China promotes "Shanghai Spirit" with pragmatic actions: spokeswoman

China

China promotes "Shanghai Spirit" with pragmatic actions: spokeswoman

2025-01-02 16:41 Last Updated At：22:47

China is not only the initiator of the "Shanghai Spirit," but also actively promotes it, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a regular press briefing on Thursday.

Following the previous summit in Astana in July 2024, China has taken over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for 2024-2025 and will host series of events and a summit.

As the chair country, China will strive to strengthen cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural sectors, according to Mao.

"China is not only an initiator of the 'Shanghai Spirit,' but also a doer in carrying forward the 'Shanghai Spirit.' Taking 'on the move' as the key word for our presidency, we aim to increase cooperation in sectors of politics, economy, and people-to-people and cultural exchange with more pragmatic measures and a proactive attitude. We also hope to improve the organization's operation mechanism, build a SCO community with a shared future, and expand new space for win-win development," said Mao.

"As we enter 2025, the work of the chair country accelerates. China will host a friendly, united, and fruitful SCO summit and about 40 meetings. Meanwhile, we will hold large events such as the SCO political parties’ forum, the poverty reduction and sustainable development forum, the forum on people-to-people friendship and sister cities, and the international investment and trade expo. We will also hold events under signature programs such as the SCO film festival, a TV show festival, an art festival, a youth innovation and entrepreneurship competition, a calligraphy competition, a sculpture competition, and the SCO summer camp. Media friends are welcomed to follow and report these activities," Mao said.

Sales of aquatic products, meat surge ahead of Spring Festival

2025-01-05 07:07 Last Updated At：07:17

As the 2025 Spring Festival approaches, Chinese consumers are flocking to markets to purchase aquatic products and meat in preparation for the festive feasts, driving up sales ahead of a holiday that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and tradition.

Located in eastern China's Fujian Province, the Fujian Strait Aquatic Products Trading Center in Fuzhou, the largest spot market for aquatic products in Southeast Asia, is witnessing a surge in trading volumes starting on New Year's Day, with trading activity expected to reach its peak ahead of the festival.

Covering an area of over 300,000 square meters, the center primarily serves as a wholesale market, with its sales network spanning across the entire country.

According to the market's manager, before Jan 1, approximately 3,000 trucks delivered products daily. In the past two days, the number has risen to 3,500 trucks, and it is expected to reach 7,000 trucks in the days leading up to the festival.

In Jinhua City in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, the beef and mutton market has also entered its peak season, with a significant rise in sales of both products at wholesale markets and fresh supermarkets.

"I bought a lamb chop to make mutton hot pot, which is good for health during this cold winter," said a customer.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Jan 29 this year and the Spring Festival holiday will last until Feb 4. It is China's most important festival and an occasion for family reunion.