Editor's Note:

The escalation of recent tensions between China and the Philippines raises concerns among neighboring countries in the South China Sea. How will the Philippines' provocations, instigated and supported by the US, affect the situation in the South China Sea in the rest of 2024? Why does ASEAN hope that the situation will be contained? 

In the "ASEAN Perspective on the South China Sea" series, we collect wisdom and insights from former diplomats and scholars from ASEAN member countries. In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Wenwen, Benedict Weerasena (Weerasena), research director of Malaysia-based Bait Al Amanaha, an independent research institute, said that the key to managing the situation in the South China Sea is peaceful dialogue. 

Engaging as much as possible in diplomacy is essential, and all parties should exercise restraint, despite the threat of tensions escalating, he noted.  

GT: Since last year, tensions in the South China Sea have been escalating. In a recent move, the Philippines made provocations at Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea, with its ship continuously and dangerously approaching China Coast Guard ships that were conducting normal navigation. What do you think of the Philippines taking these provocative actions?

Weerasena: I believe that it's a reassertion on the Philippines' hedging strategy. The competitive game between China and the US has contributed to the Philippines' hedging strategy against China while ensuring that its ties with the US remain positive.

If we look at the past two decades, we can see that there have been three key phases of the Philippines's hedging pattern against China. 

The first phase, from about 2001 to 2010, can be characterized by cooperative behavior over confrontational behavior with China. The next phase, from 2010 to 2016, saw a shift toward confrontational behavior over cooperative behavior. Finally, in the third key phase, from 2016 to 2022, a moderation of oppositional behavior can be seen. 

Looking at these phases, it is clear that the Philippines in the past two decades has definitely been influenced by domestic changes in governance as well as external factors with regards to how it has addressed the issue in the South China Sea. 

The Philippines has repeatedly made public statements confirming that it is pursuing diplomacy over military action in response to rising maritime tensions. This is the position that most Southeast Asian countries take. I hope that the Philippines is sincere and this commitment is backed up with action.

GT: To what extent will the Philippines' actions regarding the South China Sea disputes and its leaning toward the US affect ASEAN as a whole?

Weerasena: I think the foundational point to remember is that all ASEAN members exercise their own foreign policies. Because of this, it is hard to dictate what each member state should or should not do.

That being said, the Philippines' actions regarding the South China Sea have definitely somewhat impacted ASEAN unity and centrality. This has led to potential fragmentations. 

For example, we can see slight fragmentation between Singapore and the Philippines. In other words, ASEAN unity, or the way ASEAN sees foreign policy, has been somewhat impacted by the developments in the South China Sea.

I also believe that this will influence how ASEAN, as a whole, navigates its relationships with external powers, both in the short term and the long term, particularly in terms of how ASEAN responds to both China and the US. 

Furthermore, it has definitely impacted ASEAN's position and influence as a negotiator in global forums and as a regional convener, as different member states have adopted different foreign policies for their own national interest. 

However, I don't think ASEAN's influence and impact are in danger of being completely undermined. Definitely, fragmentation is what's happening now, and I think that this fragmentation will continue in the near future. Nevertheless, I do not believe this fragmentation will lead to a complete breakdown of the role of ASEAN.

GT: What is the key to managing the situation in the South China Sea?

Weerasena: For me, above all, it's peaceful dialogue. Engaging as much as possible in diplomacy is essential, and all parties should exercise restraint, despite the threat of tensions escalating. 

Of course, I understand that this is much easier said than done. That's why the second thing we need to manage is the code of conduct. ASEAN really needs to speed up the negotiations with China regarding the code of conduct to mitigate the risk of conflicts in this highly contested South China Sea. 

There have been challenges in finalizing the code of conduct, which policymakers say will be completed by 2026. I think to facilitate this process, two things need to happen. First, greater trust needs to be built between the nations, especially among ASEAN member states and China. Second, the participants need to be willing to sign a legally binding agreement. I think this will definitely be a make-or-break situation for the effectiveness of the code of conduct.

GT: China and Malaysia have maintained friendly relations despite the South China Sea issue. What can the Philippines learn from this? 

Weerasena: I think Malaysia has always positioned itself as equidistant between the US and China. It's maintaining a neutral position on a macro level while seeking inclusive but selective multi-layered partnerships with competing powers across micro-level domains.

I think that Philippines should commit as much as possible to being consistent on neutrality. Of course, as a third party and analyst, I can't dictate how the Philippines should decide on its foreign policy. However, I think it's very important for every ASEAN member state to continue pursuing a neutral equidistance stance between the major powers in the region.

Of course, we will still be committed to protecting our sovereignty, sovereign rights and interest in the maritime areas, in the South China Sea. But we must always remember that any issues, any matters and any conflicts must be resolved peacefully and constructively. And this is in accordance with the universally recognized principles of the international law, including in 1982 UNCLOS. 

I think it's very important that we uphold this "rules-based order" that we have in the South China Sea, to resolve disputes through peaceful means via existing platforms and diplomatic channels, without compromising our principled positions.

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. On Sunday, an international conference on protecting the Qinshihuang Mausoleum and its surrounding heritage site was held. 

That same day, an exhibition also opened at the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors. It is also the first exhibition of its kind to showcase such a broad selection of artifacts - 230 pieces from significant discoveries made over five decades. 

In 1974, local farmers accidentally unearthed clay fragments while digging a well, leading to the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors.

Around 2,000 life-size clay warriors and numerous weapons have been unearthed from three pits surrounding the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC), the first emperor of a unified China. The army of Terracotta Warriors was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

After 50 years of excavation and research, over 10 above-ground building sites and more than 500 underground burial pits and tombs have been discovered in the mausoleum. Over 50,000 relics have been unearthed.

As we reflect on this half-century of excavation and preservation, it's clear that the Terracotta Warriors have evolved into more than just an archaeological marvel - they have become a cultural icon for China and the world. The influence of the Terracotta Warriors goes far beyond their historical and artistic value. 

Li Gang, director of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum, captured the significance of the Terracotta Warriors perfectly when he described them as a "wonder in the history of world heritage exhibitions" and a "gold business card" for Chinese cultural heritage diplomacy.

"They play an irreplaceable role in enhancing the shared identity of the Chinese nation, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and contributing to global cultural heritage governance. By telling the story of these ancient warriors, they have made a unique contribution to fully, comprehensively, and authentically showcasing both ancient and modern China," said Li.

Over the past 50 years, archaeologists have revealed the complex layout of the mausoleum, centered around the emperor's burial mound and surrounded by inner and outer walls, burial pits, and accompanying tombs. 

The artifacts from the site offer a glimpse into the technological, material, and institutional advancements that emerged around unification of China under Qinshihuang.

Opening Sunday, the exhibition showcases 230 relics from significant discoveries made over five decades. The exhibition uses innovative display techniques, such as large-scale models, digital interaction, and live broadcasts, to present the mausoleum's history, design, and cultural value from multiple perspectives. 

Notably, the artifacts on display, including those unearthed from the eastern gate of the outer city, the tomb's architectural remains, and accompanying tombs, are being presented to the public for the first time. 

According to Ye Ye, deputy head of exhibition department of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum, the exhibit follows the design philosophy of the mausoleum, highlighting its grand layout, ceremonial buildings, burial pits, tombs, and unearthed artifacts, vividly portraying the rich political, economic, military, and artistic life of the Qin Dynasty.

The global appeal of the Terracotta Warriors has been evident since their first overseas exhibition in Japan in 1976. Since then, the artifacts from the site have traveled to 49 countries and nearly 200 cities, with 277 exhibitions drawing in more than 20 million visitors, according to media reports. These international tours have played a crucial role in spreading Chinese culture, history, and values across the globe. 

Beyond their cultural significance, the Terracotta Warriors have been a key player in promoting international cooperation. The year 2024 also coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum. 

The museum has signed cooperation agreements and memorandums with institutions from countries including Germany, Belgium and the UK, advancing China's principles of heritage protection on the global stage. These collaborations help promote China's conservation methods.

The Terracotta Warriors site not only allows visitors to witness the "Eighth Wonder of the World," but also provides a model and experience for the protection and display of large-scale archaeological heritage in China. 

In many ways, the preservation of the Terracotta Warriors symbolizes the broader advancements in China's cultural heritage field. From the painstaking eight-year restoration of the bronze chariots and horses to the use of advanced technology to stabilize fragile artifacts, the outstanding technology and craftsmanship not only demonstrate the dedication of cultural heritage workers but also highlight the pursuit of excellence in China's cultural heritage preservation efforts.

A deepfake crime surge in South Korea has sparked worries in China as Chinese experts said on Sunday that AI-powered scams have turned into an international concern, and social media platform operators should take more action.

Numerous chat rooms suspected of creating and distributing deepfake pornographic material with doctored photos of ordinary women and female service members have been reportedly discovered on messaging app Telegram recently, with many of the victims and perpetrators known to be teenagers, The Korea Times reported last week.

Perpetrators reportedly used social media platforms such as Instagram to save or screen-capture photos of victims, which are then used to create deepfake pornographic material, the Guardian reported.

The incident in South Korea attracted particular attention in China after multiple netizens, claiming to be South Korean women, posted on Chinese social media platforms recently, saying that they hope Chinese netizens will spread the story as they are that afraid that the incident is being overlooked in their country, Shanghai-based news website thepaper.cn reported on Saturday.

There are similar situations in other countries, making deepfake technology an international problem, Xie Yongjiang, a professor at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, told Global Times on Sunday. 

As AI develops, deepfake technology is increasingly realistic, and coupled with the fact that it does not require specialized knowledge; more criminals are now scamming by means of counterfeiting some videos and pictures, and more attention should be paid to it, he said.

In June, a male suspect in China surnamed Bai was prosecuted for producing and selling obscene materials for profit as he used deepfake technology to create nearly 7,000 fake nude photos involving female students and teachers.

Since the wider public are not yet capable of differentiate AI-generated content from reality-based content, relevant authorities should develop appropriate identification technologies, Xie said, suggesting social media platform operators to set up mechanisms to deal with the issue.

Editor's Note:

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is being held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. It takes place at a critical juncture when the world is grappling with various regional and global crises and there is a pressing need for countries from the Global South to join hands. How will this year's FOCAC elevate ties between China and Africa? What is the significance of building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future? The Global Times (GT) interviewed a number of former officials and pundits from various African countries to share their insights and stories. 

In the fifth article of this series, GT reporter Su Yaxuan interviewed Busani Ngcaweni (Ngcaweni), director-general of the National School of Government in South Africa and research associate in world economics at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

GT: The theme of the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." What's your perspective on this theme?

Ngcaweni: FOCAC is a significant platform for engagement between China and Africa. "Joining hands to advance modernization" indicates that this forum aims to focus on mutual development in a context of mutual respect, recognizing the need for cooperation.  

"A shared future" reflects how China views its relationships with other parts of the world and how it engages with other countries and regions, emphasizing that establishing common goals is essential. In practice, it means that shared aspirations are combined with the sharing of resources. It also entails deepening collaborative efforts and treating others with respect and as equals. 

GT: Regarding China's increasing engagement with Africa in recent years, is this development positive for the African continent?

Ngcaweni: Some people are concerned about China's influence in Africa. Who is worried and why?

In my view, those who are particularly concerned, especially in the West, recognize that there is now an alternative modality of cooperation and that they no longer have a monopoly on influence over the African continent. They are also compelled to acknowledge that a different approach is possible - one that goes beyond imposed conditionalities and exploitative relationships, which are not developmental in form and substance. Those who attempt to articulate concerns about China's possible "exploitation" often fail to provide an alternative, nor are they committed to engaging in developmental initiatives that equalize opportunities. 

Many are concerned because they fear trade competition. China has been doing well, affirming increased intra-African trade and reducing many countries' dependence on their former colonizers. Some also assume that Africans cannot negotiate better contracts and that the relationship with China is biased. Such assumptions are somewhat racist and based on the presumption of low capacity. However, Africans are now at the forefront of securing better deals and ensuring that we act in the longer-term interest of our people in Africa. 

GT: In what ways can China assist Africa in its energy transition?

Ngcaweni: There is an incredible opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation between Africa and China on the green energy transition. Africa has many opportunities to do things differently and to utilize our natural endowments more effectively. The continent has many of the minerals needed for new green energy equipment. China increasingly recognizes that Africa, as an industrial hub for production, makes much more sense than merely serving as a source for raw material exports. This approach emphasizes mutual benefit and win-win strategies. Naturally, we must continually restate the importance of industrialization and manufacturing in Africa so that China continues to benefit from infrastructure investments. A much more aggressive approach to investments in industrialization would be the next step in demonstrating to the world that this relationship is about mutual development and it's not as one-sided as many would like to propose. 

GT: You mentioned that "it is crucial to tell the real China-Africa story." Could you share some examples of such stories? 

Ngcaweni: Let me give you an example about South Africa. In South Africa, we are one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese vehicles. 

In my interpretation, ordinary South Africans use their money, go to a bank, and obtain loans to buy cars made in China, such as those from Great Wall Motor or Haval. It means that people are embracing products from China, which are increasingly perceived as being of good quality. 

This is not a government activity. These are individuals and households making their own spending choices. That's the real story of how South Africans connect with China on a personal level. This mutual appreciation highlights the people-to-people connections between the two countries.

To measure the relationship between the two countries, you must go deeper into it. Then you will find that South Africans want to study in China because they feel safe, see opportunities, and believe they will receive higher-quality education.

GT: Western media has portrayed China's development financing in Africa as a "debt trap." How do you respond to this narrative?

Ngcaweni: China is not interested in establishing a culture of conditionality. China is not interested in imposing policies in Africa. Its ethos revolves around finding common solutions to challenges as they arise. Regarding the "debt trap" narrative, we must question these alarming tendencies. What exactly is this trap? Africa needs to develop and requires resources, and credit lines are opening, especially from China. The BRICS Bank (New Development Bank), the African Development Bank and others have agreed to establish credit lines that are different from historical ones. These credit lines are not accompanied by conditionalities that make our people's lives impossible. They are really about implementing projects. 

So, I don't believe the "debt trap" narrative. The main issue is that Africans must negotiate and sign good, mutually beneficial contracts with China.

GT: What are your prospects for the future of China-Africa cooperation?

Ngcaweni: The opportunities for the future are great. If we sustain the current momentum, we will likely tell a very different story of development moving forward. Our current narratives are dominated by a history of exploitation, followed by neo-colonial penetration, aid dependency and a lack of development. Many in the Global North have gone so far as to suggest that Africa is a lost continent. They fail to understand that what is unfolding will make a significant difference for everyone around the globe.

The prospects for China and Africa are very positive. China is focused on developing and navigating realities that are mutually beneficial. Our people welcome relationships where they can experience the tangible benefits of modernization and mutual development. This FOCAC summit has substantial and real value for China and Africa. 

We need to communicate better and more effectively to convey the real story. It is the people who will defend the relationship between our countries for a long time to come.

Experts call for attention and countermeasures to prevent cybercriminals from using new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) powered deepfake technology amid growing concerns over the issue around the world.

Numerous chat rooms suspected of creating and distributing deepfake pornographic material with doctored photos of ordinary women and female service members have been reportedly discovered on messaging app Telegram recently, with many of the victims and perpetrators known to be teenagers, The Korea Times reported last week.

Telegram had removed certain deepfake pornographic content on its platform and apologized for its response to digital sex crimes, the Yonhap News Agency reported Tuesday citing South Korea's media regulator.

The issue has raised outrage among South Korean netizens, which soon spread to its Chinese neighbors after some South Korean netizen brought it to Chinese social media platforms.

But it is just the tip of the iceberg of the Telegram's deepfake porn scandal. On August 28, a court in Paris filed a charge against Pavel Durov, 39-year-old Russian billionaire and founder of Telegram, for being complicit in the spread of images of child sexual abuse, as well as a litany of other alleged violations on the Telegram messaging app.

While Durov responded mockingly to the charge by changing his Twitter handle to Porn King, global scientists, governments and regulators view the issue as an urgent alert for them to strengthen measures to prevent cybercrimes powered by new technologies.

Deepfake refers to a kind of technology that uses a form of AI technology called deep learning to make images of fake events, hence the name deepfake.

The core principle of deepfake technology is to animate 2D photos using specific image recognition algorithms or to implant a person's face from a photo into a dynamic video, The Beijing News reported citing an industry observer named Ding Jiancong.

Recently, voice synthesis has also gradually been incorporated into the concept of deepfake. With the gradual maturity of AI large model technology in recent years, some AI image generation models, while pursuing greater realism, have inadvertently become accomplices in AI face-swapping or AI nudity, Ding said.

For instance, the well-known large model Stable Diffusion was developed with a one-click nudity feature, which once became widespread. Although the model later modified its related functions to curb such behavior, the open-source nature of the technology has already opened a "Pandora's box," making it difficult to close again, Ding warned.

Apart from the new deepfake crime, there are also two other types of risks brought about by new technologies, Xiao Xinguang, chief software architect from Chinese cybersecurity company Antiy, told the Global Times.

First, new technologies will drive the escalation of traditional threats and risks. For example, in cyberattacks aimed at stealing information or targeted ransomware, AI technologies can significantly assist throughout the entire attack process, including enhancing the efficiency of discovering attack vectors and automating attack activities, according to Xiao.

Second, the infrastructure of new technologies will become targets of exploitation. Large model platforms are becoming new hubs for information assets, and the entry points for large model applications are also becoming new exposed surfaces that are vulnerable for attacks, Xiao said.

The expert believed that with the advancement of AI technology, it is unrealistic to stop people from using AI to generate fake videos or images. Instead, it will be more effective to have strict regulations over the dissemination of technology.

Xiao was echoed by founder and chairman of 360 Security Technology Zhou Hongyi. When talking about the threats brought about by AI technologies at a forum held in North China's Tianjin municipality on Wednesday, Zhou said that "we must use AI to counter AI."

"AI technology is profoundly affecting various industries, bringing opportunities for the development of new productive forces, but also bringing many new security challenges. It is necessary to reshape security with AI and to create security large models and reshape security products with specialized large model methodologies, which will reform the security industry," Zhou said.

Strict regulations and law are also necessary. AI technology platforms should have reviews for the content uploaded and generated, and users should be required to register with their real names. There should also be severe crackdowns on tools or websites that support illegal activities, experts noted.

China and Africa have deepened meteorological cooperation to enhance their climate change response and disaster risk reduction capabilities, achieving fruitful results in recent years, under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) frameworks.

China has implemented meteorological infrastructure projects in several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia. These projects include establishment of automatic observation stations, and data reception and processing systems for the Fengyun-3G, a satellite dedicated to measuring precipitation on Earth, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

The CMA has initially established an early warning service platform designed for developing countries and regions. It plans to collaborate with more African countries to jointly develop and construct meteorological early warning service platforms, utilizing services such as China's Fengyun-3G, aiming to strengthen disaster prevention and climate change response capabilities in Africa, according to the CMA.

Establishing meteorological early warning systems has been included in the 10 partnership actions for modernization proposed by China to deepen China-Africa cooperation. 

Meanwhile, visiting meteorological scholars from BRI countries have recently participated in meteorological exchange and cooperation between China and Africa, according to the CMA. 

Limited meteorological observation capabilities hinder effective responses to climate change and the management of weather-related disasters in Africa, said Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs.

It requires improved access to data, monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems, to strengthen the adaptation capabilities to climate change in Africa, especially given the rising frequency of extreme weather events, Ma said.

While the US "decoupling" push appears to be aimed directly at China, it is ultimately a form of trade protectionism intended to protect US domestic industries. In this light, even India, viewed as a potential alternative supplier for the US, is experiencing the strain.

Indian solar panels are facing US scrutiny for possible links to so-called "forced labor" in China, Reuters reported on Tuesday. 

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has detained approximately $43 million in shipments of electronics equipment from India since October 2023 under the US "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)," according to agency data.

While it is unclear what specific types of electronics equipment the CBP has detained, the situation reflects the protectionist conundrums facing India as it develops its manufacturing sector.

The "forced labor" claims about Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are utter lies concocted by some politicians in the US. The move is actually aimed at impeding China's manufacturing development by excluding the region from the global supply chain.

Superficially, the detainment of India's electronics products may seem to be mainly targeting Chinese manufacturing, but in essence, it is aimed at protecting US interests by ensuring the competitiveness of American companies and the economy.

It is apparent that the current development of the Indian manufacturing sector is, to a large extent, dependent on the Chinese supply chain, as India needs Chinese raw materials, components, technologies and services. 

The fact that China edged past the US and emerged as India's largest trading partner with $118.4 billion of two-way commerce in the Indian fiscal year 2023-2024 - from April 2023 to March 2024 - is sufficient to prove that Indian manufacturing cannot exclude products, technologies and services imported from China.

India's exports of electronics goods to the US have surged quickly. For instance, US trade data showed that imports of solar products from India have soared in recent years, hitting $2.3 billion last year, according to Reuters. In the second quarter of 2024, India accounted for 11 percent of US solar panel imports, more than double its share in the previous quarter, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that Indian producers have faced setbacks, given the increasing protectionist trend in the US solar industry. This is because any foreign industry that poses a threat to US interests or competes with US industries is likely to be targeted by Washington's trade protectionism, regardless of its origin, be it China, India, the EU or any other economy.

The trend is now clear - the US is increasingly inclined to adopt trade and industrial protectionist measures in order to boost its manufacturing revival, especially in the new-energy and other strategic sectors. 

There is no denying that some of India's exports to the US, such as solar panels and textiles, are seen as alternatives to Chinese products for the US, but they are likely only temporary solutions.

In the long run, if Indian industries grow to compete with their US counterparts, which is inevitable, the US is bound to resort to tougher protectionist policies using various excuses.

Amid rising global trade protectionism, India faces much greater resistance in improving its position in the global industrial chain than China did in the past, when it comes to developing the manufacturing sector. 

If anything, the US-led "decoupling" push aimed at squeezing Chinese manufacturing out of the global supply chain is unlikely to give India much time or opportunity for large-scale manufacturing growth.

In this context, India needs to diversify its export markets and seek more opportunities in the Asian industrial chain by strengthening cooperation with regional countries to jointly address the challenges of trade protectionism. India needs to enhance trade cooperation with other developing countries in order to collectively uphold the smooth functioning of international trade.

Some Western media outlets and organizations never get tired of smearing the human rights situation in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Recently, they're again spreading such disinformation, claiming that China's measures aimed at economic growth "harm the way of life and ecoculture of people in Xizang." 

Nevertheless, the tangible progress in Xizang's development serves as a powerful rebuttal to these baseless Western lies.

Over the years, Xizang has seen continued and sound economic growth, social harmony and stability, the sound preservation of its cultural heritage, and significantly better lives for its people. These facts have the wholehearted recognition of people of all ethnic groups in Xizang and are acknowledged by many in the international community, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Xizang's economic and social development has benefited from the long-term support of the central government and the support and assistance from people across the country. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the program of national pairing assistance to Xizang. 

Over the past three decades, the central government has continuously stepped up support for Xizang, implementing assistance projects to help the region improve its infrastructure, which has contributed to vigorous and diversified industrial development in the region. 

In 2023, Xizang's GDP reached 239.27 billion yuan ($33.74 billion), an increase of 9.5 percent year-on-year. The growth rate ranked first in the country, according to the Xizang Daily. 

Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Xizang's GDP has risen from 190 billion yuan to nearly 240 billion yuan last year. Additionally, its per capita GDP has risen from 52,300 yuan to 60,000 yuan, Chinese media reports said.

Over the years, infrastructure construction has provided a solid foundation for Xizang's industrial development. In particular, with the improvement of transportation networks, the cultural and tourism industries have become important pillars of Xizang's economy, with tourism revenue reaching a record high of 65 billion yuan in 2023.

In the clean energy field, Xizang has also made notable achievements. The region is rich in hydro, wind and solar energy. Its installed power capacity, including some under construction, is 24.14 million kilowatts, with clean energy accounting for more than 95 percent of the total, according to State Grid.

Xizang has also actively seized the "digital opportunity" to accelerate the deployment of new infrastructure, such as 5G, green data centers, the Internet of Things and the industrial internet. So far, 10,067 5G base stations have been built and 5G network coverage has been extended to all counties/districts and main towns/townships in the region. 

These milestones represent the potential for the future development of the digital economy. In 2023, the added value of Xizang's digital economy reached 25.1 billion yuan, up 19.3 percent year-on-year.

These numbers show that Xizang's economic and social development trends follow a sustainable path, laying a solid foundation for Xizang's long-term stability and prosperity. 

It also demonstrates that the guidelines of the Communist Party of China for governing Xizang are correct, in line with our national conditions and the fundamental interests of the people in Xizang.

Xizang's development is an important part of the Chinese development story. It exemplifies how the Chinese government, while promoting economic development, can effectively protect the natural environment and cultural heritage, improve living standards, and maintain social harmony and stability. We welcome more foreigners to visit Xizang to gain first-hand experience of the region and its development. 

In the face of Xizang's development, Western lies are falling apart. Xizang's development achievements are the most powerful response to those who seek to undermine China's stability and development by distorting facts.

"Hearing about something 100 times is not the same as seeing it once. I love Chongqing, and most of us have been blown away by the scenery, by the nature and by the atmosphere of the megacity," Moritz Nicolaus Lohmann, co-founder of Hamburg Welcomes You, Germany, told the Global Times on Saturday. 

Lohmann said he was very impressed with the city's strong desire for pursuing high-quality development and opening-up.

Lohmann is one of the foreign journalists who participated in the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum, which kicked off in Southwest China's Chongqing city on Saturday. The forum also provides the attending journalists with tours to the city's flourishing industries from advanced manufacturing plants to major tourism attractions. 

During the tours, many foreign journalists hailed the development model of the mountainous city - increasingly driven by the green development and new quality productive forces. They noted that Chongqing has provided pragmatic experience for their home cities' future upgrade and high-quality development.

Sustainable growth model

"For someone like me who visited Chongqing about 10 years ago, the city is nearly unrecognizable now. There are high-rise buildings, new bridges, and a few metro lines have been built," Lohmann said.

However, things that used to look a little bit run-down were not all replaced by new high-rise buildings. Instead, they were upgraded through processes of urban revitalization, Lohmann noted.

At Beicang Cultural and Creative Street in Chongqing, worn-out warehouses were turned into public gathering places and cafes, old streets into fashionable walking alleys, and factories into galleries. This not only saves resources like cement and benefits the environment, but also creates a welcoming space that appeals to both locals and tourists, Lohmann said.

"I call for more projects like these in the cities, and suggest that other countries like Germany can learn a thing or two. We will probably not build many 30 story high-rise buildings any time soon. But we might be able to turn an industrial area into an artistic district, just like the city of Chongqing," he said.

Kirtan Bhana, director and editor of The Diplomatic Society, a media outlet in South Africa, was impressed by the automated robotic arms he saw at one of China's leading electric vehicle (EV) makers Seres Group's super factory. 

Visiting the increasingly intelligent automotive manufacturing factory, people can observe that each assembly procedure is implemented smoothly and precisely, with minimal human touch. The massive factory floor has more than 3,000 robots, with major procedures already realizing 100 percent automation, while a new car rolls off the assembly line every 30 seconds, according to the Seres Group.

"What South Africa can learn from Chongqing and the rest of China is that how to develop sustainably without damaging the ecology, that is to say, a way of environment-friendly development," Bhana told the Global Times on Saturday, noting that green products such as EVs are crucial to meet the goal by cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

The green development has become a major trend in the world. Bhana noted that China and South Africa can enhance cooperation in this field under the great framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as the African continent has many of the minerals that are needed to make EV batteries.

In addition to promoting urban renewal and green transformation, Chongqing has also pursued the high-quality development of its tourism industry which fits well with its ecological protection. 

Located in the southeastern part of Chongqing, along the Wujiang River, the largest tributary in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Wulong district is endowed with abundant natural resources and charming natural landscape including the Fairy Mountain. 

The Three Natural Bridges, located in the Fairy Mountain, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape. While exploring the geological wonder, Elizabeth Sade, a senior reporter from the Media Association of Solomon Islands, was struck by the three massive natural stone bridges, marveling at the wonders created by nature. 

"The three bridges that we visited were something that I was thrilled about. Alongside, the strong connection that I saw between locals and the environment has amazed me," Sade told the Global Times on Saturday.

He Qing, secretary of the CPC Wulong District Committee of Chongqing, told the Global Times that the local government has strengthened ecological environmental protection while developing tourism, by eliminating predatory way of resource exploitation seen in the past. 

At the same time, the first real-time monitoring system for caves at a heritage site in China has been established, He Qing noted.

Ecological protection

"It is a global issue when we consider the challenges of climate change, especially for Pacific island nations like the Solomon Islands," said Sade. 

"In Chongqing, I saw that the city can integrate ecological protection and tourism development at the same time. So I hope that when our media outlets come back home, they can speak to authorities or go out and do more stories that will influence them to come up with good policies that will be able to promote tourism and at the same time, keep the ecology as green as possible," Sade noted.

On August 23, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting in Beijing to review policies and measures to open up a new vista in the large-scale development of China's western regions.

Efforts should be made to "deepen reform comprehensively and blaze a path of Chinese modernization that suits the realities of the region," the meeting said, while identifying work priorities in a number of fields, including promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, advancing green and low-carbon development as well as enhancing the openness of the Chinese economy.

Chongqing is an important pivot point for the development of western part of China, as well as a crucial link between the BRI and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Boosted by policy support, unique geographical advantage and new technologies, the flourishing manufacturing sector and other industries seen in Chongqing mirror the high-quality development of China's western region in the new era and the opening-up of the country's western region.

"Through visiting Chongqing, we realize that China is sharing its development knowledge and information with us," said Bhana, adding the BRI not only increases connectivity among the world's peoples, but also creates better understanding among them. "This is where I see the idea of peace and prosperity," he noted.