CMG hosts dialogue in Luxembourg to discuss opportunities arising from China's reform

China Media Group (CMG) Europe and the Chinese Embassy in Luxembourg hosted a dialogue on "Global Opportunities in Deepening China's Reform in the New Era” at the China Cultural Center in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss the outcomes and opportunities arising from China's deepening reform and modernization.

The event was held to share insights on the just-concluded Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing.

Nearly 100 representatives from political and business sectors, think tanks, media organizations, and university students from China and Europe participated in the dialogue, discussing China's latest policy trends and gaining a clearer understanding of China’s reform and modernization.

Shen Haixiong, President of CMG, emphasizing the significance of the plenary session as a milestone for China's development in the new era during his video speech.

In the face of today's intertwined world of chaos and change, and the opportunities and challenges presented by the new wave of technological and industrial revolutions, China has placed reform in a more prominent position, Shen stated, adding that the pace of reform will not stop, and there will be no "decoupling" or "high walls".

Shen also emphasized that CMG will fulfill its responsibility as an international mainstream media organization, continuously produce high-quality content to showcase the Chinese modernization to the world.

He hoped for honest and profound exchanges, joint responsibility and the promotion of a shared future for humanity.

"I think it's been very good, and I think it's been timely. What we found today was the big picture of the Third Plenum, which of course has gone quite successfully and hopefully will contribute to better cooperation. Well, I mean, we've seen over the last decades how important China's opening up and economic development has been, not just for the Chinese people, we heard again today about 800 million out of poverty because of it, but also for the world at large, as we need China to succeed, not just for China but for the rest of us too," said James Moran, senior researcher at Center for European Policy Studies, a leading think tank in Europe.

"What the viewing and listening public in Europe and throughout the world need to realize is that Chinese success doesn't mean that Chinese are dangerous or enemies. Quite the opposite. China is an opportunity for us, and friendship with the Chinese and trade cooperation with the Chinese is good for us. And also that trickles down to media cooperation. Audiences could learn about China. Audiences could learn about Europe. We need more cooperation and China Media Group are doing very, very good work in this and EU Reporter is very very pleased to be part of your China Media Group circle of friends and cooperate," said Colin Stevens, editor in chief of EU Reporter, a Brussels-based news website which covers European Union and world affairs.

The event was covered live by Paperjam, Chronicle.lu and other major local media outlets in Luxembourg, as well as EU Reporter.

The dialogue was widely reported by major media outlets in France, Italy, Serbia and Spain, reaching an audience of 15 million people across Europe.

As the world's largest comprehensive international media conglomerate in terms of scale, business scope, and coverage, CMG actively fulfills its responsibility as a mainstream international media entity, hosting events like this and producing high-quality works showcasing Chinese modernization to the world.

The event was supported by the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, the China Cultural Center in Luxembourg, and EU Reporter.

CMG hosts dialogue in Luxembourg to discuss opportunities arising from China's reform

With a rapidly expanding network covering its most districts, Beijing's vast subway system can be regarded as one of the most prominent testaments to the city's fruitful modernization drive over the past two decades.

China built its first metro line, the Line 1, in Beijing in 1969, a route linking the city's eastern Chaoyang District with Shijingshan District in the west. However, the subway system was not extended until 2001, at which time the Chinese capital only had the east-west Line One and Line Two that loops the center area totaling 54 kilometers.

The construction of subway took off in early 2000s, after Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The metro system in the city underwent a fast expansion since then. In 2008, the city's subway network boasted eight lines totaling 200 kilometers in length.

Following the Olympics, Beijing continued to gather pace in subway construction, building a total of 27 lines with a combined mileage of 836 kilometers as of end 2023, topping other cities in China.

"I feel that Beijing's infrastructure construction is pretty good, effectively addressing the commuting problems for young workers and students," said Xu Yanrui, a university student.

Starting from August 26, passengers on Beijing Subway Line 1 also have the chance to ride a special "Time-travel Train." With deep green faux leather seats arranged horizontally, part of the train's interior design can transport passengers back half a century, allowing them to experience the contrast between old and new subway cars and sense the changes in eras.

"When the subway system was first opened, there was only one line, the Line 1. Now it has developed into a network. You can find a subway station in any corner of downtown Beijing. As a major mean of transportation, the subway network now covers most of Beijing said Zhang Xiaoyu, a retired subway driver.

Fueled by the expansion of the network, vending machines, lockers, convenience stores and even flower shops have also gradually appeared in subway stations.

This year, three subway lines, spanning 45.3 kilometers, will be put into operation. The test runs of these three lines or sections are currently underway.

The underground system is proof of Beijing's dedication to sustainable urban development and modernization. The future of Beijing's metro system is incredibly promising with ongoing expansion plans and technological advancements.

Rapidly expanding Beijing subway network a testament of city's modernization drive