According to China's Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM), the number of production safety accidents nationwide declined by 11.2 percent and the number of fatalities decreased by 7.7 percent year-on-year in 2024, with the number of fatalities reaching a historical low, China Central Television reported on Wednesday.
The number of deaths and missing persons due to natural disasters remained under 1,000 in 2024, and the number of forest and grassland fires reached a historical low, said the report.
In 2024, the relevant authorities encouraged departments to release 61 major accident hazard identification standards.
The disaster-causing potential of natural disasters in 2024 significantly surpassed the average year. In many regions, including South China's Guangdong Province, Central China's Hunan Province and Northeast China's Liaoning Province, the rainfall has surpassed historical extremes, according to the report.
There have been 26 numbered flood occurrences along major rivers nationwide in 2024, the highest since 1998, when numbering began. Heavy rainfall, flooding and geological disasters happened concurrently and repeatedly in multiple regions, said the report.
The MEM has initiated 188 emergency responses and dispatched 151 working groups to the front lines last year.
More efforts will be made to address safety production issues and conduct special rectifications in key industries and sectors in 2025 to prevent major accidents, according to the report, citing officials from MEM.
The efforts include improving and upgrading the standards for identifying major accident hazards, carrying out special rectification in key industries and areas, and coordinating the response to natural disasters, as well as further improving the disaster prevention, reduction, and relief mechanisms in 2025, according to the ministry.
Moreover, improvements will be made to accelerate the comprehensive coverage of county-level emergency material reserves, strengthening the construction and management of emergency shelters, and further improving the mechanism for disaster assessment and evaluation.
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook Yongning county in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, at 10:01 am on Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The epicenter was located at 38.4 degrees north latitude and 106.22 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
As of press time, no reports of building collapses or casualties have emerged. The earthquake was strongly felt in nearby regions, including Wuhai, Bayannur of Inner Mongolia and Lanzhou of Gansu Province, according to CCTV News.
According to CENC, there have been 21 earthquakes of 3.0-magnitude or above within a 200-km radius of the epicenter in the past five years. The strongest earthquake was a 4.9-magnitude quake that occurred on December 31, 2023, in Baiyin of Gansu Province, 214 kilometers away from the Thursday earthquake's epicenter.
Local firefighters were assembled and 20 vehicles and 105 personnel have been deployed to carry out inspections around the epicenter, and other teams are on standby for immediate deployment, according to CCTV.
According to the Earthquake Agency of Ningxia, seismic monitoring data in Yinchuan was normal, and no abnormalities were detected in macro-observations of the earthquake. The possibility of a 5.0-magnitude or above earthquake occurring in the original seismic zone is low though the possibility of strong aftershocks remains.
A fire broke out in a vegetable market in the Qiaoxi district of Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei Province, on Saturday at 8:40 am, leaving eight dead and 15 others injured, local authorities announced on Saturday.
Firefighting, emergency, and medical departments rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations. The open flames were extinguished by 10:10 am, and the rescue work was completed by 12:50 pm, the local government said in a statement.
The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment, and currently, there is no danger to their lives. The cause of the accident is under further investigation, according to the statement.
A woman from Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, accidentally fell into the sea but managed to stay afloat due to the buoyancy of her down jacket, leading to her successful rescue, according to China Central Television.
Bystanders noticed her struggling in the water and promptly called for help. Within two minutes, rescue personnel arrived at the scene. They found the woman floating on her back, her down jacket providing essential buoyancy.
The timely rescue ensured the woman was unharmed. Her composure in the water helped her conserve energy and buy crucial time for the rescuers.
The rescue team highlighted the need to remain calm and breathe steadily in such situations. If the water is not frozen, it is crucial to use any available floating objects — such as backpacks, plastic containers, foam boxes, or clothing — to keep the body afloat. Additionally, calling for help and using brightly colored items to signal rescuers can aid in being spotted.
If someone falls through ice, rescuers recommend lying flat on the ice, using their hands to carefully push against the ice surface while crawling to safety. Once out, individuals should roll away from the weakened area to safer ground.
December 20, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. It not only signifies the ended centuries of Portuguese occupation, but also heralds the beginning of a new chapter for Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
On this momentous day, those who witnessed this grand event 25 years ago are filled with emotions. With excitement, they shared their memories with the Global Times, recounting the development and changes in Macao since its return and highlighting precious historical details. Their experiences serve as a testament to the enduring emotional connection and consistent, firm direction of development between Macao and the mainland.
This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present.
"My feelings for Macao are deep. I can't let them go," Zong Guangyao fondly recalled to the Global Times, when sharing his connection with this special place.
Zong, 87, cherishes his 12 years of working and living in the SAR as the most valuable chapter of his life.
In 1987, a historic milestone was reached with the signing of the Joint Declaration between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on the Question of Macao in Beijing. This agreement confirmed that Macao would return to China on December 20, 1999, a date that would reshape the destiny of the city.
Two years later, in 1989, Zong embarked on his journey to Macao. As the deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Zong was at the forefront of this significant period. Prior to this, he had held multiple key positions, including membership and deputy secretary-general of the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, and deputy director of the preparatory committee for the hand-over ceremony. During 12 years of work in Macao, he witnessed numerous important historical moments in the development of the city.
Resolving Macao question
As the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China draws near, Zong recounted with the Global Times that he was invited by Macao students studying in Beijing to attend a get-together to share his firsthand account of the historic return. Many among the younger generation are intrigued by the choice of December 20 as the return date.
He explained to the students that although being occupied by Portugal since 1557, Macao lacked any historical treaty agreements to guide its return.
Following the determination of Hong Kong's return date, the Chinese government initiated negotiations with the Portuguese government on the Macao question in 1986. "Initially, Portugal wished to defer discussions until the 21st century, but we were resolute in our refusal," Zong recalled. "We could not allow the legacy of past humiliations to persist into a new century."
Zong noted that after some concessions from Portugal, they suggested December 31, 1999, as a potential return date for Macao. "However, this proposal was also dismissed by China," he said. "The proximity to the millennium was one concern; another was our desire to ensure the transfer occurred before Christmas so that the Portuguese can celebrate the holiday at home," Zong explained.
After extensive negotiations, December 20, 1999, was agreed upon as the day for Macao's return. Zong attributes the relatively smooth handover to China's burgeoning strength, the far-sighted consideration of the central government, and the collective efforts of Macao's residents.
Locals at the heart of the celebration
Zong's chest swells with pride when he reflects on his role in orchestrating the momentous celebration on Macao's return to China. On December 21, 1999, nearly 10,000 local performers from Macao took center stage at the grand festivities. The vibrant performances ranged from a majestic thousand-member waist drum team, dynamic martial arts displays, to the enchanting rhythms of the Portuguese folk dance, a testament to the cultural fusion that defines Macao.
The logistics of organizing such an expansive spectacle were daunting, a task that Zong entrusted to the capable hands of the local Macanese associations. He was particularly touched by the words of one person, Santos, who played a pivotal role in the success of the event. "Santos expressed with deep emotion that Macao would always be her home," Zong recounted. "She emphasized that the Macanese community should have rightful place in the grand celebration of Macao's return to China."
Zong also recalled an encounter with Macao's last Portuguese governor, Vasco Rocha Vieira, prior to the handover. "Vieira shared his initial apprehensions. He had feared that the Portuguese residents in Macao might face discrimination after the handover and have to eventually return to Lisbon. However, his worries were dispelled as he witnessed the celebratory performance plan, feeling the warmth and inclusiveness of the Chinese people." Strong faith in the future
Even after retiring for many years, Zong's dedication to his beloved city of Macao remains unwavering. A daily ritual of his is to delve into the pages of the Macao Daily News, keeping himself abreast of the latest happenings in the city.
During the interview with the Global Times, Zong presented a special edition of the newspaper, dated October 10, 2024. This particular issue showcased a report highlighting Macao's impressive ranking as the second richest region globally and the top in Asia, according to Forbes magazine list 2024.
In the mid-16th century, when the Portuguese first set foot on Macao's shores, they inquired about the local name. The residents, misunderstanding the question, directed them to a Mazu Temple, leading to a mispronunciation that gave birth to the name "Macao."
Today, the city's inhabitants, including government officials like Zong, proudly affirm that the city embodies "one country, two systems" with "Macao's characteristics." With unwavering conviction, Zong envisions a future where Macao, a city to which he has devoted his life's work and love, continues to flourish and shine on the world stage.
The Chinese side stands ready to follow the guidance of the consensus reached by top leaders of both parties and countries, deepen practical cooperation with the Vietnamese side in various areas including maritime security, enhance strategic mutual trust between both militaries, promote constant development of bilateral relations and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said when meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam in Hanoi on Thursday.
China also cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, the two countries and the two militaries, according to China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday.
Lam welcomed Dong's participation in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, saying that Vietnam and China are socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Lam said Vietnam cherishes China's valuable support in the cause of national liberation, national independence and socialist construction in Vietnam, and takes developing friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy.
Lam expressed the hope that the two militaries will strengthen practical cooperation and inject new vitality to the development of bilateral relations, as reported by Xinhua.
Dong noted that China and Vietnam have entered a new era of building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
On Friday, Dong and his delegation attended a grand gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, according to the report.
Following a car ramming attack on a large crowd at a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, which left at least five people dead and over 200 injured, the suspect has been remanded in custody, according to BBC on Sunday.
German police said on Sunday that the motives of the suspects in the Magdeburg attack are still too vague to make a definitive assessment, and that there is no indication that the attack was motivated by religious extremism, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
Police also said the suspect had Islamophobic attitudes and was involved in right-wing extremist platforms, however it could not yet be concluded that the act was politically motivated, as reported by CCTV.
The judge ordered pre-trial detention for five counts of murder, multiple attempted murder and multiple counts of dangerous bodily harm, as reported by BBC.
Magdeburg Police said investigations are continuing and officers are appealing for witnesses to send in photos or video of the incident, according to the report.
The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist named Taleb A., has lived in Germany for nearly 20 years. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack, which remain unclear, according to Euro News.
A nine-year-old child and four adults were killed and around 200 others injured, 41 of them so badly that authorities fear the death toll could rise, as reported by Euro News on Sunday.
The Chinese embassy in Germany said it has not received reports of casualties among Chinese nationals as a driver killed at least five people when he rammed into a large crowd of revelers at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening local time.
The embassy also reminds Chinese nationals to increase their safety awareness, stay informed about local safety conditions, and avoid gatherings during the holiday season.
Also, a memorial service was held Saturday evening in the German city of Magdeburg to mourn the victims of the tragic attack. Condemning the act, Scholz described the incident as "a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality," according to the Xinhua News Agency.
According to the report by France 24, Taleb's X account is filled with tweets and retweets focusing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion while sharing congratulatory notes to Muslims who left the faith. He also described himself as a former Muslim. He was critical of German authorities, saying they had failed to do enough to combat the "Islamism of Europe."
German politics have long been torn over the flashpoint issues of immigration and security. Ex-chancellor Angela Merkel's welcome culture for refugees almost a decade ago fueled the rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant AfD, which now polls near 20 percent, according to France 24. And this Magdeburg attack has then sparked heated debate on the issue of immigration.
Following the attack, Alice Weidel, chair of Germany's anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, pointedly asked "When will this madness end?" while expressing her condolences for the victims of the attack, according to Politico.
At a memorial site for the victims, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla called on Interior Minister Nancy Faeser to take stronger action to ensure the safety of the German public, as reported by Euro News.
The situation highlights a longstanding contradiction in Germany's approach to immigration and its domestic planning for integration, particularly against the backdrop of a recent rise in domestic conflicts and disagreements related to immigration issues, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Sunday.
This is not the first time that German has similar incidents, Cui said. The incident echoes a tragic attack on December 19, 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police, according to the Xinhua.
The gradual rise of the AfD party in Germany also reflects a division in public opinion regarding immigration within German society, with significant portion of the German population that supports the AfD endorses the party's call for stricter restrictions on migrants, Cui added.
While the economy is the primary concern for most Germans, affecting individuals regardless of ethnicity or background, the issue of immigration—often linked to safety concerns—follows closely behind, Cui noted.
Bathhouses have become popular venues for socializing and relaxation, emerging as new pastime venues for the younger generation in urban China, according to a report from Southern Weekly on Tuesday.
According to the report, traditional bathhouse services primarily include bathing and showering options, ranging from basic showers to saunas, all designed to help individuals unwind and alleviate physical and psychological fatigue.
In addition to the traditional offerings, many bathhouses have expanded their services to include dining options such as snacks, light meals, refreshments, and buffets. A blogger highlighted a bathhouse in Shanghai that features a diverse selection of seafood, including shrimp, crab, salmon and other dishes, the Southern Weekly reported.
Moreover, the upgraded bathhouses not only offer satisfying bathing and dining experiences, but guests can also enjoy watching movies, with services continually being enhanced.
Also, searches for "bathhouse" on China's online lifestyle platform Meituan have surged by 40 percent, recent data reveals, as reported by the Southern Weekly.
The reason bathhouses, once seen as a pastime for middle-aged individuals, have become appealing to younger audiences today is that they cater to the need for relaxation among young people.
From traditional Chinese medicine health care to special experiences combining elements of current trends, bathhouses may also become an important carrier of new consumer culture, according to the report.
China-US relations are expected to face even more challenging times, and China needs to focus on managing its own affairs, Yang Xiyu, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said at the Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," which is held in Beijing on Saturday.
Yang spoke during the session on "Exploring the Ways of Interaction Among Major Powers: Differences and Consensus" of the conference.
China-US relations encompass a wide range of areas, which can be categorized into three main domains on politics and security, economic/trade and technology, and ideology. Moving forward, the relationship is expected to face even more challenging times, with intense competition and potentially stormy and turbulent scenarios. China must be well-prepared for these developments, said Yang.
Yang said that the increasingly tense China-US relations stem from two key factors. First, the shifts in the balance of power between the two countries, leading to rising US strategic anxiety toward China. Second, the international political security order centered on the United Nations is facing mounting challenges, while the US dollar-dominated international economic and financial system is becoming increasingly unsustainable and even dysfunctional.
Currently, the core structural issue in the international system is the dysfunction of the old order and a new one is unable to establish, said Yang.
In its relations with China, the US has pursued a strategy of competition aimed at outcompeting and beating China. In contrast, China needs to follow three guiding principles: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
Given the significant differences between the two sides, what can be done? For China, there is only one path: to focus its efforts on managing its own affairs, said Yang.
Delegates from China and Indian Ocean countries gathered in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province on Sunday for a government-business dialogue, aimed at connecting governments, financial institutions, and businesses to promote regional integration in the development of the blue economy.
The Sunday event hosted over 200 delegates from 20 countries and international organizations.
Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, made three points for the dialogue in his address speech: advocating for consensus building so that governments, financial institutes and companies can work in the same direction; advocating for shared development through the combination of aid, investment and trade; and advocating for openness and inclusiveness with efforts promoting communication and sharing experience of Chinese modernization.
The Sunday dialogue featured three topics - ocean-based infrastructure, digital empowerment for the blue economy, and cultural exchange for marine tourism.
Phillianne Ernesta, delegate from Seychelles' ministry of fisheries and blue economy, discussed Seychelles' focus on cold chain development and processing facilities to support its rich fisheries resources, which can assist the related industry and expand market share.
In the same session, Chu Yili from China Communications Construction Company Ltd. shared insights on the company's automated port projects and equipment that have been applied overseas. Chu also highlighted opportunities for joint development in marine new energy and deep-sea resource exploration.
Rodrigo Salvado, director general of Asian Investment and Infrastructure Bank, said during the dialogue that the point of the dialogue is to build bridges between different parties with unique strength.
The Global Times learned from the dialogue that Chinese companies have established automated warehouses and distribution centers that reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency for local communities. Pakistan's first smart distribution center, built by a Chinese firm, has reduced the error rate from 1 percent down to 3 out of 10,000 parcels and below.
Daniel Tindipu, Papua New Guinea's Vice Minister for National Planning, said in the marine tourism session that as an island nation, PNG has rich marine cultures, including traditional navigation skills and festivals; and marine tourism allows the country to share its story to global visitors.
Marine tourism creates jobs, improves people's livelihoods and helps protect local ecology and environment, Tindipu said, while proposing regional travel packages to offer diverse experiences. Such packages can connect Indian Ocean countries together and maximize resources and opportunities for regional countries.
Tindipu told the Global Times that through direct dialogue, "we understand each other's pace in development, vulnerabilities and strengths, build trust and forge partnerships" that will contribute to better economies and better societies of the Global South.
Tindipu spoke highly of China's vision of a maritime community of shared future. The vision is about cooperation and solidarity to address common challenges, and seeks to build resilience, promote equitable growth, and enhance global partnerships, Tindipu said.
Mozambique Ambassador to China Maria Gustava told the Global Times that Chinese brands and projects are already well known in her country, including Huawei which provides 5G services in addition to smart devices. China is also helping with rice farming and built one of the largest suspension bridges in Africa in the country.
What makes China different is that "we are cooperating for mutual benefit. There is no conditions or obligation. There is no interference," Gustava added.
