Advancing Chinese Modernization: A Shared Journey for New Contributions
For days, the central committees of the various democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and prominent non-party individuals have been diligently studying the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. They stated that they will unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and make new contributions to further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization. The plenary session pointed out that Chinese modernization has been continuously advanced through reform and opening up, and will surely open up broad prospects through reform and opening up. Faced with complex international and domestic situations, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, and new expectations from the people, reform must continue to be pushed forward. The central committees of the various democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and prominent non-party individuals believe that this fully reflects the firm determination and strong mission of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core to carry reform through to the end in the new era and on the new journey. This has pointed the way forward and provided fundamental guidance for them to fulfill their mission and tasks in the new era and on the new journey. They stated that they will focus on in-depth research into the most urgent issues related to economic system reform, and bottlenecks and difficulties in other areas of reform, to propose more targeted and practical opinions and suggestions. They will give full play to the advantages of China's new type of political party system, guide the broad members of the united front to actively participate in reform, and create a favorable environment for further comprehensively deepening reform.
Premier Li Qiang Meets East Timor President
Premier Li Qiang met with East Timor President José Ramos-Horta, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on the 28th. Li Qiang stated that over the 22 years since China and East Timor established diplomatic relations, they have always understood and supported each other, with continuously deepening political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation. President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Horta to make new strategic plans for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with East Timor to further carry forward traditional friendship, deeply align development strategies, strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in broader fields such as agriculture, fisheries, poverty reduction, tourism, and local exchanges, and jointly make positive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity. President Horta stated that East Timor firmly adheres to the One-China principle and actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative, hoping to deepen cooperation in agriculture, water conservancy, and other fields to upgrade bilateral relations.
Premier Li Qiang Holds Welcome Ceremony for Italian Prime Minister
On the afternoon of the 28th, Premier Li Qiang held a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on her official visit to China. State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong and others attended the welcoming ceremony. The military band played the national anthems of Italy and China. Afterwards, Li Qiang accompanied Meloni to inspect the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Premier Li Qiang Holds Talks with Italian Prime Minister
After the welcoming ceremony, Li Qiang held talks with Meloni. Li Qiang stated that over the past 20 years since China and Italy established a comprehensive strategic partnership, bilateral political mutual trust has been continuously consolidated, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, genuinely benefiting the people of both countries. President Xi Jinping will hold talks with Prime Minister Meloni to jointly draw a blueprint for the future development of China-Italy relations. China is willing to work with Italy to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, comprehensively advance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, bring more benefits to the people of both countries, and make greater contributions to promoting global peace and development. Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to further consolidate political mutual trust with Italy, promote the development of bilateral relations in a more mature and stable direction, and provide more positive expectations for deepening cooperation between the two countries. Both sides should make good use of the China-Italy Government Committee and various dialogue platforms, promote the optimized development of trade between the two countries, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as shipbuilding, aerospace, new energy, artificial intelligence, and among small and medium-sized enterprises, jointly organize a series of commemorative activities for the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, and continuously deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. China supports Chinese enterprises in carrying out cooperation in Italy and hopes that Italy will provide a fair, secure, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. It is hoped that the EU will view China's development objectively and rationally, adhere to its partnership positioning, deepen dialogue and cooperation, and promote the stable and healthy development of China-EU relations. Meloni stated that Italy is committed to developing long-term, stable, and good Italy-China relations, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in trade, economy, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, build bridges of friendship, explore new modes of cooperation, unleash cooperation potential, and promote the further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Italy is willing to play a positive role in the stable development of EU-China relations. After the talks, the prime ministers of the two countries jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in industry, education, environmental protection, and other fields.
Premier Li Qiang and Italian Prime Minister Attend Opening Ceremony of 7th China-Italy Business Forum
On the 28th, Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the 7th meeting of the China-Italy Business Forum with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Beijing and delivered a speech. More than 150 entrepreneurs from China and Italy attended. Li Qiang stated that in the context of the current weak global economic recovery, China and Italy should further strengthen economic and trade cooperation to inject more impetus into the development of both countries. China and Italy should vigorously carry forward and practice the Silk Road spirit, and work together to achieve common prosperity. The continuous in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy will bring more stable expectations, broader opportunities, and more abundant resources for China-Italy economic and trade cooperation. China is comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development, which will provide vast space for cooperation between enterprises of the two countries. The current new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is deeply advancing, and the cooperation and reshaping of global industrial chains are pregnant with unlimited business opportunities. China and Italy should discover new cooperation opportunities by adapting to the general trend and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. We must support enterprises from both sides in tapping into cooperation potential in areas such as intelligent manufacturing, new energy, and biomedicine, and continuously expand the breadth and depth of cooperation. Li Qiang emphasized that China's door of openness will always be open to enterprises from all countries, and we will create a transparent, stable, and predictable institutional environment, further relax market access, guarantee national treatment for foreign-invested enterprises, and provide more support and convenience for enterprises from all countries to invest and operate in China. He expressed hope that Chinese and Italian entrepreneurs will seize opportunities and move forward side by side, making the "pie" of common interests between the two countries bigger and bigger, and making the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries closer and closer. Meloni stated that Italy and China should strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, economy, investment, and artificial intelligence on the basis of mutual respect, trust, fairness, and mutual benefit, innovate cooperation models, unleash cooperation potential, enhance enterprise competitiveness, and work together to address global challenges. Wu Zhenglong also participated in the aforementioned activities.
Vice President Han Zheng Meets International Olympic Committee President
On the afternoon of July 27, local time, Han Zheng, President Xi Jinping's special representative and Vice President of China, met with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in Paris. Han Zheng first conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Bach and expressed warm congratulations from China on the spectacular opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. He stated that in the current international situation, the Olympic spirit should be further promoted, and this Olympic Games holds special significance. China will host the Asian Winter Games next year and is willing to continue to deepen and expand high-level friendly cooperation with the International Olympic Committee. Bach asked Han Zheng to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and stated that China has consistently supported the international Olympic cause and successfully hosted the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics under the special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important lessons for other countries to successfully host the Olympic Games. He believed that the excellent performance of the Chinese sports delegation would make an important contribution to the success of this Olympic Games.
Central Lecturing Group Promotes Spirit of 3rd Plenary Session of 20th CPC Central Committee Across China
Recently, members of the lecture group for studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China gave lectures in Shanghai, Hubei, Hebei, and other places, and engaged in in-depth interactive exchanges with grassroots cadres and the public. Chen Jining, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, a member of the central lecture group, delivered a lecture report in Shanghai today (July 28). In his report, Chen Jining comprehensively lectured on and deeply expounded the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, from thoroughly understanding the theme, main achievements, and major deployments of the plenary session. Chen Jining also visited the Shanghai Cohesion Project Museum to interact and exchange with grassroots representatives from communities, enterprises, and schools, and further study and publicize the spirit of the plenary session. Meng Xiangfeng, a member of the central lecture group and executive deputy director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a lecture report in Wuhan, Hubei. The report closely focused on General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the "Decision" of the plenary session, providing key interpretations from five aspects, including deeply understanding the great significance of the plenary session and deeply understanding the major achievements. Today, Meng Xiangfeng also visited Xiangyang, Hubei, to give lectures on the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in communities and interact with the public. Wang Wentao, a member of the central lecture group and Minister of Commerce, delivered a lecture report in Shijiazhuang today. Wang Wentao deeply expounded the historical achievements made in the cause of the Party and the country in the new era, and the great significance of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for further comprehensively deepening reform and opening up a new situation for Chinese modernization, emphasizing the need to firmly implement various reform tasks. Wang Wentao also visited Xiong'an New Area, Shijiazhuang International Biomedical Park, and other places to give on-site lectures on the spirit of the plenary session and interact with cadres and the public.
33rd Summer Olympic Games: China Claims Gold in Men's 10m Air Pistol
Beijing time, this afternoon (July 28), the Paris Olympics entered its second competition day after the opening. Shooting competitions continued today. In the men's 10-meter air pistol final, which started earliest, Xie Yu competed alone and won the Chinese sports delegation's third gold medal of these Olympic Games with a score of 240.9 rings. In the swimming competition, the Chinese team, consisting of Yang Junxuan, Cheng Yujie, Zhang Yufei, and Wu Qingfeng, won the bronze medal in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay with a time of 3 minutes 30.30 seconds, also breaking the Asian record. In the men's 4x100m freestyle relay final, the Chinese team finished fourth. In addition, Chinese athletes appeared in the group stages of various badminton events and successfully defeated their respective opponents. In the table tennis mixed doubles round of 16, Sun Yingsha/Wang Chuqin defeated their opponents 4:0 to advance. Hong Kong, China Delegation Wins First Gold. Hong Kong, China athlete Vivian Kong won the first gold medal for the Hong Kong, China delegation at the Paris Olympics in the women's individual epee event.
Authorities Nationwide Go All Out in Flood Control, Relief Work
In recent days, heavy rainfall has occurred in Hunan, Jilin, and other places. All regions and departments are fully engaged in flood prevention, flood control, and disaster relief work. Starting yesterday (July 27), eastern and southern Hunan experienced heavy rainfall, and the Hunan Provincial Meteorological Observatory continued to issue a red warning for heavy rain today. Many areas in Zixing City, Chenzhou, Hunan, were hit by torrential rain, causing road closures, power outages, and network disruptions. Local authorities quickly organized rescue forces and have so far urgently evacuated more than 10,000 people, while also carrying out road clearing, communication restoration, and drainage work. This morning, a landslide triggered by mountain torrents in Yuelin Village, Shouyue Township, Nanyue District, Hengyang City, caused a single-story guesthouse to collapse. Local authorities quickly organized forces for rescue, and search and rescue, as well as medical treatment, are still ongoing. The Ministry of Emergency Management has activated a Level IV national emergency response for geological disasters targeting Hunan and has dispatched a working group to the landslide site in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, to guide rescue and relief work. Liaoning Province has experienced continuous heavy rainfall recently, with the provincial average rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters. Short-term heavy rainfall has led to extensive waterlogging in farmland in Zhujiafang Town, Shenyang, where over 60,000 mu of crops have been submerged. Local authorities urgently activated two standby drainage stations and deployed 120 water pumps to drain water at full capacity, reducing crop losses. Today, 10 rivers in Liaoning Province have experienced floods above alert levels, and 68 reservoirs are above their flood limits. Local authorities have organized personnel to patrol dikes for hazards and safely evacuated over 50,000 people. Today, the National Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters raised its Level IV emergency response for flood control targeting Jilin to Level III. Affected by heavy rainfall, the water level of the Yalu River continued to rise, and the river water in Linjiang City, Jilin, backflowed into urban areas. Local authorities organized personnel to build sandbag walls along the riverbank and evacuated residents in low-lying areas. As of now, Jilin Province has dispatched more than 40,000 patrol personnel and over 12,000 vehicles, cumulatively evacuating nearly 50,000 people. Efforts are in full swing for emergency rescue and disaster relief, with strengthened overall planning and pre-positioning. China Railway优化 train operation plans, taking proactive measures such as speed limits, suspensions, detours, and turnbacks in advance, and strengthening inspections of railway lines and equipment. State Grid promptly issued early warnings, activated emergency responses, coordinated power supply resources across the entire network, and fully carried out special inspections of power equipment. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology organized the information and communication industry to closely monitor network operation status, strengthen the pre-positioning of emergency communication vehicles, satellite base stations, and other emergency communication equipment and teams, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Cultural China Tour: Beijing Central Axis - A Chinese Case Study in Protection and Development
On the 27th, the Central Axis of Beijing was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. As the backbone of Beijing's old city, the 7.8-kilometer Central Axis represents a great creation of Chinese civilization in urban planning and construction, and still governs the spatial pattern of Beijing today. At the northern end of Beijing's Central Axis, Wan'ning Bridge, over 700 years old, sees people and vehicles passing by, and continues to fulfill the transportation function it has held since its construction in the Yuan Dynasty. The patterns on the bridge body are clearly visible, and four mythical water- trấn beasts complement the flowing water of the ancient bridge, creating a picturesque scene. At the southern end of Beijing's Central Axis, the Shencang (Divine Granary) within the Temple of Agriculture was opened to the public in April this year, unveiling the "First Granary under Heaven" for the first time in over 200 years since its relocation. The Temple of Agriculture was one of the altars and temples for sacrificial rites during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was long used for official and living purposes. After relocation and renovation, the "One Mu and Three Fen of Land" (Jitian) has been restored to its original appearance, and visitors can now experience spring sowing and autumn harvesting in the fields. Shencang, Qingchenggong, and several other cultural relics have been successively opened. Today, Shouhuang Hall in Jingshan Park, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and the Altar of Land and Grain have all been restored to their historical appearance. The southern section of the Imperial Way has been opened, and the fifth facade has been renovated. Looking south from the Zhengyangmen Gate Tower, Qianmen Street extends southward, and a clear visual corridor comes into view. Inside the Bell and Drum Towers, a large digital exhibition showcasing the past and present of the Central Axis has attracted over 500,000 visitors. Near Qianmen, the centuries-old Yanliao Guild Hall hosts benefit performances every weekend. The inscription of the Beijing Central Axis on the World Heritage List signifies the high international recognition of the protection and sustainable development of the old city's cultural heritage.
Domestic News Briefs
Western Region's Foreign Trade Grew by 10.2% in the First Half of the Year. Reporters learned from Chengdu Customs that in the first half of this year, the import and export volume of the 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China's western region reached 1.93 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.2%, making it the fastest-growing region in China's foreign trade. The main import and export commodities were electromechanical products. Over 930 Billion Yuan to be Invested by 25 Central SOEs in Xinjiang Over the Next Four Years. Reporters learned from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission that 25 central enterprises have signed 183 cooperation projects with Xinjiang, covering key areas such as oil and gas, new energy, energy chemicals, power grid construction, culture and tourism, and green mining. It is expected that by the end of 2028, central state-owned enterprises will complete industrial investments of 939.571 billion yuan in Xinjiang. China Promotes Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis. Today (July 28) is World Hepatitis Day. The National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control released data showing that hepatitis B vaccine coverage has reached 99% of newborns nationwide. The number of people infected with viral hepatitis in China has continued to decline steadily, and the country will continue to promote comprehensive prevention and control of viral hepatitis. Construction of "Hualong One" Nuclear Power Projects Commences in Two Locations Today. Today (July 28), the main construction of Unit 1 of the Huaneng Shandong Shidaowan Nuclear Power Base Expansion Project and Unit 5 of the CGN Fujian Ningde Nuclear Power Plant commenced simultaneously. Both projects adopt China's independently developed third-generation nuclear power technology, "Hualong One." After commissioning, each unit is expected to generate approximately 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is of positive significance for ensuring national energy security.
Palestinian Authorities: Israeli Bombing of Gaza Hospital Kills 30; Israeli Military: Struck Hamas Command Post
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip stated on the 27th that Israeli forces bombed a field hospital inside the Khadija School in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on that day, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 100. The Israeli military stated on the 27th that its target was a Hamas command and control center inside the Khadija School. Hamas has denied the presence of a Hamas command center inside the school. Israeli Military Claims Hezbollah Attack on Golan Heights Caused Civilian Casualties; Hezbollah Denies Involvement. According to information released by Israel on the 27th, Lebanese Hezbollah forces launched rocket attacks on the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that evening, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including children, and more than 30 injuries. Lebanese Hezbollah forces denied involvement in the attack on the 27th. From the night of the 27th to the 28th, the Israeli military carried out shelling or airstrikes on multiple areas in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that Hezbollah forces had "crossed all red lines." Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani issued a statement today (July 28) saying that Israel is trying to divert the world's attention from its crimes in the Gaza Strip and warned Israel against new adventurous actions in Lebanon. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the Head of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon urged both conflicting parties to exercise maximum restraint today.
International News Briefs
Russian Naval Detachment Visits Cuba Again Within Two Months. A detachment of the Russian Baltic Fleet arrived at Havana Port, Cuba, on the 27th, marking the second visit by a Russian naval detachment to Cuba within two months. The Russian naval detachment visiting this time includes the training ship "Smolny," the frigate "Udaloy," and the supply ship "Yelnya." The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Ministry issued a statement saying that the Russian naval detachment's visit to Cuba will last for four days and is a routine visit. Cuban citizens can board the "Smolny" for visits. In mid-June, a naval detachment from the Russian Northern Fleet conducted a six-day visit to Cuba. US Wildfires Spread, Burning Large Areas of Cities in California. According to US media reports on the 27th, a wildfire named "Park" in northern California is spreading rapidly, having burned over 1,400 square kilometers, an area larger than Los Angeles City, becoming the largest wildfire in California this year. As of the 27th, only 10% of the wildfire was contained. Local authorities stated that this wildfire may have been caused by arson, and a suspect has been arrested. In addition to the western United States, western Canada is also experiencing wildfires. Parks Canada stated on the 27th that wildfires near Jasper National Park in Alberta are expected to burn for several more months. Approximately one-third of the buildings in Jasper, which was affected by the wildfires, have been destroyed. As of the 27th, there were still 135 wildfires burning in Alberta.