Foreign

Anti-science remarks and actions lead U.S. to wrong direction

Published

4 years ago

July 31, 2021

As another attempt of the U.S. to politicize the COVID-19 origin tracing, representatives from the U.S. misrepresented China’s rejection of the plan for the second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 put forward unilaterally by the WHO Secretariat as willful damage to virus tracing at an informal meeting of the UN General Assembly on pandemic preparedness and response on July 28, which met strong refutation from Chinese representatives.

By exhausting all the possibilities it can to smear China on the virus tracing issue, the U.S. has shown the world how crazy it can be to suppress science out of political purposes, despite the worsening pandemic situation at home.

COVID-19 indicators in the U.S. are rebounding seriously, with increase in the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations rising in almost all of its 50 states, according to a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In contrast, growth in vaccination rates has obviously slowed down in the country.

It was predicted that the daily growth rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. may reach nearly four times the current figure in the next four to six weeks with the fast spread of the Delta virus strain and the halt in vaccination rates.

The worsening pandemic situation has made American politicians more eager to find a scapegoat for their poor COVID-19 response. However, easing the pandemic should depend on scientific measures rather than political manipulation. If defaming China helped contain the virus, the U.S. wouldn’t have been trapped in a vicious cycle of “deterioration-alleviation-rebounding”.

Unfortunately, U.S. officials have failed to learn from their painful experience and roll out effective anti-epidemic measures for their domestic issues. The inaction of the U.S. government has in fact turned it into an accomplice of the virus and greatly disappointed the American people.

“We’re all incredibly depressed and in shock at how out of control the virus is in the U.S.,” said Michele Barry, director of the Center for Innovation in Global Health at Stanford University.

“With so much wealth and medical talent, they asked, how could we have done so poorly?” said an article on The New York Times. It is a question disturbing many American scientists and people.

The answer is pretty easy to get. It is because U.S. politicians have stood on the opposite side of science and taken anti-science measures that they have failed miserably to control the pandemic.

In the battle against the virus, American politicians have chosen political means as their weapon and made other countries their targets. Just like Don Quixote who attacked windmills with a spear, they picked the wrong weapon and the wrong enemy. No wonder the U.S. has to face defeat in fighting the virus.

From the beginning of the pandemic, the U.S. has been led to a wrong direction by various anti-science decisions and moves. The White House downplayed the epidemic situation by claiming that the pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus was no worse than the common flu and that the “risk to the American people remains very low”. Certain U.S. politician even suggested the possibility of an “injection” of disinfectant in a person infected with the COVID-19.

At the instigation of some politicians, various anti-science theories have become increasingly rampant in the U.S., voices of reason from professionals have been suppressed, and social bias has continued to grow.

As some people in the country were misled by politicians and media, ludicrous incidents have been reported one after another. Some Americans did wrongly drink disinfectant to prevent COVID-19, and some protested against “stay-at-home orders” and COVID-19 vaccination. “Coronavirus parties” even took place in many places, leading to cluster infection.

Noting that a historic epidemic is spreading, Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law and director of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, pointed out that people must continue to be guided by science, as ignoring it can cause the loss of lives. Unfortunately, American public health experts are increasingly being sidelined, Gostin sighed.

Placing politics above science, the U.S. finds it difficult to implement any effective measures. Wearing masks in public places, a globally recognized effective measure to prevent the spread of the virus, has been an issue hotly debated by American politicians, who unbelievably turned a medical issue into a political issue.

What’s more ridiculous is that absurd theories regarding the COVID-19 and epidemic prevention and control measures, such as the claim that the metal strip in medical masks is a 5G antenna that causes brain cancer, could circulate on social media platforms in a major country with strong scientific strength as the U.S.

At present, as the pandemic situation rebounds rapidly in the country, whether people should be required to wear masks in public places becomes a political issue again.

Last year, following closely the steps of the federal government, many southern states of the U.S. reopened economy to help with presidential election campaigns, which caused the numbers of confirmed and hospitalized COVID-19 cases to soar.

In response to such anti-science moves, four former directors of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jointly wrote an article, which was published on the website of The Washington Post in July 2020, to criticize the U.S. government for politicizing anti-epidemic efforts and challenging science with partisan potshots, sowing confusion and mistrust at a time when the American people need leadership, expertise and clarity.

However, even today, avoidable tragedies are still happening in the country, which makes many public health experts in the country feel helpless.

During the recent meeting, U.S. representatives said that it is the responsibility of countries to correctly understand the origins of public health emergencies, and that this responsibility comes from the need to protect all people through better protection against future biological disasters. Their idea is absolutely right.

For Americans who are caught in a public health disaster, it is responsible for the U.S. to respond to the concern of the international community, invite scientists of various countries to the U.S. for research on COVID-19 origin tracing and avoid going further in the wrong direction.

If the U.S. government continues with its attempt to challenge science with politics, it will only get bogged down deeper in the mire of the pandemic. And for that mistake of their government, the American people will have to pay with their health and lives.

By Zhong Sheng

Foreign

Understanding the history of World War II to build a peaceful future

Published

1 hour ago

August 11, 2025

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By Zhu Chengshan

“Dead To Rights,” a film about the Nanjing Massacre during World War II, recently premiered in China to significant acclaim, sparking a surge of interest in domestically-produced war films this summer.

Historical truth transcends time, possessing both revelatory power and enduring impact. The film portrays 15-year-old Luo Jin, an apprentice at Nanjing’s Huadong Photo Studio, who uncovered harrowing evidence while developing photographs for Japanese officers during the city’s occupation. The images captured scenes of mass killings, rape, and other atrocities committed against Chinese civilians by Japanese aggressors.

At great personal risk, Luo secretly duplicated dozens of the images and compiled them into an album. These materials were later safeguarded by Wu Xuan, a patriotic student, ultimately serving as pivotal evidence at the trial of Hisao Tani, the principal perpetrator of the Nanjing Massacre.

The true history cannot be erased. No matter how relentlessly Japanese right-wing forces or historical revisionists attempt to rewrite the past, their efforts are ultimately futile.

Does that painful chapter of history still carry meaning in our time? The answer is unquestionably yes. Patriotic education remains a lasting theme.

Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that the responsibility for war crimes lies with a few militarists, but not the people. However, people cannot at any time forget the severe crimes committed by aggressors. The Nanjing Massacre, committed by Japanese aggressors, was an atrocious anti-human crime and a dark page in the history of humanity.

This blood-soaked memory serves as a solemn reminder: when a nation is poor and weak, its people become vulnerable to the gravest violations of fundamental rights. We must never forget these historical lessons nor allow such tragedies to recur.

History serves both as the best textbook and dose of sobriety. The Nanjing Massacre remains one of the darkest and most harrowing chapters in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This is a historical truth universally acknowledged by the international community.

Throughout the war, more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded. China suffered direct economic losses of over $100 billion and indirect losses exceeding $500 billion, calculated in terms of 1937 levels.

As China commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, we recognize this conflict as modern China’s longest and largest struggle against foreign aggression..Despite paying the heaviest national price, it culminated in the Chinese people’s first complete victory in their fight for liberation – a triumph that belonged not only to China but to all peace-loving people worldwide.

A truthful understanding of World War II history is fundamental to building lasting peace for the present and the future. China’s prolonged resistance tied down vast numbers of Japanese troops, shattering the scheme of Japan joining forces with fascist Germany and Italy to launch a two-front assault and dominate the world.

As the main Eastern battlefield of the anti-fascist war, China’s war of resistance made a critical contribution to its worldwide victory and the cause of justice and freedom for humanity. Franklin D. Roosevelt, then U.S. President, once commented that without China, or if China had been defeated, many more Japanese divisions would have been deployed to other areas.

Today’s world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and these changes are accelerating. Hegemonism, power politics and Cold War mentalities alongside growing economic coercion is on the rise. In the face of these challenges, the Chinese people feel more deeply than ever the importance of patriotism, unity, and self-strengthening.

This makes it all the more vital to confidently share the great significance of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and to highlight the decisive role of the main Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism.

To promote enduring peace and stability across the world, we must engage with history in a spirit of sincerity and humility – drawing wisdom from its experiences, and learning from its lessons, so that the true history can guide the way forward for all humanity.

(Zhu Chengshan is a Professor at Changzhou University, former vice president of the Chinese Society for the History of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and former curator of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders)

Foreign

Chinese products bring coolness to European consumers

Published

2 hours ago

August 11, 2025

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By Li Gang, People’s Daily

With heat waves sweeping across Europe this summer, demand for Chinese-made air conditioners (AC) is rising, signaling a shift in the region which is long accustomed to getting through the season without cooling systems.

Customs data reveals China’s air conditioner exports to EU countries reached $3.76 billion during the first half of 2025, representing a 43.2% year-on-year increase and setting a new record for the period. This growth continues the robust export momentum established in 2024.

Air conditioning is not as widely used in Europe as in many other parts of the world, due to high rental rates, deeply rooted awareness of environmental protection, and the high cost of installation and operation. Drilling into walls is often banned in historic buildings, and landlords generally won’t approve outdoor AC units. Installation must be carried out by certified professionals, often costing several hundred euros, with regular maintenance required.

To cope with the situation, Chinese air conditioner brand Midea has rolled out a portable split-type air conditioner for the European market. Portable, quiet, and comfortable, the product meets the needs of local consumers and is popular in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and beyond.

“This model has indoor and outdoor units, but unlike traditional split-type AC units, it’s easy to install and can be moved around. Its cooling performance is excellent,” said Zhu Zhou, sales director of Midea Residential Air Conditioners in Europe.

In Northern Europe, buying and installing an AC can cost around 3,000 euros. It’s a bit cheaper in Western and Southern Europe. The portable split-type AC is priced at 1,199 euros, users can save a lot by installing it themselves, Zhu said.

The spike in demand has ramped up production. At Midea’s smart factory in Nansha district of Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province, assembly of the portable split-type AC units is running in an orderly manner.

“We’ve shipped over 80,000 units so far, with another 20,000 scheduled for production,” said Sun Qi, head of production planning at the factory.

Midea has established dedicated production lines to ensure quality and output. The AC products are shipped to Europe via sea and the China-Europe freight trains. The sea freight route begins at Nansha Port in Guangzhou, passes through the Strait of Malacca, rounds South Africa, and arrives at the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The rail freight route begins in Guangzhou, exits China via Horgos Port, and travels through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland and other countries before arriving in Germany. In the first half of the year, Midea’s AC sales in Europe rose 35 percent.

Multiple Chinese brands are gaining traction. The portable AC products of TCL DeLonghi, a joint venture between home appliances groups TCL and DeLonghi, are also selling well in Europe.

“Our sales are up 25 percent this year in the European market,” said Du Quanbin, head of market management at the overseas marketing center of TCL DeLonghi Home Appliances (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd., located in Nantou town of Zhongshan, Guangdong.

Production lines at the company’s production workshop are running at full capacity. According to Du, orders for Europe have already been shipped, and the products being made will be sent to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina, stocking up in advance for summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Beyond air conditioners, Chinese-made cooling products are becoming common in German homes. German consumers report these offerings combine affordability with innovative features.

Stephen, a Berlin plumber who frequently works in uncooled environments, recently purchased a Chinese-made cooling uniform from a department store. The garment features breathable, heat-resistant fabric with UV protection and specialized cooling technology that maintains body temperatures up to 15°C below ambient conditions – a practical solution for extreme heat.

Shenzhen-based appliance supplier Weikenxiong observed a March surge in European orders for compact electric fans, now selling approximately 200,000 units monthly at over 100 euros each.

“This product was once a hit across Southeast Asia,” said Yu Yuewu, head of Yuecheng Plastic Products Factory in Longdu town, Chenghai district, Shantou of Guangdong. Holding one of the fans, Yu explained that it features an energy-efficient motor for powerful airflow, semiconductor cooling, and a built-in power bank, providing a steady stream of cool air.

The European market places strict demands on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. “To maintain long-term market growth, the industry chain must push technological boundaries by adhering to high standards,” Yu added, expressing optimism about future prospects.

Foreign

Trump Condemns Killings of Christians in Nigeria, Promises Strong Response

Published

7 hours ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The United States has issued a strong condemnation of recent massacres targeting Christians in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, describing the violence as “horrific” and pledging coordinated action with international partners.

The statement follows a series of deadly incidents, including the slaughter of 27 Christians in Bindi Ta-hoss, Nigeria, by suspected Islamist Fulani militants. Witnesses said many victims—women and children among them—were burned alive while sheltering in a church.

“I lost my wife and second daughter in the attack,” survivor Solomon Sunday told reporters. “They were burned alive.”

Just days earlier, on July 27, 49 Christians were hacked to death with machetes during prayers in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities blamed the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces. Across the region, groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa are accused of killing, displacing, and seizing land from Christian communities.

“The Trump administration condemns in the strongest terms this horrific violence against Christians,” the White House said, stressing that defending religious freedom is both a moral obligation and a U.S. foreign policy priority.

Human rights organisations have labelled the attacks a campaign of “ethno-religious cleansing.” John Eibner, president of Christian Solidarity International, noted that over 165 Christians have been killed in Nigeria’s Plateau State alone in the past four months. “People are being killed like chickens, and nothing is being done,” added local youth leader D’Young Mangut.

According to Open Doors, more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined. Over the past decade, jihadist violence in sub-Saharan Africa has claimed about 150,000 lives and displaced more than 16 million Christians. In Plateau State, more than 64 communities have reportedly been seized by armed Fulani militants.

Religious leaders warn the violence is systematic. Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who lost 20 parishioners in a recent attack, accused militants of seeking to transform parts of Nigeria into an Islamic State. Families of victims say they are “tired of condolences” and demand tangible protection.

Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, called for urgent global attention: “For too long, nobody has been talking about the horrific wholesale slaughter of Christians. The Western world needs to wake up and be outraged.”

If you want, I can also make this more hard-hitting in a breaking news format for faster reading while keeping the emotional punch. That would make it sharper for headlines and news feeds. Would you like me to do that?