Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called for championing humanity's common values, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when delivering a speech titled "Championing Humanity's Common Values and Promoting a Multipolar World" at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Ding said that a decade ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly that peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are the common values of all mankind and the lofty goals of the United Nations.

The important proposition transcends differences among different countries, ethnic groups, social systems and ideologies, drawing a value-based concentric circle for building a community with a shared future for mankind, and has received extensive support and positive responses from the international community, he added.

At present, global changes unseen in a century are accelerating, multiple risks are intertwined, and humanity is confronted with many common challenges, said Ding, calling for reviewing President Xi's important speech to steer the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

The Chinese vice premier put forward a four-point proposal.

First, uphold the concept of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Promote equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all nations, and safeguard UN authority and international fairness.

Second, jointly build an open and pluralistic world economy. Take concrete steps to safeguard the multilateral trading system and international economic order, expand and fairly share the "pie" of economic globalization, and create more opportunities for Global South countries.

Third, advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Respect the diversity of human civilizations, support all nations in exploring their own paths to realizing values, and oppose any "new Cold War" or ideological confrontation.

Fourth, safeguard global peace and development by building trust, settling conflicts, and enhancing security through dialogue, passing the torch of peace to future generations for lasting stability and common prosperity.

Ding stated that China and Russia are true friends who share weal and woe, and good partners for mutual success. Last month, President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, he said, adding that the two heads of state agreed to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly deliver a resounding stance for upholding the outcomes of World War II and international fairness and justice.

China is willing to work with Russia to elevate the China-Russia relationship to greater heights, broaden its dimensions, and strengthen its resilience, expand high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples, said Ding, urging the two countries to strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, and make greater contributions to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous multipolar world.

Ding said that despite the increasing impact of external shocks, China's economy has continued to show a positive trend, demonstrating robust vitality and resilience to the world.

China will expeditiously implement more proactive and effective macro policies, focus on stabilizing employment, enterprises, markets and expectations, and use the certainty of high-quality development to counter the uncertainties of the rapidly changing external environment, he said.

No matter how the external environment changes, China's door to opening up will only swing wider open, said Ding, adding that enterprises from all countries are sincerely welcome to invest and start businesses in China, actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, and share China's development opportunities.

In the interactive session after the address, Ding responded to questions from the plenary session moderator on major-country relations and China-Russia cooperation in education and technology.

On the sidelines of the forum, Ding met respectively with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Russian oil company Rosneft's chief executive Igor Sechin, and Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller.

The two sides agreed to fully leverage the roles of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and the China-Russia Energy Business Forum, promote the high-quality development of investment and energy cooperation, and provide more impetus for the development of bilateral relations.

Ding also had brief and friendly conversations respectively with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, National Security Advisor of Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The draft revision to the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security is to undergo its third review by China’s top legislature with amendments targeting provisions related to minors, amid public outcry against cases in which some minors exploit their status as minors to repeatedly violate public security regulations as juvenile delinquency has surged in recent years. 

The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee will convene for its 16th session from June 24 to 27, during which the law will return for its third – and likely final – review, with targeted amendments concerning minors, Chinanews.com reported on Monday. 

In recent years, juvenile delinquency has risen sharply, particularly involving serious violent crimes committed by younger minors, sparking public outrage. Many juvenile delinquencies begin with minor unlawful acts. If punishment and intervention are not carried out in a timely manner, the unlawful acts can easily progress toward serious criminal offenses. 

It is neither appropriate to simply detain minors nor to release them without consequence when handling juvenile delinquency cases, Huang Haihua, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said at a press conference on Monday, noting that the amendments were made in response to cases where some minors deliberately exploit their status as minors to violate public security regulations and refuse to change their behaviors despite repeated warnings, or commit serious offenses. 

Huang stated that the revision adjusts the provisions on non-enforcement of detention and intensifies penalties in a targeted manner. 

The current Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security stipulates that minors aged 14 to 16, as well as those aged 16 to 18 who violate public security regulations for the first time, are not subject to administrative detention. 

However, the proposed revision provides that minors aged 14 to 16 and 16 to 18 who commit their first public security violation but with serious circumstances and a notably negative impact, or minors aged 14 to 16 who violate public security regulations more than twice within one year, may be detained in accordance with the law, Huang said. 

In addition, the draft revision of law will ensure proper alignment with the Law on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency. Huang noted that the 2020 revision of that law introduced a range of corrective and educational measures for minors with seriously inappropriate behaviors, including reprimands, orders to undergo community correction, specialized education and targeted corrective measures education. 

The revision stipulates that if minors are exempt from penalties or detention due to being underage, public security authorities shall adopt corresponding corrective and educational measures in accordance with the provisions of the law, Huang said. 

Huang stated that the draft revision stipulates that in cases of student bullying involving physical assault, verbal abuse, or intimidation, public security authorities will be required to impose administrative sanctions in accordance with the law and adopt corresponding corrective and educational measures. 

The revision also states that if a school fails to report or handle serious incidents of student bullying as required, it will be ordered to make corrections, and relevant departments will be advised to discipline responsible personnel according to the law. This ensures both public security authorities and schools to play their roles effectively in the coordinated management of student bullying, Huang said. 

As for procedural improvements, Huang noted that the revision adds rules requiring that when questioning a minor who has violated public security regulations, if his legal guardian is unable to be present, other adults such as an adult relative or a representative from their school may be called to attend. Additionally, if a minor may be subject to detention, a hearing may be requested in order to better educate the offending minor and reinforce respect for the law. 

In addition, to better protect minors and ensure a healthier environment for their development, the revision will also address the growing issue of minors engaged in paid companionship activities such as drinking or singing with customers in bars, karaoke venues and similar establishments – practices that harm their physical and mental wellbeing. The draft revision includes organizing or coercing minors into such activities in inappropriate venues under the scope of public security penalties, according to Chinanews.com. 

Prior to International Workers' Day 2025, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing -- the heart of China's political life -- welcomed a proud assembly: over 2,000 exemplary representatives drawn from the country's vast workforce of hundreds of millions.

In a ceremony on Monday, President Xi Jinping joined technicians, judges, nurses, and farmers to recognize not only their vital contributions, but also the spirit of dedication and hard work that fuels a nation.

Hailing the honorees as exemplars of the people and pillars of the country, Xi called on citizens to draw inspiration from them -- staying grounded and working hard -- so that, step by step, they can turn the grand vision of national rejuvenation into reality.

Xi sent the message at the gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It drives home a point he has long emphasized -- great dreams are not achieved by waiting or chanting slogans; they are earned through hard work and determination.

A LEADER FORGED THROUGH HARD WORK

Xi's respect for hard work is built on his own past.

In 1969, just shy of 16, Xi arrived at Liangjiahe, a rugged village on the arid Loess Plateau in northwest China, to work the fields alongside the farmers who called the rural community home.

He took on nearly every kind of task, but spent an especially large number of hours on one in particular: building the dams by compacting the earth layer by layer with heavy stone pounders.

Xi threw himself into the labor. Day one left his hands blistered; day two saw them bleeding. Still, he kept working without complaint.

"What a fine lad," remarked the locals.

The hard work did not end when Xi was elected Party chief of Liangjiahe in 1974. He rolled up his sleeves and led villagers in digging wells, building terraced fields, and installing biogas pits -- gradually transforming the community.

Living and working alongside the farmers for seven years, Xi grew from a slightly bewildered teenager into a man determined to serve the people.

"Most importantly," he later said, "I learned from my fellow farmers the values of respecting facts and working hard with perseverance."

Those formative years left an indelible mark on Xi, shaping the strong work ethic that has been his character either as village Party chief or general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He works tirelessly, juggling domestic meetings, inspections and overseas visits -- his schedule always packed to the brim.

In a rare reflective moment during a foreign media interview, Xi was asked about life as China's leader. His candid reply laid bare his sacrifice. "My personal time? It's all consumed by work," he said. "Entrusted by the people ... I must put them first, serving with unwavering diligence."

MODEL WORKERS AS STARS

"What a galaxy of stars," Xi said at a conference room ahead of International Workers' Day in 2013.

By a "galaxy of stars," he was referring to the 65 role models before him, those honored for their hard work in their industries over the past decades.

Liang Jun, one of the earliest model workers, recounted how she helped turn northeast China's barren land into a national granary.

After listening to Liang's story, Xi told the then 84-year-old lady, "Your deeds are well known to our generation. As the first female tractor driver in China, you are truly remarkable."

As a leader who emerged from the ranks of the working people, Xi not only respects them but is also committed to ensuring that their needs are met.

Since Xi took the helm of China in 2012, the country has introduced more measures, laws and regulations to safeguard workers' rights and interests.

Moreover, Xi often visits workers during domestic inspection tours to personally assess their working and living conditions.

In 2023, he inspected a residential community in Shanghai built to house workers such as construction laborers, delivery drivers and sanitation staff.

He stepped into their homes and shared facilities -- public kitchens, laundries -- and spoke with them to understand their living conditions firsthand.

"Migrant workers, who come to contribute to Shanghai, are equally the city's masters," he stressed. "It is our responsibility to ensure they can arrive, settle down, live comfortably, and thrive here."

INVESTMENT IN SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

At Monday's celebration ceremony, Xi underscored the importance of adapting to the new wave of technological and industrial transformation and enhancing the workforce's capabilities.

"High-quality development cannot be achieved without high-quality work and innovation," he said.

This resonates with his consistent emphasis on the crucial role of skilled talent in advancing the manufacturing sector.

Over the years, Xi's passion for craftsmanship has taken him to factory floors across the country, where he encouraged engineers, technicians and workers to hone their skills and push boundaries.

"Times may change and missions may shift, but the spirit of hard work, unity, and unyielding effort should never change," he said at Monday's ceremony.

As a supporter of free trade, a defender of the interests of developing countries, and a leader in regional cooperation, China is a stable, long-term partner that regional countries can trust and rely on, a Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday. 

Liang Jianjun, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, made the remarks at a press briefing on Tuesday in Beijing, during which he summarized the outcomes of President Xi Jinping's visits to three Southeast Asian countries in April while elaborating on China's neighborhood diplomacy.

According to Liang, Xi's recent visit to Southeast Asian countries underscored three key aspects: the neighborhood diplomacy remains China's top priority in foreign affairs; China focuses on building a community with a shared future for its neighboring countries; and the visits inject more stability and certainty into the world amid growing turbulence.

The Chinese leader paid state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18. It was the first overseas trip of the year by China's head of state, and also served as the inaugural visit to neighboring countries following the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries.

During the visit, Chinese leaders attended over 30 diplomatic events, reached broad consensus with the leaders of the visited countries, elevated the bilateral community with a shared future, and signed more than 108 documents, according to Liang. 

The diplomat stated that China, with its vast territory, long borders, and numerous of neighboring countries, always prioritizes neighborhood diplomacy. 

Many of China's diplomatic concepts, including a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative — were first implemented in neighboring countries, Liang noted. 

To date, China has reached a common understanding on building a community with a shared future with 17 neighboring countries, forming "two clusters" in the Indo-China Peninsula and Central Asia respectively. In the region, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with 25 countries, and remains the largest trading partner with 18 countries.

The growing closeness between China and its neighbors is a two-way process, reflecting shared destinies, intertwined interests, and mutual support through challenges, Liang said. 

There is a broad consensus among neighboring countries that engaging with China brings both respect and tangible benefits, said the diplomat. He added that President Xi's visits to the three countries were met with the warmest welcomes, demonstrating deep respect for the leader of a major country, strong affection for the Chinese people, and high importance placed on relations with China.

Amid a global tariff war launched by a certain country, there was a strong expectation for China to demonstrate leadership when regional countries were yearning for stability, Liang said. 

Liang added that all three neighboring countries all expressed support for President Xi's vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the three initiatives. They endorsed upholding the UN-centered international system and an international order based on international law, while firmly promoting an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all.

China's commitments to strengthening supply chain cooperation and an its emphasis that tariff wars have no winners starkly contrasted to US economic hegemony, said Liang.  

The visit further solidified China's image as a supporter of free trade, a defender of developing countries' interests, and a leader in regional cooperation. It reinforced China's role as a stable, long-term partner that the region can trust, sending a message of reliability and stability amid uncertainty.

China offers markets and opportunities across the globe and is willing to open its arms to share development opportunities with countries worldwide, including its neighbors, to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, the diplomat remarked. 

After outlining the key concepts and achievements of China's recent neighborhood diplomacy, Liang invited questions from journalists from China and several Asian countries. He addressed inquiries on topics such as Belt and Road cooperation, regional collaboration, global governance, and people-to-people exchanges.

Liang stated that China has consistently adhered to the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, actively promoting Belt and Road cooperation agreements with neighboring countries to enhance regional connectivity. He cited examples such as the China-Laos Railway, the recovery of air routes between China and neighboring countries in the post-pandemic era, and progress in cooperation with Southeast Asian nations in advanced manufacturing, green development, and technological innovation.

He said that positive developments in the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations are expected soon.

Liang also emphasized that while firmly safeguarding its core interests of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, China remains committed to peaceful development, respects the sovereignty and independence of other countries, and acknowledges their legitimate concerns. He added that China seeks to conduct international cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit.

According to the diplomat, the collective rise of the Global South is profoundly reshaping the geopolitical landscape. China calls for practicing multilateralism, upholding international fairness and justice, and amplifying the voice of Global South countries. This approach not only safeguards China's own interests but also supports the shared interests of developing nations.

Regarding people-to-people exchanges, Liang highlighted China's active efforts to promote youth exchanges with neighboring countries, with plans to further expand their scale in the future. Additionally, he said China supports mutual learning and exchange among civilizations and firmly opposes notions of civilizational supremacy or superiority.

Editor's Note:

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has stressed that the environment concerns the well-being of people in all countries. During his inspections, Xi has always paid great attention to ecosystems, spanning from cities to rural areas, and from enterprises to communities.

Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilization, China has been advancing the green transition of its economy over the last decade. Regions across the country are actively promoting the construction of ecological civilization and advancing Chinese modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. These efforts are creating a "Beautiful China."

The coming five years will be critical to the building of a "Beautiful China." The Global Times is launching a series of stories to explore the progress of ecological civilization projects that Xi is concerned with, delving into the positive environmental changes occurring now, and offering valuable insights and references for both national and global efforts. From these practical examples, we can see how Xi's thought on ecological civilization is put into practice and further inspires public action.

In this installment, we turn our eyes to the western regions of China. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, they are transforming deserts like the Gobi, and other arid areas into hopeful green oases of clean energy through the construction of new energy bases in these once desolate regions
Amid the boundless Gobi desert in northwestern China, where fierce winds howl and not a blade of grass grows, a golden tower pierces through the skyline like a sword, pointing straight toward the heavens.

This is the "Jinta" pilot project, a concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) hybrid project in Jinta county, Northwest China's Gansu Province. "Jinta" means "golden tower," symbolizing a beacon of hope in this desolate land.

Beneath the 247-meter-high solar receiver tower, 25,594 heliostats track the sun's movement, while expansive arrays of PV panels greedily absorb sunlight, converting it into surging electric power.

By the end of this May, once the project is set to be completed, it will be capable of delivering an average of 1.45 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity to the power grid annually. Each year, it is expected to save approximately 480,000 tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.36 million tons, generating significant economic benefits as well as energy-saving and emission-reduction outcomes, the Global Times learned from the project company.

The Jinta project is a microcosm of China's broader campaign unfolding across its vast western regions. In China's expansive desert areas, the Gobi, and other arid areas - once dismissed as barren and lifeless - a vibrant transformation is underway.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, China has continuously consolidated the foundation for energy security.

At the same time, it should be noted that China still faces challenges in the development of energy resources, as Xi noted when the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held the 12th group study session on new energy technology and China's energy security on the afternoon of February 2024, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The solution is to vigorously promote the development of new energy resources, Xi said, stressing that China is abundant in resources such as wind power and photovoltaics, and has tremendous potential for developing new energy, read the Xinhua report.

In recent years, China has raced to build massive wind and solar bases in these regions.

By the end of 2024, the first batch of 50 new energy base projects solving desert, Gobi, and wasteland problems had been basically completed and put into operation, with a total installed capacity exceeding 90 million kilowatts, according to CCTV News.

Meanwhile, the rapid expansion in installed capacity has spurred technological innovation and industrial upgrading across the upstream and downstream segments of the new energy industry chain.

The 'golden tower'

In the Gobi of Jinta, the climate is unforgiving: During the day, scorching sunlight drives surface temperatures up to 50 C; at night, bitter winds drop temperatures to minus 20 C. When sandstorms hit, visibility plummets to less than 10 meters, and the air is thick with gritty dust.

Project safety officer Li Depeng has described the region as "a vast, boundless wilderness of desolation."

Yet Zhao Bin sees vitality in the adversity. "It is precisely this harsh environment that gives rise to exceptional wind and solar energy resources," he told the Global Times.

For nearly a decade, Zhao, head of the multi-energy complementary project in Jinta, has been rooted in this Gobi region, braving the harshest tests of nature.

The Jinta project is not only a technological marvel but also an epic of human resilience against nature. It features a tower-based molten salt thermal storage system, integrating core technologies such as light concentration, heat collection, and thermal energy storage and exchange. Designed to withstand high altitudes and extreme cold, the facility incorporates advanced data systems and smart algorithms to maximize efficiency - all with domestically manufactured core equipment.

What is more inspiring is the team's commitment to biodiversity conservation during construction. Zhao and his team have planted native tree species and economic crops - such as the Euphrates poplar, the white poplar, the fragrant locust, apricots, and peach trees - within the site, supplemented by irrigation systems and soil improvement efforts.

These measures not only restore desert ecosystems but also promote both ecological and economic gains.

After nearly 10 years on the front lines, Zhao has gained a deep understanding of Xi's thought on ecological civilization.

"The Jinta project vividly embodies this philosophy, driving an energy revolution, safeguarding national energy security, and aligning with the sustainable vision that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," Zhao told the Global Times.

"This Gobi, once a land of hardship and bitter cold, has become a plain of hope," he said.
New Energy hubs

The initiative of new energy projects on solving desert, Gobi, and wasteland problems gained national momentum in 2023.

May 1 of that year marked the grid connection of the country's first photovoltaic project under this initiative, the People's Daily reported. Located in the Tengger Desert in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the one-gigawatt project not only marked the beginning of large-scale renewable energy development in such terrains, but also pioneered a new model integrating new energy construction with ecosystem protection and restoration.

In the months that followed, similar projects began to take shape across other parts of the country.

In his speech at the central economic work conference in December 2024, Xi summarized the economic work in 2024, analyzed the current economic situation, and planned the economic work for 2025, Xinhua reported.

The conference reaffirmed that efforts should be made to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development, and boost economic growth in a concerted manner, and ramp up the green transition in economic and social development, while urging the promotion of faster construction of new energy bases in sandy areas, rocky areas, and deserts, according to Xinhua.

The 2025 Government Work Report explicitly called for the acceleration of the development of large-scale wind and solar bases in deserts, the Gobi, and other arid regions.

The largest single-unit photovoltaic project under the initiative, located in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is scheduled to start commercial operation at the end of May, according to Xinjiang TV.

The National Energy Administration also issued rules for the market operation of energy storage facilities supporting these projects under the initiative.

In February, China officially broke ground on its largest clean energy initiative to date - an 80-billion-yuan ($11 billion) base in the eastern section of the Qaidam Desert in Northwest China's Qinghai Province, according to Xinhua.

China has also set an ambitious target: By 2030, the total installed capacity from desert-based clean energy bases is expected to reach 455 million kilowatts, Xinhua reported.

Contribution to a greener globe

China's renewable energy model is now going global, supporting energy transitions in other countries.

The country has developed a full industrial chain in the new energy sector with strong international competitiveness, supplying over 80 percent of the world's PV modules and 70 percent of wind power equipment. Over the past decade, the country has helped reduce the global average levelized cost of electricity for wind and solar power by more than 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, Xinhua reported in January.

China's experience in desertification control and energy development has found resonance in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa - regions with similar geographic characteristics.

The Kubuqi project in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region utilized a multi-pronged approach: Planting windbreak trees to form edge-protection belts, erecting upright sand barriers made from sand willow branches elevated 20 centimeters above the ground, and establishing large-scale shrub-grass systems under PV panels by cultivating drought-tolerant, protein-rich desert plants such as caragana, hedysarum, and saltbush, Jin Jian, head of a Chinese new energy company's offices in the Middle East and Central Asia, told the Global Times.

Over several years of operation and maintenance, the project has successfully reclaimed more than 13,000 mu (around 867 hectares) of desertified land, achieving notable results in combating desertification. The PV-plus model developed in the Kubuqi Desert has now taken root overseas. For instance, a project in Israel integrates PV development with avocado farming and livestock, while its Red Sea PV project in Saudi Arabia has been paired with tourism initiatives, resulting in the world's first fully sustainable tourism city powered entirely by green energy, complete with comprehensive infrastructure, according to Jin.

Meanwhile, under the guidance of Xi's thought on ecological civilization, more and more Chinese companies are embracing joint development and global cooperation, achieving cross-border technology transfer.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday extended condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the severe explosion at a port in the country.

Xi said he was deeply grieved to learn that a massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas caused heavy casualties.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi mourned the victims and offered sincere sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families.

The Chinese and Egyptian militaries will soon hold their first joint drill in a move to boost cooperation, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday. With the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force sending forces to Egypt, a Chinese expert said the exercise could pave the way for potential aviation equipment cooperation.

According to an agreement reached between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries, the PLA Air Force will send forces to Egypt to participate in a joint air force training exercise codenamed "Eagles of Civilization 2025" from mid-April to early May, China's Ministry of National Defense announced in a statement on Wednesday. 

This marks the first joint training between the two countries' militaries, and holds significant importance for promoting pragmatic cooperation as well as boosting friendship and mutual trust between them, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday that China and Egypt enjoy good military relations, and their first joint exercise will further enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

The two countries' air forces share some similar training methods and tactics, and the latest joint exercise could pave the way for potential equipment cooperation in the future, Wang said, noting that the Egyptian side will get an opportunity to closely observe the Chinese warplanes' capabilities.

Egypt has already operated the Chinese K-8 trainer aircraft, according to media reports.

While the latest drill is the first joint exercise between the two countries, it is not the first time PLA Air Force warplanes have flown to Egypt.

From August 27 to September 5 in 2024, the PLA Air Force sent seven J-10 performance fighter jets of the Bayi Aerobatic Team and a Y-20 transport aircraft to participate in the first edition of the Egypt International Air Show at the invitation of the Egyptian Air Force, Wu Qian, a spokesperson at the Chinese Defense Ministry, said at the time.

During the visit, the J-10s and the Y-20 flew over the Giza Pyramids scenic spot, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

It was the first time the PLA Air Force's Bayi Aerobatic Team visited an African country for a flight performance, and marked the farthest distance it has traveled for a foreign performance, Wu said, noting that the event displayed the PLA Air Force's confidence and openness, and further deepened the cultural communication and friendly exchanges between the two countries and the two militaries.

Wang, the expert, said that flying to Egypt marks a long-distance flight. Such maneuvers could boost the PLA Air Force's long-distance combat capability and adaptability to diverse environments in different regions.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Wednesday revealed a case in which a local fisherman helped uncover and thwart a foreign espionage operation by retrieving a suspicious underwater surveillance device during routine fishing, CCTV News reported.

According to the MSS, the fisherman, surnamed Chen, discovered a strangely shaped device while fishing. 

Alerted by its unusual appearance and recalling a previous case in which a fisherman from a neighboring village had also retrieved a similarly peculiar device, which was later confirmed to be used for stealing classified information, Chen promptly called the national security hotline and returned to port with the device.

Shortly after the device was retrieved from the water, a foreign agency monitoring its movement received an emergency alert indicating a drastic location change. This confirmed that the recovered device was indeed a new type of underwater surveillance equipment deployed by a foreign country in China's territorial waters.

Judging by its speed and trajectory, the agency concluded the device had likely been retrieved and was en route to a Chinese port. It then dispatched a long-term operative in China, a Chinese national surnamed Liu, to locate the device.

National security officers stated that upon receiving Chen's report, while maintaining close communication with the fisherman and monitoring the ship's return trajectory, they collaborated with police, coast guard, and relevant local departments. 

Concurrently, security officers tracked the movements of suspect Liu. Through coordinated intelligence efforts with other agencies, they deliberately leaked news of "Chen retrieving a spy device." 

After the boat docked, Liu attempted posed as a novelty collector interested in purchasing the device but was rebuffed by Chen. 

Liu was already under surveillance by national security officers, and every move he made was tracked until his eventual arrest, CCTV News reported.

Security officers said Liu was ordered to offer a large sum of money in exchange for the device and smuggle it out of the country if possible.

Following these leads, the MSS dismantled a long-running foreign spy network operating inside China and took legal action against those involved.

Chen has since received official recognition and was commended for his contribution.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's just-concluded Southeast Asia tour focused on good-neighborly relations and promoted mutually beneficial cooperation, and achieved a complete success, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during a press briefing that Xi's trip to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday to Friday was the first overseas tour of the Chinese head of state this year.

The tour sent a strong signal that China firmly defends multilateralism and international trade rules, Wang said.

On Xi's visit to Vietnam, Wang said that the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries is the biggest advantage of and the most important political guarantee for the development of China-Vietnam relations.

The leaders of the two parties and countries unanimously confirmed that in accordance with the overarching goals characterized by "six mores," the two sides will advance the development of their comprehensive strategic cooperation with higher quality and on deeper levels, and accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, he said.

During Xi's visit to Vietnam, bilateral railway cooperation has been expanded and upgraded, which particularly demonstrated the determination of the two countries to seek common development, Wang said.

On Xi's visit to Malaysia, Wang said its most significant outcome was that the leaders of the two countries elevated China-Malaysia relations to a new height and announced the building of a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

This marks another leap in the positioning of the bilateral relationship after China and Malaysia announced the joint building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future in 2023, Wang noted.

A highlight of this visit is that the two sides agreed to become a pacesetter for regional cooperation on new quality productive forces, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as digital economy, green economy and artificial intelligence, he added.

Speaking of Xi's visit to Cambodia, Wang noted that the highlight was the joint announcement by Xi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on elevating the China-Cambodia relationship to an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, which marks the first time that China has elevated its bilateral relationship with a Southeast Asian country to an all-weather level.

Wang said that during Xi's Southeast Asia tour, the Chinese president pointed out that economic globalization benefits all countries and no country can retreat into isolation.

Trade wars will undermine the international trading system, the stability of the global economic order and the legitimate interests of all countries in the world, especially developing countries, Xi noted.

As key members of the Global South, China and neighboring countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation, stand together to combat the undercurrent of camp-based confrontation, jointly oppose unilateralism and counter the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, so as to safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family, Xi said.

Xi underscored that despite the headwind of mounting protectionism, China will pursue high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up and share development opportunities with neighboring countries.

China's mega market is always open to neighboring countries, and China welcomes more high-quality products from ASEAN members, he added.

The China Search and Rescue Team, the China International Search and Rescue Team, and the search and rescue team from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region left Myanmar on Wednesday after completing their mission in the earthquake-stricken areas.

Before their departure, a ceremony was held at Myanmar's Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Ministry. Soe Win, vice chairman of the State Administration Council, presented a letter of gratitude to the Chinese teams.

The teams have boarded four Chinese Air Force planes to return home from Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw.

Myanmar's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Lwin Oo, and Cao Jing, chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, saw them off at the airport.