blk4est – भारतीय महासागर समाचार

World famous ballerina takes to the stage in Shanghai

Svetlana Zakharova in
Gabrielle Chanel. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Svetlana Zakharova, one of the most celebrated ballerinas in the world, is in Shanghai. She is joining hands with the star dancers of Russia’s esteemed Bolshoi Theatre and presenting four performances at the Shanghai Grand Theatre from May 15 to 19.

On May 16, the Bolshoi prima ballerina and her colleagues will present Modanse, which consists of two parts: a one-act dance drama Come Un Respiro, choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti, and Gabrielle Chanel, a dance drama about the life story of the fashion icon. Zakharova wears the trademark outfits of Chanel and presents her journey from a cabaret performer to the legendary fashion designer, highlighting her close ties to Russian ballet and her love story with Arthur Edward “Boy” Capel.

Stable devt of China-Russia ties beneficial to world peace, prosperity: Global Times editorial

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet the press on May 16 in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

On May 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state jointly met the press, signed and issued the Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era in the Context of the 75th Anniversary of China-Russia Diplomatic Relations (hereinafter referred to as the “Statement”). Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, China and Russia have consistently developed their bilateral relations based on the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party, setting an example of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between major powers. This not only aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples but also contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Summarizing the notable progress in China-Russia relations over the past 75 years, President Xi said that it is attributable to the two countries’ commitment to five principles. First, China and Russia are committed to mutual respect as the fundamental principle of relations, and always render support for each other’s core interests. Second, China and Russia are committed to win-win cooperation as the driving force of relations, and work to foster a new paradigm of mutual benefit. Third, China and Russia are committed to lasting friendship as the foundation of relations, and carry forward the torch of Sino-Russian friendship. Fourth, China and Russia are committed to strategic coordination as an underpinning of relations, and steer global governance in the right direction. Fifth, China and Russia are committed to fairness and justice as the purpose of relations, and dedicated to the political settlement of hotspots. These “five principles” set an exemplary model for relations between neighboring major powers and will continue to guide China-Russia relations toward new successes.

The relationship between China and Russia, two major powers, is unique in the history of modern international relations. The two countries are not military-political allies, but rather represent a new model of major power relations characterized by non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third country. The development of their relationship has its own internal logic and driving force. It is not a threat to any country, nor is it subject to any interference or discord sown by any third party. This is a summary of the extraordinary 75-year development history of China-Russia relations. Both countries respect each other’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as their own chosen development path, which is the “secret” to why their relationship has become a model for the development of partnerships between major powers and neighboring countries. As President Xi said, this is not only the correct way for China and Russia to get along, but also the direction that major-country relations should strive for in the 21st century.

The close cooperation between China and Russia is a driving force for stability in the international landscape. This year, Russia assumes the rotating presidency of the BRICS countries, and China will also take over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization within the year. The two countries work together to promote regional stability and development, strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and jointly promote cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS mechanism, and countries in the Global South. Both countries uphold multilateralism, oppose hegemony and unilateralism in international organizations such as the United Nations and the G20, effectively promoting the democratization and multipolarization of the global order, as well as firmly upholding international fairness and justice.

Currently, some countries are using “national security” as a pretext to promote deglobalization and group politics, kidnapping allies to push for “decoupling” and build “small yard, high fence.” This has increased the complexity and uncertainty of regional and global security situations. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia share similar security views and maintain effective strategic communication. They jointly oppose zero-sum games and Cold War mentality, group politics, confrontational blocs, dividing the world based on ideology and political systems, and confrontational policies and interference in other countries’ internal affairs. This is a positive asset for the world. In the Statement, China and Russia propose that, given the current geopolitical context, it is necessary to explore the establishment of a sustainable security system in the Eurasian space based on the principles of equal and indivisible security, outlining a blueprint for achieving genuine regional common security.

In recent years, with Russia’s focus on “turning to the East” in foreign economic cooperation, China-Russia economic and trade cooperation has developed rapidly. China has been Russia’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, accounting for 32 percent of Russia’s foreign trade. Russia became China’s fourth largest trading partner in 2023. These achievements are not easy and have been achieved by both countries overcoming various external challenges and unfavorable factors, highlighting the solid foundation of the China-Russia relationship. This year also marks the “China-Russia Years of Culture.” The two countries and their people have a strong driving force to enhance mutual understanding and continue lasting friendship through deepening cultural exchanges.

A mountain is formed by accumulation of soil and an ocean is formed by accumulation of water. After 75 years of solid accumulation, lasting friendship and all-round cooperation between China and Russia provide a strong impetus for the two countries to forge ahead despite wind and rain. In the future, guided by head-of-state diplomacy, the two countries, standing at a new historical starting point, will jointly promote the all-round development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, create more benefits for their peoples and make a due contribution to global security and stability.

China, Russia create a new paradigm of major-country relations

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing (left) and Moscow Kremlin’s Spasskaya Tower. Photos: VCG

Editor’s Note:

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. Before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China scheduled from May 16 to 17, Global Times reporter
(GT) Xia Wenxin, Yang Sheng and Yang Ruoyu exclusively spoke with the Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui
(Zhang) on the development of the relationship between the two countries, the Ukraine crisis and China-Russia cultural exchanges, among other topics.

GT: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was formally sworn in on May 7 and chose China as the destination of his first foreign trip after his inauguration. What are your expectations for President Putin’s visit to China? This year is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, what new opportunities will the future development of China-Russia relations bring to the two countries?

Zhang: Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between China and Russia is currently in its best historical period. Not long ago, President Xi sent a congratulatory message to President Putin when the latter was re-elected, highlighting the close friendship and political mutual trust between the leaders of the two countries.

China and Russia are both major powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and adhere to the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-targeting of any third party. They continue to deepen their friendly relations and strategic cooperation to create a new paradigm of major-country relations that is completely different from the Cold War era. Over the past 75 years of diplomatic relations, the political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to deepen, and the results of mutually beneficial cooperation have been fruitful, with increasing people-to-people exchanges and close international cooperation.

Last year, the trade volume between China and Russia reached a historic high of over $240 billion, with “Made in China” products becoming increasingly popular and trusted by Russian consumers. Meanwhile, Russian agricultural and seafood products are selling well in China, fully demonstrating the strong resilience and broad prospects of mutual cooperation between the two countries. Maintaining and developing the relationship between China and Russia meets the common expectations of the two peoples and is in line with the trend of global development, with important implications for maintaining global strategic stability and promoting positive interactions among major countries.

As this year marks the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, China and Russia will further strengthen strategic cooperation, cultivate new momentum for cooperation and help each other achieve development and revitalization. The two countries will also continue to enhance international multilateral cooperation, practice true multilateralism and make contributions to the security and stability of both countries and the world.

GT: Switzerland will host a high-level international conference in June to discuss the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but Russia said it is not invited. Do you think it’s overly optimistic to expect a cease-fire in the current conflict to be reached? What are the biggest obstacles to reaching an agreement? Some voices in the West believe that Russia’s strategic partnership with China is the source of confidence for Russia to continue this conflict. What is your take on this?

Zhang: In regard to the Ukraine crisis, China has always adhered to an objective and just position, always standing on the side of peace and dialogue, actively advocating for peace and promoting talks. President Xi has put forward four principles, called for joint efforts in four areas and shared three observations on Ukraine which outline China’s fundamental approach to the issue.

Unfortunately, there is still no sign of a cease-fire in the current crisis, and the conflict is still escalating and expanding. The parties involved are not willing to budge on their positions, with significant differences in understanding. Some external forces are still adding fuel to the fire and fanning the flames.

History has proven that the end point of any conflict is the negotiating table. China supports the timely convening of an international conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace proposals. China is willing to continue to play its unique role and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to promote a political solution to the Ukraine crisis.

The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has never targeted any third party, nor does it tolerate any third party interference or coercion. China is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it. China firmly rejects groundless accusations over the normal trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia, under excuses of the Ukraine crisis. We will firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of our enterprises. At the same time, we advise relevant countries to stop shifting blame on China and make real efforts to politically resolve the Ukraine crisis.

Zhang Hanhui. Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Russia

GT: Over the past two years, the US and some Western countries have imposed sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Russia. What impacts do these measures have on foreign companies operating in Russia, including Chinese companies?

Zhang: China opposes any form of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law. Implementing economic sanctions not only fails to solve security issues, but also harms the normal lives of the people in the relevant countries, disrupts the global market and worsens the already slowing world economy.

China and Russia are natural partners with a strong vitality and broad prospects for cooperation. China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and will take necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate trade interests and rights of Chinese companies and steadily promote cooperation in various fields between China and Russia to benefit the people of both countries.

GT: The 2024 BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Russia in later half of this year , marking the first summit since the expansion of the bloc. What are your expectations for the future development of the BRICS mechanism? Meanwhile, China is the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year, and China and Russia will work together to illuminate the “Southern Moment” of global governance. How do you think both sides will promote the multipolarization of the world order?

Zhang: The collective rise of emerging market countries and developing countries, represented by BRICS and the SCO, is fundamentally changing the international landscape. As leaders of the Global South, BRICS and the SCO have expanded successively, once again demonstrating the strong vitality of the two organizations and reflecting the increasing influence of the Global South in global governance.

Russia undertakes chairmanship of BRICS this year, and China supports Russia in hosting the first summit after the expansion of the BRICS mechanism. China is willing to work with Russia to deepen cooperation in various fields among new and old member countries, lead the BRICS mechanism steadily forward, and further taking on the role building a better world through BRICS. China will be the rotating chair of the SCO in the second half of this year, and China supports Kazakhstan in hosting this year’s SCO summit. China is willing to work with all parties to continue to promote the “Shanghai Spirit,” solidly implement the summit outcomes, promote cooperation in various fields and build a closer SCO community of shared future.

Unlike some countries that form small cliques and groups with a cold war mentality, the BRICS countries and members of the SCO have always adhered to the principle of win-win cooperation, insisting on dialogue instead of confrontation, partnership instead of alliance, and handshake instead of fist.

They have become a model for building a new type of international relations and practicing true multilateralism, and are a strong force against hegemonism and for promoting world multipolarity. China will continue to work with all countries, including Russia, to deepen and solidify cooperation within BRICS and the SCO, injecting BRICS-style dynamic and SCO’s contribution to the establishment of a just and reasonable new international political and economic order.

GT: This year is also the “China-Russia Year of Culture.” What role do you think cultural exchanges between China and Russia play in their relationship? How do the Russian people perceive Chinese culture? Could you introduce some of the activities that China will hold this year to promote cultural exchanges between China and Russia?

Zhang: In October last year, Xi and Putin agreed to take the 2024-2025 China-Russia years of culture as an opportunity to carry out more diverse cultural activities. Cultural exchange is the bridge for the people of China and Russia to learn from each other and understand each other.

In recent years, we have held many exciting Chinese cultural activities in Russia, which have greatly aroused the strong interest of the Russian people in Chinese culture, effectively promoting mutual understanding between the two countries and deepening the traditional friendship between China and Russia. At the same time, with the continuous promotion of visa-free travel between the two countries, more and more Russians are traveling to China. We believe that Russian friends will be able to experience the real China and fall in love with the diverse Eastern culture during their travels.

Within the framework of the China-Russia Years of Culture, we will organize a variety of rich and colorful exchange of activities, including exhibitions of cultural relics, film screenings, stage art performances, youth cultural and creative exchanges, and exchanges between Chinese and Russian writers. This goal is to achieve a multi-channel, multi-level and all-round development of China-Russia cultural exchanges. Through cultural exchanges, we will continue to promote bilateral cultural exchanges, deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples, strengthen the foundation of friendly sentiments between the two countries and make new contributions to the deepening development of China-Russia relations.

China’s new energy industry offers opportunities to the world

China’s new energy industry offers opportunities to the world. Illustration:GT

TV series ‘To the Wonder’ captivates audiences with authentic portrayal of Altay’s nomadic life

Promotional material for TV series To the Wonder Photo: Courtesy of iQiyi

Altay in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is no stranger to tourists, as the prefecture is home to vast landscapes, rich culture and diverse ethnic traditions.

A recent popular TV series
To the Wonder, based on the adaptation of novel My Altay by author Li Juan and directed by Teng Congcong, has once again put the spotlight on the nomadic life in the region.

The eight-episode TV series, initially released by content platform iQiyi on May 7, has dominated social media discussions this week and now sitting at the top of Chinese view-rating site Douban scoring 8.8 out of 10. The unexpected wide recognition, including being shortlisted with other seven TV series to compete at the Cannes International Series Festival, came as a pleasant surprise to Teng and her team.

While they initially set out to create a small-scale web series, the positive reception reaffirmed their belief in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures and foster understanding.

“We weren’t thinking about going overseas at the very beginning. We didn’t think about going to Cannes or even being broadcasted on China Central Television [the national broadcaster],” Teng told the Global Times on Tuesday. “Originally, we just wanted it to be a costeffective web series.”

Central to the series is its portrayal of the clash between tradition and modernity of the local people, a theme that also resonates deeply in other parts of the world.

“I think one reason [for being shortlisted] must be our theme… The collisions between nomadic culture and urban lives may lead to the gradual disappearance of ancient cultural traditions,” Teng said.

“The many surprises that came afterward, I think it’s really because we worked hard to create a good work.”

Teng’s decision to adapt Li’s collection of essays into a TV series was made before 2018 when she discovered the “rare gem” that was Li’s prose, resonating with its themes such as self-discovery and the beauty of Altay’s landscapes.

Promotional material for TV series To the Wonder Photo: Courtesy of iQiyi

Early groundwork

Reflecting on her first encounter with Li’s writings, Teng recalls being captivated by the evocative descriptions of Altay’s beauty and the profound insights into local life. This initial fascination planted the seed for what would later become a passion project spanning several years.

The groundwork of the series started in 2020 when Teng and her crew started local exploration in Altay and conducted interviews with local people. Shooting of the series started in April 2023 and lasted 56 days.

To ensure an authentic portrayal of local life, Teng and her team hired a consulting team of four experts from Beijing-based Minzu University of China to check on-site if the details, from costumes to dialogue, in the TV series are correct when filming the scenes.

“We had a dedicated team of folk culture consultants. Whether it’s the preparation of props and costumes, the translation of the script or the pronunciation of the actors, there is a specialized team of folk culture consultants to help us oversee everything,” Teng revealed.

“There are some aspects of ethnic cultural elements during filming, and they also have to assist us in verification. For example, we had weddings and rituals, and we needed guidance on how to bind the sheep during a ceremony, and how people should dance and undress at the wedding.”

The male protagonist Yu Shi had spent half a year to learn the Kazak language rather than using a dubbing speaker to make his role more natural when filming.

“Since I couldn’t understand the Kazak language, I needed them to ensure the accuracy of the actors’ lines. I focus on performance, and they help ensure the accuracy of language interpretation,” Teng said.

Passionate mentality

Despite facing time constraints and adverse weather conditions during the shooting, the director fostered a positive work atmosphere, fueled by the team’s shared enthusiasm for the project.

“The working atmosphere has always been very good because everyone is excited about this theme, although it’s very arduous, with continuous unexpected events, everyone’s mentality is very positive,” she said. “I think this excitement also comes from love and passion.”

Whether it’s the universal themes of love and self-discovery or the authentic depiction of Altay’s culture, the series strikes a chord with viewers. Teng said she believes that the success of the series lies in its ability to connect with audiences on a human level.

“I think what will attract people is that everyone communicates sincerely, even if I sincerely disagree with you, but I sincerely respect you,” she told the Global Times. “This should actually be a very important part of human nature, the yearning for truth, goodness, and beauty.”

A clip featuring female protagonist Li Wenxiu, who is played by actress Zhou Yiran, arguing with her mother Zhang Fengxia, played by actress Ma Yili, on whether the daughter is a “useful” person, was widely circulated on social media. Zhang won the argument as she told her daughter you were not born to serve others to be “useful.”

Audiences hailed that the series healed their “spiritual exhaustion,” but Teng believed it is just a production of current time.

“Many of the audiences, especially the young generation, have a mentality of rejecting the rat race, refusing to say how much money they have to earn, what kind of house they have to buy, or even getting married just to meet their parents’ expectations,” Teng said.

“Instead of being evaluated by others as whether you are a useful person to society, or how other people’s children are doing, I think the audience is gradually liberating themselves from these [social and psychological] burdens.”

Nature’s treasure troves in China and France

A file photo shows the view of Sanjiangyuan National Park in China. /CFP

Sanjiangyuan, which directly translates to “source of three rivers” in Chinese, is home to the sources of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. China established a national nature reserve in Sanjiangyuan on August 19, 2000. It is the largest of its kind in the country, covering an area of 123,100 square kilometers.

Located on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, Sanjiangyuan National Park is often regarded as a frigid, barren region. However, the precious water that flows from its many glaciers nurtures a wide variety of wild flora and fauna, from snow leopards and Tibetan blue bears to Tibetan foxes.

An undated photo shows a Tibetan fox at the Sanjiangyuan National Park in China. /CFP

Home to a variety of rare animals, the nature reserve accommodates 85 species of mammals, 237 species of birds, and 48 species of amphibians, according to its official website.

On the other side of the globe, the Réunion National Park in France is also a natural haven that owes its wealth of landscapes and biodiversity to the wide variety of climates, terrains and soils it encompasses.

An undated photo shows an aerial view of the Réunion National Park in France. /CFP

Réunion National Park is located on the island of Réunion, an overseas department located in the western Indian Ocean. Established on 5 March, 2007, the park protects the endemic ecosystems of Les Hauts, the mountainous interior of the island, and covers around 42 percent of the island. Notable among its endemic species are the Réunion cuckoo shrike and the Reunion Island day gecko, reflecting the park’s mission to preserve its unique biodiversity.

Chinese flavors captivate the world’s palates

Hotpot is one of the earliest Chinese culinary styles to go global. /CFP

The allure of Chinese flavors has sparked a craze in recent years to queue up to dine at many overseas Chinese restaurants as Chinese cuisine steps up its efforts to go global.

Stir-frying, stewing, boiling, steaming… the unique cooking methods of Chinese cuisine, along with the ingredients, seasonings, and recipes passed down through generations, offer flavors quite distinct from Western cuisine and provide foreign diners with new culinary experiences.

Chinese roast duck entered overseas markets decades ago. /CFP

In fact, going global is nothing new for Chinese food. Several famous Chinese hot pot and roast duck brands began entering overseas markets decades ago. However, the types of Chinese cuisine in the latest wave of exports have become more diverse.

A store of a new-style Chinese tea beverage brand /CFP

New-style Chinese tea beverages have emerged as a new force. For instance, “Milksha” have nearly 4,000 outlets overseas, and “Chagee” rushed into overseas markets just two years after its establishment.

Different types of regional Chinese cuisines have also begun to shine, with the brands of the Zhejiang and Hunan cuisines being particularly active.

Fish head with chopped chili peppers is a famous dish in Hunan cuisine. /CFP

Although Southeast Asia is often the first stop for entering the global market due to its large overseas Chinese population, some brands have begun to choose the United States or Europe for their first overseas stores.

Social media has also contributed to the popularity of Chinese cuisine. On TikTok, videos tagged “Chinesefood” have been viewed more than 2.2 billion times, helping to spread Chinese culinary culture.

A tofu dish in Zhejiang cuisine /CFP

The overseas Chinese catering market is expected to exceed US$400 billion by 2026, according to recent data analysis.

Interview with Royal Ballet Theater of Russia artistic director

03:41

With 2024-2025 designated as the China-Russia Years of Culture, a plethora of events will be held in both countries to celebrate the occasion. Kicking off the Years of Culture in the Chinese capital is a performance by the Royal Ballet Theater of Russia. CGTN host Julian Waghann had an exclusive interview with the company’s founder and artistic director, Ekaterina Cherkasova, to talk about her love affair with China en pointe.

Decoding Hui-style architecture

03:51

Cheng Jiyue is an expert in traditional Huizhou architecture. He introduced Chinese gardens to the world when he built the first Hui-style garden – the Chunhua Garden – in Germany. Let’s meet Mr. Cheng and learn about the characteristics and evolution of Huizhou architecture.

Heart-shaped balloons in Jinan herald celebration of romance

Heart-shaped balloons and a “crush on you” sign stand in a square outside a mall in Jinan, Shandong Province, May 15, 2024. /IC

Two women take a selfie with heart-shaped balloons set up in a square outside a mall in Jinan, Shandong Province, May 15, 2024. /IC

A woman walks past heart-shaped balloons set up in a square outside a mall in Jinan, Shandong Province, May 15, 2024. /IC

People pass by heart-shaped balloons set up in a square outside a mall in Jinan, Shandong Province, May 15, 2024. /IC

A woman passes by heart-shaped balloons set up in a square outside a mall in Jinan, Shandong Province, May 15, 2024. /IC

“Wo ai ni” are the words used in Chinese to tell someone you love them, and this spot in Jinan, Shandong Province is once such romantic spot where you can express that sentiment.

Festooned with large pink hearts, a square in front of a shopping mall in the city is drawing attention ahead of May 20, or 5.20. The Chinese for this date is “wu er ling,” which sounds like “wo ai ni,” leading to the day becoming one of China’s many celebrations of love.

Businesses in the area have set up over 30 heart-shaped balloons, ranging from 1 to 5 meters in height and spread out over 100 square meters. Take a picture with the “crush on you” sign to let your sweetheart know how you feel.