Workers are busy filling orders in a textile and clothing production workshop in Jimo district, Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on October 7, 2024. Through policy guidance, Jimo district encourages enterprises to increase investment in new technologies, processes and products. In the first half of 2024, 85 regulated textile and clothing enterprises in Jimo achieved an output value of 8 billion yuan ($1.14 billion), a year-on-year increase of 3.8 percent. Photo: VCG

The Philippines and South Korea on Monday upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership and agreed to boost defense cooperation. While Western media hyped the move's link to the Philippines' ongoing tensions with China in the South China Sea, Chinese experts urged the two countries not to fall into the US scheme of containing China.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr agreed on Monday to boost defense cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership, Reuters reported on Monday.

In a joint press conference with Marcos, Yoon said his country would actively take part in the latest phase of the Philippines' multi-billion-dollar effort to modernize its military security at a time of rising tensions with China in the South China Sea, Reuters reported.

Reuters noted that South Korea has sold FA-50 fighter jets, corvettes, and frigates to the Philippines.

Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Monday that South Korea has been a key arms supplier of the Philippines, and its position on the South China Sea issue is becoming more obvious after the South China Sea issue was included in the US-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit last year.

South Korea's defense cooperation with the Philippines caters to the US strategy of containing China in the South China Sea, Chen said.

South Korea is not a South China Sea country, and it should not perceive China as a rival. Such a move will only cast a shadow on China-South Korean ties, and will bring further instabilities to the region, observers said.

Even if the Philippines receives more weapons and equipment from South Korea, Japan and the US, Manila cannot change China's position on its islands and reefs in the South China Sea, or the Chinese military's determination and capabilities in defending them, said Chinese military experts reached by the Global Times. 

During the weeklong National Day holidays, the "mysterious" Ailao Mountains in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, off the beaten track, has turned into a hit attraction.

The authority responsible for the management of the site said that the safety of tourists can be ensured as long as they visit the opened areas in accordance with the requirements of the scenic spots. Unauthorized visits, however, may result in a fine of up to 5,000 yuan ($710).

Initially, the Ailao Mountains gained attention through an adventure-themed blurry and mysterious video posted by an online blogger, which contained images of sudden encounters with fog and warning signs like "bears nearby," leaving netizens with a thrilling and creepy feeling. Curious tourists then flocked to the area, leading to blocked mountain roads, CCTV news reported on Monday.

According to a video posted on Sunday by a local account of an aerial shot of the driveway up the Mountains, the highway circling the mountains was packed with small cars stuck in traffic.

The Ailao Mountains were located in the central part of Yunnan, spanning the prefecture-level cities of Chuxiong, Yuxi, and Pu'er. The Mountains were dubbed by some as "Forest of Death" due to its ravines and dense forests, and unpredictable weather, the CCTV news said. It is crowned as the largest, least disturbed, and most intact subtropical montane wet evergreen broadleaf forest ecosystem at this latitude worldwide, according to public information. Its remote location and primitive nature have bred some "mysterious stories" related to this area. 

The peripheral part of Ailao Mountains is open to travelers under administration of Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County. As long as the tourists adhere to the scenic area's regulations, their safety can be fully guaranteed, according to the local cultural and tourism department.

Over half a million tourists visit this scenic spot and its neighboring attractions every year. During the National Day holidays this year, a total of 50,000 tourists visited the site, up 15 percent year-on-year, the local cultural and tourism department said.

The deeper, inaccessible areas of the Ailao Mountains, still not open to the tourists, consist mostly of pristine forests without proper roads. These areas often face severe weather conditions, which can cause tourists to experience altitude sickness and hypothermia. The area's anomalous magnetic field can render compasses useless, heightening the risk of getting lost. 

On Sunday, the relevant departments of the scenic area issued notices clearly indicating it is strictly prohibited for any individual or group to enter the area or participate in activities like hiking, trekking, or camping without proper authorization.

Another announcement released by the local authorities also claimed that tourists who enter the nature reserve without authorization or disobey the management authorities will face penalties by management and can be fined between 100 yuan ($14) and 5,000 yuan ($710).

In November 2021, four geological surveyors sacrificed on duty after entering the hinterland of the Ailao Mountains. After forensic examination and joint on-site investigation, the main reason for the deaths of the four personnel was excessive physical exertion and the loss of body temperature caused by sudden gusts of wind and rapid drops in temperature, according to the CCTV news.

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) on Friday revealed major advancements at three archaeological sites, showcasing significant discoveries of history and culture from prehistoric period and the Xia Dynasty (c.2070BC-c.1600BC).

The Huangchaodun site is located in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province. It is a settlement from the early to mid-Neolithic period, dating back approximately 9,300 to 8,000 years.

The site, covering an area of about 70,000 square meters, includes two platforms, a surrounding moat, and a rice paddy. Ancient river channels, ponds, and water ditches connecting the ponds to the settlement moat were also discovered.

The rice paddy, located east of the platforms and covering about 15,000 square meters, has revealed ridges and possible wooden remains, with the discovery of carbon-tempered pottery shards. Optically stimulated luminescence dating indicates that the rice paddy dates back to the Shangshan culture - recognized as the world's earliest rice cultivation culture, dating between 11,400 and 8,600 years ago - and extends into the early Neolithic Kuahuqiao culture period.

Lin Liugen, a professor from the School of Art and Archaeology of Zhejiang University, told the Global Times on Friday that the site is characterized by its "distinctive features and unique elements." It is one of the most well-preserved Shangshan-Kuahuqiao culture sites, offering a vivid snapshot of early rice farming communities within the lower Yangtze River region.

"Understanding the relationship between such a large-scale rice paddy field and the settlement is of great significance for studying the early agricultural development in ancient China 9,000 years ago and for recognizing the dietary structure of our ancestors at that time," he said.
The second project, the Caoyangang site in Xinghua, East China's Jiangsu Province, is a mid-Neolithic site, dating back about 7,200 to 6,900 years.

Covering more than 80,000 square meters, the site is covered by a natural sediment measuring nearly 2 meters thick. The unique low-lying wetland environment with waterlogged preservation has allowed for the excellent conservation of a large number of organic artifacts.

Over 200 features, including house sites, ash pits, ash ditches, and wells, have been discovered. In addition, more than 2,800 artifacts made of various materials, including pottery, bone, stone, wood, jade, and shells, have been unearthed. It is worthy to mention that the unearthed fire-drilling tools are the earliest known in China.

Gan Huiyuan, a research fellow at Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, told the Global Times that the Caoyangang site is the earliest known Neolithic site in the eastern Jianghuai region, with a novel cultural aspect, rich connotations, and distinct regional characteristics, filling a gap in the Neolithic archaeology of the Jianghuai area, a region near the Yangtze River and Huaihe River.
The third unveiled Baliqiao site is located in Fangcheng county, Central China's Henan Province. It is a large enclosed settlement of the renowned Erlitou culture, which has been dated between 1700-1600BC.

The site, spanning approximately 1.35 million square meters, is bordered by moats on its north, west, and south sides, with a local river forming its eastern boundary. On the east bank of the Pan River, large-scale cultural remains from the same period have been uncovered. Sacrificial pits have been found around the main building of Site 1, with the discovery of ritual vessels, jade, and turquoise artifacts.

Wu Zhijiang, deputy research fellow of the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, told the Global Times that the Baliqiao site is the largest and highest-ranked Erlitou culture settlement discovered in southern Henan Province to date, and bears a close relation with the Erlitou Relics that can be traced back to 3,500 to 3,800 years ago in ancient China's late Xia or early Shang (1600-1046 BC) dynasties.

He noted that the preliminary revelations of the "multi-grid layout" and the discovery of significant remains such as large rammed earth buildings offer new insights into the morphology and social structure of urban settlements in Xia culture. These discoveries mark a significant breakthrough in the archaeology of Xia culture.

The inaugural Peiyuan Arts Festival, running from Friday to Sunday, aims to nurture young theater ­talent and promote original stage art. 

This innovative event serves as a platform for showcasing and incubating original Chinese artistic works, infusing new vitality into the country's theatrical landscape.

A total of 20 pieces were publicly showcased in a "work-in-progress" format, covering various artistic forms including dramas, Yue Opera, children's theater, dance, musicals, script-based performances, sound theater, and installation theater. 

The themes range from historical legends and future sci-fi to ­real-life experiences, magical realism, suspense, and existential issues.

Chinese stocks listed overseas continued their upward trajectory, even as the Chinese mainland market closed for the week-long National Day holidays. This trend highlights how recent stimulus measures in China have boosted overseas investors' confidence in the Chinese economy and assets.

Chinese stocks showed significant strength in the US markets as the NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index rose 4.93 percent on Wednesday, marking its first close above 8,000 points since February 2023.

The NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index has rallied for six consecutive trading sessions since September 25.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) overseas that track Chinese stocks continued their recent rally on Wednesday. Several popular China ETFs in the US - KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF, iShares China Large-Cap ETF, and iShares MSCI China ETF - all closed at least 5 percent higher on the day.

A wave of capital that previously left Chinese equities for stocks in Japan and Southeast Asia is poised to reverse as investors rush to catch the rally, Bloomberg reported, citing market watchers.

Overseas investors' bullish sentiments in Chinese assets were fueled by a package of stimulus measures announced last week by China's financial regulators, which experts expect will shore up the growth of the world's second-largest economy.

A combination of financial measures has provided the much-needed stimulus for the Chinese economy, Wei Jianguo, former Chinese vice minister of commerce and executive deputy director of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, told the Global Times.

Coupled with the implementation of interest rate cut and reserve requirement ratio cut, the policy of China to cut existing mortgage rates is expected to help the real estate market stabilize and move toward a healthier trajectory, Wei said.

This round of market rally indicates that global investors are optimistic about a series of recently implemented macroeconomic policies, reversing their previous pessimistic sentiments, Yang Delong, chief economist at Shenzhen-based First Seafront Fund, told the Global Times on Thursday.

China's recent support policies for the real estate industry are beneficial for boosting related sectors. Subsequent policies aimed at promoting consumption will stimulate demand, further enhancing expectations for economic growth, Yang said.

A new book showcasing the academic career of renowned archaeologist and cultural relic expert Sun Ji was unveiled on Thursday at the National Museum of China.

Sun, honorary director of the museum's research institute, is recognized for his significant contributions to the study of ancient artifacts, technology history, and cultural exchanges between China and the world.

Scheduled for release in October, the book is a comprehensive collection divided into five sections: "Sun Ji's Academic Achievements," "Academic Legacy," "Critiques," "Interviews," and "Memoirs." It contains 41 articles written by scholars, reflecting on Sun's works in such fields as antiquities authentication, the history of science, and traditional costumes.

Compiled by the National Museum of China and published by Yilin Press, the book is set to be released in October.

A total of 20 key members of telecom and online fraud criminal gangs have been handed over to Chinese authorities from Myanmar. The operation underscores the strong resolve and cooperation between China and Myanmar to combat transnational telecom fraud and jointly uphold security and stability, according to the criminal investigation bureau under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Sunday.

The 20 major suspects were escorted by Chinese police officers back to China via a charter flight, the MPS said.

For a long time, some of the suspects have clung to the criminal gangs in Kokang in northern Myanmar, and controlled armed forces and established telecom fraud dens. 

They have targeted Chinese nationals, engaging in rampant telecom and online fraud activities, and they are also suspected in serious violent crimes such as intentional homicide and injury. Their criminal activities are extremely severe, posing significant harm to society, said the MPS.

As the criminal gangs in northern Myanmar faced devastating crackdowns, some of the suspects have fled to places like Yangon and Mandalay. Chinese and Myanmar authorities captured all the criminal suspects thanks to a detailed work plan after gathering relevant leads. The suspects have now been handed over to the public security organs for further investigation in China, according to the ministry.

Ming Guoping, Ming Julan and Ming Zhenzhen, ringleaders of a telecom and online fraud criminal gang in northern Myanmar's Kokang, were arrested in November 2023, and the chief criminal of the gang Ming Xuechang has committed suicide, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Online telecom fraud is a global challenge that requires strengthened international law enforcement cooperation. Recent actions have further promoted the normalization of the joint anti-fraud mechanism between China and Myanmar, according to the MPS.

Public security authorities will continue to enhance international law enforcement cooperation models, deepen practical collaboration with more countries and regions, and rigorously combat cross-border telecom fraud that affects Chinese nationals, safeguarding their legal rights and interests, according to the MPS.

The EU has implemented measures aimed at restricting Chinese products through new rules, investigations and potential tariff policies. Now, it has its sights set on Chinese hydrogen electrolyzers. Chinese experts on Saturday said that it is "a move of self-limitation" that will undermine Europe's green transition goals.

The EU will conduct a second phase auction valued at 1.2 billion euros ($1.34 billion) through its hydrogen bank from December 3, and winning projects will have to limit the sourcing of electrolyzer stacks from China to not more than 25 percent of total capacity, according to the European Commission's auction guideline published on Friday.

"Chinese production capacity is already more than 50 percent of global production… it is assessed that there is a significant risk of increased and irreversible dependency of the EU on imports of electrolyzers originating in China, which may threaten the EU's security of supply," reads the guideline.

"Europe is currently in a contradictory position. Economically speaking, using Chinese products or bringing Chinese industries into its energy transition plans would be the most cost-effective choice," Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance with Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Saturday.

However, with its focus on the so-called reducing dependence and de-risking policies, Europe has effectively imposed self-limitations, thus avoiding the most economically viable path, Cui said.

Electrolyzers are key devices that use electrical energy to split water molecules and generate hydrogen. They account for about 50 percent of the total cost of hydrogen production systems. 

Hydrogen electrolyzers could potentially be China's fourth major new-energy export products, following batteries, photovoltaics and electric vehicles, according to media reports.

"The development of China's new-energy sector is a result of our strong technology, robust market and full-fledged industrial chains. China's exports of related products have contributed significantly to the global response to inflation and climate change," Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a routine press briefing on April 10. 

"Protectionism does not solve one's own problems," Mao said.

The South China Sea is the world's most open sea, with tens of thousands of ship-days of surface force presence, sorties of military aircraft, hundreds of large-scale exercises, and thousands of smaller drills conducted annually by countries both within and outside the region. The Chinese military does not engage in confrontational encounters except in a few exceptional scenarios, including foreign military forces entering Chinese territorial waters and airspace, according to a latest think tank report.

The real threats to maritime freedom in the South China Sea come from the so-called freedom of navigation operations conducted by the US military, close-in reconnaissance operations, and intrusions into other countries' military exercise zones, while the disputes over islands and reefs in the South China Sea have little impact on navigation and overflight, the report said.

Beijing-based think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) released the report on the navigation and overflight situation in the South China Sea on Friday.

Countries both within and outside the region maintain a presence of over 20,000 ship-days and around 30,000 sorties of military aircraft in the South China Sea each year, along with hundreds of large-scale drills and thousands of various exercises, according to data released by the SCSPI.

Military activities by coastal countries are increasing, and extra-regional countries, particularly the US military, are conducting significant operations in the South China Sea. Every year, the US Navy maintains approximately 1,600 ship-days of surface vessel presence and an undisclosed number of submarines (combat vessels) in the South China Sea, as well as over 3,000 ship-days of auxiliary vessel activities. Overall, US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army conduct approximately 8,000 sorties of aircraft annually in the region, including reconnaissance aircraft, transport aircraft, refueling aircraft, fighter jets and bombers, the report said.

Air and maritime encounters between military forces, particularly between China and the US, occur frequently in the South China Sea. Over 10 China-US encounters occur daily and thousands annually, the SCSPI said, noting that the majority of these encounters are professional and safe.

For foreign military vessels and aircraft entering China's jurisdictional waters and surrounding airspace, the report said that the Chinese military follows and monitors the situation based on international practice for safety and security reasons. Frictions primarily arise only when foreign forces approach the Chinese mainland or Hainan Island territorial waters and airspace, when the US military enters the territorial waters and airspace of Xisha Qundao for so-called freedom of navigation operations, when foreign forces enter within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-controlled features in the Nansha Qundao and Huangyan Dao, and when foreign forces excessively approach or intrude into Chinese military exercises.

Some foreign militaries often complain about being intercepted by Chinese forces, portraying the South China Sea as restricted and unsafe. However, they conveniently avoid discussing essential information such as the specific locations of encounters and the reasons behind such incidents, clearly indicating a biased narrative, Hu Bo, director of SCSPI, told the Global Times.

Any country facing challenges similar to the scenarios above-mentioned would take decisive measures, with countries like the US responding even more assertively, Hu said.

The true threats to maritime freedom in the South China Sea stem from extra-regional military operations, including the US military's so-called freedom of navigation operations, provocations that approach or intrude into the coastal state's territorial waters and airspace, and intrusions into temporary military exercise areas of other countries, according to the SCSPI report.

The report also provided analysis on the impact of the South China Sea disputes on navigation and overflight, saying that the disputes overall remain manageable and have not spilled over to the passage of vessels and aircraft from other countries, adding that the activities of law-enforcement and maritime rights protection are not navigation issues in the first place.

The peace, stability, freedom, and security of the South China Sea are crucial not only for the well-being of the region but also for the development and security of the region and globally. Both regional and external countries should contribute their efforts, play constructive roles, and work together to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation, Hu said.