China's Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) said that the number of aged care meal assistance centers nationwide reached 75,000 in 2024. In 2025, the country intends to introduce a professional qualification framework for aged care workers to enhance the skills of those working in the sector.
At a national conference on civil affairs held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday, Minister of Civil Affairs Lu Zhiyuan said that in 2024, notable advancements were achieved in aged care services and welfare. The central government allocated 300 million yuan ($41.1 million) in allocated funds to support the development of senior meal assistance programs in various regions.
Developing aged care meal assistance services is a key element of China's strategy to actively address population aging. It is also a major public welfare project aimed at supporting home- and community-based aged care and improving the wellbeing of elderly adults.
In October 2023, the MCA and 11 other departments jointly issued an action plan to promote the development of meal services for seniors. Since the issuance of this action plan, the MCA has provided guidance to local civil affairs departments to refine policies based on local conditions, explore effective models for meal assistance, and consistently enhance service coverage and quality.
Lu said that as of the end of October 2024, there were 75,000 aged care meal assistance centers nationwide. Provinces such as Hebei, Zhejiang, and Shandong each had over 6,000 centers, greatly improving access to meal assistance services for seniors.
Lu also said that nationwide civil affairs departments had initiated measures to enhance fundamental home- and community-based aged care services. These efforts included the construction of 358,000 family aged care beds and the provision of 668,000 in-home care services.
By the end of October 2024, the number of aged care institutions and facilities had grown to 404,000, with nursing care beds accounting for 62.2 percent of the total, surpassing the targets outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
Looking ahead to 2025, Lu said that the MCA will promote legislative advancements in aged care services, refine the spatial distribution of aged care facilities, and strengthen the three-tier aged care service network at the county (district), township (subdistrict), and village (community) levels.
Efforts will also prioritize the sustainable and robust growth of aged care meal assistance services by formulating supportive policies, fostering large-scale, chain-operated, and branded aged care service providers, and expanding the supply of affordable aged care services, said Lu.
Additionally, the MCA plans to bolster the professional workforce in aged care, implement the aged care professional qualification system, and reinforce discipline, behavior standards, and ethical practices among aged care workers.
Efforts will also expedite the creation of mechanisms to execute the national strategy for addressing population aging, and deepen the reform and development of aged care in the new era. These initiatives aim to ensure the well-being, societal contribution, and rights of senior citizens are fully safeguarded, Lu said.
China is stepping up aged care initiatives as the country addresses the complexities of an aging population. Official statistics show that 297 million Chinese people were aged 60 or above by the end of 2023, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total population, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The conference also said that the MCA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, provided one-time living allowances to certain disadvantaged groups, according to CCTV News.
As of the end of October 2024, aid was delivered 709,000 times to homeless, vagrant, and other temporarily distressed individuals. A three-year initiative to improve the quality of care services for left-behind and disadvantaged children in rural areas, as well as a care and protection program for migrant children, has been launched.
As of the end of November 2024, the two subsidy programs for persons with disabilities benefited 11.93 million disadvantaged individuals with disabilities and 16.19 million people with severe disabilities.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) completed five engine tests on Thursday in Beijing and Laiyuan, North China's Hebei Province, providing a solid foundation for the smooth implementation of this year's major aerospace projects, Science and Technology Daily reported on Friday.
The test run is a vital step in the rocket engine development process, consisting of dozens of different types of missions, and will be carried out throughout various stages before and after the development of the engine, according to the report.
An upper-stage hydrogen-oxygen engine ignited at 11:21 am Thursday at the 101 Institute of the Sixth Academy of CASC, operating for about 100 seconds followed by a regular power-off. This signifies that this new type of engine smoothly completed the ground calibration test run before delivery, said the report.
Xia Wei, a professional from CASC, told CCTV News that the test assessed the overall coordination and obtained performance parameters of the engine, after analysis of the data, the test was deemed a great success.
Three other tests were also conducted, involving the rocket's main propulsion engine, upper-stage engine, and attitude-orbit control engine. In addition to the above-mentioned trial, a liquid-oxygen methane engine test run was also performed on a vertical dual-station test stand of the high-thrust hydrogen-oxygen rocket engine located in Laiyuan.
All of the above-mentioned tests met with remarkable success, making it possible to achieve five test runs in a single day, said the report.
Xia said in 2025, they will conduct research and testing of multiple engines for deep space exploration, heavy rockets, and other types of engines, contributing to the smooth implementation of China's major space projects, according to CCTV news.
Responding to US claims that Hong Kong's bounties on some activists overseas constitute "transnational repression," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Friday that the so-called "pro-democracy activists" fled overseas to engage in activities to undermine China and disrupt Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). Their actions interfere with Hong Kong's development and stability, endanger national security, harm China's core interests, and challenge the foundation of "one country, two systems."
Mao emphasized that the Hong Kong police's law enforcement under the National Security Law is a legitimate move to uphold the rule of law and address public concerns, a necessary measure to defend China's national sovereignty and security, as well as a legitimate action to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. The extraterritorial application of the Law on Safeguarding National Security is in strict compliance with international law and the common practices of countries and regions across the world.
Mao added that the US misuses the concept of "national security" to impose illegal extraterritorial jurisdiction, and baselessly criticizes Hong Kong police's law enforcement, undermining the rule of law and revealing its own hypocrisy and double standards.
China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, Mao said, reiterating that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal matters.
She urged the US to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law and to cease supporting anti-China and anti-Hong Kong personnel.
In 2024, China's industrial landscape has witnessed a series of exciting "firsts" and groundbreaking achievements which reflect the robust momentum of China's manufacturing sector and underscore the country's commitment to high-end, intelligent, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
In a latest development, China debuted a prototype of the fastest high-speed train in the world, Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday.
A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator. The CR450 is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in tests, highlighting China's cutting-edge advancements in rail technology.
In other sectors, China's homegrown wide-body C929 aircraft gets first intended user in November, marking a new breakthrough in the large aircraft industry.
China's first domestically built large cruise ship has also started commercial operations in January, setting sail for a new era in cruise tourism.
As of Sunday, it has completed 84 voyages, facilitating a total of 600,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips, according to Xinhua.
A series of data also show significant achievements in China's high-quality economic development.
In 2024 China has surpassed 4.14 million 5G base stations, averaging 29 stations per 10,000 people. The manufacturing sector has over 6.03 million registered enterprises, with 8.55 percent linked to strategic emerging industries, a 6.35 percent increase since the end of 2023. China's annual production of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) surpassed the 10 million milestone for the first time in 2024. Additionally, the humanoid robot market is projected to reach 3 billion yuan ($411 million), showcasing the potential of emerging sectors in China's economy, China Media Group (CMG) reported.
The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing showed encouraging signs this year, climbing from 49.2 percent in January to 50.1 percent in October and further to 50.3 percent in November, suggesting a recovery in industrial activity.
Foster innovation
Throughout the year, the Chinese government implemented various initiatives to foster innovation and development in key industries.
In January, China unveiled policies aimed at promoting future industries such as humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and 6G technology to stimulate new economic growth.
By February, the government had issued guidelines to accelerate the green transformation of the manufacturing sector. In March, China launched large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins to lift the quality of traditional industries. In June, China rolled out a new set of support policies for 1,000 "little giant" firms, as part of efforts to improve the modern industrial system in the country. In September, the country introduced construction plans for pilot-scale testing platforms in manufacturing and new materials, accelerating the transition of new technologies from the laboratory to the factory, according to CMG.
These measures are facilitating high-quality development across various manufacturing sectors.
In the domestic cruise manufacturing industry cruise-building industry China's first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, started its commercial maiden voyage in January. This marks a significant milestone for China's cruise manufacturing industry, as it now possesses true autonomous control capabilities and a complete industrial cycle system, signaling a new phase in the development of the cruise industry in China, said Yang Guobing, chairman of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Cruise Technology Development Co, Ltd, operator of the ship.
Yang believes that in 2024, China's cruise manufacturing industry entered a new phase of independent development. This phase aims to integrate the entire industrial chain, achieve independent design, construction, supporting facilities, and operations of cruise ships, and foster international cooperation while pursuing self-sufficiency. This approach is set to usher in a new era of high-quality development for China's cruise industry.
In the robotics sector, the National and Local Co-Build Humanoid Robotics Innovation Centre based in Shanghai is making strides as well. The center is currently constructing a training facility that can accommodate 100 humanoid robots for simultaneous intelligent training, to make them more capable of assisting humans in various scenarios, with plans to expand this capacity to 1,000 by 2027, the Global Times learned from the center.
In the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), exciting advancements are being made that could greatly benefit patients with paralysis and neurological diseases. A notable milestone occurred in November when a domestic BCI product allowed a participant with a spinal cord injury to drink water using a specially designed pneumatic glove.
The BCI product, called NEO, was developed through a collaboration between Neuracle Technology Co, Ltd and Dr Hong Bo's team from Tsinghua University. In August it became the first BCI product to enter the special review process for innovative medical devices in China.
Currently, Neuracle is working on expanding its product offerings to encompass a broader range of brain functions. In the future, the company aims not only to assist patients with basic actions such as eating and drinking but also to enable them to perform more complex tasks, including writing and playing the piano, Neuracle told the Global Times.
Chen Jing, vice president of the Institute of Technology and Strategy, a tech research institute based in Beijing, told the Global Times that the achievements of 2024 reflect the outcomes of the development of new quality productive forces. These advancements not only drive China's economic development but also lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the future.
A look into 2025
China's value-added industrial output of enterprises above the designated size is forecast to grow by about 5.7 percent year-on-year in 2024, official data showed Friday.
In 2024, China's industrial economy has achieved steady improvement despite challenges, and the manufacturing value added's share of gross domestic product remained stable, according to a national work conference on industry and information technology.
According to the meeting, China will promote stable growth in the industrial economy, with moves including intensifying the implementation of policies supporting large-scale equipment upgrades and the consumer goods trade-ins in 2025.
Efforts will be made to foster and develop emerging industries in 2025, with a focus on promoting implementation scenarios of new technology and new products. Key areas of emphasis include the development of internet-connected vehicles, the expansion of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System's applications, low-altitude information infrastructure, biomanufacturing, the quantum industry, and embodied AI, among others, according to the meeting.
By 2025, intelligent manufacturing in China is poised to deeply integrate with advanced technologies like the Internet of Things, big data, and AI, propel traditional industries toward higher levels of sophistication and intelligence, Chen said.
These innovations will not only enhance production efficiency but also foster new business models and growth opportunities for enterprises, Chen said, adding that this will support China's goal to achieving high-quality economic development and help elevate its position in the global value chain.
Geng Bo, a senior technology industry insider, told the Global Times that China, which ranks first globally in the production and sales of consumer electronics, offers an abundance of application scenarios and a growing demand that drives continuous sci-tech innovation and product improvements.
Whether in smartphones, home appliances, automotive electronics, industrial control, or the new-energy sector, market demand is driving domestic companies to innovate and develop products tailored to various needs, thereby driving the rapid growth of the country's sci-tech advancements and innovative applications, Geng said.
In response to a question about Australia's announcement it will provide substantial funding to support the police in the Solomon Islands, and that Australia has expressed concerns about China's police cooperation with the Solomon Islands, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that China has consistently advocated that countries should adhere to the "three upholds" when developing relations with Pacific island nations, which is respecting the autonomy of island nations, prioritizing development, and promoting openness and inclusiveness.
No country should treat island nations as its backyard; instead, countries should complement each other's strengths, coordinate efforts, and engage in trilateral or multilateral cooperation. It is hoped that relevant parties will genuinely respect the independence and territorial integrity of island nations and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs, Lin told a routine press conference.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia announced on Friday that it will plough 190 million Australian dollars ($118 million) into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and set up a new police training center in the capital Honiara.
Rock samples collected from the moon's far side by China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe indicate an unexpected resurgence in the moon's magnetic field strength 2.8 billion years ago, which challenges the previous findings from the US Apollo mission, which suggested that the moon's magnetic field declined about 3.1 billion years ago and has remained in a low-energy state since then.
The analysis of these samples, published on Thursday in the journal Nature, marks the first-ever paleomagnetic data obtained from the moon's far side, and offers critical insights into the intermediate evolutionary stages of the lunar dynamo, the geophysical mechanism that generated the moon's magnetic field in the past, according to Guangming Daily.
On June 25, 2024, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe returned to Earth with 1,935.3 grams of lunar samples collected from the previously unexplored far side of the moon.
Cai Shuhui from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also first author of the paper, said that the Earth has a "magnetic field generator"—the movement of the conductive fluid in the Earth's liquid outer core acts like a "generator," which generates a magnetic field enveloping the Earth like a protective shield.
This magnetic field shields the planet from cosmic rays and protects essential elements for habitability, such as the atmosphere and water, creating an environment suitable for the proliferation of life.
The Moon once had a similar "magnetic field generator," which ceased functioning long ago. Studies of the ancient magnetic field strength based on samples returned by the US Apollo mission indicate that the Moon had a relatively active "generator" producing a magnetic field between 4.2 billion and 3.5 billion years ago. This magnetic field decreased by an order of magnitude around 3.1 billion years ago, and again declined between 1.5 billion and 1 billion years ago, ultimately ceasing to function completely at some point after 1 billion years ago.
The Chang'e 6 mission has achieved the first-ever sample collection from the far side of the Moon, with the primary eruption age of the basalt being 2.8 billion years. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to understand the temporal and spatial evolution of the Moon's "magnetic field generator."
Researchers from the IGG studied the sample and discovered the ancient magnetic field strength of the sample found to be higher than previously thought. Cai said this suggests that after a sharp decline in the lunar magnetic field 3.1 billion years ago, there may have been a rebound or reactivation around 2.8 billion years ago.
IGG's analysis indicates that this could be due to a change in the main energy source of the "generator" or a reinforcement of the initial driving mechanism.
IGG's study is not only the first information about the ancient magnetic field on the Moon obtained by humans, but also provides key information to understanding the evolution of the Moon's magnetic field, according to Guangming Daily.
In response to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs' comments stating that South Korea will continue to develop bilateral relations with China and maintain necessary communication despite recent domestic developments following President Yoon Suk-yeol's comments on cases involving Chinese nationals, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China has noted the remarks and had expressed its position on South Korea's comments made yesterday regarding China-related matters.
Mao said that fostering healthy and stable China-South Korea relations aligns with the common interests of both nations, expressing hope that South Korea will actively contribute to this goal.
The Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed, "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," is held in Beijing on Saturday. During a discussion on the topic "Exploring the Way of Interaction among Major Powers: Differences and Consensus," Wang Zaixi, former deputy director of Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits, said that on the Taiwan question, China's policy is very clear. "That is to continue to strive for peaceful reunification, while also making full preparations for the dangerous move made by 'Taiwan independence' separatists," he said.
Wang Zaixi said that in the past four years, the Biden administration had a characteristic in handling China-US relations. "On the one hand, it adopted a comprehensive tough containment strategy toward China; on the other hand, it had always maintained close contacts with the Chinese government's senior officials, including the military communication."
"In their own words, they aimed to ensure that the two countries' relations would avoid confrontation in the process of competition. Therefore, in these four years, China-US relations were sometimes rather tense, but generally controllable. After the new US administration takes office, it is generally believed that the US side may intensify its efforts in containing China," Wang said. "In my opinion, there are still areas and room for cooperation in China-US relations," Wang noted.
One of the core matters in China-US relations is the Taiwan question, he said. "There is uncertainty about the US side's policy on this question in the future. However, on the Taiwan question, China has dominance. The US will have great concerns even if it plans to interference in the Taiwan question. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan do want to "rely on the US to seek independence" and "seek independence through military means," but they are doomed to failure, Wang stressed.
"After decades of development, especially in the past dozen years with the enhancement of China's comprehensive national strength, especially its military strength, China has capabilities and conditions to contain 'Taiwan independence' separatist acts," Wang said during the conference.
Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Sunday urged Chinese nationals in the country to stay vigilant amid rising cases of armed robberies, drug-facilitated thefts, exchange frauds, and thefts.
Amid recent security instability in parts of the Philippines, the embassy released a notification, highlighting several incidents involving Chinese nationals, causing significant personal and financial losses.
Chinese nationals are suggested to avoid going to high-risk areas, trying to go out in groups, and reducing unnecessary nighttime outings.
Be cautious of strangers initiating contact, and avoid dining with strangers or visiting bars and nightclubs, the embassy advised, suggesting not consume drinks, food, or cigarettes offered by strangers, and keep food and drinks in sight while dining.
The embassy also reminded Chinese nationals to remain vigilant in unfamiliar areas, keep family informed of one's plans and situation, and maintain emergency contact details for relatives and consulates.
The embassy advised avoiding displays of wealth or carrying large sums of cash and valuables. In crowded places, be vigilant and safeguard personal belongings.
The embassy also urged conducting currency exchanges through legal channels like banks to avoid scams or illegal transactions.
Tourists are advised to keep travel documents like passports secure.
As one of China's most beloved national treasures, the giant panda has long captured the hearts of people worldwide.
Right now, dozens of giant pandas are living in zoos across the globe, which brings joy to people, generates economic benefits for the institutions they inhabit, and contributes to biodiversity conservation.
However, the cute, fluffy animal has also faced malicious criticism and even smears, with some Western media reports accusing China of using pandas as a diplomatic tool to open doors to diplomatic relations.
In the second installment of the "Walking with the Giant Panda" series, we share with our readers why the adorable giant pandas are, and will always be, a message of peace and friendship that China conveys to the world. Tightly hugging panda plush toys and waving both the Chinese and Belgian flags, a group of fans bid farewell to giant pandas Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei in Pairi Daiza zoo, with tears in their eyes.
These three pandas, born in Belgium, have brought joy and beautiful memories to Belgians in recent years. Flying across the Eurasian continent, they returned, as promised, to their never-before-seen homeland in Sichuan, Southwest China on December 10.
At the same time, in Moscow, panda cub Katyusha was joyfully rolling in the snow, with a video clip of the moment going viral online.
In the US, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, who arrived at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC from Sichuan two months ago, are now enjoying their new toys.
At the Adelaide Zoo in Australia, the panda exhibit is eagerly awaiting new residents - Xing Qiu and Yi Lan arrived on Sunday aboard a chartered flight.
Around the world, giant pandas not only serve as China's "ambassadors of goodwill" and "cultural envoys," but also as a bridge that strengthens the connection between the Chinese people and people worldwide.
To date, China has engaged in panda cooperation and exchange programs with 26 institutions in 20 countries, showed date from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in June.
Giant pandas have played a unique and positive role in fostering friendly relations, spreading ecological civilization concepts, and tackling technical challenges in panda breeding, disease control, and wild release, among other areas. Their efforts have strongly supported wildlife conservation and become a model for global cooperation in protecting endangered species, the administration said.
Shared feelings
At the end of November, the weather was cooler in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, with golden leaves scattered on the ground and the mountains in the distance donning snow caps.
This cool weather is exactly what giant pandas love.
Amid this weather, four-year-old Fu Bao, holding tender bamboo, rolls around on the ground, playfully executing multiple flips.
Outside her playground, camera shutters click away, capturing every move. These fans come from China, South Korea, and other countries, communicating in various languages.
Fubao was born at the Everland Zoo in South Korea, the first giant panda to be born there. From the moment she was born, she became a true panda princess, showered with love and attention.
"Fu Bao is so cute and beautiful. I cried when I first saw her," Danabao, a panda blogger in Seoul who specializes in photographing Fu Bao and her family, told the Global Times. "These pandas have become a part of my life."
Each panda cub born overseas is a testament to international cooperation and friendship. Fu Bao's birth is no exception.
She was born in 2020, at the height of the global pandemic. The news of the giant panda Hua Xin (Ai Bao) giving birth gave the anxious Korean public a glimmer of hope.
Before this, South Korea had no experience with panda births, and the pressure was immense. Thanks to the online guidance of experts in China and the on-site support of Wu Kai, a keeper from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Fu Bao was successfully born.
Her growth journey was not without challenges: She developed a rash at 10 days old, and her eyes opened prematurely before they were fully developed. Fortunately, with the guidance of Wu and the collaborative efforts of Korean zoo staff, these dangers were overcome, and Fubao grew into a "beautiful lady."
Her story was even made into a documentary, "The Chronicle of Fu Bao's Birth," as a testament to China-South Korea cooperation in panda breeding and conservation.
On December 3, Fu Bao was observed shaking while eating bamboo, which deeply concerned panda lovers.
The CCRCGP immediately conducted observation and testing on Fu Bao, lasting several days. The center also has provided daily updates on Fu Bao's condition.
The good news is that her health, appetite, and test results are normal, with no signs of infectious diseases.
Fans were relieved to see Fu Bao playing with new toys and leisurely scratching herself while eating bamboo.
In fact, the healthy growth of captive pandas abroad is the result of joint efforts from both China and the host countries.
As a Chinese national treasure and a globally beloved species, before pandas are sent abroad, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, including assessments of the habitat, disease prevention, and research conditions, according to Li Desheng, deputy director and chief expert of the CCRCGP.
Only when the cooperation partners meet the necessary conditions can the international collaboration begin. Before leaving, pandas undergo health monitoring and quarantine to ensure their safety and well-being, Li told the Global Times.
When giant pandas abroad fall ill, go into estrus, or give birth, Chinese experts will also travel to help them through these special periods.
Upon their return to China, pandas may experience stress due to environmental changes and caregiver transitions. Extra care is needed until they fully adapt to their new surroundings before being displayed, Li said.
For example, Xiao Qi Ji, a panda born in the US, is sensitive to noise and can be startled by loud sounds, as explained by keeper Lang Shunjun.
Now, Xiao Qi Ji has adapted to life in his Sichuan home and has learned how to efficiently obtain his favorite bamboo shoots. "When the keeper places food, he sniffs the path the keeper walked to find it," she said. "He's one of the smartest pandas I've ever seen." Global Phenomenon
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese government has gifted giant pandas to various countries, conveying goodwill and friendship.
In the 1980s, with a focus on preserving this national treasure and ensuring the species' propagation, China ceased gifting pandas and gradually shifted to international collaborative research on panda conservation, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
This model continues today, enabling better protection of the species while offering people abroad more opportunities to get close to giant pandas and experience the friendship of China.
Across the world, people queue for hours to see pandas.
For example, after the debut of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao at the San Diego Zoo on August 8, a new wave of "panda fever" swept the US, with Americans waiting an hour just to have a glimpse of a giant panda.
Behind this are the tremendous economic benefits to zoos that pandas have brought.
In Japan, giant panda Xiang Xiang's popularity has led to a booming economy in related sectors. Japanese scholars estimated that the economic benefit generated from her birth to her return to China exceeded 60 billion yen ($391 million), according to a CCTV report in June.
In France, after the ZooParc de Beauval rented pandas in 2012, its annual visitor numbers skyrocketed from about 600,000 to over 2 million, with annual revenue reaching 105 million euros, according to Science and Technology Daily.
However, there are strict conditions for renting pandas from China.
Li, the CCRCGP director, introduced that China has clear requirements for institutions wishing to rent pandas. For example, the management team must be professionally qualified, and the panda habitat must meet standards based on years of research, including specific requirements for exhibit halls, outdoor exercise areas, and green resting zones.
"We also require our partners to provide regular health assessments and submit annual check-up reports to ensure proper care and health management," he said.
To meet these standards, institutions, zoos, and keepers worldwide make great efforts.
The Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands invested around 7 million euros to build a 9,000-square-meter panda palace, designed in the traditional Chinese style, with custom-made glazed tiles, CCTV reported.
In Qatar, giant pandas Jing Jing and Si Hai reside in an enormous, climate-controlled playground. The bamboo they eat is delivered by cold chain from Sichuan, the People's Daily reported.
In 2019, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a choir in Finland was even invited to sing for pandas with a Chinese folk song, "May we all be blessed with longevity."
These pandas have proven to be exemplary, reflecting the pride of their home countries. For example, Yuan Meng, born in France, has a stylish curly coat as a cub and is known as the "French little prince." In Russia, the lively panda family comprised of Ding Ding, Rui Yi, and Katyusha have been humorously dubbed "pandas raised by the fighting spirit of the Russian people."
Pandas being pandas
Giant pandas, with their immense popularity and influence, are known as symbols of China, yet they are sometimes exploited as a tool of politicization.
Almost simultaneously with giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao departing from their hometown in Sichuan for Washington DC, the New York Times published a lengthy article attempting to cool down the enthusiasm surrounding this cooperation.
The article questioned why overseas pandas and their offspring born in foreign zoos have not been released into the wild, completely ignoring the complexity and scientific nature of the giant panda's rewilding process.
In another article, the newspaper sensationalized the issue of panda rental fees, baselessly claiming "records" show that the Chinese government has spent millions of dollars on apartment buildings, roads, computers, museums, and other expenses. The rental fees are used to protect and breed giant pandas. While foreign countries pay for renting the pandas, China, as a partner in the collaboration, invests significantly more in terms of human resources, material support, and financial input, the Global Times learned from insiders familiar with the matter.
"Through international cooperation in panda conservation, both China and its partner countries have made advances in scientific research and management techniques. Furthermore, protecting giant pandas also helps preserve other species in their habitats. As a flagship species, the successful conservation experiences of giant pandas can be applied to other endangered species," Li said.
Li further noted that through international cooperation, scientists from both sides learn from each other and engage in deep exchanges, which not only increased the success rate of panda breeding but also advanced related technologies.
For example, in 2014, the San Diego Zoo performed testicular cancer surgery on the giant panda Gao Gao.
"These experiences highlight the complexity and challenges of multinational scientific cooperation while also emphasizing the importance of teamwork and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, these efforts not only increased public awareness of panda conservation but also deepened the friendship and understanding between China and the US," Li said.
In 2023, panda Ya Ya, residing at the Memphis Zoo, fell ill with a skin disease, drawing attention both domestically and internationally. In April, Ya Ya returned to China and is now enjoying a comfortable retirement at the Beijing Zoo.
After Ya Ya's return, some media outlets, including the New York Times, continued to downplay the China-US panda cooperation.
However, this year, four pandas arrived in the US to begin their new lives, dispelling these doubts, including Yun Chuan, Xin Bao, Bao Li and Qing Bao. These new residents had been eagerly anticipated and were warmly welcomed by locals.
In a video released by the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC on Saturday, Bao Li and Qing Bao are leisurely enjoying tender bamboo leaves under the sunlight. In the future, they will meet visitors here, and plant the seeds of friendship and a love for nature in the hearts of people.
