Top: The 319.72-kilometer Urumqi-Yuli Expressway winds its way through the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The route, which includes the world's longest expressway tunnel, the 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, will open to traffic in 2025. LIU JUN/FOR CHINA DAILY Above: Construction workers celebrate the completion of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Xinjiang on Monday. The Chinese word shengli means victory, and the name of the tunnel indicates an extraordinary achievement. Once operational, the tunnel will reduce the travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to about 20 minutes. Provided to China Daily See story, page 3
Xi hails Carter's contribution to promoting ties
President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to United States President Joe Biden on Monday over the passing of Jimmy Carter, noting that the former US president was a driving force and decision-maker behind the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries more than 40 years ago.
Tech advance to boost agriculture
China has put a strategic focus on developing new quality productive forces in agriculture, signaling a shift toward tailored and technology-driven agricultural growth, experts said.
Meihe devoted to industrial upgrading
Insisting on high-quality development in recent years, Meihekou city in Jilin province has comprehensively promoted industrial transformation and accelerated the cultivation of new productive forces, forming a modern industrial system supported by pharmaceuticals, food processing, commerce and logistics, and tourism.
NOBLE BIRD FLOURISHES
Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.
Incoming US administration should carry forward Carter's legacy as a friend of China
Former US president Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, will always be remembered for the pivotal role he played in the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.
US should stop manipulating perceptions
According to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute's 2024 National Defense Survey, which was released in November, three-quarters of the respondents said they viewed China as either "something of an enemy" or "a strong enemy". This percentage has remained roughly constant over the past two years. The survey showed the American public generally supports the use of diplomatic, economic, and military measures to strengthen Taiwan's defense and deter the Chinese mainland's "aggression".
South Korea struggles to find answers
MUAN, South Korea — Flags flew at half-mast on Monday as South Korea mourned 179 people killed in the worst plane crash on its soil, as investigators probe why the Jeju Air plane crash-landed and burst into flames.
Huaihua land port builds global connections
In recent years, Huaihua in Central China's Hunan province has accelerated the construction of its international land port and developed the port into an important platform for central areas to be connected with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Association of South East Asian Nations, bolstering the country's dual-circulation development paradigm, reform and opening-up.
EU urged to seek 'win-win' tariff position
The European Union should adopt a mutually beneficial approach to resolve the trade issue over its anti-subsidy case with Chinese electric vehicles, as such an approach aligns with the bloc's interests, said Wei Jianguo, China's former vice-minister of commerce.
Pop culture breathes new life into offline biz
Over the past year, you might have wandered into a mall adorned with vibrant anime posters, stumbled upon stores packed with game figurines, or spotted products co-branded with virtual-world characters.
CARVING out a symbol of VIRTUE
A jadeite miniature of Taishan Mountain, majestic yet intricately detailed, faithfully conveys the grandeur of the spot that has captivated ancient Chinese emperors and literati of the past and today.
Classic submarine novel stirs wave of anticipation
One of the classic French books that Chinese readers are likely to have encountered during their childhood is the sci-fi novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by literary giant Jules Verne.
James still king of the court at 40
Superstar LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday on Monday, the milestone carrying him to yet another first in a league in which he has starred for more than two decades — with the clock still running.
