Innehållsförteckning för Vol.68/No.29 från Beijing Review

The 17th BRICS Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7. Focusing on topics such as peace and security and reform of global governance, this summit discussed how the BRICS group of emerging economies can play its role in a volatile international environment. On July 2-4, the 13th World Peace Forum was held in Beijing. Themed Advancing Global Peace and Prosperity: Shared Responsibility, Benefit and Achievement, the forum brought together leading strategists, senior policymakers and former political leaders to discuss issues concerning global security, geopolitical tensions and changes in the international order. Both events demonstrated the international community’s continuous pursuit of universal peace and highlighted China’s position as a steadfast defender of world peace and development. BRICS countries, through summits and other mechanisms, emphasize multilateralism and the…

On July 3, U.S. Congress finally passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a highly controversial piece of legislation vigorously pushed by President Donald Trump. After a fierce partisan battle, Trump has signed this bill, which combines the largest tax cuts in U.S. history with landmark investments in America’s future and defense, into law. First, the law could help the U.S. attract wealth and talent from abroad. On the one hand, the bill allocates more funding to support Trump’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants and to stop the flow of illegal immigration into the country, and it also aids in cracking down on crime to improve domestic law and order. On the other hand, the bill grants various incentives to high-income groups. This combination of policies enables the U.S. to draw…

The growing frequency of devastating floods, from China’s Hunan and Guizhou provinces to distant Texas in the United States, has sounded a global wake-up call for more effective river protection and governance systems. These disasters have laid bare the urgent need to not just rebuild damaged infrastructure, but to fundamentally reimagine our approach to water management. In response to these challenges, China has taken a decisive step forward by introducing sweeping new guidelines that establish a comprehensive, strategic framework for river management. This is an important evolution in the nation’s water governance approach, reinforcing China’s long-term river strategy. Looking ahead to 2035, the latest guidelines, titled Opinions on Advancing River Protection and Governance in All Respects, chart an ambitious course toward modernized flood control capabilities and disaster prevention systems that…

During a livestream, a host is busy presenting products, engaging with viewers and figuring out their shopping preferences. “This toner not only provides hydration but also delivers essential nutrients to the skin.” “Are you interested in our facial cream? Please let me know your skin type and the desired effects.” “Is this product intended for personal use or as a gift? We offer a variety of product combinations and tailored discount options that may suit your needs.” The host is not a real human but an AI-powered digital assistant—nearly indistinguishable from real, human streamers. Whenever consumers enter the livestream room, they will always see the friendly face and hear professional explanations. Powered by pixels In China, a pioneer of digital livestreamers is a tech company called Johnsmith.ai. According to its…

The children’s interactive experience zone at a major Chaoyang District shopping mall in Beijing was alive with energy. Kids clustered around various stations, eagerly testing out smart toys, while parents listened closely to staff explaining product features and safety standards. “Today’s children’s products combine fun with smart educational technology,” remarked one parent trying a picture book projector. “They really let kids learn through play.” “To better serve children’s diverse needs,” said mall manager surnamed Liu, “we’ve been upgrading our product mix and customer experience. Our new educational interactive products have been a hit with both children and their parents.” At the checkout counter, 7-year-old Qiqi gleefully wheeled her shopping cart to a stop, carefully unloading each prized selection onto the conveyor belt. Her haul showcased thoughtful independence: an eco-friendly building…

This image created by Chinese researchers shows the Moon’s far side. A series of research findings by Chinese scientists based on the samples collected by the Chang’e-6 mission from the Moon’s far side were unveiled at a press conference held by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing on July 9. The findings revealed the volcanic activity, ancient magnetic field, water content and geochemical characteristics of the Moon’s mantle, shedding the first light on the evolutionary history of its dark side.…

ACTOR HAILED FOR JOINING THE CPC AT 92 In late June, You Benchang, a 92-year-old actor with the National Theater of China, pledged his oath to join the Communist Party of China (CPC). Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, entrusted leading officials of the CPC Central Committee’s Organization Department to convey his encouragement and regards to You. Xi, also Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, described You’s faith in the Party as truly heartwarming. You has spent decades bringing beloved characters to life on both stage and screen. His portrayal of Ji Gong, a legendary ancient monk who defended people against injustice, roughly 40 years ago, is known to all. In 2024, You received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the China Federation of Literary…

On July 6-7, Brazil hosted the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the first summit following the latest rounds of expansion, adding a new member in January and new partner countries in January and June. The most recent meeting convened as unilateralism gains momentum amid a fragmented global order. The BRICS mechanism, born during the Global South’s historic ascent, embodies the international community’s demand for multipolarity, equitable development and governance reform—challenges Western-dominated institutions have struggled to address. An ancient Chinese saying offers a fitting description of the framework: “A partnership forged with the right approach defies geographical distance; it is thicker than glue and stronger than metal and stone.” It comes from the Qiaozi, a collection of essays on statecraft, ethics and social relations written by the prominent Chinese…

Chinese technology company iFLYTEK Co. Ltd. launched an intelligent speech recognition system designed for humanoid robots this June. While traditional robotic performance suffers in noisy environments, this AI solution achieves 92-percent environmental sensing accuracy—overcoming a key industry challenge. It enhances humanoid computers’ ability to manage complex logistics and warehouse tasks. Founded in 1999, iFLYTEK, based in Hefei, capital city of Anhui Province in east China, has progressed from developing intelligent speech technology to developing large language AI models. Last year, the company released its large language model SparkDesk V4.0 for text generation, language comprehension and logical reasoning. “Leveraging AI technology, iFLYTEK powers sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, automotive and urban management,” Dong Bin, Deputy General Manager of the Brand Marketing Center at iFLYTEK, told Beijing Review. Anhui is riding…

On a summer night in 2024, inside the Dubai Opera in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a troupe of dancers clad in Atlas silk gowns spun barefoot, the pomegranate blossoms and geometric patterns on their skirts flickering like flames under the spotlight. The stage backdrop featured a colossal electronic sand curtain, its granules cascading rhythmically with drumbeats, as if the winds from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Taklimakan Desert had journeyed thousands of miles to this moment. When the final note of the rawap’s strings faded, the rawap being a traditional plucked string instrument, the entire audience rose in thunderous applause. One spectator gasped: “Is this Xinjiang? I must go see it!” In the shadows behind the curtain, director Jiasuer Tuerxun gripped his walkie-talkie with trembling hands. This man…

Lithium Reserves China, among the world’s largest holders of lithium reserves, has discovered a massive deposit of 490 million tons of lithium ore in Hunan Province, the provincial department of natural resources said on July 8. The deposit, found in the Jijiaoshan mining area in Linwu County, has been classified as an altered granite-type lithium deposit, containing about 1.31 million tons of lithium oxide, according to the department. It also contains other minerals such as rubidium, tungsten and tin, added the department. Lithium is a critical element with a wide range of applications, including in electric vehicles, energy storage systems and mobile communications. The China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources said in January the country’s lithium reserves had increased to 16.5 percent of the global total, propelling…

As the unipolar world goes through rupture, with national discontents like slow growth and de-industrialization, countries are searching for pathways out of the deadlock. This is true of the Global South countries as much as it is for the Global North. In the latter, right-wing movements are growing, scapegoating globalization and China’s manufacturing dominance. In the Global South, the search is on for better and more effective development models that can drive industrial development and national reconstruction. As a country with the most networked and embedded trade in the Global South in general and Africa in particular, China’s development success is used as a benchmark of what is possible. The readouts of multilateral platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and BRICS Plus bear testament to this thesis. The same…

Wu Yao, a Beijing resident and mother of two, has had two strikingly different childbirth experiences. Her first delivery came without the relief of epidural anesthesia; for her second, she embraced the jab. “The difference between giving birth to these two children was night and day,” she told Beijing Review. Her first child arrived in 2014 at a public hospital, with searing pain for her. “Back then, I simply had no idea of pain-free childbirth,” she said. “I thought excruciating agony was just an unavoidable part of bringing a child into the world.” When China’s universal two-child policy began to be implemented in 2016, Wu planned her second pregnancy. This time, she learned that private hospitals offered epidural services. After consulting doctors, she decided that despite the cost difference, she…

In a calligraphy class at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Du Jianghan incorporates historical context into his teaching. Although still a student in the university, he teaches part time at the university’s extracurricular calligraphy program, preserving and promoting calligraphy culture. Du is an active consumer of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) products. He regularly purchases calligraphy brushes, paper and ink to practice. During his time at Zhejiang University, he also developed an interest in seal carving, another ICH practice that requires specialized materials. “The stones, seal ink and sandpaper required for seal carving are more expensive than the materials I use for calligraphy,” he explained to China Youth Daily (CYD) newspaper. ICH-derived cultural and creative products, experiential workshops, and ICH-inspired clothing are gaining popularity among young consumers. A recent survey…

China Agricultural University (CAU) has launched the country’s first-ever undergraduate program in companion animal science—a direct response to China’s exploding pet industry. The four-year bachelor’s degree in agricultural science (companion animals) will cover specialized courses like breed genetics, pet nutrition, reproductive physiology and animal welfare. Graduates will be primed for careers as pet nutritionists, breeding specialists or animal welfare officers—roles in high demand as China’s pet ownership surges. But can enthusiasm translate into expertise? While students may be drawn by the novelty, the program’s long-term success hinges on rigorous academics and industry partnerships. “This isn’t just about cuddling cats,” warned one professor on Chinese social media. “It’s about building a scientific backbone for a booming sector.” With pets gaining popularity in urban Chinese households, the stakes are high. Will this…