Editor's Note:

More than 30 years ago, while working in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, Xi Jinping led the formulation of 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy. It became a classic example of integrating top-level design with a "crossing the river by feeling the stones" approach, pioneering the practice of local governments drafting long-term development strategies spanning 15 years. The strategy continues to serve as a model for scientifically planning economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).

For more than three decades, Xiamen has faithfully followed the direction laid out in the strategy, advancing step by step under a consistent blueprint across successive administrations. The city has grown from a small coastal garrison town into a modern, international metropolis known for its quality development and scenic appeal.

The strategy and the city, intertwined in time. A moment in time, a lasting blueprint.

The strategy not only charted a strategic course for Xiamen's development, but also conveyed deep reflections on the nation's future. It captured the pioneering spirit of reform and opening-up—tempered through trials—and reflected a sincere commitment to ensuring that all residents would share the tangible benefits of building the special economic zone (SEZ).

Strategize

Giant gantry crane pulleys glide slowly into motion as passenger buses are steadily hoisted onto a cargo ship. Not long ago, 130 Xiamen-made buses set sail from this very port, bound for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Today, Xiamen Port 
operates 98 shipping routes under the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting 63 ports across 20 participating countries and regions.

Forty years ago, not long after assuming his post in Xiamen, Xi visited this very spot. Facing the sea breeze, he gazed into the distance, then walked slowly to the foot of a towering gantry crane. Looking up at the colossal structure, he fell into deep thought.

While at the time, Xiamen Port had only two gantry cranes, each handling just 35,000 TEUs a year. In contrast, similar cranes in Hong Kong could process as many as 120,000 TEUs annually.

In June 1985, the State Council approved the expansion of the Xiamen SEZ to encompass the entire island and authorized the gradual implementation of select free port policies. That same month, Xi arrived in Xiamen to take up his new role as a standing committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xiamen Municipal Committee, and executive vice mayor, marking "his first leadership position at the city level, his first direct engagement with reform and opening-up in a coastal region, and his first hands-on experience in urban development and governance."

At the time, Xi was also serving as deputy director of the city's commission for economic restructuring. His vision extended well beyond immediate concerns—he was thinking about Xiamen's long-term development. He mentioned that an economic development strategy must be grounded in foundational work and supported by both industry and urban planning.

With these considerations in mind, Xi proposed to the municipal Party committee and government the formation of a dedicated team to study specific free port policies and develop a strategic plan to guide the growth of the Xiamen SEZ.

With strong backing from the municipal leadership, Xi transferred personnel from the city's planning commission to the science and technology museum, where he established the office for strategic research on economic and social development, and personally took charge of the work.

Beginning in August 1986, Xi led the formulation of 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy, a comprehensive document totaling nearly 250,000 characters, completed over the course of a year and a half.

For more than three decades, Xiamen has remained steadfast in advancing this vision, pushing forward with determination and gratitude, and making consistent, long-term efforts. From 1985 to 2024, the city's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 13.8 percent, 5.1 percentage points above the national average and 2.8 points higher than the provincial rate over the same period. Today, Xiamen has evolved into a modern, international city celebrated for its high-quality development and distinctive appeal.

Solicit opinions

In January this year, Xiamen University hosted a high-level think tank symposium, bringing together experts and scholars from institutions including the Development Research Center of the State Council and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Participants revisited the scientific principles and methodologies embedded in the 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy, exchanged views on local development strategies for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and offered forward-looking recommendations on strategic priorities for advancing high-quality development.

Experts and scholars from Xiamen University played an active role in the drafting of the 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy, with many of its key themes later evolving into academic research projects, said Li Deguo, deputy dean of the School of Public Affairs at Xiamen University, who attended the symposium. Li said that offering insights and policy recommendations for national and local development strategies has since become a fine tradition at the university.

Many faculty members still recall that during the formulation of the 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy, Xi frequently visited the university to consult with scholars and conduct research in the library.

A research team made up of more than a dozen institutions and over 100 experts, scholars, and practitioners conducted extensive fieldwork to gain a thorough understanding of Xiamen's local conditions, producing hundreds of thousands of words in research findings. 

The process emphasized open consultation and collective wisdom, integrating top-level design with public input—an approach that has consistently characterized Xi's leadership, from the local level to the central government level.

From Liangjiahe in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province to Zhongnanhai in Beijing, Xi has remained firmly rooted in the people, consistently demonstrating deep concern for their well-being and attention to the smallest details of their lives-a commitment that has endured unwaveringly over time.

Pioneer

Building SEZs modeled on free ports was a clear goal set out in the 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy.

As pioneers of socialism with Chinese characteristics, SEZs are tasked with opening new ground—moving forward without precedent, and confronting risks, contradictions, and complex challenges.

The initial step focused on establishing and improving bonded warehouse zones around the Dongdu port area to support re-export trade. This evolved into a broader free trade zone, expanding re-export activities and diversifying operations. Eventually, it envisioned a limited rollout of free port functions across the entire island.

Today, Xiamen's free trade zone represents a critical part of this strategy, actively exploring new ground for higher-level opening-up.

Guided by the principles of the 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy, the Xiamen Free Trade Zone has pushed forward institutional openness and aimed to build a high-standard pilot zone. Since its launch, it has introduced 632 reform measures, including 153 nationwide firsts. Thirty-one of its innovative policies have been replicated across the country.

Xiamen built China's first airport funded by foreign government loans—Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. It was among the first to reform state-owned asset management, with three local SOEs now ranking among the world's top 200. It also pioneered the three-in-one business license system, which later expanded into a unified multi-license model adopted nationwide.

For over three decades, Xiamen has led the way with a series of "firsts," each marking a leap forward in China's reform and opening-up. More than just transformation, the 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy left Xiamen with the resolve to carve out a new path—one that defies obstacles and breaks through barriers. 

Back then, launching the Xiamen SEZ was a bold and trailblazing move. Today, driving Chinese modernization is just as groundbreaking—it demands both exploration and innovation. China's path of reform has evolved from "crossing the river by feeling the stones" to blending grassroots experimentation of "crossing the river by feeling the stones" with top-level planning, moving forward with greater confidence and resolve.

Reform

Reform requires a correct understanding of the relationship between local areas and the overall situation.

Planning local development from the perspective of the whole, and serving the whole through the local, is both good governance and a strategy for reform.

Reform also requires clear-headedness and courage to face problems directly.

Problems include lagging infrastructure that fails to meet the demands of SEZ development, outdated structures in products, markets, and technology, and conflicts between the old economic system and the operating mechanisms of the SEZ economy. 

The strategy analyzes both favorable conditions and restraint factors, with a clear problem-oriented approach evident throughout. This pragmatic attitude gives the strategy strong relevance and guidance.

From reform, to comprehensive deepening of reforms, and then to further comprehensive deepening of reforms, "we should firmly believe that China's path of reform and opening-up will surely succeed."

Commitment 

"As leaders, we must focus not only on the present but also on the long term, willingly laying the groundwork and tackling unfinished tasks."

At Xiamen New Education School, the classrooms are modern, and the teaching philosophy feels fresh and inspiring. Principal Wang Yimin explains that the school embraces the idea of "providing a happy and complete educational experience," aiming to offer more children access to inclusive education. The students are mainly children of migrant workers. "To integrate new residents into Xiamen, we must first help their children integrate," he says.

It takes ten years to grow a tree but a hundred years to educate people. The 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy states that "education in Xiamen is a vital foundational project in building the Xiamen SEZ," setting goals for basic education, vocational training, higher education, and adult education through 2000.

The strategy focuses on advancing urban-rural integration to ensure all residents share a better life; protecting the environment to guarantee a livable ecosystem for all; and prioritizing talent cultivation and attraction by placing education in a key strategic position. 

The strategy emphasizes sustainable development and long-term planning, proposing precise policies and practical measures—all aimed at ensuring the people of Xiamen benefit more from the construction of the special economic zone.

Guidance

Guided by the strategy, Xiamen has rolled out a series of strategic initiatives. On the first working day after this year's Spring Festival, Xiamen launched a campaign themed "Strive and Lead," focusing on driving major project breakthroughs to build new industrial strengths and power future growth.

"Realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation is a relay race of history." From Xiamen's transformation to national governance, China has stayed committed to strategic planning as a key to progress, constantly opening new frontiers for socialism with Chinese characteristics.

As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) nears completion, preparations for the 15th Five-Year Plan are underway.

To meet the next stage's challenges, China is setting clear goals, building strategies, and developing concrete plans—sector by sector—focused on building national strength and achieving national rejuvenation. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech on Sunday at the plenary session of "Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance" of the 17th BRICS Summit.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Remarks by H.E. Li Qiang

Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China

At the Session on Peace and Security and Global Governance Reform Of the XVII BRICS Summit

Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025

Your Excellency President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,

Colleagues,

First of all, congratulations on the successful opening of this summit. I thank President Lula and the government of Brazil for the work they have done in hosting this summit, and I welcome Indonesia as a full BRICS member.

Today, transformations unseen in a century are accelerating in the world. Geopolitical conflicts and economic and trade frictions keep emerging, flames of war continue to rage in some regions, international rules and order face serious challenges, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral mechanisms are weakening. All parties have come to see the growing necessity and urgency to reform the global governance system. And all are participating in and promoting the reform of global governance through various means, either on their own initiative or otherwise. China believes that in this process, one must firmly safeguard the shared interests of the international community and always stand on the right side of history. This is the only way to avoid taking a wrong turn or backpedaling, and to march forward in big strides toward peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development.

In 2015, President Xi Jinping put forward the global governance vision of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, offering China's solution to the global governance challenge. Ten years on, this important vision has gained growing global influence. Given the interwoven changes and turbulence in the current international landscape, this global governance vision of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit holds even greater value and relevance, here and now. In the face of heightened differences and disagreements, we need the spirit of equality and respect to enable more extensive consultation. The conflicts and disputes happening across the globe have their roots in the lack of trust and communication. Power politics and bullying are never the right way to solve problems. The security and development of all countries should be respected. There should be less arrogance and prejudice, and more sincerity and understanding. We need to look for the best answer that serves the interests of all through friendly consultation conducted on the basis of equality. In the face of deeply intertwined and shared interests, we need united and collaborative actions to enhance our joint contribution. Humanity lives in the same global village, and countries have increasingly become one community with a shared future. Whether it is tackling global challenges or promoting long-term development, no country can do it alone. Only by standing together in solidarity and working in close collaboration can we build a better home for us all. In the face of development opportunities where cooperation brings win-win results, we need wholehearted embrace of other's success as our own to expand shared benefits. Development should not be a zero-sum game where one profits at the expense of the other, but a win-win story where all can benefit through mutual assistance. Countries' development ought to be opportunities, not threats, to each other. When everyone is willing to share opportunities with others, there will be more opportunities and benefits to share.

Over the years, Global South countries have grown stronger and become champions of and contributors to the reform and improvement of the global governance system. Standing at the forefront of the Global South, we BRICS countries should uphold independence, act with a sense of responsibility, take bigger steps to build consensus and synergy, and strive to be the pioneering force in advancing global governance reform.

First, we should uphold justice and safeguard world peace and tranquility. Achieving fairness and justice is a persistent pursuit of BRICS countries and an important theme of BRICS cooperation. When international rules are being undermined and bullying practices are on the rise, we need to stand up for what is right and speak up for justice. We need to act as a positive and stable force for good in the world, promote dispute settlement by peaceful means, and seek solutions that address the root causes based on the true merits of issues.

Second, we should focus on development and bolster the driving forces of economic growth. China's journey of reform and opening up shows that in solving all problems, development is the foundation and key. It is true to big developing countries like China. It is also true to other countries of the Global South and beyond. With notable advantages in market, resources, industries and other factors, BRICS countries should play an active part in spearheading development cooperation, unlock the growth potential in emerging areas, and continue to explore new space for mutually beneficial cooperation. This year, China will establish the China-BRICS New Quality Productive Forces Research Center and the BRICS New Industry Golden Egret Excellence Scholarships, which will help BRICS countries train talents in areas such as industry and telecommunication, and pursue innovation-driven development.

Third, we should uphold inclusiveness and promote exchange and mutual learning among civilizations. Dialogue between civilizations can build bridges for peace and friendship and inspire wisdom for common development. With rich histories and cultures, BRICS countries should be advocates of harmonious coexistence of civilizations. We need to call for respect for cultural diversity in the world, and work to ensure that different civilizations inspire each other and prosper together.

China is ready to work with fellow BRICS members to make global governance more just, equitable, efficient and well-ordered, and build a better world together.

Editor's Note:

July 1, 2025, marks the 104th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Looking back on more than a century of striving, it is under the Party's strong leadership that the Chinese people have continuously turned the "impossible" into the "possible." The historic transformation of the Chinese nation - from standing up, to growing prosperous and becoming strong - has been fundamentally driven by the leadership of the CPC.

The book series of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China contains multiple important speeches on upholding and strengthening the Party's leadership. In the article "Maximize the Institutional Strength of CPC Leadership" included in Volume III of the book series, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized that governing a large country with more than 1.3 billion people, the Party must improve its leadership systems and mechanisms, give full play to the great strength of leadership by the Party, and shoulder the major responsibilities of carrying out our great struggle, developing our great project, advancing our great cause, and realizing our great dream. Only in this way can we ensure national reunification, uniform laws and policies and consistent market management, achieve economic development, clean political administration, cultural prosperity, social justice and healthy ecosystems, and smoothly advance the causes of Chinese socialism in the new era.

In Volume IV, Xi further stressed in the article titled "Speech at the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China" that the leadership of the Party is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and constitutes the greatest strength of this system. It is the foundation and lifeblood of the Party and the country, and the crux upon which the interests and wellbeing of all Chinese people depend.

Looking ahead, only by upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership can we fully build a great modern socialist country in all respects as scheduled and achieve the grand goal of national rejuvenation.

In the seventh installment of the special series "Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," the Global Times, along with People's Daily Overseas Edition, focuses on the theme: "Upholding CPC's overall leadership is China's greatest political advantage." We continue to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience, and international readers to explore the CPC's institutional strengths and real-world results in theoretical innovation, political development, organizational structure and its people-centered approach - and to collectively answer the question of our times: "Why is the CPC successful?"

The 13th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue was held on Wednesday local time in the EU headquarters in Brussels, during which Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi called on Europe to develop a more objective and rational understanding of China and adopt a more positive and practical policy toward China. He noted that while Europe currently faces various challenges, they have never come - and will never come - from China. China and Europe have no fundamental conflicts of interest but rather share extensive common interests, Wang said.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Noting this year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting is drawing broad attention, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Looking back on the extraordinary journey of China-EU relations over the past five decades, Wang said, their relationship should be characterized as that of partners rather than rivals, with cooperation as the defining feature and ballast.

The two sides need to properly handle their differences through dialogue within this framework, he said.

"Facing growing uncertainty and instability in the international landscape, China and the EU, as two major forces and economies, should enhance exchanges, mutual understanding and mutual trust, and advance cooperation, in a joint effort to safeguard the post-war international order and provide the world with much-needed certainty," Wang stressed, according to Xinhua. 

On peace and security, Wang said "China is not the US, and its path should not be mirrored against America's historical trajectory." He added that the differences between China and the EU in history, culture and values should not warrant rivalry, nor their disagreements necessitate confrontation.

China has consistently supported European integration and the EU's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy and play a constructive role in international affairs, Wang said, expressing hope that the EU will likewise respect China's core interests through concrete actions, including on the Taiwan question.

Kallas said that the EU and China are partners, sharing common responsibilities and having significant influence on major issues such as upholding the central role of the UN and safeguarding international law and international order, Xinhua reported. 

The EU remains committed to the one-China policy and stands ready to work with China to prepare for the upcoming leaders' meeting, Kallas said, expressing the EU's willingness to strengthen mutual understanding through dialogue, build a more constructive EU-China relationship, and pursue more balanced and equitable economic and trade cooperation.

Wang also met earlier in the day with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In Brussels, he also held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. 

New frameworks needed for balanced ties

"The 13th round of the China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue marks a significant moment as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. We highly commend the outcomes of this strategic dialogue and are encouraged by the positive signals it has sent ahead of the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting," Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU), told the Global Times in an exclusive written interview on Thursday.

From the perspective of the business community, this dialogue reaffirmed the essential nature of the China-EU relationship as being one built on partnership, not rivalry, with cooperation as the cornerstone, Fang said, noting that at a time of rising global uncertainty and instability, such high-level exchanges help maintain predictability and reinforce mutual trust.

"We sincerely hope the EU will uphold its commitment to openness, fair competition, and non-discrimination," Fang added.

Major powers in the world today are stepping up consultations and dialogue on how to shape a new direction for global development and order amid profound changes. Within this process, China and the EU play particularly crucial roles, as both sides share the desire to uphold global stability and advance multilateralism, Jiang Feng, professor of European Studies at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Association of Regional and Country Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

China-EU relations continue to evolve, shaped by both external influences and internal shifts. In particular, economic and trade ties have seen major changes in recent years, requiring both sides to adapt, Jiang said.

Europe, grappling with challenges domestically and internationally, often views its relationship with China through a more cautious, risk-focused lens. In contrast, China approaches these issues from a development perspective, recognizing that many challenges arise from rapid growth and call for new frameworks and mechanisms. This includes areas like new energy vehicles, advanced technologies, carbon emissions, climate change, and AI, Jiang noted.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming leaders' meeting will help chart a path for more balanced, higher-quality growth in China-EU relations. And this strategic dialogue has paved way for the summit, expected to unlock more cooperation potential, navigate challenges, and enable China and the EU to enhance communication.

According to the EU's press release, Kallas reaffirmed the EU's commitment to constructive engagement with China in tackling global challenges. 

On trade, Kallas emphasized the need to find concrete solutions to rebalance the economic relationship, ensure fair competition, and enhance reciprocity in market access. Furthermore, she called upon China to consider eliminating its "distortive practices," particularly those restrictions on rare earth exports, which "pose significant risks to European enterprises and jeopardize the integrity of global supply chains."

China previously exported mainly low- to mid-end products that complemented the EU market. Now, with China's industrial upgrades, mid- to high-end exports to Europe have grown, increasing competition. This should be handled economically to find win-win solutions, not turned into political or security issues. Politicizing trade harms normal economic relations and ultimately damages Europe by undermining healthy commercial ties, Jiang said.

Regarding rare earth exports, Wu Chenhui, an independent industry analyst who closely follows the critical minerals industry, told the Global Times on Thursday that rare earths are dual-use materials with both civilian and military applications, so imposing export controls on them aligns with international norms. He noted that China has already approved and facilitated certain export applications that comply with relevant regulations, "a move that underscores the country's efforts, as a responsible major power, to safeguarding the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains."

Latest data released by China's General Administration of Customs shows that China exported 5,864.6 tons of rare earths in May. From January to May, total exports reached 24,827 tons, up 2.3 percent year-on-year.

Noting the recent wavering tones within the EU on China regarding economic and trade issues, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that the complexity of Europe's attitude also stems from its security dependence on the US, which forces it to consider American demands in economic matters. However, European nations have their own interests, which can only be advanced through coordination and cooperation with China. "Europe still has a long way to go before it can truly achieve strategic autonomy, whether it is in economic or security terms," Li said.

Continuous heavy rainfall that has triggered severe flooding in Southwest China’s Guizhou Province since Tuesday has claimed six lives in Rongjiang county as of 11 am on Thursday, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

According to the country’s flood control headquarters, the water levels of the Duliu, Pingyong and Zhaihao rivers rose rapidly, with peak flow reaching 11,360 cubic meters per second. Many low-lying areas in the county were submerged and basic infrastructure in some towns was severely damaged, leading to traffic disruptions, outage of telecommunications and some residents being stranded. 

At present, the water level in the county has receded below the warning level. A series of efforts including clearing silt and draining floodwaters, epidemic prevention and disinfection, post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, and searching for trapped individuals are underway, Xinhua reported.

The flood control and drought relief headquarters said on Tuesday that persistent rainfall, combined with rising upstream water, had driven the Duliu, Pingyong and Zhaihao rivers past the “once-in-30-years” flood threshold. 

Severe flooding triggered by continuous heavy rainfall and upstream inflows have prompted mass evacuations in Rongjiang and Congjiang counties of Guizhou. As of 2:30 pm on Tuesday, 48,900 residents had been temporarily evacuated in Rongjiang and 32,000 in Congjiang. The flood control emergency response had been escalated to level I, the highest, in both counties, Xinhua reported. 

Also in Guizhou, rain-triggered landslides caused the collapse of part of a bridge on an expressway in the county of Sandu. No casualties have been reported so far, according to Xinhua.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Guizhou on Thursday, with some areas experiencing heavy to torrential rain and localized regions seeing extremely heavy downpours, according to Weather.com.cn. The rainfall is forecast to weaken on Friday, though torrential rain may still occur in certain areas. 

The provincial meteorological department has warned that persistent and locally intense rainfall on Thursday and Friday may trigger secondary disasters such as flash floods, landslides, mudslides and structural collapses, Weather.com.cn reported.

The 16th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, which concluded on Friday, voted to remove Miao Hua from his position as a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC), according to the Xinhua News Agency on Friday. 

China Central Television reported on November 28, 2024 that Miao, also director of CMC's Political Work Department, was suspended from his post due to suspected serious violations of discipline.

China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran.

The actions of the United States seriously violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, the spokesperson said.

China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation, the spokesperson said.

China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, the spokesperson said.

On June 21, 2025, the summer solstice bathes Mohe - China's northernmost city nestled at the northern tip of China's "rooster-shaped" map in Heilongjiang Province - in over 21 hours of daylight.

Tucked beneath the northern slopes of the Great Khingan Mountains, this region - China's northernmost and highest-latitude borderland, encompassing Mohe and six other counties - boasts the unique allure of being the "Arctic of China" or "the city of extreme cold."

Known for its "northernmost" distinction and frigid winters that can dip to -53 C, Mohe enjoys cool summers with average temperatures below 20 C. A viral song "Mohe Ballroom" has thrust this remote city into the spotlight, drawing travelers to witness the aurora, experience polar day, and step into the iconic ballroom. Here, the "Arctic of China" shines as a vibrant hub of cultural exchange, a city that "never sleeps."
A song opens a window to the world

As evening falls, the sky in Mohe remains aglow. At the polaris square in Mohe, perched atop 153 steps at the city's highest point, the "North Star sculpture" welcomes visitors from afar. Along the bustling commercial street below, buildings with rounded or pointed rooftops evoke an exotic charm.

On the basement floor of a commercial street in the bustling downtown area, the melody of "Mohe Ballroom" rings out every hour, narrating a timeless love story. Under the flicker of a disco ball, dancers sway in a hall frozen in the nostalgic style of the 1980s and 1990s.

The song weaves the tale of an elderly man in Mohe who dances alone in the Mohe Ballroom, a place where couples used to sway together when they were young. Under the name Zhang Dequan, he dedicates his solitary dance to his late wife, a passionate dancer who died in a devastating forest fire in Mohe in 1987.

From May 6 to June 2, 1987, the Great Khingan Mountains in Heilongjiang Province experienced the most devastating forest fire since the founding of the People's Republic of China. The blaze consumed 1.01 million hectares, with nearly 70 percent being forested land, destroying over 800,000 cubic meters of timber in storage yards and forests. More than 50,000 people were affected, 211 lost their lives, and 266 were injured, with direct economic losses exceeding 500 million yuan ($69.5 million), according to data released by the Chinese government.

"This soulful song has become a cultural window, lifting our quiet border town into the world's gaze," said Li Jinbao, the ballroom's operator. As the song gained traction, visitors flocked to the town. Once a modest venue for local dance enthusiasts, the hall now buzzes during peak seasons, hosting hundreds daily, including foreign tourists.

Li flips through his phone, showing videos of travelers from diverse backgrounds dancing and singing together. "Last time, a group from South Africa joined us in a circle dance - so lively!" he recalled to the Global Times. "We may not share a common language, but the connection flows through the music and movement."

On global social media, the song transcends borders, with English, Russian, Spanish, and Japanese versions resonating widely. A Brazilian netizen shared translated lyrics on TikTok, marveling, "Such powerful words! What kind of snow-covered land births such fervent emotions?" The song's reach is fueling Mohe's vitality.

Local tourism data shows a surge in inbound visitors over the past year, especially from Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea. Seizing the moment, Mohe has launched the "Aurora and Melody" travel routes, which blend visits to dance halls, aurora viewing, and experiences of forest culture.

"Before, we had clear off and peak seasons. Now bookings pour in year-round, with many requesting the Mohe Ballroom," Du Chunyan, a local travel agency operator, told the Global Times.

French backpackers Emily said, "The song's tale of a distant, heartfelt northern China drew us here. Standing in the real dance hall, imagining that lone dancer who never stops, feels like touching the song's soul."
A bakery bears witness to cultural harmony

Long before Mohe gained its current fame, this border town was no stranger to cultural exchange - stories of the blending of Chinese and foreign cultures had been unfolding on its soil for decades.

A 130-kilometer drive north from the city leads to Beihong village, a hamlet cradled by mountains. Home to 256 residents across 131 households, including 119 descendants of Russian ancestry, the village exudes Russian flair, according to local government.

Along a riverside path by the Heilongjiang River, matryoshka dolls dot the scenery, and villagers with "foreign faces" speak fluent local dialect. The low, staggered wooden cabins, built in the Russian "mukeleng" style - a term blending Chinese and Russian for log-framed houses - stand as proud relics.

Village elders recount Beihong village's origins in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when a gold rush drew settlers, forming a natural community. Proximity fostered Chinese-Russian intermarriages, blending customs and architecture.
Li Chunhua, 73, a doctor at the village clinic for 53 years, who has a tall bridge on her nose and deep-set eyes, descends from Russian grandmothers. "As a child, I loved the Basque Festival that marks the resurrection of Jesus. Families made delicacies, danced, and sang together - it was pure joy," she recalled. "My grandmother danced gracefully to the harmonica, teaching me her steps."

Daily life here merges traditions of Northeast China with Russian elements, especially in cuisine - Russian-style jams, pickled cabbage and suba soup pair delightfully with steamed buns and local dishes.

Near Beihong village's main street, there is a cartoon statue of "Bakery Auntie." Inside the "Russian Bakery," the aroma of sweets fills the air as Zhao Yinhua, nearly 60, busies herself by the oven. "Many families here know how to make Russian lieba (the Chinese transliteration of rye bread in Russian)," she told the Global Times, showing her ingredients.

"My mother-in-law who has Russian ancestry taught me to gather wild hops in autumn frost for authentic, additive-free lieba," she said. Her bread, loved by locals and tourists, sells over 200 loaves daily at peak times. "It's labor-intensive - fermenting overnight, adding flour every few hours. Even in Russia, this craft is rare now," Zhao told the Global Times. "I want to keep it alive as a testament to our shared heritage."

'Mixed-style' homestays offer warm cultural exchange

In the famed Arctic village, landmarks like "Northernmost Home," "Northernmost Dumpling House," and "Northernmost Post Office" delight visitors seeking the "farthest north." Across the Heilongjiang River, Russia's Ignashino village lies in view, its "mukeleng" houses echoing those on China's side.

Sun Cuirong, a third-generation Chinese-Russian villager, runs "Russian Home" homestay. She pours steaming black tea and serves rye lieba slices for the reporters. "Winters used to be our only season for running the homestay business, but now we're busy year-round. Guests love our 'mixed' vibe - it's authentic and memorable," she said. The family-recipe Russian snacks like large dumpling pies and burdock pickles, paired with iron-pot stews, offer visitors a distinct cultural experience.

Such homestays, embracing this fusion, have been flourishing in the village in recent years. At another homestay, host Li Na greets cyclists from Central China's Hunan Province. Her rooms blend Chinese amber and Hezhe fish skin art with Russian samovars and Northeast floral curtains. Hezhe ethnic group, which was once the only fishing and hunting community in northern China, traditionally used fish skin and bones to make clothes, shoes and decorations due to their long-standing fishing heritage.

In Li's homestay guestroom, amber and purple-gold ornaments in Chinese aesthetic style adorn the table, a fish-skin painting by the Hezhe ethnic group hangs on the wall, a vintage Russian samovar stands in the corner, and the flower-patterned cloth curtains commonly seen in northeast China form an interesting contrast with the Russian-style lace tablecloths.

"Sleeping in a 'mukeleng' room and waking to China's northernmost forests is poetic," she said.

Shanghai visitor Chen and his family recently stayed there. Morning light filtered through Russian-patterned window frames, carrying the scent of fresh lieba. "The kids were thrilled to brew tea in a samovar. At night, by the fireplace, the host played the accordion and taught us the famous Russian song 'Katyusha' under a tranquil sky," Chen told the Global Times. His wife admired the details: "Russian dolls alongside paper-cut window decorations commonly used in Northeast China, lieba with corn porridge - it sparked our kids' curiosity beyond any textbook."

Leaving a note in the guestbook, they wrote: "Pine-scented log walls and Russian folk tunes from an old radio blur time's boundaries. Outside, a Chinese national flag flies at the northernmost outpost. This fusion warms the heart."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday urged China and Germany to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Wang congratulated Wadephul on assuming office, saying that China-Germany relations carry significance beyond the bilateral scope and exert an important influence on global economic development and strategic stability.

Noting that China and Germany share a comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang expressed his hope that the new German government will maintain this position and pursue a rational and pragmatic policy towards China.

Emphasizing that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests, Wang said he believes that the German side will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, just as China has supported Germany's reunification.

For China and Germany, whose economies are highly complementary, industries deeply intertwined and interests closely integrated, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation is a natural choice, said Wang, stressing that both sides should prevent the undermining of normal bilateral cooperation in the name of so-called "de-risking."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), which is an important juncture bridging the past and the future, said Wang, expressing his hope that Germany will play an active role as a core major country of the EU, and inject fresh momentum into the development of China-EU relations through high-quality China-Germany cooperation.

China expects that the EU will work with the Chinese side in the same direction, properly resolve the anti-subsidy case involving Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) at an early date, and promote the upgrading of China-EU cooperation in both quality and scale, he said.

China and Germany should shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, jointly advocate and uphold free trade, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, practice true multilateralism and uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, he added.

For his part, Wadephul said that the relationship between Germany and China is of great significance to the world economic development and the future of the international community, adding that the new German government attaches great importance to relations with China and is willing to pursue a proactive policy towards China.

Germany has firmly adhered to the one-China policy and will continue to do so, and is willing to be a reliable and predictable partner of China, he said.

Taking a leading role in the EU, Germany is willing to devote itself to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and supports the EU and China in resolving issues such as the anti-subsidy case against China's EVs through negotiations, Wadephul said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Wang said that China has been committed to promoting peace talks and supports reaching a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement through direct dialogues.

Wadephul said he hopes that China will exert its influence to push for a ceasefire and bring the Ukraine crisis to an early end.

East China's Zhejiang Province, which is home to tech companies including Alibaba, DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics, issued a document detailing new measures to support the innovative development of artificial intelligence. 

The document said the goal is to build a trillion-yuan ($13.85 million) AI industry ecosystem and detailed 27 specific measures.

Among them, it supports smart device consumption by including products such as smart home robots, smart glasses, smart bionics, and smart health devices in the subsidy program for trade-in of consumer goods. A subsidy of up to 15 percent of the product price, capped at 2,000 yuan per item, will be provided.

The document states that by 2027, Zhejiang aims to establish a sustainable and leading development framework, with core technologies and industrial applications in general artificial intelligence ranking among the top in the country. It plans to cultivate several globally competitive and influential AI enterprises, targeting a total income of over 1 trillion yuan for the province's large-scale AI core industries.

By 2030, the province aims to fully establish a sustainable and leading development framework, with core technologies and industrial applications in general artificial intelligence leading globally. A group of globally competitive and influential AI enterprises will emerge, with the total income of large-scale AI core industries exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan.

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, is the headquarters of DeepSeek, a renowned Chinese AI company, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Also based in Hangzhou are Unitree Robotics, DEEP Robotics, Game Science, BrainCo, and Manycore. Together with DeepSeek, these companies are collectively known as Hangzhou's "Six Little Dragons," which are emerging enterprises with significant influence in cutting-edge technology fields, reported Xinhua.