At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, presidents of Italy and Indonesia will pay state visits to China from November 7 to 12; November 8 to 10 respectively. 

Italian President Sergio Mattarella will pay a state visit to China from November 7 to 12, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Tuesday. 

Hua announced at the same day that President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto will pay a state visit to China from November 8 to 10.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday emphasized focusing efforts to build the country into a powerhouse in culture by 2035.

Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

He stressed continuously developing a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

Xi emphasized the importance of upholding Marxism as the fundamental guiding principle, taking root in the extensive and profound Chinese civilization, and adapting to the evolving trends in information technology.

Xi underscored developing the socialist culture with a strong power to guide theories, unite and inspire people, and influence the world.

"We have placed cultural advancement at a prominent position in governing the country since the 18th CPC National Congress," Xi said, adding that a series of major arrangements have been made, forming the thought on socialist culture with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

He also acknowledged solid achievements in building China into a powerhouse in culture.

After Taiwan authorities hyped the recent transit of a French vessel through the Taiwan Straits, connecting the event with similar activities carried out by other Western countries in the region to trumpet the so-called international support, analysts said a few Western countries cannot represent the international community and Taiwan authorities' attempts of using Western military presences in the region to legitimize their separatism are doomed to end in failure.

A French naval vessel sailed from south to north through the Taiwan Straits from Monday night to Tuesday morning, announced the island's "defense authority," which claimed that it monitored the passage and said the situation was normal, Taiwan local media reported. 

This follows a transit by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) of the US Seventh Fleet and the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) on October 20, said Taiwan local media on Wednesday. 

Wu Chih-chung, deputy head of the "Taiwan external affairs authority," also hyped this incident with a high-profile post on his Facebook page, linking the recent transit with other Western vessels' activities in the region, saying that "countries around the world are standing together to safeguard the common interest of regional democracy and peace." 

Li Fei, a professor at the Taiwan Research Center at Xiamen University, told the Global Times that while the US is reaffirming its "one-China policy" stance to try to stabilize ties with China, it is also trying to internationalize the Taiwan question by increasing military activities in the region and push its allies to do the same. At the same time, separatist authorities on the island would love to hype these transits as evidence of "international support for the so-called Taiwan independence," which is very provocative and dangerous.

On the recent transit, the French defense ministry said the ship had been on its way to Japanese waters after a stop in the Philippines in order to start work on a United Nations mission, Reuters reported.

Li said that DPP authorities will not be able to legitimize their dangerous separatism by hyping the military presences of some Western countries in the region, and their attempts are doomed to fail. "A few Western countries cannot represent the international community at all, and the transits of a few warships through the Straits will never undermine Chinese people's determination to realize national reunification. It will only force the mainland to strengthen its own military preparation to counter military intervention from foreign forces in the Taiwan question," he said.

"The more support and encouragement coming from the US for Taiwan separatism, the more danger the Taiwan authorities will provoke in the region, and the sooner reunification will be realized," Li noted. 

Technological advancements have profoundly transformed the global governance system, making the protection of emerging rights a critical issue with significant implications for human society, said experts on Tuesday, as international scholars gathered in Berlin for the 2024 China-Europe seminar on human rights to discuss ways for safeguarding these rights, while emphasizing that global challenges associated with emerging rights require collective action from all nations, rather than relying on individual countries.

Over 60 scholars from 16 countries attended the Tuesday event. The seminar, themed "The Protection of New and Emerging Rights: Views from China and Europe," was hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and Central South University, based in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province. The organizers include Central South University's Human Rights Center, the Berlin-based German and Chinese Culture Foundation - Stiftung Deutsche und Chinesische Kultur, with the support of Germany's University of Munster and the International Institute of Philosophy. 

Berlin, a culturally diverse and inclusive city, plays a crucial role in European human rights history, and hosting this seminar on the protection of new and emerging rights underscores the shared commitment of both civilizations in addressing emerging rights, Ma Huaide, president of the China University of Political Science and Law, said in his keynote speech at the seminar. 

"To protect emerging rights, we must move beyond narrow geopolitical thinking and advance true multilateralism in global human rights governance, Ma said, noting that as China and Europe both have unique traditions in human rights protection, "our cooperation is essential in addressing challenges to the emerging rights and fostering new pathways and new mechanisms for the global human rights movement," 

During Tuesday's seminar, scholars discussed topics such as the widening gap in social rights and wealth caused by globalization, the challenges posed by the intersection of digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and human rights, and how to balance the rights of individuals, society and nature to achieve sustainable development.

Some expressed concerns about the negative impact of geopolitical factors on human rights, highlighting how politicizing these issues harms the diversity of human rights and undermines global governance.

Zeng Fanhua, Minister to the Chinese Embassy in Germany, said at the seminar that China and Europe have different views on human rights due to variations in history, culture, social systems and economic development, which is normal. The key is how the two sides address these differences. 

Ongoing dialogue between government departments and regular exchanges among think tanks and scholars in China, Germany and the EU are beneficial. The goal should be to foster understanding and respect on an equal footing, rather than to confront one another, said Zeng, noting that China welcomes constructive suggestions for improvement from the international community, including Europe, but opposes the politicization of human rights or engaging in double standards by certain countries, as well as attempts to interfere in China's sovereignty. 

It is probably impossible to speak about human rights without addressing the immediate danger to the very existence of the entire human species - war in Ukraine and war in the Middle East, which risk escalating into a global nuclear war, said Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and President of German-based think tank the Schiller Institute. 

The highest priority for all people must be to rise above geopolitics and the notion that nations or groups can impose their interests on others by any means is fundamentally flawed, according to the expert. 

Compared to past discussions on human rights between China and European countries, which often centered on topics on China's Xinjiang and Xizang regions, this year's seminar addressed more practical and newer issues. Mao Junxiang, Executive Director of the Human Rights Research Center at Central South University and a law professor, highlighted that this shift reflects China's more proactive and confident stance on human rights.

"Previously, we defended against Western media's smears over China's Xinjiang and Xizang regions. Now, we are taking the initiative to lead discussions on emerging rights and showcase China's achievements in this area. This also underscores our consistent opposition to the politicization, instrumentalization and weaponization of human rights by certain Western countries," Mao said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit India for the 7th intergovernmental consultations between Germany and India from Thursday to Saturday. Scholz will be accompanied by senior ministers from his cabinet for the consultations, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Scholz's visit to India is seen by some Western media as a move aimed at reducing reliance on China and revitalizing Germany's economy, amid the German government's strategy of "de-risking" from the Chinese economy.

Germany is pursuing a balanced strategy in its policy toward Asia, a trend that began during former German chancellor Angela Merkel's tenure. While Germany values its economic ties with China, it also recognizes India as a rapidly growing economy in the region, Jiang Feng, professor of European Studies at the Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

In recent years, Germany has attempted to shift some supply chains from China to Southeast Asia, but this transition has proven more challenging than expected, Jiang noted.

There may still be a gap between aspirations and practical realities, as Germany and India have both developed close economic and trade relations with China, according to Jiang.

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, China was Germany's most important trading partner in 2023 for the eighth consecutive year. 

A report from the German Economic Institute showed that the total direct investment by German companies in China reached a record high of 11.9 billion euros ($12.7 billion) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent. The value accounted for over 10 percent of Germany's total overseas investment, the highest level since 2014, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Overall, the relationship between Germany and India is continuously developing, with both sides having a mutual need for cooperation, said Jiang. In terms of economic and trade relations, India's capabilities in the industrial and supply chains remain limited, which poses constraints for Germany as it seeks larger markets and raw materials, according to Jiang.

Scholz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to co-chair the consultations on Friday. Both leaders will hold bilateral talks to discuss topics related to defense, improving talent mobility, deepening economic cooperation and other sectors, according to the press release. 

Volker Treier, head of foreign trade at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that German direct investments in India could be increased, according to a Reuters report. 

The Chinese national soccer team suffered a bitter second consecutive defeat in the World Cup Asian qualifiers as they were defeated by 10-man Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Tuesday in Dalian, Liaoning Province. 

The defeat means China now stay at the bottom of the six-team group after they conceded seven goals in the first match against Japan. Chinese players have yet to score a single goal in the series.

An own goal from the Saudi defender Ali Lajami in the 14th minute got the home Chinese fans cheering, followed by a red card to Saudi player Mohammed Kanno in the 19th minute, giving Chinese players a one-man advantage.

But it was Saudi player Hassan Kadish who pulled an equalizer in the 39th minute before adding another goal shortly before the final whistle, denying China's hopes for a point in the qualifiers. 

"It's really a pity that our team conceded two goals in set pieces. Our players did their best," said Branko Ivankovic, head coach of the Chinese team, through an interpreter at the post-match press conference. 

The Croatian rejected the idea of resigning. He said it is not up to him and the Chinese team still has chance to finish in fourth place in the group.

Disappointed Chinese fans were bemoaning the performance of the team after the match, but some were also voicing their support for the Chinese team as they chanted "Fight till the end."

Due to the Chinese national team's previous 7:0 defeat to Japan last week, many were concerned about the turnout for the home match against Saudi Arabia. But the venue attendance surpassed 48,000 in the 63,000-capacity Suoyuwan Stadium.

Fans in the southern stands even displayed a massive red tifo that stretched from the top of the stands to the front row closest to the field with the words "Fight for the Country" before the game. 

SOURCE / PRESS RELEASE
State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Supply Company's 'Vision-Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance Inspection Pioneer' System Put into Use to Enhance Work Efficiency
Published: Sep 16, 2024 07:28 PM

On September 9, staff from the Smart Operation and Inspection Center of State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Supply Company utilized the "Vision-Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance Inspection Pioneer" system mode mounted on drones to conduct inspection work on distribution network lines.
Previously, from July 4 to 7, this project was exhibited at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. This conference, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, and others, had the theme of "Promoting Sharing through Joint Consultation, Promoting Good Intelligence through Good Governance," and attracted over 1,500 exhibits from more than 500 enterprises in fields such as large models, computing power, robotics, and autonomous driving.
In recent years, addressing the complex nature of distribution network inspection environments, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Supply Company has researched a drone-mounted autonomous obstacle avoidance solution based on millimeter-wave radar and visual autonomous obstacle avoidance. This solution enables the identification of obstacles in distribution line corridors and the autonomous planning of obstacle avoidance routes, thereby avoiding situations where drones might collide with obstacles while flying outside the lines. Through deep learning and lightweight model technology, drones can detect trees and obstacles ahead in real-time during flight, and achieve optimal obstacle avoidance path planning through dynamic trajectory adjustment.

The "Vision-Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance Inspection Pioneer" system is equipped with purely domestically produced chips and ultra-strong computing power of up to 6T. Based on frontend recognition and autonomous obstacle avoidance technology, it can provide data support for the autonomous flight of drones conducting distribution network inspections. The system integrates three-phase orthogonal radar, enabling precise identification of details such as the main body of electrical equipment and transmission channels, and continuous identification of wires with a diameter of 1 centimeter within a 15-meter range, as well as potential hazards in the surrounding environment of the distribution network. By accumulating a database of defects and potential hazards, the system achieves iterative updates in algorithm types and depth, further enhancing the intelligence level and work efficiency of distribution line inspections.

Currently, this system mode has been used to conduct inspection work on 17 distribution network lines in the Taizhou region of Jiangsu province. After implementation, it has achieved good results, significantly improving the autonomy and intelligence level of distribution network inspection operations. This makes drone inspection operations safer and more efficient, reduces the labor intensity of operation and inspection personnel, and greatly lowers operation and maintenance costs.

A power supply company in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has revolutionized the approach to power grid security with the integration of remote intelligent patrol technology. This advancement marks a significant leap in the surveillance and maintenance of substations, ensuring the reliability and safety of the power grid.
 
On August 12, Yang Mei, a maintenance worker at the Yuequan 110kV substation under the State Grid Ningdong Electric Power Supply Company, reported the successful operation of the intelligent inspection system, highlighting its seamless functionality. "The system is a testament to our commitment to innovation and safety," Yang Mei said.
 
At the core of this smart transformation is the intelligent inspection system, which employs high-definition cameras to monitor critical substation equipment. These cameras, positioned around circuit breakers, disconnectors, and other vital components, are programmed with preset points for equipment monitoring. This setup enables real-time surveillance, allowing operation and maintenance staff to issue inspection commands remotely, transforming the traditional inspection process.
 
The remote intelligent inspection technology has transitioned substation monitoring from reliance on human observation to an automated "electric eye" system. This shift has significantly increased the efficiency of risk identification and assessment, ensuring the equipment operates safely and stably, particularly during peak demand periods like summer.
 
Moreover, the system conducts frequent daily inspections of the substation's surroundings and internal environment, including the detection of floating debris, thereby enhancing the overall perception and security of the substation.
 
Looking ahead, the State Grid Ningdong Electric Power Supply Company is committed to expanding the use of remote intelligent patrols. This strategic move aims to elevate the quality and efficiency of power grid maintenance, solidifying the defense of power grid equipment and contributing to the continuous and stable delivery of electricity.
 
The integration of such technology not only fortifies the power grid against potential threats but also underscores the company's dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence in the energy sector.

In recent years, some Western politicians have intensified their rhetoric regarding "China's overcapacity." Meanwhile, some Western nations have embraced trade protectionism, imposing high tariffs on China's burgeoning green industries, such as new-energy vehicles (NEVs), photovoltaics and lithium batteries.

However, the strength of China's green industries stems from technological advancements, the clustering of industrial chains as well as robust domestic competition. As a matter of fact, the unfounded claim of "overcapacity" serves as a means to politicize and weaponize economic matters.

The development of China's green industries plays a crucial role in the global effort to combat climate change. China's industrial policies for green sectors adhere to the principle of competitive neutrality. In recent years, the policies have significantly driven the growth of the new-energy sector in China, while facilitating the development of new-energy industries in other countries too.

China was the key driver of the global decline in production cost for photovoltaics and wind turbines in 2022, with other markets experiencing a much more heterogeneous set of outcomes that saw costs increase, according to the report on Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022, issued by the International Renewable Energy Agency.

From the perspective of sustainable development goals, global renewables production capacity still falls far short of market demand. In this context, China deserves recognition rather than criticism. The advancement of China's new-energy sectors has accelerated the global response to climate change, making it more efficient and less costly.

The issue of production capacity is a problem that arises amid the operation of the market. "Decoupling" and protectionist policies are not beneficial for resolving the issue. The US directly subsidizes domestic manufacturers through legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), while discriminating against foreign manufacturers.

The green industry evolution in China is characterized by free and fair competition, and the Chinese market is steadily transitioning toward a more mature development phase now.

According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from January to July 2024, China produced 5.9 million NEVs, a year-on-year increase of 28.8 percent. During the same period, sales reached 5.9 million units, up 31.1 percent year-on-year.

The academic community has long pointed out that in promoting the use of clean energy, subsidies are needed to reduce the costs of new technologies and decrease market reliance on old technologies.

Researches by some countries have found that developed countries tend to use industrial policies more intensively. Goldman Sachs estimates that fiscal spending related to the US IRA will amount to $1.2 trillion, a figure three times more than what supporters initially claimed, according to media reports.

China emphasizes the importance of addressing the capacity issue and actively takes measures to promote global coordination on this matter. China adheres to a cooperative approach, continuously optimizing macroeconomic policies and achieving global policy coordination to enhance global macroeconomic governance. This approach aims to achieve better interaction between China's economic development and global economic growth.

The dependencies formed by trade relations are mutual, as the world relies on the Chinese market, and China equally relies on the world market. A healthy international division of labor and economic cooperation provide the foundation for the global economy to achieve faster recovery.

Protectionist policies will only increase economic costs and decrease economic efficiency for all economies, which cannot promote the balance of supply and demand on the market.

The development of China's manufacturing sector provides opportunities for cooperative development for more developing countries. Countries should strengthen cooperation and enhance mutual trust to jointly tackle global challenges, rather than exaggerating "threats" and adding instability.

China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao is scheduled to visit Europe and hold talks with Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice president of the European Commission (EC), on September 19 regarding the anti-subsidy probe of the European Union (EU) into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the Chinese  Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. 

The planned visit comes after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's just-concluded visit to China, where both sides pledged to explore broader cooperation in emerging sectors such as new energy and the digital economy, despite ongoing China-EU trade frictions.

Experts said that the upcoming negotiations will focus on the key interests of both sides after several previous rounds of talks, and this approach is likely to reduce the risk of trade conflicts and prevent an escalation of tension. 

The Chinese government and the Chinese auto industry have been actively working to find a proper resolution through dialogue and consultation since the EU initiated an anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs.

On Monday, China's Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei visited Brussels to meet with senior EU officials. Li said China wishes to continue discussion of a potential resolution to the trade issue, following the EC's release of the pre-final disclosure of tariffs on August 20, according to the ministry. 

"The diverse positions of EU countries and the bloc's tendency to generalize political and security concerns will introduce uncertainties into the talks and final decisions," Zhang Monan, deputy director of the Institute of American and European Studies at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Ahead of the upcoming talks, Spain, which had previously backed the EC's tariff plans and voted in favor during a non-binding but still influential consultation in mid-July, showed a significant reversal of its position regarding the extra tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Sánchez called on "not only member states but also the [European] Commission" to reconsider plans for the impending tariff hikes against China on Wednesday, the last day of his highly watched visit to China, according to media reports.

"We don't need another war, in this case, a trade war," Sánchez said during a visit to Kunshan, East China's Jiangsu Province, expressing his hope to act as a "bridge" between the EU and China.

 China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday welcomed Sánchez's call, highlighting shared interests in the development of the EV sector and calling on the bloc to engage in dialogue to address trade disputes and foster stable China-EU economic and trade ties.

Rifts between political and economic interests within the EU are widening. "The shifting stances of major European countries such as Spain and Italy indicated their recognition that confronting China with unilateral tariffs could lead to an untenable lose-lose situation," Zhang said.

In July, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, during her China visit, which was seen as seeking to recalibrate China-Italian relations, pledged to deepen cooperation with China across various sectors including EVs, and voiced opposition to "decoupling" and protectionism.