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.”

By Shi Ling, People’s Daily

Over the past five years, China has made significant strides in science and technology, positioning itself at the cutting edge of global innovation. Chinese researchers are now leading in key frontier domains, reflecting the nation’s growing capacity for original, foundational breakthroughs.

In quantum science, Chinese scientists have, for the first time, realized fractional quantum anomalous Hall states of photons. In life sciences, they have produced the first single-cell spatial map of the macaque cerebral cortex. In brain-computer interface research, new technologies have enabled paralyzed patients to regain mobility and restored light perception in the visually impaired.

These advances underscore the country’s expanding ability to generate original innovations. As a result, new industries and business models are emerging, propelling China closer to its goal of becoming a science and technology giant. 

Frontier technologies, defined by their foresight, pioneering potential, and exploratory significance, represent the future direction of global scientific and technological progress. In many of these domains, China has moved from a follower to a forerunner and in some areas, to a pacesetter. What lessons can be drawn from this transformation?

To push the frontiers, it is essential to anticipate emerging trends and take the initiative.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming daily life, with applications ranging from intelligent voice assistants and adaptive environmental systems to facial recognition and smart security. China’s global leadership in AI is underpinned by comprehensive top-level planning and the effective alignment of policy guidance with market-driven innovation.

China’s scientific and technological endeavors now span from the cosmic and the quantum, engage with extreme environments, and advance through interdisciplinary integration. A deep understanding of technological trajectories enables China to define development priorities, make forward-looking plans, and seize new opportunities.

To push the frontiers, it is essential to strengthen basic research and cultivate long-term perseverance.

Over the past five years, China has more than quadrupled the charging efficiency of power batteries, while its motor and electronic control technologies have reached globally leading standards. Despite entering the new energy vehicle sector later than Europe and the United States, China has achieved leapfrog development – driven by foundational technological breakthroughs.

As many researchers acknowledge, “Scientific discovery often comes from the final attempt after countless failures.” The nanoscale confinement catalysis theory for efficient and clean energy conversion emerged from more than 20 years of sustained research by Bao Xinhe’s team. Similarly, the development of a quantum simulator that surpasses classical computing reflects more than ten years of dedicated effort by Pan Jianwei’s team. 

These original breakthroughs are underpinned by growing investment in basic research, a strategic balance between open-ended exploration and mission-driven focus, and the quiet dedication of countless researchers committed to the pursuit of scientific discovery.

To push the frontiers, it is essential to integrate innovation drivers and build a robust innovation ecosystem.

Ultrapure water is indispensable in semiconductor manufacturing. To meet the stringent “five parts per billion” impurity standard required for chip production, Chinese tech firm Sunresin conducted more than 200 iterations over three years, ultimately breaking foreign monopolies. Within this ecosystem, even failed experiments are not penalized – an evolving tolerance for failure allows researchers to focus wholeheartedly on solving complex challenges.

A mature innovation ecosystem fosters synergy among innovators and ensures the effective allocation of resources. In recent years, China has deepened its reform of science and technology evaluation mechanisms, shifting the emphasis toward innovation value, capacity, and real-world contributions. The integration of enterprises, universities, and research institutions has accelerated, spurring the rapid rise of technology-leading firms. Simultaneously, infrastructure, platforms, and academic systems are being reinforced, while the country’s high-level talent pool continues to expand. China is also deepening international cooperation and actively engaging in major global scientific programs. Through a model of independent, collaborative, and open innovation, China is creating a world-class environment for frontier breakthroughs.

At the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, a robot that once stumbled descending stairs went on to win the 100-meter dash, while on the football field, a tangle of clumsy robots drew laughter from the crowd. Behind these imperfect yet promising performances lies the momentum of an emerging industry, demonstrating the vitality and resilience of China’s innovation landscape.

Looking back, China has transformed its latecomer position into a strategic advantage, achieving remarkable progress across multiple sectors. Looking ahead, China will not only provide extensive application scenarios for scaling innovations, but also become an increasingly important source of original and disruptive scientific breakthroughs.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

China adds four villages to the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) “Best Tourism Villages” list in 2025, bringing its total to 19 since the program’s inception. These villages – each distinct in landscapes, cultural heritage, and development models – collectively demonstrate China’s commitment to ecological conservation and comprehensive rural revitalization.

The 2025 announcement coincided with the 20th anniversary of the “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” principle (known as the “Two Mountains” theory). Significantly, the unveiling occurred in Huzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, where this very concept was put forward.

Each newly recognized village embodies this philosophy. 

Digang Village in Zhejiang preserves the world’s most complete mulberry-dyke fish-pond system, achieving zero ecological pollution.  

Jikayi village in Sichuan, southwest China, located near the World Natural Heritage Site Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, has developed a highland three-dimensional agricultural ecosystem. 

Huanggang village in southwest China’s Guizhou province boasts an 85 percent forest coverage rate and 2,300 mu (about 153 hectares) of terraced fields, protecting its pristine natural scenery. 

Dongluo village in Jiangsu, east China, with its interlaced waterways and picturesque raised fields, looks like a painting brought to life. 

Each of these villages has pursued a development path suited to its local conditions, one that harmonizes ecological beauty, industrial vitality, and rural prosperity. 

Guided by the “Two Mountains” theory, China always prioritizes ecological protection, conserves resources and uses them efficiently, and pursues green and low-carbon development. As millions of people embrace this path, they reap the benefits of sustainable growth. Across China, a modern landscape of harmony between humanity and nature is unfolding. 

At the heart of rural revitalization lies industrial revitalization. Drawing on their own strengths, rural communities across China have tapped into local culture and unique resources to foster new industries such as rural tourism, eco-agriculture, and cultural creativity. This “one industry driving many others” approach has offered valuable lessons for sustainable rural development worldwide. 

In Shibadong village, central China’s Hunan province, the Miao embroidery industry, local homestays, and specialty agricultural products have all flourished. Huanggang village has promoted comprehensive rural revitalization through holistic preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Jikayi village has explored a model where ecology and ethnic traditions complement each other. 

Rural tourism has not only made villages more beautiful but also made villagers more prosperous. Today, staying in village guesthouses, tasting local delicacies, and buying local specialties have become new trends among Chinese urban and rural residents. In 2024, China’s leisure agriculture sector generated nearly 900 billion yuan ($126.57 billion) in revenue, an increase of about 50 billion yuan compared with 2020. 

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili noted that the Best Tourism Villages initiative has injected strong momentum into rural transformation and is helping build a more sustainable future.

As China advances the construction of beautiful villages, it has woven traditional Chinese aesthetics into rural development and preservation. Efforts have been made to enhance the comfort of living environments, improve infrastructure, and upgrade public services, bringing new vitality, deeper cultural richness, and a more vibrant local life to ancient villages. 

Foreign visitors frequently observe: “These villages preserve their traditional charm while exuding a modern and artistic touch. It’s where the past and present meet in harmony.” 

Energetic “village galas,” popular “village songs” and lively “square dances” that bring together both urban and rural residents, all these scenes, born from everyday life, reflect the uplifting spirit of the Chinese people and the deep cultural vitality of China’s countryside.

The beauty of rural China lies in the harmony between ecological protection and economic development, in the fusion of traditional culture and modern civilization, and in the steady rise of people’s sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security. 

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China has prioritized agricultural and rural development, implemented the rural revitalization strategy in depth, and achieved historic progress, laying a solid foundation for transforming itself from a major agricultural country into an agricultural powerhouse. 

The fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China called for accelerating agricultural and rural modernization and taking solid steps to advance all-around rural revitalization. Staying true to this vision, China will continue to contribute its wisdom and experience to advancing sustainable rural development across the world.