In response to the US announcement of military assistance worth $571.3 million and approval of $295 million worth of arms sales to Taiwan on Friday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Sunday that China strongly deplores and firmly opposes it and lodged serious protests at once with the US.

The spokesperson said the US move violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué of 1982, and China’s sovereignty and security interests. The decision is a severe breach of the US leaders’ commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence,” and sends a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. To aid “Taiwan independence” by arming Taiwan is just like playing with fire and will get the US burned, and to use the Taiwan question to contain China is doomed to fail. China urges the US to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop the dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. We will take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, the spokesperson said.

US President Joe Biden approved $571.3 million in defense assistance for the island of Taiwan, the White House confirmed on Friday. On the same day, the US also announced the potential sales of upgraded tactical data link systems and gun mounts for ships to the island, valued at around $295 million.

Chinese experts believe that the Biden administration's frequent military sales and assistance moves before a change of US government are designed to pressure the next administration to adhere more closely to his policy framework regarding Taiwan question. However, they argue that these moves will have limited impact on the island’s defense capabilities and primarily serve to enrich US arms manufacturers.

In a brief statement, the White House announced that Biden had authorized the drawdown "of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to support Taiwan,” according to AFP.

The statement did not provide details of the military assistance package of the $571.3 million. It was the third of its kind after the $567 million and $345 million in assistance announced on September 30 this year and on July 28, 2023.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, questioned why the US didn’t reveal details of what the $571.3 million defense assistance consists of. He said it is likely the aid was given to Taiwan authority as a bait to purchase, “it’s more like I give you some sweet and you spend money.”

In September earlier this year, Taiwan authorities said they were looking into the issue of mouldy armour and expired ammunition among “unserviceable” US military equipment delivered to island of Taiwan, according to South China Morning Post.

The shipments included 120 water-damaged pallets containing more than 3,000 body armor plates and 500 tactical vests that were “soaking wet and covered in mould”, according to the US Office of Inspector General, which launched an investigation after the matter was flagged by Taiwan officials.

The US government also announced on Friday the potential sales of parts for 76 mm autocannon and upgraded Link-16 system to Taiwan, valued at around $295 million.

Both the 76 mm autocannon and upgraded Link-16 system only serve to sustain the existing combat capabilities of the island of Taiwan, offering no significant improvements, Song told the Global Times.

Link 16 is part of a military tactical data network used by NATO members. It allows planes, ships and land-based vehicles to share near-real-time tactical information by text, image or voice, media reported.

76 mm autocannon is a type of shipborne gun used by the island's navy, also known as a naval gun, said Song.

One thing is clear, a large amount of money needs to be paid to American arms dealers, and the prices for these military purchases are often much higher than market rates, forcing the Taiwan authority to incur substantial expenses while primarily benefiting American arms manufacturers, Song said.

The military sales announced on Friday came less than a month after the US State Department approved the potential sale of spare parts for F-16 jets and radars to Taiwan valued at approximately $385 million, the Pentagon said on November 29.

On December 5, China took countermeasures against 13 US military firms and six senior executives in response to the US announcement of arms sales to China's Taiwan region.

The Taiwan question is China’s domestic affairs, and it is the core of China's core interests. It is the first red line in China-US relations that cannot be crossed. The Chinese people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson from China's Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday in response to Pentagon report on China's military and security developments.

The US is intensifying military ties with Taiwan, accelerating the arming of island of Taiwan through arms sales and military aid, which seriously violates the one-China principle. This will only fuel the arrogance of "Taiwan secessionism" and escalate tensions in the Taiwan Straits, potentially leading to conflict and war, Zhang said.

China urges the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, to recognize the extreme danger of "Taiwan independence" separatism, to understand the serious consequences of playing with fire, to stop official exchanges and military contacts with island of Taiwan, and to cease condoning and supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The US should not continue down the wrong path, Zhang noted.

The first batch of US-made M1A2T tanks sold to the Taiwan island reportedly arrived in Taipei on December 15 following the arrival of accessory equipment of the tanks in Kaohsiung before, but a military expert from Chinese mainland said the tanks, trumpeted by media on the island as "the most powerful combat vehicle on the ground," are too bulky and heavy for island combat and will only serve as easy targets for drones and attack helicopters.

In response to an inquiry regarding claim by the Taiwan island's "defense ministry" that it had received "the most powerful combat vehicle on the ground" from the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on December 16 that China firmly opposes military ties between the US and the Taiwan island, opposes US arms sales to the island, stressing that China's position on this remains consistent and clear.

Traditionally, US presidents approaching the end of their term would refrain from making significant diplomatic moves. Yet the Biden administration has frequently approved arms sales or assistance to Taiwan before Biden leaves office, indicating an attempt to pressure the next administration to comply with his policies regarding Taiwan question, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Saturday.

If the next administration were to deviate from the framework set by Biden, it would require significant effort to address the challenges created under Biden’s policies, said Li.

Furthermore, Li stated that Biden administration's frequent moves are aimed at intensifying Washington's efforts to confront China using the Taiwan question. The military advantage that the mainland has over island of Taiwan is quite evident, which is why the US is now eagerly selling weapons to Taiwan region. This reflects the deep anxiety in of the Biden administration, said Li.

In response to media reports that a businessman who has settled status in the UK was banned from entering the UK last year for allegedly posing national security risk to the UK due to his relationship with China's United Front Department, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in the UK said on Friday this is a typical case of the thief crying "catch thief."

Some people in the UK are so keen on making up all kinds of "spy" stories against China. "Their purpose is to smear China and sabotage normal people-to-people exchanges between China and the UK. We strongly condemn this," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson pointed out that the United Front led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) endeavors to bring together various political parties and people from all walks of life, ethnic groups and organizations to promote cooperation between the CPC and people who are not members of it.

The CPC and the Chinese government always believe that different civilizations should respect and learn from each other with an open mind, work for harmonious coexistence, win-win cooperation and peaceful development of all countries, and promote normal people-to-people exchanges and friendship with other countries. Non-interference in each other's internal affairs is an important principle upheld by Chinese diplomacy. The Chinese side is fair and square, above-board and beyond reproach, the spokesperson said.

Some on the British side repeatedly use China's United Front work as a pretext to accuse China of wrongdoing, discredit China's political system, and undermine normal exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK. Such sinister plots will never succeed, the spokesperson noted.

"We urge the relevant parties in the UK to immediately stop creating trouble, stop spreading the 'China threat' narrative, and stop undermining normal exchanges between China and the UK," the spokesperson said.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," is held in Beijing on Saturday. Experts and scholars engaged in discussions on the topic, "Exploring the path of great power relations: differences and consensus." Tu Xinquan, dean of China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, said that while the US was once a key driver of the global trade system, at present, the "dual-core drive" of China and the US is more beneficial for the world economy. 

Economic and trade relations can be seen as the foundation of China-US relations and serve as the ballast for their stable development. Tu pointed out that the multilateral trade system in the past operated with the US market at its core. However, with the US market and economy facing problems, the core in the past can no longer single-handedly drive the global economy. The China-US "dual-core drive" is more beneficial for the development of the world economy. In Tu's view, China's role in the global economy is still primarily that of a producer, and its position as a consumer has not yet been fully demonstrated.

Tu emphasized that the key issue in the global trade system lies in how to coordinate the conflicting economic interests of different producers. To address this, he proposed two approaches: First, to create a larger international market through the inclusion of new members, technological advancements, and institutional improvements; Second, to foster a more interdependent, "mutually embedded" relationship among producers.

President Xi Jinping on Monday said the Chinese people will score more remarkable achievements and make greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development of humanity.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a reception held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

China's National Day falls on Oct. 1.

Li Qiang presided over the reception. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the event together with around 3,000 Chinese and foreign guests.

In his address, Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, first paid high tribute to the people of all ethnic groups in China, to the officers and soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, and to other political parties and personages without party affiliation.

Xi extended sincere greetings to compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, in Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to friendly countries and international friends who care about and support the development of the PRC.

On the new journey in the new era, the central task of the Party and the country is building China into a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, said Xi.

Advancing this unprecedented great cause steadily is the best way to celebrate the anniversary of the PRC, he stressed.

Xi emphasized that, to advance Chinese modernization, it is imperative to always uphold the core role of the Party in exercising overall leadership and coordinating the efforts of all sides, unswervingly follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, deepen reform across the board and expand opening up, uphold a people-centered approach, and remain committed to peaceful development.

Xi stressed the importance of fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the policy of One Country, Two Systems, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy.

He also called for efforts to ensure and advance long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao.

"Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory," said Xi, urging efforts to deepen economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait and resolutely oppose separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence."

Noting that people of all countries live on the same Earth and share a common destiny, Xi called for efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

After 75 years of strenuous efforts, the Chinese modernization has unfolded promising prospects, said Xi, while also cautioning against potential risks and challenges on the road ahead.

"We must remain mindful of potential dangers and be well-prepared," said Xi, urging efforts to resolutely overcome uncertainties and unexpected risks and challenges.

Some 16 varieties of highland barley and rapeseed totaling 520 grams have been sent into space for breeding experiments with the successful launch of China's first reusable satellite the Shijian-19, Xizang media reported on Saturday, noting that the move marks new progress in the construction of a key laboratory for plateau space breeding.

The Shijian-19 was placed into its preset orbit via a Long March-2D carrier rocket that lifted off at 6:30 pm on Friday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwestern China, according to the China National Space Administration.

Space breeding utilizes extreme space environments such as microgravity and strong radiation to induce genetic mutations in the seeds. The seeds will be returned to Earth after a period of time, for the selection and breeding of new plant varieties. This process usually induces  better-performing seeds. 

The world's first key laboratory for plateau space breeding was established in Cona, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region in May 2024 under the coordination of research teams in East China's Anhui Province and Northwest China's Shaanxi Province with the local Cona government. The lab is committed to contributing to the development of new agricultural productivity in Xizang and enhancing border security and prosperity, the Xizang Daily reported on Saturday.

This project is dedicated to space breeding work for local agricultural varieties in the plateau region, promoting the breeding research of local barley, Tibetan medicine, chili peppers, rapeseed, and other varieties. It also focuses on researching germplasm resources suitable for high-altitude, cold, and arid areas, including forage, ecological grass, Tibetan medicine, and fruits and vegetables. 

Currently, the first phase of the plateau space forage selection and experimental base has been completed, with 30 acres planted with six varieties of space forage. As of early July this year, it has entered the stage of field management for experimental data monitoring. Subsequent research projects will be gradually established starting from 2025. 

China's industrial profits maintain growth from January to August, marking 0.5 percent increase year-on-year, driven by high-tech manufacturing, despite the challenges including extreme weather and a high-base effect.

The high-tech manufacturing sector, which includes lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, and related equipment, led this growth with a 10.9 percent year-on-year increase during the same period, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday.

China's industrial profits continue to maintain the growth trend observed since the beginning of the year, with new momentum industries represented by high-tech manufacturing experiencing rapid growth, said NBS statistician Yu Weining.

The industrial profit growth rate has dropped during the period, due to insufficient effective market demand and the severe impacts of natural disasters, including heat waves and floods in certain regions, coupled with a notably higher comparison base in August, Yu said.

Excluding factors such as high bases and extreme weathers, the slowing in industrial profit growth suggested the necessity to actively boost domestic demand, Tian Yun, an economist based in Beijing, told the Global Times.

As China is rolling out a series of policy support to boost its economy, more favorable fiscal policies are anticipated to be introduced in the fourth quarter, Tian said.

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Thursday to analyze and study the current economic situation and make further arrangements for economic work.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

Editor's Note:

Fifty years ago, not only the archaeological community but also ordinary people were stunned by the excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs. Among the findings is a remarkable discovery known as China's "Sleeping Beauty" (Lady Xin Zhui), an over 2,100-year-old lady who looks nearly as good as she did when she was buried after her death at the age of about 50, during China's Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25). The world has marveled at the mystery behind her body, as well as the numerous precious treasures unearthed from the tombs.

In this Mawangdui trilogy, the Global Times Culture Desk reaches out to experts who have been involved in the excavation field work, revisiting those moments when new discoveries were made or more cultural relics were unearthed. This is the second installment.
With all three tombs discovered at the Mawangdui Han Tombs, questions about their occupants have become the elephant in the room: Who were they? Which tomb was the earliest, and which was the latest?

When the archaeology team needed to address the chronological questions, Fu Juyou, one of the leaders of the Mawangdui site excavation, decided to consider stratigraphy as a key factor.

Shan Xianjin, one of the excavators of the Mawangdui Han tombs, was leading the team to implement the idea. He told the Global Times that the team applied stratigraphy into their practice to determine the chronological order of the three tombs.

"By digging with a bulldozer in the middle of the two mounds, a profile was created to study the stratigraphy. We could see different layers of the soil, and decided the order is No.2, No.3 and No.1," recalled Shan, now 88 years old.

However, the mystery surrounding the owner of Tomb No.2 remained unresolved.

"Wrapping up his work at the bottom of the coffin, He Jiejun went ahead to reach to the bottom of the wooden board," Shan said.

"With his swollen fingers, He got something hard. What could it be? He lifted it out, cleaned it a bit with water melt from the snow. It turned out to be a seal!

"The seal read 'Daihou Li Cang' [the marquis Li Cang]. Everyone was so thrilled at that moment! Now we knew the identity of the tomb's owner," Shan noted.
Details of the discovery

From many discoverers' point of view, the excavation stories of Mawangdui started from the story of "ghost fire." Shan told the Global Times that in December 1971, an air-raid shelter was under construction to be used by a nearby military hospital.

To speed up the process, the construction team utilized iron brazing to drill down, which released an unpleasant odor.

"Two soldiers took a break and smoked, and the marsh gas from the drilling caught on fire, emitting blue flames," Shan recalled.

The flames were believed to be "ghost fire," as the conventional saying goes, leading the team to halt the excavation.

News of the incident was relayed to Hou Liang, then head of the Hunan Museum. Hou immediately identified that the soldiers had likely uncovered an ancient tomb, locally known as a "fire pit tomb," renowned for its well-preserved artifacts.

After the female corpse was unearthed, medical workers ­performed an autopsy in December 1972 to thoroughly examine the integrity of the body and study ancient Chinese embalming techniques.

Medical experts from across Hunan Province were invited to perform the autopsy, with young surgeon Peng Longxiang leading the procedure.

"It can be said that all clinical departments participated, including radiology, dermatology, stomatology, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, and otolaryngology. Everyone was joking, but we didn't invite pediatricians because she was an adult, so [almost] all clinical departments participated," Peng said.

Impacts on art, life

Hailed as one of the most important archaeological finds in China during the 20th century, the Mangwangdui site has garnered significant attention both within the country and around the world.

Professor Eugene Wang Yuejin, founding director of the Harvard FAS CAMLab, an art team, told the Global Times in an interview that the discoveries at Mawangdui have had a profound influence on the global understanding of ancient Chinese culture and its contribution to mankind's heritage.

Lü Chenchen, associate ­director of Harvard FAS CAMLab, told the Global Times that the medical texts discovered at ­Mawangdui are some of the earliest known manuscripts on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), providing insights into ancient practices of health, well-being, and holistic healing.

The texts, which cover treatments and medical theories, have left an everlasting impact on TCM and continue to influence people's life in modern times.

Through a series of provocative actions in the South China Sea in recent years, Japan, a country that does not have any claim in the region, has gradually revealed its ambitions to play a more influential role in the busy waterway.

In its latest move, Japan and the Philippines held their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea on August 2 in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, according to Reuters. The exercises came less than a month after the two countries signed a landmark military pact allowing the deployment of forces on each other's soil.

What is Japan's real plan in the South China Sea? How has it gradually been forming a strategy for the South China Sea? How could its involvement affect the regional situation?

Eager actions

The Japan-Philippines drill took place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, Reuters said citing the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It closely followed similar exercises between Manila and Washington on July 31.

On July 8, Japan and the Philippines signed a key defense pact, the Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint military exercises, including live-fire drills, to the Philippines. It also similarly allows Philippine forces to enter Japan for joint combat training, media reported.

The defense pact with the Philippines is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with the UK in 2023, according to the reports.

Some Western media interpreted the collaborations between Japan and the Philippines as moves to push back against China's so-called regional assertiveness.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated at a press conference on July 8 that the exchange and cooperation between countries should not undermine the mutual understanding and trust between other countries in the region. It should not threaten regional peace and stability, target any third party, or harm the interests of any third party.

The signing of the agreement will help Japan further sell patrol ships, radars, and other military equipment to the Philippines, seizing the Philippine arms market, seeking greater economic benefits, and expanding military and political influence, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times.

The US has always used the South China Sea issue as a means to contain China, and Japan has also continuously supported and incited the Philippines to cause trouble and provocations in the region. To put it more directly, the US wants Japan to be its strategic pawn, and Japan wants the Philippines to be its cannon fodder, Zhang said.

To Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, "assistant" is a more appropriate word to describe Japan's role in the deployment of the US' Indo-Pacific strategy.

Japan has apparently accelerated its pace of using military means to influence security affairs in the South China Sea in order to achieve a long-term presence in the region. The signing of the agreement with the Philippines and the immediate deployment of the exercises under the agreement are obvious examples, Chen noted.

At the same time, Japan has also enhanced support for military and paramilitary forces in regional countries. In May, Japan agreed to provide the Philippines with a 64.3-billion yen ($6.8 million) low-interest loan for the acquisition of five additional Japanese patrol vessels, in a bid to help it cope with "China's aggressive activities" in the South China Sea, the Kyodo News reported.

These moves are, in fact, extensions of the US' plan to achieve global maritime domain awareness, according to Chen.

The US has always attached great importance to enhancing its maritime situational awareness capabilities as a key component of its national security and maritime security strategy since the September 11 attack in 2001. Against the backdrop of the Indo-Pacific strategy, it is actively promoting the construction of a US-led maritime situational awareness network in the Indo-Pacific region with the participation of regional allies and partners, aiming to strengthen the maritime containment of China, analysts noted.

Aside from military-related moves, Japan has also been actively attending small US-led multilateral mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific region such as the US-Japan-Philippine and the US-Japan-South Korea mechanisms. It also tried to participate in the formulation of regional rules such as the definition of navigation freedom.

Japan's active moves and cooperation with the US show that it is seemingly quite willing to act as the US' assistant, Chen said.
The assistant's plots

The "assistant" is as willing as it has its own ambitions.

Japan's first priority is to use the South China Sea issue as a means to divert China's attention and spread out China's military presence in the East China Sea, where there are ongoing disputes between the two countries, Chen stressed.

In addition, Japan has a long-term goal of establishing itself as a political and military powerhouse. By leveraging the South China Sea disputes, Japan aims to extend its influence into Southeast Asia. Furthermore, Japan seeks to enhance its role in regional security by deepening cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia, he said.

Lastly, the South China Sea is a critical passage for Japan's energy and goods imports and exports. Therefore, Japan is certainly keen to strengthen its control over this vital lifeline, according to Chen.

According to the VOA, 90 percent of Japan's energy and trade flow passes through the South China Sea. Japan relies heavily on importing crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while one-fourth of the nation's total trade in 2019 was from the European Union and members of ASEAN that also rely on the sea route.

Taking these ambitions into account, analysts noted that while Japan's strategic alignment with the US still exists, at the same time, there is also a trend of rising strategic autonomy in Japan's Indo-Pacific strategy.

"Through collaborations with India, the Philippines, and Taiwan island, Japan is actively playing a role in forming an island chain. This chain starts from the Japanese archipelago, goes all the way to Taiwan island, with South Korea in the north and the Philippines in the south, then continues through Malaysia to India in the Indian Ocean, connecting the entire southern border of China. The South China Sea is a crucial link for Japan in weaving this chain, constructing a semi-circular containment barrier targeting China," Chen said, stressing that "Japan has really huge ambitions in Indo-Pacific area."

Yang Bojiang, director of the Japan Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, outlined the phased changes in Japan's South China Sea policy in a speech in November 2020.

According to Yang, Japan lost all overseas colonies after World War II and lacked a role in the South China Sea issue until the end of the Cold War. In the 10 years since then to the end of the 20th century, Japan entered "renewed attention" to the region. During this period, due to the existence of various political and legal restrictions, Japan mainly focused on observing and assessing the South China Sea issue, with few actual actions. In the 21st century, as Japan relaxed its self-imposed restrictions on military and security activities overseas, its South China Sea policy entered the "action" phase.

In 2016, then-Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe proposed Japan's version of the Indo-Pacific strategy as he was actively seeking a revival of Japan's international influence.

Abe's Indo-Pacific strategy was inherited and enhanced by the current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. During the Abe era, the concept emphasized that a maritime order was based on the rule of law, freedom, and openness as the foundations for stability and prosperity in the international community. The current concept of the Fumio administration is broader, with a wide range of topics and partners, and a strong emphasis on pan-security, making it a comprehensive international strategy that combines alliance, containment of China, security, and other global aspects, read an article published in March by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Japan started to make adjustment and try to achieve its own Indo-Pacific goals into the US' Indo-Pacific strategy since 2017 when former US president Donald Trump took office and established the Indo-Pacific strategy against China, in contrast with his predecessor president Obama's approach to seek economic, diplomatic, and security balance in the Asia-Pacific, according to experts.

The Japanese Indo-Pacific strategy has received some positive feedback and has increased Japan's visibility in international politics. However, its negative effects are also beginning to show.

Disturbed sea

Japan's intervention into the South China Sea has made Manila feel supported, becoming more reckless in South China Sea disputes, Chen pointed out.

The Philippines announced on Wednesday that it had launched two days of joint sea and air exercises with the US, Canada and Australia in its exclusive economic zone, Bloomberg reported.

In addition, since August 3, patrol boats and several Philippine fishing vessels have gathered near the illegally detained Philippine Coast Guard ship 9701 at the Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef). China Coast Guard (CCG) has been monitoring and effectively controlling the situation in accordance with the law, resolutely defending China's territorial sovereignty, the CCG announced.

Japan's intervention in the region would also expand the disputes between China and Japan in the East China Sea and the Taiwan Straits to the South China Sea, Chen warned.

Military competition in the region will be intensified. The risk of conflict between China and Japan in the South China Sea is also increasing, Chen noted.

The regional multilateral security mechanism led by ASEAN risks of being smashed and replaced by a fragmented security structure based on a US-led alliance system, according to Chen.

Regional countries should understand that they have more mutual interests with China than the US. And it is more beneficial to themselves to cooperate with China based on these mutual interests, rather than be used as a pawn in the US and its allies' geopolitical game, experts noted.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Roberto Vavassori, president of the Italian Association of the automotive industry, in Italy on Saturday to discuss the European Commission (EC)’s tariff against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and cooperation between China and Italy in the EV sector, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Sunday.

The meeting came ahead of Wang’s closely watched visit to Europe. The MOFCOM announced on Thursday that Wang will meet with EC Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on September 19 to hold talks on the EC’s so-called anti-subsidy investigation and subsequent tariffs targeting the Chinese EV industry.

Experts noted that Wang’s trip will focus heavily on addressing the issue through dialogue and urged the EC to show sincerity in the talks. 

The priority of China and the EU is to establish effective communication channels, finding common ground in the EV sector, and both sides need to respect each other’s positions, Sun Yanhong, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Wang’s visit aims to address the dispute over EC’s recent actions against China’s EV industry. As the EU steps up crackdown on Chinese EVs, there is an urgent need for dialogue to reach a new model of cooperation in China-EU trade, particularly given the evolving regulatory landscape, Sun said

The EU has shown a lack of sincerity in negotiations and has proceeded unilaterally with the introduction of punitive measures. Although the EU claims to be open to negotiations, it has shown no sincerity in addressing the issue through talks, Sun added.

The upcoming talks between Wang and Dombrovskis represent the highest-level dialogue between China and the EU over the EV issue. The meeting could provide a path to avoiding an escalation of trade tension, which could lead to a resolution both sides can accept, said Sun.

The EC is reportedly considering final tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on Chinese EVs, in addition to the standard 10 percent car import duty. These tariffs would need approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states and could come into effect by the end of October, according to Reuters.

Reuters reported on Thursday that Chinese EV makers had proposed setting minimum import prices to avoid the tariffs, but the EC rejected the offer. This move has drawn criticism from Chinese officials and industries.

The MOFCOM on Friday responded to the decision, saying that the move shows the EC's lack of sincerity in addressing the dispute through dialogue and stressing China's firm determination to safeguard firms' rights and interests.

"If the consultations fail to reach consensus in the end, the responsibility lies entirely with the European side," the spokesperson said. "China has the greatest sincerity to properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, as well as the greatest determination to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."