New Ideas Guide New Journey: Forging a New Chapter in Integrated Urban-Rural Development
Integrated urban-rural development is a major strategic deployment personally conceived, deployed, and promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping. The General Secretary pointed out that industry and agriculture, cities and villages should be planned as a whole to promote their integration and common development in terms of planning and layout, factor allocation, industrial development, public services, and ecological protection. Following the direction pointed out by the General Secretary, various regions have formulated precise policies based on their own realities, allowing urban and rural residents to share a high-quality and beautiful life, and building a new pattern of integrated urban-rural development. In mid-summer, Dongshan Village in Ezhou, Hubei, is filled with the fragrance of melons and fruits, and tourists coming to experience agricultural picking are in an endless stream. Schools have also set up study classes here. In July 2013, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Dongshan Village and held discussions with the villagers. The General Secretary pointed out that the urban-rural dual structure should be broken down to build the vast rural areas into beautiful homes for farmers' happy lives. As Hubei's first pilot city for urban-rural integration, Ezhou has gradually built an urban distinctive agricultural system of "agriculture + technology," "agriculture + tourism," and "agriculture + logistics" in recent years. Now, Dongshan Village has completed 22 ecological agricultural projects, including 10,000 mu of aquaculture, 1,000 mu of Xianglian lotus, and 100 mu of cherry orchards. Today, walking in Dongshan Village, roads extend in all directions, and toilet renovation, domestic sewage collection, village sanitation, and domestic waste transfer have achieved full coverage. The development and changes of this small mountain village reflect the profound changes in China's urban-rural relations. Promoting integrated urban-rural development is a major decision and deployment made by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, taking into account the overall situation of the Party and the country's cause and profoundly grasping the laws of modernization and the characteristics of changes in urban-rural relations. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systematic arrangements for improving the institutional mechanisms for integrated urban-rural development, proposing that new industrialization, new urbanization, and comprehensive rural revitalization must be coordinated, and the level of urban-rural planning, construction, and governance integration must be comprehensively improved to promote common urban and rural prosperity and development. In 2024, China's urbanization rate of permanent residents reached 67%, the growth rate of per capita disposable income of rural residents was faster than that of urban residents, and the urban-rural income ratio narrowed to 2.34:1. Allowing urban and rural factors to flow more smoothly and efficiently. Since the beginning of this year, while accelerating the application of new-generation information technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things, and big data in rural areas, various regions have also continuously optimized the allocation of production factors such as land and talent to promote integrated urban-rural development. In Anji, Zhejiang, the local area has innovatively built a mechanism for young people to return to the countryside for development, providing all-round support from entrepreneurship training to tax incentives. Currently, it has attracted more than 50,000 young people to work and start businesses in the countryside, attracting various investments of 1.37 billion yuan. This year, Zhejiang plans to build 1,000 practice points for youth rural development. Accelerating the coordinated development of urban and rural industries. This year, various regions have fully leveraged the role of county towns connecting cities and serving rural areas, actively promoting new urbanization with county areas as important carriers. Chongqing, based on its geographical location and industrial foundation, has clarified differentiated development directions and fostered and strengthened characteristic advantageous industries, achieving significant results in pilot projects such as "small county, big city" and "strong town leading villages." In Wangu Town, Dazu District, the new energy motorcycle industry has created more than 8,000 jobs, and the total industrial chain output value is expected to exceed 12 billion yuan by 2027, which can absorb an additional 18,000 rural migrant laborers. Ensuring balanced and inclusive sharing of urban and rural public services. Today, the普及率 of tap water in China's rural areas has reached 94%, the普及率 of sanitary toilets is about 75%, the rural postal and logistics system is increasingly improving, and a total of 337,800 village-level postal and logistics comprehensive service stations have been built. In Fujian, more than 80% of land-based townships have achieved convenient access to expressways within 30 minutes, and this year, over 26 billion yuan will be invested in improving rural construction quality. This year, China plans to build and renovate 105,000 kilometers of rural roads and add 12,400 larger natural villages (groups) with hardened roads. It is estimated that by the end of this year, the 5G accessibility rate in administrative villages will exceed 90%, 50% of counties will establish "education alliances," and more than 90% of counties and cities are expected to basically complete closely integrated county-level medical communities. A picture of mutually promoting and advancing urban-rural integrated development is slowly unfolding across the land of China.
Li Qiang Attends, Delivers Speech at First Phase of 17th BRICS Leaders' Meeting
At the invitation of Brazilian President Lula, the rotating chair of the BRICS countries, Premier Li Qiang attended the 17th BRICS Leaders' Meeting on the morning of July 6, local time. Li Qiang delivered a speech on the topic of "Peace and Security, Global Governance Reform." Leaders of BRICS member states attended the meeting. Brazilian President Lula presided over the meeting. Li Qiang stated that currently, the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, international rules and order are severely impacted, and the authority and effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms are weakening. The global governance concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits proposed by President Xi Jinping further highlights its contemporary value and practical significance. In the face of intensifying contradictions and differences, we need to better consult on an equal and respectful basis. In the face of deeply intertwined common interests, we need to better build through solidarity and coordinated actions. In the face of mutually beneficial development opportunities, we need to better share with a spirit of mutual achievement. Li Qiang emphasized that as the "first echelon" of the Global South, BRICS countries should uphold independence and self-reliance, demonstrate responsibility, and strive to become a pioneering force in promoting global governance reform. We should uphold justice and maintain world peace and tranquility. We should focus on development and strengthen economic growth momentum. We should be inclusive and promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. China is willing to work with other BRICS countries to promote global governance towards a more just, reasonable, efficient, and orderly direction, and work together to build a better world. The participating leaders stated that the BRICS cooperation mechanism continues to develop and grow, its representativeness is further enhanced, and its international influence is increasing day by day. The world today is more turbulent, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise. BRICS countries should strengthen unity and cooperation, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, maintain and practice multilateralism, and make greater contributions to promoting common development, improving global governance, and promoting lasting world peace and prosperity. The meeting adopted the "Rio de Janeiro Declaration of the 17th BRICS Leaders' Meeting."
Li Qiang Meets With Ethiopian Prime Minister
On July 6, local time, Premier Li Qiang met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Rio de Janeiro. Li Qiang stated that for 55 years since China and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations, the two countries have always treated each other with sincerity and helped each other. In June this year, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) outcomes, announcing important new measures such as China's implementation of zero tariffs on 100% of tariff items for products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties. China is willing to take the implementation of these new measures as an opportunity to further comprehensively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, deepen all-round cooperation between the two countries, including high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strive to build China-Ethiopia relations into a model for building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. Abiy stated that Ethiopia is willing to work closely with China to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, promote cooperation in trade, economy, industry, and other fields, strengthen multilateral communication and coordination, and promote the sustained and in-depth development of bilateral relations.
Ceremony Marking 88th Anniversary of All-Out War of Resistance and Opening of 'For National Liberation and World Peace' Exhibition Held in Beijing, Cai Qi Attends and Speaks
The ceremony commemorating the 88th anniversary of the outbreak of the all-out War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the opening ceremony of the exhibition "For National Liberation and World Peace" were held on the morning of the 7th at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech and announced the opening of the exhibition. By the Lugou Bridge, the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression stood solemn and respectful. At 9:00 AM, the ceremony began. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Military Band played the "March of the Volunteers," and all attendees sang the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. Afterwards, everyone stood in silent tribute to the martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In his speech, Cai Qi pointed out that 88 years ago today, Japanese militarists deliberately created the shocking Lugou Bridge Incident, which marked the outbreak of the all-out War of Resistance. The Communist Party of China led the direction of China's resistance, becoming the mainstay of the all-out resistance, and all Chinese sons and daughters advanced bravely and worked together to win the great victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, making significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The themed exhibition showcases the glorious course of the Chinese people's 14 years of arduous resistance. Cai Qi said that on the new journey, we must thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, vigorously carry forward the great spirit of resistance, and continuously advance the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. We must unswervingly uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China, profoundly grasp the decisive significance of the "Two Establishes" and resolutely achieve the "Two Maintenances"; unswervingly promote Chinese modernization, carry forward the spirit of struggle, and forge ahead with determination; unswervingly strengthen the great unity of all Chinese sons and daughters, and work together to create a bright future for national rejuvenation; and unswervingly uphold the cause of human peace and justice, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Comrade Cai Qi and other leading comrades, together with representatives from all walks of life, laid flowers for the martyrs of the War of Resistance and visited the themed exhibition. Wang Yi, Li Shulei, Zhang Youxia, Wang Xiaohong, Zhang Qingwei, Wu Zhenglong, Wang Yong, and Liu Zhenli attended. Yin Li presided over the ceremony.
Regions Hold Events to Commemorate 88th Anniversary of All-Out War of Resistance
Today (July 7), activities were held across the country to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the outbreak of the all-out War of Resistance. At 10:00 AM today, in Yan'an, Shaanxi, Handan, Hebei, and other places, air raid sirens blared over the cities, passing vehicles stopped and honked their horns, and pedestrians stood in silent tribute. Today, in Heilongjiang, the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army for the first time publicly released in China complete video testimonies of former Unit 731 members. The Guangdong Provincial Archives disclosed important historical materials on the Japanese bacterial warfare in South China - the roster of the "Unit 8604," which is the first time this roster has appeared in its entirety in China. Today, people also visited the Quzhou Exhibition Hall of the Japanese Bacterial Warfare and the "June 5th" Tunnel Massacre Historical Exhibition Hall in Chongqing to see exhibitions, listen to explanations, inherit historical memory, and mourn the compatriots who died. To inherit and carry forward the great spirit of resistance, remember history, and create the future. In the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Xinyang, Henan, in the New Fourth Army Headquarters Site Exhibition Hall in Nanchang, Jiangxi, and in the Shanghai Songhu Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, representatives from all walks of life laid flower baskets and bowed in silent tribute to the martyrs of the War of Resistance, expressing their respect and remembrance for the martyrs. In Shunyi, Beijing, visitors entered the Jiaozhuanghu Tunnel Warfare Site, feeling the years of war in the "underground Great Wall"; in Tonghua, Jilin, people visited the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army Memorial Hall to visit historical exhibitions, recall the war years, and feel the fearless and unceasing fighting spirit of the soldiers. Today, all units of the military carried out various forms of commemorative activities, guiding officers and soldiers to draw strength from the memories of war to forge ahead, console the martyrs with strong military responsibilities, and protect the country with victorious combat skills.
Increased Tourist Train Services Boost Cultural Tourism Consumption Potential
Since the start of the summer travel season, in response to the strong demand in the tourism market, China Railway (CR) has increased the frequency of tourist trains, promoting deeper integration of railways and tourism, and unleashing the potential of summer tourism consumption. Over the past weekend, tourist trains ran frequently. From Shangrao to Kashi, Beijing to Arxan, and Zhengzhou to Urumqi, trains with the "Y" prefix carried passengers towards poetry and distant lands. During this summer travel season, CR's third-quarter train operation diagram is being implemented simultaneously with the temporary train operation diagram. Based on market research data before the summer travel season, CR has designed and scheduled special train operation diagrams for study tours, silver-haired tours, and summer resort tours, guided by travelers' outbound travel needs. One week into the summer travel season, 17 special tourist trains have been launched nationwide, and more trains will be dynamically added later based on changes in passenger flow to improve operational efficiency and service quality. Trains are heading towards scenic spots. As of now, the national railway network has formed 75 tourist train routes, basically covering major domestic scenic spots. In Yunnan and Shandong, circular tourist trains are operating daily. In Heilongjiang and Guangxi, cross-border tourist trains continue to gain popularity. The integration of railways and tourism unleashes consumption potential. Many popular scenic spots have launched "train ticket + scenic spot ticket" travel passes and railway-tourism packages to attract more passengers to choose train travel. In the first five months of this year, 630 tourist trains have been operated nationwide, a year-on-year increase of 20.2%.
Regions Accelerate Renovation of Old Urban Residential Communities
The reporter recently learned from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development that since the beginning of this year, various regions have been accelerating the pace of urban old residential community renovation, with the commencement rate exceeding 50% in multiple provinces. The work of supporting the renovation of old residential elevators with ultra-long-term special government bonds is also actively progressing. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development stated that according to data reported by various regions, the commencement rate of urban old residential community renovations has exceeded 50% in multiple provinces, including Hebei, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Hubei. In Beijing, 442 old residential communities have started renovation, benefiting approximately 120,000 households. Liaoning plans to renovate 500 old residential communities this year, and as of the end of May, all have commenced construction. Anhui plans to renovate 1,129 old residential communities this year, with a current commencement rate of 72.81%. In Chongqing, 1,227 old residential communities are planned for renovation this year, and 937 have already started, with a commencement rate exceeding 75%. Meanwhile, the work of supporting the renovation of old residential elevators with ultra-long-term special government bonds is also actively progressing. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development stated that as of June, ultra-long-term special government bond funds have supported the renovation of 41,000 old residential elevators nationwide, benefiting 1.7 million residents. For 2025, 18 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bond funds have been allocated to support the renovation of 120,000 old elevators.
NPC Standing Committee Launches Law Enforcement Inspection of Circular Economy Promotion Law
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress launched law enforcement inspections of the Circular Economy Promotion Law on the 7th. This law enforcement inspection adopts a combination of on-site inspections in localities and inspections entrusted to provincial People's Congress Standing Committees. From July to September, inspection teams will conduct on-site inspections in provinces (municipalities) such as Tianjin, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hubei, and Guangdong, and entrust the People's Congress Standing Committees of provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) such as Inner Mongolia, Hunan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Gansu to inspect the implementation of the Circular Economy Promotion Law within their respective administrative areas. During the law enforcement inspection, the inspection teams will focus on five aspects: the implementation of major legal systems for the circular economy; the implementation of measures for reduction, reuse, and resource utilization; the implementation of statutory duties and incentive measures by the government and relevant departments; the formulation and revision of supporting regulations, rules, standards, and catalogs; and major problems and suggestions existing in the implementation of the law, as well as opinions and suggestions for amending the law.
Zhejiang, Fujian, Other Regions Actively Respond to Typhoon 'Danas'
Today (July 7), the National Meteorological Center issued a blue typhoon warning. Zhejiang, Fujian, and other places are strengthening precautions and actively responding to the upcoming strong winds and heavy rainfall. Zhejiang Province has raised its typhoon emergency response to Level III. Maritime authorities promptly issued warning information, intensified patrols, and orderly organized vessels operating at sea to seek shelter in nearby ports, with personnel evacuated ashore simultaneously. As of 6 PM, 101 passenger shipping routes across the province were suspended. Today, some passenger trains on the Fuping Railway, Wenzhou-Fuzhou Railway, Quzhou-Ningde Railway, and other sections within Fujian were suspended. Railway departments conducted inspections of drainage equipment in key sections and arranged dedicated personnel to be on duty 24 hours a day in key flood control areas. Tomorrow, Typhoon "Danas" will gradually approach the coast between Taizhou, Zhejiang, and Ningde, Fujian, and is expected to make landfall along the aforementioned coast tomorrow afternoon or evening, with an estimated intensity of tropical storm or severe tropical storm. Relevant areas are reminded to prepare for prevention and response.
Domestic News Briefs
China's foreign exchange reserves reached US$3,317.4 billion at the end of June. The latest data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange shows that at the end of June, China's foreign exchange reserves stood at US$3,317.4 billion, an increase of US$32.2 billion from the end of May, representing a growth of 0.98%. China's economy continues to grow steadily and maintain good development momentum, which is conducive to keeping the foreign exchange reserve scale generally stable. "Administrative Division Code Management Measures" Issued. The reporter learned from the Ministry of Civil Affairs today (July 7) that the "Administrative Division Code Management Measures" were recently issued, standardizing the determination, publication, and application of administrative division codes for China's provincial, prefectural, county, and township levels. This is the first departmental regulation in the field of China's administrative division code management, and it will officially come into effect on September 1st this year. "2025 Housekeeping to Support Agriculture Action Plan" Released. Today (July 7), the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments released the "2025 Housekeeping to Support Agriculture Action Plan." The plan proposes activities such as launching a service industry recruitment season, promoting housekeeping services into communities, deepening the integration of industry and education in the housekeeping service industry, and improving the housekeeping service standard system, to continuously promote the upgrading and expansion of the housekeeping service industry and help advance rural revitalization. "2025 College Graduates and Other Young People Employment Service Action" Launched. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recently deployed and launched the "2025 College Graduates and Other Young People Employment Service Action." From July to December, local authorities will promptly release information on employment and entrepreneurship policies and service projects for college graduates who have not yet found employment after leaving school in 2025 and registered unemployed young people, and fully utilize preferential policies such as stable job retention refunds, social security subsidies, and tax and fee reductions to benefit enterprises. China Establishes First International Scientific and Technological Organization in Deep Space Exploration. Today (July 7), the International Deep Space Exploration Society was established in Hefei, Anhui. This society, approved by the Chinese government and initiated by the China National Space Administration, Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, and other units, is the first international scientific and technological organization in the field of deep space exploration with global research institutions and scientists participating. In the future, it will carry out international cooperation in areas such as lunar exploration, interplanetary exploration, and asteroid defense. Chinese Navy Shandong Aircraft Carrier Group Leaves Hong Kong After Visit. On the morning of today (July 7), the Chinese Navy Shandong aircraft carrier group successfully concluded its five-day visit to Hong Kong and departed for its return voyage. During the visit, the Shandong carrier group organized a series of activities including a deck reception, open ship tours, and national defense knowledge lectures. More than 30,000 Hong Kong citizens, young students, and patriotic individuals from various sectors boarded the warship for visits. Central Archives Opens Seventh Batch of Collected Archives to the Public. Starting today (July 7), the Central Archives will open the seventh batch of its collected archival materials to the public. This batch includes over 40,000 anti-Japanese war-themed archives, covering the period from September 1931 to September 1945, involving telegrams, announcements, summaries, reports, etc., which collectively demonstrate the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China in political ideology, organizational mobilization, strategic policies, and military struggle. The public can access these archival materials at the Central Archives' open archive reading hall.
Israel Carries Out Airstrikes on Houthi-Controlled Red Sea Coastal Areas in Yemen
From the night of the 6th to the early morning of the 7th, Israel launched airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas along Yemen's western Red Sea coast. The Israeli military stated that in response to continuous missile and drone launches by Houthi forces towards Israel, the Israeli military dispatched approximately 20 military aircraft to bomb Houthi arms transfer facilities and critical infrastructure used for military operations. Targeted locations included Hodeidah Port, Ras Isa Port, Salif Port, and the Khateeb Central Power Plant. The Israeli military also stated that today (July 7), it intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen. The Houthi side claimed today that its forces effectively responded to the Israeli airstrikes by launching a large number of surface-to-air missiles, and that the Israeli attacks would not affect its military capabilities. Separately, according to a Yemeni government official, a Liberian-flagged commercial vessel was attacked by Houthi speedboats while sailing in the Red Sea near Hodeidah Province on the 6th, resulting in severe damage to the hull and a fire. The Houthis have not yet responded. Israel and Hamas held a new round of indirect talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in Doha, Qatar, on the 6th. Currently, no agreement has been reached by all parties.
Russia Claims Control of Two Settlements, Ukraine Reports Striking Russian Command Post
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 6th that Russian forces had taken control of one settlement each in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian media reported on the same day that Russian forces were only a few kilometers away from Kupyansk in Kharkiv Oblast, cutting off Ukrainian supply lines and thus encircling Kupyansk. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated on the 6th that Ukrainian forces had attacked 7 areas where Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment were concentrated, and 2 command posts.
Texas Floods Kill at Least 82, Dozens Missing
The flood disaster in Texas, USA, continues. According to U.S. media reports on the 6th, the floods have caused at least 82 deaths, including 28 children, and dozens are still missing. Kerr County, the most severely affected area, has reported 68 deaths. In the summer camp site on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, which was hit by the floods, 10 girls and 1 counselor are still missing. U.S. President Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Texas, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated emergency status in Texas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on the 6th that parts of the state are expected to experience "more heavy rainfall" in the coming days, which could trigger renewed life-threatening floods.
International News Briefs
Poland reinstates border controls with Germany and Lithuania. The Polish government announced on the 6th that, due to concerns about illegal immigration, Poland would reinstate border control measures at its borders with Germany and Lithuania starting at midnight on the same day, for a period of 30 days. Polish President Duda recently stated that Germany created its own migration problem and must solve it itself. In recent years, Schengen countries such as Germany and France have implemented temporary border controls within the Schengen Area to curb illegal immigration, which Poland has opposed. Frequent earthquakes off the coast of Kagoshima, Japan, exceeding 1500 times. According to information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred in the waters near the Tokara Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, early this morning (July 7), with a focal depth of approximately 20 kilometers. The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that since June 21, the cumulative number of felt earthquakes in the area near the Tokara Islands has exceeded 1,500. As a result, some local residents have been evacuated in batches to Kagoshima City for several consecutive days.
24 Solar Terms: Minor Heat
Minor Heat is the eleventh of the twenty-four solar terms, and the fifth solar term of summer. At the end of the program, we delve into the vast expanse of nature to experience the rhythm of nature and cultural heritage during the Minor Heat solar term. "Shu" means heat. During Minor Heat, the heat gradually intensifies but has not yet reached its peak, hence the name Minor Heat. At this time, it is hot and rainy, and the world is filled with vibrant life energy, with all things growing vigorously amidst the symphony of light and water. "Small garden pavilions distant from pond ripples. Fish play stirring new lotus." In the misty lotus pond, lotus flowers stand gracefully, and fish playfully stir the lotus leaves, outlining a mid-summer scene of "endless green lotus leaves reaching to the sky." "On the sixth day of the sixth month, every household dries red and green." Around Minor Heat, there is a folk custom of "drying during the dog days." Minor Heat is also the time to taste new wheat and rice, known as "eating new." People make pancakes and noodles from newly harvested rice and wheat, sharing and tasting them with neighbors and relatives, wishing for abundant harvests. Minor Heat, long summer days, and lush growth of all things.