New Ideas Guide New Journey: Promoting High-Quality National Fitness Development, Solidifying the Health Foundation for Chinese Modernization
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the most fundamental aspect of building a strong sports nation and a healthy China is to strengthen the people's physical fitness and safeguard their health. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has taken meeting the people's fitness needs and promoting the all-round development of individuals as the starting and ending points of sports work, promoting the deep integration of national fitness and national health. Today (August 8th) marks National Fitness Day, with mass sports activities widely carried out across the country, scientific fitness concepts deeply rooted in people's hearts, and the national fitness cause developing in depth, demonstrating the vibrant spirit of the Chinese nation. This summer, from cities to rural areas, football, basketball, and table tennis venues are full of vitality, while road cycling, skateboarding, rock climbing, and fencing are gaining popularity among more and more young people. Sports represent youth, health, and vitality, and are related to people's happiness and the future of the nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the development of China's sports undertakings and the vigorous promotion of national fitness. He pointed out: We must further enhance the overall strength of China's competitive sports, make competitive sports better, faster, higher, and stronger, improve the ability to win glory for the country in major international competitions, and powerfully drive the development of mass sports. He emphasized: We must widely carry out national fitness activities and promote the comprehensive development of mass sports and competitive sports. Under the guidance and promotion of General Secretary Xi Jinping, in 2014, national fitness was officially elevated to a national strategy; the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China clearly proposed the goal of "widely carrying out national fitness activities and accelerating the construction of a strong sports nation"; in 2022, the Central Committee issued the "Opinions on Building a Higher-Level Public Service System for National Fitness"; the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China further made clear deployments for "national fitness," and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee incorporated "improving the public service system for national fitness" into the "Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese Modernization." Localities and departments, guided by the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and approvals, have actively implemented the national fitness strategy, continuously improved the public sports service policy system, and provided comprehensive policy guarantees for national fitness; they have taken multiple measures to improve the construction of public fitness facilities and the opening level of public sports venues, solving the problem of "where to exercise" for the people; at the same time, they have enriched and improved the supply of public service products for national fitness and deeply promoted the extensive development of national fitness activities. Nowadays, the achievements of the Beijing Winter Olympics in "driving 300 million people to participate in ice and snow sports" have been continuously consolidated and expanded, and the popularization of ice and snow sports is constantly developing in depth. Venues for events such as the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Chengdu Universiade have been strengthened for post-event reuse, transforming from first-class arenas into "people's gyms"; localities have also built "15-minute fitness circles" throughout urban and rural areas according to local conditions; rural events such as "Village BA" and "Village Super" have quietly integrated into people's daily lives, becoming a new force in national fitness. Data shows that as of the end of 2023, China had 4.5927 million sports venues and a total sports venue area of 4.071 billion square meters, increases of 171% and 104.4% respectively compared to 2013. The per capita sports venue area reached 2.89 square meters, achieving the target of 2.6 square meters set in the "14th Five-Year Plan for Sports Development" ahead of schedule. The proportion of people who regularly participate in physical exercise in China is close to 40%. A mass sports pattern led by the government, coordinated by multiple departments, participated by the whole society, and jointly built and shared by all people has initially formed, and the public service system for national fitness has been basically established.
Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee: Central Lecture Group Delivers Speeches Across the Country
Members of the Central Lecturing Group for studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China delivered lectures in Liaoning and Qinghai, and engaged in interactive exchanges with cadres and the public at the grassroots level. Huang Shouhong, a member of the Central Lecturing Group and Secretary of the Party Group and Director of the Research Office of the State Council, recently delivered a lecture report in Shenyang. Huang Shouhong closely focused on General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee and the Plenum's "Decision," systematically lecturing and deeply elaborating on understanding the great contemporary significance and far-reaching historical impact of the Plenum. Huang Shouhong also visited the New Era Civilization Practice Center in Heping District, Shenyang, to interact and exchange views with cadres and the public. Lei Haichao, a member of the Central Lecturing Group and Secretary of the Party Group and Director of the National Health Commission, delivered a lecture report in Xining. Lei Haichao systematically explained and deeply elaborated on comprehensively and accurately understanding the major measures for further comprehensively deepening reform proposed in the Plenum's "Decision," and wholeheartedly grasping the implementation of the Plenum's spirit. Lei Haichao also visited the Qinghai Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment and other places, having face-to-face discussions with cadres and the public of various ethnic groups to deeply publicize the spirit of the Plenum.
Authoritative Interview: Deepening Reforms in Civil Affairs, Boosting Quality and Efficiency of Livelihood Security
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made specific arrangements for deepening reforms in the civil affairs sector. What reform measures will be taken next to further ensure and improve people's livelihoods? Today (August 8th), in "Authoritative Interview," we bring you an exclusive interview with Lu Zhiyuan, Minister of Civil Affairs. Lu Zhiyuan stated that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, China's basic livelihood security system has been continuously improved, and the framework for social assistance has been established, enabling all types of disadvantaged groups to enter a moderately prosperous society along with all the people. Lu Zhiyuan stated that in response to the new requirements of advancing Chinese modernization and meeting the new expectations of disadvantaged groups for a better life, it is necessary to adhere to the principle of doing our best within our capabilities, further improve the social assistance system, strengthen and perfect the welfare system and protection policies for disadvantaged groups such as children and people with disabilities, better leverage the role of charity in third distribution, and enhance the level of protection for various disadvantaged groups. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systematic deployments for actively responding to population aging. Lu Zhiyuan stated that efforts will be made to improve the working mechanisms for aging, strengthen institutional innovation and policy supply, and strive to forge a path with Chinese characteristics for actively responding to population aging.
33rd Summer Olympic Games: Chinese Delegation Wins 3 More Gold Medals, Artistic Swimming Team Secures First Olympic Gold
From last night Beijing time to 7:00 PM today (August 8th), the Chinese Sports Delegation won 7 medals at the Paris Olympics, including 3 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze. Among them, the Chinese synchronized swimming team won China's first Olympic gold medal in the synchronized swimming team event in Olympic history. In the recently concluded Sport Climbing Men's Speed event, Chinese athlete Wu Peng won a silver medal. The final event of the Paris Olympic synchronized swimming team competition, the free routine, began early this morning Beijing time. The Chinese team, performing tenth, with eight athletes Feng Yu, Chang Hao, Wang Ciyue, Zhang Yayi, Wang Liuyi, Wang Qianyi, Xiao Yanning, and Xiang Binxuan, collaborated to deliver a high-quality performance themed "Light of Life," scoring the highest 283.6934 points. This led them to win the championship with a total score of 996.1389 points, a significant lead of 81.7968 points over the second-place American team. This is the first Olympic gold medal for the Chinese synchronized swimming team since its establishment 41 years ago. Weightlifting, a traditional strong event for the Chinese team, kicked off yesterday. In the Men's 61kg category, Chinese athlete Li Fabin performed steadily, ultimately breaking the Olympic record with a total lift of 310kg to successfully defend his Olympic title in the event. Subsequently, in the Women's 49kg category, Chinese athlete Hou Zhihui lifted an Olympic clean and jerk record of 117kg in her final attempt, securing the championship with a total of 206kg, surpassing her opponent by 1kg. In the speed climbing event, Chinese athlete Deng Lijuan set a new personal best, taking silver with 6.18 seconds, earning China's first ever Olympic medal in Women's Speed Climbing. In the Taekwondo Women's 49kg final, Chinese athlete Guo Qing won a silver medal. In the Wrestling Women's Freestyle 50kg event, Chinese athlete Feng Ziqi won a bronze medal. In the Women's Field Hockey semi-final between China and Belgium, China took the lead with a goal in the second quarter, but Belgium equalized in the final two minutes of regular time. In the penalty shootout, Chinese goalkeeper Ye Jiao made three consecutive saves, helping China advance to the final! This marks the Chinese Women's Field Hockey team's first Olympic final appearance in 16 years. This afternoon Beijing time, in the Women's 3m Springboard Diving competition, Chinese athletes Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani successfully advanced to the final. In the Table Tennis Men's Team event, the Chinese men's team also smoothly advanced to the final.
China's Autumn Grain Acreage Shows Stable Increase, Overall Growth Normal
Currently, China's autumn grain crops are entering a critical period for yield formation. Major producing areas are adopting differentiated policies and strengthening field management to lay a solid foundation for a bumper harvest. This year, the area of autumn grain crops nationwide has remained stable with a slight increase compared to last year. Currently, autumn grain crops are successively heading and filling, which is a critical window for implementing the "one spray, multiple promotions" technology to stabilize and increase yields. The central government has allocated 2.037 billion yuan in agricultural production disaster relief funds to support the implementation of the "one spray, multiple promotions" technology for autumn grain crops. In Anhui, the growth of over 64 million mu of autumn grain crops is generally better than the same period last year. Huoqiu County has established 6 demonstration zones for green prevention and control and unified prevention and control of rice in different regions, and organized more than 100 professional plant protection teams to carry out operations, ensuring full coverage of "one spray, multiple promotions" for 1.9 million mu of rice in the entire county. In Henan, over 76 million mu of autumn grain crops are successively entering the critical period for topdressing. To ensure the implementation of key technologies for yield improvement, Jun County has established 11 expert technical guidance teams, responsible for 11 townships, with a customized plan for each township, providing full-process technical guidance services. In Shandong, the overall growth of over 66 million mu of autumn grain crops is good. Local authorities are urgently allocating over 110 million yuan from the central government to various localities for the implementation of "one spray, multiple promotions." Xintai City has organized 11 professional aerial spraying teams and introduced 6 high-performance drones, nearly doubling the operation efficiency. In Heilongjiang, the autumn grain area remains stable at over 218 million mu. At Beidahuang Junchuan Farm, agricultural technicians are using spore traps to capture the existing amount of harmful fungi in the fields, and simultaneously analyzing rice growth through multispectral analyzers on plant protection patrol machines. This "air-ground combined" three-dimensional monitoring makes plant protection operations more precise and efficient. Agricultural and Rural Affairs Ministry's agricultural situation dispatch shows that since the beginning of summer, southern regions have experienced multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, some areas in the Yellow River-Huaihe-Haihe Plain suffered from drought during the summer sowing period, and recently some areas in Henan, Hunan, and Liaoning provinces have suffered severe floods, which have had a certain impact on local autumn grain production. However, the current growth of most autumn grain crops nationwide is normal, and there is a basis and condition for a bumper harvest.
China's Machinery Industry Maintains Steady Growth in First Half of Year
The latest data from the China Machinery Industry Federation shows that in the first half of this year, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in China's machinery industry increased by 6.1% year-on-year, a growth rate slightly higher than the national industrial average by 0.1 percentage points. The added value of five major industries—automobiles, general equipment, special equipment, electrical machinery, and instruments and meters—all achieved year-on-year growth. Among the 122 key monitored machinery products, 75 types saw year-on-year growth in output, accounting for 61.5%. Exports of general machinery and parts have stabilized and rebounded, while exports of excavators, large and medium-sized tractors, and cranes maintained rapid growth. As of the end of June 2024, the number of machinery industrial enterprises above designated size reached 130,000, an increase of 11,000 compared to the end of June last year.
Xinjiang Tourism Boom Drives Sustained Consumption Growth
Since the summer vacation began, the natural scenery and unique cultural resources of Xinjiang, north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, have attracted a continuous stream of tourists. A rich variety of new tourism formats and scenarios have also driven tourism consumption, achieving a dual increase in both tourist numbers and tourism revenue. Stepping into the Ili River Valley in western Tianshan, what unfolds before your eyes are vast grasslands, forests, and endless flower seas. The local area utilizes its unique natural landscapes to develop "water, land, and air" projects such as rafting, rock climbing, cable cars, and flights, as well as horse-themed tourism projects, greatly enriching tourists' experience and participation. In July alone, tourism revenue here increased by over 50% year-on-year. In addition to sightseeing tours in Northern Xinjiang, cultural tours in Southern Xinjiang have also become a major highlight of Xinjiang's summer tourism this year. In Hotan City, Xinjiang, the local area has preserved the original characteristics of old residences and transformed them into distinctive ethnic-style blocks, which have become a must-visit destination for tourists. This year, various regions in Xinjiang have continuously increased investment in tourism infrastructure and improved tourism projects. Coupled with the broadcast of multiple film and television dramas, "traveling with popular dramas" and "traveling with performances" have become new tourism hotspots in Xinjiang. At the same time, adventure tourism, desert tourism, stargazing tourism, and self-driving tours are also deeply loved by tourists. Xinjiang Railway Department has launched 66 special tourist trains such as the "Tianshan" series, adopting a "train + car one-stop arrival" travel mode, where the train moves with the people and stops when people want to explore. This not only saves travel time but also significantly reduces travel costs. From January to July this year, Xinjiang cumulatively received over 165.4 million domestic and international tourists, a year-on-year increase of 15.16%, achieving tourism revenue of 186.851 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 28.53%.
Domestic News Briefs
"Forging a Common Community, Chinese Family Together" Themed Promotion "New Chapter Written in Sai-shang Jiangnan" Centralized Interview Launched in Ningxia Today (August 8th), the "Forging a Common Community, Chinese Family Together" themed promotion activity "New Chapter Written in Sai-shang Jiangnan" centralized interview, jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, and the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, was launched in Ningxia. Various media outlets will conduct in-depth investigations at the grassroots level, focusing on presenting Ningxia's innovative practices in building ethnic unity brands such as "family-like" integrated communities and the highlights and achievements of ethnic unity. China to Launch Nine Actions to Accelerate the Construction of a New Power System Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration, and other departments jointly issued an action plan: by carrying out nine special actions, including actions to ensure power system stability, tackle large-scale and high-proportion new energy outward transmission, and expand the electric vehicle charging facility network, to accelerate the effective construction of a new power system. Hundred-Day, Ten-Million Job Recruitment Special Action Launches 3 Themed Job Fairs According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, from August 5th to 11th, the Hundred-Day, Ten-Million Job Recruitment Special Action is launching three online job fairs focusing on new infrastructure, logistics, and the automobile industry. More than 5,900 employers are participating, with nearly 70,000 job openings. Ten-Thousand-Ton Hospital Ship "Silk Road Ark" Completes First Island Reef Medical Patrol Service Yesterday (August 7th), China's second ten-thousand-ton hospital ship, "Silk Road Ark," returned to a military port in Sanya after completing its first island reef medical patrol service in the South China Sea. Since its departure on July 10th, the "Silk Road Ark" hospital ship has sailed over 3,600 nautical miles, providing medical services to more than 3,500 military personnel and civilians on islands and reefs in the Southwest Paracel Islands and along the South China Sea coast. Domestic Operating System Galaxy Kylin Releases First AI Version At the China Operating System Industry Conference held today (August 8th), the domestic operating system Galaxy Kylin released its first artificial intelligence version. This system achieves deep integration of artificial intelligence and the operating system through multiple technological innovations and can be widely used in various fields such as autonomous driving, healthcare, and education, marking a new breakthrough for China in the field of independent operating systems. 12th World Games One-Year Countdown Ceremony Held in Chengdu Yesterday (August 7th), the one-year countdown ceremony for the 12th World Games in 2025 was held in Chengdu. The slogan for this World Games is: Sport Unlimited, Spirit Flourishes. The first batch of official event apparel was released at the ceremony. Since the World Games one-year countdown activities began on August 6th, a series of colorful events have been held in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Chengdu. 49th Yangtze River Crossing Festival Held in Wuhan, Hubei Today (August 8th), the 49th Yangtze River Crossing Festival was held in Wuhan, Hubei, attracting over 1,700 swimming enthusiasts from home and abroad. The event consisted of two parts: the individual Yangtze River Crossing Challenge and the mass square formation crossing. TV Series "Happiness Grass" to Air Tonight on CCTV-1 The TV series "Happiness Grass" will air tonight (August 8th) in prime time on CCTV-1 (CCTV General Channel). The drama tells the story of a Chinese Juncao technology team implementing a Juncao technology project in a South Pacific island nation according to local conditions, eventually overcoming difficulties to successfully establish Juncao technology overseas, and working with the local people to create a path to prosperity through Juncao.
OIC Holds Special Session, Iran Vows Action to Halt Israeli Aggression
At Iran's request, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an extraordinary meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 7. A statement issued by the meeting said that Israel bears full responsibility for the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh, condemning Israel's blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Bagheri, who attended the meeting, stated that Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh constituted a blatant violation of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Iran had no choice but to exercise its legitimate right of self-defense. Iran will take action at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner to prevent further Israeli aggression. The Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations stated on the same day that Iran seeks two goals: a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and punishment for the aggressors who assassinated Haniyeh. On July 7, Iranian Army Commander Mousavi met with visiting Belarusian Air Force Commander Lukyanovich in Tehran. Both sides expressed their willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation in military and other fields and jointly oppose US unilateralism and NATO's eastward expansion. Israeli Army Demands Residents of Northern Gaza Evacuate, Palestinian Armed Personnel Claim Ambush on Israeli Forces On July 7, the Israeli Ministry of Defense demanded residents of Beit Hanoun and other areas in northern Gaza to evacuate, stating that the Israeli army would target Palestinian armed personnel in the area. Palestinian armed personnel claimed on July 7 that they ambushed Israeli forces using explosive devices and continued to fire rockets into Israel. Israeli Army Claims Killing a Hezbollah Commander, Lebanese Side Claims Attacking Israeli Artillery Positions in Golan Heights The Israeli Defense Forces stated on July 7 that Israeli warplanes launched an airstrike on the Khuwaya area in southern Lebanon that day, killing Jaish, a commander of Hezbollah's anti-tank unit. Hezbollah stated on the same day that it launched a drone attack on Israeli artillery positions in Zaoura in the Golan Heights. Houthi Forces Claim Attacking Two US Warships and a Merchant Vessel, US Military Claims Destroying Houthi Drones Yemen's Houthi forces issued a statement on July 7, saying that they had attacked two US warships in the Gulf of Aden and a merchant vessel in the Red Sea using anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones. The US Central Command stated on the same day that it had destroyed two Houthi drones and a ground control station, and intercepted three Houthi anti-ship missiles.
Putin Calls Ukraine's Kursk Attack 'Large-Scale Provocation,' Kursk Declares State of Emergency
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on July 7 that Ukraine's attack on Russia's Kursk region was another "large-scale provocation," and he called on all Russian regions to actively support Kursk. Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Gerasimov said on the same day that Russian ground and air forces had prevented Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kursk direction. Acting Governor of Kursk Oblast Smirnov announced on the evening of July 7 that Kursk Oblast was entering a state of emergency effective immediately. According to Russian data, the Ukrainian attack has resulted in 4 deaths and more than 30 injuries in Kursk Oblast. Ukraine Says Situation in Sumy Oblast is Tense, Evacuates Residents from Multiple Locations Ukraine said on July 7 that Russian aerial activity near the border areas of Sumy Oblast had increased, and that Russian forces had dropped about 30 guided bombs in the area that day. The local situation is tense but remains under the control of the Ukrainian armed forces. Local authorities have requested the mandatory evacuation of residents from 23 settlements in 5 districts of Sumy Oblast.
International News Briefs
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake occurred this afternoon (August 8th) in the Hyuga-nada Sea off Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, with a focal depth of approximately 30 kilometers. Currently, the earthquake has resulted in 3 injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings for multiple coastal areas in Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. Some local roads were damaged, and the Kyushu Shinkansen was temporarily suspended. Protests Erupt in London and Other UK Cities on July 7 After about a week of protest clashes, protests erupted again on July 7 in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, and other cities in the UK. Local police dispatched a large number of officers. According to British media reports, the vast majority of protesters were anti-racism groups. The reports stated that far-right protests against immigration policies, which were previously expected to continue, did not materialize. On July 7, to prevent being affected by conflicts and riots, businesses and shops in many parts of the UK were forced to close early. World Anti-Doping Agency Criticizes US for Condoning Doping Violations The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a statement on July 7 pointing out that the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) criticizes anti-doping agencies in other countries while covering up and condoning doping violations by its own athletes, with one severely offending American athlete never having been banned. The statement said that USADA's actions threaten the integrity of sports competitions and constitute clear violations. The statement was made in response to related reports by Reuters. The statement claimed that, according to Reuters reports, for years USADA has allowed some athletes who used performance-enhancing drugs to serve as so-called "informants," providing information on other violating athletes, thereby avoiding penalties and continuing to compete. NASA Says Starliner May Not Be Able to Return Astronauts According to US media reports on July 7, NASA officials stated at a press conference that problems with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which carried two astronauts into space in June, are more serious than initially thought and may prevent it from completing its crewed return mission. They are currently exploring alternative options, considering using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to return the astronauts. If this option is adopted, the astronauts' return time will be delayed until February next year, and the originally scheduled 8-day mission will become 8 months. Boeing stated that the Starliner can return to Earth uncrewed.