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The Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
From first rice to emergence of cities, light shed on origins of civilisation in China
BEIJING: In a single domesticated grain seed, one might see the bud of great civilisations. The birth of agriculture was a turning point in humans' social development, as stable food supplies enabled people to transcend the constraints of food gained by hunting and gathering. After that, people were able to settle down and experience population booms. As one of the major areas around the globe where agriculture originated, China has contributed to the world's domesticated rice, millet, buckwheat and soybeans. Archaeological studies have unveiled that the planting of rice originated around 10,000 years ago in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, leading to the eventual replacement there of hunting and gathering practices dating back 5,000 to 6,000 years. "It marked the formation of a rice-based agricultural society in the area," said Zhao Zhijun, an archaeologist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Archaeological studies of the origins of rice-based agriculture are an important part of a national project tracing the origins of Chinese civilisation itself. President Xi Jinping has greatly valued the project. At a group study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on May 27, 2022, Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, emphasised the significance of the project and the role that archaeological studies play in better understanding Chinese civilisation. The project to trace the origins of Chinese civilisation, in addition to finding signs of human activity more than one million years ago, has also proved that China's history includes 10,000 years of culture and more than 5,000 years of civilisation. The project has provided clear knowledge of the origins and formation of Chinese civilisation, the history of its development, the process of the formation and development of its pluralistic and integrated pattern, and the characteristics of the civilisation and why it was formed in such a way, he added. This was not the first time that Xi emphasised the importance of the origin-tracing project. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Xi has toured more than 100 historical and cultural locations and issued many instructions related to archaeology and the origin-tracing project. During the 23rd group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in 2020, Xi called for giving more attention to archaeological research and letting historical facts speak for themselves. "This will provide strong support for our efforts to carry forward the best of traditional Chinese culture and increase our cultural confidence," said Xi. The origin-tracing project has been carried out since 2002. Its ongoing fifth phase, which started in 2020, involves the participation of more than 500 researchers from 29 institutes across the country. It primarily centres on several ancient capital sites, including the Liangzhu site in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, the Taosi site in Xiangfen county, Shanxi province, the Shimao site in Shenmu, Shaanxi province, and the Erlitou site in Luoyang, Henan province, from 3,500 to 5,500 years ago, as well as other settlements mainly along the basins of the Yellow, Yangtze and Liaohe rivers. The project has also expanded to a wider geographic and chronological framework to decode how Chinese civilisation emerged and how its diverse elements formed a unity. Excavation of the Liangzhu site, which is over 5,000 years old and is one of the major sites covered in the origin-tracing project, has yielded an inner city covering three million square metres and an outer city of 6.3 million sq m, making it the world's largest capital at the time. It also had a giant water control system, which contributed to the formation of a rice-based agricultural society. By calculating the earthwork volume, archaeologists found that building the entire ancient city, the water control system and Mojiaoshan — a ten-metre-tall man-made terrace in the centre of the city — required 10,000 people working daily for seven-and-a-half years. The discoveries show that Liangzhu had a kingship able to organise people for large-scale public construction, and its social differentiation, emergence of the city concept and existence of a kingship prove that it became a civilised society, said Wang Wei, a veteran archaeologist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Wang said that tracing the origins of a civilisation is a significant topic in the research of human history. Over the years, the Chinese project has provided China's answer to how to define civilisations. In 2022, Xi commended the efforts and stressed that the project has made creative contributions to the research on tracing the origins of the world's civilisations. Wang said: "International academia has proposed three indispensable elements for a civilised society based on features of Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilisations: written characters, metallurgy and the city concept. But we can find that some of the three elements were absent in many ancient civilisations. For example, the Mayan civilisation had no metallurgy, while the Incan civilisation didn't have written characters." Western scholars believe that Chinese civilisation began with the Yinxu Ruins in Anyang, Henan province, a capital of the late Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC), based on the discovery of inscribed oracle bones from that time. However, Chinese archaeologists don't agree. With continued archaeological research, international academia now believes that places around the world can propose criteria for civilisation based on their own ancient social development. China's archaeological studies have shaped the nation's criteria in defining a civilisation: the development of productivity, an increase in population, the appearance of cities, social differentiation and the emergence of kingship and state. "These criteria are suitable for identifying other civilisations as well," said Wang. "Civilisations have in common the appearance of kingship and state. They are only different in the ways of imposing kingship and the forms of state." In China, kingship and state "were shown by exquisite jade and bronze ritual artifacts, grand palaces and magnificent mausoleums imitating aboveground palaces", he added. "In Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, they were demonstrated through superb stone temples, pyramids and large-scale tombs." President Xi said in 2020 that archaeologists should work closely with researchers from other fields to make an interpretive analysis of material remains. Zhang Chi, a professor of archaeology at Peking University, said that since material remains are often the research focus of archaeological studies, these should not only be observed with the eyes, but also studied using scientific and technological tools. Therefore, from the perspective of research methods, archaeology is by nature a multidisciplinary subject, Zhang added. Wang, the CASS archaeologist, highlighted the application in archaeology of strontium isotope analysis, which determines the geographic origin of individuals by analysing the ratio of different strontium isotopes found in their remains. Using this approach, researchers can determine whether humans whose remains they study stayed in the same place from birth to death or migrated to the place where they eventually were buried. The technology has been applied in studies of the Erlitou site, widely believed to be a late capital of the Xia Dynasty (c.21st century-16th century BC), enabling researchers to confirm that the site had a large number of migrants. Wang said the technology can support scholars' understanding of Erlitou's role as a capital that attracted people from other places. - China Daily/ANN
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Times: Xi stresses high-quality 15th Five-Year Plan compilation
BEIJING, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- President Xi Jinping has stressed sound, democratic, and law-based decision-making to ensure China's next five-year plan for national economic and social development is formulated in high quality, Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction on the work concerning the compilation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Xi noted that the scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans stand as an important piece of experience in the CPC's approach to governing the country, per Xinhua. The formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan holds immense significance for fully realizing the strategic initiatives outlined at the 20th CPC National Congress and advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said. The Chinese leader emphasized the importance of integrating top-level design with seeking advice from the public, enhancing research and discussions, and building broad consensus, Xinhua reported. Starting from 2026, China will embark on the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Currently, the CPC Central Committee is organizing the drafting of proposals for this plan, and relevant departments are gearing up to solicit opinions and suggestions from officials, the general public, as well as experts and scholars through various channels in the near future. China's five-year plan is a key guiding document for medium-to-long-term economic and social progress, which outlines the country's overall goals, major tasks and policy orientation across various sectors over a five-year period, according to Xinhua. Since its first launch in the 1950s, the five-year plan has been serving as a blueprint for China's overall development. The formulation process operates through a well-structured framework that combines the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with extensive democratic participation. In 2020, Xi led the drafting group for proposals for formulating the 14th five-year plan and long-range objectives through 2035. He presided over seven symposiums within three months to seek suggestions from representatives from all walks of life, Xinhua reported. High-quality development The 15th Five-Year Plan of the country will be a crucial five-year plan for China to achieve the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035, analysts said. "The planning must focus on the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization, with a view to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation," Xi said at a symposium on China's economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) on April 30, 2025. In planning economic and social development for the next five years, it is necessary to adapt to changing situations and grasp strategic priorities, said Xi. "We must unswervingly manage our own affairs well, and stay committed to expanding high-standard opening up," the Chinese leader said, per Xinhua. Speaking after listening to opinions and suggestions from leading officials of several provincial regions, Xi said higher strategic priority must be given to fostering new quality productive forces in line with local conditions in the next five years, Xinhua reported. Xi chaired a CPC leadership meeting on economic situation and work on April 25. It was noted at the meeting that China has seen its economy improve this year, with public confidence continuously boosted and solid progress made in high-quality development. Li Changan, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times that the scale of China's economic development has further expanded and substantial progress has been made in high-quality development. The new plan is set to address current and new situation, grasp new development opportunities. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, attention should be paid to the new changes and opportunities brought by technological advancements, represented by artificial intelligence and the digital economy, Li said, adding that strategic deployments are needed to deeply integrate these new technologies with industrial advantages to ensure that China stands at the forefront of the new wave of technological revolution. Su Wei, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, told the Global Times thatthe country's upgrading manufacturing sector lays a solid foundation for high-quality development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Improving people's livelihoods will also remain a central focus, Su said, listing areas including raising household incomes, expanding consumption, strengthening the private economy, and stabilizing employment. Ensuring devt and security At the April 30 symposium in Shanghai, Xi said that greater emphasis should be placed on ensuring both development and security, with a comprehensive assessment of domestic and external risks and challenges. The CPC leadership meeting on April 25 noted that foundation for China's sustained economic recovery needs to be further consolidated, and the country faces increasing impact from external shocks, according to Xinhua. The meeting noted that it is imperative to coordinate domestic economic work and endeavors in the international economic and trade field, unswervingly manage the country's own affairs well, stay committed to expanding high-standard opening up, focus on keeping employment, businesses, markets and expectations stable, and deal with the uncertainty of drastic changes in the external environment with the certainty of the country's high-quality development. According to Li, assessing the development environment and emerging trends is a critical part in drafting the development plan. Regarding the international environment, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation; the competition among major powers has further intensified, and geopolitical conflicts and security risks have increased as well, Su remarked. These challenges also contain new opportunities – the domestic circulation may be further strengthened during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and new quality productive forces further develop to promote more balanced cross-regional and urban-rural growth, Su said. The status of countries along the Belt and Road in China's foreign trade will continue to rise. The momentum in services and digital trade is likely to persist, with more competitive Chinese products and services expected to enter the global market during the upcoming period, according to the expert. Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told the Global Times that "In a time of rising global uncertainty marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and environmental challenges, the long-term orientation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan will provide much-needed stability and predictability for both domestic stakeholders and international partners, including investors and multilateral institutions." Building on China's tradition of setting clear, measurable objectives and executing them with discipline, it will serve as a dependable roadmap for those engaged in trade, infrastructure, and supply chain cooperation with China, Kin Phea noted. Crucially, it is likely to align with China's 2035 modernization goals and its 2060 carbon neutrality pledge, reinforcing a trajectory of gradual, well-calibrated reform. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, China's systematic and forward-looking planning continues to serve as a global stabilizing force, offering great opportunity to a wide array of stakeholders, said the expert. This article first appeared in Global Times: View original content: SOURCE Global Times Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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First Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
War is not India's choice, Doval tells Wang Yi who backs Pakistan's ‘territorial integrity'
In a telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Y, NSA Ajit Doval conveyed Saturday that India 'needed to take counter-terrorism actions' but added that 'war was not India's choice'. read more Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He also spoke to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar amid tensions between India and Pakistan. He made the right pitches in both the conversations – telling Doval that China 'condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and was opposed to all forms of terrorism' and at the same time telling Pakistan that China will continue to stand by Islamabad in upholding its 'sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence". What stood out was what Doval told Wang Yi. Here are the official statements of the two conversations: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's statement about Doval-Wang Yi talks : On May 10, 2025, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, held a phone conversation with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Doval stated that the Pahalgam terrorist attack had caused significant casualties among Indian personnel and that India needed to take counter-terrorism actions. He emphasized that war is not India's choice and does not serve the interests of any party. Both India and Pakistan are committed to maintaining the ceasefire and hope for the early restoration of regional peace and stability. Wang Yi expressed China's condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its opposition to all forms of terrorism. He noted that, given the current complex and volatile international situation, peace and stability in Asia are hard-won and should be cherished. India and Pakistan are neighboring countries that cannot be relocated, and both are also neighbors of China. China appreciates Doval's statement that war is not India's choice and sincerely hopes that both sides will remain calm and exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and avoid further escalation. China supports and looks forward to India and Pakistan achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through negotiations, which is in the fundamental interests of both countries and the shared aspirations of the international community. Pakistan's statement about Wang Yi-Ishaq Dar talks 'Foreign Minister Wang Yi … reaffirmed that China, as Pakistan's All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner and ironclad friend, will continue to stand firmly by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence. Both leaders emphasized the importance of close communication and agreed to maintain ongoing coordination in the days ahead.'
India Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
War is not India's choice: NSA Ajit Doval to China's Wang Yi amid tensions with Pak
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in a telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that "war is not India's choice and serves no party's interests."A statement released following the conversation said "Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, held a phone conversation with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval."advertisementFollow Live Updates on India-Pakistan tensions here NSA Doval, in conversation with Wang Yi stated that the Pahalgam terrorist attack had caused significant casualties among Indian personnel, and that India needed to take counter-terrorism emphasised that India does not intend to choose war, and it does not serve the interests of any party. "Both India and Pakistan are committed to maintaining the ceasefire and hope for the early restoration of regional peace and stability," the statement Chinese foreign minister, on behalf of China, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and opposed all forms of terrorism."He noted that, given the current complex and volatile international situation, peace and stability in Asia are hard-won and should be cherished. India and Pakistan are neighbouring countries that cannot be relocated, and both are also neighbours of China. China appreciates Doval's statement that war is not India's choice and sincerely hopes that both sides will remain calm and exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and avoid further escalation," the statement Yi expressed China's support to India and Pakistan for achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through negotiations, which is in the fundamental interests of both countries and the shared aspirations of the international Watch
NDTV
07-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India Ready To "Retaliate Resolutely" If Pak Escalates Tensions: NSA Doval
New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday told his counterparts in various countries that India has no intent to escalate tensions but is prepared to "retaliate resolutely" if Pakistan does so, officials said. Mr Doval briefed his counterparts in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and Japan about India's missile strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also established contact with Russia and France, officials said. "NSA briefed his counterparts on actions taken and method of execution, which was measured, non-escalatory and restrained. He emphasised that India had no intent to escalate but was well prepared to retaliate resolutely should Pakistan decide to escalate," an official said. The conversations took place soon after India carried out Operation Sindoor at nine sites. He spoke to US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UK's Jonathan Powell, Saudi Arabia's Musaid Al Aiban, UAE's H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon, and Japan's Masataka Okano. "Contact was also established with Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu, Member of Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of PRC Wang Yi and Diplomatic Adviser to French President Emmanuel Bonne," the official said. Mr Doval will be in further touch with his counterparts in the days ahead.
