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.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announces:

On May 30, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, China.

When asked to comment on report that the US released details of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system on Tuesday, which reportedly will be done in three years, consisting "next-generation" technologies across land, sea and space, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that the so-called "Golden Dome" missile defense system is a global, multi-level, multi-domain missile defense system. It openly seeks a significant expansion of outer space-based combat capabilities, including the development and deployment of orbital interception systems. It carries clear offensive implications, violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty, and will heighten the risks of space militarization and an arms race, undermining international security and arms control frameworks, Mao said.

The US pursues an "America First" policy, obsessively seeking absolute security for itself, at the expense of the principle of undiminished security for all countries. This jeopardizes global strategic balance and stability. China is gravely concerned over this development, Mao said.

"We urge the US to abandon its development and deployment of a global missile defense system and take concrete steps to enhance strategic mutual trust among major powers and safeguard global strategic stability," Mao said.

In response to an inquiry about a bilingual video titled "Never Kneel Down!" released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on its official WeChat account on Tuesday morning, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at the press briefing that "first of all, thank you for your attention to the ministry's new media account. We hope this video could help all parties better understand China's position."

On April 29, in response to the US' reckless imposition of tariffs, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Office released a bilingual video titled "Never Kneel Down!"

In response to a media question on whether China and the US had held any negotiations or contact regarding tariffs in the past 24 hours, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that as far as he knows, the two sides had not engaged in any consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived on Thursday in Phnom Penh for a state visit to Cambodia, the third leg of his three-nation Southeast Asia tour which has already taken him to Vietnam and Malaysia, Xinhua News Agency reported. 

To warmly welcome President Xi's arrival, Cambodia meticulously organized a special ceremony at the airport, with large enthusiastic crowds lining up neatly along the sides. 

"We love China!" said Cambodian girls dressed in traditional white and red attire, standing among the welcoming crowds. They held golden cups filled with jasmine petals. The Global Times learned that this is a unique Cambodian tradition for receiving the country's most distinguished guests.

At the Phnom Penh International Airport, a Cambodian airport staff member told Global Times reporters that he felt very excited to be on-site to welcome President Xi. He said that China and Cambodia are "ironclad friends" and have always maintained close relations.

Along the bustling streets of Cambodia's capital, locals poured in from all corners of the country, spontaneously and with great excitement, just to witness this memorable moment with their own eyes. Although it coincided with the Khmer New Year, people arrived early in the morning, undeterred by the sweltering heat. Many told the Global Times that they had already been waiting along the roadside since around 6 am, determined not to miss a second of the occasion.

Beyond the main avenues adorned with rows of Chinese and Cambodian flags, reporters also noticed giant electronic billboards across Phnom Penh flashing warm messages in both Khmer and Chinese. Phrases like "Welcome President Xi" and "May the friendship between our two countries last forever" lit up the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"We all knew that President Xi is coming to Cambodia. As a Chinese, I'm very proud and excited!" a 68-year-old restaurant owner surnamed Huang told the Global Times. "I hope China and Cambodia will continue to grow closer. The more Chinese tourists come, the better our business gets," she added.

President Xi said Thursday that China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of global transformations, and always remained rock-solid. In a written statement upon his arrival, Xi also noted that bilateral ties were forged and nurtured by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries, Xinhua reported. 

In his first overseas trip of the year, Xi is visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday to Friday, according to the Xinhua News Agency. This is Xi's second visit to Cambodia in nine years. 

"I sincerely hope this visit will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future," wrote a signed article by Xi titled "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era" in Cambodian media outlets Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily and Fresh News ahead of his arrival in Cambodia.

China and India are reportedly expected to resume an annual pilgrimage to Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, which an expert said on Friday that it could be seen as "a phased achievement" since the two countries reached a six-point consensus last year.

The notification for resumption is expected "fairly soon," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. Once it is official, pilgrims will be allowed to travel to Mount Kangrinboqe and the Lake Mansarovar in Xizang region for the first time since 2020, according to a report by The Print.

The pilgrimage, organized by the MEA, usually starts in June and runs till September.

Regarding the reports on the resumption of the pilgrimage, the Chinese government has not yet confirmed them.

China and India's special representatives on the boundary question held the 23rd meeting in Beijing on December 18, 2024, reaching a six-point consensus. It was the first meeting of its kind in five years, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They agreed to further refine the rules for border area management and strengthen the construction of trust-building measures, and continue enhancing cross-border exchanges and cooperation to promote the resumption of Indian pilgrims' visits to China's Xizang, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The reported resumption of the annual pilgrimage reflects both sides' positive attitude toward implementing the consensus. Communication and cooperation at various levels are gradually being restored, and the current progress of this resumption can be seen as "a phased achievement," which is also of great significance to India, Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Friday.

Through the efforts of leaders from both China and India, the two countries' relations are developing in a positive direction, Qian said.

The resumption is expected to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges between India and China, according to a report by NDTV. 

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri held a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between China and India in January in Beijing, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The two sides agreed to promote the resumption of the pilgrimage by Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake of Xizang in China in 2025, and will negotiate the relevant arrangements as soon as possible, according to the statement.

The two sides also agreed to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India, support the coordination and promotion of the competent departments of the two countries, and take measures to facilitate personnel exchanges and the mutual dispatch of journalists between the two countries, said the statement.