Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Message to 15th OIC Summit
On May 4, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Banjul. Xi Jinping pointed out that the OIC is a symbol of unity and independence for Islamic countries and has made important contributions to strengthening cooperation among Islamic countries and safeguarding international fairness and justice. China and Islamic countries are good friends and partners, and their friendship has a long history. In recent years, China and Islamic countries have supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation, continuously upgraded friendly relations, and set a model for South-South cooperation. China is willing to continue to work with Islamic countries to carry forward traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, expand civilization exchanges, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, so as to make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
French Edition of "Excerpts from Xi Jinping's Discourses on Chinese Modernization" Published
The French edition of "Excerpts from Xi Jinping's Discourses on Chinese Modernization," translated by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, was recently published by Central Compilation & Translation Press and distributed both domestically and internationally. "Excerpts from Xi Jinping's Discourses on Chinese Modernization," compiled by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, collects a series of important discourses by Comrade Xi Jinping on Chinese modernization from November 2012 to October 2023. The French edition of this book, and the English edition published earlier, are of great significance for foreign readers to deeply understand the theoretical system and practical requirements of Chinese modernization, to thoroughly learn about the new path to Chinese modernization successfully forged by the Communist Party of China leading the Chinese people in unity, the new form of human civilization created, and the new vision of modernization presented, and to enhance the international community's common understanding of moving forward together on the path to modernization and achieving world modernization characterized by peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.
[New Ideas Guide New Journey] Let Youth Shine in the Endeavor of the New Era
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 105th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement. As the May Fourth Youth Day approached, General Secretary Xi Jinping, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended holiday greetings and sincere regards to young people across the country. He fully affirmed the courage of young people of all ethnic groups nationwide in various fields and aspects to serve as pioneers and fresh forces, and encouraged them to inherit and carry forward the May Fourth spirit, unswervingly follow the Party's lead, and strive to be good young people of the new era with ideals, a strong sense of responsibility, the ability to endure hardship, and a willingness to strive. These earnest instructions and sincere expectations warmly encourage hundreds of millions of young Chinese in the new era to shoulder the responsibilities of the times, strengthen their beliefs, work diligently, and take on responsibilities, allowing their youthful selves to shine in the vibrant practice of Chinese modernization. Youth is full of vitality, and it nurtures hope. In the hinterland of the Taklamakan Desert, young technicians are attempting to conquer the "underground Everest," striving to drill a 10,000-meter deep well; in the new AI track, those born in the late 1990s and 2000s are using their creativity and practical efforts to outline the "shape of the future"; on the journey of chasing dreams in aerospace, wave after wave of young people are taking on major responsibilities, carrying the torch and echoing the call that "Chinese aerospace is always worth looking forward to." Upon receiving General Secretary Xi Jinping's warm message to young people in the new era, everyone was greatly encouraged and inspired. General Secretary Xi Jinping has always cared about the growth and development of young people, pointing out that if the young generation has ideals and takes responsibility, the country will have a future, the nation will have hope, and there will be a continuous source of powerful strength to achieve our development goals. The General Secretary has repeatedly visited young students, held discussions with young people, replied to their letters, and acted as their confidant, enthusiastic supporter, and guide. He encourages young people to be loyal to the motherland and the people, and urges the young generation to demonstrate their youthfulness, showcase their youthful style, and contribute their youthful strength in the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation, striving to write a youthful chapter of taking on responsibility for Chinese modernization. The construction of Chinese modernization is a relay race that requires the joint efforts of all Chinese people, especially the vast number of young people, to run one leg after another. General Secretary Xi Jinping encouraged everyone to have the will to clear obstacles and build bridges, to be indomitable and forge ahead for innovation and creation. Daring to be the first and daring to break through, youth blossoms in creation. Tracing the origins of civilization, the joint archaeological team of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences used scientific methods to restore the clam shell dragon of the Hongshan culture, adding new materials to the study of the early development of Chinese civilization. Chasing dreams of the future, an AI team incubated by Tsinghua University independently developed China's first video large model, injecting new vitality into the development of global AI technology. Good sons and daughters aspire to serve the country, and those with ambition have no regrets in their youth; youth shines in dedication. Wang Shengbo, a "post-90s" youth, graduated with a Ph.D. in finance from Peking University in 2021, but his next stop was Ji'an, an old revolutionary base area in Jiangxi, starting as an assistant to a village Party branch secretary, moving from "desk work" to "the fields" to serve rural revitalization. Little Wang also became an "insider" widely talked about by the villagers. Wei Pengfei, also a "post-90s" youth, is one of the first undergraduate graduates from China University of Petroleum (Beijing) Karamay Campus. His hometown is Shijiazhuang, but he chose to settle down in the desert to fuel the motherland. With the country in their hearts and the distant future in their minds, the vast number of young Chinese people strive hard and compete for the vanguard position, undergoing tempering in urgent, difficult, dangerous, and heavy posts, being able to withstand critical moments and bear risks and challenges, consciously undertaking the historical mission of the new era and new journey, and singing the song of youth in the new era with high spirits.
Various Regions Hold May Fourth Youth League Day Activities on "Youth Takes Responsibility for Chinese Modernization"
As the May Fourth Youth Day approached, various levels of the Communist Youth League organizations across the country held "Youth Taking on Responsibilities for Chinese Modernization" May Fourth theme group day activities, inheriting and carrying forward the May Fourth spirit, and encouraging young people to contribute their youthful strength to the great cause of building a strong nation and national rejuvenation. At Peking University, teachers and students celebrated May Fourth Youth Day with a youth poetry gathering. Through poetry, recitation, singing, and opera performances, they paid tribute to their predecessors with their youth and patriotic aspirations. In Jiangxi, new Youth League members solemnly swore an oath, and young people from all walks of life participated in hiking activities, following in the footsteps of their predecessors and inheriting the red gene. In Jiaxing, Zhejiang, local young people and children also inherited and promoted the May Fourth spirit through flash mobs and other forms, offering blessings for the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. In Hunan, over a hundred Youth League members and youth representatives from Hunan, Hubei, Chongqing, and Guizhou provinces and cities visited Shibadong Village in Huayuan County for study and exchange activities, experiencing the power of thought and drawing strength for progress amidst the great changes in the countryside of the new era. During this holiday, in Shandong, Shaanxi, Tianjin, and other places, youth shock teams and young volunteers stood fast at the front lines of engineering construction and service support, brightening their youth with struggle and dedication. Today (May 4), all units of the military organized young officers and soldiers to carry out various May Fourth Youth Day theme commemorative activities, encouraging young officers and soldiers to take root in the barracks, live up to their prime, and write brilliant and regret-free chapters of youth in the practice of strengthening the military.
Diverse Activities Offer Joyful Holiday Experience
During the May Day holiday, people's enthusiasm for travel and consumption was high, and various regions launched a series of rich and colorful cultural and tourism activities, allowing citizens and tourists to fully enjoy their holiday time. This holiday, major tourist attractions were popular. Beijing's Summer Palace had an average daily visitor flow of over 150,000, with tourists boating on the lake and strolling through the scenic area, enjoying the beauty of classical gardens. Mount Tai in Shandong became one of the most popular self-driving tour destinations nationwide, with about 80,000 tourists ascending Mount Tai daily to watch the sunrise and enjoy the beautiful scenery. During the May Day holiday, China Shipbuilding Culture City, located in Mawei District, Fuzhou, welcomed a large number of visitors. This is China's best-preserved and most complete modern industrial cultural heritage, retaining a large number of French buildings and industrial designs. In Changchun, Jilin, Jingyuetan National Forest Park was bustling with tourists. People walked into nature, paused to listen to forest concerts, and visited intangible cultural heritage markets. During the holiday, visitor flows to Qianshan in Liaoning, Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin, Guangxi, and West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou increased significantly. Local authorities facilitated tourist travel by improving public transportation transfer systems and increasing reservation channels. This holiday, folk tours and leisure tours enriched people's holiday lives. In Dehong, Yunnan, tens of thousands of tourists and local people danced ethnic dances together, lively and joyful. At Sayram Lake in Xinjiang, tourists not only enjoyed the natural scenery but also watched splendid intangible cultural heritage performances and tasted local delicacies. In Sanya, Hainan, people enjoyed the blue sea and sky, coconut groves, and experienced vibrant water activities. In Hanzhong, Shaanxi, people set sail on the Hanjiang River, experiencing the speed and passion of sailing. In Yangzhou, Jiangsu, people enjoyed intangible cultural heritage performances such as Yangzhou Quyi and rod puppets, and experienced the production of duck egg powder. Sandu Shui Autonomous County in Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou, held Shui ethnic-themed horse races, equestrian stunt performances, and horse riding experiences, attracting nearly 200,000 tourists during the May Day holiday. This holiday, commercial districts and pedestrian streets in major cities saw new consumption scenarios gathering popularity. Shanghai's Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street had a single-day cumulative visitor flow of over 220,000, a 36.3% increase year-on-year. The newly opened CIIE Market attracted many tourists to select global goods. In Wudadao, Heping District, Tianjin, a coffee market was held during the holiday, offering tourists a more leisurely experience. In Chongqing, people strolled through the Shan Cheng Alley and Shibati Traditional Style Area during the day, collecting city stamps and choosing cultural and creative products. At night, they admired the Hongya Cave stilt-house complex, which was as brilliant as a palace, enjoyed beautiful scenery and delicious food, and checked out the city's night view. This holiday, the colorful night scenes were captivating. Along the Songhua River in Harbin, various themed light shows allowed tourists to experience the charming city. In Bafang Shisanxiang in Linxia, Gansu, the Northwest ethnic cultural architectural complex was adorned with brilliant lights, and tourists watched live performances and experienced local customs, with an average daily visitor reception of over 50,000 people.
Green Consumption Ignites New Market Vitality
During the May Day holiday, green consumption, such as energy-saving home appliances and new energy vehicles, was booming, stimulating new vitality in the market. Reporters saw eye-catching "trade-in" posters in a shopping mall in De'an County, Jiangxi. The local government offered a 10% discount subsidy for purchasing 16 major categories of green smart home appliances, with a maximum subsidy of 3,000 yuan per item, attracting many consumers. E-commerce platform data showed that during the May Day holiday, over 400 home appliance brands participated in trade-in programs, and trade-in orders increased by over 100% in the first three days of the holiday. A few days ago, the Ministry of Commerce and six other departments issued the "Implementation Rules for Automobile Trade-in Subsidies." During the May Day holiday, many regional auto markets saw a peak in new energy vehicle purchases. In Jiaxing, Zhejiang, the local government plans to allocate 100 million yuan in fiscal funds for automobile "trade-in" subsidies this year. The increasingly完善 charging and battery swapping network for new energy vehicles further boosted consumption. The 28,500 public charging piles already built along the recently opened Hainan Ring Island Tourism Highway provided charging services for new energy vehicle travel during the holiday. According to data from the State Grid Smart Vehicle Networking Platform, in the first three days of the May Day holiday, the cumulative charging volume of new energy vehicles on expressways reached 17.85 million kWh, a year-on-year increase of 65.82%.
Transport Authorities Implement Multiple Measures to Cope with Return Travel Peak
According to the Ministry of Transport, today (May 4), the total cross-regional passenger flow across society is expected to exceed 260 million person-times, an increase of 24.8% compared to the fourth day of the May Day holiday in 2019. Railways are experiencing a peak in return passenger flow. National railways are expected to send 17.35 million passengers today, with an additional 1,149 passenger trains. At stations such as Shanghai Hongqiao and Urumqi, young volunteers are providing caring assistance and guidance for entry and exit at key points such as ticket purchase and boarding. Affected by heavy rain, Guangzhou Railway Group today suspended 34 ordinary speed trains on the Beijing-Guangzhou railway, while high-speed rail transportation has not been affected. In terms of roads, the cross-regional passenger flow on roads is expected to exceed 240 million person-times today, and traffic flow on expressways and national and provincial trunk roads is expected to remain generally high. In terms of waterways, water passenger volume is expected to be 1.75 million person-times today. The Qiongzhou Strait is experiencing a peak in return passenger flow for island departures today. Maritime and other departments are strengthening dynamic monitoring of traffic flow, and once congestion occurs, they will promptly arrange additional ships for evacuation.
Southern China Enters Strongest Rainfall Period; Exercise Caution for Traffic Safety During Holiday Returns
In the last two days of the May Day holiday, various regions are experiencing a peak in return passenger flow. The Central Meteorological Observatory predicts that from tonight (May 4) to tomorrow, eastern and southern parts of Northeast China, most of North China, and eastern Huanghuai will be cloudy, with localized light rain, which will have little impact on the return journey. In many southern regions, rainfall has intensified again since yesterday. The Central Meteorological Observatory predicts that from daytime to night today will be the strongest period of this round of heavy rainfall, with heavy to torrential rain in parts of Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Guangdong, localized extreme torrential rain, accompanied by strong convective weather such as thunderstorms, gales, or hail. It is expected that starting tomorrow, the rainfall in Jiangnan and South China will significantly weaken, but Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Guangdong will still experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers. The meteorological department reminds that due to continuous rainfall, the soil moisture content in parts of Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi, and Hunan is high, and there is a higher risk of flash floods and geological disasters. The public should avoid approaching dangerous areas such as river valleys, mountains, and slopes. People with travel plans should pay close attention to the forecasts and warning information issued by local meteorological departments and take precautions against secondary disasters caused by heavy rain.
Think Tank Report "China-EU Environmental and Climate Cooperation: Progress and Prospects" Released
The Xi Jinping Ecological Civilization Thought Research Center and three other organizations recently jointly released the think tank report "China-Europe Environmental and Climate Cooperation: Progress and Prospects" to the world. The report points out that China-Europe environmental and climate cooperation has become a new highlight, a new pillar, and a new engine of the China-Europe comprehensive strategic partnership and China-Europe cooperation. Green is the most distinct background color of China-Europe cooperation. The report calls for further strengthening the China-Europe green partnership, enhancing cooperation mechanisms, innovating cooperation models, broadening cooperation scope, enriching cooperation forms, and working together to build a community of life on Earth to contribute to building a clean and beautiful world.
Domestic News Briefs
China's First National Shale Oil Demonstration Zone Achieves Record High Output in Q1. Reporter learned from China National Petroleum Corporation today (May 4) that the Jimusar National Continental Shale Oil Demonstration Zone produced 215,000 tons of shale oil in the first quarter of this year, with a daily output exceeding 2,800 tons, both reaching historical highs. The shale oil production capacity of the demonstration zone is expected to exceed one million tons this year. Shale oil is petroleum attached to shale rock or in fractures. The rapid growth of shale oil production will become an important support for stable crude oil production in China. 38,000 Local Government Special Bond Projects Screened for 2024. Reporter learned from the National Development and Reform Commission that recently, the National Development and Reform Commission, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, completed the screening of local government special bond projects for 2024. A total of approximately 38,000 special bond projects were approved, with a demand for special bonds of about 5.9 trillion yuan in 2024, laying a solid foundation for the issuance and use of special bonds this year. Green Insurance Service System to Be Initially Established by 2027. The National Financial Regulatory Administration recently issued the "Guiding Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Green Insurance," clarifying the strengthening of green insurance coverage in nine major areas, including safeguarding green and low-carbon technological innovation and promoting green and low-carbon energy transition. It proposes that by 2027, the green insurance service system will be initially established, and its role in promoting green transformation of the economy and society will be enhanced. China's 27th Peacekeeping Force to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Returns Home Today. The 218 officers and soldiers of China's 27th peacekeeping force to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) successfully completed their 8-month peacekeeping mission and returned home today (May 4). According to a resolution of the UN Security Council, China's peacekeeping force to the DRC has ceased rotation, officially ending its 21-year peacekeeping mission. Since 2003, China has successively dispatched 27 batches, totaling over 6,000 personnel, to the DRC mission area to undertake engineering and medical support tasks. "Shining Youth - 2024 May Fourth Youth Day Special Program" Airs Tonight. China Media Group's "Shining Youth - 2024 May Fourth Youth Day Special Program" will air tonight (May 4) at 8:00 PM on CCTV General Channel. The program, with the theme of "Shining Youth," showcases the youthful actions, style, and strength of new-era youth representatives in promoting the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation through their practical actions. The program will also be simultaneously broadcast on CCTV Variety Channel, Music Radio, CCTV News, and other platforms.
French, Serbian, Hungarian Figures Anticipate President Xi Jinping's Visit to Elevate Bilateral Cooperation
People from all walks of life in France, Serbia, and Hungary expressed their anticipation for President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit, believing that this visit will consolidate traditional bilateral friendship and promote bilateral cooperation to a new level.
Second China-France Global Governance Forum and Other Events Held in Paris, France
From May 2nd to 4th, the Second China-France Global Governance Forum, the China-France Cultural Cooperation and Development Forum, and the academic seminar "China-France Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning: Review and Prospects" were held in Paris, France. Government officials, experts, and scholars from China and France conducted discussions and exchanges on topics such as "Deepening Global Governance Reform and Building the Future of Multilateralism," "Deepening People-to-People Exchanges and Promoting the 'China-France Spirit'," and "Practice and Witness of Civilizational Exchange." Participants stated that true multilateralism should be practiced, civilizational mutual learning should be strengthened, and people-to-people exchanges should be enriched to promote the expansion of consensus and deepening of mutual trust between the two countries.
Israel Continues Airstrikes on Gaza City and Rafah; Palestinian Armed Groups Claim Strikes on Israeli Targets
According to the Palestinian News Agency today (May 4), the Israeli military launched airstrikes early this morning on Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part, and Rafah in the south, causing multiple casualties. The Israeli military also clashed with Palestinians in Tulkarm in the West Bank. Palestinian armed groups shelled Israeli personnel and command centers in several areas of the Gaza Strip on May 3 and fired rockets at Nir Oz in Israel. The Colombian Foreign Ministry announced on May 3 that Colombia had officially delivered the document breaking diplomatic relations to the Israeli ambassador to Colombia. The government of Trinidad and Tobago decided at a cabinet meeting on May 2 to officially recognize the State of Palestine. Trinidad and Tobago is the third Caribbean country to recognize the State of Palestine in two weeks.
International News Briefs
Egyptian Eco-Industrial Park Invested by Chinese Enterprises Opens. An Egyptian Eco-Industrial Park, invested by Chinese enterprises, recently opened in Egypt, which is expected to drive the upgrade of the local home appliance manufacturing industry and promote employment. Egyptian President Sisi and Prime Minister Madbouly attended the opening ceremony. The eco-industrial park covers an area of 200,000 square meters, with a designed total production capacity exceeding 1.5 million units, and has achieved intelligent, digital, and flexible production. Russia Claims Destruction of US-Made Tanks, Ukraine Claims Destruction of Russian Command Posts. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on May 3 that the Russian army destroyed Ukrainian military equipment, including US-made tanks. From the night of May 3 to the early morning of May 4, Russian air defense forces shot down four US-made Army Tactical Missiles launched by the Ukrainian army over Crimea. Russia had previously warned that Ukraine, with Western support, planned a new offensive against the Crimean Bridge, and Russia would retaliate. Ukraine, on the same day, stated that the Ukrainian army repelled Russian attacks in multiple locations and destroyed three Russian command posts. Ukraine also stated that the Russian army is trying to expand its offensive, and Ukraine faces a new phase of the war. Tens of Thousands of Japanese Gather to Defend Peace Constitution. May 3rd was Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. Over 30,000 Japanese citizens held a rally in Tokyo on the same day to safeguard peace and oppose constitutional revision. They stated that Japan's strengthening of military cooperation with the United States, continuous increases in defense budgets, and lifting of restrictions on the export of lethal weapons are worrying moves that will put Japan and the region in a dangerous situation, and the Japanese people will firmly defend the Peace Constitution. Boeing Delivery Delays Lead to US Airlines Reducing Work Hours and Operations. Sources familiar with the matter revealed on May 3 that due to delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing, Southwest Airlines, a major US domestic airline, plans to take further measures, including reducing pilot work hours and pay. Southwest Airlines had previously announced measures to cease operations at four airports, including New York and Houston. The company said it expects Boeing to deliver less than a quarter of the originally planned aircraft this year.
Cultural China Tour
Building national cultural parks and concentrating on creating important symbols of Chinese culture. Today (May 4th)'s "Cultural China Tour" takes us into the national cultural parks to experience cultural charm and understand historical civilization.