Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to treat the people injured in a car ramming case on Monday in Zhuhai City in south China's Guangdong Province.

Xi also demanded punishing the perpetrator in accordance with the law.

Up to now, the case has led to the death of 35 people, with 43 severely injured.

China's Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft is set to launch in the coming days, after it was vertically transported to Wenchang Space Launch Site in South China's Hainan Province together with its launch vehicle, a Long March-7 Y9 rocket, on Wednesday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced. All systems are now set and ready for the launch, it said.

As the cargo spacecraft with the highest payload capacity in the world, Tianzhou-8 will deliver supplies to China's Tiangong space station for the crew of Shenzhou-19 which is currently in orbit, and the next Shenzhou-20 crew, as well as special birthday gifts for them. But the one item of cargo that has captured the most attention is the "lunar soil bricks," which will mark the first intersection of China's manned lunar landing and manned space station projects, experts said.

An all-system rehearsal was conducted at the Wenchang launch site on Wednesday morning, reported China Central Television (CCTV). All systems involved in the launch mission have completed functional checks and are fully prepared for launch, the report said, adding that this rehearsal is the most extensive simulation exercise for the Tianzhou-8 mission, involving the maximum number of participating systems aside from the actual ignition and launch.

Currently, the flight control team is closely monitoring the attitude and orbital parameters of the Chinese space station, which is in good condition and well prepared to welcome the Tianzhou-8 for its backward docking, CCTV reported. 

The Shenzhou-19 crew onboard the Tiangong is also conducting manual remote operation training to prepare for the arrival of Tianzhou-8.

The Tianzhou-8 mission is taking place nearly 10 months after the launch of Tianzhou-7, setting a new record for the longest interval between China's cargo resupply to the space station. 

China's cargo ships incorporate technical improvements with each mission. For instance, the original schedule of two missions a year has now been adjusted to three missions every two years, averaging one mission every eight months, with task frequency expected to be further reduced. 

It highlights the significant advancements in Tianzhou's payload capacity, Kang Guohua, a senior member of the Chinese Society of Astronautics and a professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

This rapid development positions the Tianzhou series as a global leader in space cargo delivery. "It is not just reflected in cutting-edge technology, but in comprehensive capabilities," said Wang Yanan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine. "Our design prioritizes the efficient use of space and maximizing cargo volume to support long-duration stays in space. Combined with the strong payload capacity of China's carrier rockets, the Tianzhou cargo ships can now meet space station supply needs for up to 10 months, which is truly remarkable," Wang told the Global Times.

Compared to the US Dragon cargo spacecraft, China's Tianzhou series boasts outstanding load capacity. The Dragon has a maximum payload capacity of 6 tons, while the Tianzhou series can accommodate 7.4 tons, according to open data.

Preparing for moon stay

Currently, the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft is sitting steadily within the fairing at the top of the rocket. Most of the cargo is loaded, which is primarily intended to support the Shenzhou-19 and Shenzhou-20 crews, CCTV reported.  

In addition to essential supplies, there are gift packages for various festivals such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival. Personalized birthday gifts have been prepared for each taikonaut who will celebrate a birthday in space. 

Furthermore, equipment and materials needed for conducting space science experiments and tests are loaded. Notably, this mission will carry "lunar soil bricks" for the first time, which are made from special materials that simulate lunar soil. 

These bricks will undergo space exposure experiments at the space station to verify whether they can be used for building structures on the moon. After completing the experiments, the first brick is expected to return to Earth by the end of next year, CCTV reported.

The bricks have a density comparable to that of ordinary bricks, but their compressive strength exceeds that of standard red bricks and concrete bricks by more than three times, with one square centimeter able to support over 10 tons of weight, said Zhou Cheng, a professor from National Center of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction, told CCTV in a previous interview.

The bricks are composed of five different components that resemble those on the moon, including a simulated lunar mare - where the Chang'e-5 mission landed. They consist mainly of basalt-based simulated lunar soil. There are also components representing the lunar soil that will be used for future missions, including Chang'e-7 and -8, which will land in the lunar highlands, primarily composed of plagioclase (a type of feldspar), Zhou said.  

The "lunar soil bricks" have already attracted significant attention, as it marks the first intersection of China's manned lunar landing and manned space station projects, Kang told the Global Times. 

"To achieve a long-term human presence on the moon in the future, it is essential to be able to build structures. However, as transporting materials from the Earth is impractical, people will need to utilize local resources such as lunar soil, solar energy and minerals, to create the bricks," Kang said, adding that "before getting there, scientists will need to verify a number of designs so that's why we have simulated ones." 

After the bricks arrive at the space station, the crew will test their ability to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperature fluctuations, lack of atmospheric protection and strong cosmic radiation. This will provide important support for the construction of future lunar research stations, accumulate scientific data, optimize practical plans and push forward the construction process, Kang noted. 

The expert added that this is also sound evidence of how China's space technology is interconnected and steadily advancing. "We have our own timetable that is not affected by external factors," he said.

Brazil and China are collaborating to negotiate a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing a Chinese satellite company to Brazil, reported The Rio Times. An expert told the Global Times on Thursday that this move indicates the increasing competitiveness of China's commercial aerospace sector.

Brazil's Secretary of Telecommunications Hermano Barros Tercius confirmed the plans to the BBC. According to The Rio Times, SpaceSail, developed by Chinese company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, which operates in the low Earth orbit satellite internet sector, aims to begin operations in Brazil by 2025. 

SpaceSail, also known as Qianfan megaconstellation project, or G60, was launched with the aim of providing more extensive and high-quality communication services for domestic users. In the long run, it is expected to establish a network of over 15,000 low Earth orbit wide-screen multimedia satellites by the end of 2030.

The Brazilian Minister of Communications Juscelino Filho visited the factory of the company in Shanghai in October. SpaceSail intends to provide its internet services via a constellation of low-orbit satellites in Brazil in the next two years, according to Forum Macao.

The report by The Rio Times said that the move comes amid tensions between Elon Musk and Brazilian authorities, which stemmed from disputes over content moderation on X, formerly known as Twitter. Musk's Starlink currently dominates the Brazilian satellite internet market with a 45.9 percent share, according to the report. 

Meanwhile, Starlink's rapid growth has raised concerns about market monopolization, according to the report. Brazilian government seeks to diversify providers to ensure competition and better service options for consumers. The report also noted that the specific timeline for SpaceSail's operations in Brazil hasn't been set yet.

The potential for cooperation highlights the growing competitiveness of China's commercial space companies, Wang Yanan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Thursday, adding that following China's significant breakthroughs in technological advancements, the development of commercial space enterprises is currently in a relatively strong position.

Another important trend is that China's satellite internet is likely to become a global commercial resource for low-orbit satellites upon its completion, whether it is commercial or organized by the government, Wang added.

If China's low-orbit satellite internet is successfully established in the future, it is expected to cover a substantial portion of the globe. Increased cooperation will then unlock greater commercial potential, allowing China to connect regional and national commercial space agencies. This partnership would also benefit these agencies by enabling them to utilize orbital resources to develop their own commercial ecosystems, Wang noted.

Wang also pointed out that China's cooperation is both open and fair. Consequently, many countries are likely to choose China, particularly in the realm of infrastructure like the internet, which is essential for the functioning of national economies.

In 1999, the first China-Brazil earth-resource satellite was successfully launched, which was the first satellite jointly developed by China and another country, according to the Xinhua News Agency, and China and Brazil have jointly developed six earth-resource satellites over the past 30 years.

Imagine controlling actions purely with one's thoughts. A team of researchers from the Northwestern Polytechnical University, based in Xi'an city, Northwest China, has made this impressive feat possible, which could successfully clamp small beans through the minds at an event in Beijing recently, demonstrating cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

In a stunning live demonstration, researchers controlled a robotic arm to pick up a tiny bean, using nothing but their thoughts. They also demonstrated BCI's capabilities by commanding drone formations to execute complex aerial maneuvers and stunts.

Put simply, BCI technology allows people to control machines using only their thoughts, the media outlet said.

The technology sparked widespread amazement among netizens. Some netizens said that it is incredible to see that the brain-computer interface has been intelligent to such a level, while others said that they never imagined that beans could find a place in ground-breaking science.

Though BCI might sound like science fiction, it's already transforming medical rehabilitation, helping those with paralysis regain mobility. With continued improvements, the potential applications in robotics, consumer tech, and gaming are promising, as reported by the media.

Some netizens comment that this technology may enable the physically challenged, and that in the future it may be possible for them to move just via their minds.

China's Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship separated from the space station combination on Sunday, and the astronauts aboard -- Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu -- are returning to Earth, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Xi urges building strong, modernized airborne force

Yvon Le Maho, a renowned French expert on biodiversity who received the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, expressed his admiration for the advancements in basic research in China during a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times. He also called on China and France to strengthen their cooperation on biodiversity.

"I have been recommending to potential researchers that they consider visiting China instead of the US. My suggestion is for China to sponsor and invite more young researchers for short stays to explore new laboratories and engage with students. This could attract young talent to China," he stated.

The esteemed scholar has been invited to attend the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF), which was held in Beijing from October 22 to 24. Maho emphasized the forum's significance in fostering exchanges among global experts and industry pioneers.

On October 23, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang addressed a group of foreign scientists including Maho, emphasizing that China will steadfastly advocate and practice open, fair, just and non-discriminatory international cooperation in the field of science and technology, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Deepened international exchange and cooperation, and the promotion of sustainable development through sci-tech innovation are urgently needed to address important global issues, and to meet the expectations of the global sci-tech community and people in all countries, said Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The foreign scientists voiced their firm support for openness and cooperation, expressing their willingness to deepen exchange with China, produce more innovative results through partnership, and work together to promote global sustainable development.

Reflecting on his encounter with the Chinese Vice Premier, Maho expressed his admiration for the impressive level of scientific expertise within the Chinese government, noting that many leaders have a scientific background. "This is truly remarkable. Chinese leaders demonstrated a significant interest in our discussions, which I found exceptional."
Maho applauded the WSTDF, as it brings together numerous scientists and facilitates valuable exchanges with Chinese researchers. "For example, during welcome banquet on October 22, I had an engaging conversation with the president of a major Chinese automotive company, who has played a crucial role in the development of electric vehicles in China. As someone working in the field of biodiversity, it was fantastic to discuss important issues with him," he shared with the Global Times.

Maho also highlighted that each time leaders from China and France meet, they issue a statement prioritizing university collaboration, which he commended.

During French President Macron's visit to China in November 2019, he referred to the Beijing Call for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change, released following discussions between the two heads of state, stating that France and China can take a leading role in addressing these critical issues.

Maho shared his ongoing efforts to establish a network dedicated to biodiversity. With strong support from the leaders of both countries, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and France's primary research organization have agreed to create a network that connects Chinese and French scientists focused on this vital area. "In three weeks, we will welcome Chinese scientists to France, where they will tour our laboratories and universities. This is a significant step in advancing our collaborative initiatives," he stated.

In February 2024, Maho was honored with the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, the highest honor bestowed upon foreigners for their exceptional contributions to reform and development in China. The 2023 award was presented to 50 experts from 26 countries on February 4.

In recent years, Maho has been dedicated to fostering exchanges and cooperation in biodiversity research between China and France, encouraging mutual inspiration among researchers. He shared with the Global Times that audiences have shown great interest in his presentations on using technology to study biodiversity, such as employing robots to observe penguins, during his lectures at various Chinese universities.

"This integration of technology and biodiversity research is still relatively uncommon, and I believe we were among the pioneers in using robots for such studies. For example, we produced a film titled 'Spy in the Huddle,' which illustrates how we employed robots to observe penguins huddling together," Maho explained.

He cautioned that biodiversity is under threat, as evidenced by the decline of certain species. "We must recognize the significance of plants and insects in China, as their decline could have serious repercussions for food security." He emphasized, "Regardless of geopolitical tensions, preserving biodiversity is essential for the future of upcoming generations and is a key strategy for tackling climate change. There are compelling reasons for a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity, even amid occasional challenges in cooperation due to geopolitical issues."

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Beijing on Tuesday.

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted overwhelmingly an annual resolution urging the United States to end its long-standing economic and trade embargo against Cuba.

The resolution garnered support from 187 states, with only the United States and Israel casting against it and Moldova abstaining.

The General Assembly reaffirmed the principles of the sovereign equality of states, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs. It reiterated its call for all states to refrain from promulgating or applying restrictive laws and measures in line with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

Though non-binding, the result reflects the United States' isolation regarding its long-standing embargo policy, first imposed in 1960 following the revolution led by former leader Fidel Castro.

"How long will this go on?" Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asked the assembly, condemning the blockade against his country as "commercial warfare" and "a crime of genocide."

Since 2019, the United States has adopted harsher economic measures designed to prevent the supply of fuel and spare parts needed to maintain Cuba's power plants and electric grid. "President Joe Biden's administration tends to claim that its policy is to help and support the Cuban people," Rodriguez said, asking "who would believe such an assertion?"

He said the blockade is "a flagrant, massive and systematic violation of the human rights of our people" and "the most encompassing, comprehensive and longest-standing system of unilateral coercive measures ever applied against any country."

Since 1992, the UN General Assembly has annually adopted a resolution demanding an end to unilateral U.S. restrictions on Cuba, with the document having the support of a majority of UN member states.

The high-level development of Russia-China ties will unleash more chances for cooperation at subnational levels between the two countries, Rustam Minnikhanov, head of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The 16th BRICS summit, which is being held in Kazan, capital of Tatarstan, "presents Tatarstan with a chance to showcase its strengths, demonstrate its competitive advantages, and highlight its potential to contribute to Russia-China relations," said Minnikhanov.

According to Minnikhanov, Tatarstan is actively contributing to the advancement of Russia-China cooperation. The region has signed agreements with multiple Chinese provinces, and Kazan maintains sister-city relations with several Chinese cities.

Highlighting Tatarstan's growing trade with China, Minnikhanov said that by the end of last year, the trade turnover doubled to over 3 billion U.S. dollars, with around 60 percent of Tatarstan's imports coming from China.

"Of course, trade and economic relations are crucial ... Our growing trade and plans are primarily focused on Eastern countries, especially China," he said.

He also pointed out that several joint economic projects with Chinese companies are currently underway in Tatarstan, with ample opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the logistics sector.

As part of the Belt and Road Initiative and its integration with the Eurasian Economic Union, work is in progress to establish international transport and logistics corridors, he added.

At the end of last year, the M-12 Moscow-Kazan expressway was launched, becoming part of the Europe-China transport route. Furthermore, direct flights between Kazan and Shanghai commenced in late September, he noted.

Tatarstan is also committed to enhancing humanitarian, cultural, scientific, educational, and tourism exchanges with China, he said.

"I am confident that the BRICS summit in Kazan will be successful at a high level," Minnikhanov said.