ASEAN media representatives visited Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday, enjoying the centuries-old cultural heritage of the ancient Lingqu Canal scenic spot and exploring modern day Chinese engineering.
The ASEAN Media Partners "China Up Close" Guangxi Tour was a part of the ongoing 2024 ASEAN Media Partners Cooperation Week, which started on Friday.
Located in Guilin City's Xing'an County, Lingqu Canal is an engineering marvel built over 2,000 years ago to connect central China with the Lingnan region, facilitating both trade and cultural exchange.
During the visit, the media group joined a virtual discussion with engineers on the Pinglu Canal, China's first large-scale canal project since the country's founding.
While Lingqu Canal represents China's ancient ingenuity in waterway construction, the Pinglu Canal showcases modern advancements. Currently under construction, the canal will open a direct route from Guangxi to the ASEAN nations, featuring high-tech elements like the world's fastest water-lock gate.
"I am greatly interested in the historical artifacts uncovered during the canal construction and deeply admire China’s efforts to preserve its heritage," said Encik Jelberter anak Robert, a Malaysian journalist.
The delegation also visited the nearby Lingqu Museum, where they explored exhibits telling the story of the canal's construction during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).
ASEAN media delegation explore scenic spots and cultural heritage in Guangxi
The Peruvian capital of Lima will soon see the completion of a major flood control project built by a Chinese company.
It does not rain frequently in Lima, but the Huaycoloro River overflowed in 2017 due to unusual heavy precipitation, affecting 30,000 families living along the river.
The 10.5-kilometer flood control project built by China International Water and Electric Corp. is set to be completed in January 2025.
"Extreme weather like El Nino can lead to flash floods and other natural disasters, So, such a project was launched," said Liu Hongmin, project manager with China International Water and Electric Corp.
The company has completed nearly 20 projects in Peru in fields including hydropower, flood control, road, bridge, power transmission and mining.
Peru is hosting APEC 2024, with the APEC Economic Leaders' Week underway in Lima.
The week will conclude with the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 15-16.
"The APEC meeting is an important event for our country, and we look forward to all countries, including our good friend China, to come and invest. Investment drives infrastructure construction, infrastructure construction generates more jobs, and employment brings about increases in income, foreign exchange and the development of tourism," said Hernan Yaipen Arestegui, Peruvian Minister of Authority of National Infrastructure.
China builds flood control project in Lima