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Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Xi urges all-out efforts to safeguard people's lives amid floods
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the extended format meeting of the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 23, 2024. – AFP photo BEIJING (July 30): Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to ensure the safety of people's lives and property in the fight against floods and geological disasters caused by heavy rainfalls that are currently affecting some parts of China. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has made an important instruction regarding flood control and disaster relief work. All-out search and rescue must be conducted for those missing or trapped, Xi said, stressing that residents in flood-threatened areas must be promptly relocated and resettled to minimize casualties. He also urged authorities to plan for worst-case and extreme scenarios, clarify responsibilities, implement flood control measures meticulously, closely monitor and reinforce vulnerable and critical areas, and allocate rescuers and supplies based on scientific assessment. 'Emergency response must be activated and carried out at the earliest possible moment to fully protect people's lives and property,' he said. Recently, continuous heavy rainfalls have occurred in eastern, northern and northeastern regions of China, triggering floods and geological disasters and causing heavy casualties in Beijing, Hebei, Jilin and Shandong. In his instruction, Premier Li Qiang has urged national flood control authorities to help local governments strengthen response. Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called for reinforcing extreme weather monitoring, strengthening the inspection and assessment of embankments for rivers and reservoirs, and enhancing the identification of urban waterlogging risks. China floods people property safety Xi Jinping
The Print
a day ago
- Business
- The Print
China to ‘solidly advance' trilateral cooperation with Bangladesh & Pakistan, says its envoy in Dhaka
Last month, the Foreign Secretaries of Bangladesh and Pakistan met Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong in the city of Kunming in the first of its kind trilateral. While the Chinese readout indicated that the trilateral was not directed at any 'third party'—a reference to India—Beijing has stepped up efforts to deepen engagement with Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Speaking at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, Yao, according to the local media, said, 'China looks forward to making joint efforts with Bangladesh and Pakistan to solidly advance the trilateral cooperation and achieve tangible results.' New Delhi: China aims to 'solidly advance' trilateral cooperation with Bangladesh and Pakistan, as the Communist Party of China seeks to deepen ties with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami, Beijing's envoy to Dhaka Yao Wen said Tuesday. Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus travelled to China earlier this year, where he indicated that Dhaka is the 'guardian of the ocean' for India's land-locked North East, while calling for larger Chinese investments. Chinese businesses have heeded the call, according to Yao, with Beijing becoming the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into Bangladesh since the change in regime on 5 August 2024. Beijing also promised $2.1 billion in investments, loans and grants directed towards Bangladesh during Yunus' visit to China. Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh fled Dhaka for New Delhi on 5 August, 2024 after facing months of protests by students over the imposition of a quota for veterans of the 1971 Liberation War. Bangladesh's interim foreign minister Touhid Hossain met his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in New York City Monday, on the margins of the two-state conference organised by the United Nations (UN). It is the fourth meeting between the two since October 2024, with both Hossain and Dar agreeing to plan for further high-level visits in the near future. Also read: Beijing hosts 1st Pakistan-China-Bangladesh trilateral, says 'not directed at any third party' The strategic realignment of Bangladesh The strategic realignment between Dhaka with Islamabad and Beijing comes after a year of strained ties with New Delhi. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in New Delhi since her ouster, as reported by ThePrint. Bangladesh has been pushing for Hasina's extradition with an official request made in December 2024. While India has acknowledged receiving the request from Bangladesh, Hasina remains in New Delhi, even as Dhaka has proceeded with laying charges against the former Prime Minister at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The ICT located in Dhaka recently sentenced Hasina to six months imprisonment holding the former Prime Minister in contempt of the tribunal. Beijing has taken up the mantle to realign South Asia, recently expanding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. The announcement in May came after a trilateral meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and the foreign minister of the Taliban regime Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing. China has sought to strengthen its ties with the Bangladeshi political landscape with leaders of the BNP and Jamaat visiting the country in the last couple of weeks. A delegation from the Jamaat most recently visited the country in early July. 'China's relationships with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami were hindered over the past 10 years. Now, efforts are underway to strengthen those ties,' Yao said, while retorting that the reporters 'know why' ties were hindered in the last decade, as per reports. India has long been considered close to the Awami League—Hasina's party—which has since been banned by Dhaka in May 2025. The evolving foreign policy situation between India and Bangladesh has seen both countries react to a number of irritants in ties, often publicly. Most recently, India had urged Dhaka to 'reconsider' the demolition of a house in the city of Mymensingh reportedly linked to film-maker Satyajit Ray. Dhaka, however, denied any links between the film-maker and the house, even as the demolition orders were paused as per reports. While ties at the political level have been tenuous at best, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Yunus on the margins of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand earlier this year. Dhaka has taken over the chair of the bloc, which has been a key part of New Delhi's regional push since the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has seen little activity in the last decade. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) consists of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The Chinese envoy also said that Beijing is ready to implement the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP)—a comprehensive water management and infrastructure development project on the Teesta river. The river flows through both India and Bangladesh. Hasina during her visit to India in 2024 had indicated her intention for India to manage the project. However, since her ouster, no decision has been taken on the project. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Chinese envoy offers to help Bangladesh govt counter 'disinfo' on global media platforms
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Reimagining Balochistan
For over a century, camel caravans laden with silk, jade, porcelain, and spices traversed the expansive deserts of China's far-western frontier. These caravans, carrying merchandise from China and Central Asia, endured a grueling journey, crisscrossing the formidable Pamir and Tianshan mountain ranges en route to Kashgar — an oasis town at the heart of the fabled Silk Road. As a vibrant kaleidoscope of civilisations, Kashgar flourished as a hub where goods, knowledge, and cultures not only met, but also mingled. However, Kashghar together with other ancient Silk Road towns gradually slipped into economic obscurity in the 15th century as the rise of maritime trade shifted global commerce from land to sea. While China's eastern coastal cities leapfrogged in development during the country's rise as a global manufacturing powerhouse, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region — home to the predominantly Muslim ethnic Turkic community — was left behind. By the mid-20th century, Xinjiang had become increasingly volatile. The region was wracked by what Beijing calls the 'three evils' -- terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism as sporadic separatist, ethnic, and religious violence turned it into a restive borderland. Today however, that image is undergoing a sea change. The Chinese government has initiated an ambitious plan to restore Xinjiang's old glory not by resurrecting its past, but by reimagining its future as a renovated bridge between East and West. And to achieve this reality, Beijing introduced a novel 'Root Cause' model to address the underlying socioeconomic drivers of violence by focusing on economic empowerment, infrastructure expansion, cultural integration, and good governance in an attempt to weave Xinjiang back into the fabric of national progress by transforming it into a vital trade corridor. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed says China's Xinjiang strategy was extremely well thought out and well planned that involved a holistic approach. 'They (Chinese) are very clear that terrorists are not born, they are a product of circumstances. It's about changing mindsets. It's not just about the use of kinetic force or military force to browbeat extremists or terrorists. It's all about giving them a better alternative, a better option for the future, a hope for a better tomorrow through education and economic inclusion. Above all, they also incorporated deradicalization as a key component of their counter-terrorism strategy.' This strategy has five key elements. First, it employs advanced surveillance and intelligence technologies to monitor and deter extremism and terrorism. Second, it uses a rule-of-law approach with minimal force—arresting and prosecuting extremists in court, while avoiding extrajudicial actions. Third, the state adopts a holistic, system-wide approach involving over a million Communist Party of China cadres, teachers, and 28,000 religious clerics to implement and support stability efforts at the grassroots level. Fourth, China pursues inclusive economic development, offering education, jobs, and business opportunities to reduce alienation and integrate disillusioned people into society. Lastly, it coordinates with neighbouring countries to eliminate external terrorist threats, including the extradition or elimination of East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) leaders. Beijing's efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Xinjiang's GDP has doubled, and incidents of terrorist violence have dropped to zero over the past decade. The region has also become a key node in China's massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Xinjiang's foreign trade reached $31.7 billion in the first five months of 2025, marking a whopping 22.9% increase over the same period last year, according to the data from Urumqi Customs. This growth outpaced the national average by 20.4%, with trade volumes already exceeding the first-half performance of 2024. Once impoverished, cities like Kashgar, Horgos, and Urumqi are now at the forefront of regional economic growth. Kashgar — a dirt-poor outpost — is now home to a bustling Free Trade Zone and stands as a cornerstone of China's westward economic ambitions. The China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, divided into three core areas of Kashi, Horgos, and Urumqi generated nearly $14 billion in trade in just five months, accounting for 44% of Xinjiang's total foreign trade. Similarly, comprehensive bonded zones handled $11.42 billion in trade, representing 35.8% of the total. The trade boom is not state-driven alone. Private businesses contributed to 94.7% of Xinjiang's trade volume in the first five months of 2025, growing 25% year-on-year and accounting for 101.5% of trade expansion. The 'Root Cause' model identifies economic deprivation, ethnic alienation, and lack of opportunity as the main drivers of extremism and violence. Under this strategy, China launched a two-pronged campaign: a sweeping counterterrorism drive under the 2015 anti-terror law to mitigate the immediate threat; and a development push to ensure durable long-term peace. This approach is consistent with China's broader national philosophy of lifting people out of poverty to blunt the narrative of terrorists, extremists, and separatists. China has already pulled over 600 million people out of poverty within a few decades – an achievement acknowledged globally. A 2018 report by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) describes the strategy as a blend of hard security measures and economic transformation. 'This is not merely a counterinsurgency campaign,' the report notes, 'but a development-led pacification model aimed at engineering long-term stability through integration and inclusion.' Xinjiang's transformation is also being powered—literally—by its vast renewable energy potential. Once considered a barren, windswept wasteland, Xinjiang has become the key to China's West-to-East Power Transmission Project. Since 2010, Xinjiang has exported over 900 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, with 30% sourced from renewable energy. Massive solar farms in Turpan and wind corridors in Hami are now generating green energy not just for Xinjiang, but for 22 provincial-level regions across China. These projects are not only central to China's carbon neutrality goals, but also employ tens of thousands of residents — offering alternative livelihoods and helping to reduce rural poverty. Alongside green development, infrastructure investment forms another important pillar of the Root Cause strategy. Over the past decade, Xinjiang has undergone a sweeping urban transformation, with more than 2.5 million new housing units replacing slums and traditional mud-brick homes with modern apartment complexes. Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the ancient city of Kashi (Kashgar), where the Chinese government has splurged over $70 billion on redevelopment. Each morning, a ceremonial gate-opening — celebrating Uyghur history, culture, and identity — draws large crowds of tourists. The once-crumbling Grand Bazaar has been rebuilt and now bustles with traders selling traditional Uyghur handicrafts, textiles, spices, and souvenirs, preserving the city's cultural essence amid modernisation. Roads, railways, hospitals, and schools have been expanded across Xinjiang. High-speed rail now connects Urumqi with Lanzhou and other major cities, while highways and logistics parks in Horgos and Alashankou have turned the region into a land port to Central Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, Xinjiang's tourism sector has reawakened after a long hibernation. The region boasts over 2,000 historical and scenic sites, including UNESCO-recognised cities, the Taklamakan Desert, and parts of the ancient Silk Road. Domestic tourism has surged, injecting billions into the local economy. However, everyone doesn't look at Xinjiang's transformation through Beijing's lens. Human rights groups and Western nations have long alleged mass surveillance, forced assimilation, and violations of religious freedoms in Xinjiang. Analysts believe this is part of the West's psychological war against China's development for geopolitical objectives. 'I feel the Western and Indian propaganda against China and Xinjiang is baseless and not founded on facts or empirical evidence. It's based on geopolitics because they want an issue to beat China with. Sometimes it's Tibet, sometimes it's Xinjiang, sometimes it's Hong Kong, sometimes it's the environment, sometimes it's the South China Sea, sometimes it's the so-called debt trap for the BRI,' says Senator Mushahid. 'So, something or the other they have to find some nitpicking and faults with China because they see China as a geopolitical rival and as an adversary,' he adds. 'China unfortunately has been a victim of this propaganda and those who have killed millions of Muslims have the cheek and audacity to call out China on human rights of Muslims in China.' Mushahid claims there has been no attack on Uyghur culture or identity or demography, saying that the community enjoys cultural freedom, the highest population growth rate, and relatively better living standards, especially compared to Muslims in neighbouring countries, as Xinjiang borders eight countries, including five Muslim nations. SM Hali, who has authored several books on China, says the criticism of Xinjiang policy might have some substance, but many claims — like the mass illegal detentions, forced labour, cultural repression, and forced assimilation — are far from facts. Taking a potshot at Western media, he accused them of recycling Holocaust imagery to portray Chinese 're-education' centres which were set up to rehabilitate Uyghur people vulnerable to extremism through education and vocational training. Hali argues that Western nations impose a universalist framework, sidelining cultures and identities that fall outside their normative value system. 'Western framing often emphasises individual rights and liberal democratic norms which clash with China's state-centric model of governance,' he says. 'China has developed its own system of democracy, a system which is suited to its people, which may be different from the Westminster-style of democracy, which may be different from the US democratic norms, or the French, but if it works for China, who are we to contest that?' Xinjiang holds a strategic importance in China's broader geopolitical playbook. The region not only holds the country's deepest oil and gas reserves, but also sits at the gateway to Central Asia besides serving as a conduit for pipelines and fiber-optic links from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond. And to top it all, Xinjiang is central to China's western integration policy and its global connectivity under BRI. Can the Xinjiang model be applied to Balochistan? Xinjiang's dramatic transformation has caught the attention of some Pakistani analysts who argue that the 'Root Cause' model could possibly hold the remedy for the challenges facing Balochistan. They think Balochistan today mirrors the conditions Xinjiang faced prior to its overhaul -- a vast, resource-rich, and strategically important region held back by chronic underdevelopment, widespread alienation, bad governance, simmering discontent, separatist violence, and religious extremism. Pakistan, many of these experts believe, can adapt three strategic lessons from Xinjiang to catalyse peace and development in Balochistan. First, launch a youth-focused vocational renaissance by establishing community-led modern training institutes in key cities, offering market-relevant skills in mining, digital services, and agriculture. Second, make locals stakeholders in resource development by mandating local hiring, profit-sharing, and forming community oversight boards. Pair Baloch districts with others like Punjab for investment and mentorship. Third, reframe the national narrative by celebrating Baloch culture through media, education, and tourism. Promote inclusion, not suppression, to build dignity and identity. While Xinjiang trained over a million people and halved poverty, Balochistan suffers high unemployment and low GDP despite its resources. 'The lesson from Xinjiang isn't about control, it's about strategic inclusion. And Pakistan must shift from reactive security to proactive empowerment to turn Balochistan into a model of federal harmony and economic vitality,' says Hali. Hali contends that the development-first approach undeniably reshaped the region — and that Pakistan can draw on this model to craft a locally adapted, rights-respecting strategy for Balochistan. 'First of all, industrialization is a stabilizing force. We have to establish SCZs in Gwadar, in Hub, in Khuzdar with tax incentives. We have to provide land grants and simplified regulations to attract investment. Then there should be resource based industries; develop value-added industries around copper in Reko Diq, gold, fisheries and marble to retain the wealth locally.' When asked about the insurgency that threatens development and inclusion efforts, Hali contends that the development-first approach undeniably reshaped the region — and that Pakistan can draw on this model to craft a locally adapted, rights-respecting strategy for Balochistan. But he cautions that development alone cannot address the province's deeper sense of exclusion. 'Let me say it is no longer a question of poverty, but of perceived exclusion from decision-making, resource benefits, and national narratives. And economic inclusion, when applied, must not be invisible. Participate, participatory, and dignified — that means transparent governance.' Hali emphasised the need to involve tribal elders, youth leaders, and civil society in planning and oversight, adding that cultural respect must be upheld. 'We must celebrate Baloch identity through media, education, and tourism — not suppress it. And security must be built on trust. We must replace heavy-handed tactics with community policing and reconciliation efforts.' Senator Mushahid echoed similar concerns, particularly around accountability and justice. 'If I were asked to advise the government of Pakistan on the three things needed to resolve the issue in Balochistan, number one would be to remove this blot — this bleeding wound — of missing persons. I think this is a stain on the fair name of Pakistan. Our country is a product of democracy, the rule of law.' Pakistan, the senator reiterated, has much to learn from China in addressing unrest and promoting stability and harmony. Providing context, he traced the roots of the Baloch insurgency back to the government of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who, he said, dismissed Balochistan's first democratically elected government — an act that, in his view, triggered the insurgency. He credited General Zia ul Haq's period for being peaceful as the former military ruler offered respect to leaders from Balochistan. 'Pakistan's approach has to change,' he said. 'We need an effective counterterrorism strategy to confront the foreign-sponsored proxies and terrorists killing innocent people in Balochistan. Yes, there must be a kinetic component — but equally important are education, political engagement, and a softer touch.' He did not spare Balochistan's own elite either. 'They've been beneficiaries of the federal system, the 1973 Constitution, and the 18th Amendment, which has given the province significant financial autonomy. Yet they've done damn all for the people of Balochistan.' Reverting to a comparison between Xinjiang's trajectory and Beijing's approach with Islamabad's strategy in Balochistan, Mushahid credited Chinese policy for its strategic clarity and consistency — qualities he said have been lacking in Pakistan. 'That's why there's been a flip-flop approach, and the problem remains unresolved,' he concluded. From the looks of it, officials in Pakistan have increasingly emphasized the need for economic inclusion in Balochistan under CPEC, viewing it as a peace-building exercise, not just an infrastructure project. Xinjiang's journey from epicenter of terrorism to a burgeoning economic hub is neither complete nor uncontested. But the trajectory is undeniable. Trade, industry, infrastructure, and energy have returned life to cities once left behind by history. Whether or not the Root Cause model becomes a global template remains to be seen. But in the deserts of western China, a new Silk Road is being paved—not with camel caravans, but with economic integration, digital connectivity, and an unapologetically developmentalist vision of peace.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
China reiterates unwavering support for Pakistan
Listen to article China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reiterated his country's unwavering support for Pakistan's efforts to combat all forms of terrorism and expressed confidence in the Pakistani military's continued role in ensuring safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institu-tions across Pakistan. The reaffirmation came during a high-level meeting between General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, and Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for For-eign Affairs, held in Beijing on Thursday. Congratulating General Munir on his recent elevation to the rank of Field Marshal, Wang Yi lauded Pakistan Army as a steadfast guardian of na-tional sovereignty and a strong pillar of the enduring China-Pakistan friendship. He expressed full confidence in the continued role of the Pa-kistani armed forces in advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations. Describing China and Pakistan as "ironclad friends" and "all-weather strategic partners," Wang emphasized that Pakistan remains a diplomat-ic priority for China. He affirmed China's readiness to work closely with Pakistan to implement the strategic consensus reached by the leader-ship of both countries, deepen bilateral cooperation, and jointly promote peace and stability in the region. General Munir, in turn, reaffirmed Pakistan's deep appreciation for Chi-na's long-standing and consistent support toward its socio-economic de-velopment. He reiterated the Pakistani military's firm commitment to en-suring the safety and security of Chinese nationals and enterprises in Pakistan. He also emphasized Pakistan's resolve to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with China as part of their shared vision for region-al peace and prosperity. Both sides exchanged views on key regional and international develop-ments and agreed to continue close coordination on matters of mutual concern.
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
From peasant uprising to industrial revolution: hero's hometown revived
An aerial drone photo shows Peng Pai's former residence at Shanwei, a coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province, May 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) GUANGZHOU (July 22): When tourists arrive at Shanwei, a coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province, they quickly notice that red is everywhere. In what is known as the city's red block, the upper facades of street-side shops selling fish maw, eyeglasses and savory Chinese pancakes are painted in red, accented with touches of yellow — echoing the colors of the flag of the Communist Party of China. Shanwei is a famous 'red land.' It is the birthplace of China's first Soviet government, the Hai-lu-feng Soviet, established in 1927, and also the hometown of Peng Pai, a Communist hero who led the founding of the government, hailed by Mao Zedong as the 'king of peasant uprisings.' Today, locals still recount the stories of Peng. Despite being born into a wealthy landowning family, he burned the land deeds to give his lands to farmers after he accepted Marxism. He mobilized countless peasants to join the revolutionary cause before his execution at the age of 33. Peng's rebellion and boldness are regarded as a reflection of the Shanwei people's fearless spirit and strong perseverance. 'Peng's dream was to build a new world where the country would become strong and the people could live a happy life. As offspring, we have inherited his legacy,' a senior official of the Shanwei government told Xinhua. One example is the achievement of Peng Shilu, the son of Peng Pai. He was arrested after his father's death, but was rescued and sent to the revolutionary base in Yan'an for education. Later, he was sent to study in the Soviet Union. After returning to China, Peng Shilu devoted his life to the nation's nuclear enterprise and was eventually hailed as the 'father of China's nuclear submarines.' Another prominent Chinese nuclear submarine designer, Huang Xuhua, was also born in Shanwei. Before his passing in February 2025, Huang's story had been widely covered by the media, including a TV drama adaptation that aired in 2021. However, despite being located in the economically developed province of Guangdong and adjacent to the bustling city of Shenzhen, Shanwei struggled to reach such lofty development heights, and historically had a high concentration of underprivileged residents. Until December 2013, there was not even a railway leading to the city. In order to realize Peng Pai's dream, Shanwei's officials went above and beyond painting the streets red, and worked hard to develop the economy. 'We have accelerated industrial project implementation and construction by offering proactive, service-oriented governance,' said Chen Jianhua, director of the municipal development and reform bureau of Shanwei. Peng Pai's statue is pictured at Shanwei, a coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province, May 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) He noted that Shanwei has benefited from high-tech business production transferred from bigger cities, adding that the city had been focusing on the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, attracting upstream and downstream enterprises to establish itself as a major hub for NEVs. One notable example is the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, established in 2011 under the cooperation between Shanwei and Shenzhen. Located in Shanwei, the zone has become a key hub for the NEV industry, with Shenzhen-based NEV giant BYD and around 30 companies in the NEV supply chain. According to the official Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, BYD's auto industrial park within the zone had secured total contracted investment exceeding 31.5 billion yuan (about 4.4 billion U.S. dollars) as of February 2025. Following the signing of a construction agreement for the park's fourth phase in November 2024, its total annual output value is projected to exceed 200 billion yuan once all four phases are fully completed and operational. Previously, some investors doubted Shanwei's ability to complete the construction in the industrial park within the specified time. But the hard-working local people completed the task ahead of the scheduled deadline. At the same time, Shanwei has developed itself into a major clean energy supply hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through the development of wind power. The city has the world's largest 18-megawatt offshore wind turbine and the largest 16-megawatt floating offshore wind turbine. By the end of 2024, new energy accounted for nearly 30 percent of the city's total installed power generation capacity, reaching 9.17 million kilowatts. The city has also upgraded its ports to accommodate large container ships. The development of new energy and new ports has therefore attracted more partners who hope to export their products to the European Union to invest in the city. Between 2020 and 2024, Shanwei recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.5 percent, outperforming any other city in the province during the period. Chen said the city was evolving into a key focal point on China's eastern coastline. 'With its tradition of bold innovation, Shanwei is striving to transform from a revolutionary base area into a modern industrial stronghold,' he added. This also reflects the changes happening in China, a country that is striving for modernization. The economic boom has drawn back many Shanwei natives, who had once left to seek opportunities elsewhere, with renewed hope. Liu Dejiang, 37, came back to Shanwei to open a coffee shop in 2022, after closing a clothing business that he had run for over 10 years in Guangzhou due to market changes. Now he owns eight outlets in operation or under preparation in Shanwei. Tourists relax at a coffee shop in the Red Bay beach of Shanwei, a coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province, May 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) The first outlet was constructed on the site of an abandoned abalone farm at a beach in Shanwei's Red Bay. Liu named it 'Floating Sun Hideaway,' inspired by its impressive sunset view. What happened next, Liu describes, was a 'breakout.' Young people flocked in to take pictures to share on social media, attracting more visitors to check in. Some even came from as far away as Beijing or Chongqing. 'We have benefited from Shanwei's rural revitalization efforts that have renovated the environment of villages in the city's suburbs,' Liu said. To attract vacationers, the local government has removed a number of aquaculture farms, set up water purification facilities, launched regular cleanups of coastlines, and invited artists to create paintings on the facades along the seaside street, incorporating ocean-themed elements such as whales and sailboats. At a corner of the Red Bay beach, a stone monument inscribed with the words 'Beautiful Red Bay,' penned by nuclear submarine designer Huang Xuhua, is a tourist's photo favorite. Indeed, Red Bay has made a name for itself among the younger generation. 'I decided to come here after reading some reviews of this place on 'rednote,' and I found it to be super photogenic. I will definitely come again,' said Cai Jinhan, a 20-year-old female who traveled to Red Bay from another city in Guangdong. 'It's hard to imagine how far young people today are willing to go just to capture the perfect photo,' Liu said. In 2024, Shanwei received over 9.5 million tourist visits, a 15.1 percent increase from the previous year, with its tourism revenue exceeding 10 billion yuan for the first time. Meanwhile, the city's permanent population increased by nearly 10,000 from 2023, marking the second consecutive year of positive population growth. Liu has become the chairman of the newly established Shanwei Young People Entrepreneurship Association, which has over 80 members, all of whom are Shanwei natives returning to start businesses, ranging from tourism to fruit processing. It provides regular entrepreneurship counseling services and gives lectures in local colleges. 'With an improving business environment and more support for businesses in Shanwei, we hope to work together to contribute to rural revitalization and achieve further development,' he said. – Xinhua China Peng Pai Shanwei tourists
