The best possible world is one where major nations coexist, negotiate and compete without dragging humanity into conflict.

China's autonomous driving industry is steadily writing its own answer through technological breakthroughs, expanding road access, and an increasing number of approved vehicle models.

Any rational strategic decision-maker should understand that only by safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits can the foundation of China-US relations be preserved and world peace and tranquility upheld.

In recent years, Japan has consistently downplayed its history of aggression, accelerated its attempts to revise the "Peace Constitution," and taken frequent moves to strengthen and expand its military capabilities. It has deployed long-range missiles in multiple regions, relaxed restrictions on arms exports and even seen senior government officials openly advocating for nuclear armament. These developments suggest that Japan is trying to hollow out the post-war international peace order. This has caused serious concern in the international community, and even Western media outlets, long seen as favoring Japan, have been voicing increasing criticism.

Multiple foreign media outlets have recently noticed that the Tianjin Meat Industry Association announced it would purchase 50,000 metric tons of deforestation free certified Brazilian beef by the end of the year. This move not only sends a positive signal for the protection of the Amazon rainforest, but also demonstrates the profound impact of China's green consumption demand on global supply chains.

The bilateral relationship between China and the US could improve because of US President Donald Trump's state visit to Beijing this week. The symbolism and substance of the two presidents in the same room offer a powerful opportunity to show resolute commitment to tackling global challenges.

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman recently concluded his inaugural visit to China since Bangladesh's new government took office in February. This diplomatic trip holds significant importance in the context of evolving South Asian geopolitics and a sluggish global economic recovery. Beyond routine diplomatic exchanges, this visit was anchored in solid, action-oriented cooperation, reflecting Bangladesh's urgent development priorities and its steadfast recognition of China as a reliable, time-tested partner.

The results of a recent survey released earlier this month showed that most Cambodian people felt positively about China. Conducted by the Asian Vision Institute, an independent think tank based in Phnom Penh, the survey on Cambodia-China relations was participated in by a total of 2,612 respondents in Cambodia from December 2025 to March 2026. The survey results provide a valuable "think tank perspective" for understanding how different sectors of Cambodian society perceive China and China-Cambodia relations, while also offering insights into the effectiveness of China's neighborhood diplomacy concepts and practices.

The hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has left three dead and nine confirmed infected as of press time. Some 122 guests and crew from 23 countries were scattered across the globe. This was a textbook transnational public health crisis - one that no country could manage alone, and no government could afford to ignore. Viruses do not check passports. This is an old saying, but during this outbreak, it has become more vivid than ever. It also underscores the critical importance of cooperation.

US President Donald Trump's ongoing state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday has drawn significant international attention. In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Su Yaxuan, Sourabh Gupta (Gupta), a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, noted that what China and the US are doing now is groping toward finding a new intermediate strategic equilibrium based on which they can engage each other. "The visit may help set the groundwork for both sides to identify areas of common interest," Gupta said.

US President Donald Trump's upcoming state visit to China has drawn widespread global attention. A stable China-US relationship not only benefits both countries but also serves the interests of the entire world. To this end, both sides need to properly manage the serious obstacles and challenges in the bilateral relationship, especially the Taiwan question.

US President Donald Trump will pay a state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday. It will be the first visit to China by a US president in almost nine years. Global media, especially in the US, have been speculating about the visit for quite some time. There are many pressing issues on the agenda.

What does it mean to govern well and how should governance performance be gauged? The answer from the Communist Party of China (CPC) is that a correct understanding of governance performance should proceed from reality, respect objective laws, and, through sound decision-making and hard work, create achievements that withstand the test of practice and history, truly benefit the people, and earn public recognition. To examine the distinctive logic and global relevance of the CPC's correct understanding of governance performance, the Global Times (GT) launches a new series, "Understanding the correct view on governance performance," and invites leading international observers to share their thoughts on these issues.

Beyond the handshakes and photos, the world watches whether China and the US can responsibly manage differences, mitigate risks and stabilize the overall situation. The world awaits a summit that responds to the needs of the times and the expectations of the world.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has led to soaring energy prices and supply chain disruptions, impacting nearly every part of the world - especially small island nations, which are the most at risk. This situation is sending shockwaves through the global economy, exposing the acute vulnerability of small island states.

China's rural revitalization is often discussed in policies and statistics. What does it truly look like on the ground, especially in the eyes of foreign visitors? In this new series, "Village Walk," the Global Times invites foreign visitors who have explored China's villages firsthand to share their stories. Through their perspectives, we capture the quiet transformations, the rich and vibrant local cultures, the sustainable development of rural industries, and the vitality among rural communities. This is the fourth installment of the series.

An academic symposium titled "The Vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity and the Development of an Independent Chinese Knowledge System in International Relations" was recently held at China Foreign Affairs University. Co-hosted by the Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity and the China National Association for International Studies, the event featured roundtable discussions that delved into advancing the systematic and theoretical study and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and accelerating the development of an independent Chinese knowledge system of international relations. This article selects and presents some highlights for our readers.

Viewed within a broader historical context, the two common enemies facing China and the US today are, first, the global asymmetric risks posed by the runaway development of AI, and second, the direct threat to peace in the Taiwan Straits and regional stability posed by "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The former threatens the very foundations of future order for all of human society, while the latter threatens the basis of regional peace and even global security.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has just concluded a three-day official visit to China, marking his first China trip since the new Bangladeshi government under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assumed office in February. The visit underscores the stability, continuity and pragmatic orientation of China-Bangladesh relations.

In May 2026, China and the European Union (EU) celebrate the 51st anniversary of their diplomatic relations. For more than five decades, despite the ever‑changing international landscape, China‑EU relations have demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality. However, in recent years, the bilateral ties have been confronted with increasing differences and even frictions in various spheres. What is the biggest reason for such features? How should the two major global players build new models of cooperation to enhance mutual understanding between them amid frictions? Stefano Manservisi (Manservisi), former director-general for International Cooperation and Development in the European Commission, shared his views with Global Times (GT).

Defense cooperation with Japan must be framed with historical sensitivity - honestly acknowledging the wounds of the past while deliberately building the trust required for the future for final healing.

It was because of China's participation that the Tokyo Trial possessed sufficient legitimacy.

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial's commencement, it is essential to reflect on its legacy in the context of Japan's increasing militarization and the challenges facing the post-World War II international order.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to begin his visit to China.

The village walk in Guiyang genuinely shifted my perspective. It showed me that China's rural revitalization is not only about large-scale infrastructure or policy. It is also about small, practical innovations that directly improve people's daily lives. In many ways, it's these seemingly small details that make the biggest impact.

The domestic call on young Chinese dovetails seamlessly with the four global initiatives China has proposed. Energized youth makes China's global offerings credible – proof that the model delivers for its people and partners.

If those Western commentators who love to slap labels on young Chinese could actually visit Minqin, they might realize how to give young Chinese people the full and accurate recognition they deserve.

The South-South cooperation led by China contributes to a more democratic, reasonable and human-centered global environmental governance system – benefiting not only developing countries but the future of global sustainability itself.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) can help Bangladesh get the development right. Given that China's priorities are green technologies, low-carbon industries and sustainable development, the Bangladeshi government can take the opportunity to absorb China's development experiences to enhance its sustainable development: Bangladeshi scholar

From the reactions of Pakistani delegation members throughout the trip, what I sensed was far more than curiosity about new agricultural technologies. It was also Pakistan's genuine desire to accelerate agricultural modernization.

2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Tokyo Trial. As a landmark judicial event in the aftermath of World War II, the trial has exerted a profound influence on modern international criminal law and the evolution of international order, especially the regional order in Asia. What role did the Tokyo Trial play in shaping China's modern historical narrative and national memory? What significance does it have when we review the Tokyo Trial against the current global situation? Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Wenwen spoke with Rana Mitter (Mitter), a professor of US-Asia relations at the Harvard Kennedy School and author of Forgotten Alley, over these issues.

Today, reaffirming the Tokyo Trial's historical value and profound implications,, while upholding the legal characterization of Japan's crimes of aggression, holds great contemporary relevance.

The year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE), also known as the Tokyo Trial. Following the Nuremberg Trial, it was another large-scale, multinational judicial proceeding in human history to try crimes of aggression and war crimes.

China's practices prove that it remains a steadfast defender, active builder and vital contributor to the NPT. As the NPT review process faces daunting challenges, the international community must abandon the Cold War mentality and double standards to return to the track of multilateral cooperation.

The contest between China and the US in AI is increasingly defined by two fundamentally different development philosophies: The US is focused on raising the ceiling of what AI can do; China is focused on lowering the floor of who can use it, writes @dinggangchina

For Australia, closer defense integration with Japan – however commercially attractive or ostensibly operationally rational in the short term – carries longer-term risks.

By thoroughly adhering to the pacifism indicated by its Constitution, Japan must advance “providing reassurance” rather than arms exports to its Asian neighbors, and work with China as a force for regional stability: Japanese scholar

The tension currently facing the UK-US “special relationship” is a clash between two worlds: a US attempting to reshape global and regional hegemony through unilateralism, and a UK focused on national and regional interests while trying to preserve its influence through the existing international order.

What I sensed from the Bangladeshi delegation in China reflected the new Bangladeshi government's interest in deepening ties with China, especially in areas related to innovation, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation, as well as the strong aspiration of Bangladeshi politicians and the public to accelerate the country's transition toward high-tech development.

A communist party must deliver concrete results for working people. The CPC's emphasis on people-first governance performance is crucial, as it ensures that policies translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.

Building into a world leader in science and technology requires not only world-class laboratories, but also a rational public discourse environment. Neither blindly worshiping “overseas experience” nor arbitrarily questioning the choice to “return to China” is the proper attitude we should take toward talent mobility.

My journey to Xinjiang left me with a strong impression: China has understood that its future also lies in its countryside. It is transforming its rural areas into spaces of innovation, production and opportunity: African journalist

The key to sustaining and strengthening the momentum of China-South Korea people-to-people exchanges lies in acknowledging differences and focusing on shared ground, transforming policy convenience into real exchanges, and turning exchanges into cultural understanding and mutual affinity.

Modernization is a goal pursued by nearly all countries, and thus Chinese modernization can serve as a “common language” for better dialogue between China and the rest of the world. I believe it will offer valuable lessons for the Global South and other nations exploring their own paths to modernization.

The 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition boasts an unprecedented scale and remarkable popularity.

In China, you stop checking your wallet. You stroll after midnight. You trust. And in that quiet confidence, you glimpse what Chinese sense of security, at its most comprehensive, actually feels like.

Through joint research, joint standard setting and risk assessment, Chinese and European academics can explore a more balanced governance model between technological development and risk control. This contributes to the formation of a more inclusive international rules-based system.

Last Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Athens alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, made a striking claim: the US, Russia and China are now all "dead against" the Europeans.

For Seoul, the key is not waiting for Washington to change, but rather breaking free from the structural dilemma of being "simultaneously dependent on the US and constrained by it."

The anxiety of middle powers reflects the problems of our era. To truly move past this anxiety, the root causes must be identified and targeted.

The US-Israel attacks on Iran have not only plunged the Middle East into chaos and reshaped the global geopolitical landscape, they have also shattered Japan's long-held image as a "model upholder of international law." The crises in Ukraine, Venezuela and the Middle East have exposed Tokyo's double standards in international affairs. The sovereign principle and international justice are merely convenient tools for Japan in service of US hegemony.

The European Union (EU) has been the most ambitious and, for decades, the most successful project of supranational governance the world has ever seen. It has brought peace and prosperity to hundreds of millions of citizens, and become a model for regional integration across continents. Yet now, the EU is far from the vision its founders imagined, and meaningful reform is more urgent than ever.

My work badge from the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region is hanging by the window in my office in Beijing. Every time I look at it, I am reminded that I was once a member there - and that I will always regard it as another "home." In 2015, as one of the first members of the "group-style" medical assistance program to Xizang, I set foot on this remarkable land for the first time. More than a decade has passed. The badge has gradually faded in the sunlight, yet it has become ever clearer in my memory.

Breaking free from the logic of hegemony, opening our eyes to the world and truly embracing multilateralism and international cooperation is the right path for any major power.

Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, was “postponed” at the eleventh hour on Tuesday.

Within just one month, Japan has presented the world with a disturbing picture at an alarming pace.

One day after sending a ritual offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday reportedly continued to make a monetary offering to the site. Additionally, the Japanese government has officially revised "the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines on Tuesday to enable overseas sales of weapons.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Laos. If you read Western media or consult Washington's think tanks, you will almost exclusively view this relationship through the cold, rigid prism of grand strategy. The Western strategic community is deeply anxious about economic integration between China and Southeast Asian nations. Commentaries in publications like Foreign Affairs routinely rely on buzzwords like "squeezing" and "debt traps" to characterize China's footprint in the region.

On Wednesday, a delegation of Pakistani media professionals and think tanks visited Xinjiang Medical University in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, gaining firsthand insight into China-Pakistan cooperation in medical education.

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs, will visit Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar upon invitation from Wednesday to Sunday. It has been four months since the cease-fire consensus between Cambodia and Thailand after their border dispute on December 27, 2025. On December 28 and 29, in a meeting held by the Fuxian Lake, Yunnan Province of China, foreign ministers and senior military officers of China, Cambodia and Thailand agreed on key outcomes. On Monday, the Second China-Cambodia-Thailand Track II Dialogue, organized by China Foreign Affairs University, was held in Beijing. The dialogue brought together think tank experts and media persons from the three countries to discuss issues around the theme "Implementing the Fuxian Consensus and Fostering a Peaceful Public Opinion Environment." Global Times reporter Wang Wenwen selects the speeches and opinions by representatives of the three countries at the scene.

As China continues to expand its visa-free "circle of friends," a growing number of foreign tourists and vloggers are capturing their positive experiences in China on camera. A French young man deliberately "abandoned" his laptop in a shopping mall, yet no one touched it for half an hour. The BBC's China correspondent went for a run at 3 am, enjoying the freedom and peace of the night.

As Japan accelerates its military buildup, inks major new arms export deals and joins the annual Balikatan, or "shoulder-to-shoulder," drills as a full participant for the first time alongside the US and Philippines, history casts a long shadow. The Japanese combat-capable troops that once invaded the Philippines as aggressors are now returning as so-called close partners. How do Filipinos see this return? And how does Southeast Asia feel about Japan's rapid remilitarization? Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy (Malindog-Uy), director and vice president for external affairs of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, shared her views with Global Times (GT) reporter Li Aixin.

From the war in Ukraine to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, from trade wars to the Greenland issue, NATO's internal cohesion is coming under increasing scrutiny and doubt from within the alliance itself. Is the transatlantic alliance now at a critical turning point? Is NATO's "Asia-Pacificization" a cure for its survival? The Global Times invites three scholars to share their analysis on these questions.

In an era marked by ecological challenges, development dilemmas and geopolitical dynamics are increasingly intertwined. Through a series of innovative practices, Chinese modernization offers a "green solution" to some of humanity's pressing questions of survival and development. Rooted in the wisdom of Chinese civilization and refined through Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, this approach presents both a philosophical vision and a practical pathway toward sustainable development.

2026 marks the commencement of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), a pivotal phase in the nation's medium- to long-term development. A successful venture starts with a good plan and with clear goals set. At this critical juncture, where a profound restructuring of the global order converges with a tipping point in the technological revolution, China's five-year plan is poised to inject momentum and certainty into global development, charting a steady course for the new journey ahead.

China's development model demonstrates a steady shift from purely quantitative indicators to comprehensive social objectives. An important mechanism for serving the people is the continuous adjustment of policies based on practical experience, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in governance.

Recently, a Japanese man posted on X about an "emergency family meeting." The meeting was triggered by his daughter, a student at an international school, who said, "I feel ashamed to be Japanese" after learning about the Nanjing Massacre in her history class.

As UN Chinese Language Day is marked around the globe, it is worth reflecting on a broader reality: We have long since moved beyond the strange unipolar moment that followed the Cold War. Power is no longer concentrated in a single capital or filtered through one political or cultural lens. We are living in a multipolar era again, and have been for some time.

China's rural revitalization is often discussed in policies and statistics. What does it truly look like on the ground, especially in the eyes of foreign visitors? In this new series, "Village Walk," the Global Times invites foreign visitors who have explored China's villages firsthand to share their stories. Through their perspectives, we capture the quiet transformations, the rich and vibrant local cultures, the sustainable development of rural industries, and the vitality among rural communities. This is the first installment of the series.

The 2026 Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon kicked off on Sunday morning in Yizhuang, Beijing. More than 100 teams reportedly participated in the field test, including several international teams. Robot "Lightning" from Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor won the championship, with the model running over 21 kilometers in a net time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record of 57:20.

Tajani's visit to China, while not signaling a fundamental shift in Italy's China policy, reflects a realistic adjustment shaped by domestic economic pressures and external security risks.

NATO's attempt to shift its internal contradictions outward by advancing "Asia-Pacificization" is essentially a spillover of outdated Cold War thinking and bloc confrontation logic into the region. With its internal value consensus already on the verge of collapse, this approach of diverting its troubles eastward can neither resolve its own existential crisis nor persuade other regions to foot the bill.

The frequent exchanges between #China and #Vietnam reflect the strategic depth and stature of the relationship and send a clear message to the international community that Vietnam and China are coordinating to ensure the security of their political systems, promote national development, and contribute stability and positive energy to a rapidly changing world, says a Vietnamese scholar

As the conflict in Iran continues to unfold, the stakes are clear. Aggression rarely produces lasting peace. True global leadership is not about who has the power to wage war. It is about who has the wisdom to prevent or end it.

As two major markets in the world, China and Europe have deep ties of economic interest. Only by deepening the convergence of interests can the economies of both sides become more secure, and only through open cooperation can both sides promote the acceleration and upgrading of industries.

In turbulent times, European countries want to maintain a good relationship with China, promote economic ties and possibly soften some of the disagreements that existed in the past, says a Spanish expert

Hungary's development and how it deals with Chinese investment is less a challenge for Chinese companies and more a challenge for policymakers in Brussels. What the EU needs to do is have a more pragmatic conversation about how to deepen cooperation with China, rather than keep raising its walls.

History cannot be distorted, nor can trauma be forgotten. Japan must confront its war guilt. Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, must uphold the bottom line of history, remember their national sufferings and war traumas, and not be misled or coerced by short-term interests.

Deepening economic cooperation between China and Vietnam is essential for solidifying the foundation of development in both countries and achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. This mutually beneficial relationship has become a solid bond for jointly pursuing development between the two countries.

For countries such as Spain, cooperating with China that offers stability, predictability, and strategic planning, is particularly valuable at a time when many regions of the world are experiencing periods of political and economic volatility, says a Spanish expert

Southeast Asia does not need a rearmed Japan as its security guarantor. It needs great powers that respect the region's right to determine its own strategic future.

Right-wing forces in Japan will not only fail to realize their illusions of turning Japan into a "great power," but will also trap the country in diplomatic isolation and erode trust within the international community.

Vietnam, as a country whose economy is heavily export-oriented, simply cannot go it alone in a volatile international environment. Maintaining a solid relationship with China is itself a form of risk management.

For the CPC, a correct understanding of governance performance is not a superficial metric of growth; it is a normative compass rooted in a people-centered philosophy: British scholar

The people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to the Chinese nation. The interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots are closely linked to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Certain Western media outlets claimed that China's exports of solar panels to Africa threaten Africa's independent green development. Much like the past “China threat” or “China shock” narratives, such claims reflect a lingering colonial mind-set through which the West smears pragmatic China-Africa cooperation and normal trade exchanges.

Sánchez's brand of pragmatism has parallels with Chinese pragmatism in its embrace of the concept of "shared benefits," rejecting the zero-sum game.

Ryukyu belongs to the Ryukyuan people. It is not a bargaining chip for the Japanese government to secure US military protection.

Recently, for the first time in over five years, an Indian business delegation quietly set foot on Chinese soil. Though small in scale and mostly comprising startups, this eight-company delegation sent a clear signal that ripples across the geopolitical landscape. The 2020 border clashes led China-India relations to plummet to a freezing point. Economic decoupling was once the mainstream sentiment in New Delhi. However, this ice-breaking trip shows that absolute decoupling is neither realistic nor sustainable, particularly amid current shifts in the global landscape.

On Monday, the 2026 Salaknib - meaning "shield" in Ilocano - joint military exercise between the Philippines and the US kicked off on the island of Luzon in the northern Philippines. The most striking development this year is that Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) made its official debut as a participant in the drills, including the follow-up Balikatan - meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog - exercise.

Since the beginning of 2026, geopolitical conflicts have been occurring with increasing frequency, and international oil prices have experienced significant volatility. Against this backdrop, Europe's energy storage market has seen a surge in demand, creating new opportunities for deepening China-Europe cooperation in related fields. In fact, green development has long been a defining feature of China-EU collaboration. Both sides actively support advancing the low-carbon transition and green growth, sharing broad common interests and significant potential for cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting global climate governance. In the seventh article of the "China-Europe Resonance," we invite experts and scholars from China and the Europe to discuss these topics.

Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, is leading a delegation to visit the Chinese mainland from Tuesday to Sunday. This marks the resumption of institutionalized exchanges between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) after a decade.

In an era marked by ecological challenges, development dilemmas and geopolitical dynamics are increasingly intertwined. Through a series of innovative practices, Chinese modernization offers a "green solution" to some of humanity's pressing questions of survival and development. Rooted in the wisdom of Chinese civilization and refined through Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, this approach presents both a philosophical vision and a practical pathway toward sustainable development.

Recently, the US government has sent a signal regarding a potential withdrawal from NATO. The US attributed its consideration of withdrawing from NATO to the obstruction of its Greenland purchase plan. Furthermore, the US criticized its European allies in NATO for their reluctance to participate in the Strait of Hormuz escort mission. These moves have once again thrust NATO into the spotlight, laying bare the alliance's institutional flaws and internal divisions.

Several Philippine senators signaled openness on Monday to a potential joint oil and gas exploration with China. This comes amid the US-Israel war against Iran, which threatens the Philippines' energy security. With the Malampaya gas field nearing depletion and the global oil crisis driving prices upward, the Philippines urgently needs to secure new energy sources.

The prolonged and escalating crisis in the Middle East has delivered a stark warning to US allies in Asia. As the US military reportedly redeployed THAAD and Patriot missile defense systems from South Korea and warships from Japan to the Persian Gulf, the myth of US "security guarantee" to its allies was shattered instantly. This large-scale military reshuffle - robbing Peter to pay Paul - reveals two hard truths for those host countries.

Throughout the long history of evolution, the concept of "harmony" evolved as a core basis of the coexistence of man and nature. Sustainable survival measures are developed, some independently, some in cooperation with interacting societies, by all human communities, resulting in different forms of cultures and civilizations. Adjustments are made in the process of migration, colonization and globalization.

The military conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has lasted for more than a month, and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has directly disrupted the global oil and gas supplies. As a region highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, how severely will Europe be affected by the strained energy supply chains caused by issues in the Strait of Hormuz? How will the EU address these practical challenges? These questions have become a key focus of European media.

The use of force cannot reopen the shipping lanes, nor can it bring peace. Political settlement is the fundamental way forward.

As the spring breeze of 2026 sweeps across the Taiwan Straits, long-frozen cross-Straits relations are showing signs of thawing, bringing a long-awaited touch of warmth.

The concept of "spheres of influence" is not new. In fact, for most parts of human history, major powers successfully managed to impose their will on smaller nations and arbitrarily limit the independence and sovereignty of the latter. By the end of the 20th century, for some time, the predominant view was that the traditional hierarchies in global politics were nothing but a clumsy relic of the past, doomed to final and irreversible extinction. No walls, fences, stockades or any other artificial barriers were to survive in a fully globalized world.

As a member of a Silicon Valley-based AI startup, I once viewed Xiong'an New Area as a distant, largely conceptual national strategy. That perception shifted dramatically on March 28 when I joined peers from Beijing's technology sector at the Xiong'an "Artificial Intelligence+" Industry Ecosystem Integration Development Forum. What I witnessed was no longer just a grand plan on paper, but a rapidly emerging innovation hub that is actively shaping China's - and potentially the world's - digital future.

On April 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing the "reciprocal tariff" policy, triumphantly branding the moment as "Liberation Day" for the US. On Thursday, the White House released an article claiming that the US is "winning once again a year after Liberation Day." However, does this event truly present a victory for the US and its people? The Global Times invites experts and scholars around the world to share their retrospective on the actual "legacy" of the "Liberation Day" from various aspects.

The five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, put forward by China and Pakistan, has drawn significant international attention since its proposal on March 31.

Philippine media recently revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed Executive Order No.111 on March 26, unilaterally renaming 131 geographical features within the so-called "Kalayaan Island Group" in China's Nansha Qundao with Philippine names.

The world does not face a choice between competition and cooperation; it requires a calibrated combination of both. China's efforts to deepen its national market and improve its business environment offer a platform on which such a balance can be built.

The real power of China's Five-Year Plan lies not in its grand narrative but in its capacity for execution.

The US government is being run in the interests of those private elites that are making the most money out of the way the system operates now. And that's why we keep seeing the US time after time going into war and assassinating foreign leaders. War certainly should not be a means to pursue national goals, said a US veteran.

Despite slack discipline and mismanagement, the SDF is being endowed with expanded combat capabilities and operational authority. This dangerous combination is unavoidably reminiscent of Japan's actions on the eve of World War II.

There is a general consensus among Japanese scholars and the public that Japan's most prudent course of action is to formally apologize for the SDF officer's intrusion into the Chinese embassy and to take this opportunity to resume dialogue with China. If Japan really seeks to pursue a path of creating peace, dialogue with neighboring Asian countries is indispensable.

In a chaotic world, the Global South is building a model of navigating complex diplomatic, economic and strategic interests toward a society that promotes peace, cooperation and friendship.

With the foundation of China's innovation system and the combined strengths of government and market forces, Zhang Xue's passion will ignite the dreams of more entrepreneurs, and the breakthrough achieved by ZXMOTO will be merely the prelude to the surging tide of innovation sweeping across China.

This victory not only reshapes the competitive landscape but also vividly illustrates China's advance toward high-end manufacturing.

In the everyday connections built through a packet of candies, a meal or a cup of tea, China's image can truly enter others' sensory experiences, social scenes and life memories – becoming something tangible, approachable and vibrant.

If China's 15th Five-Year Plan succeeds in pairing innovation with openness, and if partners in Europe and more rational sectors of American society are serious about deepening cooperation, then the coming years could help preserve the idea that science and industry are part of humanity's shared inheritance.

The deployment of long-range missiles threatens the right to peaceful existence of people in Asia, including Japan, and clearly violates the principle of “exclusively defense-oriented” policy, thereby making it unconstitutional. Japanese politicians should reflect on the history of past wars of aggression and uphold the constitution: Kumamoto resident

Hainan has been actively learning from internationally recognized free trade ports such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai, while pursuing complementary strengths and deeper cooperation with them.

Misreading, smearing and deliberately ignoring China's self-image and the debates within China about its continued political and social reforms is not a danger to China; it's a threat to the West itself.

History cannot be rewritten by silence, nor can responsibilities dissipate through evasion. The break-in by an active JSDF member armed with a knife has torn apart the fig leaf covering Japan's accelerating rightward shift, flawed historical education and lack of accountability.

The 15th Five-Year Plan is a proper democratic process in which wisdom is respected, said chairman of 48 Group Club.

The US and Israeli attempt at a “swift and decisive victory” has now collapsed, and the consequences of reckless military intervention in the Middle East are becoming increasingly evident.

The recent G7 joint statement on Iran is flawed. Such statements don't stop wars; history proves this. What the declaration serves is the G7's reputation management.

The deep contradictions that have always existed but were previously hidden between Europe and the US have now come to light, most recently in the US-Israel war against Iran. The disparity between the economic and geopolitical interests of the EU and the US can no longer be denied, says a German MEP.

Marine scientific research is a common endeavor for all humanity. China's active pursuit of marine scientific research, conducted in strict compliance with international law and customary practices, is not only entirely legitimate but also holds significant importance for enhancing global marine knowledge, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable marine development.

Centered on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, the national support for Xizang region's development has formed a closed-loop implementation system spanning ideology, policy and practice, delivering all-round outcomes.

The choice of “escort or not” has become an unsolvable diplomatic challenge, reflecting Japan's awkward position in the alliance.

What does it mean to govern well, and how should governance performance be gauged? The CPC' answer is that a correct view on governance performance should proceed from reality, respect objective laws, and, through sound decision-making and hard work, create achievements that withstand the test of practice and history, truly benefit the people, and earn public recognition. To examine the distinctive logic and global relevance of the CPC's correct understanding of governance performance, the Global Times (GT) launches a new series, "Understanding the correct view on governance performance," inviting leading international observers to share their thoughts.

The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 is taking place from March 24 to 27 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. In contrast to the "gunfire" and "missiles" that have dominated recent headlines, the words most frequently echoed at the Conference are "opportunities" and "cooperation" - sketching an alternative narrative of peace and development amid a turbulent global landscape.

The reckless actions of far-right forces in Japan are not only self-destructive but also pose a serious threat to regional and global peace. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the commencement of the Tokyo Trials, offering Japan yet another opportunity for reflection. Should the Japanese government persist in its course toward “neo-militarism,” it will inevitably face firm resistance from the judgment of history once again.

As the US-Israel-Iran conflict escalates in the Middle East, more people who yearn for peace and stability are working hard to build consensus in a world torn apart by war. In early March, we attended the 13th Baku Global Forum in Azerbaijan. What struck us most directly and powerfully was the deep anxiety about the current global situation and the urgent need for the world to forge an unprecedented consensus for peace. Whether in plenary speeches or closed-door discussions, almost every participant conveyed the same profound concern - the world now stands at a critical crossroads, and established norms and order are collapsing.

A Reuters investigation published recently opens with a vessel cutting through the Indian Ocean. The ship is the Dong Fang Hong 3 - "The East is Red" - a research vessel operated by Ocean University of China. According to Reuters, the ship spent 2024 and 2025 sailing back and forth in the seas near China's Taiwan island and the US stronghold of Guam, mapping the ocean floor, measuring water temperature and salinity, and tracking currents.

The seeds of wrongdoing will inevitably bear dangerous fruits.

For two centuries, US policy toward Latin America has contradicted its democratic rhetoric by subordinating regional sovereignty to strategic interests. US scholar Stephen Walt's "predatory hegemony" describes how Washington now treats allies and rivals alike as instruments for short-term advantage rather than partners in a cooperative international order.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Japan formally proposed its "tourism nation" strategy and enacted the Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Law in 2006, aiming to develop tourism into a pillar industry of the national economy. Subsequently, driven by the Japanese government's efforts and factors such as the depreciation of the yen, the number of foreign visitors to Japan continued to rise. Among them, Chinese tourists showed a steady upward trend, significantly contributing to Japan's tourism sector and many related industries.

In recent days, heightened tensions in the Middle East have driven a sharp surge in global oil prices, with impacts felt worldwide. How a country responds to soaring oil prices not only tests the resilience of its economic development but also reflects its value priorities in handling crises.

Stripping away the gaudy veneer of the US "freedom" and "democracy" reveals a predatory essence that treats the world as its hunting ground and wields hegemonic power as its blade. This "predatory hegemony" - as US scholar Stephen Walt contended in a February article in Foreign Affairs - uses Washington's privileged position to extract concessions, tribute and displays of deference from both allies and adversaries alike, pursuing short-term gains in what it sees as a purely zero-sum world.

The US-Israel-Iran conflict has entered its fourth week. In terms of intensity, scope and willingness, it has shown a clear trend of escalation. The situation is undergoing a dangerous shift from "manageable confrontation" to "high-risk escalation out of control," posing substantial challenges to regional security and global stability - especially as multiple strikes have been launched near nuclear facilities.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the work of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, commonly known as the Tokyo Trials. From 1946 to 1948, the Tribunal held collective trials of Class-A Japanese war criminals from WWII in Tokyo. Following the Nuremberg Trials, it represented another large-scale, multinational trial for war crimes. After two and a half years of hearings, judges from 11 nations found all 25 defendants guilty.

In an era marked by ecological challenges, development dilemmas and geopolitical dynamics are increasingly intertwined. Through a series of innovative practices, Chinese modernization offers a “green solution” to some of humanity's pressing questions of survival and development. Rooted in the wisdom of Chinese civilization and refined through Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, this approach presents both a philosophical vision and a practical pathway toward sustainable development. In this context, the Global Times (GT) launches the “China through a 'green' lens” series. It invites leading scholars and observers worldwide to decode the underlying logic behind China's green development and to better understand the global implications of China's green development philosophy. Josef Gregory Mahoney (Mahoney), a professor of politics and international relations and director of the Center for Ecological Civilization at East China Normal University in Shanghai, told GT reporter Li Aixin that China's efforts on ecodevelopment “injects predictability into global environmental governance.” This is the first installment of the series.

Amid the recent developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the US has continued to press its allies to participate in escort missions, while responses from Europe and other US allies have shown clear caution: They are re-evaluating their strategic choices regarding Middle East issues. The Global Times invited four scholars to share their perspectives, exploring the evolving positions of US allies and the deeper logic behind them.

Recently, a media company unveiled two AI-generated actors on Weibo and cast them as leads in an AIGC drama series, sparking heated debate. Amid growing anxieties that AI may threaten industry viability and squeeze employment opportunities, the topic "netizens boycott AI actors" soared to the top of trending lists - a development that warrants deep reflection from industries and businesses pushing forward with AI adoption.

Facing history squarely is the prerequisite for safeguarding peace, and thorough reflection is the key to national rebirth. Only by daring to confront its dark past and bravely assuming its guilt can a nation truly win the respect of the international community and embed the ideal of peace into the very fabric of the nation.

European youth's perceptions of China exhibit four distinct characteristics: pragmatism, openness, diversity and rationality. Only through persistent, long-term, nuanced and diversified cooperation and exchange can these stereotypes toward China be effectively mitigated.

The self-reliance being built today is the muscle that will allow China to engage in tomorrow's global economy not as a dependent player, but as a resilient partner capable of weathering the storms of the 21st century. It's a recalibration, not a retreat.

We have been carried along by a carefully constructed narrative language — one that keeps our eyes fixed on buildings, trajectories and strategic objectives, while quietly stepping around the most basic question: Who were the civilians who died?

China's GDP growth target of 4.5-5 percent for 2026 provides flexibility to address financial risks an structural challenges while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

China's approach to the current Middle East situation is prudent and responsible. Instead of exhausting their energy trying to prove that China has lost ground, Western media would do better to focus on their own countries' affairs and reflect on the responsibility they should bear for the current crisis in the Middle East.

The 15th Five-Year Plan marks a transition toward "institutional opening-up," where certainty is formalized through better legal protections and standard-setting. By shortening negative lists for foreign investment and scaling pilot reforms from the Hainan Free Trade Port to a national level, China is transforming its domestic stability into a shared global asset.

The Ford's laundry fire is more than an isolated mishap. Even on history's most costly warship, a laundry-room fire has laid bare a brutal truth – in a war of attrition, victory never hinges on the price tag of the weapons. It hinges on who can endure the longest grind.

China has already charted its course, with its energy strategy providing a pragmatic paradigm for global energy security governance, which is being reevaluated by the world amid the evolving global landscapes.

For all countries with US military bases within their borders, the US-Israel-Iran conflict serves as a profound warning: A security model reliant on powerful nations will ultimately come at the heavy price of compromised sovereignty and increased risks.

Throughout history, there have been efforts in Japan to push for strategic autonomy. The harsh reality, however, is that Japan is so deeply dependent on the US across so many dimensions - one might even argue that a Japanese prime minister's political longevity is, to some extent, contingent on Washington's support.

Many issues in economic and social development carry an inherent “dilemma” nature. The key is to break free from the trap of binary thinking, broaden one's perspective, and elevate the way we think – only then can we turn “two difficult choices” into a “win-win” optimal solution.

From the Middle East to Northeast Asia, the current situation serves as a stark reminder to the world that, against the backdrop of increasingly fierce strategic competition among major powers, blindly relying on powerful nations does not necessarily bring security.

The US overwhelming military advantage is proving difficult to translate into political victory; instead, it is dragging the country into a costly and protracted war of attrition.

Through the continued dedication of generation after generation of staff who come to Xizang with the support mission, Xizang is surely able to build a cleaner, safer, more efficient energy system, providing firm strategic support for the nation's energy security.

Today's world is marked by turbulence and uncertainty. In the face of conflicts, crises, and various smear campaigns, China will not hesitate or retreat. Instead, it will continue to inject lasting stability and certainty into a turbulent world through concrete actions, uphold fairness with the power of reason, and contribute to global well-being with the responsibility of a major country.

The international community, especially Asian nations, must remain especially vigilant against Japan once again becoming a source of regional conflict or even war.

In an increasingly uncertain international environment, the ability to plan for the long term while maintaining macroeconomic stability remains one of the key strengths of the Chinese economy.

"China speed" means more than bullet trains racing across the landscape. It reflects a different way of working - more efficient, more daring and more focused. More than a measure of pace, it is proof of what a determined nation can achieve.

Against the backdrop of a fragile global recovery and increasing uncertainties, the upcoming China-US economic and trade talks in Paris carry added significance, with the world expecting the two sides to move toward each other and help bring greater stability to global trade and growth.

The recent simultaneous decline in both sales volumes and prices across the three traditional luxury automotive brands - Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi (collectively known as BBA) - has become a hot topic of discussion. Why are these former benchmarks of luxury cars now showing signs of falling behind collectively in the era of electrification and smart technology?

At this crossroads where the flames of conflict continue to spread, what the international community needs is a path that ends the current cycle of retaliation while addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties.

In the 15th Five-Year Plan, China is pushing for the GBA to be a place where everyone is concentrated and working together to make it all happen.

The facts prove that the leverage effect of AI can help pave an equitable and inclusive path for upward mobility.

The Global Times invited three young international observers, including students and journalists from different parts of the world, to share their observations on this year's meetings.

China is not seeking to lead in AI by replicating the Silicon Valley model. It is pursuing what I call technomeritism, a system in which technologies earn legitimacy through demonstrable contribution to public goals, institutional alignment and perceived social benefit.

The most consistently intractable problems facing the US today are economic. The current policy of global tariff imposition yields troubling results.

How are consensuses achieved swiftly and on a broad scale? How do the down-to-earth style of CPPCC members and NPC deputies differ from Western lawmakers? And how do weighty national issues debated each year genuinely resonate with the daily lives of ordinary people?

How did an open-source program, written by an Austrian developer during his weekends, morph from an obscure GitHub project into a national phenomenon in China in just a matter of weeks?

Leveraging its "one country, two systems" strengths enables Hong Kong to drive high-quality growth in the GBA.

The rapid adoption and commercialization of the overseas AI agent OpenClaw in China precisely demonstrate that China is the world's most dynamic "innovation testing ground."

"While the world burns, China defines the future." As China's two sessions convene, a foreign media outlet published an article under this headline, noting that everything that happens in China will have a ripple effect on the world.

China's emphasis on institutionalized planning creates stability that contrasts with the project-to-project volatility often associated with traditional development assistance.

Keeping a close watch on and proactively forestalling the resurgence of Japan's neo-militarism is a shared responsibility that all nations in the region must undertake before it is too late. Anything short of that will put Asia's peace and stability in peril.

Building a Healthy China is a systematic endeavor.

While affordability and quality are key factors in the popularity of Chinese products, their appeal extends far beyond mere cost-effectiveness.

At this new historical starting point, The Wealth of Nations reminds the world: As trade barriers rise again, protectionism ultimately undermines the prosperity of the very nations that embrace it.

As we look toward 2030, the path for the GBA and Macao is clear. It is a path that moves beyond the simple exchange of goods toward the co-creation of value through shared rules and innovative services.

When responding to questions about the situation in Iran, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi quoted two ancient Chinese sayings, which were profound and enlightening. The two ancient sayings, carrying the wisdom accumulated over history, offer cognitive enlightenment for the world to jointly deal with changes, turmoil, wars and conflicts.

What makes the Healthy China Initiative appealing, and how will it benefit people's everyday lives? The Global Times has invited four foreign nationals - currently residing in China - to share their personal experiences and observations.

Building a Healthy China is a commitment to the people, and strengthening ecological construction is aimed at safeguarding their health.

These firsthand encounters reveal the human impact of the Healthy China Initiative, demonstrating how its goals are translated into everyday realities that build trust and improve quality of life.

Overall, China is uniquely suited to rapid and large-scale social change through proactive health-related measures.

China is well aware that a healthy society is a happy society and instead of just talking the talk, China encourages its citizens to actually get out and walk the walk, or dance, run, swim, skate or cycle.

At the press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on people's livelihood, the performance sheets from multiple departments were filled with meticulous care for "the elderly and children."

Step by step, with unwavering determination and years of solid effort, a robust foundation has been laid for the people's happiness and well-being. From these achievements, we can gain a deeper understanding of General Secretary Xi's people-centered sentiment, and more fully grasp the true meaning of the word "people" embedded in Healthy China.

From my extensive travels across many Chinese cities, I can say with confidence that China today stands as one of the most open and secure countries in the world. And thanks to China's visa-free entry policy for Russian citizens, Many Russians have already seized the opportunity to experience firsthand its splendid culture, profound traditions and exquisite cuisine.

Antonio Gramsci famously wrote that “the old world is dying and the new world struggles to be born, and that this is the time of monsters.” If the Global South fails to confront the monsters of hegemony effectively, the new world may never emerge.

2026 marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The construction of Macao and Hengqin is advancing in depth, entering a critical window period for further transformation and high-quality leapfrog development: NPC deputy from Macao

“I think what China has achieved is remarkable. Once again, it showed the world that the doomsayers were wrong”: South African economist on China's economic growth in recent years

The essence of a growth target lies not in prediction, but in guidance and shaping, where the primary consideration is needs and possibilities.

My travels between Shenzhen and Hong Kong have convinced me that beneath the shifting skylines lies a divergence in governance. The accumulation of wealth is merely an outcome. The true invisible hand dictating this trajectory is the evolution of government capability.

With the situation in the Middle East at risk of being pushed into the abyss, military actions must stop immediately. The international community must consolidate peace-promoting efforts, steer the situation toward de-escalation, and collectively uphold international law and the fundamental norms governing international relations.

Through the governance model of whole-process people's democracy, the Chinese government has demonstrated that it can effectively align long-term development objectives with the immediate needs of the population by adopting an integrated and participatory approach: French experts

“I don't think that the US has the means to defeat Iran. I would expect that Iran will be backed by countries in different parts of the world as it fights this war”

Against the backdrop of a new technological revolution, what South Korea truly needs is a contemporary "Northern learning" school of thought. This is both a candid acknowledgment of reality and a strategic choice for the future.

The implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan presents unprecedented opportunities for Hong Kong. Under the strong safeguard of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong will undoubtedly achieve higher-quality development by aligning with national strategies, powered by the dual engines of finance and technological innovation.

The Global South consensus does not seek to destroy what works, but to transform what failed. In this rebalancing, the world's emerging majority moves from object to subject of international history – finally claiming the agency that decolonization promised but neoliberalism denied.

If Germany were to regain its old economic strength and get on a level playing field, it might open up toward the larger “gym” of the world and strive to take part in the China-proposed BRI. We may be some years away from that, but it could be a prime template for future win-win cooperation between Germany/EU and China: German scholar