able to meet. I believe we are now on a better platform for stability. Stability is important.

We had a number of very senior officials who came to China in 2023, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Senator Chuck Schumer who led a delegation of both Republican and Democratic senators. I think the buildup of the number of high-level meetings is critical at this important stage of US-China relations. It sounds simple, but the most important thing is continued talking, continued engagement, and finding common ground. That is because, in reality, on most things, there is a lot of common ground on which we share common views, whether it's climate change, health issues, or coordinating efforts for natural disasters. I believe these actions are very important for the two largest economies in the world.

But the engagement on what are red-line issues or sensitive issues takes time to roll up your sleeves and have a clear understanding. This applies not only to China and the US but to any country that has sensitive issues that need to be discussed. The most important thing about discussing these more sensitive or national security issues is to spend the time to talk about them on a granular level so that there are no misunderstandings.

In terms of business, the business community always appreciates predictability and stability. I am glad that we are currently on this trajectory.

GT: What are your expectations for China-US relations in 2024?

Menendez: We have to keep it stable, so my hope and wish for the New Year is increased contact and stability.

Will there be significant improvements? I think it will be challenging in 2024. As we enter the presidential season in the US, China will inevitably be part of the discussion. However, it is important to remember that political rhetoric does not always reflect reality.

The reality can be different from what is portrayed in the media and political rhetoric. The reality is that the two countries have done an unbelievably wonderful job over the last 45 years. There have been many companies from the US, in particular, those have entered the Chinese market and have done very well. And Chinese companies that have gone to the US have done a marvelous job there. So, there are a lot of actual benefits that have been witnessed when the number one and the number two economies of the world work together, because it not only helps the US and China, but also helped the world by uplifting the global economy when we work together.

So, I think that there are so many success stories versus the negatives of the not successful stories. There are more successes than failures in these countries, especially because of the US-China trade.

China still remains the main anchor because there is one very important characteristic about China that should never be misunderstood: China is not only a world factory, but also a world market. This is due to the emergence of the middle class in China during my lifetime, which is driving consumption. Therefore, the growth of consumption in China is also what drives the US. The US is a consumer-driven country with a strong middle class, and the same phenomenon has occurred in China.

My expectation in the bilateral relations is for better stability and predictability. After 2024, I am very optimistic that the world economy will adjust, as conflicts in certain regions, which I am praying, will be resolved, come to an end. This will allow us a return to a more normalized situation and enhanced relations in 2025.
GT: What efforts can be made to avoid "gray rhino" events in China-US relations in the coming year?

Menendez: I believe that moving forward, it is crucial for us to gain a better understanding of the world we live in today. The world is a little bit different from how it was 40 years ago, with lots of geopolitical dynamics shifting.

If you look at the global economy, the combined GDP of China and the US alone accounts for approximately 45 percent of the world's GDP, which is amazing for just two countries. Therefore, we must not only focus on the development of our own nations but also recognize our greater role and responsibility in ensuring that we address global issues correctly.

We have to find a way that makes both countries comfortable, ensures their voices and concerns are heard, establish a structured approach moving forward, and allows for shared participation on the global platform. Sharing platforms together is a complex issue because it not only requires the consideration of practical, business aspects, but also geopolitical aspects. However, misunderstandings sometimes arise when it comes to geopolitics.

The only way I know of solving those things is through the continual frequency of discussions, not only at the highest level but also at the operational level of governments.

GT: In your opinion, what is the biggest misunderstanding that some Americans have about China?

Menendez: I think one of the common misunderstandings about China is that China is sometimes portrayed as an aggressive country. I've never felt nor seen that.

When I think of China being aggressive, I don't mean it from any other perspective other than being very aggressive in business. However, all countries are very aggressive in business. We all compete with each other, and with our companies and brands, to gain market share wherever it may be, whether it's a German, French, Italian, or American company. We are always competing aggressively.

But when it comes to aggressively expanding outside of China, I think there is a misconception that China will aggressively go after other regions of the world. I don't think that is the case. In my personal experience, China has adhered more to Confucian thinking of a benevolent society and not seeking to expand its footprint outside of China. If you look at Chinese history over the last 5,000 years, it is not even a part of it.

Besides, China is known for being extremely friendly, particularly toward foreigners who come to visit. This aligns with the Confucian thinking that says when people come from afar, you should welcome them and be happy. China has consistently upheld this philosophy of welcoming foreigners, and I think that's still the case.

My motto is world trade creates world peace. World peace and world trade go hand in hand because when people work together, they are less likely to engage in conflict. I wish I could take everyone from the US to China so that they could see China. And I wish I could take everyone from China to the US because, at the people-to-people level, the people of both countries are very nice and good people.

The one higher purpose of the relationship we should never undervalue is a strong China and a strong US working together. This collaboration not only creates prosperity in both countries but also fosters prosperity in the world and promotes world peace.

GT: There is a growing voice in the US, calling for the so-called de-coupling or de-risking from China, especially in the high-tech arena. What's your take on it?

Menendez: I think that everything in high tech is not a matter of national security. You have to know where the line is. This is what I mean by engagement and talk. Every chip that is manufactured is not a high security or high national security chip as we use chips in various everyday appliances such as washing machines and cars. Almost every modern appliance, including basic ones, incorporates chips. Hence, as I mentioned before, engaging in dialogue and ensuring a clear understanding of the boundaries between our countries is extremely important.

We need to understand each other's sensitivities and have open discussions while maintaining mutual respect. We may not always agree on everything, but we should at least try to understand the reasons behind our disagreements. This way, we can find solutions to have a path forward.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some companies have identified certain flaws in their product delivery to customers. As a result, companies, particularly in the US, have a responsibility to ensure efficient product delivery. Therefore, they have relocated parts of their supply chain. But I am yet to hear of any big-scale companies that have left the Chinese market. They continue to operate in China. They have partly moved some production, maybe to Vietnam or other parts of the world, and maybe a little bit to India, to enhance the resilience of the supply chain.

But China still remains the main anchor because there is one very important characteristic about China that should never be misunderstood: China is not only a world factory but also a world market. This is due to the emergence of the middle class in China during my lifetime, which is driving consumption.

GT: The Chinese government recently announced a raft of measures to attract foreign investment. What are your opinions on these measures? What is your advice for China in terms of attracting foreign investment?

Menendez: China has simplified the process of doing business. I have witnessed numerous improvements over the years. However, one aspect that China needs to address is effectively promoting and informing the world about its policies, so that other countries can understand the benefits.

Success is the key to promoting more foreign direct investment (FDI), as people are more likely to be motivated when they hear about the positive outcomes resulting from specific policies. Real-life examples are the key to further strengthening FDI and making it even more robust than it currently is.

I think that there are areas that can be improved to make the business climate more conducive for investment. However, this is a process that takes time. Changes need to be made based on the current world and market conditions. I consider it an evolutionary process.

In the early days, any form of development was acceptable as China aimed to attract foreign investment and build its own economy and infrastructure. The infrastructure development and the largest migration in human history in China have been a miracle.

One of the great things that China has done, which is positive, is taking people out of absolute poverty. It has been amazing to witness nearly 800 million people coming out of absolute poverty, which is a great achievement. However, that is not the end goal. I always emphasize that getting out of absolute poverty is just the first step. The goal now is to improve people's lives and achieve common prosperity. I think China is working hard toward that.

As China has risen up to this level, you have to give credit to the Chinese entrepreneurs, the Chinese ability to take a policy, and the ability to make it work step by step.

GT: You played a positive role in China's return to the global market in the late 1970s. You have also witnessed significant changes in the Chinese business market over past decades. In your opinion, what are the current advantages that China has to offer to foreign companies and investors?

Menendez: I think the most obvious change is what I mentioned earlier: China has transitioned from being just a world factory to becoming a world market. It now has a significant consumer population. Therefore, companies that have products and services can also sell them in China. This can be referred to as hitting a home run. The concept of a home run implies that if you can manufacture a product in China, you have a competitive advantage in the global market. This advantage stems from the fact that the best product, offering the best price and quality, ultimately emerges as the winner, not only in China but also worldwide.

Now, wherever it is, China has consistently produced the best products with the highest quality and at the most competitive prices, making them the ultimate winner in many categories. Take Apple, for example, with their iPhones and MacBooks manufactured in Dongguan by Foxconn. These products are then distributed worldwide, contributing to Apple's status as the number one company in terms of market capitalization. China has undoubtedly played a significant role in this achievement.

I think companies should consider the Chinese market as an opportunity to manufacture goods here. This does not necessarily mean shutting down high-level or advanced production in the US, but rather having some production in China to capitalize on the growing Chinese market.

I believe there is plenty more room to grow in China. There are still hundreds of millions of people who have yet to move from their current position to the middle class. So, I think there is ample opportunity, what we call runway, in China. However, it is important to have knowledge about the market; where to enter and who to partner with. I like the philosophy of working in China with partners. I like Chinese partners, as they know their market and economy. It is always good to share in the economic equation. When both the China and US work together, both sides win and can achieve mutual success. If we are economically tied together, I believe it is a very powerful formula moving forward.

China witnessed the establishment of more than 48,000 new foreign enterprises from January to November 2023, which serves as one of the parameters indicating confidence in the Chinese market.

China is opening its door wider and wider to welcome foreign visitors, as the country extended its visa-free policy to six more countries, including Switzerland and Ireland, starting on Thursday. The move is aimed at boosting inbound tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The latest move comes as China has already waived visa requirements for citizens from more countries, including those in Southeast Asia, and has also moved to address other issues for foreign visitors, including payment hurdles, underscoring the country's commitment to opening-up, experts said.

Coming at a time when many major countries such as the US are tightening visa policies for Chinese citizens, China's series of opening-up moves highlight the country's confidence and openness that is conducive for an open world economy, in stark contrast to a rising isolationist and protectionist tide in some countries, experts also noted.

In the latest development, from Thursday to November 30, 2024, citizens from six European countries - Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg - are able to visit China for business, sight-seeing, transit and other purposes for up to 15 days without having to apply for a visa.

The visa-free policies for the six countries were already announced previously, and airlines, travel agencies and visitors have already been preparing for its implementation, with an increased number of flights between China and those countries and surging inquiries and bookings.

On Thursday, the first direct flight between South China's Guangdong and the six European countries after the visa-free policy officially took effect arrived in Shenzhen. The fight originated from Brussels, Belgium, and was operated by Hainan Airlines, which carried more than 20 Belgian nationals.

Anticipating a growing number of passengers, Hainan Airlines told the Global Times on Thursday that it currently operates two direct flights to Brussels, with the one between Beijing and Brussels running daily and the one between Shenzhen and Brussels flying three times a week.

Meanwhile, searches for flights from Europe to China have also surged. As of Thursday afternoon, searches for flights from Zurich to China have increased by 60 percent compared with last week, Chinese online travel platform Qunar.com told the Global Times on Thursday.

Overall, after the visa-free policies took effect on Thursday, some routes between China and those of European countries have shown a growth trend and the number of flights between China and Europe is increasing slightly, according to aviation information provider VariFlight.

"This may indicate that the visa-free policy will promote tourism and business exchanges between the two sides and further strengthen ties between China and Europe," VariFlight told the Global Times on Thursday.

In December 2023, China also waived visa requirements for citizens from six countries, including five European nations such as France and Germany.

China has also recently signed agreements with Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand on mutual visa exemption. Such moves have already boosted the number of inbound travelers, which reached 3.23 million during the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays, and the number of visitors from those visa-free countries doubled that of 2019, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

In addition to visa exemptions, China has also rolled out a slew of other measures to make it more convenient for foreign nationals to visit, including streamlining visa applications and improving payment services. Due to issues surrounding the acceptance of foreign bank cards and identity authentication procedures, many foreign visitors have faced difficulties when using China's mobile payment services, which is the most commonly used payment mothed in China. Hence, Chinese authorities have taken various steps to address these issues.

Last week, the State Council, China's cabinet, issued a notice asking banks and payment and clearing entities to strengthen cooperation to continuously improve and expand mobile payment services for foreign visitors. On Thursday, the People's Bank of China, the central bank, issued a guide to payment services in China, saying foreign visitors now have a number of payment options, including mobile payments.

Openness, confidence

The measures aimed at boosting inbound travel and people-to-people exchanges are just part of China's continuous, comprehensive opening-up drive, which reflects the country's openness and confidence, even when many countries are turning inward, experts said.

"These visa-free policies are actually a manifestation of China's attitude that we are encouraging people-to-people exchange, supporting economic globalization and against trade protectionism," Bian Yongzu, a senior researcher with the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Thursday.

As some countries are trying disrupt economic and people-to-people exchanges between nations with the pretext of national security, causing great uncertainty for the global economy, "we are coping with this period of uncertainty with this mindset of greater openness and confidence," Bian said.

The US, in particular, has been seeing a surge of xenophobia and protectionism and has actually taken a litany of measures that disrupt global economic cooperation. Worse yet, Washington has been seeking a decoupling between China and the US by cracking down on Chinese firms, restricting normal trade and commercial activities, and even imposing strict visa requirements and treating Chinese students unfairly at the ports of entry.

"Indeed, there are some protectionist tendencies in Europe and the US," Bian said, noting that some of these countries are facing profound internal difficulties that they have no viable solutions to address, so they have resorted to cracking down on developing countries. "Trade protectionism is just a political expedient that is unsustainable."

In contrast, China, even as it faces an increasingly complex external environment, has been opening up its economy and advocating for an open world economy. The Government Work Report, adopted at the recently concluded two sessions, said that China will further deepen reform and opening-up across the board. As an example, all market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in services sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced, according to the report.

China's continued opening-up, particularly institutional opening-up, will not only make it more convenient for foreign businesses and investments to enter China, but will also boost their confidence and sense of certainty about China's economic development, experts said.

"Moreover, it will also help foreign governments form a deeper understanding of China's economic development and become more willing to cooperate with China, which in turn helps share China's external environment," Bian said.