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 series of global activities will kick off on Tuesday local time in Paris to mark the anniversary of the birth of Liu Hui, a prominent figure in ancient Chinese mathematics. Co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the commemorations aim to show and share the brilliant achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics to the world, as well as to promote exchanges and mutual learning among global civilizations.
Liu, born circa 225-295, was one of the founders of classical Chinese mathematical theory. He made great contributions to the history of Chinese mathematics and also gained an important position in the history of world mathematics. Liu’s commentary in the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art had great a influence on a large number of mathematicians and mathematical works in later generations.
In November 2023, UNESCO held the 42nd session of the General Conference and approved the proposal made by the CAST to celebrate the anniversary of Liu’s birth. It was the first time China had successfully applied for a birthday anniversary event for a scientist at UNESCO, said the CAST.
A launch ceremony will take place at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a year-long global commemoration of Liu. A themed exhibition featuring Liu’s achievements in mathematics, and an international symposium on his academic thought, will also be held in Paris this week, according to the CAST.
Liu’s commentary on the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, and his Mathematical Canon of Sea Island, were important achievements in ancient Chinese mathematics, said Zhou Xiaohan, an associate research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, who is going to deliver a keynote speech at the symposium.
“With in-depth theory and comprehensive proof, these works embodied a distinct and unique algorithmic feature in the history of mathematics,” Zhou told the Global Times. “The terminology, expressions and ways of proof in his works had a profound impact on later generations.”
“Liu’s achievements are not only a treasure to China, but also a great legacy of human thought for the world,” noted Zhou.
Andrea Bréard, a professor and the vice president of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, has also been invited to the launch ceremony and symposium in commemoration of Liu as an expert representative.
Bréard has affirmed the positive significance of the events in honor of Liu in promoting the world’s better understanding of the great achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics. “It is a good opportunity to raise awareness about the non-Western contributions to the history of mathematics in the past,” she told the Global Times via email.
Boasting elements like stone bridges, winding rivers and elegant above-water architecture, ancient towns are highlights to the landscape of China's Jiangnan. Jiangnan is a geographic area that is commonly known as the south of the mighty Yangtze River.
Built with a touch of garden aesthetics, these towns are popular touristic destinations. Comparing to renowned sites like the Zhouzhuang Town in Jiangsu Province, the Puyuan Fashion Resort, opened to public in 2023, is an emerging spot that shows how an old rural town can sustain people's modern and fashionable lifestyles.
Old yet fashionable
Puyuan is located in Tongxiang, East China's Zhejiang Province. Its history dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), and the town is one of the stops where the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal flows through.
To promote the protection of the ancient canal culture heritage, in 2016, a renovation project was carried out in Puyuan, covering an area of approximately 858,000 square meters.
In order to preserve the traditional look of the town's above-water architectures, the renovation project followed the concept of "repairing old buildings by keeping their old aesthetics while also integrating new cultural and commercial elements into the town," Yao Jie, a manager of the resort, told the Global Times.
Nine well-preserved ancient bridges, including the Zong'an Bridge and the Dayou Bridge are distributed along the "H"-shaped river system of the Puyuan Fashion Resort. Many of those bridges date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Some of those bridges connect to inns. For instance, an owner of the Xianzi Beach Inn told the Global Times that the inn is not the biggest one in the resort, but it can offer an "authentic taste of Puyuan" as guests can see the green and clear river flowing beneath their feet just by opening their bedroom's window.
Wooden boats and shuttle buses are always available in the resort. Boats take visitors underneath the bridges' arches to arrive at notable scenic spots in the ancient town. Two popular local destinations are the Meijing Theater, founded in 1947 and offering performances of the traditional Yue Opera, and the Xiangyun Taoist Temple, a symbol of the Taoist philosophy's development in the region, built in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).
The ancient town's time-honored locations are mixed with new buildings including modern hotels, performance plazas, and a visitor center that boasts a T-stage venue for fashion shows.
Puyuan, where the resort is located, is one of China's most dynamic centers for fashion production, especially in the cashmere and knitwear sectors. Around 700 million sweaters made in Puyuan are sold worldwide every year.
Relying on the Town's solid foundation in the clothing industry, the resort has found its niche character of promoting shows and exhibitions that connect to the international market.
One of its strategies is to collaborate with the entertainment industry. It has invited highly popular reality shows such as Funny Team 2024 to film at the resort. In the show, Chinese stars such as Na Ying and Huang Zitao run around the resort, taking audiences on a visual journey around Puyuan's beautiful scenic spots.
In 2023, the resort organized a successful campaign in collaboration with the Chinese version of the fashion magazine Gentlemen's Quarterly, also known as GQ. By having superstars such as Fei Xiang (also known as Kris Phillips, is a Chinese-American pop icon and musical singer) posting photos of the resort, the fashion title of the ancient town was accentuated.
"There are many ancient towns in China, and we need to give them unique themes to make them stand out. This is the creative strategy we need to promote Chinese ancient towns," Xiao Junfu, a marketer of the touristic industry, told the Global Times. Niche interests
Other than Puyuan, the Wuzhen Town and Xitang Town, two ancient water towns nestled in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang Province, have also embarked on a journey of remarkable transformation.
Wuzhen Town, whose roots trace back over 1,000 years, found a way to bridge the gap between past and future. Its once quiet canals, lined with Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1368-1644) buildings, became the stage for a new kind of digital dialogue: the town's transformation began with its establishment as the permanent home of the World Internet Conference, cementing its role as a digital pioneer.
But it was the birth of the Wuzhen Theatre Festival in 2013 that truly brought Wuzhen's spirit into full bloom. The event integrated Wuzhen's historical landscape with cutting-edge theater, making the town a beacon of artistic and cultural exchange.
A few kilometers away, Xitang Town embarked on its own revival journey. Originally created back in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), the town still thrives nowadays thanks to its own unique cultural initiatives. For example, the Xitang Hanfu Culture Week showcases not only the town's past but also its deep connection to Chinese tradition. During the week, people dress in elegant Hanfu attire strolling through the streets, bringing the past vividly to life as workshops and parades make the town a living museum of ancient fashion.
The Xitang Ancient Town Protection Regulations of Jiaxing City released in 2023, further promote the construction of an ecological cultural tourism zone and the integration of ancient town culture and tourism, while continuing to protect the cultural heritage and traditional architecture of the ancient town.
Together, the Wuzhen and Xitang water towns breathe a new life, exemplary for the cultivation of a new cultural ecology in historical towns, one that honors the past while embracing the future.
The Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Guangzhou held an Argentine film tour themed "River, Dream, Distance," launched on September 19 and will run until October 10.
The event aims to attract all movie lovers and Hispanophiles to explore Argentina's rich natural scenery and wonderful human stories. It is presented as not merely a feast of movies, but also an exchange of hearts.
The Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Guangzhou expressed hope that the audience would have an in-depth cultural dialogue with the culture and spirit of Argentina through movies.
The movie viewers were encouraged to explore the unknown river, chase the distant dream, and find the distance in the hearts in this feast of vision and soul.
With a rich and diverse history, Argentine films are also well-known around the world.
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in China and the Czech-China Contemporary Art Gallery jointly inaugurated the exhibition "My Room," which was opened at the Czech Embassy in Beijing on August 20.
Featuring artists Feng Runde, Li Lang, Jiri Straka, Wu Zixian and Yang Yuzhe, the exhibition provides a platform for young artists from the Czech Republic and China to learn and exchange ideas, and has won unanimous praise from Chinese and foreign visitors.
The people-to-people exchanges between the Czech Republic and China are expected to continue to expand into new areas. The exhibition aims to help young artists and show the public their ideas and experiences in the face of a complex world independently.
"The works of the five artists have some common features that impress me: The appearance of their works is very different from the works of their elders; regardless of where they live, their art is close to the real life," said curator and artist Shu Yang.
