Giant Pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang Depart Chengdu for 10‑Year Stay at Zoo Atlanta

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, a chartered flight left Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan Province at 2:55 a.m., carrying two Chinese giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to Zoo Atlanta in the United States. The arrival marked the beginning of a 10‑year stay for the pair, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Before taking off, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding held a farewell ceremony to bid goodbye to the pandas. Ping Ping, a sturdy yet agile male born on March 17, 2020, and Fu Shuang, a chubby, vivacious female born on October 18, 2020, were the subjects of the event. The ceremony underscored the importance of their upcoming international transfer and the strong ties between China and the United States in panda conservation.

To ensure the pandas’ safety and comfort during the trans‑Pacific journey, the Chinese team developed a detailed transportation plan and prepared ample supplies of fresh bamboo shoots, bamboo, apples and emergency medications. Prior to departure, the pandas underwent transport acclimation training designed to reduce anxiety and stress, a routine step in international panda transfers.

Senior veterinarians and keepers from the United States accompanied the pandas on the flight, monitoring their health in real time and attending to their dietary needs. At the same time, two teams of Chinese veterinarians and keepers travelled to Zoo Atlanta in advance to make necessary preparations for the pandas’ arrival and to support the American staff during the transition.

During the flight, cabin temperature and humidity will be maintained within a comfortable range for the pandas. After landing in Atlanta, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will undergo quarantine and health checks. Chinese veterinarians and keepers will remain at the zoo throughout the quarantine period to care for the pandas and help them adapt to their new surroundings through acclimation and behavioral training.

Chinese experts and Zoo Atlanta have been collaborating on upgrading the zoo’s panda facilities since December 2025. Multiple online and in‑person meetings have focused on enhancing housing, enrichment, and monitoring systems. The renovations feature a significantly expanded indoor exhibit area, new enrichment items such as climbing structures, rock platforms and a pool, and an upgraded monitoring system that delivers more comprehensive real‑time information on conditions inside and outside the enclosures.

In mid‑September, Chinese experts conducted an on‑site inspection and acceptance check of the upgraded facilities, confirming that they meet the high standards required for a long‑term panda habitat.

Food supplies for the pandas are a key component of the partnership. Zoo Atlanta can obtain a variety of edible bamboo locally, as the area’s climate is similar to that of Chengdu. Fresh bamboo can be harvested year‑round, ensuring an adequate supply for the two pandas, according to the Chinese experts.

China and Zoo Atlanta have maintained a cooperative research relationship for more than two decades, carrying out over 30 research projects and publishing more than 50 academic papers. The collaboration has yielded significant breakthroughs in panda breeding, cub rearing, behavioral studies and disease prevention and control. Together, the two sides have successfully bred seven pandas, a notable achievement in international panda breeding cooperation.

Beyond scientific exchange, the partnership has facilitated extensive academic and people‑to‑people interactions, helping foster mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and American peoples. The arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang at Zoo Atlanta thus represents not only a milestone in panda conservation but also a continuing symbol of international collaboration and goodwill.

Giant Floral Basket Installed on Tian'anmen Square Ahead of National Day

On September 25, 2026, tourists in Beijing witnessed a giant floral basket installation on Tian'anmen Square as part of preparations for the upcoming National Day holiday. The display features ten sets of three‑dimensional flower beds arranged along Chang'an Avenue to enhance the festive atmosphere.

The green spaces on both sides of Tian'anmen Square continue to showcase floral ribbons, while more than 7,000 square meters of flowers will be positioned along Chang'an Avenue.

Visitors, including American tourists and a boy, were photographed posing with the installation. The image was captured by Xinhua photojournalist Ju Huanzong.

PLA conducts joint naval‑air exercise around China’s Huangyan Dao

On Sunday, naval and air units of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command carried out a joint training exercise in the waters and airspace surrounding China’s Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea.

A statement issued by the command said the exercise was a necessary operation in response to acts taken by certain countries that it said had undermined regional peace and stability.

It added that the training was designed to test and enhance the combat capabilities needed to safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

China claims sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao – the South China Sea Islands – which include Dongsha Qundao (the Dongsha Islands), Xisha Qundao (the Xisha Islands), Zhongsha Qundao (the Zhongsha Islands) and Nansha Qundao (the Nansha Islands). China also asserts historic rights in the South China Sea, encompassing its internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, all based on Nanhai Zhudao.

Nanhai Zhudao have long been widely recognized by the international community as part of China’s territory.

China upholds U.S. preference for AI terminology, says foreign ministry spokesperson

BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) – China has expressed respect for the United States' choice of terminology for artificial intelligence, according to a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The spokesperson made the remarks while answering questions about the U.S. use of the term “super intelligence” instead of “artificial intelligence” in the readout on the outcomes of the just concluded state visit.

He added that the two presidents had an in‑depth discussion on AI during the visit and that the advancement of AI remains an ongoing process.

“Parties can have more communication and in-depth exchange of views to seek consensus in light of how the process may evolve,” the spokesperson said. ■

Xi Visits U.S. National Archives, Emphasizes Cultural Understanding

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited the U.S. National Archives in Washington on Friday, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump, before the pair departed for Beijing after a three‑day state visit.

Established in 1934, the National Archives houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights—three documents central to the founding of the United States and essential to understanding its history over more than two centuries. At the final stop of his U.S. trip, Xi said the archives carry the wisdom of forebears and offer insights for the future. He noted that over the past 250 years, the American people have pursued the American Dream and built a prosperous country and a beautiful home on the North American continent.

Earlier in the week, Peng and Melania also visited the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, a renowned U.S. institution dedicated to the collection, research and exhibition of Asian art. The tour to the National Archives and the art museum echoed the special arrangements China made for Trump during his previous trips to Beijing. During the U.S. president’s state visit to China in May, Xi invited him to see the Temple of Heaven, a more than 600‑year‑old landmark near the southern end of the Beijing Central Axis. Standing inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the iconic centerpiece of the temple, Xi explained to Trump that in ancient times, state rituals were held in the temple, where then Chinese rulers prayed for national prosperity, social harmony and favorable weather for good harvests.

Describing the Temple of Heaven as “great” and “incredible,” Trump said the two countries should deepen mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between their peoples. During Trump’s first state visit to China in 2017, Xi accompanied him on a tour of the Forbidden City, or the Palace Museum, another historic landmark along the axis. Inside the ancient royal palace, Xi briefed Trump on its history, architecture and culture as they toured the three main halls, each bearing the Chinese character “He,” meaning peace and reflecting the Chinese people’s longstanding aspiration for peace and harmony.

Such interactions reflect Xi’s longstanding commitment to promoting exchanges and mutual learning among different cultures. “For any country in the world, the past always holds the key to the present and the present is always rooted in the past. Only when we know where a country has come from, could we possibly understand why the country is what it is today, and only then could we realize in which direction it is heading,” Xi once said. He has noted on many occasions that both China and the United States are great countries, and both the Chinese and American peoples are great peoples. While the two countries differ in histories and cultures, social systems and development paths, he believes that those differences should not become an obstacle to growing China‑U.S. relations.

At the state dinner held by Trump in the White House on Thursday, Xi recounted the history of China‑U.S. exchanges that stretches back more than 200 years, including their joint fight against Japanese aggression in World War II and Ping‑Pong diplomacy. “Exchanges have helped promote heart‑to‑heart communication between our peoples and cemented public support for China‑U.S. friendship and cooperation,” he said.

During his just‑concluded visit to Washington, Xi announced a series of new initiatives to further boost people‑to‑people bonds between the two countries, including an invitation for 100,000 young Americans to visit China for exchanges and study in the coming five years. Just as Xi has said, if the two countries recognize and respect their differences, deepen mutual understanding and learn from each other, seek the biggest common denominator, expand the list of areas for cooperation and properly manage differences, China‑U.S. relations will enjoy steady and sustained growth.

Xi's U.S. State Visit Yields Progress in China‑U.S. Strategic Stability, Says Foreign Minister Wang

On September 26, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States, which ended on Friday, had produced new progress in building a constructive China‑U.S. relationship of strategic stability.

Wang, who sits on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed reporters about Xi’s visit to Washington that ran from September 23 to 25, and highlighted the significance of the talks between the two leaders.

According to Wang, President Xi and President Donald Trump held a candid, in‑depth exchange of views in a friendly atmosphere of mutual respect, covering strategic and overarching issues that affect China‑U.S. relations and the broader global landscape.

Since President Trump began his second term, the two heads of state have maintained close exchanges that include three in‑person meetings and five telephone talks, Wang said, noting that this pattern of interaction—marked by mutual respect and sincerity—has become the most valuable strategic asset in China‑U.S. relations.

Iran, Oman Agree on New Entry and Exit Routes for Hormuz Strait

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the details of new entry and exit routes for the Strait of Hormuz, and will present the outcome of their consultations to Gulf countries at a regional meeting in Muscat on Monday, Iranian officials said on Saturday.

According to a source close to Iran's negotiating team cited by the semi‑official Tasnim news agency, the understanding was reached after intensive technical and diplomatic talks that culminated in a final agreement in late August. Under the agreement, the Gulf's entry route lies entirely within Iran's territorial waters, and a portion of the exit route also falls within Iranian territorial waters. The source said the route would operate under Iranian arrangements and that the waterway's southern route will be closed once the new system becomes operational, noting that the United States had insisted the southern route must be opened.

The source stressed that the understanding does not mean that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Iran has seven conditions for reopening the waterway and has conveyed them to the United States. It added that the waterway will remain closed unless those conditions are implemented, with reopening depending entirely on U.S. behaviour.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Friday that the foreign ministers of Gulf littoral states are scheduled to meet in Oman on Monday to exchange views on regional issues, including the Iran‑Oman talks on designating safe routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Baghaei said the gathering would “hopefully” be attended by foreign ministers from Gulf states as well as Iran and Iraq.

“As part of the agenda, we are going to brief the delegations about the results of the Iran and Oman consultations regarding the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, adding that the two countries had conducted the consultations as “the two coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Late last month, Iran and Oman said in a joint statement that they had exchanged views on a proposed phased framework that includes establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor in the strait.

Following U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran restricted passage through the strategic waterway, while U.S. forces imposed a naval blockade targeting vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports.

The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Gulf with the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Oman and Iran sit on opposite sides of the strait and have maintained consultations over maritime security and navigation in the strategic waterway. ■

Xi and Modi Meet on BRICS Summit Sidelines, Agree China and India Should Be Partners

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, to conduct a candid and in‑depth exchange of views that resulted in an agreement that China and India should be partners.

Xi said that China has always approached its relations with India from a strategic height and with a long‑term perspective. He noted that he has met with Modi twice over the past two years, guiding bilateral relations from a new start toward further improvement. Xi added that institutional exchanges between the two countries have gradually resumed, the list of cooperation areas has continued to grow, and bilateral trade has reached a new record high.

Xi emphasized that such hard‑won progress should be cherished. He pointed out that China and India have different national conditions but can draw on each other's strengths, support one another, and pursue common development. Amid a turbulent international landscape, he reminded that, as the world’s two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, both nations shoulder significant responsibilities.

He called on both sides to keep the future of humanity and the well‑being of peoples in mind, to work together to promote high‑quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, and to contribute more positive energy to world peace, stability, development and prosperity. Xi underscored that China and India are partners for cooperation, not rivals, and that they provide development opportunities for each other rather than pose threats.

Xi urged the two sides to focus on development as their greatest common denominator, to strengthen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation, and to expand cooperation in people‑to‑people exchanges, direct flights and other areas to strengthen public support for bilateral relations. He also called for balancing and addressing each other’s economic and trade concerns to promote a sound and stable development of bilateral economic and trade ties. Xi stressed the need for political wisdom of mutual respect and understanding to overcome disruptions, pursue parallel progress in bilateral ties and border issues, and maintain peace and tranquility in border areas.

He urged China and India to promote multilateral cooperation with openness and inclusiveness, to support each other as rotating chair of the BRICS, to strengthen coordination within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Group of 20, to stand together in addressing global challenges, and to uphold international fairness and justice.

Modi said that he has held several productive meetings with Xi, guiding India‑China relations toward a positive direction that serves the common interests of the more than 2.8 billion people of both countries. He noted that the two major civilizations of India and China have, over thousands of years, learned from each other through exchanges and moved forward hand in hand. Modi affirmed that India always views India‑China relations from a strategic height and a long‑term perspective, is willing to be a partner rather than a rival, and regards each other’s development as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Modi highlighted India’s independent foreign policy, stating that the development of its relations with China is not subject to the influence of any third party. He reiterated India’s unchanged positions on Taiwan and Xizang, and that it does not allow any force to engage in anti‑China activities in India. Modi expressed readiness to maintain high‑level exchanges on the basis of mutual respect and trust, to strengthen strategic communication, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance people‑to‑people exchanges. He said the two sides should work together to safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas.

India thanked China for its support for hosting the BRICS summit and pledged full support for China’s assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year. Modi said India is ready to closely coordinate and cooperate with China to jointly strengthen cooperation among Global South countries, promote a more multipolar world and global economic growth, and serve as a force for stability and progress in a turbulent world.

Xi Jinping Delivers Key Speech on 20th Anniversary of BRICS at Summit in New Delhi

President Xi Jinping addressed the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12, 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation platform. Speaking at Session I of the summit, Xi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for the thoughtful arrangements and expressed pleasure at joining his counterparts in the global South.

The President highlighted two decades of self‑reliance and self‑strengthening by BRICS countries, noting that the bloc has become the most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries. He praised the group’s resilience through global challenges such as the financial crisis, the COVID‑19 pandemic, climate change, and other crises, emphasizing that BRICS has consistently defended the common interests of the Global South and contributed stability and positive energy to the world.

Xi pointed out that rapid, unprecedented changes are accelerating worldwide, with the Global South gaining strength and a multipolar world emerging. He warned against rising unilateralism and power politics that undermine multilateralism and the international order, and noted growing deficits in peace, development, security, and governance. To address these gaps and build a better world, he introduced four initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. He urged BRICS to lead as a pioneer, steering the international order toward greater justice and equity and working together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

In discussing innovation-driven development, Xi highlighted the rapid breakthroughs in the new round of scientific and technological revolution, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He called for BRICS countries to maintain initiative in AI cooperation, strengthen collaboration, and promote openness and sharing. He noted China’s recent launch of the World AI Cooperation Organization and the development of international AI application cooperation centres with BRICS and other partners, presenting these as vital platforms for deeper AI collaboration. Xi proposed the BRICS initiative of AI‑empowered new industrialization, urging increased outcomes in research and development, application, and cooperation in industrial and supply chains. He warned that supply‑chain decoupling would not halt development and that “small yard, high fences” would only isolate the world.

On peace and stability, Xi emphasized that the world is increasingly turbulent and that the postwar international order is being undermined. He urged BRICS to uphold justice, end conflicts, and defend peace, adopting a vision of comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. He criticized Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and violations of national sovereignty. Xi outlined BRICS’ constructive role in resolving hotspot issues, particularly in the Middle East, where war has inflicted serious losses on all regional peoples. He presented four propositions to safeguard and promote peace and stability in the region, calling for de‑escalation, a permanent comprehensive ceasefire, source‑level problem solving, trust rebuilding, and a new security architecture. He stressed that the Palestinian question remains central and that the two‑state solution is fundamental for peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. China will work with fellow BRICS members to contribute to peace in the Middle East.

Xi also spoke about facilitating mutual learning between civilizations, describing the diversity of BRICS cultures as a garden of inclusive coexistence. He advocated for the common values of humanity, exchange, learning, and harmonious coexistence, and called for the BRICS People‑to‑People Exchange Forum to share governance experience and build positive energy for stable state‑to‑state relations. He encouraged deeper cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and youth exchanges to increase mutual understanding and amity.

Regarding global governance reform, Xi emphasized the importance of building a just and equitable system that aligns with the trend toward greater democracy in international relations. He urged the support of the United Nations, opposition to withdrawal from international organizations and treaties, and the maintenance of the World Trade Organization as the core of the multilateral trading system. He called for WTO reform, opposition to tariffs abuse, and rejection of protectionist measures. Xi also highlighted the need to steer global governance in frontier domains such as cyberspace, outer space, and deep sea, and to amplify the voice of Global South countries.

Concluding his speech, Xi praised the solidarity and cooperation that have sustained BRICS for 20 years and urged members to maintain candor, sincerity, and dialogue to deepen mutual understanding and manage differences. He announced that China will take over the BRICS chairship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit, aiming to build consensus and plan for the future. Xi expressed confidence that the third golden decade of BRICS cooperation would usher in shared prosperity and progress for all member states.

CIFTIS 2026 Opens to Public in Beijing on September 12

The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) opened to the general public on September 12, 2026, and will remain open through September 13 at Shougang Park in Beijing, China. Visitors who have made a reservation are able to attend the fair free of charge.

On the opening day, crowds were seen watching a chef prepare noodles, while a child collected cultural stamps in a dedicated area. Other visitors photographed silk figurines, observed movement demonstrations of a robot, and experienced pulse diagnosis. Performances and dance shows staged by robots drew enthusiastic audiences, and a humanoid robot was also on display for public viewing.

Additional attractions included train models, cultural and creative products made of insect specimens from Peru, rowing machines, and a smart dental service system. Guests toured a scenario featuring an unmanned post office staffed by a robot that offered services related to cultural and creative products, and a showcase of the Beijing‑Tianjin‑Hebei inland port cluster. The China Service Case Showcase, as well as dedicated Education Services and Cultural and Tourism Services exhibition sections, were also highlighted. Visitors explored the Pakistan exhibition zone and other themed displays, including a series of collectible toys celebrating the fair.

Throughout the two‑day event, visitors enjoyed a wide range of exhibits and demonstrations, all accessible at no cost to those who had secured reservations. The fair’s opening to the public on September 12 and 13 marks a significant opportunity for participants and the public alike to engage with the latest developments in trade services across China and beyond.

Xi lands in New Delhi for BRICS summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi. Xi was warmly welcomed upon his arrival.

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held from September 12 to 13. At the summit, Xi will join other leaders to chart a new course for the high‑quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, pooling the collective strength of the Global South and contributing stability and positive momentum to a world undergoing profound changes.

Xi Declares BRICS the World’s Leading Platform for Emerging Markets Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address at Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on 12 September 2026, affirming that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become the world’s most influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.

During his speech, Xi marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, noting that the past two decades have seen the mechanism grow and expand, demonstrating remarkable vitality and dynamism. He said the bloc’s experience of 20 years of self‑reliance and self‑strengthening has enabled BRICS members to explore development paths suited to their national conditions, setting an example of unity among emerging markets and developing countries. He added that the group has stood together through thick and thin.

Xi highlighted the challenges the bloc has tackled, including the global financial crisis, the COVID‑19 pandemic and climate change, and praised its steadfast role in safeguarding the common interests of the Global South while providing the world with stability and positive momentum.

He described the past 20 years as fruitful, noting that BRICS has undergone historic expansion, established a comprehensive, multi‑tiered framework for cooperation, and entered a new stage of high‑quality development. Xi stressed that the world is undergoing accelerated transformation unseen in a century, the Global South is growing rapidly, and the trend toward a multipolar world is unstoppable. He warned of countercurrents of unilateralism and power politics, the strain on multilateralism and the international order, and widening deficits in peace, development, security and governance.

In calling for BRICS to “stand on the right side of history,” Xi urged the group to pioneer a more just and equitable international order, build a community with a shared future for humanity, and steer global affairs toward greater justice and equity.

Xi called on BRICS to advance innovation‑driven development, emphasizing artificial intelligence. He urged the bloc to seize the initiative in AI, strengthen cooperation in the field, promote open‑source development, and push practical cooperation into new areas. China proposed an initiative to promote new industrialization through AI among BRICS countries and invited all members to actively participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Xi said China is willing to work with all parties to deliver more outcomes in research, development and application, and deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

Regarding peace and stability, Xi urged BRICS to uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, reject violations of sovereignty and interference in internal affairs, and play a constructive role in resolving hotspot issues. He noted that the situation in the Middle East remains complex and fluid, and that the war has inflicted serious losses on people in the region. Xi laid out four propositions to safeguard and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, aimed at de‑escalation, ending hostilities and promoting peace, and urged parties to pursue a political settlement and a permanent comprehensive ceasefire. China will work with fellow BRICS members to help bring peace and tranquility to the region.

Xi also emphasized the importance of mutual learning between civilizations. He called for BRICS members to champion common human values, advocate exchanges and mutual learning, ensure the success of the BRICS forum on people‑to‑people and cultural exchanges, share governance experience, and build positive momentum for steady development of relations. He urged deeper cooperation in culture, tourism and education, strengthening youth exchanges and promoting more frequent interactions and closer bonds among peoples.

On global governance, Xi urged the bloc to keep pace with the trend toward greater democracy in international relations, promote a more just and equitable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations. He said BRICS should support a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization and reject all forms of protectionist measures. The group should lead global governance in emerging domains such as cyberspace, outer space and the deep sea, amplifying the voice of Global South countries.

Xi concluded that over the extraordinary two‑decade journey, solidarity and cooperation have remained the driving force behind the BRICS cause. He called on members to remain sincere and candid, seek common ground while respecting differences, and respect each other’s core concerns. He urged the bloc to deepen mutual understanding through communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, and ensure that BRICS cooperation continues to move forward steadily.

China will take over the rotating chair of BRICS and host the 19th summit next year. Xi said China is ready to work with all parties to build consensus, create a better future, and embark on BRICS’ third “golden decade,” jointly opening a bright future of prosperity and progress.

At the summit, all parties praised the development achievements made by BRICS over the past 20 years, noting that the BRICS mechanism has broad representation and great potential for development. They agreed that in the face of escalating geopolitical conflicts and the rise of unilateralism, BRICS countries have a responsibility to speak up for the Global South, uphold multilateralism, support the central role of the United Nations, uphold the sovereign equality of all countries, abide by international law, oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries, support free trade, and jointly address global challenges. All parties reiterated the importance of upholding the BRICS spirit, deepening cooperation across various fields, enhancing economic resilience, promoting a more just and inclusive international order, and building a secure and prosperous multipolar world. They appreciated China’s important contribution to the development and expansion of the BRICS mechanism and supported China, as next year’s chair, in successfully hosting the 19th BRICS Summit, so as to jointly bring BRICS cooperation to a new level. The leaders also adopted a joint declaration at the summit.

CIFTIS 2026 Highlights China’s Shift to Experience‑Based Service Trade

From September 9 to 13, 2026, Beijing’s Shougang Park hosted the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), bringing together 413 exhibitors in the themed exhibition area for culture and tourism services. The fair showcased emerging models of cultural and tourism integration, allowing visitors to touch artificial snow, try VR devices, and view the Great Wall through immersive technology, as photographed by Xinhua reporters.

In a striking AI‑powered demonstration, Ms. Wang, a long‑time Peking Opera fan and first‑time visitor to the fair, tapped a screen and was instantly transformed into Mu Guiying, her favourite Peking Opera character. The experience was presented by the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing and highlighted how artificial intelligence can make once‑costly and time‑consuming opera costume photos and videos accessible to all.

Beyond the opera pavilion, CIFTIS featured humanoid robots offering bilingual explanations, brain‑computer interfaces that create digital paintings, and AI 360‑degree photo booths that generate blockbuster‑style videos in real time. These displays illustrate the broader trend of China upgrading its consumption from goods to experiences, a shift echoed by many exhibitors and visitors.

The fair’s new “China Services” exhibition zone showcased more than 140 cases across 12 major areas of services trade. Nearly 40 percent of the cases incorporated core technologies such as AI, large models and intelligent agents. The pavilion highlighted new business models, including age‑friendly solutions to bridge the digital divide and smart childcare platforms that provide integrated health management from birth through preschool.

Wang Min, president of the China General Chamber of Commerce, noted at a forum during the fair that people’s consumption focus has moved from goods to a balanced emphasis on both goods and services. He pointed out that digital technologies are spawning new business forms such as emotional consumption, immersive experiences and cross‑border services consumption.

Official data support this trend. In the first seven months of 2026, retail sales of services rose 5 percent year on year, outpacing retail sales of consumer goods by 3.9 percentage points. China’s per‑capita spending on services reached 13,602 yuan (about 2,009 U.S. dollars) in 2025, accounting for 46.1 percent of total per‑capita consumption expenditure. With rising disposable income and an improving domestic consumption environment, analysts expect further growth in service spending during the 15th Five‑Year Plan period (2026‑2030).

In April, the State Council issued a plan to elevate the total scale of the services industry to over 100 trillion yuan by 2030. In July, China released its first five‑year plan devoted exclusively to expanding consumption, prioritising service consumption with targeted support for elderly care, childcare, culture and tourism, health and sports services.

Li Jun, director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, said the services sector’s leap toward the 100‑trillion‑yuan mark represents a systemic upgrade in structure and growth drivers. He cited the popularity of the culture, tourism, education and sports exhibition areas at CIFTIS as a vivid illustration of this trend.

At the sports services pavilion, “China Hawk Eye,” a Chinese‑developed sports system, attracted professional fair visitors and sports fans. The system uses multiple high‑speed cameras to capture ball trajectories from different angles and reconstructs disputed moments into visualised 3D images, serving multiple international professional events.

The fair’s Global Trade in Services Summit highlighted China’s growing strength in services trade. In the first seven months of 2026, the country’s services trade totaled nearly 4.45 trillion yuan, up 8.3 percent year on year. Knowledge‑intensive services increased 6.6 percent to 1.96 trillion yuan, accounting for 44.1 percent of total services trade.

In a video address to the summit, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Daren Tang praised China’s rapid growth in services trade, noting that the country’s strong exports of knowledge‑intensive services are supported by its intellectual property and innovation ecosystem. A report released at CIFTIS, “Trade in Services 100 2026,” by brand‑valuation consultancy Brand Finance, found that China ranks second globally with 21 brands in the world’s 100 most valuable trade‑in‑services brands, with a combined worth of 876.8 billion U.S. dollars. Alex Haigh, managing director of Brand Finance Asia Pacific, said that leveraging digital platforms, communications networks and large financial institutions helps Chinese trade‑in‑services brands rise rapidly, reflecting a new trend of extending “Made in China” to “China services” and “China brands.”

Zhao Ping, president of the Academy of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, called for further leveraging CIFTIS to promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, noting that international services trade facilitation still faces barriers. The fair underscored China’s active promotion of services trade and its openness to creating more opportunities for countries and businesses worldwide.

Flash: Xi calls on China, India to promote multilateral cooperation with openness and inclusiveness to benefit the world

President Xi Jinping has urged China and India to work together to strengthen multilateral cooperation that is open and inclusive, aiming to benefit the world.

Xi’s call emphasizes the importance of openness and inclusiveness in global cooperation efforts, highlighting the need for both nations to play a constructive role on the international stage.

The statement underscores the shared commitment of China and India to promote multilateralism that serves the interests of the global community.

China, India Prepare for Xi‑Modi Meeting at 18th BRICS Summit

Beijing, Sept. 11 – China and India are arranging a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

According to Mao Ning, the Chinese spokesperson, the meeting will be the third consecutive year in which the two leaders will hold a bilateral session, following their previous encounters in Kazan and Tianjin.

She added that China is ready to cooperate with India in following the strategic guidance of Xi and Modi, viewing bilateral relations from a strategic and long‑term perspective. The aim is to strengthen communication, expand cooperation, and properly handle differences, thereby fostering a good‑neighborly friendship and partnership that helps both sides succeed.

South Korea Welcomes 100‑Day‑Old Giant Panda Cub Shu Bao at Everland

On Friday, September 11, 2026, a 100‑day‑old giant panda cub named Shu Bao made its first public appearance at Everland, the largest theme park in Yongin, about 40 km south of Seoul. The park also announced the cub’s name on the same day, marking the arrival of South Korea’s fourth native giant panda.

Shu Bao’s parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, arrived in South Korea in 2016 and have spent 15 years at Panda World in Everland. The pair produced the cub on June 3, when Shu Bao weighed 171 grams, making it the third successful natural breeding of giant pandas in the country after Fu Bao’s birth in 2020 and the twin cubs Rui Bao and Hui Bao in 2023.

Giant panda keeper Kang Cheol‑won carried Shu Bao during the public appearance and said that, following Fu Bao, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, Shu Bao is the newest member of the panda family, and he hopes the cub will bring joy to more visitors. “We expect Shu Bao to bring a new wave of excitement,” Kang said.

Visitor Jeong Da‑hyeon, who has been following the panda family’s growth, expressed delight at seeing the new addition. “I have been watching the pandas’ progress and I am thrilled to see Shu Bao join the family,” she said.

Shu Bao’s arrival marks a significant milestone for South Korea’s panda conservation efforts, adding to the park’s reputation as a leading facility for giant panda breeding and public education.

BRICS Expansion Drives High‑Quality Development Across Global Frontiers

In an era of rapid geopolitical and economic realignment, the expansion of the BRICS bloc has marked a qualitative leap in its representativeness and influence. Today, BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world’s population, around 30 percent of global economic output, and one‑fifth of global trade, underscoring the bloc’s growing importance on the world stage.

Xinhua photographers captured the headquarters of the New Development Bank in Shanghai on June 17, 2022, illustrating the financial infrastructure underpinning the expanded BRICS. A few years later, on June 7, 2026, a China‑made self‑driving taxi was filmed near Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, highlighting technological cooperation. In South Africa, an aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 20, 2024 shows the Redstone Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Project near Postmasburg, exemplifying energy collaboration within the bloc.

Cultural exchanges have also intensified. On June 27, 2025, participants engaged in the BRICS Dialogue on Civilizations at Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil. The same year, on Aug. 11, 2025, visitors explored the exhibition “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” at the Shanghai Museum. Meanwhile, on Dec. 11, 2025, the China National Center for the Performing Arts Chorus rehearsed with Choralla, a local Saudi choir, for the World Famous Songs Concert at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Media and summit activities further demonstrate the breadth of BRICS cooperation. On Oct. 22, 2024, media professionals worked at the media center of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. A staff member introduced products via livestreaming at the booth of Iran during the 10th Silk Road International Exposition in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, on May 21, 2026.

Trade and manufacturing ties are visible in everyday scenes: on Feb. 13, 2026, workers sorted coffee beans at a processing plant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, destined for export to China; on Feb. 2, 2023, an Indian businessman selected toys at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu City, east China’s Zhejiang Province; and on Apr. 28, 2025, passengers posed for photos with a model of a high‑speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta‑Bandung high‑speed railway at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia.

These images collectively illustrate that the greater BRICS cooperation has entered a stage of high‑quality development, as reported by Xinhua.

China’s First Services Trade Fair Highlights Growing Global Opportunities

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) — The Chinese market is increasingly seen as a global opportunity not only because of its size but also due to its growing strengths in services, innovation, and international cooperation. The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), the inaugural event of the country’s 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030), opened in Beijing’s Shougang Park this week, drawing visitors from around the world and underscoring China’s commitment to high‑standard opening up.

Services now drive a large share of the world economy, accounting for 65 percent of global GDP and more than a quarter of world trade, according to the United Nations Trade and Development Report. They also export at a pace more than twice that of goods. In China, services form the foundation of the economy, and services trade has been a key focus of the 15th Five‑Year Plan. From January to July 2026, China’s services trade grew 8.3 percent year‑on‑year, reaching nearly 4.45 trillion yuan (about 656.9 billion U.S. dollars).

High‑quality development of services trade is a central task of the plan, which calls for easing cross‑border restrictions and promoting knowledge‑intensive services. Digitalisation and green development are emerging as drivers of China’s services sector, with technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data increasingly integrated into trade. The fair highlighted these trends, showcasing the latest breakthroughs and practical applications of advanced technologies.

The event is more than a marketplace; it is a platform for international collaboration. Norway, the guest country of honour, built a 260‑square‑meter pavilion featuring a wide range of exhibits, giving Norwegian firms a chance to pursue practical cooperation in China. For U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, the fair presents opportunities to tap China’s policy and research strengths and become more deeply integrated into the country’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, according to Huzur Devletsah, the company’s vice‑president and China general manager.

China’s expanding services market opens new avenues for collaboration rather than competition. This year’s CIFTIS introduced an exhibition of more than 140 cases across 12 service‑trade categories, including those involving AI, large language models and intelligent agents, offering a glimpse into the future direction of China’s services sector. The fair also established a new roadshow area that provides Chinese companies with one‑stop professional support to expand their global footprint in services.

The expansion of China’s services capacity also benefits the Global South. Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said the fair would help his country identify trade opportunities, build export capacity, and attract credible partners in technology, finance, tourism, education and health care. As services become a more important arena for global economic cooperation, China’s continued opening‑up is creating additional channels for businesses worldwide to connect, cooperate and grow, turning “China opportunities” into part of a broader landscape of shared growth.

2026 CIFTIS Showcases Cutting‑Edge Robotics and AI Innovations in Beijing

The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is currently underway at Shougang Park in Beijing, the capital of China. On September 10, 2026, visitors were drawn into a series of themed exhibition halls that highlight new technologies, emerging business models, and innovative applications, offering a firsthand look at cutting‑edge developments in trade and services.

Inside the bustling halls, a range of robotic demonstrations captured the attention of attendees. A robot played chime bells, while another performed on a keyboard, and a humanoid robot named “Tiangong Ultra” moved with impressive grace. Fish‑shaped bionic robots were also on display, and a robotic hand replicated the motions of a human hand, showcasing advanced dexterity. Staff members, including one identified as L, actively guided visitors through these exhibits, demonstrating the robots’ capabilities.

Visitors had the opportunity to interact with an exoskeleton robot, test smart pulse‑diagnosis equipment, and observe an AI‑powered medical service vehicle. On September 9, 2026, attendees explored an AI‑powered pediatrician module mounted on a medical service vehicle, as well as an AI‑powered remote robotic surgery platform. The evening of September 9 also featured a smart robot masseur that visitors could try out, further illustrating the integration of robotics into healthcare services.

In addition to medical technology, the fair highlighted advancements in energy and logistics. Demonstrations of fast‑charging battery technology were showcased, and smart logistics devices were displayed to illustrate efficiency improvements in supply chain management. A smart system for sports viewing was also exhibited, highlighting technological enhancements in entertainment and media consumption.

Participants also visited the booths of notable enterprises. At the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) booth, visitors observed the company’s innovations. The China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd. presented a model of an integrated construction platform for the HPR1000 nuclear reactor plant, and the Beijing Space Avenue booth highlighted developments in space technology.

Each of these displays was captured by Xinhua photographers and released with detailed captions. Liu Zhihan photographed a robot playing chime bells, while Yang Yang captured a robot playing a keyboard. Ju Huanzong provided images of a fish‑shaped bionic robot and a humanoid robot, and Li Xin documented visitors learning about fast‑charging battery technology. Bi Shanghong photographed visitors at the CNOOC booth, and Zhang Chenlin captured a humanoid robot. Xu Hongyan’s photos included smart logistics devices and a robot inserting a letter into a mailbox. Zhang Xiaoyu documented the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group’s nuclear reactor platform model, and Zhang Yuwei captured AI‑powered medical vehicles and a remote robotic surgery platform. Xie Han photographed a robot handing a drink to a visitor. These images collectively illustrate the breadth of technological innovation on display at CIFTIS.

The fair continues to attract visitors eager to experience the latest in trade and service technologies, demonstrating China’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across industries.

Xi Urges Strong Measures to Prevent Major Accidents After Cargo Ship Fire in Shandong

On Thursday morning, a foreign cargo ship caught fire while undergoing repairs at a port in Qingdao, Shandong Province, causing major casualties. The incident prompted Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, to call for resolute efforts to prevent major accidents.

Xi instructed that authorities intensify search and rescue operations for missing persons and provide support to those affected. He demanded a prompt determination of the cause of the accident and accountability for those responsible. Xi also urged local governments and related departments to learn from the incident, thoroughly identify and address fire hazards, ensure the effective implementation of preventive measures, and safeguard people’s lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called for immediate search and rescue operations for trapped individuals, full efforts to treat the injured, proper handling of follow‑up work, and prevention of secondary disasters. Li urged the Work Safety Commission under the State Council to thoroughly identify workplace safety risks and take concrete steps to prevent major accidents.

The Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a work team to the site to guide rescue efforts, while Shandong provincial authorities mobilized resources for on‑site response.

Xi urges SCO to promote just and equitable global governance

On 1 September 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a key speech at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus” meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, calling on the organization to shoulder the responsibility of the times and to advance a more just and equitable global governance system.

Xi said the meeting, which focused on strengthening the United Nations and building a multipolar world, demonstrated the SCO’s commitment to reforming and improving global governance as required by our times. He urged participating states to work together to shape a fairer international order.

“Currently, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the globe. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are resurging against historical trends. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the world do not condone power politics, conflict and confrontation, or isolation and backwardness,” he added.

Xi noted that the rise of the Global South is driving a profound shift in the international balance of power, and that the trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible. He asked, “What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How are countries going to take part in and promote it? The international community should build consensus and make the right choice that can stand the test of practice and history.”

He emphasized that, as a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world. Sovereign equality and mutual respect, balance, order and the rule of law, multilateralism, dialogue and consultation, and mutual benefit, win‑win and inclusiveness are the principles that should guide development. “We should ensure equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth,” Xi said, adding that “as an important part of a multipolar world and a key driving force behind it, the Global South countries ought to have greater representation and voice in international affairs.”

Xi Arrives in Cairo for State Visit to Egypt

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for a state visit to Egypt.

China Accelerates Innovation Resource Flow to Strengthen Regional Innovation Systems

Beijing, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) – China is intensifying efforts to facilitate the flow of innovation resources and strengthen regional innovation systems, according to guests on the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all‑media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

China has pledged to improve regional innovation systems during the 15th Five‑Year Plan period (2026‑2030). These systems bring together government, businesses, universities and research institutes, allowing different regions to better leverage their respective strengths and move research findings from laboratories toward commercial applications.

China’s three international science‑technology innovation centers are located in Beijing (Beijing‑Tianjin‑Hebei), Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta) and the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area.

Facilitating the flow of innovation resources such as talent, capital and technology is a central focus in efforts to strengthen regional innovation systems. Yi Tong, a researcher with the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, said at the roundtable that Beijing is taking multiple measures to facilitate the flow and allocation of innovation resources. The capital has established the country’s first leading group for the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent, and has rolled out a three‑year action plan to promote the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements.

In Shanghai, local authorities have launched a special initiative targeting technology companies, which helps smart technology firms connect with application scenarios, accelerate commercialization and drive development across the entire value chain, said Zha Hao, chairman and CEO of Shanghai Smartlogic Technology.

In the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area, efforts are also underway to remove barriers to the cross‑regional flow of innovation resources, said Zhang Zhengang, a professor at South China University of Technology. The region is building innovation platforms to pool resources, forming a model in which Hong Kong contributes scientific research, Guangdong supports commercialization and the global market provides broader opportunities for application, Zhang noted.

China’s Xi pledges “golden decade” of stronger ties with Uzbekistan at SCO summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Monday that China is ready to collaborate with Uzbekistan to usher in a new “golden decade” of bilateral relations, as the two countries mark the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Xi highlighted that, under the leadership of the two heads of state, China–Uzbekistan relations have continued to improve and upgrade, producing fruitful cooperation in many fields and notable progress in building a shared future community. He said China would consolidate strategic mutual trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, stressing that China’s commitment to deepening friendship will remain unwavering regardless of changes in the international situation. Xi urged the two sides to advance high‑quality construction of the China‑Kyrgyzstan‑Uzbekistan railway, expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and anti‑desertification, and uphold mutual benefit and win‑win outcomes.

He called for sustained momentum in local‑level exchanges, accelerated establishment of cultural centres in each other’s countries, expanded cooperation in education and poverty reduction, and promotion of mutual understanding between the peoples. Xi also emphasized the importance of law‑enforcement and security cooperation, urging joint efforts to combat the “three evil forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and to strengthen the security barrier. As founding members of the SCO, he urged both countries to fully implement the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit and promote regional development and prosperity.

In his reply, President Mirziyoyev congratulated China on its major development achievements under Xi’s leadership, noting China’s confident and resolute response to global challenges and expressing full confidence in the bright prospects of Chinese modernization. He reiterated that Uzbekistan and China share a profound friendship, that Xi’s vision has opened broad prospects for cooperation, and that Uzbekistan remains committed to developing relations with China regardless of how the international situation evolves.

Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan is ready to deepen political mutual trust, expand trade and investment, enhance cooperation in agriculture, transportation, energy, minerals, science and technology, promote people‑to‑people exchanges, and jointly combat the “three evil forces.” He affirmed Uzbekistan’s adherence to the one‑China principle, its high recognition of the four global initiatives proposed by Xi, and its readiness to join hands with China to promote SCO development and safeguard international fairness and justice.

Xi Signals China’s Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Mongolia at SCO Summit

On August 31, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting, Xi announced that China is prepared to work with Mongolia to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and advance together along their respective paths of modernization.

Xi highlighted the close geographic ties between the two countries, noting that China and Mongolia share mountains and rivers. He said that peaceful coexistence, mutual support and solidarity, along with cooperation that benefits both sides, have always defined the mainstream of bilateral relations. China will continue to prioritize China‑Mongolia ties within its neighborhood diplomacy, and will work with Mongolia to consolidate strategic trust, deepen cooperation, and strengthen people‑to‑people connectivity, thereby injecting greater vitality into the comprehensive strategic partnership and building a China‑Mongolia community with a shared future.

Both sides should strengthen the political foundation of their relations, respect each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, Xi added.

Xi also expressed China’s willingness to align development strategies with Mongolia, promote traditional cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy and mineral resources, and explore new areas such as green minerals, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. China hopes that Mongolia will effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and urges both sides to coordinate and cooperate in multilateral affairs while jointly addressing global challenges.

In response, President Khurelsukh reiterated that Mongolia and China are friendly neighbors who have always respected and trusted each other and maintained good‑neighborly relations, irrespective of changes in the international situation. He said that China’s development has created major opportunities for neighboring countries and is driving development across Asia and the world.

Mongolia has made deepening friendly cooperation with China a top priority of its foreign policy. The country is ready to continue consolidating political mutual trust with China, enhance cooperation in trade and investment, industry, agriculture, mining and the green economy, and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Khurelsukh affirmed that Mongolia firmly adheres to the one‑China principle and recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. He also stated that issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong are China’s internal affairs.

He praised the four major global initiatives proposed by Xi and the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity as significant for maintaining world peace and security, promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges. Mongolia is ready to work with China to jointly implement these initiatives.

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Xi and Putin Meet on SCO Summit, Strengthen China‑Russia Relations

On August 31, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Xi said that under the strategic guidance of both leaders and through their joint efforts, the foundation of China‑Russia relations would become ever stronger, their progress steadier, and their future brighter.

Xi recalled that during President Putin’s successful state visit to China in May, the two leaders arranged to steer bilateral relations toward higher‑quality and higher‑level development from a strategic and long‑term perspective. They reached consensus on deepening cooperation between China and Russia across various sectors under the new circumstances. The competent authorities of both countries are actively implementing this consensus, and substantial results have already been achieved, with exchanges and cooperation maintaining a strong momentum.

Xi noted that the international landscape is witnessing a notable increase in uncertain and unpredictable factors against the backdrop of accelerating profound changes unseen in a century. However, the pursuit of people across the world for peace, development, cooperation and win‑win outcomes remains unchanged. He said the SCO bears an important responsibility for safeguarding regional stability and promoting regional development.

China, he added, stands ready to work with Russia and other parties to jointly chart the course for the development of the SCO, help ensure its steady and sustained progress, and strengthen the driving force for reform of global governance and the advancement of an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Putin said that amid a turbulent and complex international landscape, Russia and China have continuously deepened their comprehensive strategic coordination, upholding equality, mutual trust and mutual support. Cooperation and development across various fields have advanced rapidly, and Russia‑China relations have become a model for relations between countries. Russia is willing to maintain high‑level exchanges with China, strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, industry, transportation and science and technology, enhance people‑to‑people and cultural exchanges, and promote bilateral relations to achieve new results.

Through the joint efforts of all parties, the SCO has evolved into a dynamic and efficient regional cooperation platform with significant international influence, said Putin, noting that Russia and China should continuously strengthen their solidarity and cooperation within the organization and play a guiding role. Russia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the BRICS mechanism and the G20, support China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and jointly uphold world peace, stability and prosperity.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

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China-ASEAN trade exceeds 1 trillion USD for first time in 2025

China’s trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) surpassed the 1‑trillion‑dollar mark for the first time in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching 1.05 trillion U.S. dollars, a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year, an official said on Tuesday.

China has remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China’s biggest trading partner for six successive years, Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong noted.

In the first seven months of 2026, total trade between China and ASEAN rose to 744.41 billion U.S. dollars, a 24.7 percent year‑on‑year increase, and represented 21.8 percent of China’s total foreign trade during that period.

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Xi Jinping Publishes Signed Article Celebrating 70 Years of China‑Egypt Relations Ahead of State Visit

On September 1, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping released a signed editorial titled “Celebrating 70 Years of Solidarity, China and Egypt Embark on a New Journey” in the Egyptian dailies Al‑Ahram, Al‑Akhbar and Al‑Gomhuria as part of his preparations for a state visit to Cairo. The piece, published in advance of his arrival, outlines the history of Sino‑Egyptian ties, current cooperation achievements and future plans.

In the opening remarks, Xi welcomed the invitation from President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi and noted his previous visit a decade earlier, during which he was struck by Egypt’s ancient civilization and its “booming vitality and upward momentum.” He compared the enduring friendship to an Egyptian proverb, “Once you drink from the Nile, you are destined to return,” and expressed a desire to renew the partnership and chart a new blueprint for a comprehensive strategic relationship.

Xi highlighted the shared heritage of the two great civilizations, tracing the origins of Chinese culture to the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers and that of Egypt to the Nile. He recalled the ancient Silk Road exchanges, noting that Chinese porcelain, silk and paper‑making technologies crossed the seas to reach Egypt, while Egyptian aromatics, glassware and calendrical knowledge found their way westward. He cited Chinese artifacts unearthed in Fustat as evidence of the long‑standing bond between the peoples.

Seventy years ago, China and Egypt formally established diplomatic relations, marking the beginning of China’s friendly cooperation with Arab and African states. Xi described the relationship as having “braved wind and rain” and remaining robust through changing international landscapes, serving as a model for China’s engagement with the Arab world and Africa and for solidarity among developing countries.

The editorial then reviewed the depth of bilateral cooperation. Egypt is China’s major trading and investment partner in the Arab world and Africa and was among the first to join Belt and Road initiatives. Ten years ago, Xi and President El‑Sisi unveiled the China‑Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, which has attracted substantial investment, created many local jobs and aided Egypt’s modernization efforts. Xi also cited other successful joint projects, such as Africa’s tallest building and the first intercity electric light rail built in Egypt by Chinese enterprises, and the export of Egyptian oranges to China as the first African produce to benefit from China’s zero‑tariff policy for diplomatic partners.

Cultural exchanges have also flourished. Egypt was the first Arab or African nation to sign a cultural cooperation agreement with New China, and visitors from Egypt have shown great interest in the Grand Egyptian Museum, while a Shanghai Museum exhibition on “The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” sold out immediately. In Egypt, Chinese language is taught in more than 40 middle schools, and vocational education cooperation has benefited many Egyptians. These exchanges reinforce the “everlasting friendship” between the two peoples.

Politically, Xi recalled the shared support for each other’s core interests, such as China’s sovereignty over the Suez Canal and the restoration of the PRC’s lawful seat in the United Nations. Both sides also affirm support for the Palestinian cause and the pursuit of a political settlement to regional hotspots, emphasizing their commitment to fairness, justice and multilateralism.

Looking ahead, Xi noted that both countries are at critical stages of national revitalization. China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan is underway, while Egypt is advancing its New Republic and Vision 2030. He pledged that China will work with Egypt to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, build a community with a shared future, and jointly pursue modernization.

He called for continued mutual trust, equality and friendship, stressing the importance of supporting each other on core interests and expanding exchanges across all sectors. Xi urged both sides to pursue win‑win cooperation, harness China’s industrial system and Egypt’s market potential, and expand high‑quality Belt and Road cooperation to sustain joint development.

In the realm of civilization, Xi urged both nations to champion equality, mutual learning and dialogue, to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, protect cultural heritage and promote harmonious coexistence of different civilizations. He highlighted the potential to deepen cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, sports and archaeology, thereby strengthening the bond between the peoples.

Xi concluded by calling for proactive multilateralism, enhanced coordination and joint action on the four global initiatives—development, security, civilization and governance—to uphold world peace, stability and justice. He emphasized Egypt’s pivotal role in China‑Arab and China‑Africa cooperation, noting Egypt’s unique position linking the Arab world to Africa and the potential to further demonstrate China’s cooperation models, including the “five cooperation frameworks” and the ten partnership actions for modernization.

As the 70‑year anniversary of diplomatic ties approaches, Xi underscored that China and Egypt have weathered many challenges together and now embark on a new journey of enterprise and fortitude. He pledged that China would continue to support Egypt’s aspirations, build on past achievements, and work jointly toward prosperity and rejuvenation for both nations and their peoples.

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Xi Jinping’s Bishkek Visit Marks 35th Independence Anniversary and Deepens China‑Kyrgyzstan Ties

On Monday, August 31, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met in Bishkek to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence and to reinforce a rapidly expanding partnership between the two countries. Xi, who landed in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday for a state visit and to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026, declared that China is ready to deliver practical cooperation outcomes that are tangible and accessible.

During the meeting, Xi praised the “golden period” of China‑Kyrgyzstan cooperation, noting that the relationship has achieved leapfrog development under the joint guidance of the two leaders. He highlighted the breadth of cooperation across all fields, the benefits to the people of both countries, and the contribution to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Xi also linked the visit to the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the launch of China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030). He said China is building a great country through modernization and that Kyrgyzstan is implementing its National Development Program until 2030, urging alignment of development strategies and deeper exchanges on governance experience to build a shared future.

China’s support for Kyrgyzstan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity was reaffirmed, with Xi stating that the two sides will continue to support each other on core interests. President Japarov welcomed the visit, emphasizing the profound friendship and high‑level political trust between the two nations. He thanked China for its “selfless support” at critical moments in Kyrgyzstan’s development, congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the CPC, and expressed admiration for China’s development achievements under Xi’s leadership. Japarov also highlighted the importance of learning from China’s governance experience and reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to the one‑China principle and to developing friendly relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Both leaders agreed to deepen practical cooperation, urging the implementation of an intergovernmental economic and trade cooperation plan, diversification of trade products, and development of new growth areas such as digital trade and cross‑border e‑commerce. Xi called for the high‑quality construction of the China‑Kyrgyzstan‑Uzbekistan railway, a major transportation artery that “carries the development aspirations of the people across the region.” He also urged modernization of border ports, deepening of “soft connectivity” in institutions, standards and rules, and the launch of landmark projects in renewable energy, resource recycling, green minerals and the entire industrial chain. The leaders will also build a Belt and Road Joint Laboratory, enhance artificial intelligence cooperation and leverage scientific and technological innovation to boost the quality and efficiency of bilateral collaboration. They pledged to expand cooperation in youth affairs, media, tourism, sports, health care and local affairs, while strengthening social and public support for China‑Kyrgyzstan friendship.

Japarov confirmed Kyrgyzstan’s willingness to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, technological innovation, energy, mineral resources, the green economy, and to deepen exchanges in education, health, culture and youth sectors. He also announced the country’s readiness to advance the construction of the China‑Kyrgyzstan‑Uzbekistan railway, describing it as a “steel Silk Road” for the new era and a bond of friendship. Xi stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in law enforcement and security, jointly combating terrorism, extremism, separatism, drug trafficking and transnational crimes to maintain regional peace and stability. He highlighted China’s support for Kyrgyzstan’s greater role in international and regional affairs, and the willingness to enhance collaboration within the United Nations, implement the four major global initiatives, oppose hegemonism and power politics, adhere to true multilateralism, safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote a more just and equitable global governance system. Both leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit, facilitating common development in the region and advancing the SCO to a new level.

Following the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint declaration on the high‑quality development of the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, as well as a bilateral treaty on permanent good‑neighborliness, friendship and cooperation. The treaty, which provides an important legal foundation for everlasting friendship and firm mutual support, was said by both leaders to open broader prospects for bilateral relations. The leaders also exchanged documents on investment, transportation, customs and sister‑city relations, and signed over 20 other cooperation documents covering science and technology, education, culture, media and additional areas.

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Xi Jinping Arrives in Bishkek for SCO Summit and State Visit, Highlights “Golden Period” of China‑Kyrgyzstan Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Bishkek on Sunday, Aug. 30 2026, for a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026, following an invitation from President Sadyr Japarov. The President arrived at Manas International Airport with his wife, Peng Liyuan, and was welcomed by Japarov and his wife, Aigul Japarova.

Upon arrival, Xi delivered a written speech in which he described the China‑Kyrgyzstan relationship as a “golden period” of rapid development, citing a time‑honored friendship that has endured 34 years of diplomatic ties. He highlighted the remarkable growth of bilateral trade and people‑to‑people exchanges, the successful implementation of the China‑Kyrgyzstan‑Uzbekistan railway, and the broad benefits of mutually‑beneficial cooperation for both peoples.

Xi will conduct in‑depth talks with President Japarov on China‑Kyrgyzstan relations, the expansion of cooperation across various fields, and common international and regional issues. He intends to outline a new blueprint for building a China‑Kyrgyzstan community “with a shared future” and to reinforce the high‑quality development of bilateral ties.

In advance of the visit, Xi published a signed article titled “Jointly Opening up New Prospects for the High‑Quality Development of China‑Kyrgyzstan Relations” in the Kyrgyz media outlets Slovo Kyrgyzstana and the Kabar National News Agency. The piece, released on Friday, emphasized the complementary economies of the two countries, the steady progress of business cooperation despite sluggish global growth, and the potential for collaboration in the digital economy, green energy, and artificial intelligence.

Commentators praised the article’s emphasis on good‑neighborliness and mutual benefit. Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Kyrgyz Institute of World Politics, described the relationship as a “golden model” of friendly partnership. Former Kyrgyz foreign minister Alikbek Jekshenkulov noted that the visit would deepen mutual understanding and help pass the cooperation to future generations. He also recalled the February 2025 agreement that deepened the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and the commitment to a shared‑future community.

Economists underscored the advantages of Chinese investment in Kyrgyzstan’s infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. Tolanbek Abdyrov, vice‑rector of the International Higher School of Medicine, said the investment has created opportunities to accelerate modernization. Iskender Sharsheev added that the two sides have enormous potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, green energy, and artificial intelligence.

Xi called for the continued practice of multilateralism and the pursuit of win‑win results, urging both sides to solidify good‑neighborliness, strengthen friendship, and channel the goodwill of their peoples into a lasting partnership.

During the SCO summit, Xi expressed confidence that the gathering would be a “crowning success” and would provide fresh impetus for the Shanghai Spirit and the building of an SCO community with a shared future. Professor Almazbek Akmataliev, former rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kyrgyzstan, noted that Xi’s emphasis on the Shanghai Spirit was increasingly relevant in today’s international environment.

Kyrgyzstan’s public officials and scholars view Xi’s visit as a key opportunity to deepen political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and boost people‑to‑people ties. Jekshenkulov described the period as “one of the most meaningful and fruitful” in the history of Kyrgyz‑Chinese relations, while former ambassador Kanaiym Baktygulova highlighted the strategic vision of both leaders and expected new proposals for deepening political trust.

Elkinbek Ashirbaev, governor of the Chui region, and Abdyrov both pointed out that the visit could help align Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Program until 2030 with China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030). Cultural figures such as Zhyldyz Bakashova, director of the State Book Chamber, and Aisin Duishanalieva, director of the China‑Kyrgyzstan Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Cultural Heritage Conservation, anticipate that the meeting will further support cultural exchanges, book publishing, translation, and joint heritage protection projects.

At a time of heightened global uncertainty, Kyrgyzstan’s collaboration with China in the United Nations, the SCO, and other multilateral forums has become increasingly valuable. Baktygulov noted China’s support for Kyrgyzstan’s successful election in June as a non‑permanent member of the UN Security Council and expects the visit to strengthen coordination on regional and global affairs, maintain stability, and address hotspot issues.

Xi’s arrival in Bishkek, therefore, marks a significant moment for the future of China‑Kyrgyzstan relations, promising a new chapter of cooperation that aligns development strategies, deepens cultural ties, and reinforces multilateral engagement across the region.

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China’s manufacturing PMI rises to 49.8 in August

China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) climbed to 49.8 in August, a rise of 0.6 percentage points from July, according to official data released Monday in Beijing. A reading above 50 signals expansion, while a figure below 50 indicates contraction.

Chief statistician Huo Lihui of the National Bureau of Statistics said the overall business climate improved, noting that of the 21 industries surveyed, 16 reported a higher PMI than the previous month.

Output and market demand both expanded. The production sub-index increased to 50.4, up 0.5 points, and the new orders index rose to 50.6, up 2.1 points from July. Enterprises' willingness to purchase also strengthened, with the procurement volume index reaching 50.5, up 1.1 points. Huo added that the momentum of new growth drivers continued to improve in August.

The equipment manufacturing industry PMI stood at 51.4 and the high‑tech manufacturing industry at 52.9, both remaining in the expansion zone.

Affected by recent upward movements in crude oil and non‑ferrous metal prices, the purchasing price index for major raw materials was 56.6, up 3.4 points, and the ex‑factory price index for manufacturing was 50.4, up 2.6 points. The PMI for large manufacturing enterprises was 50.6, up 1.1 points and back in the expansion zone.

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Xi and Japarov Sign Treaty Strengthening China‑Kyrgyz Friendship

BISHKEK, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a bilateral treaty on permanent good‑neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation on Monday in Bishkek, cementing the two countries’ long‑standing alliance.

During the signing ceremony, President Xi remarked that the treaty will provide an important legal foundation for China and Kyrgyzstan to maintain their longstanding friendship and firm mutual support. The agreement formalises the commitment of both governments to deepen cooperation across a range of areas.

President Japarov added that the treaty will open broader prospects for bilateral relations, signalling a willingness to expand collaboration in future projects and initiatives between the two nations.

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Xi's Article on Party Self‑Governance to Be Published in Qiushi Journal

BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) – An article by Xi Jinping, the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on the Party's self‑governance will be published on Tuesday.

The article, which also comes from Xi, who serves as Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will appear in this year’s 17th issue of the Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi’s piece will focus on the theme of Party self‑governance and is scheduled for release on Tuesday in the Qiushi Journal’s 17th issue.

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Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sign Treaty on Permanent Good‑Neighborliness

On Monday, Aug. 31, in Bishkek, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a bilateral treaty on permanent good‑neighborliness, friendship and cooperation.

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Xi pledges exhaustive search and aid for mudslide victims in Tibet

BISHKEK, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) – Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China is making every effort to locate Chinese and foreign nationals missing in the mudslide disaster that struck the Xizang Autonomous Region.

In his opening remarks during a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Xi said China is taking all necessary measures to relocate and resettle those affected, to provide medical treatment for the injured, and to prevent secondary disasters.

China has also dispatched rescuers to Nepal and supplied emergency assistance. Xi expressed sincere gratitude to President Japarov for extending condolences over the disaster.

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Over 2,100 Rescuers Mobilized to Gyirong County After Mudslide, Employing AI Monitoring and Extensive Equipment

In the southwestern Xizang Autonomous Region of China, a mudslide has triggered a large‑scale rescue effort in Gyirong County. By the end of August 2026, emergency teams had poured in more than 2,100 personnel along with 269 vehicles and 3,922 specialized pieces of equipment to scour the affected area for survivors. The search, which covers roughly 90,000 square metres, is being conducted under the guidance of a laser‑based artificial‑intelligence monitoring system designed to detect potential secondary hazards such as additional landslides and falling rocks.

Rescue teams have been engaging in a variety of tasks to restore safety and infrastructure. In addition to direct search and rescue operations, crews are clearing obstructed roads to improve access for emergency vehicles, installing a power transformer approximately three kilometres from the mudslide‑hit Gyirong Port, and connecting low‑voltage output cables to restore electricity to the vicinity. Workers have also unloaded gabion baskets—cylindrical structures filled with stones used for stabilising slopes—to help prevent further ground movement. These activities are coordinated from signal base stations set up in Gyirong Town, ensuring continuous communication across the disaster zone.

The deployment of a laser‑based AI monitoring device represents a significant step in hazard assessment. By dynamically scanning the terrain, the system can alert rescuers to impending risks that might endanger both survivors and first responders. This technology complements the physical efforts of the teams, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to managing the evolving situation on the ground.

Information about the ongoing operations has been compiled from multiple Xinhua news releases. Photographs and reports were provided by Jigme Dorje, a correspondent covering the region, as well as by the Xigaze fire and rescue detachment and the Lhasa fire and rescue mobile detachment. These sources have provided daily updates on the number of personnel, vehicles, and equipment deployed, as well as the areas being searched.

Despite the extensive mobilization and the use of advanced monitoring technology, the rescue mission remains focused on locating missing individuals. Authorities continue to work through the night, bringing in additional resources as needed to cover the vast and unstable terrain left by the mudslide. The coordinated efforts of the regional fire and rescue units, supported by the latest AI‑based hazard assessment tools, underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the disaster.

Chinese Rescuers Battle Mudslide at Gyirong Port; 16 Dead, 546 Missing

On August 26, a fast‑moving chain mudslide, triggered by a high‑altitude glacier collapse on the Nepali side, struck Gyirong Port on the China‑ Nepal border in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, leaving at least sixteen people dead and 546 others missing, officials said. The disaster occurred in the border town of Gyirong, located within Xigaze, a prefecture‑level city in the autonomous region.

In the days that followed, the Xizang regional government mobilised a large‑scale rescue and relief operation. The regional emergency management department reported on Saturday morning that 2,141 Chinese rescuers were already on the ground, working to clear debris and search for survivors. Excavators were busy repairing a key access road, and by early afternoon a total length of 2.6 kilometres of the road had been restored, leaving 1.7 kilometres to reach Gyirong Port. The road was expected to be fully open by about 1 p.m. Saturday.

Officials from the regional government announced the casualty figures at a press conference held by the information office on August 30. The regional government confirmed that sixteen people had died and 546 others remained missing as of 6 p.m. Saturday. In addition, 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries were identified as unaccounted for after the mudslide. The figure was announced on Sunday morning at a press conference, following a joint search and cross‑checking of information by foreign affairs, public security, culture and tourism, and emergency management authorities.

The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched five tunnel experts to Nepal to support rescue efforts at a hydropower plant tunnel, according to a statement issued Saturday. The experts arrived at the request of the Nepali government, illustrating the cross‑border cooperation that has been underway since the disaster struck.

To aid the search and rescue operations, the China Meteorological Administration deployed three sets of portable automatic weather stations for targeted weather support. The stations were intended to assist with restoring road access, guiding search and rescue teams, coordinating drone flights, and surveying a barrier lake that had formed after the mudslide. The meteorological data were expected to provide real‑time weather conditions critical for the dangerous terrain.

In addition to on‑ground efforts, several national data centres have supplied a wealth of digital resources. The National Cryosphere Desert Data Center provided 53 service datasets totalling roughly 85 GB of data, made available for download and use by relevant emergency response, rescue, and research institutions. The National Earth Observation Data Center compiled remote sensing data resources from civilian and commercial satellites, with a total data volume exceeding 20 GB. The satellite imagery was intended to support post‑disaster road damage assessment, building collapse identification, and secondary disaster monitoring.

All civilian vehicles and personnel were prohibited from traveling toward Gyirong Township, a restriction that took effect immediately on Saturday. A notice issued by the local traffic police specified that only authorised special‑purpose vehicles for emergency rescue, disaster relief, and material support could pass with valid permits. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice, underscoring the authorities’ focus on keeping the area clear for rescue teams.

During a phone conversation with Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China attaches great importance to the disaster, which also caused heavy casualties and left many missing in Nepal. Wang said that while urgently carrying out rescue and relief efforts on its own side, China extended a helping hand at the earliest opportunity and supported Nepal in its emergency disaster relief efforts.

The repeated image caption in the source article notes that a press conference was held by the information office of the Xizang regional government to brief the rescue and relief efforts after the mudslide struck Gyirong Port. The same caption appears twice, indicating that the event was covered extensively by local news agencies, including Xinhua and Tenzing Nima Qadhup.