The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who lost their lives during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea will be returned to China from South Korea in late November, according to China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
This will mark the 11th repatriation of CPV martyrs' remains since the signing of a handover agreement between the two countries.
From 2014 to 2023, China and South Korea, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully completed 10 consecutive handovers involving the remains of 938 CPV martyrs in South Korea, along with related artifacts. Both sides have agreed to continue their cooperation in these efforts, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The repatriation of CPV soldiers' remains from Korea has become a notable friendly event between China and South Korea, which even has significance for international peace, Lü Chao, an expert on the Korean Peninsula affairs at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday.
From China's perspective, the Chinese people have never forgotten the immortal achievements and great spirit of sacrifice of the CPV soldiers. Their spirit of fighting for the defense of world peace will be forever etched in our hearts, and it is the common wish of all ethnic groups in China to have them back, Lü said.
Some 70 years ago, the CPV crossed the Yalu River to fight the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea in 1953.
A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers entered the battlefield, and 197,653 of them sacrificed their lives in the war. The names of the martyrs can be found on a memorial wall at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang.
At the beginning of this year, China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs released the latest results of the search for relatives of the CPV soldiers in South Korea, and the relatives of 10 martyrs were successfully found through DNA comparisons of the remains, People's Daily reported.
In recent years, the Martyrs' Remains Search and Identification Center of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs has been engaged in the organization, identification, and analysis of relics. They have gradually released leads for locating the relatives of martyrs and mobilized various sectors of society to jointly search for the families of the martyrs.
Relying on the National Martyrs' Remains DNA Identification Laboratory, a national DNA database for martyrs' remains and a DNA database for martyrs' relatives have been established. This has helped to solve the challenges of DNA recognition for remains and developed key technologies related to complex kinship identification, successfully confirming the identities of 20 martyrs, as of January 2024, the People's Daily reported.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima and pay a state visit to Peru from November 13 to 17 at the invitation of President of the Republic of Peru Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on November 8.
Recently, Global Times reporters Zhao Yusha and Bai Yunyi conducted an exclusive interview with the Peruvian Ambassador to China, Marco V. Balarezo, regarding China-Peru relations and APEC cooperation.
In the interview, Balarezo highly praised China's important role and influence in the Latin American region, believing that Peru can serve as a "gateway" for China's cooperation with Latin America. In view of this, the Peruvian diplomat believes that the close cooperation between China and Peru in areas such as trade, investment and infrastructure, as well as the significant potential for collaboration in new energy and digital communication, can not only enhance connectivity between China and Peru but also provide valuable experience for the overall development of the region.
GT: How do you evaluate the current level of development in China-Peru relations? What significance does China-Peru cooperation hold for the Latin American region?
Balarezo: The current level of development in Peru-China relations is robust and multifaceted, reflecting a mature partnership grounded in frequent high-level exchanges, strong political dialogue and deep economic, commercial and cooperative initiatives. China has been Peru's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years and, after Brazil, Peru is the largest destination of Chinese outbound investments in LAC, accounting for more than $30 billion in sectors such as mining, infrastructure and energy.
This partnership not only boosts bilateral trade but also positions Peru as a strategic gateway for Chinese engagement across Latin America.
Peru-China cooperation carries significant implications for the entire Latin American region. It provides a model for how collaboration with China can help address key development challenges.
GT: There has been much discussion about China's presence in Latin America in recent years. How do you view China's expanding influence in the region in recent years? What does this mean for the region?
Balarezo: Chinese investments in infrastructure, mining, energy and manufacture, along with technology initiatives and the transfer of technical know-how, are addressing critical development needs across the region.
Furthermore, China's huge market allows LAC to increase their exports and with that job creation and the integration of SMEs in global supply chains.
GT: The Chancay Port, held and invested by Chinese companies, is expected to have an inauguration ceremony. How do you evaluate the impact the Chancay Port will have on Peru? There are voices suggesting that China may use the Chancay Port for military purposes or exert "economic coercion" on Peru. What is your response to this?
Balarezo: The Chancay Port is expected to officially open in November, following the inauguration ceremony to be attended by the presidents of both Peru and China. This collaboration, involving Cosco Shipping and Peruvian enterprise Volcán, marks an important milestone for bilateral relations between the two countries.
As one of the largest infrastructure investments in South America, the Chancay Port will transform Peru's maritime routes and logistics by establishing direct connectivity with China and Asian markets, reducing transportation costs and enhancing the efficiency of trade flows across the Pacific.
The port is expected to receive Triple-E vessels, making it the only one in South America capable of handling such large-scale cargo ships, which will significantly reduce the maritime journey time between Chancay and Shanghai by 10 to 12 days.
Regarding concerns about potential military use or economic coercion, it is essential to emphasize that the Chancay Port is a private commercial project that must comply with Peruvian national law. It is impossible for the port to have dual-use purposes.
GT: What are your expectations for the deepening of China-Peru cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative? In high-tech fields such as new energy vehicles and communication technology, what potential is there for cooperation between the two countries?
Balarezo: China's expertise and resources provide Peru with opportunities to enhance its transportation networks, such as railways and port facilities, invest in renewable green energy projects like solar and wind farms, and advance technological innovation through collaboration in telecommunications and digital technological infrastructure, among other areas. These initiatives align with Peru's long-term goals for sustainable development and modernization. In high-tech fields, such as new energy vehicles (NEVs) and communication technology, there is substantial room for collaboration.
China, being a global leader in NEV technology, offers Peru valuable opportunities for technology transfer and investments, such as establishing electric vehicle assembly facilities and charging infrastructure, which could help Peru promote sustainable and cleaner transportation systems and reduce its carbon footprint.
Additionally, cooperation in communication technology could help bridge Peru's digital divide, particularly in rural areas, enabling better access to digital services and advancing Peru's digital transformation.
GT: In the context of multiple challenges facing the global economy, how can APEC economies better leverage collective strength to promote global economic recovery and sustainable development?
Balarezo: As the host of APEC 2024, with the support of China and other economies, Peru has been able to already approve by consensus 10 Ministerial Declarations and 5 political-technical Declarations on different important key issues, covering various fields such as food safety, the development of clean and low-carbon hydrogen roadmaps, just energy transition, and sustainable finance initiatives.
Through all of these and other agreements that we expect to be approved, APEC economies can help lead the world toward a more inclusive and resilient recovery.
GT: How do you view the role of Global South countries in APEC? What significance does cooperation among emerging countries hold for the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region?
Balarezo: The participation of developing countries in APEC ensures that diverse perspectives and unique challenges of emerging economies are addressed, particularly in areas like economic formalization, access to digital technologies and increasing participation in global value chains.
The involvement of developing countries ensures that the APEC agenda is inclusive and reflects the needs of countries striving for economic inclusion and equitable growth. Working together, they can promote initiatives aimed to attend to their particular needs and domestic realities.
A recent scam in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, involving a company that lured job applicants with promises of high-paying positions and free plastic surgeries as part of the recruitment process has been exposed.
A woman, surnamed Liu, discovered a job listing on a recruitment website in May offering a salary of 50,000 ($6,913) to 80,000 yuan per month, according to China Central Television (CCTV) on Saturday. Enticed by the appealing offer, she submitted her resume and attended the interview, but the interviewer ignored her resume and work experience, focusing exclusively on her appearance.
Liu said that the interviewer told her facial features were not attractive enough and suggested she make some adjustments, arguing that the role heavily relied on physical appearance.
The person then referred Liu to a medical institution for plastic surgery, listing five procedures deemed necessary. The company also promised to cover the costs of the surgeries upfront and reimburse her afterward.
The five procedures cost 35,000 yuan, but the company claimed it would advance 10,000 yuan, requiring Liu to cover the remaining 25,000 yuan, which would also be reimbursed after she worked, Liu said, as reported by CCTV.
Upon entering the clinic, Liu said that the doctor did not inquire about her decision to undergo surgery. Instead, a loan of 25,000 yuan was processed without her consent. Despite her hesitation, she was rushed to the operating table without further consultation.
Liu was informed by the recruiter that she had to undergo pre-service training and could only complete the entry procedures upon passing. However, she found the training program inappropriate, as it involved informal services. When she decided to quit, the company refused to take responsibility for the financial arrangements.
A few days after the plastic surgery, Liu recognized the severity of her situation when she experienced pain, noticed her mouth had become slightly crooked, and her face remained swollen. When she sought help from the hospital, the staff dismissed her concerns, prompting her to report the incident to the police.
The Kunming police actually received four similar reports from May to mid-June. After investigation, the police discovered that all the complainants were female job seekers who had been referred to a medical institution for plastic surgery by the "recruiters." The police concluded that these incidents were likely not coincidental.
The police found out that the "recruiter" and the medical institutions are not a simple partnership, but a conspiracy in advance, to execute a coordinated fraud scheme.
The police have escalated five medical dispute cases to criminal investigations. As the inquiry progressed, they uncovered the scam group's tactics, which centered on luring job seekers with promises of high salaries.
They also chose upscale hotels for interviews, creating a formal and high-end atmosphere that puts job seekers at ease. During this so-called training phase, they impose various harsh entry conditions, leading job seekers to believe that any decision to withdraw is their own fault, rather than recognizing they have been deceived, reducing the likelihood of victims reporting the scam to the police.
The police said that an agreement existed between the recruitment company and the medical institution, whereby the funds from the loan are effectively divided between the two entities.
Following further investigation, the police revealed the organizational structure of the criminal gang, which comprises 15 members. This includes a sales team, an interviewer, and personnel from the medical team. The group operated with a clear division of labor and effective collaboration, creating a comprehensive fraud operation.
Andy Lau's concert in Taiwan was warmly received by local fans but faced criticism from “Taiwan independence” advocates. Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian on Wednesday noted that certain politicians from “green camp” in Taiwan have forgotten their roots, attempting to politicize and disrupt normal musical exchanges, which has been met with strong criticism.
The song Lau performed, "Chinese," was composed by a musician from Taiwan, and with iconic lyrics that include, “Hand in hand, no division between you and me, moving forward with pride, let the world know we are all Chinese,” Zhu noted.
Zhu emphasized that people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are "Chinese," are "Descendants of the Dragon," have a "Chinese Heart," speak "Chinese Language," and love "China in the Lights." "Love My China" is the dignity and glory of every Chinese son and daughter, Zhu said.
Zhu urged the Taiwan compatriots to embrace their shared cultural identity as Chinese, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence” separatists, and work together with mainland compatriots to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Straits relations, and strive together for national rejuvenation.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Monday, with the air force debuting some of its most advanced weapons, including the J-35A medium-sized stealth fighter, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system and a new attack reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle at the biennial Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.
Military expert Song Zhongping said the Chinese air force becomes a strategic power today with its series of advanced weapons, such as stealth fighter jets, large cargo aircraft, strategic bombers, early-warning aircraft, air defense systems and tanker aircraft. In the future, the air force might be able to have a new generation stealth strategic bomber as well. This means China will have a more comprehensive and powerful military strength to better safeguard its core interests, national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
J-35A, the super star of the air show this year, has attracted attention from world media and military enthusiasts that have made the trip to Zhuhai. With the official commissioning of the J-35A into the PLA Air Force, China becomes the world's second country to operate two types of stealth fighter jets, experts noted. The heavy J-20 and the medium-sized J-35A can perform complementary roles in joint missions, Chinese military aviation expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times. He noted that J-35A is likely to be less costly than J-20, so it can be produced in large numbers in a short period of time.
The PLA Air Force will bring 36 types of equipment for aerial flight demonstrations and ground static displays to showcase the development of its equipment in a comprehensive and close-up manner, the PLA Air Force announced on Tuesday at a press conference marking the 75th anniversary of its establishment and its participation in Airshow China 2024.
On the HQ-19, Fu said it is comparable to the US-made THAAD weapon system. The THAAD weapon system can intercept hostile ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, and intercept targets at the upper levels of the atmosphere. The US relies on the Patriot air defense weapon system at the lower levels.
"The HQ-9B and HQ-19 have formed a similar system, capable of intercepting the middle and end of the missile in outer space, the upper atmosphere and the lower atmosphere. The official debut of the HQ-19 marked the construction of the PLA Air Force integrating air and space, both offensive and defensive, making significant achievements, and reaching a new level," Fu noted.
Apart from the new J-35A and HQ-19 stars, as well as a new attack reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle, the PLA Air Force also brought a series of aircrafts including fighter jets J-10C and J-16D EW, bomber H-6K, large cargo aircraft Y-20 and drones WZ-7 and WZ-10 to the air show.
One day ahead of its 75th birthday, the PLA Air Force released a video titled "For You" on Sunday to mark its achievements. According to the China Central Television military channel, the video released by the PLA Air Force shows the Y-20 tanker aircraft air refueling the early-warning aircraft KJ-500A. Chinese military expert Wang Mingzhi said the KJ-500A is a radar station in the air and also a hub of command chain, so the video proves that with the support from the Y-20 tanker aircraft, the combat capability of the early-warning air craft has been greatly improved.
The video also showed Y-20 cargo aircraft carrying a huge number of airborne troops to conduct an airborne missions at night. Wang said that this shows that, with the Y-20s, the PLA Air Force can now conduct massive airborne missions in all weather conditions.
Song told the Global Times on Sunday that "the PLA Air Force is a strategic air force that is armed with world-class advanced weapons, including stealth fighter jets J-20 and J-35A, strategic bomber H-6K, a series of early-warning air crafts such as KJ-2000 and KJ-500." He added that "we might be able to see a new generation stealth strategic bomber in the future. All these advancements make the PLA Air Force a powerful strength in the hand of China, able to deal with all external threats and safeguard its own national interests, especially its core interests."
The Russia-US relationship is for the two sovereign states to address, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, in response to a question on Russian President Putin expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with US President-elect Trump and saying Trump's statements on the Ukraine crisis are noteworthy.
On the Ukraine crisis, Mao reiterated that China's stance remains consistent, supporting all efforts that contribute to a political resolution.
Putin on Thursday congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory and said what Trump has said during election campaign about the desire to restore relations with Russia and to bring about the end to the Ukrainian crisis deserves attention, CCTV reported.
Putin made the remarks at the Valdai discussion club in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, Putin said on Thursday that he is ready to hold discussions with Trump.
After a three-year rift with China triggered by the approval of a "Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania," which created the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan" and thus sparked strong protest from Beijing, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and the incoming Lithuanian coalition government leader have recently expressed publicly a willingness to repair ties with Beijing.
Chinese experts said Lithuania had swallowed the bitter consequences of the farce, as facts have proved that Vilnius saw more costs than gains when acting as a pawn of the US to provoke China's red line, particularly at a time when many European countries are seeking practical cooperation with China.
According to a report by Lithuania news outlets Delfi on Tuesday, President Nausėda expressed support for the incoming government's desire to normalize diplomatic ties with China, and hopes that China will change its decision to downgrade the level of diplomatic representation and that ambassadors will return to work in both countries.
China-Lithuania ties soured in 2021. On November 18, 2021, Lithuania, in disregard of China's strong protest and repeated representations, allowed the Taiwan authorities to set up a "Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania." This act openly created the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan" in the world, renounced the political commitment made by Lithuania in the communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC), undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs.
In response, China announced a downgrade of diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the level of charge d'affaires.
In May this year, President Nauseda has already called for improved relations with China, and said that the representative office should adopt word "Taipei" rather than "Taiwan" in line with international standards, per Bloomberg.
On October 31, the prime minister-designate of Lithuania Gintautas Paluckas stated that China-Lithuania ties should be improved, and his government would seek to restore full diplomatic relations with China and repair the rift caused by the Taiwan question, after his Social Democratic Party (LSDP) won parliamentary elections.
Paluckas said Lithuania made a "grave diplomatic mistake" by allowing Taiwan to open a "Taiwanese-named" representative office in Vilnius, according to local media the LRT. Asked whether Lithuania would seek the return of its ambassador to Beijing and the return of the Chinese ambassador to Vilnius, Paluckas said: "Absolutely yes."
The remarks by Lithuanian politicians indicate that the incoming government is reflecting on its choices and is turning to more rational, pragmatic and sustainable ways to handle bilateral relations, said Zhao Junjie, a senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
This once again demonstrates that adherence to the one-China principle is the general trend of the world, and the aspiration of the people, Zhao said.
Before the latest voice from the very top in Vilnius, a study showed that the public in Lithuania prefers friendly and pragmatic ties with Beijing, according to a report from local media LRT in February.
Citing the poll, it also said 44 percent of Lithuanians believe that the country's economy would struggle without investments from China. Almost two-thirds, 63.3 percent, believe that Lithuania should not interfere in China's internal affairs.
According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce, trade between China and Lithuania has grown rapidly since 2015, from $1.351 billion to $2.135 billion, an increase of more than 82 percent in five years. However, due to Lithuania's diplomatic mistake, which has undermined the cooperation confidence between the two sides, Lithuanian media Delfi reported that China's imports of cheese, grain and timber from Lithuania have been greatly reduced.
"Lithuania swallowed the consequences of its mistake after the farce," said Zhao, "Vilnius has more to lose than to gain by acting as a pawn of the US to provoke China's red line, Zhao said.
It is obvious that overall China-EU cooperation is not only about France and Germany, but also involves many small countries in terms of economic size, Zhao said. "Eastern European countries such as Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia are stepping up efforts to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China, while Lithuania was left alone, watching as an outsider."
In terms of geopolitics, Lithuania and Russia are already on bad terms, and after US presidential elections, it is particularly crucial for Lithuania to repair relations with China, Zhao stated.
As the relations between China and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) have entered a new era, underpinned by comprehensive cooperation across the political, economic, and cultural fields, Chinese researchers have also been witnesses to this deepened relationship through enhanced research on these island countries. In an interview with the Global Times, they shared the common feeling that "a decade ago, we did not know each other very well, but today, we can say that we are true friends."
This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present.
China and PICs are connected by shared blue waters. In recent years, China's relationship with PICs has warmed rapidly, with expanding cooperation in various fields including politics, economics, and culture. This trend is evident not only in high-level exchanges and policy coordination, but also in academia's growing focus on research related to PICs.
An increasing number of universities and research institutions are paying attention to this "blue ocean," leading to a rise in both the quantity and quality of research output.
Professor Chen Dezheng, Director of the Pacific Island Countries Research Center at Liaocheng University, told the Global Times that these achievements not only illustrate China's growing research on PICs, but also symbolize the flourishing friendship and cooperation between China and these island countries.
Bonds of friendship
The friendship between China and PICs is based on similarities in various aspects including culture and living habits. In this regard, Shandong serves as a typical example.
"People in PICs generally have a 'fire worship' culture, such as performing torch dances to celebrate harvests and ward off evil spirits. In September 1985, during the 10th anniversary celebration of Papua New Guinea's independence, a magic acrobatic troupe from Jinan, the capital city of Shandong, was invited to perform locally. The superb performances by Chinese artists, especially the fire-breathing stunt that carried an air of Eastern mystique, captivated the Papua New Guinean officials and the public, who have a long-standing reverence for fire. This marked the beginning of a flourishing mutually beneficial friendship between Shandong and PICs," said Yu Lei, a senior researcher who has been studying PICs for over years from Shandong University.
According to the Fact Sheet: Cooperation Between China and Pacific Island Countries released by Chinese Foreign Ministry in May 2022, China and PICs have forged 22 pairs of sister provinces/states and cities.
The deep connection between Shandong and PICs nourishes Shandong researchers' studies in the field of PICs. Liaocheng University is regarded as a leader in China, holding a distinguished position in this specialized field.
The Pacific Island Countries Research Center at Liaocheng University, established in 2012, has made significant strides in academic research while playing a vital role in international cooperation and exchange.
The center has engaged numerous experts from China and abroad in the field of PICs studies.
Chen Dezheng told the Global Times that the center initially had fewer than 10 researchers but now boasts over 50 full- and part-time staff. The quantity and quality of their research have grown in tandem, with over 40 published works, including 14 volumes of The Annals of Nations on PICs. The center also undertook the writing of all entries related to PICs for The Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition), expanding the content tenfold to over 200 entries, enriching China's knowledge system on PICs.
Supported by the center, the China-PICs Cooperation Center on Climate Change was also established at Liaocheng University in recent years.
Beyond Shandong, as China deepens its relations with PICs, more institutions and universities are playing an active role in this field of research and exchange. For example, South China's Guangdong Province has continually sent medical teams and educational experts to PICs, considering their problems such as difficulties in accessing medical care and education.
When Global Times reporters visited the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center in Nadi, Fiji, in August 2023, the reporters learned that professionals from the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in East China's Fujian Province have also organized some 40 training sessions across various locations in Fiji, benefiting nearly 2,300 individuals.
In 2024, forums focused on China-PICs relations have been particularly active.
On July 6, 2024 International Forum on Pacific Island Countries Response to Climate Change, hosted by the Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality at Ocean University of China and sponsored by the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS), convened in Qingdao, Shandong Province.
On October 16, 2024, the Launch Event and Workshop on the Implementation of One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative for Pacific Island Countries took place in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province. The event was attended by former Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare and representatives from various organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the China-Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center.
Deepening interaction "At the very beginning, my studies in PICs were an extension of my studies in Australia. But after more than a decade, I can always feel, during my interaction with my friends in PICs, that we are getting a deeper and deeper understanding of each other. China and PICs are real friends rather than donor and receiver," Chen Hong, who took up studies on PICs since 2007, told the Global Times.
Yu also noted a deepening tendency in the cooperation between China and PICs. "In recent years, the cooperation between China and PICs is even more pragmatic in cooperation, focusing on improving the quality of life for the island nations' people and promoting local economic and social development."
For example, a Chinese company-built fisheries industrial park in Papua New Guinea not only enhances the utilization of local fishery resources, but also provides thousands of job opportunities for the local people. The Chinese government has also decided to implement almost zero tariffs on marine products from PICs in order to facilitate their entry into the Chinese market.
China's police and security cooperation with PICs is also strengthening. After experiencing several regional upheavals, the governments and people of these island nations have increasingly recognized that public security is not only crucial for the overall development of their countries and the region but is also directly related to the safety of people's lives and property. Countries such as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji have all enhanced their police cooperation with China to maintain social stability, Yu noted.
During the colonial period, local law enforcement systems in PICs were entirely established by Western military forces. For the local population, the only way to participate was to serve as servants or soldiers, essentially relegating them to a lower status. Once the colonizers left and the locals gained independence, a vacuum was created in the local security field. This was an extremely irresponsible approach, Chen Hong noted.
Now China's law enforcement cooperation with PICs is meant to help the island nations to develop their own abilities to safeguard law and maintain order. "We can see that from the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands to the presidential elections held this April, both events went smoothly. Many professionals and my friends from PICs told me that this demonstrated that cooperation with China brought about a tangible long-term transformation in their societies," Chen Hong said.
The cooperation between both sides in addressing climate change has also deepened significantly. Climate change has been identified by the island governments and their people as the primary threat to national security, and they greatly appreciate China's support in this regard, according to Yu.
Climate change is a common challenge faced by countries worldwide, and the PICs are among the regions most threatened by climate change. In January 2022, a volcanic eruption in Tonga caused severe disasters such as tsunamis. China provided the first batch of post-disaster relief supplies and continued to aid Tonga in various ways. In April 2022, the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center was officially launched. China has signed five project documents with PICs on giving them material climate change assistance under the framework of South-South cooperation, according to the People's Daily.
Shared pursuit for development
Deepening cooperation and friendship are based on mutual respect. Such equality and respect are reflected in every detail of the two sides' interactions.
"I have learned some Samoan out of personal interest. So, when I met a deputy minister from Samoa at a forum in Beijing this year, I talked with him in Samoan. He was so surprised and felt his culture and language being fully respected. Some people in the West might view Samoan as a backward language. Being able to talk with PIC people in their languages demonstrates that we treat each other as equals," Chen Hong said.
Western countries have provided substantial amounts of aid to PICs, but they gave most of the aid for their political and strategic aims, this is why they could not win the real friendship of PIC people, according to Chen Hong.
As Yu noted, China's cooperation with PICs focuses on developing local economies and improving people's livelihoods, particularly benefiting ordinary citizens. China's equal treatment, sincere assistance, and mutually beneficial cooperation with PICs are the strongest driving forces behind the continuous deepening of relations between these island nations and China.
Under the driving of mutual respect and understanding, China and PICs are working together for a better future. Such a tendency and feeling are also mirrored in Chinese researchers' studies in PICs.
In the Solomon Islands, there is an increasingly clear sentiment among officials and the general public regarding the importance of development. However, they struggle to find a clear direction in which to establish a modernization path suitable for their country's development. Some traditional systems, customs, cultures, and habits do not align with the needs of modern society. Although people have become aware of this, they find it difficult to apply them to actual practice, researchers from the Liaocheng University wrote in their observation diary on August 17, the eighth day of their visit to PICs this year.
Tonight is my last night in the Solomon Islands, and while writing this report, we can hear the sounds of local people celebrating the weekend outside my window. Over the last few days, we have not taken the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery here, but we have been constantly reflecting on the future development of the Solomon Islands, the researchers said.
