In response to certain US lawmakers once again proposing a so-called "bill" and threatening to impose sanctions on officials, judges, and prosecutors of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on a so-called list of "sanctions," a spokesperson of the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Saturday.

Since the implementation of the national security law for Hong Kong, the social order has been restored, the spirit of the rule of law has been demonstrated, and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by HKSAR residents have been fully guaranteed in accordance with the law. The HKSAR is integrating into the national development framework and enhancing its international influence. It has also regained its position as the world's freest economy, and now ranks third globally as an international financial center. Additionally, it ranks among the top in the world for "global competitiveness," "talent competitiveness," and "investment environment," which reflects the confidence of the international community in HKSAR, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson emphasized that the essence of the rule of law is that laws must be followed, and violations must be punished. Lawfully combating crimes that endanger national security aligns with the principles of the rule of law and international norms, said the spokesperson.

Certain anti-China politicians in the US ignore the facts of good governance in HKSAR, repeatedly fabricating malicious laws and threatening to sanction officials, judges, and prosecutors of the HKSAR. This openly tramples on the spirit of the rule of law and violates the principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations, fully exposing their ignorance, prejudice, and hypocritical double standards, the spokesperson said. 

The spokesperson said the historical trend of "one country, two systems" remaining stable and enduring, and HKSAR's transition from governance to prosperity, will not change. Any threats or intimidation can't shake the prosperous and stable situation in HKSAR, nor can they obscure the fact that the rights and freedoms of residents in HKSAR are fully guaranteed. They also can't undermine the firm determination of patriots in performing their duties in accordance with the law, the spokesperson said. 

We urge certain US politicians to recognize the overall situation, stop their reckless actions, and immediately stop the political manipulation and despicable behavior of interfering in Hong Kong affairs, the spokesperson noted.

On Saturday, the government of HKSAR also issued a statement strongly condemning US lawmakers' attempt through a so-called "bill" to intimidate HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security. 

China’s Ministry of National Defense on Monday announced that a delegation of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command will visit Japan.

Experts interviewed by the Global Times said that the Eastern Theater Command delegation’s Japan visit yields positive significance, as it helps eliminate misunderstandings and misjudgments, reducing the probability of unexpected accidents.

According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, a PLA Eastern Theater Command delegation will visit Japan in mid-January under a mutual agreement.

During the visit, the delegation will meet with leaders of Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Joint Staff of the Self-Defense Force, and visit related military units. The visit will help enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust, and promote China-Japan defense exchanges.

“Since Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba assumed office, China-Japan relations have begun to ease up and stabilize,” Lian Degui, director of the Department of Japanese Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday. He noted that the troops commanded by the Eastern Theater Command are in direct contact with Japan’s Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. Against this backdrop, the Eastern Theater Command delegation’s Japan visit is particularly important.

“This is an important way to improve relations and enhance mutual trust; this move shows that the two sides are meeting each other half way, and that exchanges between the defense authorities of the two sides will help the relationship between the two countries gradually stabilize.”

The visit of the Eastern Theater Command delegation to Japan is the second exchange between the Chinese and Japanese defense authorities within two months. Prior to this, a delegation of young and middle-aged Japanese officers visited China from November 26 to December 4. Some commentators said this exchange showed a stable and positive atmosphere in the China-Japan defense relations.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said that the China-Japan young officers exchange program began in 2001, and it has played an important role in enhancing understanding and trust between the defense authorities of the two countries. The development of China-Japan defense relations should consider the overall situation and look at the long term. We are willing to work with Japan to continue to promote mutual visits and exchanges and provide positive energy for the improvement and development of bilateral relations.

From May 14 to May 20, 2024, the 13th delegation of young and middle-aged officers of the PLA visited Japan. This is the first visit to Japan by a delegation of officers of the PLA since 2019.

Military expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times on Monday that since the Eastern Theater Command is responsible for maritime and air areas including the East China Sea and the Diaoyu Islands, the theater's frontline troops have many opportunities to make contact with Japan's maritime and air forces. So the visit of the Eastern Theater Command delegation to Japan is of great significance to the defense authorities of the two countries, especially in terms of the frontline maritime and air forces of both sides facing the East China Sea. It will help eliminate misunderstandings and misjudgments between the two sides, reduce the probability of unexpected accidents, and maintain peace and stability in the region.

According to Lian’s analysis, during this exchange, China and Japan will elaborate their respective positions on issues of concern to enhance strategic mutual trust. "Such strategic mutual trust not only helps both sides understand each other's strategic intentions, but also serves as an important cornerstone for improving bilateral relations,” Lian said. 

This is not the first time officers from the PLA Eastern Theater Command to visit Japan.

According to a report by Nikkei, a general-level delegation of the PLA visited Japan in November 2018. The delegation consisted of six people, including Lieutenant General Sun Herong, deputy commander of the Eastern Theater Command. It was the first time senior officers of the PLA Eastern Theater Command have interacted and communicated with leaders of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Amid growing concerns over a potential TikTok ban in the US, Chinese social media app "RedNote," or Xiaohongshu, has quickly risen in popularity, securing a top spot on Top Free Apps list in Apple App Store in the US.

At Chinese A-share market's opening on Tuesday, RedNote-related stocks surged, with companies like Foshan Yowant Technology and Inly Media Co reaching their daily limit during pre-market bidding.

A large group of TikTok users based in the US, calling themselves "TikTok refugees," were seen on the Chinese social media platform. Many of them posted videos in which they shared reasons for joining a platform primarily designed for Chinese-speaking users.

They said that they moved to RedNote as they fear they are not going to be able to access TikTok after January 19. "US government is claiming that it is because of data privacy concerns as the parent company of TikTok is Chinese," one of the newcomers, a US netizen named "WakoGeek" explained on a video she posted on "RedNote."

The US Supreme Court held a two-hour discussion on January 10 regarding the future of TikTok in the US, according to an audio livestream on the court's website. On December 6, 2024, a US federal appeals court upheld a law mandating ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to divest the app within the US by January 19, 2025 or face a ban, Reuters reported.

"Our government vilifies China, claiming China will use TikTok to turn Americans against the US. We all think that is ridiculous. So as a protest, and with much humor we collectively decided to join RedNote and willingly give our info to China to show our government we don't care and challenge them," Amy, a US netizen from Massachusetts who opened her account on "RedNote," told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Many of US netizens settling into RedNote now are engaging with Chinese netizens, eager to learn how to use the new app and build communities around their interests, especially on pets like dogs and cats. Posting cat photos is often nicknamed as paying "cat tax" on the app.

Nina from Texas is one of the new users, and she posted photos of her collection of cats, books, and toys.

"After I opened an account on 'RedNote,' I found it very similar to TikTok and it's one of the few Chinese apps available in the US App Store," Nina told the Global Times. "I personally would love to interact with Chinese users as well as US users. I hope the platform will add an in-house translation feature for comments."

She also noted the shop option in the app, and expressed hope that it will soon be available to international users.

Chinese netizens welcomed the American users will open arms. One popular comment on Xiaohongshu said "Friends who come over from TikTok, I want to say, you are not refugees, you are brave explorers."

Some Chinese netizens began to find creative ways to interact with the American users, including asking US netizens to help them with their English homework.

In the meantime, numerous videos have been shared on the platform by existing users offering English-language tutorials on how to navigate the Putonghua-dominated app while overcoming language barriers. Tips include how to activate Chinese-English subtitles and use the app's translation feature to understand Chinese content. "Welcome" comments were frequently left under newcomers' posts and tips were given on how to use the app. "If you are interested, you can click on the link in the comments to join a group chat," a Chinese netizen wrote, aiming to provide important information to the newcomers.

A Chinese netizen surnamed Liu, who posted some tips on using "RedNotes" for international users, told the Global Times she noticed many international users had questions about navigating the app. By sharing these tips, she wanted to help them use the platform more effectively and to prevent the spread of content that may be inappropriate or incompatible on the app.

"The fundamental principle of communication is openness and inclusiveness. We hope they will share their perspectives on China, giving us the opportunity for fair communication," Liu said.

According to The New York Times, there is a chance that US President-elect Donald Trump will "try to rescue the app," which boasts 170 million users in the US, but the law that seeks to ban the short-form video app is scheduled to go into effect the day before his inauguration.

"We are still hoping for a miracle to happen, and even if the ban doesn't go into effect I would still love to remain on 'RedNote,'" Nina said. "The Chinese people here are so kind and I wouldn't want to part ways with such a lovely community."

The phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and European Council President Antonio Costa has charted the course forward and identified priorities for bilateral relations in the years to come, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. 

China looks forward to working with the EU to implement the important common understandings between the two leaders, enhance strategic mutual trust, uphold partnership, seek mutual benefits, expand opening up and cooperation, defend multilateralism, uphold mutual respect, seek common ground while shelving differences, step up communication and cooperation at various levels and in various fields, properly handle frictions and differences, achieve greater progress in bilateral ties, and make greater contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity,Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson from the ministry said at a routine press conference

The phone call points the way for the development of China-Europe relations, coinciding with the beginning of 2025, Costa's taking office, and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe, Zhao Junjie, senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. 

In the phone conversation with Costa on Tuesday, Xi said that the more severe and complex the international situation becomes, the more China and Europe should adhere to the original aspirations of their diplomatic ties. Calling on both sides to strengthen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, and uphold their partnership, Xi said that China remains confident in the EU and hopes the EU will also prove to be a trustworthy cooperation partner for China, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xi said that China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world, firmly supported European integration, and backed the EU's pursuit of strategic autonomy.

Costa said his first call with President Xi had been "constructive," according to an AFP report. "Marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2025, I look forward to the next EU-China summit in Brussels later this year," Costa posted on social media platform BlueSky.

Seeking to develop ties with China provides a stable foundation for Europe in this increasingly uncertain world, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. China-Europe relations have the potential to improve and become more resilient this year, he said.

The connotation of China-Europe relations is very rich. Although there are frictions in the economic and trade fields, both sides still share a basic consensus that communication and dialogue are effective ways to resolve differences. With joint efforts, it is believed that China and Europe can find reasonable solutions that enhance the common interests of both sides, Cui said.

Media has closely followed the intensifying high-level contacts between China and the bloc. Politico reported that hinting at such a EU-China summit "just days before Trump is inaugurated signals to Washington that the bloc wants to keep its options open toward Beijing." 

This year, the bloc will face a highly intense situation characterized by intertwined internal and external conflicts. Therefore, for Europe, establishing the China-Europe relationship as a stabilizing anchor is crucial. With this stabilizing anchor, the EU can more confidently address both internal and external challenges, Cui noted. 

The Chinese Foreign Minister's first overseas visit each year is always to Africa, which is a fine tradition and a distinctive feature of China's diplomacy. This practice has remained consistent for 35 years, never changing or wavering, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during his visit to Namibia on Monday.

During his visit to Namibia, Wang respectively met with Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday.

During his meeting with Nandi-Ndaitwah, Wang said that the primary reason for making Africa the first stop is because China cherishes the enduring friendship between China and Africa. Whether in the glorious years of striving for national independence and liberation, or in the common journey of seeking mutual benefit and cooperation, 
China and Africa have always understood, trusted, supported, and helped each other, Wang added.

By adhering to the tradition of making Africa the first overseas visit of the new year, China hopes to show the world that no matter what changes occur in the international and regional situation. China will always be the most trustworthy friend of our African brothers and sisters, always be the most reliable partner in the pursuit of development and revitalization for African countries, and always be the strongest support for Africa on the international stage, said Wang.

We will continue to uphold this tradition, as the world increasingly needs enhanced cooperation between China and Africa, Wang said during his meeting with Mbumba, adding that the development of China and Africa symbolizes the ascent of the Global South and the fortification of the forces of justice.

Strengthening unity and cooperation between China and Africa, and jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, is in line with historical justice, the trend of the times, and also meets the common aspirations of the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa.

Wang also said that China will continue to support Namibia in pursuing a development and revitalization path that suits its national conditions and appreciates Namibia's long-standing firm adherence to the one-China principle. China is willing to deepen political mutual trust with Namibia, enhance exchanges between parties and governance experience, increase ideological and conceptual alignment, and provide guidance and security for the development of bilateral relations, he added.

China is willing to offer as much support as possible for Namibia's economic development, help Namibia transform its resource advantages into development advantages and benefits for its people, and work together to advance their respective modernization processes.
Mbumba said that although the countries differ in size, Namibia and China have always maintained friendship, solidarity, and cooperation, as well as mutual respect and support. Namibia firmly upholds the One-China policy, supports China's efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity, and admires Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the development achievements made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Namibia is willing to strengthen inter-party cooperation with China and engage in exchanges on governance and administration experience, according to the Chinese foreign ministry website. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Namibian and Chinese people have enjoyed a long-standing friendship. Namibia will, as always, work to consolidate and develop Namibia-China cooperation and remain steadfast in adhering to the One-China principle. Namibia is willing to actively implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy resources, bring opportunities for Namibia's economic and social development, and deliver benefits to the people of both countries.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his deep condolences on Facebook Tuesday evening for the compatriots who lost their lives in the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck China's Xizang Autonomous Region. 

Lee extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wished for a swift recovery for the injured. 

He also stated that the HKSAR government would maintain close contact with disaster relief organizations and is prepared to provide appropriate assistance through the disaster relief fund at any time.

China is greatly concerned about the reports that said the Syrian army has recently granted senior military ranks to a number of foreign terrorist fighters, including the head of a Council-listed terrorist organization, the Turkistan Islamic Party, also known as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, calling on Syria to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and to prevent any terrorist forces from using the Syrian territory to threaten the security of other countries, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria, on Wednesday.

Fu said the situation in Syria is at a critical stage with daunting challenges. The international community should strengthen solidarity and coordinate its actions to support and help Syria achieve stability and development, according to a statement published on the website of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations.

China supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in accordance with the spirit and principles of Council Resolution 2254. The international community must effectively respect Syria’s right to pursue a development path in line with its national conditions, and allow the Syrian people to decide their country’s future based on their will, Fu noted.

The national dialogue conference scheduled for January 5 has been postponed. China expects all parties in Syria to proceed from the long-term interests of the country and people and start an open and inclusive political settlement process. China supports a greater role by the UN and Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in this process. 

No matter how the domestic situation in Syria develops, the bottom line of zero tolerance for terrorism cannot be changed. The Council recently issued a press statement on Syria, making it clear that states should combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Council and deny safe haven for terrorists, said Fu. 

Syria has one of the worst humanitarian situations, with more than 16 million people in dire humanitarian straits, and the prolonged illegal unilateral sanctions have further aggravated the suffering of the Syrian people, Fu said.

The UN should play a coordinating role, speeding up the implementation of humanitarian projects and prioritizing the needs of the population to survive the winter. All parties in Syria should abide by international humanitarian law, cooperate actively with humanitarian operations, and ensure humanitarian access and the safety of humanitarian personnel, said the envoy. 

China reiterates that the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria should be respected, that the Council resolutions on the Golan Heights must be implemented, and that the 1974 agreement on disengagement of forces should be complied with, Fu noted.

China has long pursued a policy of friendship and cooperation with Syria, and has never interfered in its internal affairs. China stands ready to continue working with the international community for Syria to have a smooth transition and gradually embark on a path of peaceful development, said the envoy. 

The average temperature in China in 2024 was 10.9 C, which is 1.01 C higher than the long-term average of 9.89 C, according to latest statistics from National Climate Center. It surpasses the previous record of 10.71 C set in 2023, marking a new historical high. 

The national average number of high-temperature days (daily maximum temperatures ≥ 35.0 C) reached 15.6 days, which is 6.6 days more than the long-term average, making it the second-highest since 1961, surpassed only by 2022.

The Shanghai Meteorological Service released top 10 weather and climate events in Shanghai for 2024 on Wednesday, revealing that the annual average temperature of 18.8 C in the urban area of Shanghai has set a new record. It marks 2024 as the hottest year since meteorological records began in Shanghai in 1873.

Under current climate policies, the world faces warming of as much as 3.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100, according to a United Nations report released in October, the Reuters reported.

During the current peak season for respiratory infections in children, the primary pathogens remain viruses and mycoplasma pneumoniae, with the influenza virus being the most prevalent, doctors said at a press conference held by the National Health Commission (NHC) on Sunday, reminding parents to allow their child to remain at home should they contract influenza.

Children with influenza primarily present with fever, and may be accompanied by headaches, muscle aches and general malaise. Additionally, respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose may also manifest, according to Wang Quan, a chief physician from Beijing Children's Hospital, during a press conference, according to the CCTV News. In some children, gastrointestinal symptoms may be more pronounced than in adults, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite, Wang added.

The vast majority of children who contract the influenza virus experience an acute, self-limiting course of illness, typically with fever lasting two to three days and making a full recovery within a week, according to Wang.

But Wang noted that some children may experience a cough that persists for an extended period, and others may suffer from fatigue and weakness that last longer than usual.

Parents are advised that if a child contracts the influenza virus, a primary approach should be antiviral and symptomatic treatment. There are specific antiviral medications available for children, which should be used as soon as possible under the guidance of a physician, especially within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, said CCTV News.

Experts also emphasize that antibiotics are ineffective against the influenza virus.

According to the report released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, from December 23 to December 29, 2024, 99.6 percent of the positive influenza virus samples detected in southern and northern provinces of China were identified as H1N1 influenza, said the Health Times affiliated to the People's Daily. 

Experts noted that while the proportion of severe pneumonia caused by influenza is slightly higher than in previous years, the overall incidence remains relatively low. They advise that patients begin treatment as early as possible to ensure a timely recovery.

China's top economic planner has established a department to support the development of the burgeoning low-altitude economy, as the country strives to foster new growth drivers.

The new department, under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), is responsible for formulating and organizing the implementation of strategic as well as mid-term and long-term development plans, providing policy recommendations, and coordinating major issues related to the low-altitude economy, according to the NDRC.

The department has recently held symposiums on advancing the construction of low-altitude infrastructure and low-altitude intelligent network systems, according to the latest updates on the NDRC website.

The move came amid intensified government efforts to tap the low-altitude economy, which refers to the economic activities and industries centered around manned and unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the airspace usually within 1,000 meters above the ground.

This industry is growing rapidly in China, with over 50,000 enterprises engaged in related businesses as of September, according to data from CCID Consulting. It estimates the scale of the country's low-altitude economy at more than 670 billion yuan (about 93 billion U.S. dollars) this year, with projections to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2026.

This year, for the first time, the term "low-altitude economy" was included in the Chinese government's work report. China will develop general aviation and low-altitude economy, according to a key resolution adopted during the reform-themed third plenum of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee in July.

Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou and dozens of other cities have announced supportive policies to develop the low-altitude economy.

The infrastructure and flight service systems for the sector will gradually improve steadily over the next few years, driven by advancements in intelligent network technologies and strengthened management practices, according to CCID Consulting.