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Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka's National People's Power (NPP) was on Sunday elected as the country's new president.

Chinese experts said that his victory will likely further boost relations between China and Sri Lanka, as Dissanayake is expected to adopt a more pragmatic and friendly approach to strengthen ties with China during his term.

Citing figures released by the election commission reported by local TV, Reuters and other media reported on Sunday that Dissanayake won the presidential election. It is the first time in Sri Lanka's history that the presidential race was decided by a second round of counting.

The relationship between China and Sri Lanka has continuously strengthened over the past decade, particularly with the alignment of local development strategies with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), observers said. 

Under Sri Lanka's new administration, this pair of relations is expected to be further enhanced, as Dissanayake's party shares many ideological similarities with China, and values the country's ties with China, Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Sunday. He said although the new administration is expected to maintain a balanced stance between its relations with China and India, the new president is likely to reduce reliance on India and seek closer alignment with China's development strategies, by adopting a more pragmatic and friendly attitude.

Sri Lanka's new administration will likely still prioritize the development of its economy and improving the livelihood of its people amid an upward trend in the country's economic situation, experts said. This indicates that there is significant potential for China-Sri Lanka relations, as China also views the South Asian country as an important node in the BRI, having invested in a number of infrastructure projects, including ports, that have brought tangible benefits to the local population, observers noted.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, China's film industry is gearing up for a promising season, offering a diverse lineup of 21 new releases to draw audiences back to theaters. At a time when the market faces challenges, will this mix of films have the potential to energize the box office? An industry expert told the Global Times that he has confidence in this year's Mid-Autumn film season.

Among the highly anticipated films, Stand by Me, which premieres on Sunday, stands out due to high pre-sales.

Following that, there's the Hollywood thriller Speak No Evil. On September 17 when the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated, there will be realism-orientated films such as Like A Rolling Stone and Enjoy Yourself, as well as comedies like A Frozen Rage and Keep Rolling.

Moreover, there will be re-releases such as The Wandering Earth II, along with a behind-the-scenes documentary about the film.

According to online ticketing platform Maoyan, by 12:29 pm on Wednesday, pre-sales for this season have already surpassed 40 million yuan ($5.62 million), with Stand by Me, Like A Rolling Stone, and Enjoy Yourself leading the pack. From thrillers to comedies and animated films, the Mid-Autumn season caters to diverse audience preferences.

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival falls in mid-September, right between the summer and National Day film seasons, serving as a bridge for the market. The recent summer box office was not ideal, with a decline in both revenue and viewership compared to 2023.

The summer box office (June 1 to August 31) reached 11.64 billion yuan, a decrease of nearly 9 billion yuan compared to 20.619 billion yuan in 2023.

Additionally, this summer saw 285 million tickets sold, a significant drop compared to the 505 million from the same period in 2023.

According to a report by Maoyan, the long-tail index for summer blockbusters has significantly decreased compared to 2023, with overall post-release box-office performance and film discussions being less favorable.

The long-tail index refers to the total box-office earnings divided by opening day earnings.

Additionally, there was a scarcity of large-scale family films, which led to a decrease in group viewership, while single-viewer rates reached their highest in the past six years.

The most prominent reason for not watching films during the summer is "lack of interest in the films." The "cost-effectiveness" of going to the cinema was also a crucial factor in audiences' decision-making.

However, since the box office for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays in 2023, which were combined that year, reached 2.734 billion yuan, one interviewed expert noted he is optimistic about this year's performance during the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays.

"Although the summer season didn't meet expectations, the film market is not lacking in excitement, and there is a certain level of anticipation for the Mid-Autumn Festival," Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times.

According to Sun, this year's Mid-Autumn Festival benefits from its timing. If it were closer to the summer or National Day periods, many films might opt to release during those peak times instead.

"I believe that this year's Mid-Autumn releases might actually perform slightly better than last year's. The key is that the lineup for this year is quite rich for a smaller season, offering a wide range of choices across various genres, including Hollywood films, realistic themes, and comedies," he added.

Realism is a major highlight of this year's Mid-Autumn film season. Movies like Stand by Me and Like A Rolling Stone stand out not only for their narratives but also for their focus on realism, often tackling pressing social issues.

A reception was held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands in Beijing on September 13. 

Shen Xin, secretary general of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, KS Vincent Sivas, Ambassador of Micronesia to China, and Barrett Salato, Ambassador of Solomon Islands to China, attended the reception and delivered speeches.

Shen said that the friendly exchanges between China and the people of Pacific Island countries have a longstanding history. 

In recent years, the two sides have actively expanded cooperation in various fields, which has not only enhanced the well-being of the people on both sides, but also made important contributions to regional peace, stability, and development.

Looking into the future, China is willing to work together with countries in the Pacific region to continue to deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two sides and promote continuous new progress in China-Pacific friendly cooperative relations, he said. 

Ambassador Sivas said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the FSM and China, the exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture have been continuously deepened, while mutual understanding and trust have been continuously strengthened. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cooperation between the two sides has greatly benefited the people of the two countries, he affirmed. 

It is expected that the two sides will continue to expand friendship and cooperation in the future, the ambassador noted. 

Ambassador Salato said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two sides have carried out a number of development cooperation projects, which have provided a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

The Solomon Islands is willing to work with China in the future to push bilateral relations to a new level, he said. 

Students from the Minzu University of China and their counterparts from the Solomon Islands, who are studying in China, performed folk songs and dances at the reception.

The opening ceremony of the "ACE! Australian Comics Exhibition" hosted by the Australian Consulate-General in Shanghai, IllustrateYourLife studio, and Sinan Mansions, was held in downtown Shanghai on August 23.
The Australian Consul-General in Shanghai John Williams mentioned the comic traditions of both Australia and Shanghai, saying the purpose of this exhibition is to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia.

"The role of this exhibition goes beyond just the artistic; it also connects Australian art with the younger generation in China," hoping that the event would create opportunities for educational cooperation, he added.

"Through this opportunity, I have gained a deeper understanding of Chinese comics and also made friends with Chinese artists," said Australian cartoonist Ben Mitchell, the designer of the exhibition's mascot, Casey, in his speech.

Open until September 16, the exhibition features the works of 20 outstanding Australian cartoonists, drawing the attention of numerous comic enthusiasts and professionals.

Cartooning had a long tradition in Australia, dating well back into the 19th century. The Australian Cartoonists Association is one of the world's oldest cartoon organizations.

Shanghai, as the birthplace of modern comics in China, has also nurtured outstanding cartoonists like Feng Zikai, and important publications in the history of modern Chinese comics like the Shanghai Sketch.

"The ACE! exhibition series showcases the outstanding and original comic art from Australia. Australia's comic industry is booming, with the continuous rise of the global interest in 'graphic novels', and diverse comic themes and creators," said Williams, the consul general of Australia in Shanghai, at the opening ceremony.

Cheng Zhiqiang, chief cooperation officer at Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), a Beijing-based organization for promoting sustainable energy development worldwide, held talks with the Ambassador of Malawi to China, Allan Chintedza, in Beijing on August 29.

The two sides had in-depth exchanges on the construction of Malawi's power infrastructure and the development of energy interconnection in southern Africa.

Cheng said that since the establishment of the GEIDCO, the organization has achieved remarkable results in global system architecture, participation in international mechanisms, and academic research via think tanks.

The organization looks forward to future technical exchanges and experience sharing between the two sides through Malawi's energy development and power grid upgrading, and deepened practical cooperation, Cheng noted.

He said that the GEIDCO expects to jointly promote the construction of the African Energy Interconnection project.

Ambassador Chintedza affirmed the achievements of the GEIDCO in recent years. He said that Malawi still has a large number of people living without electricity. He said that it is expected that the cooperation organization will play a role of the platform to provide technical solutions for Malawi's power and energy development.

The Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) 2024, organized by the Roscongress Foundation, took place in Vladivostok from September 3 to 6. The event, held on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), gathered CEOs of leading Russian and foreign companies, representatives of government agencies, leading economists, and experts. This year's main theme was "Far East 2030. Combining Strengths to Create New Potential." 

"The Forum didn't simply take place; it was a success. This is evidenced by the number of agreements signed, their amount, and most importantly, the number of decisions taken by the president. Almost immediately after the completion of the EEF, a strategic session on the socioeconomic development of the Far East chaired by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will be held in Moscow.The proposals that were voiced at the Forum and received the president's support will be studied there. I would like to reemphasize: For us, the EEF is not some big, beautiful event. For us, the Forum is a purely working tool that creates opportunities for further effective work to develop the Far East," said Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District. 

This year, the EEF reaffirmed its status as an authoritative platform for discussions on political and economic processes in Asia by consolidating the positive momentum of Russia strengthening its trade positions in the Asia-Pacific region and intensifying multilateral and bilateral relations with the countries of the region.

"Over the past nine years, the Eastern Economic Forum has turned into a powerful institution for national development. The program included more than 120 sessions and roundtables that were attended by over 700 speakers. More than 300 agreements worth a total of RUBLE 5.5 trillion were signed at the venue. In the current realities, in addition to its main goals, the EEF is taking on another, subtler, and equally important, meaning. It has become a platform that demonstrates to everyone worldwide what the results of cooperation between countries look like if such cooperation is based on the principles of equality, mutual consideration of interests, and a sincere desire for joint creation," said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the EEF Organizing Committee.

Business program

The Forum program was divided into seven thematic pillars: "New Contours of International Cooperation," "Technologies to Ensure Independence," "Financial Value System," "The Russian Far East," "People, Education, and Patriotism," "Transport and Logistics: New Routes," "Master Plans: From Architecture to Economy."

The EEF also included meetings among representatives of business circles of Russia and the Asia-Pacific region. Participants in the business dialogues "Russia-ASEAN," "Russia-India," and "Russia-China" discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and the implementation of joint projects and initiatives.

Plenary session

The keynote event of the Forum was the plenary session, which was attended by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, as well as other international dignitaries. In his speech, Putin spoke about ways to further develop the Far East and strengthen cooperation with partner countries, and also provided an assessment of the current state of affairs in the global economy. 

"As you know, we have identified the development of the Far East as a national priority for the entire 21st century. The importance and correctness of this decision have been confirmed by life itself, the challenges that we have faced recently, and most importantly, the objective trends that are gaining momentum in the global economy, where the main business ties, trade routes, and the entire development trajectory overall are being increasingly reoriented toward the East and the Global South. Our Far Eastern regions provide direct access to these growing and promising markets, thereby enabling us to overcome the barriers that some Western elites are trying to impose on the entire world. And most importantly, as I have already stated, our Far East region is a huge space for the spearheading of business initiatives, the launch of complex projects, and the establishment of entire new industries," Putin said, according to forumvostok.ru. 

Participants

The Forum participants included more than 7,100 people, with over 1,500 media representatives from 75 countries and regions, including Russia. The largest delegations came from China, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

The Forum was attended by seven heads of federal services and agencies, and 18 heads of the Russian regions. 

In addition, the participants included more than 2,500 representatives of Russian and foreign businesses from more than 1,100 companies (including more than 125 foreign companies and roughly 975 Russian companies).

Recently, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced the results of the 2024 fund assessments, and the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company received the approval for the NSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China) with the youth project titled "Synergistic/Competitive Modification Mechanisms of Multi-Element Trace Additions on Mg2Si Phase in Aluminum Alloy Melts". This is the third consecutive year since 2022 that State Grid Henan Electric Power Company has secured NSFC funding. 

Marking a significant contribution to China's ability of independent innovation, the NSFC funding has been emphasizing frontier fundamental and applied basic research. In 2024, the number of project applications skyrocketed by 24.63 percent, and the funding rate nationwide plummeted to a historic low of merely 13 percent. In this ultra-competitive environment, the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company's acquisition of an NSFC project underscores its exceptional research capabilities in the field of applied basic research.  

In recent years, the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company has always adhered to the integration of production and scientific research, accelerating the intelligent empowerment of new technologies. 

On the one hand, by establishing framework projects and guideline projects, the company strategically aligns its research priorities and optimizes the direction of scientific research, ultimately achieving a continuous enhancement in the efficiency of resource allocation for technological innovation and continually overcoming significant challenges in the development of power grids. Moreover, the company engages in the continuous formulation and submission of national-level projects such as Major National Science and Technology Projects, National Key Research and Development Programs, and National Natural Science Foundation of China, with a focus on exploring foundational research applications within power quality sensing and coordinated control, distributed intelligent energy systems, novel electrical materials and advanced sensing, and cybersecurity in the power grid. This ultimately leads to the continuous tackling of common challenges within the industry. 

Subsequently, the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company will leverage the technological prowess of research institutions to delve deeper into scientific endeavors, consistently achieving groundbreaking, original innovations, thereby providing robust technological support for the high-quality development of the power grid.

Spain does not view China as "a threat or an adversary," and as the fourth largest EU country, Spain values a positive relationship with China and aims to work constructively together to tackle global challenges, an expert from a Spanish think tank told the Global Times in an exclusive interview on Monday.

Amid rising uncertainties in the world, European countries have adopted varied approaches to their relationship with China, said Miguel Otero-Iglesias, a senior analyst at the Madrid-based Elcano Royal Institute and Professor at IE School of Global and Public Affairs. 

Unlike some countries that are becoming more "protectionist," Spain has focused on maintaining and deepening ties with China, he said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is currently on a four-day visit in China. Economic and trade ties are among the most anticipated highlights of the bilateral talks.

Otero underscored the close relationship between China and Spain. Over the years, Huawei has established a notable presence in Spain, and the influx of Chinese tourists has surged. Recent agreements have helped propel Spanish exports to China, such as enabling the sale of Spanish ham.

"The PM's visit will primarily center on economic issues, particularly trade and investment," Otero said. 

Spain aims to boost exports to China, including food and services like digital and financial services, and discuss the potential to engage in more infrastructure cooperation, while also being interested in attracting Chinese investors to establish manufacturing plants in Spain.

China continues to push for wider opening-up, so immense opportunities may arise for Spanish and European companies in various sectors, such as in medical equipment, food products, digital services, financial services, and more, Otero said.

China-Spain Business Forum was held on Tuesday, attracting over 700 Chinese and Spanish entrepreneurs, who are from industries including energy, logistics, finance, trade, machinery, and aerospace, China Media Group reported.

Speaking of the closely watched new energy sector, Otero pointed to China's substantial progress in green technology. "China has become highly competitive in green industries such as EVs, solar panels, and wind turbines," he said.

Despite recent tariff friction between the EU and China over importing Chinese electric vehicles to Europe, there remains vast potential for bilateral cooperation, he said.

"It's crucial to recognize that Europe's green transition will need Chinese products, technology and investment to progress effectively. Chinese green investments could support the EU's sustainable development, create local jobs, which benefit European consumers," Otero said.

Otero said that both Europe and China need each other in the current context, and their mutual interests will drive their cooperation. He called on both sides to manage risks, engage in dialogue, and foster mutual market openness, rather than resorting to protectionist measures.

China has recognized the need to further open its market to overseas investors, and Europeans want to avoid a trade war with China and distance themselves from the US' confrontational approach, Otero noted.

Spain is playing a crucial role in promoting Europe-China relations. Over the past 50 years, it has embraced foreign investment and free trade. "Unlike some other nations that are becoming more protectionist, Spain views China as a partner rather than a systemic rival," said Otero.

According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce, China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the euro zone. Their trade reached $48.6 billion last year.

Otero noted that the high-level visit by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will help deepen cooperation, not only on resolving economic issues but also on handling global concerns.

"Spain believes in working constructively with China and sees this partnership as essential for addressing global challenges," Otero said.

Nationwide protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu across Israel are calling for a cease-fire deal in exchange for hostages, but analysts saw dim hope of such a deal as Israel, with US support, can still withstand the pressure and sustain the war.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to streets in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Caesarea and other sites in Israel on Monday over the government's failure to make a deal with Hamas, CNN reported. Protests were fueled by the killing of six hostages in Gaza, whose bodies were retrieved over the weekend.

Netanyahu has been accused of stalling efforts for a deal by some hostage families and their supporters. More than 100 hostages, including 35 believed to be dead, are still being held in Gaza, according to CNN.

Netanyahu's wartime cabinet has three major missions to hold on to power - bringing the hostages back, eliminating Hamas and rebuilding a Gaza based on Israel's interests, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

But 11 months into the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and Hamas is still fighting, and as some Israeli hostages were killed by Israeli strikes, the situation is extremely embarrassing for Israeli leaders, Liu said. 

The pressure comes also from Israel's key allies. US President Joe Biden said on Monday that Netanyahu was not doing enough to secure a deal for the release of hostages, Reuters reported.

The UK has suspended some arms sales to Israel, saying there is a "clear risk" the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law, the BBC reported. 

Liu said that by attacking not only Palestinians, but also Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and other targets in Iran, Israel has made enough enemies, and at this point, the fight is getting increasingly pointless and meaningless, and it is time to stop the bloodshed. 

But as long as the US' support remains, Israel will be able to afford the cost of the war and withstand external pressure, so it will be difficult to see a sustainable cease-fire, Liu noted. 

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held on Thursday. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address titled "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future." President Xi proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The Summit adopted the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era and the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) of FOCAC. China-Africa cooperation has opened a new chapter in the history of jointly advancing modernization. 

President Xi stressed that China and Africa account for one-third of the world population. Without our modernization, there will be no global modernization. In the next three years, China will work with Africa to take the following 10 partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization. By closely connecting the future of China and Africa through the theme of modernization, the development momentum will be generated. The global vision embodied in this blueprint, and the vast creativity and potential it contains serves as a model and source of inspiration for the Global South as well as the entire world. The momentum is boundless.

In the 10 partnership actions, Xi announced that China has decided to give all least developed countries (LDCs) having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This is a proactive, unilateral move by China to expand its market access. China is the first developing country and major global economy to implement such an initiative, demonstrating that in promoting development with the world, China is creating opportunities and achieving win-win outcomes without any hidden agenda, any geopolitical self-interest, or any conditions attached. If China-Africa cooperation is like a mirror, what people see in it is not only enormous development opportunities, but also China's genuine goodwill and global vision.

And this is just an epitome of China-Africa cooperation. The 10 partnership actions cover a wide range of areas, from mutual learning, trade prosperity, and infrastructure development to healthcare, agricultural collaboration, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security. For example, it highlights that China will provide 60,000 training opportunities to Africa, mainly for women and youths, which is aimed at addressing the career development concerns of African youths and cultivating a new generation of talent for Africa. 

China will also send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance, addressing issues of food security and self-sufficiency in Africa in the context of global climate change. The 10 partnership actions are concrete, aimed at providing feasible solutions to specific problems.
China is serious and responsible in fulfilling its commitment to Africa. It is not difficult to see from the 10 partnership actions that China has been committed to helping African countries achieve political stability and social stability. On the foundation of stability, China helps African countries seek long-term sustainable development, focusing not only on solving the longstanding issues that hinder Africa's development but also on new pathways that advance Africa's future progress. This indicates that the China-Africa community with a shared future is by no means a temporary plan; rather, it transcends specific moments and events, genuinely focusing on the overall development of Africa. This is why it possesses a vigorous and inexhaustible driving force and demonstrates strong resilience.

The exploration of building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future holds significant global and contemporary importance. Developing countries face a variety of real challenges and are easily affected by the complex and changing international situation, which can disrupt or even hinder the achievement of established goals. If China-Africa cooperation can carve out a new path for South-South cooperation, it would be a tremendous encouragement for countries in the Global South. This would provide a fresh perspective on addressing global development issues and has positive implications for demonstration and promotion.

China has a population of over 1.4 billion, and Africa also has a population of over 1.4 billion. Such a huge modernization process is unprecedented in the history of human civilization. China has a firm determination that "on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind." This vision as a major country will write a new chapter in the history of human development, making the future of modernization in the Global South promising, and it will also promote a bright prospect for the world toward peace, security, prosperity and progress.