Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing on Wednesday.

On the morning of Jan. 6, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). He emphasized that unprecedented efforts have been made to advance full and rigorous Party self-governance and promote the fight against corruption since the beginning of the new era, yielding widely recognized results. It is essential to remain steadfast in the ongoing fight against corruption and to maintain strategic resolve and a tough stance. We must press forward without pause or compromise, coordinate efforts to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to become corrupt, and resolutely win this tough, protracted and all-around battle.

Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, presided over the meeting.

Xi pointed out that in 2024, the CPC Central Committee continued to use the Party's self-reform to steer social transformation and persevered with full and rigorous self-governance, securing new progress and achievements. The entire Party has gained a clearer understanding and stronger resolve in action regarding the crucial issue of self-reform. Party discipline education has been thoroughly implemented, greatly raising awareness of rules and discipline among all Party members. Efforts to combat corruption have been intensified to eradicate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption. Concrete actions have been taken to address misconduct and corruption at the primary level, resolving many of the most pressing issues that cause grave public concerns. Additionally, the deepening efforts to run the Party based on its systems and regulations have further strengthened the Party's capacity to lead the fight against corruption and advance full and rigorous Party self-governance.

Xi emphasized that corruption is the greatest threat to the Party, and combating corruption represents the most thorough kind of self-reform. Entering the new era and confronted with prominent issues in improving conduct, upholding integrity and fighting corruption within the Party, we have remained committed to investigating and addressing all corruption cases to preserve the integrity of officials. By doing so, we have burnished the Party's image, consolidated the socialist foundation, gained the historical initiative to ensure that the Party remains true to its nature, conviction and character, and also secured the historical initiative for the Party to unite and lead all the people in the pursuit of building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.

Xi said the current anti-corruption situation remains grave and complex. The backlog of corruption has not yet been eradicated, and new cases continue to arise. The task of eliminating the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption remains arduous. To understand the fight against corruption, we must have a historical perspective and strategic vision, and focus on the Party's mission and tasks. We must remain steadfast in combating corruption. Any hesitation, laxity or abandonment will lead to catastrophic mistakes. We must resolutely dispel all misconceptions, clear away ideological confusion, and further strengthen our determination and confidence in the fight against corruption.

Xi emphasized that on the new journey of the new era, we must uphold the spirit of reform and exercise strict Party self-governance to strive for greater results. This will ensure the implementation of the decisions made at the 20th CPC National Congress and the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, ensure that the Party is always the firm leadership core guiding the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and guarantee the steady and long-term advancement of Chinese modernization.

Xi pointed out that we should conduct concrete, targeted and regular political oversight. It is essential to closely follow the CPC Central Committee with firm actions. Ideologically, we must persistently strengthen efforts to equip members with the Party's new theories. This will enable them to accurately grasp the CPC Central Committee's goals and requirements for reform and development in their respective regions, departments and fields, and will ensure unity in thinking and action. Politically, it is a must to uphold the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, enforce strict political discipline and rules, and never allow the seven types of misconduct, so as to match our deeds with words and fully comply with the CPC Central Committee's directives and prohibitions. In action, it is imperative to take the implementation of the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee as the focus of political oversight, thereby jointly pressing ahead with critical reform tasks and promoting high-quality development.

Xi stressed that strengthening Party discipline is a regular practice, and it is necessary to guide Party members and officials to transform Party discipline into self-discipline and internalize it into an everyday code of words and deeds. Efforts are needed to build a regular and long-term discipline education mechanism so that discipline education lasts throughout the whole cycle of officials' growth and integrates into the entire process of organizational management. It is also necessary to strictly implement Party discipline, accurately exercise four forms of oversight over discipline compliance, seek truth from facts, protect the innocent while holding wrongdoers accountable, identify problems early and correct them while they are nascent. Thus, we can enforce strict management and supervision while encouraging officials to take on responsibilities, and enable them to engage in reform and innovation and show great enterprise in compliance with the rules and discipline.

Xi pointed out that it is necessary to further investigate and address instances of both misconduct and corruption. It is a must to always show zero tolerance for malpractices, strictly implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, rigidly investigate and punish those who intentionally violate Party discipline, and address the more hidden problems of pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance. We must urge Party members and officials to resolutely oppose privilege-seeking mindsets and practices and to develop a firm and correct attitude toward power, performance evaluation and our cause. It is necessary to always maintain a tough stance against corruption, focus on and investigate key issues, areas and targets, investigate those who take bribes and also those who offer them, and resolutely eliminate the hidden risks of institutional corruption. Cases should be studied and used to promote rectification and improve governance, and efforts must be made to improve the mechanisms for regulating and supervising the allocation and exercise of power and increase the effective methods for combating new types and disguised forms of corruption. It is necessary to improve conduct and enforce discipline while combating corruption, investigate and severely punish those involved in misconduct intertwined with corruption, and eradicate the common root causes of both misconduct and corruption.

Xi emphasized the need to ensure that principal and oversight responsibilities for full and rigorous Party self-governance are assumed. Party committees must take the initiative in oversight and management, while disciplinary inspection commissions should fulfill their specialized supervisory duties, focusing on their core responsibilities and fulfilling their primary tasks. All responsible entities must be aware of, shoulder and fulfill their respective responsibilities. The mechanism for evaluating the fulfillment of responsibilities should be optimized, and work must be done to ensure accurate and well-founded accountability for those who fail to perform their duties and responsibilities.

Xi pointed out the need to continuously extend full and rigorous Party self-governance to the grassroots level. Party committees at all levels, especially those at the city and county levels, must make it a regular task to address misconduct and corruption that occur at people's doorsteps, ensuring tangible and perceptible results for the public. We should deepen reforms in grassroots supervision systems and mechanisms, integrating disciplinary inspection and supervision with inspections at the grassroots level and with other forms of oversight. Long-term mechanisms for rectifying pointless formalities to reduce burdens at the grassroots level should be implemented to enable primary-level officials to concentrate more on delivering results.

Xi emphasized that disciplinary inspection and supervision bodies are a vital force in advancing the Party's self-reform, and the Party and the people have full trust in and high expectations for this team. We should deepen the reform of the disciplinary inspection and supervision system, judiciously integrating the delegation of power with oversight to confine power to an institutional cage. It is necessary to ensure that disciplinary inspection and supervision work is carried out in a more standardized, law-based and professional manner, and to continuously enhance the ability to improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption. We must consolidate and expand the achievements of theoretical study programs and education, adhere to the principle that it takes a good blacksmith to forge good steel, and strengthen strict management and oversight to build a loyal, clean and responsible disciplinary inspection and supervision team that has the courage and capability to engage in struggle.

Presiding over the meeting, Li Xi said that General Secretary Xi's important speech fully recognized the new progress and achievements in advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance over the past year. With a farsighted historical perspective, the speech showed a profound understanding of the fundamental principles governing the anti-corruption campaign and deeply analyzed the current anti-corruption situation. It outlined clear requirements for resolutely winning this tough, protracted and all-around battle against corruption, and presented a strategic plan for further advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance. The visionary speech is profound in thought, direct in addressing problems, and highly enlightening, providing important guidance for promoting full and rigorous Party self-governance and for combating corruption. We must thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi's speech, and gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is necessary to be more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; to strengthen confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and to uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and uphold the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. We must strengthen confidence, have the courage to fight, fulfill the political responsibility of full and rigorous Party self-governance, advance the coordinated efforts to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to become corrupt, and unwaveringly push the fight against corruption to a deeper level.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, relevant leaders of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state councilors, president of the Supreme People's Court, procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, relevant leaders of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and members of the Central Military Commission attended the meeting.

Members of the CCDI, leading officials of central Party and government departments as well as people's organizations, and leading officials of relevant units in the military also participated in the meeting. The meeting was held via video and telephone, with sub-venues set up in various provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and relevant military units.

The fourth plenary session of the 20th CCDI opened in Beijing on Jan. 6. The Standing Committee of the CCDI presided over the session. On the afternoon of Jan. 6, Li Xi, on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CCDI, delivered a work report titled "Further Promoting Efforts to Improve Party Conduct, Uphold Integrity and Combat Corruption, Providing Strong Guarantee for Advancing Chinese Modernization Through New Achievements in Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance."

China's Ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, presented his credentials to South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, on Tuesday.

Dai conveyed greetings from Chinese leaders to Choi and expressed that China and South Korea are friendly neighbors and important cooperative partners. He emphasized that China is firmly committed to developing the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership, according to the Chinese Embassy in South Korea.

Under the current circumstances, Dai said he believes that the South Korean people have the wisdom and capability to properly handle domestic issues, and he sincerely wishes for stability, development, and prosperity for South Korea.

For his part, Choi welcomed Dai on his new appointment and asked him to convey his greetings to the Chinese leaders. Choi expressed his hope that Dai would play an active role in promoting the development of ROK-China relations.

Dai arrived in Seoul on December 27, 2024, to assume the position of Chinese Ambassador to South Korea.

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.

Editor's Note:

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.