During the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, one documentary film The Sinking of Lisbon Maru garnered widespread acclaim in China. The film not only recounts a relatively obscure episode of World War II but also serves as a vivid reminder of the cruelty of war and the bravery of ordinary Chinese people.  

As of 3 pm Tuesday, The Sinking of Lisbon Maru, which hit theaters on September 6, had earned more than 15 million yuan ($2.11 million) at the box office. The film has also earned a 9.3 rating on Douban, the Chinese equivalent of IMDb, with over 14,000 comments on the platform. 

Without a doubt, the documentary film is experiencing a reversal at the box office thanks to its strong word-of-mouth. It just garnered 3,670,000 yuan at the box office on its release day. Looking back at the film's box-office performance since its release, this "sunken ship," which has been "salvaged," brings a historical truth that refuses to be buried, striking a chord with everyone who has watched it.

Despite the "disadvantage" of decreasing showtimes, as more and more people have connected deeply with its message and its portrayal of a little-known yet significant historical event. 

At the heart of the story is the Lisbon Maru, an armed Japanese cargo ship used during World War II to transport more than 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) from Hong Kong to Japan, without bearing a sign indicating it was carrying POWs - a violation of the Geneva Convention. 

In October 1942, the ship was struck by a torpedo from a US submarine. 

What followed was an unimaginable tragedy: Japanese soldiers sealed the POWs below deck, leaving them to drown and even shooting at them as they attempted to escape. As a result, 828 POWs died.

When the ship approached the coast of the Zhoushan Islands in East China's Zhejiang Province, 384 survivors were fortunately rescued by local Chinese fishermen, who risked their own lives using wooden fishing boats to save the British soldiers from the water.

At the end of the film, many audience members did not leave until they had read all the names of the 1,816 British soldiers and 200 fishermen who participated in the rescue. 

This documentary serves as a memorial to their efforts. 

This is not only a significant example of China and Britain fighting together against fascist aggression during World War II, but also a historical story of the deep friendship formed between the people of both nations.

However, for decades, the Japanese government has avoided addressing its role in the events surrounding the Lisbon Maru. 

The film's director and producer, Fang Li, an expert in geophysical exploration and marine technology, heard the story from some fishermen in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang Province in 2014 and later decided to make a documentary about it.

In an interview with the Global Times, Fang expressed the film's significance. "I made the film to reveal the truth, for the young men who died in the waters of the Zhoushan Islands and for the Chinese fishermen who helped rescue them," he said.

His determination has brought this story to light, despite the challenges of historical research. 

The film's attention to historical detail is another reason it has resonated strongly with viewers. 

Fang traveled extensively, conducting interviews with survivors, descendants of the POWs, and the families of the fishermen who took part in the rescue. 

"The descendants of the fishermen who participated in the rescue back then told me during interviews that whenever their fathers mentioned the incident, they would always say, 'We just did what we were supposed to do.' When the descendants of the POWs spoke about that part of history, they expressed their gratitude and respect for the fishermen of Zhoushan," said Fang. "These heroic, brave, yet humble and modest ancestors deserve to be remembered."

His journey spanned multiple countries, including the UK, Japan, the US and Canada. 

The result is a documentary that does more than recount the facts; it pieces together the fragments of history through the personal testimonies of those directly impacted.

According to Fang, they found more than 380 descendants of the survivors, interviewed over 130 face-to-face, and collected more than tens of thousands of historical photos.

In the film, as the survivors of the Lisbon Maru, the families of the POWs, the fishermen who participated in the rescue, and relevant personnel from Japan and the US recount their stories, fragments of history are pieced together. 

The realistic special effects in scenes vividly recreate the brutality of war, the cold-bloodedness of the invaders, and the heroic deeds of the Zhoushan fishermen.

What sets The Sinking of Lisbon Maru apart is that it goes beyond the retelling of a wartime tragedy. 

It emphasizes the love beyond borders: The courageous Chinese fishermen who, despite the risks, saw it as their duty to help others. 

The story of the Lisbon Maru, once nearly forgotten, is now being told to a new generation, ensuring that the ship's sinking - and the heroism of those who responded - will not be silenced.

The 2024 Latin American and Caribbean Music Festival kicked off in Beijing on Saturday, as part of the annual "Latin American and Caribbean Art Season."

The event features performances from bands from Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica, alongside a dance troupe from Chile, showcasing vibrant Latin American music and dance.

The festival opened with a performance by a Mexican band, featuring young musicians from orchestral theaters and showcasing diverse styles from metal and jazz to funk and pop. Then the stage welcomed a Panamanian band, followed by a Chilean dance troupe in vibrant costumes that celebrated Latin American culture. 

The festival concluded with a performance by Costa Rica's renowned rock music band.

Since its inception in 2013, the event has been a key initiative for cultural exchange between China and Latin America.

The Chinese national soccer team has embarked on the third stage of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers campaign with a low-key approach as they look to make the most of their opportunity against Japan on Thursday. 

Without grand send-offs by fans at the airport or an entourage of officials from the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the team's low-key departure to Tokyo on Tuesday stood in stark contrast to previous years, reflecting a shift in strategy amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Chinese soccer, experts said. 

Head coach Branko Ivankovic has called up a full-strength squad, including star forward Wu Lei as well as three naturalized players, Jiang Guangtai, A Lan and Fei Nanduo.

CFA has not set any rigid targets for the national team this year, but the performance of the national team has always been a focal point for the public. China looks to fight for points against Japan before taking on Saudi Arabia on September 10 in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Despite the gap in strength between China and Japan, the national team should aim high and show their character, Wang Dazhao, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

"Although the Chinese team may not be as strong as opponents like Japan or Saudi Arabia, representing China in the World Cup qualifiers is a significant responsibility. Whether or not the CFA sets a specific target, the team must establish its own goals and demonstrate a fighting spirit," Wang said. 

Wang also called on fans to handle the results of the game with a rational attitude and look on the bright side of the team's performance.

In the third stage of the Asian qualifiers, China was drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will enter a play-off tournament.

Ivankovic expressed optimism ahead of the first match against Japan. 

"We will do our utmost to secure points in the game against Japan, and perhaps we might achieve an unexpected result, which would be the best reward for our fans. What's crucial is to avoid injuries and help the players quickly adapt to the rhythm of the competition," he said, according to CCTV News. 

Despite Saudi Arabia's higher ranking, Ivankovic had higher expectations for his squad on home soil. "Our real test comes on September 10 when we host Saudi Arabia. In this match, we must secure points and strive for an ideal outcome," said the Croatian coach. 

China's Zhang Shuai and France's Kristina Mladenovic advanced to the US Open women's doubles final after a hard-fought 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend on Wednesday. 

This marks Zhang's fourth appearance in a Grand Slam doubles final and her first US Open final since winning the doubles title with Samantha Stosur in 2021 in New York, the US. The pair will face the seventh seeds, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko, in the final on Friday. 

Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen concluded this year's Grand Slam journey with a US Open quarterfinal defeat to Aryna Sabalenka. Despite the loss, her deep runs to the major tournaments and historic triumph at the Paris Olympic Games this year have attracted widespread attention and sparked interest in tennis across China.

The success of Chinese players in international tennis tournaments has fueled a renewed wave of enthusiasm across the country. In return, the expanding tennis demographic is contributing to the emergence of young talents who are striving to make their mark on the global stage. 

The 21-year-old Zheng made history in Paris to become the first Asian-born player to win gold in a tennis singles event at the Olympics. She also achieved a runner-up finish at this year's Australian Open in January, making her the second Chinese player in history to reach a major final since Li Na won the Australian Open in 2014. 

At Paris Olympics, Chinese duo Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu claimed silver in the mixed doubles. The fact that they were only paired right before the mixed doubles event began due to the last-minute withdrawal of Zhang's original partner Zheng added gloss to their laurels.

Zheng's success follows in the footsteps of earlier Chinese tennis icons like Li, and her achievements have contributed to the increasing participation in tennis across the country. China continues to build a strong presence in global tennis, with more grassroots initiatives and investments in tennis infrastructure, making the sport more accessible to young players across various regions.

"She put a little seed in my heart that I also wanted to do that and to be like her... and even better," Zheng said during a Tennis Channel interview in 2023 about Li's 2011 Roland Garros victory.

According to the 2021 International Tennis Federation Global Tennis Report, China ranked second globally in tennis participation, with 19.92 million people involved in the sport, representing 22.9 percent of the world's tennis population. This positions China just behind the US. 

The report also highlights China's strong tennis infrastructure, with 49,767 tennis courts, the second-highest number in the world. These figures show the rapid growth and popularization of tennis in China, transitioning from a niche activity to a widely enjoyed sport.

In Zheng's hometown, Central China's Hubei Province, tennis training has been included in the city's youth sports summer camps since 2015. The number of children who have participated in free tennis training increased from 1,000 in 2015 to 2,600 in 2023. Over 100 primary schools in Wuhan now offer tennis programs, which has greatly boosted youth participation in the sport, according to Changjiang Daily.

Hubei's Jingshan city, known as "China's Tennis Hometown," has cultivated a strong tennis culture. About 80,000 residents, or 12 percent of its population, regularly play tennis. The small city's 286 tennis courts ensure that residents can reach one within a 15-minute walk from anywhere in the urban area. Jingshan also holds regular grassroots tennis events, including the China (Jingshan) Tennis Festival, making it a national model for tennis promotion.

Aiming to secure enough ranking points to qualify for the WTA Finals in November, Zheng is set to make her debut at the China Open scheduled from September 23 to October 6 in Beijing. 

This year's tournament featured the largest number of Chinese players ever to compete in the singles, reflecting the country's rapid rise in the global tennis scene. 

The increasing participation reflects both the expansion of tennis culture and government efforts to promote the sport. The growth is attributed not only to the success of Chinese tennis players but also to the expansion of tennis facilities and grassroots initiatives. The development of tennis infrastructure has made the sport more accessible to people across China.

Similar to how Li inspired Zheng, Zheng's victorious journey may have planted seeds in the hearts of many more children. 

China passed the revision to the Law on National Defense Education on Friday, stressing national defense education on campus and the assisting role of military organs in students' military training. 

The revised National Defense Education Law consists of six chapters. It was passed at the 11th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing.

The revision improves provisions regarding students' military training and adds provisions stating that national defense education on campus should be aimed at raising awareness among students of their legal obligation to perform military service.

When conducting military training for students, universities and schools must follow the manuals - jointly written by education departments under the State Council and relevant units of the Central Military Commission - so as to strengthen the training of military skills, hone the quality of students' will, enhance their sense of discipline, and raise the level of military training, the new amendment reads. 

The local military organ is required to assist universities and schools in carrying out students' military training, such as arranging training teachers and offering training venues and facilities, according to the amendment. Some members of the Standing Committee said doing a good job in school national defense education is the basis for recruiting high-quality soldiers.

Xu Guangyu, a Chinese military expert said that entering the new era, many new changes have taken place in the international and domestic environment, which means putting forward new and higher requirements for national defense education is necessary. China's practice conforms to the international trends of enhanced national defense education, Xu said. 

The Law on National Defense Education was passed in 2001 and amended in 2018. The newly revised law will be implemented on September 21 this year.

China stands ready to work together with the Pacific Island countries (PICs) to build a more professional law enforcement team to ensure high-level security guarantees for high-quality development and achieve lasting security in the region, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said on Wednesday at the third ministerial dialogue on police capacity building and cooperation between China and the PICs.

Thanks to the cooperation between China and the regional countries, overall law-enforcement capability has significantly improved, which has been warmly welcomed by the local authorities and people. At the same time, improving social order and stability has ensured a favorable business environment, which in turn benefits China's economic cooperation with these countries, Chinese observers said. 

The ministerial dialogue was held in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province, which Wang co-chaired with Fiji's Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.

The PICs' eagerness to collaborate with China indicates a strong mutual desire, highlighting a stark contrast to the Western approach of transplanting their own systems, Chen Hong, executive director at the Asia Pacific Studies Center of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Australian media outlet ABC claimed on Thursday that "Chinese state-backed hackers attacked the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)." 

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning refuted on Thursday the claim as "politically motivated disinformation," noting that the PIF Secretariat didn't link the hacking to China. 

Mao said the move aims to drive a wedge between regional countries and China.

"I truly benefited greatly from this training session for new employees. Not only have my skills improved, but I also had a chance to develop other personal qualities. This experience has filled me with anticipation for my future work life," said Pei Yanan, a new hire of the State Grid Qingdao Power Supply Company, on September 9, 2024.

During this new employee training, the State Grid Qingdao Power Supply Company developed a training program for its new hires in 2024. Through a two-way selection process, career mentors were assigned and individualized development plans were created, helping the new employees transition from "workplace novices" to "business pillars." This initiative also reflects State Grid Qingdao Power Supply Company's broader efforts in youth talent development.

To address issues such as an un-optimized talent structure and a lack of vitality among the work force, the company has established a "Talent Reservoir" focused on identifying and nurturing young talent. 

They emphasize the selection of top performers and have built a "reservoir" for young leaders and core staff members coming  from  all levels and stages. Focusing on team development, they reserve and cultivate talent, invigorate the cadre team, and improve support and tracking measures for young employees. Employees under 40 years old maintain individual growth records through a "One Person, One File" system called the "Young Employee Growth Archive," creating an efficient "young leader supply chain" to promote orderly mobility within the cadre team and ensure a steady flow of fresh talent.

 Additionally, they have established a mechanism to identify the capabilities and qualifications of young leaders relative to job requirements, incorporating methods such as tool-based identification and impression assessment to proactively and accurately recognize talent.

Inclusiveness builds an ocean. State Grid Qingdao Power Supply Company follows the principles of cadre development, employing a systematic mindset. They focus on critical areas such as selecting, cultivating, and deploying young cadres, building a comprehensive training system and enhancing relevant management mechanisms. This ensures that young cadres, who are politically sound, morally excellent, and academically  qualified, enter an optimal career ladder at the best age to maximize their impact. The company actively cultivates 'compliance + business' composite talents, thereby accumulating 'youth strength' for constructing a world-class power grid company.

China's top legislative body on Tuesday started a regular session to review a raft of bills, including a draft decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

The move to adjust the retirement age is in line with both international practice as well as changes in China's demography and social and economic development, and is conducive to unleashing the full potential of China's increasingly high-quality population development to tackle demographic changes and support Chinese modernization, experts said. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 11th session. 

The move came after a resolution, adopted by the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in July, outlined the task of refining its population development strategy in response to an aging population and a declining birth rate. 

According to the resolution, in line with the principle of voluntary participation with appropriate flexibility, China will advance reform to gradually raise the statutory retirement age in a prudent and orderly manner. Details of the bill have yet to be revealed. 

Experts noted that the move is in line with the actual situation of China's rising average life expectancy and schooling years, and conforms to the need to improve the efficiency of human resources. 

"As life expectancy continues to rise, there will also be more people aged 50-60 who are willing to work at their posts for a longer period of time," Zhou Haiwang, deputy director of the Institute of Population and Development under the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

In addition, the reform is conducive to tackling another change in China's demographic - an aging population, according to Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University.

Average life expectancy in China has risen to 78.6 years as of 2023, Xinhua reported in August, citing a report released by the National Health Commission, compared with 57 years in 1957. 

In 2023, China's natural population growth rate was a negative 1.48 per thousand people, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 15.4 percent of the total population, Xinhua said in a separate report.

The dependency ratio of the elderly population in China reached 22.5 percent in 2023, an increase of 9.4 percentage points compared to 10 years ago. This has led to a reduction in the labor supply and created pressure on the continued disbursement of pensions, the report said.  

Necessary choice

Against such a background, gradually raising the statutory retirement age is a timely move based on the need for China's economic, social and population development, and a necessary choice to adapt to the "new normal" in China's demographic change, and to support Chinese modernization, experts noted.  

"It is a rational approach that balances the interests of all parties under the constraints of China's current population structure and social diversification," said Yin Xiwen, a researcher from the Tian He Institute of Labor Relations at Jilin University, in an interview with Xinhua.

"It also echoes with the global mainstream practice to cope with demographic change," Yuan told the Global Times, noting that almost all developed countries, including the US, have set the retirement age at 65 or older. 

It also adapts to China's changing demographics as well as improved education level and health situation of the population, experts said.

China's current retirement system, formed in 1950s, has set a relatively low retirement age - female employees retiring at 50 or 55 and male employees at 60. The average effective age of labor market exit was 64.4 years for men and 63.1 years for women across OECD countries in 2022. 

Experts allayed concerns that the reform could lead to pressure on the employment market, stressing that the impact could be "minimized" as the plan will be implemented in a phased manner and a series of supporting measures in labor market and pension system will also facilitate the transition process.

Gradually raising the statutory retirement age is just part of China's broader efforts to address the demographic changes. It has pledged to improve the employment-first policy and its social security system, as part of a comprehensive set of reforms outlined in the resolution adopted by the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

The world is closely watching whether the US and China can cooperate on the issue of climate change. US Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta is visiting China from Wednesday to Friday.

Recently, extreme weather events have been occurring with increasing frequency worldwide. Swaths of China logged the hottest August on record. Extreme summer heat has also increased in the US and other countries. Ideally, countries should unite to address this global crisis, pooling their efforts to tackle it together. Unfortunately, the West has chosen to undermine global green cooperation, particularly regarding China's green efforts.

China's new-energy sector has been heavily targeted, portrayed as having "overcapacity" by the West - a typical tactic to manufacture accusations, which are then employed as a pretext for imposing whatever measures they deem "necessary." While China's "new trio" - EVs, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products - contributes green power to the global energy transition, these products have become the target of Western attacks.

On one hand, the West makes a big fuss about China's carbon emissions; on the other, it seeks to undermine China's efforts in tackling this global climate crisis. This contradictory stance reflects their narrow-minded geopolitical calculations. The West cannot tolerate China's rapid advancements in the green economy, particularly the revolutionary breakthroughs in EVs which have made them deeply upset. Their strategic suppression of China is actually aimed at curbing the country's leading position in this field.

China has not only started a fundamental revolution in the EV industry but also demonstrated the unlimited possibility of a green economy. However, to be blunt, the West's current stance implies that the West believes it has the right to dictate the terms of the green transition and that other countries, particularly China, are not recognized for their contributions or advancements in this area. Driven by this mind-set, the goodwill associated with environmental protection and the green economy has been distorted into a geopolitical tool. 

Climate change requires all countries to collaborate in saving the planet. We hope that Podesta's visit to China will demonstrate a shift in the wrong attitude of the West - or at least the US - toward green cooperation with China. To enhance climate cooperation, the US and other Western countries must demonstrate genuine cooperative gestures and cease their unfair crackdown on China's green industries. Otherwise, the actions of the West will continue to exacerbate climate crises, ultimately causing all of humanity to pay the price for their narrow-mindedness and selfishness.

Rwanda, like many other African countries, values its partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests; the two countries' collaboration has led to tangible results, especially in poverty reduction, infrastructure development and other areas, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), told the Global Times. 

Kagame has visited China multiple times and attended the 2006 and 2018 Beijing summits of the FOCAC. 

"FOCAC has been a key platform for deepening the partnership between China and Africa. China's approach to Africa, characterized by sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, resonates strongly with Rwanda's values," Kagame told the Global Times. 

China has proven to be a reliable friend and partner, supporting Africa's development without imposing its will. "This model of cooperation is one that we deeply appreciate and seek to continue," the president said. 

China-Rwanda collaboration "has led to tangible results, especially in poverty reduction and infrastructure development," said Kagame. 

He noted that China has become one of Rwanda's largest trading partners, and the two countries have deepened cooperation across various fields, including trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization.

"The Belt and Road Initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing Rwanda's infrastructure and promoting sustainable development," said Kagame. He said projects such as roads in different corners of Rwanda and in the City of Kigali, Institute of Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Musanze campus in the Northern Province of Rwanda, and the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, have had a direct impact on improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth. 

"Looking forward, we see potential for further cooperation in areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization," Kagame noted. 

Kagame has visited several Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. He said what impressed him the most is the scale of development and modernization, particularly in infrastructure and technology, which serves as an inspiration for Rwanda's own development journey.

Both Rwanda and China share a history of overcoming immense challenges to achieve significant progress, said Kagame, noting that in terms of governance, both countries prioritize long-term planning, social stability, and the well-being of their citizens. 

He said China's model of development offers inspiration for Rwanda, while also noting the challenge for Rwanda is to adapt these experiences to unique context. Localization of Chinese experiences requires careful consideration of cultural, social, and economic realities," said the Rwandan President. 

Kagame envisions Rwanda becoming a middle-income country, with a diversified economy driven by innovation, technology, and high-value sectors in the next 10 years. On the global and African stage, Rwanda aspires to be a leader in peacekeeping, environmental sustainability, and regional integration and will continue to play a constructive role in African development, contributing to the continent's progress and standing as a strong advocate for African interests in international forums, the president added.

Kagame said the claims of "debt traps" and "new colonialism" are often unfounded and reflect a misunderstanding of the nature of China-Africa cooperation. "Rwanda, like many other African countries, values its partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests," said Kagame, noting that "we believe in evaluating partnerships based on their actual outcomes, and our approach to cooperation is one that emphasizes sovereignty, self-reliance, and the pursuit of win-win outcomes."

As the voices of the Global South grow stronger on the international stage, it is essential for China and Africa to continue to strengthen their unity and cooperation, said Kagame. He said China's commitment to being a member of the Global South and aligning its interests with those of developing countries is commendable. 

"Together, we can work to ensure that our collective voice is heard in multilateral forums, advocating for a more just and equitable global order," said the Rwandan President. 

By highlighting the beauty of Rwanda and the hospitality of its people, Kagame said the country welcomes more visitors from China. He noted the two countries should promote cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism initiatives, while also enhancing mutual understanding and awareness.