Recently, a cotton laser topping robot jointly developed by Xinjiang University and Xinjiang Eavision Robotic Technologies Co., Ltd., was officially declared a success. Verified by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's Agricultural and Rural Mechanization Development Center, this groundbreaking robot represents the world's first application of laser technology in cotton topping—a crucial farming task now entering the high-tech era, Xinjiang Daily reported Wednesday.

As the industry's first robot equipped with solid-state LiDAR for cotton topping, it integrates cutting-edge LiDAR and vision fusion technologies, achieving major breakthroughs in navigation accuracy and environmental adaptability. This innovation pushes cotton topping robotics to new heights.

The robot was developed over three years of intensive research. Through countless experiments, the team combined advanced technologies such as sensors, machine vision, and laser control with Xinjiang's unique planting model.

After multiple field tests, the robot demonstrated a 98.9 percent accuracy rate in identifying cotton apical buds, a plant damage rate of less than 3 percent, and a topping success rate exceeding 82 percent, with further improvements still possible. Once fully optimized, its operational efficiency is expected to reach 6 to 8 acres per hour—over 10 times faster than manual labor.

"The core challenge was enabling the robot to track moving targets and strike precisely, eliminating missed or incorrect cuts common in traditional topping methods," explained Professor Zhou Jianping from Xinjiang University. "It's like hitting a moving target with a moving gun." Cotton plants vary in height, and airflow from the robot can cause them to sway. However, the robot's "smart eye" rapidly and accurately locates each plant's apical bud. A high-powered blue laser then instantly burns and deactivates the bud, effectively breaking the plant's apical dominance and redirecting nutrients to boost cotton yield.

Compared to traditional mechanical cutting or chemical topping, laser topping is non-contact and non-damaging, significantly reducing harm to cotton plants and environmental impact. It also operates efficiently day or night, according to the Xinjiang Daily.

"Cotton topping has long been the final hurdle in achieving full mechanization of cotton production," said Pei Xinmin, a researcher at the Agricultural and Rural Mechanization Development Center. "This world-first laser topping robot's emergence means China is on the verge of realizing fully mechanized cotton farming."

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday attended China's National Pavilion Day at Expo 2025 Osaka and delivered a speech, expressing China's willingness to work with Japan to promote a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that the Expo serves as an important platform for promoting mutual learning among civilizations, fostering social progress, and strengthening friendship among peoples.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the country's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, he said, noting that the China Pavilion showcased China's practices in ecological civilization and promoted the country's development philosophy of respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature.

Through immersive exhibitions, interactive experiences, and diverse cultural activities, global visitors will gain a genuine, lovable, and respectable image of China, he said.

"China is willing to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and jointly promote a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, so as to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the needs of the new era," he said.

The Chinese vice premier visited the China and Japan pavilions at the Expo, and held friendly exchanges with Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama and representatives from Kansai-based economic organizations. 

Expo 2025 Osaka, themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," opened on April 13 and runs until October 13, 2025. China's National Pavilion Day was held on Friday, with more than 400 attendees from both countries' political, business, media and cultural circles as well as international pavilion representatives, according to Xinhua.

Covering approximately 3,500 square meters, the China National Pavilion is one of the largest foreign-built pavilions at this year's Expo, according to data from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

On the China Pavilion Day, a grand cultural performance titled "Splendid China, Co-Creating the Future" took place within the Expo grounds. Rooted in Chinese cultural aesthetics within a global context, the show featured a mix of music, dance, opera, calligraphy, martial arts, acrobatics, and intangible cultural heritage displays, China Media Group reported on Friday.

Since the Expo opened on April 13, the China National Pavilion has welcomed over 760,000 visitors, averaging nearly 10,000 daily, according to CCPIT data.

"We attach importance to the Osaka Expo," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday, responding to inquiries about China's expectations for the National Pavilion Day. "We hope that through the wonderful exhibition and diverse activities of the China National Pavilion, people from all countries will gain a better understanding of China," Mao noted.

Analysts said that recent high-level and grassroots exchanges between China and Japan have created a positive atmosphere for improving bilateral relations.

The Osaka Expo is a key opportunity to demonstrate both countries' willingness to deepen ties and cooperation across various sectors, said Wu Yingjie, research fellow with the Centre for Japanese Studies at the University of International Business and Economics. "As a highly watched global event, the Expo provides a platform for economic and cultural engagements," Wu added.

China-Japan economic ties are recovering, but they still face a transitional phase requiring innovative cooperation, policy coordination, and people-to-people engagement, Wu noted, and caution about political disruptions is still needed.

A day earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "China and Japan are important neighbors, and the relationship between the two countries is of far-reaching significance beyond the bilateral scope," Wang said.

Japan looks forward to working with China to strengthen exchanges at all levels and promote cooperation in various fields, Iwaya noted.

Progress in China-Japan relations has been seen in the area of trade. Earlier in June, China conditionally approved the resumption of Japanese seafood imports from select regions, effective from June 29, following verification of safe discharge monitoring data and Tokyo's quality guarantees. Japanese media reports said the move was aimed at easing trade tensions while bolstering bilateral relations.

However, Wu cautioned that China-Japan economic relations still face challenges, with external political uncertainties remaining a destabilizing factor.

To foster positive momentum, Wu suggested expanding cooperation in AI, the digital economy, elderly care, energy conservation, new energy and other emerging fields. 

"Leveraging platforms like the Osaka Expo can unlock collaborative opportunities, while improved policy coordination and enhanced people-to-people trust will help to create favorable conditions for bilateral economic ties - these efforts require commitment from both nations," he added.

More than 5,400 Chinese suspects involved in telecom fraud in Myawaddy, Myanmar, have been repatriated in a joint crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud launched by China, Myanmar, and Thailand since the beginning of 2025, China's Ministry of Public Security announced on Sunday.

During the second ministerial-level meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on Friday to coordinate efforts against telecom and online fraud, the three countries reached a series of agreements on deepening law enforcement cooperation.

They agreed to continue working together to intensify the crackdown on telecom and online fraud in areas such as Myawaddy, to carry out comprehensive dismantling all telecom scam compounds, to arrest all suspects involved in fraud, and to eradicate the breeding grounds of fraud-related crimes, thereby effectively safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the people of all three countries.

The regular ministerial-level meeting held for the joint law enforcement cooperation against telecom and online frauds demonstrate the three countries' commitment to establishing a long-term mechanism to effectively combat cross-border telecom fraud, Peng Nian, director of the Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies, told the Global Times on Sunday.

According to Peng, the ministerial-level meeting was held to send a strong signal that the fight against cross-border telecom fraud will not derail due to domestic political changes. The three countries will continue their sustained efforts through this regular mechanism to combat telecom fraud and minimize the threat it poses to their societies.

Since the beginning of this year, the relevant authorities of China, Myanmar and Thailand have worked closely together and launched a fierce crackdown on telecom and online fraud in the Myawaddy region. More than 5,400 Chinese suspects involved in fraud have been apprehended and repatriated, the ministry said.

Last Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand announced that a Chinese national surnamed Zhong had been rescued after being lured to Myanmar and illegally detained.

Zhong, a male model from South China's Guangdong Province, received an offer on June 8 to appear on a magazine cover. He flew from Guangzhou to Thailand but went missing near the Thailand-Myanmar border on June 13, China National Radio (CNR) reported on Friday.

According to Peng, it is difficult to completely eradicate telecom fraud in these regions overnight. After the initial large-scale actions that have had a deterrent effect, a long-term approach is needed through a regular mechanism to gradually combat telecom fraud. Given the relatively weak administrative capacity in these areas, it is essential to engage with local governments to gradually eliminate the breeding grounds for cross-border fraud.

Chinese military experts rejected on Monday the latest claims by French intelligence that "China used embassies to undermine sales of French-made Rafale jets" following the India-Pakistan conflict in May this year. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday that she is not aware of the situation, when asked about the matter. 

The Associated Press (AP) reported on Sunday that "findings from a French intelligence service say defense attachés in China's foreign embassies led a charge to undermine Rafale sales, seeking to persuade countries that have already ordered the French-made fighter — notably Indonesia — not to buy more and to encourage other potential buyers to choose Chinese-made planes."

The findings were shared with AP by a French military official on condition that the official and the intelligence service not be named, according to the US media report. 

Asked by AP to comment on the alleged effort to dent the Rafale's appeal, the Ministry of National Defense said: "The relevant claims are pure groundless rumors and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability," according to the AP report. 

In response to a reporter's question about the AP's report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that she is not aware of the situation.

Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday that this appears to be yet another organized smear campaign against China's diplomacy. 

"This wave of disinformation deliberately links social media activity to Chinese state behavior and forcibly associates China's normal defense exchanges with other countries to the difficulties facing sales of the Rafale fighter jet," Zhuo said. 

Such claims ignore China's long-standing self-discipline in arms exports, and China's consistent and firm support for Europe's strategic autonomy. The real goal is to interfere with or even sabotage the stable development of China-Europe relations, Zhuo said. 

During the India-Pakistan clashes in May, Reuters, citing one US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported on May 8 there was high confidence that Pakistan had used the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft to launch air-to-air missiles against Indian fighter jets —bringing down at least two.

Another official said at least one Indian jet that was shot down was a French-made Rafale fighter aircraft, according to Reuters. 

At the recent 55th Paris Air Show, the Chinese J-10CE fighter jet, which has recently achieved remarkable success in foreign military air combat operations, has become a top focus of international media attention. 

Its appearance alongside France's Rafale fighter jet has sparked lively discussions, with media zeroing in on the question: "Which is superior, the J-10CE or the Rafale?" Commenting on this question, Wu Jiwei, a spokesperson at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), told the Global Times that both aircraft are advanced fighters on the world stage, and he expressed hope that all cutting-edge fighter jets from different countries could contribute to safeguarding global peace.
China's Foreign Ministry and Ministry of National Defense have never made any official comments on the performance of fighter jets during the India-Pakistan conflict, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday. 

"For the French to accuse our diplomatic institutions of smearing the Rafale is simply not in line with the facts," Fu said. "The global media is well aware of the situation and can judge for themselves whether it's a smear campaign or a reflection of reality."

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on youth and students' federations to adhere to the right political orientation, deepen reform and innovation, and under the Party's leadership, score new achievements on the new journey.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to a session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students' Federation, which opened in Beijing Wednesday morning.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended congratulations and greetings to young people of all ethnic groups and all walks of life, to young students, and to young Chinese overseas.

Over the past five years, youth and students' federations at all levels have acted proactively and worked diligently, showcasing the vigorous and upward spirit of the new generation of Chinese youth, Xi said in the letter.

He pointed out that young people have a great role to play as China strives to build a strong country and realize national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, urging them to maintain firm ideals and convictions, foster a sense of responsibility to the country, and shoulder their historic mission.

Xi called on Party organizations at all levels to strengthen their leadership of the youth work, support the work of youth and students' federations, and create favorable conditions for the healthy growth and success of young people and students so that they can make contributions to the country.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting, which gathered about 3,000 participants.
Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee's Organization Department, read out Xi's letter at the meeting.
Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the meeting on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.
Noting that Xi's congratulatory letter has provided an important guideline for further advancing the development of China's youth movement, Li emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding and fully implementing the instructions made by Xi so that greater accomplishments will be made in the Party's work related to youths.

The gatherings will summarize the work of the All-China Youth Federation and All-China Students' Federation in the past five years, and outline work plans for the next five years.

The ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran was still holding on Wednesday, more than 24 hours after US President Donald Trump declared that it was in effect, The New York Times reported on Wednesday. Israel and Iran have both declared victory in the war, and both countries have taken steps signaling that they expect the truce to hold, the NYT said.

"Is the 12-day Israel-Iran war really over - and who gained what?" Middle East news outlet Al Jazeera asked on Tuesday. Some Chinese experts told the Global Times that there are still numerous potential flashpoints between Iran and Israel, and the possibility of renewed conflict cannot be ruled out.

Al Jazeera said that since Sunday, Israel and Iran have lurched from escalating war to fragile ceasefire. A truce seems to be holding, and what Trump called "The 12 Day War" between Israel and Iran seems to be over - for now.

Why did both Israel and Iran agree to a ceasefire at this particular moment? "For all three parties, now is an 'excellent opportunity' to end the conflict," Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

From Israel's perspective, its strategic objectives have largely been achieved: eliminating Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders and targeting Iran's nuclear facilities with US support, Sun said.

For Iran, the conflict resulted in strategic victories, including breaching Israel's three-layer missile defense system, launching strategic strikes against Israel, and targeting US military bases in the Gulf region as well as in Syria and Iraq, he continued.

From the US standpoint, its goals were also met: it destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities without directly engaging in war with Iran, and it can claim credit for facilitating the Israel-Iran ceasefire, Sun said.

The expert noted that after 12 days of mutual strikes, both Israel and Iran had exhausted themselves and were looking to cut their losses and consolidate their defense systems. Therefore, this moment represents the best "half-time break."

While Sun pointed out that the likelihood of resuming the conflict in the short term is small, he emphasized that since the fundamental contradictions between Israel and Iran have not been resolved, the possibility of renewed fighting always exists.

When asked about China's position on the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and how China plans to work with Iran to prevent the region from sliding back into war, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that China is following closely the developments in the Middle East. We hope to see a lasting and effective ceasefire and will work to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. 

Guo added that China and Iran enjoy traditional friendship between our peoples. China stands ready to maintain the friendly cooperation with Iran for the benefit of the two peoples and provide positive factors for peace and stability in the Middle East.

The Washington Post reported on June 17 that without resupplies from the US or greater involvement by US forces, some assessments project Israel can maintain its missile defense for 10 or 12 more days if Iran maintains a steady tempo of attacks.

Trump on Tuesday backed away from talk of a regime change in Iran, US media The Hill said. "Regime change takes chaos, and ideally, we don't want to see so much chaos. So we'll see how it goes," the US president was quoted as saying in the media report.

Wang Jin, director of the Israeli Studies Program and Center at Northwestern University in Xi'an, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the ceasefire is a natural outcome.

After 12 consecutive days of strikes, both sides believe they have achieved part or most of their strategic objectives. Israel sees the conflict as having significantly weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities, while Iran views it as a demonstration of its strong national deterrence, Wang noted.

At the same time, both parties have concluded that continuing the conflict may no longer be beneficial or may prove futile. In other words, the situation has reached the point of diminishing returns in terms of strategic value, Wang said.

The current ceasefire has an internal logic. It is a decision made by all parties based on their own strategic needs. Without US involvement, Israel might have faced an extremely brutal and uncontrollable situation, Li Shaoxian, director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, added that as the conflict escalated, concerns within the US about the legitimacy of military action and fears of being drawn into another regional war have been rising.

Iran, having suffered losses, urgently needs a chance to recover and is also worried about the situation spiraling out of control. Meanwhile, Israel has been in a prolonged state of emergency, with its normal economic and social order severely disrupted, Li said, noting that these domestic concerns made all parties eager to disengage.

Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, pointed out that it remains uncertain whether Israel is simply buying time.

"Given its small size and population compared to Iran, Israel is at a disadvantage in a prolonged war of attrition, especially considering the high cost of missile intercepts." Ding told the Global Times on Wednesday. It is unclear whether Israel intends to pause and then strike Iran again once it regains strength, he said.

"Israel has not fully achieved its strategic objectives, as some of Iran's nuclear facilities remain intact, and the broader goal of regime change in Iran has not been realized," Ding said. "Whether Israel is satisfied with these outcomes and whether it will seek to complete its objectives in the next phase remains to be seen."

Historically, Israel has at times agreed to ceasefires under pressure, only to resume military action after regrouping. "This means the current situation is still marked by uncertainty and fragility," Ding said.

Several US media outlets reported on Wednesday that initial American intelligence assessments indicate the US strikes on Iran did not destroy Iran's nuclear facilities and likely only set back its nuclear program by a few months. However, the White House and US defense chief have been pushing back on such claims, media reports said.

Some experts believe that the Iranian nuclear issue remains unresolved after the 12-day conflict, and this will be a key factor influencing the future trajectory of the Israel-Iran situation.

What Israel and Iran have agreed to is a ceasefire. They have not made peace, Al Jazeera reported. The media outlet pointed out that so far, Iran sounds unyielding in the pursuit of its nuclear program.

Iran's parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

There are many unresolved issues between Israel and Iran, and the conflict has not resolved any of the underlying contradictions, Li Shaoxian said.

Regarding Iran's nuclear issue, its nuclear energy development has been ongoing for years, with domestic talent and technology already in place, making it unlikely to be interrupted by external interference, Li said.

The expert believes that while Iran's nuclear program has been under strict monitoring by the IAEA, recent conflicts and tensions may force Iran to reconsider the transparency and openness of its nuclear policies.

Experts believe that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is fraught with "instability." As the ceasefire lacks binding provisions and does not address potential emergencies, it means that while a ceasefire may be achieved and maintained in the short term, the possibility of the conflict reigniting in the medium to long term cannot be ruled out, they noted.

The outbreak of this conflict has further deepened the hatred and mistrust between Iran and Israel and the US, Ding said, noting that although tensions have long existed, the parties had previously avoided direct confrontation.

However, this conflict crossed two red lines: direct clashes between Iran and Israel, and between Iran and the US. This suggests that future conflicts among Iran, Israel, and the US could become the new normal, posing even more severe challenges to the security landscape in the Middle East, the expert said.

The "Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue: Roundtable Forum of China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries" was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday local time.

A dozen or so attendees from the political, academic, media and business sectors of China and LAC countries conducted in-depth discussions on topics including cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, technological advancement and green development, BRICS and the Global South, as well as media transformation and think tank exchanges. 

The Global Times Research Institute (GTI) also released the results of the first mutual perception survey between China and LAC countries during the forum.

In recent years, China-LAC cooperation has shown strong momentum. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, where he said that China and Latin America are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future and announced that the two sides would jointly launch five programs of solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity, which provided clear direction for building a China-Latin America community with a shared future in the new stage.

As important members of the Global South, China and the LAC countries have been enhancing mutual understanding and promoting mutual learning, in a bid to deepen and expand cooperation. Ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro, the Global Times, together with Brasil 247 and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, jointly organized the event to take concrete actions to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and contribute media strength to building the "five programs" between China and LAC countries.

Fan Zhengwei, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, said in his welcome speech that China and LAC are writing a new chapter of joint development for the Global South. This event is a vivid embodiment of efforts by academia and media on both sides to deepen cooperation, enhance exchanges, and strengthen friendship.

Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the Global South is no longer merely a geographical concept, but embodies a development aspiration, a vision for cooperation, and a historical trend.

The upgrading of China-LAC relations and the development of the Global South require joint fostering from governments, local authorities, friendship associations, and people from all walks of life. As a Chinese media outlet, the Global Times has long committed itself to bridging China and the world and is honored to help build a bridge of people-to-people connectivity between China and Brazil, Fan said.

Leonardo Attuch, Editor-in-Chief of Brasil 247, said in his speech that the world today faces major conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and serious threats to humanity's future. Amid such instability, Brazil and China have become two important pillars of global peace.

Both countries uphold rationality and balance, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, advocate multilateralism, and actively seek to resolve disputes through negotiation in all diplomatic settings. China-Brazil cooperation should be extended to more critical areas, including universities that nurture intellectual capital, think tanks that support long-term strategy, and media platforms that help spread culture and dispel bias and misunderstanding, he said.

Zhu Qingqiao, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil, said via video that both China and Latin America are important members of the Global South. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Over the past decade, strategic mutual trust has deepened, pragmatic cooperation has expanded, and the bonds of friendship have been steadily strengthened.

As the largest developing countries in their respective hemispheres, China and Brazil, under the strategic guidance of President Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have entered a "golden period" of building a China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies, Zhu said.

Zhu pointed out that China is ready to work with Brazil to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and further enhance exchanges in culture, education, tourism, media, and local affairs, enriching the bilateral relationship with contemporary significance.

The forum featured in-depth discussions on four key issues of mutual concern. Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao stated that these exchanges will help further consolidate development consensus within the Global South and contribute intellectual support to the success of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, said in a video address that the Brazil-China friendship has remained strong over time. President Lula's visit to China this year for the fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum has further deepened bilateral ties.

Amid multiple global challenges and increasingly complex regional dynamics, exchanges between China and LAC countries in economic, trade, political, and cultural fields are crucial to the region's overall development and social prosperity, Amorim said.

The forum covered four themes: "Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilizations," "Green Development and Scientific Cooperation," "The Global South and Common Interests," and "Media Cooperation and Think Tank Exchange."

The rich and diverse range of topics drew enthusiastic responses from the participating guests, who unanimously agreed that as the Global South becomes an increasingly important force in driving the reform and improvement of the international order, this in-depth conversation, which brings together representatives from across China and Latin America, holds unique significance, and serves as an inspiring platform for promoting the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future and offers a new channel for strengthening unity and cooperation within the Global South.

Many guests told reporters on-site that they were honored to participate in the event, noting that Brazil and China have much to learn from each other. Elizabete Souza, who works for a Brazilian media, said, "This forum was rich in content and truly impressive. It was one of the most valuable learning experiences I've ever had. I look forward to more opportunities to participate in future China-Latin America exchange activities."

During the forum, the GTI released the results of the mutual perception survey between China and Latin America, which notably fills a gap in understanding how Chinese people view Latin America.

The survey found a high level of agreement and similarity in public opinion across many areas. Most respondents on both sides recognize interdependence and win-win economic cooperation. Shared development concepts are increasingly prominent.

Both sides recognize each other's growing influence in global governance, with top shared values being support for peace and building a new international political and economic order.

Jointly conducted by the GTI, the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), and the Centro de Estudios Chinos y Latinoamericanos (CECLA) in Beijing, the survey offers new reference points for enhancing mutual understanding.

The interment of ashes ceremony for Huang Xuhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief designer of China's first-generation nuclear submarines, was held on Sunday in his hometown of Shanwei, South China's Guangdong Province, according to Xinhua News Agency. 

Next to the martyrs' memorial park of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in the Red Bay Economic Development Zone, tall and sturdy pines and cypresses surround the grave of Huang, who was also the recipient of the Medal of the Republic and the country's top science award and a national moral model, according to Xinhua. 

The remarks  "My life belongs to the motherland, my life belongs to the nuclear submarine, I have no complaints and no regrets in this life" written by Huang himself are inscribed on a stone behind the tombstone, according to Shanwei Daily.  

Two stones lay quietly on either side of the tombstone. One bears a poem written by Huang after participating in a deep-sea test of a nuclear submarine, while the other contains a brief biography of his life, according to the report. These inscriptions not only commemorate Huang's life dedicated to deep-sea exploration and scientific research for the country, but also serve as a spiritual beacon, guiding future generations to bravely forge ahead in the great journey of national strength and rejuvenation, said the report.

At 9 am, a memorial ceremony was held. A portrait of Huang was placed in front of the main entrance of the red building, where Huang studied and spent his youth. His family, former colleagues, friends, local officials and representatives of teachers and students gathered to recall his life. Afterwards, they entered the building to view an exhibition honoring Huang's achievements, according to the report.

At 10 am, the ashes interment ceremony officially began. Family representatives wiped the tombstone and placed Huang's ashes into the grave. Attendees bowed three times and offered flowers, according to the report.

Huang passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 99 in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province.

Born in Guangdong Province in 1926, Huang later joined a research institute of the former China Shipbuilding Industry Corp, and was engaged in the research and development of nuclear submarines for about 30 years, according to a Xinhua report.

As the Chinese PLA Navy has gradually declassified its first-generation nuclear subs, the stories of Huang and his fellow designers have gained wide recognition. Huang is known as the "father of China's nuclear submarines," according to media reports. 

In his later years, Huang returned to Shanwei multiple times to visit relatives and often expressed pride in his hometown. "Returning to my hometown" was his final wish, according to the Shanwei Daily report.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane has issued a formal advisory calling on Chinese citizens and international students to exercise increased caution following a series of unprovoked assaults in public areas across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Recent incidents have involved Chinese nationals being targeted by local youths at transportation hubs and on city streets, prompting consular officials to sound the alarm over personal safety concerns.

In its official notice, the consulate emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant about local security developments and maintaining constant awareness of one's surroundings. Authorities specifically advised potential victims to avoid direct confrontation if faced with verbal provocation or physical threats, recommending instead that individuals remove themselves from dangerous situations immediately, call for assistance from nearby pedestrians, and contact Australian police without delay by dialing the emergency number 000.

For non-urgent police matters, residents are advised to call 131444. The notice also provided critical contact information, including China's 24-hour global consular protection hotline (+86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308) and the Brisbane consulate's dedicated emergency line (+61-7-3012-8090).

On May 23, the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney also issued two safety advisories for Chinese residents and students, urging them to exercise caution following recent reports of street assaults in Eastgardens, Sydney.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney stated that there had recently been a number of violent incidents targeting Chinese residents and students in New South Wales, which the Consulate-General firmly opposes and strongly condemns.

China will invite foreign leaders, former political dignitaries, high-level officials and heads of international organizations to events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Foreign envoys, military attachés and representatives of international organizations in China, as well as foreign friends who contributed to China's victory in the war or representatives of their family members will also be invited, according to a press briefing held Tuesday to announce the plans for the commemoration.