The 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday, discussing the future course of the China-U.S. relationship.
Participants said that China has already established different forms of a community with a shared future with dozens of countries and regions in recent years.
Although there may be uncertainties in the future of China-U.S. relationship, both sides value the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China is exploring the right way to get along with the United States under the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
"We always believe major-country competition is not the defining color of our times. Solidarity and cooperation is the right way forward for humanity. Decoupling and disruption of industrial and supply chains is not the solution. Mutually beneficial cooperation is the way to achieve common development. Building 'small yards with high fences' is not what a major power should do. Open and shared development will benefit the whole world," said Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
In addition, participants also said that with the conclusion of the U.S. presidential election, China and the United States have entered a new era of development.
"We used to have discussions with Trump about the 1.0 version of the China-U.S. trade agreement. We can negotiate 2.0 version and 3.0 version, including an agreement of BRICS. BRICS countries are very attractive now, with dozens of countries lining up to join. So I think China plays a leading role in this aspect. I believe there are many things we can discuss when engaging with the United States," said Wang Huiyao, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and former counselor to the State Council of China.
The annual forum will next discuss topics including global governance, China-EU cooperation, and artificial intelligence.
As a global think tank forum held in China, the annual forum has been successfully held for eight consecutive years. Dozens of countries, international organizations, hundreds of think tanks and representatives from Chinese and overseas research institutions and organizations in the fields of strategy, economics and business have participated in the past events. The forum focuses on the challenges and responses of global think tanks amidst new changes, aiming to help global think tanks innovate and strengthen cooperation.
9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum opens in Beijing
9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum opens in Beijing
A new train route from Harbin to Mohe in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is offering tourists a unique cultural experience as part of China's booming winter tourism services.
Harbin and Mohe are two prominent winter tourist destinations in China. Harbin is home to the world's largest snow theme park, Ice and Snow World, which features intricate ice and snow sculptures and landscapes spanning one million square meters. Mohe, China's northernmost city, offers unique experiences, including encounters with forest reindeer and sightings of the breathtaking Northern Lights.
This year, the train journey between Harbin and Mohe offers a unique and memorable experience for tourists, providing a thrilling lag to their winter adventure. The train departs Harbin every day at 18:20, winding its way through the snow-covered landscapes of northeast China. The 18-hour ride is a celebration of the region's rich culture, immersing passengers in the vibrant traditions and customs of the area.
Travelers can enjoy the live performances of Yangge, a song-and-dance duet popular in the Northeast of China, and are even invited to join in to fully enjoy the lively and warm atmosphere. The ornaments and cushions on the train with distinctive local style ooze the generous, warm-hearted, and humorous spirit of the region.
Tourists from across China are flocking to experience the unique cultural journey offered by the new train route. Liu Huixing, a tourist from Changsha, Hunan Province, expressed her enthusiasm for the trip.
"We are from Hunan's Changsha, and we will stay in Heilongjiang for seven days. The shows tonight were amazing, very joyful, we also participated, and loved it so much," she said.
"The activities offer tourists from southern China a special experience. In this way, they can enjoy northeast China's culture before they arrive at Mohe City. And our train is very popular," said Shi Lei, the conductor of the train.
The unique offerings of the train complements local attractions and have made the Harbin-to-Mohe route a key driver of Heilongjiang's winter tourism boom.
Over 87 million tourist trips were made to Harbin between November 2023 and February 2024, generating revenue of 125 billion yuan (about 17 billion U.S. dollars), the highest in its history up to last year.
China's central government has also set goals that by 2027, the total value of winter tourism should reach 1.2 trillion yuan (about 164 billion U.S. dollars), and by 2030, increase to 1.5 trillion yuan (about 206 billion U.S. dollars).
The Asian Winter Games to be held in Harbin in February 2025 will make winter tourism even more popular in China.
China's northeast region sees surge in winter tourism with new train route
