The proportion of lighthouse factories from China reached a record high in the new list released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Tuesday, highlighting the continuous efforts of Chinese companies to accelerate technology transformation and upgrading in the manufacturing sector.
The WEF announced that 22 innovative manufacturers have joined the Global Lighthouse Network, including the latest cohort of 19 Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and three Sustainability Lighthouses across 10 countries, such as China, the Czech Republic and Germany.
Of the total, 13 factories are located in China, accounting for nearly 60 percent, a record high.
Among the 19 new lighthouse factories this year, Mengniu Dairy (Ningxia) Co, SANY Renewable Energy in Shaoshan, Sanmen Nuclear Power Co, Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery (Group) Co and Taiyuan Heavy Industry Railway Transit Equipment Co are the world's first lighthouse factories in their respective sectors - dairy, wind energy equipment, nuclear power, coal mining machinery, and rail transit equipment.
Additionally, a Chinese company established the first overseas lighthouse factory. Foxconn Industrial Internet Viet Nam Co overcame challenges like reliance on imported materials and focused on developing local talent. By implementing 40+ 4IR use cases, including advanced planning and AI-driven automation, the site increased labor productivity by 190 percent, achieved 99.5 percent on-time delivery and cut manufacturing costs by 45 percent.
Digital technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and machine learning are key features of this batch of the "lighthouse factories."
The listed Hefei Midea Washing Machine Co told the Global Times that it has continued to explore and reconstruct new end-to-end green and sustainable capabilities, and has extensively deployed digital technologies to apply artificial intelligence in the product designing, manufacturing, and broad logistics.
Zhang Xiaoyi, vice president and CDO of Midea Group, said that the in-depth application of AI in the entire factory process covers 457 sub-scenarios, mainly through self-developed small sample intelligent algorithms and AI development cloud platforms, as well as IT&OT compound organizational construction guarantees, to cut large-scale promotion and operation and maintenance costs, which has helped cut energy consumption by 37.6 percent, and optimize logistical efficiency by 29 percent.
The latest cohort of Lighthouses reported an average 50 percent boost in labor productivity, due to various digital solutions such as interactive training programs, smart devices and wearables, and automated systems combining robotics, AI, and machine vision.
Process modelling and root-cause analytics have also unlocked efficiency gains across Lighthouses' end-to-end supply chains, on average reducing energy consumption by 22 percent, inventory by 27 percent, and scrap or waste by 55 percent, WEF said.
Karel Eloot, a global senior partner at McKinsey, said that the "lighthouse factories" have truly surpassed the pilot stage, and currently nearly 60 percent of core application cases use advanced artificial intelligence technology, comparing to just 11 percent in 2019. This reflects that artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing and has reached an unprecedented level of maturity.
Lighthouse factories are known as "the most advanced factories in the world". McKinsey defines them as factories that have successfully transitioned Fourth Industrial Revolution technology from the pilot stage to large-scale integration, achieving significant financial and operational benefits.
Photos and information exclusively obtained by the Global Times on Saturday show that Chinese authorities’ interception, boarding, inspection and expulsion of a Vietnamese boat which illegally entered waters near China’s Xisha Islands on September 29 were conducted with restraint and in full accordance with the law. The Vietnamese government previously accused China of “brutal behavior” on the matter, which has been taken as an opportunity of the Philippines to hype its own claims in the South China Sea and draw Vietnam to its side against China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry was quoted by Reuters on Tuesday as saying that “Vietnamese fishing boats” illegally fished in the relevant waters of China’s Xisha Islands on September 29 without the permission of the Chinese government and that relevant Chinese authorities took measures to stop them.
The on-site operations were professional and restrained, and no injuries were found, the ministry stressed.
The Vietnamese foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that Chinese law enforcers beat the Vietnamese fishermen and took away their fishing equipment when their boat was operating near “Hoang Sa,” Vietnam’s name for China’s Xisha Islands.
According to a source close to the matter, the Vietnamese vessels illegally intruded the Xisha islands at the night of September 29. The China Coast Guard law enforcement vessels then sounded its horn as a warning and required the Vietnamese vessel to accept inspection, but the latter refused to cooperate. Photos obtained by the Global Times show that several individuals aboard the Vietnamese vessel held long bamboo poles to prevent Chinese law enforcement personnel from boarding the ship. During the inspection, the helmets of two of Chinese law enforcement support personnel were broken by a long bamboo pole, and one person sustained a cut on their hand.
Chinese law enforcement personnel presented their credentials to the fishermen on the vessel, indicating their identities and intentions, and requested them to comply, the source stated.
After the inspection, the Chinese law enforcement personnel seized the illegal catch of the Vietnamese vessel, informed the fishermen of the consequences of resisting law enforcement and illegally fishing in China’s territorial waters, and expelled them to 12 nautical miles outside China’s waters, according to the source. Photos have showed clearly that the Chinese law enforcement personnel are very restrained and professional, Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Saturday.
“It is clear that the incident was caused by the fact that some Vietnamese fishermen were fishing illegally and resisting law enforcement. Additionally, China has constantly maintained communication and exchanged views with the Vietnamese authorities. China and Vietnam have the capability of handling this incident appropriately,” Chen Xidi, China Institute For Marine Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources, told the Global Times.
While the issue is gradually blowing over, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano issued a statement on Friday and accused Chinese maritime law enforcement authorities of carrying out “unjustified assault” on Vietnamese fishermen.
He also attempted to elevate the issue to an "international" level, claiming that the “use of force against civilians blatantly violates international law.”
“We stand with Vietnam in denouncing this egregious act and calling for accountability,” he said.
The Philippines has nothing to do with this incident. The Philippine National Security Adviser is just trying to hyping the issue to sell its own claims in the South China Sea region, Yang stressed.
The Philippine statement tries to expand the issue to an international level, but, after all, it is just an occasional conflict between Chinese authorities and Vietnamese fishing men during law enforcement process and has been settled via diplomatic channel according to territorial jurisdiction principles. “It is totally untenable to stir it up to an international level,” Yang said.
Chen echoed Yang, saying that “While China and Vietnam have demonstrated their willingness to actively manage disagreements and avoid escalation, the Philippines, driven by a desire to stir up trouble, has been stigmatizing China’s law enforcement as ‘violent and illegal actions’ in the South China Sea.” But “it won’t work,” Chen stressed.
“The Philippines attempted to vilify China’s lawful deterrence on illegal fishing as ‘proof’ of China’s bullying of its neighboring countries. Furthermore, it hypocritically declares that it has consistently condemned the use of force, aggression, and intimidation in the South China Sea, while demanding that all parties ‘exercise genuine self-restraint. It obviously overlooks the Philippines’ own history of persistent provocations and escalations, notably at Ren’ai Jiao and Xianbin Jiao, among other locations,” Chen noted.
It is evident that the Philippines is not genuinely striving to safeguard the safety of fishermen at sea in this incident, nor is it actively working to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. Instead, it appears intent on sowing discord between China, Vietnam, and other countries, thereby undermining the positive cooperative relationships between China and other ASEAN countries, Chen said.
The Philippines has been conducting constant, blatant provocations in the South China Sea this year. In August the intensity has been reinforced.
Discussing “unjustified assault” during law enforcement operations, the Philippines should reflect on its own actions before making allegations against others, an expert on maritime security told the Global Times.
In September 2019, eight officials from the Filipino coast guard were sentenced to jail terms of up to 14 years and ordered to pay for damages for conspiring to shoot and kill a fisherman from China’s Taiwan island in 2013.
“The Philippines is not in any position to make indiscreet remarks or criticisms of others on this issue,” the expert noted.
The 2024 Beijing Culture Forum will kick off in the Chinese capital from September 19 to 21, according to its organizers. With a permanent theme of "Inheritance, Creativity, Mutual Learning," the forum has "Enhance Cultural Exchanges for Common Progress" as its theme for this year.
Over 800 participants, including 240 foreign guests from more than 70 countries and regions will attend a main forum, six sub-forums, and 32 professional seminars and relevant cultural activities during the three-day event.
The participants will hold in-depth discussions on topics including mutual learning between civilizations and common progress, spiritual life and industrial development, cultural heritage protection and inheritance, new cultural business forms, and technological integration.
The main forum takes the application of Beijing's Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage site as one of its important contents, and releases a special report on Beijing's experience during the application and protection of Beijing's Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the relevant situation of further strengthening the protection of historical and cultural cities.
Meanwhile, the Ten Major Events in the Construction of National Cultural Centers in 2023 will also be announced.
The 2024 Beijing Culture Forum is committed to creating a cultural festival, in which all people can participate through hosting a number of cultural events including book fairs, film screenings and theaters staging.
Autumnal Equinox, the 16th solar term of the lunar 24 solar terms, started on Sunday (September 22) this year and marks the midpoint of autumn, dividing the season into two equal parts. It also marks the harvest season. This year marks the seventh celebration of the Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival, a time when farmers across the country share in the joy of the harvest.
After Autumnal Equinox, the location of direct sunlight moves to the south, making days shorter and nights longer in the northern hemisphere. By this time, most regions in China have transitioned into the cooler autumn season. As cold air from the north meets the diminishing warm, humid air, it often results in precipitation.
Ancient Chinese tradition divides the Autumnal Equinox into three pentads: the first observes the softening of thunder, the second sees hibernating insects begin to nest, and in the third pentad, water starts to dry up.
During this season, crabs are considered particularly delicious. Eating crabs is believed to nourish the marrow and help clear internal heat from the body.
In South China, a custom for Autumnal Equinox is known as "having Qiucai (an autumn vegetable), a type of wild amaranth that is popular during this time. Every Autumnal Equinox day, Qiucai, verdant in the field, is collected and made into soup with fish, called "Qiutang" (autumn soup).
Besides, Autumnal Equinox is the perfect season for kite flying. Children fly various kites, enjoying the pleasant weather.
In North China, taro becomes a staple in the seasonal diet during this time. Health experts recommend having some more easily digestible foods in autumn. Taro is soft and nutritional.
In some regions, there remains a folk tradition of extending greetings and well wishes for a successful autumn ploughing.
Since ancient times, many places have had folk custom of mountaineering and sight-seeing. Due to the effects of air pressure and humidity, autumn often brings clear blue skies, white clouds, and cool breezes, making it perfect for mountaineering.
During the Autumnal Equinox, the temperature difference between morning and evening becomes more pronounced, so people should adjust their attire to prevent catching colds.
Fitness exercises in this season can do more of cold-resistant exercises and aerobic exercises, such as hiking, walking and cycling. After the Autumnal Equinox, it is recommended not to engage in excessive exercise, as it may deplete yang energy. Instead, people may try some gentle exercises including tai chi, Baduanjin (an ancient Chinese qigong exercise combining movement), and Wuqinxi (the Five-Animal Exercises), so that the whole-body sweats slightly and not too tired.
A total of 56 paintings from Russia's State Tretyakov Gallery are now on exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing as this year marks the 75th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic ties.
The exhibition, titled The Soul of Russia, is running from September 15 to December 8. It features 56 masterpieces by prominent Russian artists such as Ilya Repin, Ivan Shishkin, Vasily Tropinin, Ivan Aivazovsky and Vasily Surikov, covering more than 500 years of Russian art history - from the 16th century to the present.
"The Chinese viewer can experience a retrospective of Russian art from iconic paintings to the second half of the 20th century," Director of the State Tretyakov Gallery Elena Pronicheva told the Global Times through an interpreter.
"Regardless of the historical period, visitors will see the ideals that Russia lived by during this historical period and through."
Jointly organized by the Capital Museum and Russia's State Tretyakov Gallery, the exhibition spans diverse themes and styles, illustrating the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity of Russia.
The artworks are divided into four sections: landscapes, portraits, daily life, and historical scenes, offering a comprehensive look into Russia's natural beauty, people, and history.
High-profile artworks include Lenin in Smolny and Portrait of A.M.Gorky by Isaak Brodsky, Portrait of Anton Chekhov by Osip Braz, and Stormy Sea by Aivazovsky.
2024 and 2025 have been designated as Years of Culture between China and Russia.
"Culture as a kind of social sphere helps us get to know each other better, because we are neighbors," Pronicheva told the Global Times.
"Besides borders, we are also quite close to each other in thinking, we have a lot in common."
This exhibition aims to deepen cultural exchange between China and Russia.
It offers Chinese audiences a rare perspective on Russian art and culture while fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
"Through our exchanges with the Russian side, we are able to deepen our understanding of each other and of ourselves. This is an expression of the mutual learning between civilizations and the coexistence of cultures," Yu Runsheng, a professor of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, told the Global Times.
"That we are able to organize such an exhibition demonstrates that our understanding of Russian painting and the entire history of Russian art has surpassed previous levels."
Previous exhibitions held in China featuring Russian paintings from the Tretyakov Gallery were mainly focused on a single topic rather than presenting a more comprehensive view like the current exhibition, according to Yu.
He noted that the theme and overall outline of the exhibition were proposed by a Chinese academic team before communicating with Russian institutions, selecting the pieces they could provide to finalize the exhibition.
The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the most prominent art museums in Russia, renowned for its vast collection of Russian fine art.
Founded in 1856 by merchant and art collector Pavel Tretyakov, the gallery houses over 180,000 works, spanning from early religious iconography to contemporary art.
In 1949, the Soviet Union became the first country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
Since then, Russian art has had a lasting impact on Chinese artists.
Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen eased past 71st-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia with 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of a highly anticipated match at the China Open on Saturday.
The match attracted more than 12,000 fans to the 15,000-capacity Diamond Court at the National Tennis Center in Beijing.
Making her debut at this year's China Open thanks to a first-round bye as the fifth seed, Zheng said she was satisfied with her performance on Saturday after suffering frustrations since the US Open.
"I'm very satisfied with today's overall performance. I always practice with male players during training, and I often get beaten, which is frustrating, but today's match went really smoothly. I haven't had such a smooth match in a long time, especially since every match at the US Open was tough," Zheng said after the match.
"I was surprised to see so many fans at the venue today, and I really appreciate everyone's support. I hope I can go further in the China Open, so you all can have more opportunities to watch me play."
Saturday's match was only Zheng's second appearance in the tournament after a surprising first-round exit in 2023. Zheng is currently ranked No.7 in the world, going up from world No.23 at this time same time in 2023.
Zheng will take on 25th seed Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in the third round.
Zheng has expressed a desire to shift her focus away from the overwhelming glow of her Olympic gold medal in the women's singles and instead focus on her WTA Tour events, as her objective for the rest of the season is clear: to secure a spot in the year-ender WTA Finals.
Zheng currently sits at No.9 in the Race to the Finals, trailing US players Emma Navarro and Danielle Collins by 498 and 108 points, respectively.
Zheng's Finals campaign was made easier ahead of Saturday's match after compatriot and veteran Zhang Shuai defeated Navarro on Friday in the first round.
China's central bank on Sunday adjusted the pricing mechanism for mortgage rates, as the country aims to lower the financial burden on property owners. In accordance with the central bank's guidance, China's "big four" commercial banks issued statements confirming that they will adjust the interest rates on existing personal housing loans.
As part of a broader effort to stabilize the real estate sector, the policy adjustment will also help to boost consumption, adding to the optimistic sentiment in the market, analysts said.
The People’s Bank of China (PBC) announced on Sunday a significant reduction in mortgage rates for existing home loans, with an average estimated reduction of 0.5 percentage points, CCTV reported.
The adjustment aims to align the rates of existing loans with the national average for newly issued mortgages, thereby easing the interest burden on borrowers, the PBC said.
Commercial banks are required to carry out the adjustments for eligible existing mortgages by October 31, the PBC said.
Following the announcement from the central bank, China's "big four" commercial banks issued statements confirming that they will adjust the interest rates on existing personal housing loans in accordance with the central bank’s guidance.
“The adjustment of the existing mortgage interest rates has a very positive guiding effect. The reduction in monthly payments should have a positive impact in boosting consumer confidence,” Yan Yuejin, research director at Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute, told the Global Times on Sunday.
Additionally, commercial personal housing loans will no longer differentiate between first-time and second-time home purchases. The minimum down payment requirement is now set at no less than 15 percent, the PBC said.
First-tier cities including Shanghai, and Guangzhou and Shenzhen in South China’s Guangdong Province all eased their property policies on Sunday.
Shenzhen announced that the minimum down payment ratio for commercial personal housing loans for first-time homebuyers will be adjusted to 15 percent.
Shanghai introduced seven new policies aimed at stabilizing the real estate market, effective from October 1, 2024.
Highlights among the measures include easing purchasing restrictions for non-resident families and individuals. Specifically, the requirement for continuous payment of social insurance or personal income tax has been adjusted to a minimum of one year prior to the purchase date for those buying homes outside the city’s outer ring.
Furthermore, the minimum down payment ratio for commercial personal housing loans for purchasing first homes in Shanghai has been set at no less than 15 percent, while for second homes it has been adjusted to a minimum of 25 percent.
Guangzhou also issued a notice on Sunday saying that all purchase restrictions for local families buying housing in Guangzhou will be lifted, CCTV reported.
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Thursday to analyze the country’s current economic situation and make further plans for economic work.
Regarding the real estate market, efforts must be made to address public concerns, adjust housing purchase restrictions, reduce existing mortgage rates, improve land, fiscal and taxation, financial and other policies, and promote the formation of a new model of real estate development, the meeting concluded.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said in a meeting on Sunday that it will support cities, especially first-tier cities, in effectively utilizing their independent real estate market regulation, and will adjust housing purchase restrictions based on local conditions.
It is expected that the pace of adjustments in housing policies across the country will accelerate. These new measures are expected to foster a positive trajectory for the real estate market, laying a solid foundation for continued development, Yan said.
China has long been committed to addressing global climate change and promoting sustainable development through technological innovation and international cooperation. Recently, the Global Times reporter Shan Jie (GT) interviewed Guo Huadong (Guo), an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Director-General of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), to discuss the role of big Earth data in helping Small Island Developing States (SIDS) achieve sustainable development and improve their disaster response capabilities. GT: How do you view the role of big Earth data in helping SIDS to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance disaster response capabilities? What kind of support can the CBAS provide to these countries?
Guo: We have been done a lot of work in the field of big data technology, and it is widely recognized that big data plays a crucial role in helping SIDS achieve their sustainable development goals and address the challenges of natural disasters.
Moreover, resources are also changing. Through big Earth data, we integrate various data sources, including satellite remote sensing, meteorology, and ecology, to offer a comprehensive, timely, and accurate means of monitoring and analyzing ecological environments and natural disasters. This plays a significant role in facilitating sustainable development goals.
The challenges faced by SIDS make big data especially important. Our research center can contribute significantly in several ways. First, these countries lack data in their development processes, whereas our center has abundant big Earth data resources. Second, these countries also lack methodologies, but we have established a scientific big data platform and identified that our satellite data resources have significant advantages in terms of technological tools and model development. Third, these countries lack the relevant talent, and we can provide training.
Our center has five major missions, with the fourth and fifth missions focusing on training talent in developing countries. The Small Island Developing States Capacity Building Workshop on Utilizing big Earth data for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is one such example of our specific efforts in this regard.
In conclusion, big Earth data provides strong support for SIDS in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. We are committed to continuing to drive technological innovation and capacity building in this area, supporting these nations achieve safer and greener development.
GT: In September, you and your team released a series of data products for SIDS covering marine and land heatwaves, coral bleaching thermal stress, and etc. What new products will be released in the future?
Guo: Climate change has triggered a series of disasters, which are key global concerns and have a significant impact on sustainable development. Our big Earth data research focuses on greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane emissions, as well as the carbon sequestration capacity of natural ecosystems. In terms of natural disasters, we monitor global floods, droughts, heatwaves, and other disaster types, and analyze the impact of these disasters on populations and economies using spatial information. The released global mangrove remote sensing product has already played a role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.
To address global climate change and disaster challenges, we have made contributions in greenhouse gas emissions and natural disaster monitoring. For example, despite the increasing trend of global meteorological droughts, severe drought impacts have decreased due to human irrigation efforts, which shows the vital role of irrigation in mitigating drought. Looking ahead, climate change will continue to pose a long-term threat to humanity.
Recently, we collaborated with scholars worldwide and published an article in Innovation from the perspective of global governance, proposing a synergy between climate change responses and sustainable development goals, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. GT: You have witnessed the development of China's remote sensing technology alongside the nation. Could you share your observations and insights?
Guo: The development of remote sensing has been synchronized with China's reform and opening-up. China's reform began in 1978, the same year we started large-scale airborne remote sensing experiments, such as the Tengchong Airborne Remote Sensing Experiment, which used domestically developed payloads to observe resources in Tengchong, Southwest China's Yunnan Province. This experiment marked the beginning of China's remote sensing history.
After that, our remote sensing communities conducted environmental remote sensing in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in North China, followed by remote sensing for site selection for the Ertan Hydropower Station in Southwest China's Sichuan.
We refer to these three projects as the "three major battles," which officially opened the chapter of China's remote sensing history.
At the same time, China's reform and opening-up also unfolded. Therefore, I have always believed that remote sensing has progressed in tandem with China's reform and opening-up. Over the last 46 years, China's remote sensing technology has made significant advances. In satellite remote sensing, China has developed meteorological satellites, ocean satellites, resource satellites, and environmental satellites, and even sustainable development satellite and other scientific satellite systems, with commercial satellites developing rapidly as well. The progress is not only in spaceborne remote sensing but also in airborne remote sensing and remote sensing data processing software.
These remote sensing technologies have been applied extensively in resources, environment, energy, and other fields, achieving significant progress. China has become one of the global leaders in remote sensing technology, which has played a crucial role in monitoring resources and the environment, supporting national economic construction, social development, and national security.
International cooperation has also been integral to the development of remote sensing. In 2016, I initiated the Digital Belt and Road program(DBAR), aimed at leveraging digital technology to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. Initially, 28 countries participated, and it has now expanded to 59 countries with nine international excellence centers. Remote sensing has played a vital role in advancing global cooperation and development.
I also launched the "ABCC Plan," a comparative study of climate change remote sensing involving Australia, Brazil, China, and Canada. The aim of this plan is to utilize these countries' remote sensing capabilities to analyze and compare the impacts of global climate change.
GT: After years of working with remote sensing satellites as your "eyes" to observe the Earth, how do you view the improvement of China's ecological environment?
Guo: The improvements are clear. We often refer to remote sensing satellites as the "eyes in the sky," which offer a broader perspective than our human eyes. Remote sensing technology can observe objects across the full spectrum of electromagnetic waves, enabling effective observations even at night. For example, remote sensing satellites can detect not only the presence of water, but also analyze its transparency. High-resolution satellites can even accurately determine how many solar panels and wind turbines are installed in China.
Every year from 2019, we write a report entitled Big Earth Data in Support of Sustainable Development Goals. These reports provide detailed assessments of progress toward sustainable development goals through big data analysis. For example, in 2023, we found that China had achieved more than half of the total environment-related sustainable development goals ahead of schedule, with over 52 among 92 indicators showing significant improvement. This is especially impressive given the global context of climate change, the pandemic, and economic slowdowns. GT: What role do you think digital Earth plays in global sustainable development? What are the main challenges in its practical application and promotion?
Guo: The concept of digital Earth was proposed at the first International Symposium on Digital Earth in 1999. When a journalist asked me how I would describe digital Earth, I replied: "Digital Earth is about putting the Earth into a computer." Digital Earth gives us a comprehensive view of the Earth. As the concept of big data has evolved, digital Earth has entered the era of big data.
Big data offers a new paradigm for digital Earth. Its primary task is to use various algorithms and tools to extract knowledge from diverse, massive, and complex Earth data, develop relevant theories, and explain the mechanisms of social and physical systems to ensure the protection and sustainable development of the Earth. This is critical for achieving global sustainable development goals.
The challenges mainly lie in several areas: First, we need to strengthen research on theories, technologies, and methodologies to drive science and technology development through data. Second, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and deep learning, data processing technologies must continuously innovate. Furthermore, it is essential to make our scientific platforms and data model resources accessible globally, especially for developing countries. In the future, we will build think tanks that leverage global resources to accelerate the realization of sustainable development goals.
GT: How does CBAS contribute to national and international sustainable development progress?
Guo: Since its inception, the center has achieved numerous accomplishments. We successfully launched China's first sustainable development science satellite, equipped with thermal infrared, glimmer, and multi-band imagers. The satellite data has been well utilized, with users from 104 countries worldwide downloading our data through SDGSAT-1 Open Science program, continuously promoting global data sharing.
Our data is already being used by several United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Additionally, our reports on Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals arereleased by state leaders at international events. For instance, the 2019 report was one of four official documents submitted by China's delegation to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The center has made significant contributions to international cooperation as well. We have signed memoranda of understanding with various UN agencies, such as UNEP and FAO. The center's SDGSAT-1 has been highly recognized by the central government and is listed as one of China's seven major actions to implement the 2030 Agenda.
We have also initiated the Internaional Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development, Goals (FBAS) which has now been held for four years and has become a high-level think tank in the field of sustainable development around the world. The center has established a global cooperation network, attracting eight international institutions and six domestic partners. We also formed a Fellowship program comprising internationally renowned scholars, including former presidents of the UN General Assembly and former directors-general of UNESCO, which has greatly enhanced the center's international influence.
In 2023, Csaba Krösi, the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, visited the center and said he saw the most advanced technologies and achievements, and found like-minded partners. He said that his dream had come true that day, which was a great recognition of our work.
GT: What is the state of global data sharing? Are there still barriers?
Guo: In terms of data sharing, we have always believed that if data cannot be effectively shared, the potential of big data cannot be realized. Therefore, since the center's inception, we have attached great importance to data sharing. Our first sustainable development satellite has achieved global open sharing, and 104 countries are now using our data.
I want to emphasize that while our satellite investment is not large, it has already provided significant data support to many countries. For instance, out of the 193 UN member states, 104 have used our data. More than 100 research papers have been published using our data, which is also a recognition of the scientific value of our work.
Moreover, based on these data, we have released several reports for the United Nations and signed cooperation agreements with several international organizations to promote global data sharing and application.
GT: What replicable and scalable experiences can be drawn from the SIDS training program?
Guo: Although the number of SIDS is limited, they face common challenges, especially the threats posed by climate change and rising sea levels. The United Nations places great importance on these countries. In facing these challenges, they have a strong need for data and technical support.
We provide data support and technical training for small island countries. For instance, we promise to offer the data they need and help them compile relevant reports. Through the training workshops, they have learned how to access and analyze big Earth data, enhancing their capacity to respond to climate change and disasters. This training model can be extended to other developing countries.
Overall, the experiences from the SIDS training program can serve as valuable references for other developing nations, helping them address climate change and achieve sustainable development through data-driven solutions, capacity building, and international cooperation.
A launch ceremony for two new law enforcement vessels, namely the new command vessel No. 53108 and the high-speed patrol law enforcement vessel No. 53117, was held recently by the Yunnan provincial public security department's water patrol headquarters in Menghan town of Jinghong, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, marking the official completion of the fourth generation of law enforcement vessels for the Mekong River joint patrols and law enforcement missions by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.
Compared with the existing law enforcement vessels, the performance of these two vessels, and their functions have been enhanced and expanded, Xinhua reported. Once commissioned, they will provide enhanced support for the joint patrols and law enforcement missions of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand along the Mekong River.
According to Xinhua, to meet the requirements of joint Mekong River patrols and law enforcement missions for the new era and considering the hydrographic characteristics of the Lancang-Mekong waterway, the Yunnan authorities took the lead in designing and supervising the construction of these two vessels.
Construction of the two vessels began on April 1, 2024. According to the mooring test plan, the two vessels will sequentially undergo performance tests for various equipment, and will be commissioned for deployment accordingly.
The latest Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand concluded on June 21, 2024, which covered over 630 kilometers and involved 130 law enforcement personnel.
The Mekong River, also known as the Lancang River in China, is an important waterway for cross-border transportation. Since December 2011, the four countries have been conducting cooperative river patrols, according to Xinhua.
On September 20, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company successfully completed a 10kV power generation operation and live-line work on a tension-proof lead wire in the Medical and High-Tech Zone of Taizhou city, Jiangsu Province, through a medium- and low-voltage coordinated operation without power interruption, using a "live-line-led, power generation-supported" maintenance method. This ensured continuous power supply to nine public transformers along the line and facilitated the smooth implementation of the underground wiring project for the North Yangtze River High-Speed Railway.
It has been reported that the North Yangtze River High-Speed Railway, also known as the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei High-Speed Railway is a key line of the Yangtze River corridor, one of the main routes in China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railway network. It is also an important part of the coastal and Beijing-Shanghai auxiliary routes. The railway-related road projects in downtown Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, are crucial supporting facilities for leveraging the economic impact of the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei high-speed railway along the Yangtze River. They are significant for accelerating the construction of the urban development framework, improving the regional road network structure, and reserving space for the city's future development.
To ensure the relocation and modification project, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company promptly sent its key personnel to the site, conducted site surveys, and discussed plans with multiple parties. Taking into account the actual situation, including historical line load data, load forecasting results, and the current road conditions, the company ultimately decided to adopt a "transfer + live-line + power generation" approach to minimize the impact on the power supply during the construction period.
State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company also took preemptive measures such as converting load-bearing straight poles into tension poles and installing on-pole switches, to prepare for live-line work and power generation operations. On the day of construction, one medium-voltage generator truck and three low-voltage generators were mobilized to the site. Through a coordinated medium- and low-voltage power generation approach, the normal operation of nine transformers was thus ensured.
