Disabled orphans bear brunt of China’s overseas adoption ban

**Interview with Aimee Welch on the Challenges of International Adoption****Interviewer:** Aimee, can you tell us about your fam

**Interview with Aimee Welch on the Challenges of International Adoption**

**Interviewer:** Aimee, can you tell us about your family’s journey with adoption? What motivated you to grow your family in this way?

**Aimee Welch:** Our adoption journey truly began with a personal experience. When our nephew was born without arms, it opened our eyes to the incredible potential of individuals with limb differences when they have the right love and support. This experience deeply moved us and inspired us to adopt children with disabilities, starting with Grace, whom we adopted from China. We believe in recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and embracing their diversity.

**Interviewer:** Grace has been looking forward to her older sister Penelope joining the family since 2019. Can you share a bit about Penelope’s situation and what it means for your family?

**Aimee Welch:** Absolutely. Grace has been eagerly awaiting Penelope’s arrival. She was thrilled when we told her that her soon-to-be sister, also from China, would be joining us. Grace was born without her left forearm, and while Penelope has a “serious but manageable” special need, I prefer not to disclose the specifics. The thought that Penelope might never come home has truly saddened Grace. She once told me, “We were meant to be a family of eight so that everyone could have a buddy.”

**Interviewer:** It seems that the pandemic has caused significant disruptions in adoption processes. How has that affected your family’s situation?

**Aimee Welch:** The pandemic really caused major delays for us, which was challenging. Then in September, China announced a pause on international adoptions, even for families like ours who had already been matched. This is particularly heartbreaking for vulnerable children with special needs, as the chances of being adopted domestically are quite low.

**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on how this situation affects children in similar circumstances?

**Aimee Welch:** It’s truly devastating. Experts point out that many of these children “will have no future” without international adoption. The statistics are alarming—around 95% of international adoptions from 2014 to 2018 involved children with disabilities. I genuinely hope that China will honor the commitments made to children like Penelope who have families waiting for them.

**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the broader context of international adoptions in China?

**Aimee Welch:** Certainly. China opened up to international adoptions in 1992, with numbers peaking in the mid-2000s. Over the last thirty years, more than 160,000 children have been adopted worldwide. Unfortunately, societal pressures, including the former one-child policy and stigma surrounding disabilities, have left many children with special needs in orphanages.

**Interviewer:** Can you share some personal stories from individuals who were adopted and how their lives have changed?

**Aimee Welch:** Definitely. For example, I know a young woman named Dani who was adopted into the U.S. in 2017 after facing limited care in an orphanage. She has a spinal defect and a neurological disorder, but since her adoption, she has undergone multiple surgeries that have greatly improved her life. She is now involved in activities like swimming and has even secured a job, which showcases the transformative power of adoption.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your family’s story and shedding light on these important issues, Aimee. While the challenges are substantial, the hope that comes with families like yours is equally powerful.

**Aimee Welch:** Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our story. It’s essential that we continue to advocate for these children and strive toward a future where they receive the love and care they deserve.

Costco’s prime sale- 77% of stores sold out

As we explore the recent spike in gold prices, a notable trend has emerged: a buying frenzy for gold bars at Costco. Reports suggest that by

As we explore the recent spike in gold prices, a notable trend has emerged: a buying frenzy for gold bars at Costco. Reports suggest that by early October, approximately 77% of Costco locations across the U.S. had completely sold out of their gold inventory. With gold prices reaching record highs, many shoppers are turning to Costco not only for member pricing but also for attractive cashback offers, making it an appealing option for those looking to protect their finances against inflation.

A Bloomberg report indicates that spot gold prices have surged nearly 30% this year compared to last, consistently breaking records. This remarkable increase positions gold as one of the top-performing commodities, outshining both U.S. stocks and bonds. The allure of gold as a safe-haven asset amidst geopolitical and economic uncertainty is fueling this trend, alongside its established role in wealth preservation. Last month, gold prices surpassed the $2,600 per ounce mark, largely driven by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts, which typically benefit non-yielding assets like gold.

Currently, Costco’s website lists a one-ounce gold bar for $2,689.99 before tax, although inventory has been flying off the shelves. The retailer’s prices are significantly lower than those found at traditional precious metal dealers, enhanced by member rewards, making Costco a popular destination for gold purchases. According to Bloomberg, based on inquiries made at 101 Costco stores across 46 states, approximately 77% of gold bar inventory was sold out in the first week of October.

Interestingly, there’s evidence that cash-strapped Americans are taking advantage of rising gold prices. Many shoppers are buying gold from Costco while simultaneously selling their old jewelry at pawn shops and jewelers, demonstrating a thriving resale market. Costco began offering gold bars in June 2022; these Swiss-made 24-carat bars, which look similar to chocolate bars, are packaged in cardboard and plastic. During a quarterly earnings conference call last year, Costco executives confirmed the popularity of their gold products, reporting sales surpassing $100 million in just one fiscal quarter, equating to roughly 51,740 ounces of gold sold at that average market price.

In an email, Gary Millerchip, Costco’s CFO, highlighted that gold and silver sales remain a “significant component” of their e-commerce growth. Meanwhile, Stefan Gleason, CEO of a leading precious metals retailer in the U.S., noted that Costco’s offerings have made gold ownership more accessible than ever. Outside of jewelry, it is estimated that fewer than 2% of Americans own gold or silver. If that figure were to rise to 5% or even 10%, it could create a substantial shift in the market.

Frequent Costco shopper Miss Li shared her experiences in trying to purchase gold bars. She expressed that the level of interest in gold within the Chinese community is considerably higher than in other demographics, especially given the encouragement from mainland China to invest in gold. In her local Costco, locating gold bars has become increasingly difficult, leading her to seek alternatives at more mainstream retailers. However, with prices soaring—now at least $800 more than her last inquiry—her hopes of purchasing gold bars seem less likely than ever.

China’s New Workers|Quan Jinhua- Traffic should be used where it should be used. I hope to be called a agriculture, rural areas and rural bloggers

“In late August, I experienced my most successful sales event to date, selling Tunisian soft-seed pomegranates in Daliangshan, Sichuan, where we

“In late August, I experienced my most successful sales event to date, selling Tunisian soft-seed pomegranates in Daliangshan, Sichuan, where we managed to complete 100,000 orders in just one hour,” Quan Jinhua shared during our interview.

Although he has often been identified as “the older brother of Olympic champion Quan Hongchan” and labeled a “social media influencer,” Quan Jinhua prefers to embrace the title of “rural advocate.”

His mission is clear: “To help farmers discover new sales channels.”

Originally from Maihe Village in Zhanjiang, Quan Jinhua grew up in a tropical region where sugarcane was the main crop, and fruits were secondary. Due to the lack of market information and various other challenges, a significant amount of fruit ends up unsold, often rotting in orchards. From a young age, he witnessed his family’s fruit going to waste due to a lack of buyers.

In 2020, Quan returned home to care for his ailing mother, leaving his position as a chef in Shanghai. It was during this time that he began to consider how he could support his family.

Inspired by the rapid growth of platforms like Douyin (TikTok), he decided to try selling agricultural products through live streaming. “I spent a lot of time in live streaming rooms, learning how others marketed their agricultural products, including how to emphasize qualities like sweetness,” he recalled.

His online sales journey kicked off in 2022, starting with red oranges from his family’s orchard and gradually expanding to assist other villagers in selling their unique agricultural products. He acknowledged his limited expertise but was determined to try and change the traditional sales model, empowering farmers to sell directly. “By giving farmers a new sales outlet, they can avoid price cuts from middlemen, which brings me immense joy,” he explained.

One of his most unforgettable selling experiences took place in 2023 during a surplus crisis for dragon fruit in Zhanjiang. With market prices plummeting to nearly zero, many fruits were left unpicked. Quan decided to invest his own money to hire people to harvest the fruit and bring it to his live streaming platform.

“We sold them for 9.9 yuan for five kilograms, almost the weight of a single large fruit. Can you believe it? In a supermarket, you’d pay five or six yuan for just one!” he said enthusiastically. While the sales only broke even, they provided vital support to the farmers.

Quan discussed the necessity of patience when addressing price skepticism during his live streams. “In the past, I would react too quickly and get upset. Now, I take time to explain, especially the hard work our farmers put in. For instance, each pomegranate is carried down from high mountains, with farmers hauling up to 80 kilograms for just five yuan,” he noted.

Recalling his sister Quan Hongchan’s Olympic victory in 2021, he said, “When she made her final dive, the village was quiet, but once the scores were announced, cheers erupted everywhere. I was in shock, even though I had mentally prepared for her success.”

The public recognition as “the older brother of Olympic champion Quan Hongchan” has changed his life significantly. “My parents no longer worry about unsold farm produce, and this has positively influenced my live streams,” he observed.

However, with this increased attention comes greater responsibility. “I’m focused on making the most out of this wave of recognition, using it to showcase our work and bridge the gap between consumers and producers,” he explained.

Today, Quan’s philanthropic live streams have extended beyond Zhanjiang, featuring lychees from Maoming, pomegranates from Daliangshan, yams from Lixian, and cantaloupes from Xinjiang. Recently, he even traveled to Lankao County, Henan, to promote sweet potatoes during the Chinese Farmers’ Harvest Festival.

“I believe that since I have such a significant platform, it’s crucial not to limit myself to my hometown. I want to use this influence to help more farmers sell their products,” he stated.

Quan approaches the pressure of newfound fame with composure. “I believe in going with the flow; if the attention fades, I will keep experimenting with short videos,” he shared.

Reflecting on his transformation from a novice in live streaming to a widely recognized rural advocate with over 3 million followers, Quan acknowledges that challenges remain. “For example, selling pomegranates requires understanding their growing conditions and ensuring quality throughout production and packaging. It’s vital to engage with farmers during live streams so viewers can better understand their realities,” he explained.

He recognizes that the relationship between the public and internet influencers like himself needs more time to mature. “Moreover, creating a healthy online environment is a shared responsibility. I aim to reduce misunderstandings between both ends of the screen through my efforts,” he elaborated.

With the recent acknowledgment of internet influencers as a legitimate occupation by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Quan views this as both a chance and a challenge. “On one hand, it can boost employment and stimulate industry growth; on the other, it comes with the weight of promoting positive content,” he pointed out.

Looking ahead, Quan Jinhua is determined to stay true to his mission, guided by twelve principles: “Unwavering dedication, adaptability to change, and wholehearted effort.” He concluded, “As a rural advocate, I am committed to continually supporting agricultural products and evolving my approach to best serve farmers and consumers in this modern e-commerce era.”

Culture and art from many countries gather in Taiyuan, Shanxi, where Chinese and foreign dance troupes compete to perform

On October 7th, the Workers’ Cultural Palace in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, hosted the “World Culture Day in Beautiful Taiyuan,” an international

On October 7th, the Workers’ Cultural Palace in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, hosted the “World Culture Day in Beautiful Taiyuan,” an international art exchange performance that highlighted the talents of nearly 300 performers from art troupes representing nine countries, including France, Italy, Colombia, and Malaysia.

The evening kicked off with a stunning rendition of the classic dance “Thousand-Hand Guanyin” by the Taiyuan Dance Troupe. Following this captivating performance, the Croatian Kedinska Split Dance Troupe took the stage with their energetic dance “Podravina.” The Sabah Cultural Era Dance Troupe from Malaysia graced the audience with their performance of “Magu Natip,” while the Italian Merlino Romolo Ionian Coast Music Troupe charmed everyone with their lively version of “Tarantella.” Colombian flair was on full display as the Danza Art Dance Troupe brought the infectious energy of the “Barranquilla Carnival” to life, immersing the Taiyuan audience in a vibrant mosaic of global cultural expressions.

This event was part of the second China-France Taiyuan-Ghana International Art Week series, which highlighted outstanding works in dance, music, and intangible cultural heritage from around the globe. The artistic performances acted as a bridge for cultural exchanges between Taiyuan and the international community, fostering mutual understanding and sparking cultural innovation. The Taiyuan Dance Troupe also showcased original works, such as “Elegance of the Song Dynasty” and “Thousand-Hand Guanyin,” which highlighted Taiyuan’s deep historical roots and the richness of traditional Chinese culture.

The event was organized by the World Culture Association, in collaboration with the Shanxi Chinese Cultural Promotion Association, the Communist Party of China Qingxu County Committee, the Qingxu County People’s Government, and Taiyuan Broadcasting Television Station. It was executed by Beijing Huayi Wuzhou, Shanxi Performing Arts Line, and the Taiyuan Dance Troupe.

Are there any discounts for placing orders on your behalf- Beware of -pie- turning into a trap!

Recent consumer experiences highlight a mix of savings and scams in the emerging trend of “agent ordering” services.We spoke with Jack, a graduate st

Recent consumer experiences highlight a mix of savings and scams in the emerging trend of “agent ordering” services.

We spoke with Jack, a graduate student in Beijing, who shared his troubling experience: “I came across an ad for concert tickets priced at 399 yuan, plus an 80-yuan fee for the agent ordering service. I ended up paying a total of 479 yuan, only to later discover that I was required to pay a 1000-yuan deposit to log into their account.” Jack decided against paying the deposit and requested a refund, but he was met with silence after the seller blocked him.

Agent ordering, which involves customers selecting products and contacting intermediaries to place orders, has gained traction online. These intermediaries promise to help consumers access discounts and lower prices, typically charging a bit more than the discounted rates. However, numerous reports indicate that many consumers have encountered negative experiences with this practice.

In our investigation, we found consumers using agent ordering for various everyday purchases like fast food, coffee, and movie tickets. A quick search for “agent ordering” on popular platforms reveals a wealth of services, with some sellers boasting hundreds of thousands of transactions.

Opinions on agent ordering are decidedly mixed. Wang Shuo, a Beijing resident, frequently orders office lunches through these services. She shared her perspective: “It feels like a good deal if I can save the price of a coffee.” Yet her recent attempt to order a burger meal through an agent left her disappointed, as she received no food and had no way to contact the vendor.

Unfortunately, some consumers have fallen victim to outright scams. Mr. Du from Hangzhou spent 7.99 yuan on a discount voucher worth 15 yuan but ended up being charged over 10,000 yuan due to linked bank card transactions rather than receiving the promised discount.

There are even stories of travelers arriving at airports to find no flight or seat reservations under their names, and hotel guests being turned away because their bookings didn’t exist. These frustrations lead many to describe agent ordering as a “blind box” experience—where one risks substantial losses without any guaranteed reward.

Professor Chen Zhongyun from China University of Political Science and Law cautions about the risks involved with these services, noting that disputes can easily arise. He explains that many deals are specific to particular customers, and attempting to profit from them can lead to legal complications. Furthermore, agent ordering often involves sharing personal information, which raises privacy concerns.

Lawyer Xiong Chao from Beijing Jingshi Law Firm emphasizes that the contract in the agent ordering model is established between the agent and the seller, not the consumer. If issues arise regarding product quality or service, consumers must engage with the intermediary for resolution, which is not always a straightforward process.

Given these insights, experts advise consumers to exercise caution when using agent ordering services and to resist the temptation of chasing after perceived discounts that could ultimately lead to financial loss.

Dodgers are in dire straits in the first round Ohtani Shohei- Just think about winning 2 games in a row_2

Shohei Ohtani remains optimistic about his team’s atmosphere despite the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent loss to the San D

Shohei Ohtani remains optimistic about his team’s atmosphere despite the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent loss to the San Diego Padres, which puts them at a 1-2 disadvantage in the National League Division Series. He stated, “Right now, we just need to focus on winning two games in a row.”

In the game on October 8, Ohtani struggled against the Padres’ pitching, going 1-for-4 with a broken-bat single and striking out twice. However, he still feels confident about his performance, saying, “I have a good feeling at the plate. If I could have just made that one ball go out, it could have turned the game around. I felt it was just that close.” In the fifth inning, he hit a fly ball to center field that was caught at the warning track.

After losing the game by a single run, the Dodgers find themselves in a tough spot in a best-of-five series. Ohtani believes it’s essential not to dwell on the current 1-2 situation. “We just need to concentrate on winning two straight games. It’s important to keep that simple mindset. Even though we lost today, the team’s atmosphere is still good, and everyone is moving forward with the desire to win.”

Breed- San Francisco will only get better from now on

Portsmouth Square, often called the “living room of Chinatown,” has served as a crucial hub for outdoor activities and political engagement

Portsmouth Square, often called the “living room of Chinatown,” has served as a crucial hub for outdoor activities and political engagement in the community for over a century. However, recent concerns have emerged from residents regarding an uptick in the homeless population in the square, which has particularly worried the area’s elderly visitors. This pressing issue was addressed during a recent city council meeting, where San Francisco Mayor London Breed spoke about the city’s ongoing efforts to combat homelessness over the past three years. She highlighted increased investments in building shelters that have allowed more homeless individuals to be identified and to receive treatment and support. “I am optimistic about San Francisco’s future,” Breed stated, believing that positive changes are on the horizon.

Nevertheless, the mayor recognized that significant challenges persist in the battle against homelessness. She mentioned that some individuals are resistant to public services and refuse to seek shelter. “There is at least one friendly homeless person in Chinatown who consistently declines our services,” she noted.

Breed also discussed proactive proposals being advanced at the state level that, if enacted, would enable local law enforcement to compel homeless individuals to enter shelters for necessary treatment. “Our statistics show that thirty percent of the homeless population accepts our services, while sixty percent refuse, and only ten percent transition successfully into permanent housing,” she explained. She stressed that with enhanced legal tools, the city could better assist those grappling with mental health issues who are experiencing homelessness, thereby allowing for a more effective response to the crisis.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who has a background in prosecuting hate crimes and providing victim services, shared her insights. After her appointment as district attorney, she established a victim services department, spearheaded by Nancy Tung, aimed at recruiting Cantonese and Mandarin speakers to support the community in hate-related incidents involving verbal and physical assaults. They are also engaged in educating residents on the importance of collecting critical evidence right after such incidents and differentiating between hate incidents and crimes.

On that particular day, both the District Attorney’s Office and the police department set up service stations at Portsmouth Square to assist the elderly, distributing materials on crime prevention.

In her closing remarks, Breed reflected on her tenure as mayor, noting the challenges she faced when taking office following the sudden loss of the city’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee. She recalled that the city was grappling with the dual crises of a pandemic and rising anti-Asian sentiment. “The city was under tremendous strain, and public policies and resources were not adequately prepared,” Breed acknowledged. “However, I am honored to collaborate with the district attorney and the police chief to induce real change in the city, as we celebrate the lowest crime rates we’ve seen in a decade alongside a steadily decreasing homeless population.”

Breed reaffirmed her dedication to implementing bold changes as San Francisco charts its course toward recovery. “San Francisco will only continue to improve from here,” she concluded.

Breakthrough achievement in protein structure prediction- 3 British and American scholars win Nobel Prize in Chemistry

On October 9, 2024, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded, celebrating remarkable advancements in protein design a

On October 9, 2024, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded, celebrating remarkable advancements in protein design and structural research. David Baker, a biochemistry professor at the University of Washington, received half of the prize for his pioneering work in computational protein design. The other half honored John Jumper and Demis Hassabis from Google DeepMind for their revolutionary contributions to protein structure prediction.

Since the Nobel Prizes began in 1901, there have been 115 awards in Chemistry, featuring a total of 194 laureates. It’s interesting to note that only two individuals, Frederick Sanger from the UK and K. Barry Sharpless from the US, have been recognized with the award twice, resulting in 192 unique laureates overall.

Among the current recipients, the oldest laureate is John B. Goodenough, who received the award in 2019 at the age of 97 for his groundbreaking research on lithium-ion batteries. His work is considered crucial in paving the way for a society that relies on renewable energy through electric vehicle charging. On the other hand, the youngest laureate to date is Frédéric Joliot, who was honored in 1935 at just 35 years old for his achievements in synthesizing new radioactive elements.

Dressing for the dancefloor- creative explosion behind 80s’ most colourful club

As ITV’s drama *Joan* captivates audiences and bubble skirts reclaim their spot on the runway, it’s cl

As ITV’s drama *Joan* captivates audiences and bubble skirts reclaim their spot on the runway, it’s clear that the 80s are back in style. But the *Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London* exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London offers a fresh lens, exploring the vibrant creativity that flourished on the dance floors during this iconic decade.

The exhibition zeroes in on Taboo, a club that operated for just one year but served as a launchpad for notable figures like singer Boy George, designers John Galliano and Katharine Hamnett, choreographer Michael Clark, and performance artist Leigh Bowery, who co-founded the club in 1985. It chronicles their journey from humble beginnings to national prominence. One of the initial rooms features walls adorned with the Star Trek wallpaper that decorated Bowery’s own apartment.

“The exhibition highlights the evolution of these influential creatives,” explains NJ Stevenson, co-curator of the exhibition. “It pays tribute to how they transformed the fashion landscape.” On the upper level, the focus shifts to outfits designed for artists such as Culture Club, Dead or Alive, Neneh Cherry, and Bros, all of whom rocked these ensembles on the beloved music show *Top of the Pops*.

Leigh Bowery, celebrated for his audacious style, was not only a central figure at Taboo but also an icon in London’s art scene. He was immortalized by painter Lucian Freud and made a memorable appearance on *The Clothes Show* in 1986, captivating audiences with his eccentricity. Recently, there’s been a resurgence of interest in him, with his works being highlighted in an upcoming exhibition at Tate Modern in February. The current showcase features several of Bowery’s original designs, including a striking corseted dress made for his friend Sue Tilley, which have never been publicly displayed before.

“I think the fascination with Bowery comes from his relentless pursuit of the extreme,” Stevenson observes. “In club culture, appearance was everything, and no one pushed boundaries quite like Leigh. While others contributed, his competitive spirit drove him to always outdo everyone else.”

While Bowery takes center stage in the exhibition, the scope extends to encompass the entire scene. Artwork by his flatmate Trojan is on display, alongside contributions from figures like designer Pam Hogg and a collection of photographs representing clubs such as Taboo, Limelight, and Shoom.

Co-curated by Stevenson along with DJ Martin Green and nightclub personality David Cabaret, the exhibition reflects her own connection to the nightclub culture. “My generation was glued to our screens, tuning into *Top of the Pops* on Thursday nights. For many young people outside major cities, access to such experiences was very limited.”

The rise of youth-focused TV shows like *The Word* and *The Clothes Show* played a pivotal role in connecting club culture with mainstream visibility. “Caryn Franklin, the presenter of *The Clothes Show*, often visited Taboo for fashion inspiration straight from the scene. Clubs were the social media of their time—hubs for social interaction and trend discovery.”

Stevenson also points out that even in today’s social media landscape, there are striking parallels between the creative spirits of the 80s and the present. “This exhibition tells a story rooted in London’s art schools, and I see a revival happening now,” she remarks. “As emerging artists look for exhibition spaces and create communal hubs, they channel the resourcefulness of the 80s creatives, especially in these challenging financial times.”

Comprehensive green transformation requires progress while maintaining stability

Achieving a comprehensive green and low-carbon transformation in our economic and social development requires interdisciplinary, cross-sector, and r

Achieving a comprehensive green and low-carbon transformation in our economic and social development requires interdisciplinary, cross-sector, and regional solutions. This highlights the need for balancing development with emissions reductions while addressing both long-term and short-term goals. It is equally important to synchronize the roles of government and the market. The focus should be on steady progress, with a grounded approach that prioritizes practicality and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Recently, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, along with the State Council, issued a document detailing their strategies for accelerating the green transformation of socio-economic development. This document emphasizes critical tasks aimed at advancing this initiative across all sectors and regions.

The vision for Chinese-style modernization seeks to create a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Both domestic and international experiences have shown that paths defined by high consumption, high emissions, and high pollution are unsustainable. From 2013 to 2023, China experienced an average annual energy consumption growth rate of 3.3%, which facilitated a 6.1% economic growth rate. During this period, the country saw a 26.1% decrease in energy consumption intensity, positioning China among the fastest nations to achieve significant reductions in energy intensity and marking impressive advancements in green development.

In the first half of this year alone, China made remarkable strides in economic green transformation. The renewable energy capacity surpassed 50%, and the market share of new energy vehicles reached 35.2%. Major cities reported an average of 82.8% of days with good air quality, and China has built the world’s largest and most comprehensive new energy industrial chain, providing 70% of global photovoltaic components and 60% of wind power equipment.

However, it’s essential to recognize that China’s energy structure still heavily relies on coal, and its industrial composition is largely focused on traditional industries. Although the ecological environment is showing improvement, its quality remains unstable, indicating that the journey toward accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of our economy and society is lengthy and fraught with challenges.

To promote green transformation, we must effectively coordinate development with emissions reduction. Reducing emissions doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity or halting production; rather, it signifies prioritizing ecological health while pursuing green, low-carbon development. For example, the cement industry, previously labeled as “backward” due to its high energy consumption, is now seen as a model of environmental responsibility through innovation, developing processes that recycle waste into cement with zero carbon emissions.

This evolution demonstrates that the green and low-carbon transition is both an objective for socio-economic development and a new catalyst for it, creating fresh opportunities, demands, and spaces for growth. Sectors such as new energy, new materials, and electric vehicles are thriving, while innovations in green technology are set to unleash a fresh wave of productivity. Emerging consumption trends including green consumption, the sharing economy, and eco-tourism are continually evolving, paving the way for new business models.

Promoting green transformation necessitates striking a balance between long-term and short-term perspectives to manage the pace and intensity of the transition effectively. Achieving a green low-carbon transition is not a quick fix; it involves a systematic approach to tackling concrete issues step by step, while maintaining a long-term vision that avoids the pitfalls of seeking immediate gains.

Taking the energy transition as an example, China’s energy profile is primarily coal-dependent, further complicated by the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Thus, coal remains a critical component of the energy supply. This reality requires a cautious strategy, ensuring the clean and efficient use of coal while rapidly developing a new energy system to secure energy safety.

A successful green transition also hinges on collaboration between government and market forces, establishing robust incentive mechanisms and constraints. Enterprises are the main engines of this transformation, often involved in projects marked by long investment cycles, lower returns, and uncertain risks. Thus, government entities need to develop long-term, stable transition plans and implement supportive policies for green and low-carbon development across fiscal, financial, investment, and pricing frameworks. This will help cultivate stable expectations within the market and industries.

Shifting toward a green, low-carbon economy necessitates comprehensive strategies that cross disciplines, sectors, and regions. It is vital to effectively manage the interplay between development and emissions reduction, aim for both long-term and short-term goals, and align government and market approaches. By adhering to steady progress, grounding ourselves in reality, and maintaining sustained efforts, we can contribute to creating a modern society where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.