The Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station Tiangong captured stunning views of the South China Sea and Xisha Islands from space, offering a unique perspective of their beauty.
On April 25, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, sending three astronauts into the space station for a six-month mission, with a planned return to the Earth later this month.
During the mission, the three astronauts, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, have marveled at the stunning landscapes, from snow-white seas of clouds to vibrant blue oceans and cities lit up at night.
In their downtime, the crew gaze through the windows of the space station, recording the majestic views of China. Li introduced the view of the South China Sea and Xisha Islands they captured from space.
"Hello everyone, I am astronaut Li Guangsu. Today I will show you the South China Sea. Looking down from space, the vastness of the South China Sea forms a sharp contrast with the Xisha Islands. The sea water presents a deep blue, and the islands are like bright pearls inlaid on the blue waves, each of which shining brightly with unique charm. The Xisha Islands are one of the four major archipelagos in the South China Sea, composed of the Yongle Islands and the Xuande Islands. The islands are distributed in more than 500,000 square kilometers of sea area with a total land area of about 10 square kilometers. Zhongjian Island is located at the southernmost tip of the Xisha Islands. The green vegetation covering the island can be seen vaguely from here, which is an ecological barrier to prevent wind and fix sand. This is the mark left by generations of PLA soldiers stationing on the island. In 2012, Sansha City of Hainan Province was established on Yongxing Island, governing the islands and reefs of the Xisha Islands, Zhongsha Islands, and Nansha Islands and their waters. It is the southernmost and largest prefecture-level city in China, yet with the smallest land area and smallest population," introduced Li.
"Although we cannot see it from space, we know that at this moment, a group of soldiers are stationed in the South China Sea. With the belief of loving the country and the island and guarding the border, they are the Great Wall guarding the South China Sea. On this special day of the National Day, we salute you who are guarding the front line of border defense," Li said.
The Shenzhou-18 crew are scheduled to return to Earth in late October this year after staying in orbit for about six months.
Shenzhou-18 astronauts share space views of South China Sea, Xisha Islands
The European Union should abandon trade protectionism and return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation, rather than disregard the appeals of all parties, according to Li Yong, a senior fellow at the China Association of International Trade.
The European Commission announced Friday that it passed a vote to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (EVs), sparking criticism from several European countries and auto industries who warn the move could boomerang against the European Union's (EU) competitiveness.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Li criticized the EU's anti-subsidy investigation as a typical example of trade protectionism, highlighting its unfair, non-compliant and unreasonable nature.
"Observing the entire process of the EU's anti-subsidy case, both procedurally and substantively, its grounds are unfair, non-compliant and unreasonable. The investigation, first mentioned in the EU's State of the Union address last September, appears politicized. It was launched not based on reported damages by the auto industry but on speculation, which is a hallmark of trade protectionism," Li said.
Li emphasized China's sincerity in the investigation process, expressing the hope that the EU would abandon its protectionist mindset.
"Throughout the handling of the EU countervailing case, China has demonstrated great sincerity, fully communicating with the industry and showing an open and cooperative attitude and greatest flexibility. However, the final draft ruling is disappointing. The opposition of member states and the concerns of the industry have not been respected. In future negotiations, we hope the EU can abandon its protectionist preconceptions, respect the facts and the demands of all parties, and correct its wrongdoing to return to the right track," Li said.
Despite Friday's vote, China remains open to negotiations to reach an agreement and avoid higher tariffs. Countries like Germany and Hungary have voiced strong opposition to the vote, while car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, have indicated that countervailing duties could impair the industry's long-term competitiveness.
The European Commission -- the executive arm of the 27-nation bloc -- maintains that the EU and China are working hard to explore an alternative solution that would be monitorable, enforceable, and fully compatible with World Trade Organization rules.
China says that its position is consistent and clear, firmly opposing the EU's unfair, illegal and unreasonable protectionist approaches in this case.
Amid the row over the EU's controversial tariffs on Chinese EVs, technical teams from China and the EU will resume talks on October 7.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade expressed its firm opposition on Saturday, adding that China and the EU should resolve their differences through dialogue in order to reach a solution that aligns with the interests of both parties.
China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday also expressed strong opposition to the EU's decision, considering it "unfair, non-compliant and unreasonable," while acknowledging the EU's political willingness to continue negotiations.
EU should abandon trade protectionism amid row over controversial tariffs on Chinese EVs: expert
