China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday urged the EU to make decisions based on facts and rules regarding its anti-subsidy investigation of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
The remarks come in response to foreign media reports that the EU is conducting an anti-subsidy investigation on Chinese EVs because Chinese car companies have received subsidies from the Chinese government, which has resulted in unfair price competition for European car companies.
He Yongqian, the newly appointed MOFCOM spokesperson, emphasized the importance of the EU recognizing mutually agreed-upon facts and rules, rather than making unilateral assertions.
Europe should acknowledge the facts that China's competitive advantages in EVs does not stem from subsidies, and that cooperation between China and the EU benefits both parties, while European automakers are against trade protectionism too, the spokesperson said.
Currently, China and the EU are engaged in negotiations regarding the anti-subsidy investigations, and facts and rules should be the "two main pillars of the negotiations," He noted.
It shows that the basis for the anti-subsidy investigation proposed by the European side is not sufficient, and they are actually exaggerating or misleading parties in certain aspects. To resolve the dispute, starting from an incorrect point will only lead the situation further astray, Cui Hongjian, a professor from Beijing Foreign Studies University's Academy of Regional and Global Governance, told the Global Times on Thursday.
At the same time, the European side should consider the negotiations in the context of overall EU-China relations, as cooperation in the EV sector and other green industries can reflect common interests between China and the EU, Cui said.
After the European Commission in June revealed a list of protectionist duties it would levy on EV imports from China, it has sparked opposition and concerns from governments and businesses across the continent.
US EV giant Tesla on Wednesday raised prices of its Model 3 cars in European countries including Germany, the Netherlands and Spain by about 1,500 euros ($1,622) after the EU imposed tariffs on EVs made in China, Reuters reported on Thursday.
Hungary on Wednesday voiced its opposition against the EU's decision to impose extra tariffs on China-made EVs, as European officials and businesspeople continued to express their dissatisfaction of the EU actions.
Major German carmakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen also criticized the planned tariff and voiced their support for fair competition and free world trade.
China's success in the EV sector is primarily driven by technological innovation, the country's strong supply chain, and the highly competitive domestic market, rather than relying on subsidies. The EU's assertion that China's affordable EVs are heavily subsidized and disrupt the market is untrue, experts said.
The decision to impose additional tariff on Chinese EVs is a protectionist move to protect its traditional industry and is politically motivated, Zhang Xiang, secretary general of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, told the Global Times on Thursday.
In reality, it is the EU's protectionist measures targeting Chinese companies that are causing market disruption and creating barriers for Chinese companies, experts said.
On Wednesday, MOFCOM launched a trade and investment barrier investigation into the relevant practices under EU's foreign subsidy investigations in response to requests from Chinese industry groups.
The Chinese ministry also said on Thursday that its anti-dumping investigation linked to brandy imported from the EU was already under way. A hearing will be held on July 18 to allow stakeholders to present their opinions and provide evidence.
"Europe should meet China in the half way and jointly manage differences, rather than provoke and escalate disputes. Both sides should strive to avoid the lose-lose situation and seek practical solutions," Cui said.
Chinese experts said on Saturday that Germany's expected abstention would inject uncertainty into the European Union's vote on imposing provisional tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs) as the move of the bloc's biggest economy is expected to sway undecided member states. Experts also urged the bloc to engage in consultations with China in a pragmatic way, avoiding politicizing trade and potential backlash on its industrial development.
Germany is set to abstain in Monday's vote, which marks the first test of support for the EU's landmark trade case, Reuters reported on Saturday citing sources.
The European Commission (EC), the EU's executive arm, has confirmed provisional tariffs on Chinese EV makers starting July 5, despite strong opposition within the bloc. However, a final decision on definitive duties will require a vote by EU member countries.
Experts noted that Germany's potential move signifies support for further tariff consultations with China to seek solutions accepted by both sides, as the final imposition of the tariff will greatly harm EU automakers' global competitiveness and hinder its overall effort toward a green transition.
"Germany, a key EU member, could significantly influence other member states' decisions with its stance and policy choices," Zhang Jian, a vice president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Saturday, saying that Germany's stance could sway undecided countries towards either adopting similar measures or opposing the tariffs.
According to an informal poll conducted by Reuters among EU governments, a majority of countries are currently deliberating on the pros and cons of the escalating trade dispute.
Since the EU announced plans to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, the protectionist move has faced widespread opposition. Recently, European leaders and businesses have criticized the tariff hike, emphasizing its significant harm to the European auto industry, consumers, and progress toward carbon neutrality.
In stark contrast to the EU's unilateral actions, China's Ministry of Commerce said on July 8 that China has consistently advocated resolving frictions through dialogue and consultation to prevent the escalation of trade tensions, and urged Europe to show good faith and accelerate the negotiation process to achieve a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible.
Zhang noted the strong voices within the EU calling for prompt negotiations with China, as the bloc is grappling with a range of economic challenges, which require seeking external market support and maintaining normal economic and trade relations with China.
"Therefore, there remains a significant potential of both sides reaching a certain degree of compromise to help avoid the worst-case scenario," Zhang said.
After the recent advisory vote, EU members will also vote in October on whether the Commission should propose multi-year tariffs after its investigation. These tariffs would be blocked if a "qualified majority" of at least 15 countries, representing 65 percent of the EU population, vote against them, according to media report.
Experts warned the EU over politicizing economic issues, or risk declining industrial competitiveness and rising economic stagnation, urging it to re-examine its trade policy towards China by pushing pragmatic bilateral dialogues in the coming months.
Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute, told the Global Times on Friday that Western countries' hegemonic actions are yet another attempt to contain China's peaceful rise, which he said will not succeed but rather harm global economic growth.
Farmers in Guodian township, Shangqiu city in Central China's Henan Province, feed newly hatched ducks on July 14, 2024. In recent years, Guodian has accelerated its agricultural industrialization. The town has established 31 farming zones, raising 1.2 million egg-laying ducks, with annual sales revenue exceeding 2 billion yuan ($280 million). Photo: VCG
The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) started its third plenary session in Beijing on Monday morning, where top Party officials will set the direction for China's further comprehensively deepening reform that will carry significant importance for China's economic and social development for years to come.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and expounded on a draft decision of the CPC Central Committee on further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The session will run from Monday to Thursday.
The meeting, often referred to as the third plenum and is held roughly once every five years, played a critical role in China's reform and opening-up that started in 1978 and underpinned China's economic miracle over the past four decades or so. This year's session is expected to focus on further deepening reform and expanding high-level opening-up, in order to promote high-quality development and advance Chinese modernization, experts said.
Given China's increasingly important role on the global stage as the biggest contributor to global growth, the third plenum has also drawn widespread attention from around the world, as many are looking to major reform measures in the world's second-largest economy that could create greater opportunities. Coming as the world is faced with rising geo-economic tension, the third plenum will offer a sense of continuity and certainty, as it will highlight China's unwavering commitment to reform and opening-up, even as some advanced economies have turned inward and become protectionist, experts noted.
Setting the direction
While there was not much information about the closed-door meeting on Monday, recent top meetings have offered a window into the top agenda of the session.
Among the top items on the agenda, top Party officials will deliberate on a draft of The CPC Central Committee's Decision on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese Modernization, according to a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held on June 27, where the date for the third plenary session was announced, Xinhua reported.
In the draft, the new situation and new problems faced in advancing Chinese modernization were thoroughly analyzed, the overall arrangements for further comprehensively deepening reform centering around advancing Chinese modernization were scientifically planned, and the draft will serve as a guiding document for further comprehensively deepening reform on the new journey, according to the Political Bureau meeting.
A communique is expected to be released after the conclusion of the session. For example, the communique of the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee in 2013 stated that we must pay more attention to implementing systematic, integrated and coordinated reforms, promoting the development of a socialist market economy, democratic politics, advanced culture, a harmonious society and ecological progress.
The communique of the Third Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee in 2018 said that the plenary session reviewed and adopted a decision by the CPC Central Committee on deepening reform of Party and state institutions as well as a plan for the reform, which is a profound evolution in modernizing China's system and capacity for governance.
Economists and experts interviewed by the Global Times on Monday said that in line with decades of tradition, the ongoing third plenary session will focus on mapping out new reform measures that are aimed at further improving governance efficiency, promoting high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization, while coping with new domestic and global situations.
Zhang Yansheng, chief researcher of China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that the third plenum will focus on three key themes: Chinese modernization, new quality productive forces, and high-quality development.
"High-quality development is an unyielding principle in the new era, as well as a key theme and main task of comprehensively building China into a great modern socialist country," Zhang told the Global Times on Monday, noting that the key themes of China's high-quality development are innovation, coordination, green, openness and sharing.
In line with recent top policy documents, the third plenum is expected to roll out major reform measures, so as to continue improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and modernize China's system and capacity for governance, the overarching goal of further comprehensively deepening reform, experts said. Specifically, measures are expected to further boost China's technological innovation capabilities and further improve the business environment, so as to foster new growth drivers to power sustainable high-quality development, according to experts.
"As the Chinese economy is undergoing a transition from old growth drivers to new growth drivers, further comprehensively deepening reform is critical in ensuring the transition will be stable and smooth," Su Wei, a professor from the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, told the Global Times on Monday.
Su said that reform and opening-up and innovation are two main sources for China's robust, sustainable development, even though the world is witnessing changes unseen in a century, including a new round of technological revolution.
Global significance
Also, in line with China's long-standing policy of further opening its door to the world, the third plenary session will focus on further expanding high-standard opening-up, which will inject greater impetus to global development, as the world is facing growing risks and challenges amid a rapidly shifting global geo-economic situation marked by rising geopolitical tension and protectionism, experts said.
In recent years, the US and some other Western countries have turned inward and increased protectionism, which has created huge obstacles for global development. Against this backdrop, the ongoing third plenary session's focus on deepening reform, including opening-up, "will play a critical role in pushing back against the anti-globalization trend, and offer profound significance in promoting global economic development," Su said.
In stark contrast to chaotic situations in certain countries, the CPC's unwavering commitment to continuously deepening reform and expanding high-standard opening-up will also offer a much-needed sense of stability and certainty for the international community, experts said.
"As the world is experiencing profound changes, the international community can clearly see which major power can offer consistency and stability, which one is more unpredictable and is full of risks," Li Haidong, a professor from the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that when China is holding the significant plenum about modernization and reform, there is serious internal political struggle, polarization and instability in some countries including the US.
China's reform and opening-up policies in pursuit of Chinese modernization will also offer a great example for many developing countries around the world, especially those from the Global South, which are seeking their own modernization, experts said.
As a national model craftsman and technical expert, Zhu Shijie has significantly contributed to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port's success. His self-developed crane operation method and leadership in innovation have propelled the port to new heights, setting a world record of lifting 185 containers per hour.
Currently, the port's cargo throughput of 1.26 billion tons and container throughput of 33.35 million TEUs make it ranking first and third globally. This stems from the indispensable contribution of Zhu and his team.
During President Xi Jinping's visit to the port in March 2020, Zhu demonstrated his unique bridge crane operation method to the president, who later encouraged him to continue fostering exemplary talent and leveraging the role of a model worker.
Recently, the Global Times interviewed Zhu, getting a closer insight into the craftsman's creative spirit and his team's relentless pursuit of excellence. Their dedication to innovation and efficiency has played a pivotal role in transforming the country's ports into the world's leading green and intelligent ports, showcasing new productive forces and global leadership. From challenging youth to crane operation expert
For Zhu Shijie, a crane operator at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, his personal aspirations are deeply intertwined with the port's development.
Born in 1980 to a family in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang Province, known for its strong technical background, Zhu spent his childhood surrounded by the sound of ship whistles.
From a young age, Zhu had a deep interest in large machinery. His dream was to become a truck driver, navigating the world with large vehicles carrying goods. Driven by his admiration for technical worker, Zhu entered a technical school to study port machinery operation in 1995.
Suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea, he faced significant challenges in his studies. Sports thus became his stage for self-expression and building confidence. On campus, he was a core member of the track and field team, excelling in shot put, discus, and middle-distance running. Sports not only enhanced his physical capability, but also shaped his steadfast character.
Joining Ningbo Port in December 1998, Zhu started his career in high-altitude crane operations, a task often described as "threading the needle in sky." This involves maneuvering a swinging spreader to align with a container's lock hole, requiring precision within two centimeters amid the challenging conditions of sea winds and waves. Despite battling respiratory issues in his youth, Zhu leveraged his background as an athlete to overcome physical challenges and excel in his demanding role.
"Our highest equipment reaches 49 meters," Zhu told the Global Times. "Operators work in confined spaces, using hand controls to perform precise tasks while maintaining intense focus for hours. This job is demanding, requiring continuous operation 24 hours for a week in rotating shifts."
Working in the challenging environment of crane operations, Zhu was not content with just performing his duties. He constantly sought ways to improve efficiency and safety. However, he and his team met a problem: it seems impossible to achieve both speed and stability in bridge crane operations.
"Speed and stability seemed mutually exclusive," Zhu recalled. "Whenever I pushed the controls too far, the spreader would swing uncontrollably, increasing the risk of accidents."
Zhu realized that to handle bridge cranes from various manufacturers with differing characteristics, he needed a standardized method to achieve precise control. This was no easy task. However, a serendipitous observation of a pendulum on his desk sparked an idea. He noticed the pendulum's motion mirrored the swinging of the crane's spreader.
Inspired by this, Zhu began experimenting with the principles of pendulum movement, aiming to stabilize the crane's spreader. By adjusting the speed and acceleration of the crane's platform, he felt more and more effective in controlling the swinging of the crane's spreader. This finally led to the development of a systematic approach to crane operations, significantly enhancing both efficiency and safety.
Over the years, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to improve working conditions for his colleague, he continued developing this technique which he later upgraded to "version 3.0."
Championing innovation with a human touch
On June 26, the State Council Information Office held a press conference, using port and shipping operations as a case study to showcase China's transformation toward intelligent waterway upgrades.
Zhu and his team's commitment to innovation is an epitome of the country's constant efforts. The Meishan Port Area of Zhoushan Port, where Zhu works, began its transition from traditional operations to an intelligent port since 2016, by introducing remotely controlled cranes and automated gantry cranes, which could enable operators to avoid working in high altitudes at the risk of their health.
"The remote-control simulation system allows operators to manage crane operations from a comfortable office environment, significantly reducing physical strain while maintaining high efficiency," Zhu explained.
Zhu's innovative approach was driven by his belief in creating a more humane and intelligent working environment. "I always wanted to improve productivity and liberate myself and my fellow workers, allowing us to work in a more comfortable and intelligent environment," Zhu said.
So far, the system's accuracy had reached approximately 95 percent of on-site operations, the Global Times has learned.
Zhu's dedication to innovation and efficiency has had a lasting impact on Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. His pioneering techniques have significantly increased the port's productivity. One notable achievement of Zhu's methods is the ability of a single shift of 40 cranes to handle an additional 1 million containers annually, equivalent to the capacity of an entirely new berth.
His relentless pursuit of excellence in crane operation has also earned him numerous national honors, transforming him from an ordinary crane operator into a pivotal figure influencing industry development.
Maintaining his initial commitment from a decade ago -- to create better working conditions for his fellow workers and liberate productivity, Zhu's journey of exploration and innovation continues.
"We are entering the era of AI. I hope that the insights I've gathered over the years can be translated into AI learning, enabling automation of repetitive tasks. We are always embracing the future with optimism," he said.
China firmly opposes US' baseless allegations of China supporting Russia's defense industry, as Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday highlighted the lack of evidence and the hypocrisy of US actions, calling for real efforts toward peace instead of endless blame-shifting.
While participating in a public forum at the NATO summit on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that there had been massive buildup of Russian weaponry over the last year and a half, which is the product of the country's defense industrial base "being fueled by China."
In response, Lin said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China has made its position clear many times. "We resolutely oppose the US, in the absence of any evidence, continuing to circulate the disinformation of the so-called Chinese support for Russia's defense industry."
Lin said that at the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, the US spread rumors that China was providing military support to Russia, without presenting any substantial evidence, but US military leaders later admitted that China had not sent military aid to Russia during the conflict.
In fact, some figures show that more than 60 percent of Russia's imported weapon components and dual-use items are from the US and the West, while 95 percent of key components in the Russian equipment destroyed by the Ukrainian troops came from the Russian-made weapons, and 72 percent of Western components used in Russian weapons were from US companies, Lin said.
China has also noted that the US and its allies have so far not halted trade with Russia, with the trade volume amounting to more than $130 billion last year, accounting for 18 percent of Russia's foreign trade, according to Lin.
Most countries are not involved in sanctions or attempts at disruptions targeting Russia, and China cannot be blamed for issues relating to US trade with Russia, Lin added. The US continues to provide massive volumes of aid to Ukraine while unjustifiably accusing China and Russia of normal economic and trade exchanges, which is a blatantly hypocritical double standard, the spokesperson said.
The US habitually disguises itself as the so-called messenger of justice, the guardian of human rights and the world's policeman, but all it does is adding fuel to fires, provoking chaos and triggering war and confrontation, Lin said.
Lin reiterated that China is neither a creator of nor a party to the Ukraine crisis, while adding that China has not stood by and watched with folded arms, having proactively called for peace and advanced talks to facilitate a political resolution.
Lin voiced that China has never added fuel to fires to take advantage of the situation, and that China will never provide weapons to any party to the conflict.
Chinese companies, in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and market principles, carry out reasonable economic and trade cooperation with all countries in the world, including Russia and Ukraine, and it is not the role of some countries to dictate what is right and proper, Lin said.
Instead of pulling the strings in the conflict, the US should reflect on the root causes of the crisis and do practical work for the genuine peace, he said.
Lin stressed that China will not be bullied by the US into paying bill for Washington's own wrongdoings, and that China will never accept the US abdicating responsibility for its own actions.
China will continue to take resolute and firm measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights, Lin said.
Police in Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region seized a batch of suspected smuggled live lobsters in a cornfield within the border jurisdiction on July 4, Baise border management detachment in Guangxi said, according to media reports.
While patrolling a section of the border, local police noticed a white car parked in a cornfield with the door open and the rear tail lights on. The police then inspected the vehicle and discovered it was unoccupied, except for a batch of foam boxes wrapped in green woven bags on the back seat, emitting strange sounds.
After opening the box, the police found that the foam boxes loaded with live lobsters, with some individual lobsters being as thick as an adult man's arm. Upon counting, there were a total of 88 live lobsters in nine foam boxes, weighing approximately 130 kilograms.
Due to the location of the incident near the border, with no individuals present at the scene or in the surrounding area, and lacking any legally valid documentation for the batch of lobsters, the police preliminarily determined that the live lobsters belonged to goods being smuggled into the country.
The batch of live lobsters has been transferred to the relevant departments in accordance with the regulations, and the case is under further investigation.
China is playing an increasingly important role in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project and it is due to the long-term attention and support of the country's industry and government to controlled nuclear fusion research, Duan Xuru, a senior expert on fusion who is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, told the Global Times. Especially through participation in the ITER project, the world's largest "artificial sun," the level of China's research in controlled nuclear fusion has been greatly improved, and the technological level has caught up and even surpassed those of other countries in some areas, said Duan, chief expert on fusion of the China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC).
The ITER is a tokamak that can generate large-scale nuclear fusion reactions, aiming to simulate the nuclear fusion process that generates light and heat like the sun. The experiment is jointly implemented by China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US. China officially joined the plan in 2006. Since the implementation of the plan, China has always adhered to international commitments and contributed Chinese wisdom and strength to the smooth progress of the plan.
On February 29, the ITER organization signed a contract for assembling the vacuum chamber module with China Nuclear Power Engineering Co, Ltd of CNNC. This is the second time that China has undertaken the installation task of the ITER's core equipment, contributing wisdom and strength to the progress of this project, according to the CNNC.
The assembly of the vacuum chamber module is to integrate and assemble the main large components such as the toroidal field coils, vacuum chamber, and vacuum chamber thermal shield in the assembly hall, and then lift the whole assembly into the tokamak pit. Among them, the toroidal field coils provide a toroidal strong magnetic field for confining the plasma at temperatures of over a hundred million degrees, according to Duan.
Located in the central area of the device, the vacuum chamber supports the plasma confined by the magnetic field, providing the required high-purity environment for plasma formation and maintenance. The vacuum chamber thermal shield mainly provides thermal shielding for the superconducting magnets to ensure the stable operation of the low-temperature superconducting magnets. "The assembly of the vacuum chamber module is an important milestone for the ITER project, marking that the installation of the ITER main machine has entered the final sprint stage," Duan said.
China has undertaken the manufacturing tasks of 18 procurement packages of the ITER since 2008, involving core key components such as the magnet support system, magnet feeder system, power system, glow discharge cleaning system, gas injection system, and the first wall of the reactor core that can withstand extremely high temperatures.
"China's tokamak engineering construction and related physical experiments have entered the international forefront. The engineering technology and manufacturing processes of key components of fusion reactors have made key breakthroughs, and some technological levels are leading internationally. A group of enterprises, research institutions, and universities have cultivated talents in tokamak engineering construction, fusion reactor component manufacturing, and large-scale scientific project management, accumulating experience. China's international discourse power in the field of nuclear fusion research is increasing. In the fields of material production and large equipment manufacturing, China has gradually formed advantages in foreign countries, and these advantages will provide strong technical support for the high-level development of China's controlled fusion engineering technology," Duan said.
While participating in the development of ITER, China's independently constructed and operated new generation artificial sun China Circulation-3 has also continued to improve. In 2023, the device successfully achieved high-constraint operation mode under a plasma current of 1 million amperes and was opened to global scientists.
Asking about different roles of ITER and China Circulation-3, Duan explained that ITER is an experimental reactor, and its goal is to verify the scientific and engineering feasibility of fusion reactors under conditions where the fusion gain Q is greater than 10 within 400 seconds and greater than 5 within 3,000 seconds.
Meanwhile, China Circulation III is the largest and most powerful magnetic confinement nuclear fusion large scientific experimental device in China, aiming to provide preliminary verification and solutions for key scientific and technical issues of the experimental reactor, including core plasma operation, nuclear diagnostics, tritium engineering technology, divertor high heat load control, etc, serving as an important support for China's leapfrog development in fusion energy research and development, he said.
In the future, China Circulation III will strive for higher plasma operating parameters, gradually raise the comprehensive parameters of the fusion plasma core to the level of the core, create an internationally leading combustion plasma large scientific experimental platform, support China's deep participation in ITER experiments, better digest and absorb ITER research results, and lay the foundation for China's independent design, construction, and operation of fusion pilot engineering experimental reactors, Duan noted.
In Duan's view, climate change and energy security issues have become common challenges faced by the world. Considering this, nuclear fusion energy, as a future clean, safe, and efficient energy source, is of great significance for the sustainable development of human society.
Mastering the technology of controlled nuclear fusion means that people may have access to almost unlimited clean energy in the future, and the energy crisis may be completely resolved, Duan said.
But to realize the application of nuclear fusion energy, there are still some major scientific and technological challenges, mainly including the steady-state self-sustaining burning of deuterium-tritium fusion plasma, fusion reactor materials, and tritium self-sustaining, Duan said, stressing the importance of international cooperation to promote the innovation of nuclear fusion technology.
The Philippines has escalated its battle against Beijing on the South China Sea issue by pushing fishermen to the frontline, collaborating with Western journalists to spread biased narratives, and conspiring with the US and Japan to contain China.
Global Times reporters recently visited the Philippines to investigate the truth behind these provocations, engaging in conversations with local fishermen, ordinary citizens, politicians, and scholars.
This is the first installment of the series, which sheds light on how Filipino fishermen have refused to be used as pawns by the current administration in the conflict. The Philippine government seeks to encourage its fisherfolk to be the vanguard of the South China Sea dispute through government-organized group fishing and its premeditated "militia" plan. However, the Global Times' recent in-person visit to the Philippines and conversations with local fishermen revealed that Filipino fishermen show no intention of participating in any "militia" plan or being drawn into the current administration's strategy against China.
In fact, fishermen in the Philippines are seeking more peace and cooperation, as the current tensions have disrupted their fishing activities and diminished their income. Their practical mindset contrasts sharply with the sensational narratives created by local media outlets and some politicians with ulterior motives.
Unlike the image of Filipino fishermen that the Philippine government intends to portray - a group with a strong desire for combat or aggression in territorial disputes - the fishermen in Masinloc, a Philippine town closest in proximity to China's Huangyan Dao (also known as Huangyan Island, or Scarborough Shoal in the Philippines) in the South China Sea, showed no signs of fear, distrust, confrontation, or hostility when they learned that they were talking to reporters from China.
Instead, the fishermen warmly expressed a clear desire for friendship and peace. Some curious and friendly fishermen approached to the reporters and actively shared their fishing experiences in the waters of Huangyan Dao in front of the camera. In conversations with Global Times reporters, many fishermen repeatedly stressed, "We are not enemies."
Since 2023, the Philippines has been sending government vessels and fishing ships to provoke disputes in the South China Sea, particularly near China's Huangyan Dao, under the guise of "ensuring the security of Filipino fishermen." Interestingly, fishing activities have not been disrupted since 2016 when China offered a temporary dispensation for Philippine fishermen, a situation that has become problematic due to the current administration' decision to "protect them."
So, who benefits from turning fishermen into pawns in the South China Sea battlefield? This investigative report provides the answer. Refused to be 'kidnapped'
The small town of Masinloc in the northern Philippines, about 125 nautical miles from China's Huangyan Dao, is a peaceful seaside fishing port. Local fishermen have been fishing here for generations. The raging storm in the sea has typically been the only thing for them to confront, but now they have been presented with a new "opponent" - China. Searching the term Masinloc on YouTube and social media reveals videos of confrontations between local fishermen and the China Coast Guard, as opposed to the island's picturesque beauty previously.
In the narratives of some Western and Philippine media outlets, the fishermen of Masinloc seem to have become one of the most radical groups in the Philippines in confronting China. But the Global Times' field visit reveals a different reality.
Local fishermen who spoke with the Global Times said that a large amount of seafood on their shelves is caught in the South China Sea and their normal fishing activities in the area are still ongoing as normal. Jessie Caasi, a fisherwoman, told the Global Times that many fisherfolk like her typically make regular trips - about three days a week - to Huangyan Dao to fish. In recent months, they have mainly used two government-provided fishing boats, with each boat carrying around 15 people, making a total of about 30 people per trip.
Jorin Egana, a 29-year-old fish vendor, also confirmed the offer. He told the Global Times that these two government-provided boats have been made available since January, equipped with basic supplies such as water, food, and medicine. Prior to this, most fishermen used to rent boats for individual fishing trips.
The official assistance is seen as a sign of the government's deeper involvement in the increasingly intense situation, they believed.
Caasi said she regrets that they are currently unable to enter the main fishing areas of Huangyan Dao due to the escalating conflict between the two governments. She stressed that there were no restrictions at all before the current administration took office.
"At that time, the China Coast Guard was friendly, and Chinese and Filipino fishermen could fish together there. We greeted each other as friends and got along well. But in recent days, our news reports kept saying that China wanted to occupy the Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao), and the government began warning us to be careful when fishing there," she said.
A previous piece by the Philippine media outlet the Inquirer cited Wilson Almadin, a 41-year-old Philippine fisherman who encountered the China Coast Guard at Huangyan Dao in November 2016, saying that "China Coast Guard vessels approached the boats of our fellow fishermen but only to share their food, liquor, and cigarettes."
However, that is a bygone era for fishermen like Caasi today.
Although China neither accepts nor recognizes the so-called South China Sea Arbitration, in 2016, the country gave a special dispensation to Philippine fishermen to maintain their small-scale artisanal fishing activities around Huangyan Dao under humanitarian considerations.
From 2016 to 2023, China has stuck to its commitment. Despite the territorial and maritime disputes between the two sides, the livelihood of the fisherfolk has never been affected, which, as experts have noted, represents China's goodwill in maintaining the peace and stability of the region.
However, the status quo changed since the Philippines began to send government vessels to the territorial sea of Huangyan Dao in the second half of 2023. In this case, China had to respond and repel the government vessels in accordance with the law.
In 2024, the Philippines started initiating more provocations. The Philippine fishery vessel group was reportedly accompanied by the Ship 3002 which belongs to the Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources when they trespassed into the waters off Huangyan Dao.
A source close to the matter told the Global Times that the Philippine official ship typically acts as a mother ship while at sea, not only providing fuel, fresh water, and food supplies to Philippine fishing boats, but also serving as a commander to direct different batches of fishing boats to illegally enter disputed waters.
Additionally, the Philippines has openly planned to deploy its own maritime militia to "defend its sovereignty" amid a raging territorial row with China.
"We want our fisherfolk to become reservists and teach them how to help in defending the country," Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, the Filipino armed forces chief, said in a statement in August 2023.
On February 23, the Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) publicly acknowledged that "it would also continue to carry out its duty of distributing fuel subsidies to the Filipino fishing boats that are present in the area to support their prolonged fishing activities."
However, the fishermen interviewed by the Global Times said that they have not received any subsidies from the government specifically to support them in fishing around Huangyan Dao.
They emphasized that they will not participate in the government's plan to turn fishermen into militia, noting that it is "too dangerous."
"The Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao) is too far away. I would rather stay in nearby waters to fish and earn less money. I don't know why the Philippine military is doing this [militia plan]. I feel like very few people would be willing to cooperate with this plan," the 29-year-old fisherman Jorin Egana told the Global Times.
"I don't consider those kinds of unilateral actions from our government to be beneficial to the peaceful settlement of disputes. If you increase maritime militias in the South China Sea, you are in fact increasing the chances of violence. Let the fisherman be fishermen," Rommel Banlaoi, Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research, told the Global Times in Manila.
Opposing voices are already growing in the Philippine fishery circle. In August 2023, a Philippine fisher group on the Philippines' illegally occupied Zhongye Dao (also known as Zhongye Island) turned down the militia plan by the government, local media source Philstar reported.
The group's president Larry Hugo said that it would be "difficult" for them to undergo military training and that he would prefer not to carry firearms. True voices repressed for political interests
The antagonism fomented by the Philippine government has also spread on the battlefield of public opinion.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard's spokesperson, pinned at the top of his timeline for a long time asserts "If you are a Filipino, whether in government or private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China's aggressive behavior should deem you unpatriotic, and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people."
Moreover, the Philippine government has organized for Western media reporters to board the vessels to deliberately hype up and mislead the international community.
Contrary to what was imagined and portrayed by the Filipino media, Global Times reporters did not feel any animosity during their visits to several Philippine cities. They do not see China as an enemy in territorial disputes, but rather as a partner that can bring economic benefits. They also expressed doubts about the authenticity of media's sensationalized reports.
For example, Ana Liza Felix, the owner of a coffee shop near the tourist destination the Church of Saint Augustine in Manila, said that she has heard some news reports about the disputes between the two countries and some negative descriptions of China, but believed them to be "one-sided stories," or politically motivated, and she is not sure whether any of the reports hold any truth.
Felix told the Global Times that she believes that China and the Philippines have deep roots, and most of the tourists who visit her shop are Chinese. "We have always interacted with each other in a friendly manner. If the disputes between the two countries lead to fewer tourists, I would be very sad. I do not want these disputes to affect my income. Only a friendly environment can create good economic benefits for us."
This pragmatic mindset is also reflected by Filipino fishermen. Economic benefit is the most common reason driving them to fish near Huangyan Dao, as the profits can be three times higher than in other areas, they said, noting that a peaceful and friendly environment in the South China Sea can sustain their livelihoods.
Dodong Mola, an elderly fisherman who just went to Huangyan Dao in March, told the Global Times that he has been going to the island since 2000. He goes there once a year, staying for about three months each time, as the island has the most variety of fish, which are not often found elsewhere. The conditions for fishing at Huangyan Dao are tough, but they just hope to earn more money and do not want to be involved in frontline conflicts.
Another fisherman, Noli Balaga, who has seen his brothers often going to Huangyan Dao to fish told the Global Times that they, more than anyone, hope to see peaceful cooperation between the two countries so they can resume fishing. They also hope that the Philippine government can provide more practical assistance to their fishing activities, such as improving their wooden boats.
Global Times reporters noticed that that the boats they use for fishing are less than one-meter wide, can only accommodate a few people, and can hardly withstand slight winds or waves. "The issue in the South China Sea is only found in papers in the Philippines that are dominated by Western narratives. But if you go around the country, you'll see that the ordinary people care more about peace. They don't want war. They care more about fighting inflation and economic hardship. They care more about making commodities more affordable to them. They care more about having jobs. They care more about having good transportation. We need trains, we need roads, we need bridges that China can provide, and we need more trade with China. It's a pity that many of the narratives in the media are controlled by this Western narrative of anti-China sentiment," said Banlaoi.
When then Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte visited China in 2016, the two sides discussed fishery cooperation in the South China Sea, including bilateral cooperation in the fishing industry, and it was then that China agreed to make proper, specific arrangements given its friendly relations with the Philippines.
Chinese officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' Bureau of Fisheries also visited Masinloc town in November 2016 to learn about what assistance they could provide to local fishermen. The following year saw a delegation of 17 Filipino fisheries representatives, some from Masinloc, who were invited to South China's Shenzhen, to participate in training organized by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, bringing back China's most advanced aquaculture technology to Manila. Experts said at the session that if China's deep-sea net cage aquaculture technology could be promoted in the Philippines, the income of local fishermen could increase several times or even tens of times over.
However, it is regrettable that today, when Global Times reporters set foot in Masinloc again, what is reported in the media is overwhelming about the territorial dispute, and the well intentioned and mutually beneficial fisheries cooperation seems to have disappeared from sight. "The Filipino people have high expectations for peace and cooperation between the two countries, but their voices are marginalized, as part of the result of Philippines' cognitive war against China," Ding Duo, deputy director at the Research Center for Ocean Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times.
"The current government is trying to divert public attention from various domestic contradictions caused by its ineffective governance through creating an external enemy, China. The government misleads the public domestically and plays the victim externally, which is not conducive to the resolution of the South China Sea issue," the expert warned.
"We should not make the South China Sea issue deeply entangle China-Philippines relations," said Ding.
During the short visit to the Philippines, Global Times reporters often saw headlines in the local newspapers reading "We will not be cowed into silence - Marcos," and vendors in the fish markets reading newspaper claiming "China wants to occupy Huangyan Dao." However, the most common phrase the reporters heard wherever they went was "we are not enemies" - from officials and ordinary people on the streets, to fishermen.
Who benefits from changing the status quo by fanning the flame in the South China Sea? Perhaps the Philippine government should find some answers from the voices of their people.
The youth are the vanguards of our time, showcasing boundless energy and vibrant personalities.
Gen-Zers not only represent the makers of the future but also serve as agents of change in the present. With an open mindset and an international outlook, they actively integrate into the currents of globalization, engaging in deep exchanges, and collaborating with youth from around the world to explore pathways and strategies to address global challenges.
The Global Times has launched the "Voice from Gen Z" series, which focuses on the proactive actions and innovative achievements of young people in areas such as global governance, cultural exchange, environmental protection, and technological innovation. Through this column, we aim to showcase the unique charm and future leadership of global Gen-Zers. Wang Jiaqi, a senior at the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School in North China's Hebei Province, will never forget the moment when she and her American partner Christina said goodbye.
"We had already waved goodbye, but she ran up to me and hugged me before I got on the bus," Wang recalled.
The embrace before parting deeply touched Wang. "When saying goodbye, Christina firmly told me that our friendship can continue," Wang told the Global Times, noting that she and her American friend are staying in touch and sharing their daily lives frequently.
In late April, Wang and Christina, a student from Muscatine High School in the US state of Iowa, met in Beijing. Invited by the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School, 32 students and eight teachers from Muscatine High School visited the school as part of their weeklong study tour to Beijing, Hebei, and Shanghai.
As the host of the study tour, the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School recruited many student volunteers on campus to make the US youth feel at home. They paired up with the US students as partners, studying and living together during the tour.
After the school issued the call, many members of China's Generation Z eagerly signed up. They saw it as a great opportunity to challenge themselves and showcase their abilities, while also hoping to further develop and maintain friendships with the US youth.
True feeling in details
Wang and her classmate Zhang Xinyi regard these US youths as part of the group of Gen Z "friendly ambassadors." The delegation is a part of the program, which was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023, aiming to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over a period of five years for exchanges and study.
From January 24 to 30 this year, under the care of President Xi, over 20 students from the school came to Beijing, Hebei, and Shanghai as the first group of US high school students in the program for exchange visits. This was Wang and Zhang's first close contact with US youths.
"That unforgettable interaction further strengthened my determination to participate in this activity," Zhang told the Global Times.?
What excited Zhang and Wang was that during the recent study tour, they spent six days with their new American friends, the second batch from Muscatine High School. They visited famous sites in Beijing and Hebei such as the Forbidden City and Longxing Temple, and took classes of Chinese martial arts together.?
They even had the opportunity to invite their partners to their homes.?
"After a thorough cleaning, we studied authentic Hebei cuisine together," Wang said.
To her delight, her partner Christina loved the food and enjoyed the warm familial atmosphere. "China is great, and your home is so warm," Wang was told.?
At the dinner table, Wang found that contrary to the stereotype that Americans do not eat seafood or spicy food, she discovered that Christina was willing to try all types of dishes. "She was even particularly excited to see the Chinese toon, a common edible plant in China with a unique fragrance, and insisted on trying it." In Wang's eyes, her peers from the American Gen Z era are very enthusiastic and open, showing great curiosity about everything Chinese and are eager to explore different cultures. Zhang had a similar experience. On the evening of April 21, Zhang welcomed her partner Brynn Ann Castle, an American girl about to start her collegiate life, into her home. In Zhang's bedroom, Minions and Woody dolls quickly helped the two young girls find more common topics.
After a brief ice breaker, Castle eagerly tried playing Zhang's Pipa, a traditional Chinese musical instrument. Later, they looked through Zhang's family photo album together and shared funny stories about their families, with endless topics to talk about.
During their conversation, Zhang mentioned that she could feel that Chinese teenagers are generally influenced by family and collective concepts, placing more emphasis on family and social responsibilities. US teens, on the other hand, tend to prioritize individual pursuits, and are better at expressing themselves and pursuing personal independence and freedom.
However, Zhang also believes that with the development of globalization, the differences between the two countries' teenagers are gradually narrowing. "We have a lot in common, such as both enjoying listening to music and eating desserts to relieve stress. I love Marvel movies, and my US friends also enjoy playing the game Honor of Kings," she said.
Facing these similarities and differences, Zhang believes that exchanges between young people from both countries and sharing their cultures, values, and lifestyles, they can turn misunderstandings into understanding, amplify common interests, and enhance friendship and trust.
In an interview with the Global Times, when asked about their views on current China-US relations, Wang and Zhang both expressed that what gives them clear hope for the future of bilateral relations is that they and their US friends have each other in their future plans.
Wang plans to meet up with Christina at Universal Studios in the US this summer. Zhang shared beautiful scenery photos from her trip to Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, on WeChat. They eagerly made plans to travel together next time.
"This is just a small step for now, but we have taken it together steadily. In the future, we will see more beautiful scenery together," Zhang told the Global Times.
