Xi Jinping Encourages Environmental Volunteers in Danjiangkou Reservoir Area, Hubei, to Promote Volunteer Spirit and Contribute to Harmonious Coexistence Between Humanity and Nature
As the second National Ecology Day approaches, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, replied to environmental volunteers in the Danjiangkou Reservoir area of Shiyan, Hubei, extending his warm encouragement and sincere greetings to ecological environmental workers and volunteers across the country. In his reply, Xi Jinping stated that he was very pleased to learn that over the past decade, an increasing number of people in the reservoir area have joined the volunteer service teams, diligently protecting the clear waters, making the reservoir's waters clearer, its mountains greener, and its environment more beautiful. Xi Jinping emphasized that the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is of strategic importance for the overall situation, long-term development, and the well-being of the people. Protecting the ecological environment of the water source area and ensuring "a continuous flow of clear water northward" requires everyone's responsibility and sustained efforts. He expressed hope that they would continue to promote the spirit of volunteer service, encourage more people to consciously conserve and protect water, and work together to build a beautiful China with evergreen mountains, flowing clear waters, and fresh air, contributing to the modernization of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. In 2014, the first phase of the Central Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project officially began water supply, and General Secretary Xi Jinping issued important instructions. Over the past decade, as an important water source area for the Central Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the Danjiangkou Reservoir area has continuously deepened water quality protection. The vast number of cadres and people, including volunteers, have actively participated in water governance and protection efforts, and the water quality of Danjiangkou Reservoir has consistently met Class II standards or above. Recently, environmental volunteers from the Danjiangkou Reservoir area in Shiyan City, Hubei Province, wrote a letter to General Secretary Xi, reporting on their water protection volunteer services and expressing their firm determination to remember General Secretary Xi's instructions and protect the reservoir's clear waters.
Anchoring Modernization, Deepening Reform: Driving Comprehensive Green Transformation Through Reform
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that green development is the foundation of high-quality development, and new quality productive forces are inherently green productive forces. It is essential to accelerate the green transformation of development modes to contribute to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made important arrangements for improving the ecological civilization system reform, proposing to improve mechanisms for green and low-carbon development. Currently, national and local governments have successively introduced policies to accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, laying a greener foundation for high-quality development. From the deserts of the Northwest to the eastern coast, from high mountains and valleys to low-lying plains, rows of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are continuously connected to the grid for power generation. As of the end of June this year, China's installed renewable energy power generation capacity has exceeded 1.65 billion kilowatts, accounting for 53.8%, with wind and solar power generation capacity surpassing coal power, accelerating the pace of green energy transformation. At the same time, the industrial structure continues to optimize and upgrade, and China has built the world's largest and most complete new energy industry chain; resource utilization efficiency continues to improve, with China's energy consumption per unit of GDP and carbon emission intensity in 2023 decreasing by over 26% and 35% respectively compared to 2012. The reduction of carbon emissions, pollution, and expansion of greening, along with growth, are all backed by continuously deepening reforms of the ecological civilization system. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping, standing from the height of the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, has vigorously promoted theoretical innovation, practical innovation, and institutional innovation in ecological civilization, creatively putting forward a series of new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that China's economic and social development has entered a stage of high-quality development characterized by accelerated greening and low-carbon transformation, emphasizing that green development is the only path. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made systematic arrangements for improving the ecological civilization system reform, proposing to improve the basic system of ecological civilization and requiring the establishment of sound mechanisms for green and low-carbon development. Aiming at the target, accelerate implementation. Recently, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued "Opinions on Accelerating the Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development," clarifying the overall requirements, main goals, and implementation paths for comprehensive green transformation at the national level, covering various fields such as regional development, industrial structure, energy, and transportation. From the national to the local level, a series of reform measures focused on improving green and low-carbon development mechanisms have begun to accelerate exploration. Green and low-carbon market mechanisms continue to improve. This year, the "Guiding Opinions on Further Strengthening Financial Support for Green and Low-Carbon Development" was issued, and the national greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction trading market was launched. The scope of trading entities suitable for China's carbon market development is gradually expanding, and the guiding, incentive, and regulating roles of the market continue to strengthen. In Suzhou, Jiangsu, at this one-stop carbon neutrality inclusive service center, staff are verifying the carbon emission reductions of Suzhou's first batch of public bus charging stations, which are expected to reach 56,000 tons. These verified carbon emission reductions can be directly traded for cash, creating additional green revenue for enterprises and further supporting the development of new energy charging facilities. Green and low-carbon production methods are continuously enriched. Recently, various regions have introduced industrial green transformation policies according to local conditions. In Inner Mongolia, Shandong, and other places, dual control mechanisms for energy consumption are being transitioned to dual control of carbon emissions for precise carbon reduction; in Qinghai, Gansu, and other places, the green and low-carbon development of digital infrastructure is being actively promoted, turning "green electricity" into "green computing." At this petrochemical smelting enterprise in Ningbo, Zhejiang, through independently developed wastewater separation and purification technology, oily wastewater generated during petroleum refining can be treated to drinking water quality. An ecological park has even been built in the pollution-free industrial park, where more than 40 bird species live, and it has been included by the United Nations as a case study for corporate biodiversity conservation. Currently, in key industries such as steel and non-ferrous metals, digital and green transformation is being jointly promoted, and a large number of green factories, low-carbon factories, and zero-carbon industrial parks are accelerating construction. China has built 5,095 national-level green factories, 371 green industrial parks, and nearly 35,000 green products, with the output value of green factories accounting for over 17% of the output value of industrial enterprises above designated size. In addition, green and low-carbon lifestyles are also accelerating. In July this year, the domestic monthly retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles in China exceeded traditional fuel passenger vehicles for the first time, achieving a historic breakthrough. At the same time, green consumption was systematically deployed at the national level for the first time, guiding enterprises to introduce richer green and low-carbon products and green consumption scenarios, forming synergy with the currently ongoing large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in policies for consumer goods, further unleashing the potential for green consumption across society. Today's China is continuously optimizing its industrial and energy structures, constantly strengthening the green foundation for high-quality development, and is accelerating towards the goal of Chinese modernization with harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
CCTV Quick Comment: Contributing to the Modernization of Harmonious Coexistence Between Humanity and Nature
Our station broadcast CCTV Quick Comment "Contributing to the Modernization of Harmonious Coexistence Between Humanity and Nature."
Authoritative Interview: Implementing a Health-First Development Strategy to Solidify the Health Foundation for Chinese Modernization
Health is an important symbol of national prosperity and strength, and also a common pursuit of the broad masses of the people. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee put forward new requirements and made new arrangements for deepening the reform of the medical and health system. Today (August 14th)'s "Authoritative Interview" features a special interview by CCTV reporter with Lei Haichao, Director of the National Health Commission. The "Decision" proposes "implementing a health-first development strategy." Lei Haichao stated that the main task of deepening medical reform at the current stage is to anchor the goal of building a healthy China by 2035, establish and improve a planning, investment, and governance policy and legal system for health-first development, and promote the integration of health into all policies. The "Decision" clearly puts forward the task of accelerating the construction of a tiered diagnosis and treatment system, which is an important measure to solve the problem of people's medical care. Lei Haichao stated that the next step will focus on the grassroots level, accelerating the expansion and downward shift of high-quality medical resources and their balanced regional distribution. Public hospitals are the main body of the medical and health service system, and the plenum proposed to "deepen the reform of public hospitals guided by public welfare." Lei Haichao stated that the next step in deepening public hospital reform will focus on accelerating the improvement of a public hospital operating mechanism that maintains public welfare, mobilizes enthusiasm, and ensures sustainability, improving the coordinated mechanism of "medical treatment, medical insurance, and medicine," and establishing and improving a fee mechanism that reflects medical services as the dominant factor. Lei Haichao stated that the next step will be to continuously strengthen integrity building in the medical and health field, innovate industry regulatory methods, and continuously address corruption and improper conduct around the people.
China's SMEs Show Steady Recovery in Production and Operation in H1
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that in the first half of this year, the economic operation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China remained stable, with the added value of industrial SMEs above designated size increasing by 7.4% year-on-year. Among them, the vitality of specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative SMEs continued to strengthen, with the electricity consumption of specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative "little giant" enterprises increasing by 9.3% year-on-year, and enterprise production further recovering and improving. In the first half of the year, among the 31 major manufacturing industries, 23 industries maintained growth in the total profits of SMEs, with the growth rate expanding by 6.5 percentage points compared to the first quarter. The equipment manufacturing industry and the consumer goods manufacturing industry increased by 5.0% and 11.4% year-on-year, respectively, with growth rates further accelerating compared to the first quarter. From the perspective of sales, SMEs maintained a recovery trend in both domestic and foreign trade. Since the beginning of this year, SME exports have generally remained robust, with the export index in the second quarter reaching 52.8%, accelerating the expansion of overseas markets. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that in the next step, it will increase policy support for promoting the specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative development of SMEs and their digital transformation, cultivate a new batch of characteristic industrial clusters for SMEs, and build a high-quality and efficient public service system for SMEs, promoting the continued steady improvement of SME production and operation.
Regions Implement Green Field Management for Autumn Grains to Boost Stable Production and Income
Currently, China's autumn grain is in a critical growth stage. Major producing areas are vigorously promoting green production models to boost stable grain production and increase farmers' income. In this year's autumn grain production, various regions are implementing a series of green models, such as fertilizer saving, water saving, pesticide reduction, and emission reduction, based on different crops and agricultural conditions. Hunan Province this year has integrated and coordinated 86.3 million yuan in funds to strengthen pest and disease monitoring, focusing on promoting the integration of green prevention and control with unified prevention and control. It is now the season of high incidence of pests and diseases for autumn grain. In Chun kou Town, Liuyang City, Zhu Xingren, a large grain grower, has just installed more than 1,200 traps, achieving full coverage of biological control for his more than 1,100 mu of rice. Jiangsu Province's more than 33 million mu of rice are in the tillering and heading stage. Continuous high temperatures in recent days have brought challenges to rice growth. In Yalu Village, Taicang City, the local government has set up an intelligent field management system for growers, where the system judges how much water and fertilizer each plot needs based on soil temperature and humidity, allowing plant protection drones to operate precisely. Hebei Province this year is fully promoting water-saving technologies such as shallow-buried drip irrigation, film-covered drip irrigation, and water-fertilizer integration to achieve green production. Wuyi County has added nearly 10,000 mu of high-efficiency water-saving drip irrigation compared to last year. In farmer Meng Qingfu's farmland, the drip irrigation system is precisely delivering water and fertilizer to the roots of corn, ensuring sufficient nutrients during the corn's heading stage. Heilongjiang Province this year is deeply exploring the crop-livestock cycling model in 14 pilot counties (cities, districts). In the high-standard farmland of Xiangbai Manchu Township, Wangkui County, farmers are herding geese into cornfields to weed. At the same time, goose manure also becomes a natural organic fertilizer. This year, Wangkui County has helped more than 500 farmers increase their income through this new crop-livestock farming model. Currently, there are less than 50 days until the large-scale harvest of autumn grain, and most autumn grain in major producing areas is growing normally, laying a solid foundation for a bumper harvest.
Summer Inbound Tourism Booms as Foreign Visitors Experience China's Charm
As China's visa-free "friend circle" continues to expand, inbound tourism is experiencing a sustained surge in popularity. This summer, an increasing number of foreign tourists are visiting China to experience the country. Tourism big data shows that inbound tourism orders to China increased by 100% this summer, while inbound tourism orders from 14 visa-free countries, including France, Italy, Germany, and Thailand, collectively increased by 150%. In recent days, at the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar in Xinjiang, despite the high outdoor temperatures, many foreign tourists are still attracted to shop and sample local delicacies. Besides Urumqi, from Kashgar Ancient City in southern Xinjiang to the mountains and grasslands in northern Xinjiang, the rich and diverse folk culture and unique natural resources have made Xinjiang a favorite among countless foreign tourists. With the implementation of the 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering Hainan from Hong Kong and Macao regions at the end of July, Hainan's inbound tourism market has also become hotter. At the Xiuxiu Beach Sailing and Windsurfing Base in Haikou City, a study tour group from the UK is learning sailing and windsurfing. Currently, China's 144-hour transit visa-free policy has been extended to 37 ports and 54 countries, with multiple transit visa-free policies and customs clearance conveniences being simultaneously released, making it more convenient for foreign tourists to visit China. This summer, in addition to traditional group tours, the "individual travel" trend in inbound tourism is more evident, with the proportion of free and customized tours gradually increasing. Foreign tourists are not only visiting traditional popular attractions in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an but also enjoy taking high-speed trains, visiting smaller cities, and exploring popular local markets, experiencing China in depth and discovering its more diverse beauty.
Shenzhen's Foreign Trade Hits Record High, Driven by Both Traditional and Emerging Industries
According to Customs statistics, in the first half of this year, Shenzhen's import and export data hit a new high. The "old three" maintained stable growth, while the "new three" achieved remarkable results. According to Customs statistics, in the first half of the year, Shenzhen's import and export volume reached 2.2 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 31.7%, accounting for 10.4% of the national total. The "old three" categories, namely mobile phones, computers, and household appliances, collectively exported 168.45 billion yuan, an increase of 18.9%; new energy vehicles exported 12.87 billion yuan, an increase of 51.7%; and photovoltaic products exported 2.48 billion yuan, an increase of 81.6%. Since the beginning of this year, against the backdrop of the booming development of generative AI and intelligent connected vehicles globally, Shenzhen has supported related enterprises, continuously launching new products such as audio and video equipment and LCD flat panel display modules, which have been well received by overseas markets, boosting Shenzhen's foreign trade to continue to grow. Shenzhen's strong performance in foreign trade also benefits from its solid manufacturing foundation and complete supply chain system, which gives Shenzhen a head start in international trade. While consolidating traditional markets, Shenzhen enterprises have intensified efforts to explore emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Latin America. Among them, imports and exports to ASEAN increased by 51.2%, and imports and exports to Belt and Road Initiative countries increased by over 40%.
Significant Progress in Flagship Species Protection Benefits Entire Ecosystems in China
In recent years, China has achieved remarkable results in protecting flagship species, and the entire ecosystem has benefited comprehensively. According to the latest monitoring from the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, this year the park has seen over 20 new wild Northeast tiger cubs. As the flagship species of China's Northeast forest region and the world's largest living feline, the Northeast tiger possesses immense power, astonishing speed, and excellent hunting abilities, making it a top predator at the apex of the food chain, representing the health of its ecosystem. The snow leopard is the most typical flagship species of China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the highest-dwelling feline, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -40℃, with excellent jumping and climbing abilities, allowing it to move freely on almost vertical cliffs. Since the establishment of the first batch of national parks, the wild giant panda population in China has increased from approximately 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900. The number of the flagship species, the Cabot's tragopan, in Wuyi Mountain National Park has also increased from 400 to approximately 700. The Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park's gibbon population has grown from 5 groups with 32 individuals to 6 groups with 37 individuals, making it the only successful case of natural recovery among critically endangered species with fewer than 10 individuals remaining globally. In addition to national parks, the presence of the North China leopard, a flagship species appearing in many parts of China such as Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan, also vividly demonstrates the achievements in China's Yellow River ecological functional zone. As the populations of flagship species have recovered well, their "umbrella effect" has also benefited the entire ecosystem of their habitats.
Domestic News Briefs
Ministry of Finance Issues RMB 9 Billion Treasury Bonds in Hong Kong Today (August 14), the Ministry of Finance issued RMB 9 billion worth of treasury bonds in Hong Kong through tender to institutional investors, with an oversubscription rate of 3.37 times. Among them, 2-year, 3-year, and 10-year bonds each issued RMB 3 billion, with issuing rates of 1.95%, 2.00%, and 2.38% respectively. As of now, the Ministry of Finance has issued RMB 41 billion worth of treasury bonds in Hong Kong this year. "Action Plan for High-Quality Development of Distribution Network (2024-2027)" Released The National Energy Administration recently released the "Action Plan for High-Quality Development of Distribution Network." Focusing on improving power supply capacity, disaster resistance, and carrying capacity, China will accelerate the upgrading and renovation of distribution networks in areas with weak power supply, targeted implementation of projects to enhance disaster prevention and resistance capabilities, and innovative exploration of distributed smart grid projects, so as to promote the high-quality development of distribution networks. National Medical Products Administration Has Approved 38 Innovative Medical Devices This Year The National Medical Products Administration has approved 38 innovative medical devices for market this year, including 10 categories of medical devices such as in vitro diagnostic reagents. Over the past decade, China has continuously promoted the innovative development of the medical device industry. As of now, 288 innovative medical devices have been approved for market, covering various fields such as surgical robots, artificial intelligence medical devices, and cardiopulmonary support auxiliary systems. China Will Promote Unified Management of Project Construction and Ecological Restoration Reporters learned today (August 14) from the Ministry of Natural Resources that China will further strengthen the full-chain management of land reclamation for construction projects, further increase ecological protection and restoration efforts, urge land-use units to fulfill their land reclamation obligations, ensuring that "whoever damages, reclaims," and at the same time promote unified design and coordinated implementation of ecological restoration and project construction, effectively reducing the cost of development resources. Over 40,000 China-Europe (Central Asia) Freight Trains Have Departed from Alashankou Port, Xinjiang Yesterday (August 13), a China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train fully loaded with clothing, auto parts, and other goods departed from Alashankou railway port in Xinjiang, bound for Poland. This marks a cumulative total of over 40,000 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains passing through Alashankou. As of now, there are 120 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train routes passing through Alashankou railway port, carrying over 200 types of goods, including automobiles and parts, and general merchandise. 2024 Shanghai Book Fair Opens Today The 2024 Shanghai Book Fair and "Fragrant China" Shanghai Week opens today (August 14). This year marks the 20th Shanghai Book Fair, and during the event, new book launches, lectures by famous authors, a retrospective exhibition of the Shanghai Book Fair, and other activities will be held. At the same time, it will work with various districts in Shanghai to create reading sub-venues mainly composed of public libraries and physical bookstores.
Iran Rejects Abandoning Retaliation Against Israel; Israeli Defense Minister Prepares for "All Possibilities"
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kanaani issued a statement on August 13 regarding the regional situation and the statements made by France, Germany, and the UK the previous day on the Middle East issue. The statement criticized Western countries for ignoring Israel's crimes against Palestine, instead demanding that Iran not respond to Israel's violations of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which Iran rejected. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant stated on August 13 that the Israeli Defense Forces must be prepared for "all possibilities." According to Israeli media reports on August 13, explosions were heard near Tel Aviv that afternoon. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), subsequently claimed to have launched two missiles towards Tel Aviv. The Israeli military stated that evening that the IDF would once again launch military operations in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, asking residents of certain areas in Khan Younis to evacuate. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) stated that the areas covered by the Israeli evacuation warnings in the Gaza Strip have reached nearly 84%. China Calls for Comprehensive and Lasting Ceasefire in Gaza at Emergency UN Security Council Meeting On August 13, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on last week's Israeli attack on a Gaza school that caused heavy casualties. The Chinese representative condemned the attack that caused civilian casualties and called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible. Russian President States Resolution of Palestinian Issue Must Implement UN Resolutions Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on August 13 during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow that the resolution of the Palestinian issue must implement relevant UN resolutions, including the resolution on establishing a Palestinian state. Abbas stated that since 1947, the UN General Assembly and Security Council have adopted over 1,000 resolutions on the Palestinian issue, but due to US pressure, none of the resolutions aimed at promoting the rights of the Palestinian people have been implemented.
Russia Claims to Contain Ukrainian Advance in Kursk; Ukraine Reports Continued Russian Attacks in Kharkiv and Other Areas
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on August 13 that Russian forces contained the advance of Ukrainian mobile groups in various areas of Russia's Kursk region, striking Ukrainian personnel and equipment such as tanks and armored personnel carriers. Ukraine stated on the same day that Ukrainian forces continued their offensive in Russia's Kursk region, controlling approximately 40 square kilometers of additional territory in the past 24 hours. Ukraine also stated that the borders of Sumy and Chernihiv regions were subjected to Russian artillery attacks, and Russian offensives on Kharkiv and Pokrovsk were ongoing.
International News Briefs
Kishida Fumio Announces He Will Not Run for Next LDP Presidency Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio held a press conference in Tokyo today (August 14) and announced that he will not participate in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election to be held in September. This means that Kishida will no longer serve as Japan's Prime Minister once a new LDP president is elected. According to Japanese media reports, Kishida's decision to forgo the election is related to persistently low cabinet approval ratings. Factors such as the lack of economic policy achievements, the LDP's political slush fund scandal, and the improper management of "specific secrets" by the Maritime Self-Defense Force have led to a continuous decline in the Kishida cabinet's approval rating. Over 1,000 Arrested in UK Protest Clashes The National Police Chiefs' Council in the UK stated on August 13 that in the recent large-scale protests, clashes, and riots across the UK, the number of arrests made by the British police has reached 1,024, with 575 individuals charged. According to British media reports, this round of protests, clashes, and riots is the largest in the UK in 13 years. German Think Tank Report Shows Worsening German Economic Outlook A report released by the Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) on August 13 showed that its August German Economic Sentiment Index was 19.2 points, a sharp drop of 22.6 points from the previous month. ZEW President Wambach stated that the German economic outlook is worsening, with a particularly pronounced decline in expectations for export-intensive industries. Furthermore, affected by unclear monetary policies, worse-than-expected US economic data, and tensions in the Middle East, the German economy faces high uncertainty. Wildfires Rage in Nevada and Other US States Data released by the National Interagency Fire Center on August 13 showed that as of that day, there were 77 large wildfires burning across the US, scorching over 9,390 square kilometers. Among them, a new wildfire ignited in Nevada, spreading rapidly and remaining out of control. According to US media reports, another large wildfire that ignited in the state last weekend was linked to arson, and one suspect has been arrested. In addition, California's largest wildfire this year, the "Parker" fire, has been burning for several days and is currently 39% contained. The "Parker" fire is also linked to arson, and the suspect has been charged with arson.