In China, I saw a city designed around the needs of its citizens – technically advanced, intelligently structured – and that kind of urban planning could genuinely enrich the often piecemeal, incoherent and not particularly citizen-friendly city planning we see in Europe.

The reason I decided to make the film about the Dalfram dispute was to produce something for peace, and my main goal was to tell this story so that nothing like this would ever happen again. I think we need to take a lesson from that. We need to really understand how to make peace between countries, says an Australian filmmaker

The Global Times talked to Ulrike Guérot, a Berlin-based German political thinker, about the recently concluded China-EU Summit and her vision for the future of this bilateral relationship.

What struck me most was the novelty of everything – the feeling that you're in a part of the world still growing rapidly. It felt incredibly enterprising, full of people eager to try new things, develop products, build infrastructure and innovate intellectually, said a British scholar who traveled through China for a month. #JourneyThroughChina

I think we are moving toward a more normal relationship - toward normalization.

China and Australia have a very good cooperative economic relationship, which is the foundation of much of our prosperity, and it's something to which we are deeply committed.

In the seventh article of the "Scholars' Perspectives" column, Global Times talked to Evandro Menezes de Carvalho (Carvalho), professor of international law at the Federal Fluminense University, Brazil.

BRICS is not “against” anything; it is “for”: for the development, for a fairer world order, and a larger role for the Global South. It concentrates on specific development problems, which makes BRICS very attractive to other developing countries, says Igor Makarov, an expert of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of #China in 1949, the country has made historic strides in development. What amazes me about the CPC's leadership is its ability to combine long-term development goals with pragmatic choices, learning from many countries and adapting these ideas to China's reality. This blend of strategic vision and practical wisdom constitutes the core strength of the CPC's leadership and a key driver of China's rapid progress.

By 2049, on the centenary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, we will see China as an advanced socialist nation. People will be there to enjoy a society that is democratic, civilized, harmonious, strong and modern.

In a world rife with geopolitical turbulence and cyclical politics, the CPC operates as China's anchor institution. The institutional strength of the CPC gives domestic and international stakeholders a rare commodity today: predictability.

Under pressure on both economic and security fronts, Japan and South Korea are demonstrating increased strategic independence. Deepening cooperation with China offers them a way to expand diplomatic options, safeguard economic interests, and hedge against the risk from the US.

Our principle is clear: All violations of the law will be investigated, and justice will be served — no matter how far the offenders have fled

Currently, the White House is filled with aggressive trade strategists, and it appears preoccupied with the trade deficit as though the US were a business, needing to make a dollar-profit on its international trade.

South Korea and China, the central core countries of the global society, need to work closely together to maintain the banner of free trade and fair competition, which are essential for the sustainable shared prosperity of the global community.

Rattling sabers never help peace efforts - they only raise geopolitical tensions.

China's planning has become more flexible, and, to a considerable degree, it is indicative rather than prescriptive.

The Europeans were caught unprepared by this sudden shift in American grand strategy. They have so far not yet been able to develop a coherent and credible strategic posture to deal with these new realities.

I've lived 28 years in the US and over 30 years in China. I love the people of both countries. And because I understand both, I can say with certainty: Pragmatic, unemotional cooperation is in the best interest of both sides going forward.

The China-Central Asia Summit is a new mechanism of partnerships that refers to innovative approaches to collaboration between countries, moving beyond traditional models. This new mechanism emphasizes shared goals, clear roles and mutual benefits, fostering more dynamic and effective collaborations between China and Central Asian countries: Kyrgyz scholar

If I were asked here in the US what we can learn from China, I would explain to people that we need a government with a budget organized to use that budget to do the things we need but no one is doing because they aren't privately profitable: US economist Richard Wolff

Ultimately, the China-Central Asia relationship is about co-creation, not domination, and should be evaluated on its tangible outcomes, not on external narratives: Kazakh scholar

Russian and Chinese scholars should work together to correct the historiography of WWII, which will help us fight attempts to falsify this war: Russian scholar

China and Central Asia are united by pragmatism, a desire for stability and a common rejection of a world divided into “blocs and fronts.” In the face of global turbulence, they are not betting on a struggle for dominance, but on mutual development and autonomous policies.

“Following a good blueprint” involves taking a strategic and integrated approach to achieve consistent and cumulative results at each stage of the work.

China's diplomatic approach – grounded in mutual respect, peaceful cooperation and long-term partnership – aligns well with the values and aspirations of Central Asian countries. China's steady and consistent engagement is a reassuring and constructive force in the region, says Turkmen scholar

No matter how the times may change, it's expected that Myanmar and China will remain “Paukphaw” committed to closer cooperation across various fields based on mutual trust and understanding, said a Myanmar scholar on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar.

There has been an incredible level of volatility and unpredictability, and frankly, inconsistency in US policy, particularly US trade policy. It's absolutely erratic. It's chaotic: US expert David Firestein

I think a lot of people would lose their jobs if we are going against the globalized economy, said Ramon van Meer, a small business owner in the US

I'm not arguing from China's position, I'm arguing from a sovereign Australian position – who wants our country to be safe, secure and prosperous, and that requires having good relations with all of our neighbors, especially our biggest neighbor and best trading partner, China.

America must accept that it's not the No.1 country in the world – that it's just one among several large and powerful countries, including China. It needs the courage not just to accept a rising China, but to gradually shed the role of world policeman – because it can no longer manage that task, says a US scholar.

Today, Russia and China together continue to uphold values that are important for all humanity, and maintain that global security can only be achieved through fair principles of global governance.

"I visit China very often these days. What I can see is a dynamism there."

The media campaign against Xinjiang is part of the Global North's plan to try to weaken China.

Greater alignment with China is fundamental to Brazil's destiny.

If I were a parent today, I would prefer my child to study in China. Students overseas often face various forms of discrimination, and the academic and professional environments abroad are not as promising as they once were, said renowned mathematician Shing-Tung Yau.

We need to establish new forms of relations between nations. Russia and China demonstrated an impressive ability to adjust their relationship to the ever-changing international environment, and are making this relationship work ever better with changes.

China and Russia, through their cooperation in AI, can set a great example and contribute to the emancipation of the Global South in the realms of science, culture and education, says Russian expert.

It is symbolic that the leaders of China and Russia will meet during the 80th anniversary celebrations of the victory in World War II. In doing so, they not only honor history but also reaffirm their commitment to preserving an order that prevents the tragedies of the 20th century from being repeated.

“Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.” It would be helpful to support all forms of promotion by encouraging people living abroad – Westerners as well as overseas Chinese – to visit Xinjiang so they can return with stories to tell and their “eyes full of light.”

The principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness entailed in China's neighborhood diplomacy stands out as a breath of fresh air against the global backdrop of pervasive Western geopolitical diplomacy which is largely interest-driven in the zero-sum perspective, said former Malaysian minister of transport.

The principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness reflects China's foreign policy and is very acceptable to countries of SE Asia, because we want to live at peace between ourselves, says former Malaysian PM Mahathir

China offers Global South countries a space to engage on equal footing, free from historical power imbalances. That is essential for building trust, fostering innovation and shaping a truly inclusive international order, said Hodan Osman Abdi, the Somali Ambassador to China.

The Cambodia-China relationship is a cornerstone of China's neighborhood diplomacy, promoting harmony, development and shared prosperity. Our partnership exemplifies how mutual respect, non-interference and win-win cooperation can lead to enduring peace and regional stability

The China-Malaysia relationship is an example of how countries should handle occasional challenges facing their relationship with neighboring countries.

The ability and willingness of China and Malaysia to set aside differences for the sake of the greater common good demonstrate how trust and win-win cooperation can overcome geopolitical complexities and enhance regional resilience: Malaysian scholar

Vietnam is implementing this theoretical perspective relatively clearly and specifically: Vietnam does not choose sides; Vietnam only chooses justice.

The relationship between Spain and China is now a good example for other European countries. It has been marked by reciprocity, which is the reason why it is so successful.

China, with its nuclear technology, is actively reaching out to countries in the Global South through various initiatives, making nuclear technology a key area of cooperation. We can expect to see more activity from China's nuclear sector in international markets.

Ultimately, the CPC's ongoing focus on working style demonstrates a desire to uphold discipline and preserve the Party's credibility in the eyes of the people.

The port fees are a different form of tariff - a much blunter one.

Europe and Germany must be cautious not to remain in old structures. Generally, Europe stands for free trade and open markets, and it should follow these principles.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic ties. Over the past few decades, the two ancient Asian civilizations, each with modern global visions, have navigated a complex relationship. How can the two powers overcome differences to find a way to work together? How will China-India cooperation contribute to Global South development? The Global Times invites two Chinese and two Indian experts to share their views.

Lai Ching-te and other separatist forces are attempting to defy international justice, challenge historical trends, obstruct cross-Straits exchanges and undermine peace across the Taiwan Straits. Should Lai dare to cross the red lines defined in the Anti-Secession Law, he will undoubtedly face the judgment of history and severe legal punishment.

India and China have a huge responsibility to add to the stability and peace of the world and ensure progress. We are required to work together to chart a new path for the world.

I believe the relationship between Australia and China will continue to improve, but it may be a gradual process.

China's rise is not harming the US, it's actually benefiting the US. Cooperation is a win-win idea, while confrontation leads to a lose-lose outcome, said renowned US expert Jeffrey Sachs

What I saw in Xinjiang was vastly different from what I had heard in front of the White House. I had to convey this contradiction to my country and the world through the language of cinema.

Foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea have vowed to advance trilateral cooperation at the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Tokyo on Saturday, the first meeting of foreign ministers from the three countries since November 2023.

For Canada and Mexico, the long-term strategy must be to restructure their trade and reduce their reliance on the US. If the leaders take the opportunity to diversify their trade, it will take a long time, but it can be done.

China and the US share our world. We have different political systems and different security concerns. But insofar there's some common interest in making that world more successful, that's a plus.

I've said that when historians of the future write the chronicles of our times, a highlight is sure to be China's remarkable 40 years of reform and opening-up, and bringing living standards in rural areas up to near living standards in urban areas is essential: Robert Lawrence Kuhn

In Xizang, people take great pride in their cultural development. They see it not only as a contribution to Xizang's identity but also to Chinese culture as a whole. The focus on maintaining tradition while embracing change is both meaningful and forward-looking, ensuring that culture remains vibrant and relevant for future generations, said Australian scholar Roland Boer

Unlike economic models focusing purely on GDP growth, China's five-year plan integrates social welfare, poverty alleviation, green energy and technological self-reliance.

The main advantage of the whole-process people's democracy is that decision makers are aware of the specific necessities of the people at the base of social organization, and can therefore design specific policies to meet the specific needs of the people. People are effectively in charge of democracy.

Expanding institutional opening-up is a key task of the Chinese government's economic work in 2025. This deployment is not only a new trend of high-quality economic development, but also a major step to respond to the turbulence in international relations, unilateral sanctions and trade wars imposed by Western countries.

In the past decade or so, China's contribution to global growth was close to 30 percent. The size of China's economy and its growth rate jointly make it the largest contributor.

The "two sessions" are not only a major political event in China but also a key window for the world to observe the country's democratic politics and development trajectory. This year, as in years past, the event has captured considerable global attention, highlighting China's ongoing development and its implications for the world stage. In the "Unraveling the allure of China" series, the Global Times (GT) invites experts and scholars from around the world to delve into the multifaceted allure of China and explore how the lessons drawn from its unique experiences can provide valuable insights for other nations.

Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese Studies and director of the Lau China Institute at King's College, London, shared with GT his views on China's efforts to continuously play a positive role in global development.

Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, shared his viewpoints with GT on China's economic outlook and how China's steady economic progress can contribute to the world economy.

Luis Rene Fernandez Tabio, senior professor and researcher at the University of Havana, shared his insights with GT on the achievements of China's green transformation.

Keith Bennett, vice chairman of the 48 Group Club and a veteran China watcher, shared his insights with GT on this year's “two sessions” and the global significance of Chinese modernization.

What does DeepSeek reveal about China's AI innovation? How might it shape the future development of AI models? And what does it mean for the evolving technological dynamic between China and the US?

When I saw this region with my own eyes, had my own experiences, received firsthand information and was able to talk to local people, I became aware of the extent of the misinformation and lies spread by the Western media.

I have faith in the common sense of the ordinary American people. Therefore, I'm optimistic about the long term.

The US must now change its security strategy and begin taking into account the security of its adversaries. In this new world, the West will fragment as the Europeans are no longer a partner for collective hegemony.

China and Europe can establish cooperative schemes or mechanisms for AI development through dialogue and negotiation, including technological collaboration.

Global security is a matter for multilateral negotiation, not for hegemonial saber-rattling, provocations and escalation.

Europe is undergoing perhaps the most difficult period since the end of the Cold War.

Over the past thousand years, the sentiment of "China and Thailand are one family" has been deeply rooted in the hearts and souls of the Thai and Chinese peoples.

The Global North, represented by G7 countries, have worked together to preserve their interests at the expense of the Global South, but they do not wish to admit it. The Global South collectively represent the majority of the people in the world, who belong to emerging economies, who demand fair and equal treatment.

My country needs to resume an agenda that puts Argentina itself at the center of decision-making.

Today, every major economy, other than the US, prefers to deepen its trade ties and resolve its trade policy differences within the framework of trade multilateralism and the four corners of treaty law – and, if need be, consensually build out that framework.

ASEAN is a family. When a family faces a problem, it is unwise for one member to turn to external parties for “help.” Doing so only exacerbates the situation, escalating tensions and undermining internal cohesion.

In Canada's case, I think it was very short-sighted for the government to essentially sign up for this new American cold war. The smart thing, or at least the obvious thing, for Canada to do is to say it needs to diversify its trading partners so that it can't be economically blackmailed.

Most Western reporters lack a real understanding of Xizang, China, and they seem to be repeating claims made by people who have no direct experience.

What the last 10 years have taught us is how external events can change and how governments react to them. However, we need to have a sensible and resilient relationship.

Hopefully, the current controversy with the US president-elect will make more Canadians realize the dangers of such unconditional support and demand that their government change course.

I appreciate that China emphasizes multilateralism over unilateralism, as we need more cooperation, not isolation or confrontation. I think these ideas from China are a good contribution to such a way of thinking.

The US and the Philippines are also confronting credibility challenges. ASEAN countries doubt the US' enduring dedication to the area, considering its past tendency of erratic involvement.

China's role as a stabilizing force in the global landscape of 2024 will be crucial for the trajectory of 2025 and beyond.

China is focused on its overall projects for peaceful development, particularly peaceful participation in world trade. China knows that it is much better not to be distracted and to respond in a minimum fashion while continuing its efforts to expand the BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative and to develop good relations with the Global South countries.

China is in a unique position, and has a unique opportunity, to play a role in various global trouble spots, with the Middle East being a special case in point.

Although China advocates for cooperation based on common interests, the US' containment strategy against China remains unlikely to change. In this situation, China should focus on its own development, while preparing for the worst-case scenario, fostering healthy China-US relations and making more contributions to the world.

In the fields of technology, human resources, natural resources and problem-solving, China's vision and experience can only add positive value in bringing lasting and sustainable solutions to the world's problems.

Our responsibility is the collective action, where we can still have a kind of race, but where we have to find the ways of cooperation.

Optimism can be maintained when envisioning the future trajectory of China-Australia relations, which has encountered a number of challenges over the past years - this is the message Global Times (GT) captured in an exclusive interview with Bob Carr (Carr), former Australian foreign minister, during the 2024 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou) recently.

From my conversation with the Chancellery, I know for sure that Chancellor Olaf Scholz has always been engaged in intensifying the economic cooperation and the political dialogue with China.

GT reporter Wang Wenwen spoke to US drug abuse interventionist Tim Ryan (Ryan) . He said that people don't find the China-blaming convincing. "It's easier to blame other people instead of saying we made a big mistake or we are doing this wrong," Ryan noted, urging the US government to take up more responsibilities to tackle its fentanyl issue.

The 2024 Understanding China Conference is being held in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province, from Monday to Wednesday. What is the significance of understanding China? How should Europe understand China amid a time of global turmoil and changes? Are more Europeans willing to have a positive interaction with China? Maria Jo?o Rodrigues (Rodrigues), president of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and former member of the European Parliament, discussed these issues with Global Times (GT) reporter Li Aixin.