Foreign
Steadiness and openness: China’s rising global appeal
By Liu Lingling, People’s Daily
Recent surveys by international polling agencies such as Ipsos and Morning Consult reveal a steady rise in global favorability toward China.
This shift is evidenced by three key developments: substantial increases in foreign tourists arrivals, broader international viewership of Chinese films and TV dramas, and growing global investor interest in Chinese assets.
Observers note a striking shift in China’s global image – from “mysterious” to “captivating” – with some foreign commentators even describing China as distinctly “cool.”
Tourists recount a common journey: arriving with curiosity about a nation once seen as enigmatic, only to depart as genuine enthusiasts.
Thanks to China’s unilateral visa-free policies – now extended to 47 countries – and its 240-hour visa-free transit program expanded to 55 countries, a growing number of foreign travelers are packing their bags for impromptu visits.
This surge in firsthand encounters transforms visitors into active ambassadors of Chinese culture. Their authentic experiences are dissolving the “cognitive bubbles” shaped by prejudice and distance, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding and emotional connections.
This rising global favorability reflects not only China’s stabilizing and constructive role amid global turbulence, but also the intrinsic appeal of its development and progress.
A foundation of stability and progress
Amid rising protectionism and global uncertainty, China has remained committed to its principled approach – pursuing high-quality development and expanding high-standard opening up.
In the first quarter of 2025, China’s GDP grew by 5.4 percent year on year. In the first five months, the total value of China’s foreign trade rose by 2.5 percent from a year ago. Despite mounting external pressures, China’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, remaining a critical engine for global growth. Observers worldwide recognize this steadiness – guided by strategic focus, undeterred by external noise or short-term fluctuations, and driven by confidence and long-term vision.
China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions. It has extended the zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. The number of Belt and Road partner countries continues to grow. The world sees not just market access, but the broader opportunities presented by China’s development. Chinese modernization is delivering fresh momentum to global progress.
A commitment to shared responsibility
As unilateralism fuels anxiety and instability worldwide, China has doubled down on its commitment to peaceful development and win-win cooperation.
A stark contrast emerged at two recent summits. While the G7 reiterated confrontationist rhetoric like “small yard, high fence,” the second China-Central Asia Summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana yielded over 100 tangible cooperation agreements. China and Central Asian countries are jointly pursuing high-quality regional development and shared modernization, while championing multilateralism and international fairness and justice.
In response to unilateral bullying by certain countries, China has taken tangible steps to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilizations Initiative, driving progress toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.
“China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner. Malaysia values this consistency,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He added that China offers not just stability but a lasting sense of hope for the future.
A drive for innovation and progress
“This is a very dynamic and innovative society,” observed The Telegraph’s correspondent after extensive travel throughout China. With an innovation-driven development strategy and robust efforts to cultivate new quality productive forces, China’s scientific and technological advancements are capturing global attention.
Innovation has made China a “nation of the future.” International observers cite its resilience, relentless entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to breakthroughs. This reflects a deeper strength: resolve in tackling complex challenges, courage to blaze new paths, and the patience to press forward. This persistent momentum earns increasing international respect and recognition.
By embracing openness and cooperation, China shares the fruits of its innovation with the world, promoting common development and working with other nations to pursue shared aspirations. A China like this naturally inspires others to join in its progress.
A resonant cultural connection
From the viral sensation of toy figure Labubu to beloved cultural icons like Ne Zha and Wukong, China’s creative reinterpretation of its traditions – blending modern design and technology – is fueling a global “Eastern fever,” weaving compelling stories of cross-cultural exchanges.
China’s rising global favorability reflects its proactive engagement with the world, the growing global resonance of its ideas, the richness of its civilization, and the expanding promise inherent in its unique modernization path.
At a time when divisive zero-sum thinking increasingly impedes global progress, China’s vision and practical steps toward building a community with a shared future for mankind offer alternative pathways, injecting sustained momentum into international cooperation through both profound ideas and concrete action.
Foreign
BREAKING: Trump Orders Investigation into Reported Christian Killings in Nigeria
By: Fabian Apechihin
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has directed lawmakers to launch an immediate investigation into reports of widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing the situation as a “Christian genocide.”
In a statement released Friday evening via his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed grave concern over the violence, blaming radical Islamist groups for what he called a “mass slaughter.”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he wrote.
The U.S. President announced that he is designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing alarming figures of killings within the country compared to global totals.
“When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria — something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me,” Trump stated.
He added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration remains ready “to protect Christian populations around the world.”
Defence/Security
Polish MEP Raises Alarm Over Killings of Christians in Nigeria
By: Fabian Apechihin
Polish Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Dominik Tarczyński, has once again drawn global attention to what he described as the ongoing persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria.
In a post on his verified 𝕏 account on Monday, Tarczyński shared an image of a blood-stained Nigerian flag alongside a viral video showing a pastor conducting a burial ceremony for victims of violence.
In the video, the pastor lamented the frequent killings, saying:
“We are tired of performing burial every day, and they expect us to remain silent. It has become an order, and the Nigerian government came out to deny the massacre, saying there is no genocide of Christians in Nigeria. United Nations, you’re watching me. The American Parliament is aware of what we are doing now. My special request is to President Trump to save our lives in Nigeria. They are killing more Christians. If they say they kill Muslims, the Muslims are killed by who? Muslims are killed by Muslims.”
Tarczyński’s post quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions and renewed calls for the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to combat banditry and terrorism.
However, the Federal Government has repeatedly rejected claims of a religiously targeted genocide. In a recent statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described such allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
Idris maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and not driven by religious motives, warning that framing the fight against terrorism as an anti-Christian campaign could deepen existing social and religious divides.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and called on international partners and media outlets to “refrain from narratives that distort the country’s security realities.”
Foreign
Two Dead After Cargo Plane Skids Off Hong Kong Runway Into Sea
By: Fabian Apechihin
Two airport security officers were killed early Monday after a cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport, struck their patrol vehicle, and plunged into the sea.

The incident involved Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747 arriving from Dubai around 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT Sunday). The aircraft veered off the north runway, crashed through perimeter fencing, and collided with the patrol vehicle, pushing it into the water. Both occupants of the vehicle died, while the plane’s four crew members survived.
According to officials, the plane ended up partially submerged, making it one of Hong Kong Airport’s deadliest aviation accidents in years. Two other runways remain operational as investigations continue.
Airport operations executive director Steven Yiu said the patrol vehicle had been travelling on a service road outside the runway’s perimeter at a “safe distance” when the plane suddenly turned off course.
“Normally, the plane is not supposed to turn towards the sea,” Yiu said during a press briefing. He emphasized that the patrol car “definitely did not enter the runway” and that the aircraft had not sent a distress signal before landing.
Divers later recovered the bodies of the victims—two men aged 30 and 41—about five meters from the shore and seven meters underwater. One was confirmed dead at the scene, and the other died in hospital.
Hong Kong’s transport bureau expressed condolences to the victims’ families, describing the event as “deeply saddening.”
Emirates confirmed the accident, saying the cargo plane “sustained damage on landing in Hong Kong.” The airline noted there was no cargo onboard and that the aircraft had been wet-leased—meaning operated with crew and insurance—from Turkish carrier ACT Airlines.
Firefighters reached the scene within two minutes, rescuing all four crew members who had escaped via the aircraft’s emergency slides. Photos from the crash site show the plane broken in half, with part of its fuselage submerged in water.
Authorities are now searching for the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders (“black boxes”). A police spokesperson said criminal investigations have not been ruled out.
The affected runway will remain closed pending the outcome of the investigation. At least 11 incoming cargo flights were cancelled on Monday, according to airport authorities.
This is only the second fatal aviation accident at Hong Kong International Airport since it relocated to Chek Lap Kok in 1998. The previous one occurred in 1999, when a China Airlines jet crash-landed during a typhoon, killing three people.
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