You Are Pakistan

By Ouyang Yujing

China and Malaysia are neighbors with a millennia-old friendship, friends connected by heart, and partners for win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974, the two countries have enjoyed amicable relations and mutual support, setting a model for mutually beneficial cooperation among countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Malaysia, which comes roughly 12 years after his previous visit, marking a major milestone in China-Malaysia relations.

Head-of-state diplomacy has long charted the course for China-Malaysia relations.

In 2013, during President Xi’s visit to Malaysia, the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a milestone in bilateral relations.

Ten years later, President Xi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reached important consensus on jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, ushering in a new historical stage in bilateral ties.

In 2024, as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, President Xi held talks with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing. The two sides reached a series of important consensuses on deepening bilateral relations.

Under the strategic guidance of the leaders from both countries, China and Malaysia have firmly supported each other on issues of core interests and major concerns. The two nations have deepened and fortified the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

Economic and trade cooperation has injected strong momentum into bilateral ties.

In 2024, China-Malaysia bilateral trade hit a record high of $212.04 billion, an 11.4 percent increase from the previous year. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years and a major source of foreign investment. Malaysia is China’s second-largest trading partner and largest source of imports in ASEAN.

Pragmatic cooperation between the two sides continues to thrive: the East Coast Rail Link, a flagship project of China-Malaysia high-quality Belt and Road cooperation that connects the east and west coast of Malaysia, is set to drive coordinated economic development in Malaysia; the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project continues to upgrade in quality; and Chinese carmaker Geely’s partnership with Malaysian automaker Proton is yielding win-win outcomes.

In recent years, the two countries have expanded their cooperation in technology and innovation, tapping into emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and new energy vehicles. These partnerships are not only knitting their industrial and supply chains more closely together, but also charting a shared course toward modernization.

People-to-people exchanges have laid a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

The historical and cultural ties between China and Malaysia stretch back centuries. From the 15th-century voyages of famous Chinese navigator Zheng He – who docked in Malacca five times – to the modern-day journeys of Chinese immigrants who took root in Southeast Asia, the relationship has long been marked by profound cultural exchanges.

These mutual journeys have brought fresh vitality to bilateral relations. In 2024, thanks to the mutual visa exemption policy, the number of Chinese visitors to Malaysia exceeded 3.8 million, more than double that of 2023, with over 500 flights operating between the two countries each week. Meanwhile, China has become a top destination for Malaysian tourists, with public opinion polls indicating that 77 percent of Malaysian respondents view China positively.

Malaysia’s fresh durians, especially the beloved Musang King variety, have found new popularity in China following their approval for export last year. Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has become a box office sensation in Malaysia following its release.

The two sides are also deepening exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and Islamic civilizations, enhancing mutual understanding and shared development.

Malaysia holds the rotating chair of ASEAN this year. Facing the complex and challenging international situation, China looks forward to working with Malaysia to write a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation, safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and make greater contributions to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

As the Chinese saying goes, “When the tide is right and the wind is favorable, it’s time to set sail.” President Xi’s visit is bound to deepen strategic cooperation between the two nations as they pursue modernization, bring the China-Malaysia community with a shared future to new heights, and steer bilateral ties toward an even brighter future.

(Ouyang Yujing is the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia.)

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

The United States’ recent unveiling of a so-called “reciprocal tariff” plan – a sweeping proposal to impose tariffs on all its trading partners – has drawn widespread backlash from the international community. Critics contend that beneath the veneer of “reciprocity,” the plan is little more than economic bullying – a stark retreat into power politics that seriously unravels the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core and places global economic stability in jeopardy.

This policy is built on shaky grounds, relying on subjective judgments and unilateral assessments that severely infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of other nations. While American officials justify the move as a correction to so-called long-standing trade imbalances, this narrative of American “victimhood” rings hollow. It not only disregards the balanced outcomes achieved through multilateral trade negotiations but also ignores the fact that the U.S. has long benefited substantially from international trade.

At its core, this tariff strategy is not about fairness – it is about force. It leverages the sheer size of the American economy to strong-arm weaker trading partners into compliance, sidelining the very principles of multilateralism. By targeting all trading partners without discrimination, the U.S. appears to be transforming “America first” into something even more insular: “America Only.”

As The Economist observed, the U.S. takes its trade policies back to the 19th century, ignoring the fact that globalization has brought unprecedented prosperity to itself.

This blatant display of “might makes right” is a direct assault on the rules-based order that has underpinned global trade for decades. Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, noted that the U.S. push for “reciprocal tariffs” violates WTO rules by discriminating among trading partners and unilaterally hiking duties beyond agreed limits.

The multilateral trading system, centered around the WTO, has played a crucial role in reducing trade frictions and fostering global economic stability and prosperity. The U.S. tariff plan does not just disrupt this system – it puts it at risk of collapse.

Already, America’s closest partners are pushing back. European Commission (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU is now preparing for further countermeasures to protect its interests and businesses if negotiations fail. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter pointed out, “The country’s long-term economic interests are paramount. Adherence to international law and free trade remains core values.” The Brazilian government said it was evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the WTO, in defense of legitimate national interests.

China, for its part, remains committed to multilateralism. As the world’s second-largest economy and a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system, China continues to advocate for resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation – not through unilateral threats or protectionist measures.

China’s position is grounded in the belief that the principles and rules of the WTO must be upheld, that trade and investment should flow more freely, and that shared prosperity can only come from open cooperation. China believes that multilateralism is the only choice for addressing global challenges, and economic globalization is an unstoppable trend of history.

In response to America’s “reciprocal tariffs,” China will take firm and effective measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. At the same time, China will continue to work with other countries to uphold true multilateralism, defend the multilateral trading system, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, actively participate in global economic governance, and strive to build an open world economy.

In today’s era of economic globalization, retreating into beggar-thy-neighbor policies is not just short-sighted – it is self-defeating. Preserving the multilateral trading system is a prerequisite for safeguarding shared interests and securing lasting prosperity for all.

The U.S. should abandon its zero-sum approach, immediately withdraw its unilateral tariff measures, return to the path of dialogue and cooperation, and work with its trading partners on equal footing to properly resolve differences and deliver tangible benefits to people around the world.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Once again, the U.S. administration is reaching for the blunt instrument of tariffs. Cloaked in the rhetoric of so-called “reciprocity,” the U.S. is moving to impose sweeping tariffs on all its trading partners, including China. Seeking unilateral advantage through maximum pressure, this approach runs counter to the very principles that have long underpinned international trade.

In response to this renewed economic coercion, China has taken and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests, while upholding international fairness and justice. At the same time, China remains committed to high-level opening up and sharing development opportunities with the world for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

China’s countermeasures are grounded in law, logic, and proportionality. The so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the U.S. are less about economic logic than power politics. At their core lies an outdated belief in “might makes right” and “America Only” hegemony.

China, a civilization steeped in the values of sincerity and trustworthiness, does not seek confrontation. But it will never back down under pressure. History has taught a clear lesson: threats and intimidation do not work with China. They didn’t in the past, and they won’t now.

Development, after all, is the legitimate right of all countries – not a privilege reserved for a selected few. Yet under the guise of “reciprocity” and “fairness,” the U.S. is playing a zero-sum game. Its tariffs are not tools of balance but instruments of disruption that will destabilize the international economic and trade order. Little wonder the world has taken notice – and pushed back.

The path forward lies not in economic brinkmanship, but in defending the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its center. These institutions remain essential for creating an enabling environment for common development and prosperity. China’s firm countermeasures against U.S. trade bullying are more than self-protection – it is a defense of the international order and the principle that international rules should not be bent at the whim of the powerful.

The record speaks volumes. After years of waging a tariff war, what has the U.S. accomplished? China’s foreign trade has remained resilient, its economy has grown stronger, and its capacity to withstand external shocks has only deepened. Meanwhile, the U.S. has failed to reduce its trade deficit or revive its manufacturing base. Instead, American businesses and households have absorbed the pain of higher costs and disrupted supply chains.

Now, as Washington raises the tariff stakes once again, some temporary disruptions may follow, but China is more than prepared. With a vast economy and a comprehensive industrial system, China is transitioning from a manufacturer of quantity to one of high-quality, innovation-driven growth. It maintains trade relations with almost all countries and regions designated in the UN Statistics Division and stands as a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. Even amid global turbulence, China’s commitment to win-win cooperation remains firm. Its development not only contributes to global growth but also reinforces its own resilience, fully capable of navigating and thriving through external shocks.

China stands firmly on the right side of history. Through continued opening up, it enhances its capacity for self-reliant development and brings predictability to an uncertain world.

To those who question whether China’s new development paradigm signals a retreat from opening up, the answer is unequivocal: the “dual circulation” strategy is not about closing doors – it is about ensuring that, even if others shut theirs, China still thrives. Its door is wide open, and the invitation to cooperation remains extended to all.

Under current circumstances, China’s choices reflect strategic clarity and long-term vision. In the face of containment and suppression, it remains focused on “doing its own affairs well” – a principle that includes unwavering pursuit of high-level opening up.

No matter how the international landscape shifts, China’s door to the world will only open wider, offering new opportunities for the world through its own development. China will steadily expand institutional opening up by proactively adopting relevant rules, regulations, management, and standards; promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation; foster a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment; and work with all countries to promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

History does not wait for those who stand against the current. Openness and cooperation are the trend of the times. The world should not – and will not – return to isolation and division.

China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. The U.S. should view the relationship from the perspective of the fundamental interests of both peoples, set aside the tariff weapon, and work with China to protect a sound and stable global economic order.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

By Guan Kejiang, Tian Hong, Huan Xiang, People’s Daily

In Raub, Pahang, two hours northeast of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, the pungent scent of promise hangs in the air. Durian trees, now flowering in the early heat of April, are being carefully pruned and pollinated by farmers. In about 90 days, the ripened fruits will be packed and shipped across the ocean, making their way to shopping carts in China.

Since China opened its doors to frozen Malaysian durians in 2019, the fruit has soared past cherries to become the country’s top-selling imported fruit. The surge in appetite has sparked a wave of innovation and closer partnerships between the two countries.

Among the new players is Muhua Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia, a trading company founded in 2021 to ride the durian wave. However, after diving deeper into the business, the company’s general manager Jiaqiang Wang discovered a challenge: grading a durian’s quality was less science than guesswork. With its thick skin and unpredictable flesh, determining which fruit would meet customer expectations depended entirely on the intuition of experienced hands – resulting in high spoilage, logistical headaches, and a growing list of dissatisfied buyers.

The turning point came at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. At a side forum hosted by Nuctech, a Chinese security and inspection solution supplier, an innovative idea began to take shape: what if the same technology used to scan luggage could be used to scan durians?

Over the following year, the two companies co-developed “Durian Detective,” a non-destructive 3D detection system that merges CT scanning with AI image recognition. The system assesses 20 indicators – from core size and hollowness to signs of pests or rot – and assigns each fruit a unique “quality ID card.” With an accuracy rate of over 98 percent, it is 40 times more precise than traditional manual inspection.

Malaysia’s durian industry is embracing digital transformation on multiple fronts. Top Fruits Sdn. Bhd., a durian supplier in Malaysia, is now using AI-driven tools in collaboration with the Malaysian branch of Xiamen University to monitor durian growth.

In the company’s office, a dashboard displays real-time photos of every durian tree on the farm. Clicking on the images, one could clearly see the number of blossoms and budding fruits. “We regularly upload photos of the growing progress, and the system analyzes them intelligently to make predictions,” explained Tan Xue Yi, the company’s plantation R&D lead. “This allows us to plan ahead and improve efficiency.”

According to Tan Sue Yee, head of the company, the payoff has been swift. “Since August last year, Malaysian fresh durians have been reaching Chinese consumers as quickly as the day after they’re picked, and our orders have soared.”

In 2023, Malaysia exported 1.92 billion yuan ($262.73 million) worth of frozen durians to China – seven times the amount in 2018. As Chinese demand continues to surge, Malaysian farmers are planting more trees, while rural youth are returning to hometowns to start businesses, spurred by tech-driven agriculture and booming e-commerce channels.

Meanwhile, Malaysian exporters are increasingly open to settling durian deals in Chinese yuan, supported by local banks offering RMB-denominated letters of credit.

The booming durian trade is a vivid example of deepening China-Malaysia economic ties. In 2024, bilateral trade reached a record high of $212.04 billion, marking an 11.4 percent year-on-year increase. China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years and remains one of Malaysia’s top investors, while Malaysia remains China’s second-largest trading partner and the largest source of imports within ASEAN.

The implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has further expanded market access between China and Malaysia. China’s massive market and ongoing upgrades in consumption are unlocking more opportunities for trading partners like Malaysia.

Malaysian companies have been actively participating in major Chinese expos such as the CIIE and the China-ASEAN Expo, bringing signature products like white coffee, mangosteen, bird’s nest, and palm oil into millions of Chinese households. In turn, Malaysian consumers are now enjoying Chinese fruits such as apples, fragrant pears, and plums – demonstrating a robust two-way exchange.

“Malaysia and China have created a truly win-win partnership,” said Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. In recent years, Chinese companies have steadily ramped up investment, expanded their footprint, and delivered solid returns in Malaysia, contributing significantly to the local economy.

“Today, both countries are well-positioned to deepen cooperation and drive development together,” he added.

A worker of Top Fruits Sdn. Bhd., a durian supplier in Malaysia, harvests durians. (Photo by Huan Xiang/People’s Daily)

In Raub, Pahang, Malaysia, a farmer ties durians to the tree branches to prevent them from falling prematurely. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

By Dou Hanyang, People’s Daily

In a cavernous workshop lined with robotic arms and humming conveyor belts, a satellite takes shape – not in years, but in weeks.

Geely, best known as a leading car manufacturer in China, is now building satellites in just 28 days. At its satellite factory in Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, the company is applying the same intelligent manufacturing know-how that put millions of its cars on the road to a very different frontier: low-Earth orbit (LEO).

The facility, operated by Geespace, a subsidiary of Geely, marks a leap forward in the commercial space industry, where satellite production has long been a slow, bespoke affair.

Traditionally, it takes hundreds of engineers and technicians up to two years to produce a single satellite, across design, manufacturing, assembly, and final testing. Geely’s new factory can turn one out in less than a month – with a team of just 30. “We can produce up to 500 satellites a year,” said Liu Yong, deputy general manager of Geespace.

“Automation has completely changed the game,” said Liu. “From design and R&D to production, testing, and satellite operation, every step is now faster, smarter, more integrated.”

Inside the factory, production unfolds with industrial choreography. Engineers input specifications at control panels while autonomous robots glide across the floor, delivering honeycomb panels to the subassembly line. In all, more than 60 programmed steps bring the satellite together. In the final stage, robotic arms follow precise programming to drive more than 1,600 screws into a 100-kilogram satellite, with an accuracy margin of less than 0.01 millimeters.

“Artificial intelligence drives much of the operation,” Liu explained. The factory’s intelligent quality inspection system, powered by AI algorithms and machine learning, monitors every stage of production in real time, flagging microscopic defects and cross-referencing in-orbit satellite data with factory output to ensure each unit meets the demand of mass deployment.

Once assembled, each satellite undergoes a range of tests designed to mimic the harsh realities of space. In a solar simulation area, engineers replicate the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. In another, satellites are placed in a thermal vacuum chamber and subjected to temperature extremes ranging from -180 degrees to 100 degrees Celsius. Electromagnetic compatibility tests follow, ensuring each satellite can communicate reliably and resist interference once in orbit.

The satellites are tailored for LEO missions, supporting a range of applications like emergency communications, maritime connectivity, and aviation data services. China’s commercial LEO constellation development is still in its early stages and faces multiple challenges. Scaling up production is essential to secure the necessary orbital and frequency resources in space.

“As demand for satellite applications grows, scaling up production and achieving breakthroughs in key technologies will be crucial to strengthening China’s competitiveness in the global space industry,” Liu said.

Photo shows the satellite manufacturing factory of Geely in Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang province.

Robotic arms work in a workshop of the satellite manufacturing factory of Geely.

(Photos from the WeChat official account of the publicity department of Taizhou)

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

In the vast farmlands of Iowa, United States, farmer Grant Kimberley cultivates thousands of acres of soybeans. Following autumn harvests, the soybeans undergo cleaning, sorting, and packaging before being transported to Mississippi River ports for international shipping..

After traversing the Pacific Ocean for several weeks, these cargo vessels reach Chinese ports. The soybeans are then delivered to processing plants, where they are refined into soybean oil and soybean meal.

The soybean oil enters China’s retail and food service sectors, becoming essential cooking oil for millions of households nationwide. Meanwhile, the soybean meal serves as high-quality feed for China’s livestock and poultry industries.

This transcontinental journey of Iowa soybeans exemplifies the dynamic agricultural cooperation between China and the United States. Agricultural collaboration has consistently remained one of the earliest-established, most substantive, and strategically significant areas in bilateral relations since diplomatic normalization.

As the world’s largest agricultural importer, China naturally complements the United States’ position as the top global agricultural exporter. This symbiotic relationship creates mutually beneficial outcomes, establishing both nations as inherently complementary partners in agricultural trade and development.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), American agricultural exports to China totaled 24.5 billion, with China purchasing $12.8 billion worth of soybeans—over half of the total.

These imports not only fulfill critical demands in China’s domestic market but also stimulate growth across U.S. agricultural supply chains, elevating farm incomes and generating measurable mutual benefits.

Sino-U.S. agricultural collaboration has enriched consumer choices in both nations while bolstering rural livelihoods. In 2023, the average U.S. farmer exported approximately $9,000 in agricultural goods to China. A significant milestone occurred in January 2023, when the two nations reinstated their bilateral agricultural cooperation framework, paving the way for joint advancements in climate-resilient farming practices and sustainable food production. This partnership continues to diversify in scope and ambition.

As China transitions from a major agricultural producer to a global agricultural powerhouse, its modernization drive—engaging nearly 500 million farmers—is amplifying demand for premium agricultural products. This evolution promises expanded opportunities for Sino-U.S. agricultural trade within open, rules-based markets.

Deepening agricultural ties between China and the U.S. extend far beyond bilateral gains, serving as a cornerstone for global food security and agricultural innovation. The inherent complementarity between the world’s largest agricultural importer and exporter fosters a stable, mutually reinforcing relationship that benefits producers, consumers, and global supply chains alike.

The two nations have collaborated extensively in agricultural technology and sustainable development, spanning innovations such as precision agriculture, biotechnology,water-efficient irrigation systems, and smart farming practices. These joint efforts have injected substantial momentum into global agricultural modernization, driving the transformation of food production systems worldwide and bolstering initiatives to combat hunger and poverty..

In recent years, however, China-U.S. agricultural cooperation has encountered mounting challenges. The U.S. government’s tariff imposition of tariffs has cast uncertainty over bilateral agricultural trade. As the Washington Post recently highlighted, Washington’s protectionist trade policies have once again positioned American farmers at the epicenter of global trade tensions.

Analyses by U.S. media estimate that tariff measures enacted between 2018 and 2019 resulted in nearly $26 billion in lost agricultural exports, with American farmers’ incomes in 2019 plummeting by approximately 8% compared to 2017 levels.

The USDA’s 2025 Agricultural Outlook projects that U.S. agricultural exports to China at $22 billion for 2025. Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council, underscored that farmers bear the brunt of trade war repercussions—a sentiment echoing across American agricultural communities.

Trade wars produce no victors. Unilateralism and protectionism not only contravene market principles but also erode the bedrock of China-U.S agricultural cooperation. Agriculture, as a cornerstone of societal well-being, must remain insulated from politicization or unwarranted securitization.

China remains committed to openness and inclusiveness, steadfastly advancing high-level opening up. It is imperative for the United States collaborate with China in resolving differences through constructive dialogue, fostering a stable environment for agricultural cooperation, and  safeguarding the shared interests of farmers and consumers in both nations. By aligning efforts, the two countries can spearhead sustainable agricultural development on a global scale.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

By He Yin, People’s Daily

A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing heavy casualties and property losses, prompting international concern.

Responding swiftly, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing on March 29, expressing China’s readiness to provide assistance and support efforts to overcome the disaster and rebuild homes at an early date.

In the days that followed, Chinese rescue teams were en route to Myanmar, joining local efforts to save lives. Their rapid actions epitomize the profound “Paukphaw” (fraternal) friendship between the two countries, and this solidarity embodies the meaning of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future sharing weal and woe.

“When Chinese rescuers arrived, I felt immense relief – they were the help we could truly count on,” said a survivor in Mandalay, echoing widespread local confidence in China’s disaster response capabilities..

From the very first moments, China moved quickly to coordinate relief assistance. Within 18 hours, a medical rescue team from southwest China’s Yunnan province set out from the provincial capital of Kunming and arrived in Myanmar, bringing life-saving equipment such as life detectors and drones.

At present, multiple Chinese rescue teams are engaged in frontline operations, collaborating with local teams to prioritize life-saving missions. Among them are the China Search and Rescue Team, the China international search and rescue team that includes members from the Chinese military, a rescue team from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, and the Chinese Red Cross International Emergency Response Team.

In Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Yangon, Chinese seismic experts, disaster specialists, and medical teams are leading targeted relief operations. Their technical expertise, 24/7 commitment, and cross-border coordination underscore China’s ethos of solidarity and shared resilience in crises..

China and Myanmar are connected by mountains and rivers, and the two peoples enjoy a profound fraternal friendship.

To address urgent needs, China is providing comprehensive emergency humanitarian assistance to support quake-stricken regions. It has decided to provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan ($13.62 million) in emergency humanitarian aid. On April 3, the second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrived in Myanmar. Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises, trade associations, and volunteers in Myanmar are mobilizing additional resources for shelter, medical care, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein said the aid supplies demonstrated a profound friendship of the Chinese government and people toward the Myanmar people, expressing heartfelt appreciation for China’s timely and substantive assistance.

Ambassador of Myanmar to China Tin Maung Swe noted that China immediately extended a helping hand to Myanmar when it was facing the most difficult time, which made the Myanmar people deeply feel the fraternal friendship between the two countries.

Humanity is a community with a shared future where all people rise and fall together. Countries around the world are like passengers aboard the same ship who share the same destiny. When sudden natural disasters strike, they not only put a country’s emergency response to test but also challenge the international community’s capacity to act with unity, compassion, and resolve.

China has long championed the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, backing that commitment with concrete actions in global humanitarian efforts.

Since 2018, China has provided more than 1,000 cases of emergency assistance to over 70 countries. When Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique in 2019, China immediately sent humanitarian supplies and rescue teams. When a strong earthquake hit southern Turkiye near the Syrian border in 2023, Chinese rescue teams were on the ground within hours as part of an overnight emergency response.

These efforts came with no political strings attached and no pursuit of geopolitical gain. They prioritize people and lives above all else – offering a sense of humanity and solidarity at moments when the world needs it most.

While natural disasters strike without mercy, they are often met with compassion, resilience, and solidarity. It is through unity and cooperation that humanity can weather hardship and rise above adversity.

China remains committed to carrying forward the fraternal friendship between the two countries and will continue working side by side with the international community to support the people of Myanmar as they recover and rebuild.

Chinese emergency rescue teams transfer a survivor at a quake site in Mandalay city, Myanmar, March 31, 2025. (Photo provided by the Chinese civilian rescue team of RAMUNION RESCUE)

A Chinese rescue team hands over emergency tents to Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital city of Naypyidaw, April 1, 2025. The team also assisted with the setup of the tents to support ongoing relief efforts. (Photo by Xie Jiajun/People’s Daily)

The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), in collaboration with local partners, sets up a temporary shelter for disaster victims using relief supplies donated by China, April 2, 2025. (Photo provided by the China Foundation for Rural Development)

By Ji Juesu, People’s Daily

In early March 2024, Mr. Zhou, a 63-year-old resident of Shanghai, returned to a hospital for what would become his third fight against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. But this time, he was not relying on the chemotherapy and targeted therapy that had defined his previous treatments. Instead, he placed his hopes in a new frontier of precision treatment: CAR-T cell therapy.

Short for chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, CAR-T is a rapidly evolving form of immunotherapy that reimagines cancer treatment – not by attacking tumors directly, but by supercharging the body’s own immune defenses.

At the heart of this approach are T cells – the immune system’s frontline soldiers. These white blood cells spring into action when the body encounters infections or tumors, working to defend against threats. CAR-T therapy takes that natural defense and amplifies it, genetically reprogramming the T cells into precision-targeting cancer killers. The secret lies in the “CAR,” or chimeric antigen receptor – a custom-built molecule added to the T cells that enables them to recognize and lock onto cancer cells with uncanny accuracy.

In Zhou’s case, his blood was drawn and sent to a manufacturing facility operated by JW Therapeutics in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province. There, his T cells underwent a series of complex steps designed to turn them into cancer-fighting powerhouses.

The process began with isolating and cryopreserving the T cells at temperatures below minus 130 degrees Celsius to preserve their original activity. When ready, the frozen cells were thawed and genetically modified using a viral vector that introduced the CAR – a molecular homing device for cancer. But a single engineered cell isn’t enough. These modified cells were expanded into bioreactors to create an army of at least 100 million. After rigorous purification, concentration, and quality control, Zhou’s customized therapy was complete and ready for delivery.

Three weeks later, he received a call: the infusion was ready. Transported under strict temperature control, the CAR-T cells were thawed and delivered back into Zhou’s bloodstream.

The results were almost immediate. Zhou developed a mild fever – a common side effect of the immune response triggered by the therapy – and soon noticed his swollen lymph nodes shrinking. A month later, follow-up scans brought good news: complete remission. The engineered T cells had not only cleared cancer, but were now standing sentry within his immume system, guarding against its return.

“We’re continuing to push our research forward so more patients can access and benefit from this treatment,” said Xia Zhen, executive director of clinical development at JW Therapeutics.

Globally, more than a dozen CAR-T therapies have received regulatory approval. In patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, responses rate hover around 80 percent. Of those, 40 percent to 60 percent have gone on to survive five years or more – offering real hope for a potential cure.

Shanghai, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a hub for next-generation biotechnologies. With supportive policies and investment in life sciences, the city is unlocking innovation in cell therapy and aims to make breakthroughs like CAR-T more accessible to the patients who need them most.

A researcher with JW Therapeutics conducts analytical work using precision instruments. (File photo)

By Yang Yi, Liu Hui, People’s Daily

In the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, trucks loaded with construction materials shuttle back and forth, while cranes and bulldozers operate on both sides of the roads. New projects are under rapid development, creating a dynamic and bustling atmosphere.

“The park continues to draw robust investment interest, with an increasing number of enterprises establishing operations here,” said Zuo Kongtian, deputy director of the administrative committee of the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park.

As of December 2024, the first phase of the park had attracted a total of 345 projects, generating an industrial output of 106 billion yuan ($14.55 billion) and a foreign trade volume of 45.14 billion yuan. The park has also utilized approximately $822 million in foreign investment.

Launched 12 years ago, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) in Malaysia and the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park in China have developed in tandem, pioneering the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” model of international industrial cooperation. This initiative has injected fresh momentum into the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Malaysia.

Located in Malaysia’s East Coast Economic Region in the state of Pahang, the MCKIP has transformed the coastal city of Kuantan into a regional industrial hub. Approximately 10 square kilometers – representing 71.5 percent of the park’s total area – have been developed to date, with 15 projects secured across industries such as steel production, tire manufacturing, paper-making, automotive components, and food processing. The park’s cumulative industrial output has surpassed 100 billion yuan.

Since Chinese companies became shareholders in the nearby Kuantan Port, the port’s new terminals have seen a significant rise in operational capacity, with daily cargo throughput increasing from 10,000 to 30,000 tons.

“In the new deep-water terminal area, two 150,000-ton-class berths built through joint efforts now handle nearly 10 million tons of bulk cargo annually, making them among the largest public bulk cargo terminals in Malaysia,” said Wang Chao, assistant general manager of the operations department at Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd.

Since the launch of a direct container shipping route between Qinzhou Port and Kuantan Port in 2017, the voyage time between the two ports has been shortened to just three to four days, significantly boosting trade flows between the twin parks.

The first enterprise to establish operations in the MCKIP was Alliance Steel (M) Sdn. Bhd. (ASSB), which commenced full-scale production in 2019. Now operating at an annual production capacity exceeding 3.5 million tons, ASSB has evolved into one of Malaysia’s most advanced and vertically integrated steel manufacturers, with products distributed globally.

“ASSB has driven significant advancements in Malaysia’s steel industry, transitioning the nation from a steel importer to an exporter,” stated Hu Jiulin, chief engineer and deputy general manager of ASSB.

“Sustainability remains central to our project’s design and operations,” Hu added. “Our carbon emissions adhere to standards exceeding local regulations, and we’ve implemented circular economy practices – recycling waste heat and gases for energy generation – to reduce emissions and energy consumption.”

In recent years, Malaysian specialty products such as bird’s nest, durian, and coffee have gained significant popularity among Chinese consumers through major trade expos like the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and China-ASEAN Expo. Many of these products are processed and packaged in the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park.

Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, chief operating officer of Malaysia’s East Coast Economic Region Development Council of Malaysia, emphasized that an increasing number of high-quality products from both countries are now entering each other’s markets via the twin parks, creating greater development opportunities for businesses on both sides.

Khairy, a senior executive of Industrial Relations at ASSB’s Business Management Department, shared his insights with People’s Daily at the MCKIP, speaking fluent Chinese: “My parents enrolled me in a Chinese language school when I was young, believing it would broaden my future prospects. They were absolutely right,” Khairy said.

A native of Kuantan, Khairy resides just a short drive from the park.. “Even during my college years, I followed the progress of the Malaysia-China joint industrial park project. He recalled: “When I was still in college, I heard about the joint industrial park project between Malaysia and China. Watching the buildings and factories rise from the ground, many local young people, including me, saw the park as a place of opportunity,” he said.

Today, the MCKIP has not only elevated Kuantan’s regional profile but also generated abundant employment opportunities. AIIB alone hires more than 4,000 local employees, offering salaries above the regional average. “Securing a position at the park has become the top career aspiration for young people in this area,” Khairy added.

Recently, the maiden voyage was made along the Kuantan Port – Beibu Gulf Port cold-chain shipping route, marking a new milestone in the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” collaboration.

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the new route is more than just a logistics corridor – it is a testament to the long-term partnership between Malaysia and China.

“Under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the twin parks have laid a solid foundation for deeper collaboration in industry, trade, and infrastructure between our two countries,” he said.

Photo shows an automated container terminal of the Beibu Gulf Port in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (Photo by Li Hanchi/People’s Daily Online)

Photo shows the Kuantan Port. (Photo by Yang Yi/People’s Daily)

A woman works in a workshop of Alliance Steel (M) Sdn. Bhd. in the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park. (Photo by Yang Yi/People’s Daily)