Chinese private space star-up GalaxySpace has recently demonstrated mobile-to-satellite communication technology based on China's first low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband communication experimental constellation, successfully connecting Beijing and Bangkok, capital of Thailand in a high-quality video link.
In an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Thursday, the Chinese firm revealed its ambitious goal to develop space technology to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative space information corridor.
The demonstration of mobile-to-satellite communication technology took place on Wednesday at 10:28 am at a commercial space conference held in Beijing, as one satellite of the network codenamed "Mini Spider" passed over the conference venue. On-site staff used their mobile phones to connect to the satellite via a terminal device installed on the rooftop. Through a gateway station in Beijing, they established a connection with personnel in Beijing and Bangkok, the company told the Global Times on Thursday.
Wang Peng, head of communication networks of GalaxySpace, told the Global Times on Thursday that the satellite internet communication technology demonstrated this time can achieve a maximum speed of over 100 mbps, comparable to 5G speeds. It supports high-definition video calls and operates similarly to the satellite internet services currently being widely provided by SpaceX's Starlink, using dedicated terminal devices to connect with LEO satellites and offering support for high-bandwidth applications.
"At the same time, to meet the future demand for direct connectivity, GalaxySpace is developing a new generation of direct satellite-to-mobile communication technology," Wang disclosed.
According to the GalaxySpace technology head, the Mini Spider is China's first LEO broadband communication experimental constellation, currently consisting of eight satellites independently developed and successfully launched by GalaxySpace.
So far, the network has completed multiple satellite internet application validations, including the in-vehicle "moving communication" test for the constellation and the first-ever deep-sea multi-satellite continuous communication test, marking an important step forward in the construction of the space-ground integrated network, Wang said.
GalaxySpace and Thai telecom operator True Corporation on Monday inked a deal to carry out in-depth cooperation in low-orbit satellite communication technology, space-to-ground integrated network solutions, and mobile phone direct satellite communication technology to jointly promote the research and development and verification of related technologies.
The two companies will expand satellite application use scenarios and work together to build future-oriented digital infrastructure.
In May 2024, GalaxySpace, in collaboration with its partner, Mahanakorn University of Technology in Thailand, conducted a LEO satellite internet broadband communication network test and verification in Thailand, based on the "Mini Spider." The successful test marks the first overseas application exploration of China's LEO broadband satellite internet.
Huang Heping, general manager of International Business Development Department of the GalaxySpace, told the Global Times on Thursday that currently, GalaxySpace has reached cooperation agreements with industry partners in over 10 countries. Moving forward, GalaxySpace will use Thailand as a regional hub to promote further international collaboration, leveraging space technology to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative space information corridor.
Chinese researchers have decoded the genetic puzzle behind the regional characteristics of wheat, explaining why northern Chinese varieties tend to be harder while southern ones are softer.
A study recently published in the journal Nature, led by Zhang Xueyong's team from the Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences with international collaborators, reveals key findings about wheat evolution and diversity after over 10,000 years of domestication.
By assembling chromosome-level genomes of 17 representative wheat varieties, researchers identified the peri-centromeric regions of chromosomes as critical zones for wheat differentiation.
The study shows Chinese wheat maintains higher genetic diversity than its foreign counterparts, possibly due to slower commercialization of breeding programs that inadvertently preserved resilient traits.
The team also solved the mystery surrounding winter and spring wheat divergence. While ancestral tetraploid wheats were predominantly spring-types with single VRN-A1 gene copies, later mutations in common wheat created winter varieties through altered gene copy numbers and enhanced cold tolerance.
An intriguing discovery links regional food preferences to wheat genetics. Grain hardness, controlled by Pina and Pinb genes, determines culinary uses.
Mutations in either gene produce harder grains ideal for baked goods, while intact genes yield softer wheat preferred for steamed buns. "This explains why northern China's wheaten food culture favors hard wheat, while southern regions lean toward softer varieties," Zhang explained.
Liu Xu, an Academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted the research marks China's entry into big-data era wheat germplasm studies, accelerating the discovery of vital agricultural genes.
Senior officials from Myanmar, China, and Thailand have arrived in Myawaddy in Myanmar to crack down on telecom fraud and illegal online gambling operations, China Media Group reported on Monday, citing Myanmar's State Administration Council's Information Team.
Since the Myanmar authorities launched a crackdown on Myawaddy's scam centers, they have discovered a large number of foreigners illegally entering the country from neighboring nations. Between January 30 and February 16, they have reviewed and detained 1,030 illegal entrants. The joint task force, composed of senior officials from the three countries, is currently verifying identities and conducting detailed investigations to expedite the repatriation process.
Myanmar has already repatriated some of those detained, while efforts are underway to process the remaining individuals in accordance with legal procedures to ensure their swift repatriation to their home countries.
On Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and the visiting Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi met with Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Than Swe, and Minister of Home Affairs, Tun Tun Naung, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.
Both sides had in-depth exchange of views on enhancing China-Myanmar law enforcement and security cooperation, and on jointly tackling cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and human trafficking, according to the statement.
When asked to comment on the meetings between Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Myanmar's officials, as well as Liu's visit to Thailand, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that the recent serious crimes involving online gambling and scam happened along the Thailand-Myanmar border threaten the life and property of citizens of China, Thailand and other relevant countries, and disrupt normal exchanges and cooperation between regional countries.
China is carrying out active bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries including Thailand and Myanmar. We have adopted various means to address both symptoms and the root cause and worked together to prevent lawbreakers from crossing borders, so as to jointly eradicate the problems of online gambling and scam, safeguard the life and property of the people, and uphold the order of exchanges and cooperation between regional countries, the spokesperson noted.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry will continue working with competent authorities to direct our embassies and consulates overseas to properly handle relevant cases involving consular protection and help, and protect the safety of overseas Chinese and their lawful rights and interests, Guo said.
Southeast Asian countries have been stepping up efforts to combat telecom fraud. AFP reported on Saturday that a Myanmar ethnic militia was preparing to deport 10,000 people linked to cyber scams in the area it controls to Thailand as part of a crackdown on the illicit compounds.
Authorities in Thailand have arrested 10 Chinese suspects in connection with the case involving Chinese actor Wang Xing and have handed them over to the immigration department for repatriation to China, the Thai police said on Friday, according to Xinhua.
Thailand cut electricity, fuel supply, and internet services to five areas in Myanmar along the Thai-Myanmar border on February 5.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as the defense minister, said that online fraud has caused serious harm to Thai citizens and become a national security issue. The Thai government's investigation found that these five connection points are linked to online scam activities, Xinhua reported.
A source from Myawaddy told the Global Times that on February 7, two days after Thailand cut electricity, fuel and internet to five areas in Myanmar, the industrial park in Myawaddy where scam centers are located became erratic, with power outage in some buildings.
The source also said power generators were being used in the industrial park day and night to provide electricity, adding that he hopes the scam centers will be raided soon.
Humanoid robots in China have recently been capturing widespread attention with their diverse capabilities. They are now being deployed not only in daily life, performing cooking or cleaning, but also in industrial production within factories. They are even gearing up to take on the challenge of a half-marathon.
A robot manufacturer in South China's Guangdong Province has been busy with orders from across the country since the beginning of 2025. With a dual-arm load capacity of 40 kilograms and a highly bionic skeletal and muscular structure, the humanoid robot LeadIn D1, designed for industrial use, is capable of easily handling high-intensity tasks such as heavy lifting, material handling, and loading in industrial production, a staff member from Guangzhou Li Gong Industry Co, Ltd told the Global Times on Tuesday.
According to the company staff, LeadIn D1 is scheduled for official delivery to production lines in the second quarter of this year. Its application will span multiple industries, including aerospace, medical devices, and life sciences.
Especially in areas such as monitoring workshop capacity, tracking production task progress, as well as material handling, loading, and product assembly on production lines, LeadIn D1 can leverage intelligent interaction and precise operations to achieve digital and intelligent management of production processes.
Fourier's GRx Robot Series has also been trialed for deployment at car factories in Shanghai, where they are tasked with installing live high-voltage components and performing high-precision operations, a company representative told the Global Times on Tuesday.
The latest version of the Fourier GRx Robot Series, the GR-2 humanoid robot, stands 175 centimeters tall, weighs 63 kilograms, and has a battery life of up to two hours. GR-2 introduces more dexterous hands, designed to mirror the flexibility of human physiology, that can adapt seamlessly to complex tasks with greater precision.
The humanoid robots in the GRx Robot Series have been experimentally applied in scenarios such as reception, scientific research and education, industrial manufacturing, and rehabilitation healthcare, said the representative.
In terms of daily life, humanoid robots have also begun to be put into use. As the world's first full-sized humanoid robot driven purely by electric power, "Tiangong" can not only run on flat ground but also steadily move on slopes, grass, gravel, sand, and sandbags, according to a report by the Beijing Daily on Tuesday.
Since its official release in April 2024, Tiangong has already been used in multiple scenarios, including warehouse pick-and-place tasks and patrols for electrical plants, the Global Times has learned.
In April, for the first time, dozens of humanoid robots will participate in a half-marathon to be held in Beijing's Daxing district.
Wei Jiaxin, brand and public relations manager of the Beijing-based National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center, introduced that participating in the marathon is ultimately about pushing boundaries and overcoming technical challenges in body structure and motion algorithms. This will help enhance compatibility, enabling humanoid robots to be used in a wider range of scenarios, according to the Beijing Daily.
By training humanoid robots in diverse environments and using them in remote operations, they become smarter and more capable. In a home setting, they can learn to do laundry, cook, and organize, paving the way for them to become helpful household assistants in the future, Wei added.
"Before humanoid robots entered factories, many industrial robots were already in place on China's automated production lines," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday. However, he noted that humanoid robots, with their ability to mimic human movements, are better suited for complex environments. Their flexibility allows them to work in tight spaces, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain, tackling tasks that traditional industrial robots struggle with.
Wang further pointed out that industrial robots are mainly used for tasks like handling, welding, assembly, painting, processing, and cleanroom operations, covering most key areas of manufacturing. Meanwhile, humanoid robots have potential carrying out tasks requiring human-like flexibility or those beyond the capabilities of traditional industrial robots.
"In the future, humanoid robots and industrial robots may form a complementary relationship in industrial settings," Wang said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday presided over a symposium to hear opinions and suggestions on a draft government work report.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, listened to suggestions from experts, entrepreneurs and representatives of sectors such as education, science, culture, health and sports.
China achieved progress in various sectors last year, and those achievements were hard won, according to representatives at the symposium. They offered suggestions on addressing the current challenges in development and ensuring government work in 2025.
China still faces many difficulties and challenges in its development, particularly with increasing uncertainty and instability in the external environment, Li said, emphasizing the importance of understanding situations accurately and becoming adept at turning crises into opportunities.
Li said that China has comprehensive strengths in such areas as institutions, the market, industry and talent, and that its overall trend of long-term economic improvement remains unchanged and will not change.
Efforts should be made to adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, monitor the development of domestic and international situations closely, adjust policy measures in a timely manner, and fine-tune the country's policy toolbox, Li said.
He also called for further deepened reform, expanded opening-up, the promotion of a transition from old to new growth drivers through scientific and technological innovation, and intensified efforts to secure and improve people's livelihoods.
Li noted his expectation that those in attendance would work hard in their respective fields, actively report on social conditions and public opinion, and devise more policy recommendations.
The draft work report has also been distributed to various government departments for suggestions.
In response to a question about whether the recent change by the Chinese side in the official translation of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's surname, using the characters 鲁 (lǔ) 比 (bǐ) 奥 (ào) instead of the earlier official translation using 卢 (lú) for the first syllable, indicates that he is no longer under sanction by China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that she had not noticed it but would look into it. She added that what was more important was his English name.
Regarding the sanction, she stated that her colleague had explained China's position the previous day.
"China's sanctions targeted actions and words that harmed China's legitimate rights and interests," Mao emphasized.
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also responded to a question on whether China will consider dropping sanctions against Rubio. Guo stated that China will firmly defend its national interests. At the same time, it is necessary for high-level Chinese and American officials to maintain contact in an appropriate way.
On January 6, Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau delivered a speech outside his residence in Ottawa, vowing to step down once his party picks a successor. On January 15, Trudeau told the media that he would not run in the upcoming federal election and would instead be "entirely focused on doing the job that Canadians elected me to do in an extraordinarily pivotal time right now." Theoretically, Trudeau is still the Prime Minister of Canada and the leader of the Liberal Party, but with domestic support plummeting to 16 percent and raising discontent over his leadership among high-ranking party officials, the Prime Minister, who has been in office for 9 years, has no choice but to "take a bow and exit" early. Media outlets are widely speculating that Canada is about to enter the "post-Trudeau era." In this issue, the Global Times invited commentator Tao Duanfang, who has lived in Canada for nearly 20 years, to opine on how Canada has changed under Trudeau's leadership and the profound impact it has had on Canadians' lives, as part of our "Witness to history" series.
Fresh blood of 'natural governing party'
In 2005, I obtained my immigration status. After a brief stay in Canada, I returned to Africa for work and officially settled in Canada a year later. My wife arrived in Canada a year earlier.
The immigration interview for my wife and me took place in October 2003 at the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong. The immigration officer asked me, "How much do you know about Canadian politics? How many major federal parties are there in Canada?" I had prepared in advance and answered correctly: the Liberal Party, the Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party, and the Bloc Québécois - a total of four (the Green Party did not have any seats in the House of Commons at that time).
The immigration officer expressed satisfaction and specifically praised me for placing the Liberal Party first, as it is the "natural governing party."
The Liberal Party first came to power in 1873, and it is the party with the longest cumulative time in power in Canadian history. It is known for its center to center-left political stance, an emphasis on business, and commitment to moderate welfare policies. The party once enjoyed widespread support among the middle class, business people, and small business owners. The characteristics of Chinese immigrants often align with those of small business owners and the middle class. Therefore, when I first settled here, among the Chinese community members who were politically engaged, most I knew tended to support the Liberal Party.
In fact, as of 2006, when I settled in Canada, the Liberal Party had been in power for 13 consecutive years. However, in that year, the Conservative Party, which had not been in power since 1993 and had even changed its name, defeated the Liberal Party and gained control of the government. The politically engaged older generation of immigrants said that the infighting and backstabbing among the prominent figures within the Liberal Party provided an opportunity for the well-organized Conservative Party to benefit. Subsequently, Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper remained in power for nine consecutive years.
The Harper era was a mix of hope and fear for the Chinese community in Canada. The positive aspect was that, although Harper and the Conservative Party came to power with an "anti-China" undertone, their policies toward China gradually became more pragmatic after taking office. During this period, Canada became a popular destination for Chinese citizens traveling abroad.
The Canadian government, at that time, also made a historic acknowledgment of the wrongs of the past, such as the "Chinese Exclusion Act" and the "Chinese head tax." Harper offered a full apology to Chinese Canadians. Furthermore, many government officials at that time often attended Chinese community-organized events.
Coupled with stable prices and a stable Canadian dollar exchange rate, my family (both of my children were born during this period) was quite satisfied with these developments.
Harper is a politician rooted in Alberta, a major oil and gas province and one of the "Prairie Provinces" (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta), which primarily rely on oil, agriculture, and other primary resources. So his long-standing governance is also directly linked to a decline in Canada's high-tech industries, manufacturing, and commercial sectors.
It was during this delicate moment that Trudeau emerged. Since 2012, Canadians have frequently seen this young and handsome politician on their television screens, known for his eloquence and quick wit. Trudeau's entry into politics quickly brought an end to the internal strife within the Liberal Party.
In the 2015 Canadian federal election, Trudeau, participating as the party leader for the first time, led the Liberal Party to a resounding victory.
Baffling policies
In the early days of the Trudeau administration, my family, friends, and colleagues were filled with optimism. Trudeau's commitment to increasing child benefits significantly alleviated our financial burden. I had two school-aged children at the time.
However, based on my observations, the generous Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has led some families to prefer having more children to maximize their benefits rather than seeking low-wage employment.
Additionally, since Trudeau took office, he has been actively advocating for an increase in the minimum wage. Before his administration, the minimum wage in most provinces was around 8 Canadian dollars ($5.6) per hour, but after nine years in office, it has risen to approximately 15 Canadian dollars.
While many of my friends initially supported this policy, the reality has been challenging. Small businesses, already struggling, have found it difficult to absorb the significant wage increases. Many small business owners have had to resort to layoffs or rely on family members to provide "volunteer labor." Meanwhile, rising prices have exacerbated the financial strain on low- and middle-income earners, making their lives even more difficult.
In 2018, cannabis was officially legalized in Canada. Interestingly, recent public opinion polls showed that the majority of Canadians support this policy. In my opinion, there are two main reasons behind this: First, those in favor of cannabis legalization tend to form vocal groups, while opponents remain the "silent majority," and Trudeau chose to cater to the "loud voices"; second, Trudeau and his advisors explained that legalization allows for more effective regulation, leading many people to push for cannabis legalization, mistakenly thinking they were voting for "regulatory support."
After the policy was implemented, a cannabis store opened within a kilometer of my home. During weekend parties, a strong smell of cannabis often wafts from the house next door, rented by students, leaving neighbors powerless, whereas, before legalization, authorities could directly intervene.
In my view, the policies during Trudeau's era have made the originally center or center-left Liberal Party appear more "left-wing" and "progressive."
Some of his policies are baffling, such as the "gender diversity" policy, which mandates that public schools not restrict students from using changing rooms and bathrooms based on their self-identified gender. Some politicians voiced objections but were sidelined within the Liberal Party. In some cases, parents transferred their children to religious schools because "at least there, one can openly say that boys are boys and girls are girls."
Many people in Canada have expressed dissatisfaction with Trudeau's approach of initially "flooding the gates" with immigrants, refugees, and international students, only to later "shut the gates." They believe this approach has significantly changed Canada's social structure. The period before the pandemic saw a rise in anti-Chinese and anti-Vietnamese hostility incidents, and post-pandemic, Indians have become the new target of similar exclusionary sentiments.
Key issues
Some analysts, following Trudeau's resignation announcement, pointed out that although Trudeau had many "flaws," he always presented himself as a "fighter" and refused to step down until late December 2024. His eventual resignation was due to his failure to resolve the "interlinked issues of the economy, employment, and people's livelihoods."
In the case of McDonald's, for example, the price of the classic Big Mac meal was 7.99 Canadian dollars at the beginning of Trudeau's term, but now it has nearly doubled to 14.99 Canadian dollars. Last Sunday, when I went to a warehouse-style supermarket, I found that, compared to nine years ago, the only product that had not seen a significant price increase was bananas, which have remained at 0.69 Canadian dollars per pound (approximately 0.45 kilograms), while almost everything else had increased by 80 percent to over 100 percent. Similarly, the price of haircuts at a cheap community barbershop has gone from 7.99 Canadian dollars to 15.99 Canadian dollars per person.
A provincial election candidate friend of mine said that they now avoid Chinese community activities for fear of being misunderstood. A longtime friend of mine once ran for a provincial legislative seat and was labeled "red" by his opponents simply because he hailed from the Chinese mainland. It must be said that the era of Trudeau after 2019 has truly been difficult to describe for many Chinese Canadians.
For Chinese Canadians with relatives in China, the most frustrating "byproduct" of the Trudeau era may be the slow rebound of direct flights between Canada and China. I sincerely hope that the "post-Trudeau era" will lead to a "warming" of Canada's policy toward China, bringing the country back on track as it was when I first arrived. Hopefully, this is not mere wishful thinking.
As Chinese Year of the Snake draws near, pet snakes are becoming the new trendy pets. More and more people are visiting pet stores to check out pet snakes, hoping that pet snakes can bring good luck to them, according to Chinanews.com.
As the Chinese saying goes, "touching a snake's head brings good fortune," everyone hopes to embrace good luck, said Chong Chong (pseudonym), the owner of a pet snake store in Xi'an, capital city of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, highlighting the growing interest in her shop.
"I mainly sell snakes that are suitable for beginners, such as king snakes, corn snakes, and hognose snakes. The prices vary based on the snake's patterns and quality," said Chong. Her inventory primarily consists of medium to small-sized snakes, with prices ranging from a few hundred to over ten thousand yuan (ranging from $13.74 to $1,375), many of which are already reserved by customers.
"Buying red-colored snakes during the Chinese New Year will enhance the festive atmosphere. Pet snakes are also low-maintenance, visually appealing, and cost-effective, making them very suitable as pets,” said Chong.
Chong said that the currently popular pet snakes are compact in size and known for their gentle temperaments, making them safe pets. "If visitors are bitten by a pet snake, there's no need to panic, just rinse the wound with clean water," Chong said.
Whenever customers come to visit or purchase, Chong always provides information on pet snake care to discourage impulsive purchases that could result in abandonment.
As a snake-keeping enthusiast, Chong's wish is to see pet snakes accepted by more people. Before the Year of the Snake, the bustling activity in her store gives her confidence that this wish will come true.
Media and experts on the island of Taiwan have taken interest in a recent report by foreign news outlet Naval News claiming that the Chinese mainland is “suddenly building a fleet of special barges suitable for Taiwan landings.” The barges may enable the Chinese mainland to conduct landings at previously unsuitable sites and complicate the island’s defense strategies, Naval News speculated.
Naval News first reported on Friday that a number of specialized barges, at least three, but likely five or more, have been observed in Guangzhou Shipyard in southern China. These have unusually long road bridges extending from their bows.
Each barge has a very long road span which is extended out from the front. At over 120 meters this can be used to reach a coastal road or hard surface beyond a beach. At the aft end is an open platform which allows other ships to dock and unload, Naval News said.
The report noted that only a few beaches on Taiwan’s main island are suitable for amphibious landings, and these could be heavily defended. But these new barges change that, as they can land across rocky, or soft, beaches, allowing tanks to be delivered directly to firmer ground or coastal roads.
While Naval News mentioned the possibility that the barges could have a civilian role, it claimed they appear greatly over-spec for civilians uses.
The Chinese mainland has made no official announcements about the alleged barges as of press time.
Media on the island of Taiwan, including the Central News Agency and United Daily News, made coverages on the alleged barges late on Saturday. The title of the Central News Agency’s report focused on the barges’ capability to have tanks directly land on roads on the island of Taiwan, while United Daily News noted that the Naval News report was discussed by military experts on the island.
Lu Li-shih, a former captain of the Ching Chiang-class patrol corvette of the island of Taiwan, said that the new landing vessels can save the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) time in clearing obstacles on the beaches set by Taiwan’s armed forces, United Daily News reported. The report also quoted an anonymous retired officer as saying that these barges are not useful, because they would need to sail across the Taiwan Straits under the targeting of the island of Taiwan’s missiles and drones.
Fu Qianshao, a Chinese mainland military expert, said the alleged barges, if turn out to be true, could be of civilian purposes. He told the Global Times on Sunday that such barges could be particularly useful in disaster relief missions, as they can quickly send supplies to land or quickly evacuate personnel.
If the barges indeed have military use, Fu pointed out that the Chinese mainland has an increasing variety of vessels for amphibious landing, with the PLA equipped with diverse options to address the Taiwan question when it comes to that.
“Resisting reunification by force” is a dead end, Fu said. The media hype has exposed a sense of anxiety regarding the PLA’s growing ability to address challenges in amphibious operations. Rather than speculating on the military purpose of these alleged barges, the focus should shift to making concrete efforts to promote a peaceful reunification, he said.
In response to a media inquiry on whether China is considering providing specific assistance to the people suffering from the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that severe wildfires occurred recently in Los Angeles area of the US, we express our condolences to the victims and extend our sympathies to the injured and the families of those affected.