Chinese aircraft carrier sails into Hong Kong for first time
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
4 hours ago
- Business Upturn
‘My time in Sichuan shows harmony of multi-ethnic unity': Global Times
Beijing, China, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curiosity about China is drawing a growing number of international travelers to visit the country. From walking on ancient stones atop the Great Wall to riding high-speed trains between glittering skylines, many say they've discovered a China they didn't expect to see. In our special series, 'Journey Through China,' the Global Times shares the impressions of international travelers who have recently spent time in China. Their firsthand accounts – ranging from casual observations to thoughtful reflections – shed light on three key aspects of today's China: infrastructure, modernization and traditional culture. In the third article of the series, Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Ruiqian talked to Paul Zilungisele Tembe (Tembe), director at the SELE Encounters Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies in South Africa and recipient of the 18th Special Book Award of China. He recently participated in a cultural tour to Sichuan Province and shared his perspective on China. GT: You mentioned that the experience of harmonious living among the multi-ethnic residents of Sichuan, a convergence of diversities toward a united and unique Chinese culture have left an indelible mark in your understanding of Chinese culture. How is this cultural inclusiveness embodied in the call of China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) for respecting the diversity of world civilizations? Tembe: The GCI is rooted in the essence of multi-ethnicity. It starts from local diversity – ethnic, cultural – and expands to national, regional and eventually global dimensions. My time in Sichuan gave me a vivid impression of what unity within diversity can look like. Coming from South Africa – a country with 12 official languages and a complex multi-ethnic society – I saw parallels. We gained our democracy in 1994, and we are still working through the process of building a unified national identity. My experience in Sichuan gave me a glimpse of what South Africa could aspire to in the long term. All the units are perfect and harmonious. I truly wish that one day Sichuan and a province in South Africa could become sister provinces. We could learn a lot from each other, especially given our shared experiences with multi-ethnic societies. GT: During your visit to Siguniang Mountains and the Wolong National Nature Reserve, you've observed a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. What is your view of China's approach to environmental protection and green development? Tembe: President Xi Jinping put forward the idea of 'Beautiful China,' meaning care for the environment. What I took away from my time in Sichuan – beyond the harmony of multi-ethnic unity – was how human development is being balanced with the protection of nature. What touched me even more deeply was my visit to the Wolong National Nature Reserve. It showed that China is able to pursue modernization without sacrificing its traditions or its environment. In addition, I visited the Siguniang Mountains and saw many kinds of precious stones in the museum. Although the region is rich in natural resources, mining is prohibited in order to protect the ecosystem. These are practical models that can be applied to the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Although climate agreements are often signed, implementation remains a challenge. What I appreciate about China is that its environmental efforts are scientific and systematic. These models can be transferred to other countries and still function effectively. I especially hope to see more cooperation within the Global South. Right now, we are a bit behind in terms of climate finance and environmental planning. But if countries in the Global South work together – through South-South cooperation or other multilateral platforms – we could adopt the Chinese model and create a better environmental trajectory. GT: Although China and Africa differ in terms of geography, culture, history and social structures, they share common values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. As a long-time advocate for China-Africa cultural exchanges, how did your travels and experiences in China lead you to recognize and resonate with these shared values? Tembe: When we talk about values, I believe we should take a step back and look at deeper philosophical roots. For example, if we consider some core tenets of Confucianism, we find values that are deeply relevant both in China and Africa. Africa stands for peace, values harmony, and is committed to hard work. Africa wants tangible and concrete results. It seeks partnerships based on equality and mutual respect. If we look at China's proposals for cooperation with Africa, especially starting from President Xi's 2013 visit to Tanzania, the four-point proposal – sincerity, real results, amity and good faith – aligns closely with African expectations of partnership. These are not just diplomatic phrases; they reflect deeper cultural values that we can trace both in Chinese civilization and in African traditions. GT: There are still some narratives in international discourse that promote the 'China threat' rhetoric. Based on your years of living and studying in China – especially your understanding of its peace-oriented cultural traditions – how would you respond to such claims? Tembe: I will give you both perspectives: The Western one, based on projection and fear; and the Chinese one, based on unity and peaceful development. First, there's a tendency that if someone has done bad things to others, they begin to judge others through that same lens. That's what we see with how the West views China. They fear that China's rise will mirror their own rise during the 15th and 16th centuries. Let's recall – the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw China's doors to the outside world shut. Meanwhile, the West was expanding, taking advantage of China's absence from the high seas. That period marked the beginning of Western colonialism. So now, they look at China and assume China will behave the way they did. But that's not about China; that's about them. They project their own past – colonization and domination – onto China, but they also suffer from historical amnesia. China has always had one consistent focus: unity and development. China has no interest in controlling others. China seeks friendships abroad to create a stable external environment that allows it to survive and thrive in the long run. China has experienced many historical upheavals. So its greatest concern – in development, finance and foreign policy – is preserving a unified China. I would say, as someone who studies and understands China, the West is worrying for nothing. China is not going to become the kind of global threat they imagine. But there's one thing: Nature does not allow a vacuum. In English, we say 'when the cat's away, the mice will play.' In geopolitics, the same principle applies. China needs to have a strong presence globally. But a strong global presence does not mean colonialism or the control of other countries. These things are not the same. Source: Global Times: Company: Global TimesContact Person: Anna Li Email: [email protected] Website: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cebu Air Just Pulled Off the Biggest Surprise Profit in Over a Decade
Cebu Air (CEBUF) just posted its strongest quarter in over a decadethanks to a rare combination of rising travel demand and a surprise engine windfall. The Philippine low-cost carrier reported 8.51 billion pesos ($148 million) in Q2 net income, more than six times higher than the same period last year. A major contributor? A 4.8 billion peso boost from four free Pratt & Whitney engines booked as other income in June. That one-off helped deliver a record profit dating back to at least 2010and investors took notice. CEB shares jumped as much as 4.4% in Manila on Wednesday, outpacing the broader index. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with CEBUF. But this wasn't just a one-time story. Cebu flew 7 million passengers last quarter, up 16% year-over-year, powered by a 23% jump in international traffic and a 14% lift in domestic. That momentum came despite ongoing disruptions from RTX Corp.'s Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which are undergoing a global inspection cycle due to flawed components. While that grounding has sidelined parts of Cebu's fleet, the strong rebound in traveland management's ability to negotiate engine compensationsuggest the airline could be navigating the headwinds better than most. Maybank analysts seem to think so. In a June note, they named Cebu their top tourism pick in the Philippines, pointing to fleet expansion, rising passenger volumes, and the tailwind of infrastructure upgrades across the country. With international traffic roaring back and engine issues partly cushioned by manufacturer support, Cebu Air might be one of the rare airline stocks positioned to benefit on both the operational and financial front. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
What to know about chikungunya virus in China as US issues travel alert
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel warning following an outbreak of a mosquito-borne illness called chikungunya in China. The CDC's warning centers on Guangdong Province, where the outbreak has exceeded 7,000 confirmed cases since June 2025, according to Chinese health officials. The outbreak in Guangdong Province has been linked to monsoon flooding, which created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which spread the virus that causes chikungunya. In the new travel warning, the CDC emphasized that vaccination is available and recommended for travelers. Dr. Todd Ellerin, chief of infectious disease at South Shore Health in Massachusetts, told ABC News that travelers to the region "should absolutely take precautions" against the illness. "Wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent with DEET, and use mosquito netting for babies too young for repellent," said Ellerin, who is not affiliated with the CDC. Here is what to know about the illness. How common is chikungunya? Chikungunya is not a new infection. It has been around since the 1950s, with outbreaks more commonly seen in tropical areas in recent decades. Globally, there have been about 240,000 infections since the start of 2025, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Chikungunya is not common in the United States. The CDC says there have not been any reported locally acquired cases since 2019. What are the symptoms of chikungunya? According to the CDC, common symptoms of the virus include sudden-onset high fever, severe joint pain (especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet), muscle pain, headache, fatigue and skin rash. Georgia woman describes crippling pain of chikungunya virus Most people recover without medical intervention within seven to 10 days, but in some cases, symptoms can persist for weeks or months. What is the incubation period for chikungunya? Chikungunya typically has an incubation period of less than one week, according to Ellerin. "If it's been more than a week since you left a high-risk area, you're likely in the clear," he said. How is chikungunya treated? There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Instead, care focuses on relieving symptoms while the body recovers. The CDC recommends rest, fluids, and medications like acetaminophen for pain and fever. NSAIDs may be used once dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, has been ruled out. Deaths from chikungunya are rare, according to the CDC. Is there a vaccine for chikungunya? There are two vaccines available in the U.S. that begin offering protection within about two weeks of a single dose. Cases of mosquito-borne viruses on the rise The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers visiting areas with active outbreaks, people spending extend time abroad -- typically six months or longer -- and laboratory workers who handle the virus. What contributes to the spread of chikungunya? Climate change is a major driver of chikungunya's global spread. "Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are helping Aedes mosquitoes expand into new regions," Dr. Krutika Kuppalli of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center told ABC News. Veer Patel, M.D., is an emergency medicine doctor at Maimonides Medical Center and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Solve the daily Crossword
