Since April, the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) has been illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianin Jiao in the South China Sea, with the intention of substantially advancing the construction of a "forward base" on Xianbin Jiao to form a semi-permanent floating platform and to achieve illegal "grounding."

The Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Jiao, are China's inherent territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, which brooks no infringement. The scientific survey conducted by China this year shows that Xianbin Jiao is a typical high-water plateau. The report, released on August 30, used sufficient scientific facts to show that the six sandbanks on the Xianbin Jiao plateau were all naturally formed, and three of them emerged from the sea at high tide.

The signal sent by this position is very clear: There is no doubt that Xianbin Jiao has internal waters, a territorial sea and a contiguous zone. There are sufficient international and domestic laws to support any form of enforcement against the illegally stationed Philippine ships at Xianbin Jiao. The measures taken by the Chinese side to block the Philippine side's transportation, replenishment and rotation are rational, restrained and fair. In fact, China has the means to resolutely and thoroughly remove illegal vessels, barge vessels and aircraft infringing on its airspace. If the Philippines does not immediately withdraw the illegally vessels, it will bare all the consequences.

At the same time, China has made clear its position on many international occasions and platforms that it must resolutely uphold the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Article 5 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), signed by China and ASEAN countries in 2002, stipulates that the parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.

The Philippines' recent actions represent a serious breach of its commitments. The series of actions taken by the Philippines constitute a malicious provocation to the status quo of peace in the South China Sea, undermining both international and regional order and betraying its commitments to neighbors and partners.

More importantly, the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea has held nine rounds. On July 2, the two sides reached a joint commitment to de-escalate the situation at sea. However, at Xianbin Jiao, the Philippines has not adhered to the tacit understanding and commitments reached, instead engaging in extremely dangerous provocations and brinkmanship. The Philippines wants to use the South China Sea issue to engage in geopolitical speculation and to draw in countries outside the region by provoking maritime tensions. More specifically, the Philippines is testing the limits of what the US is willing to do as an ally.

The Philippines' move fully exposes its ambition to provoke and expand territory in the South China Sea. China has stated many times that it will never allow the Philippines to arbitrarily occupy Xianbin Jiao. Any provocations by the Philippines will be met with firm countermeasures from China.

The Philippines should not underestimate the high costs that will inevitably arise from challenging China and undermining regional security, nor should it assume that it has the backing of major powers. For the Philippines, the only correct choice is to immediately withdraw its ships and personnel, and restore the status of no presence or facilities at Xianbin Jiao.

On September 6, the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) opened in Berlin, Germany. This year's IFA marks a significant milestone—its 100th anniversary. Over the past century, IFA has evolved from a radio exhibition to a global showcase for cutting-edge technologies such as smart homes and artificial intelligence, bearing witness to every major shift in the consumer electronics industry.

"Going global" has become a central business strategy for Chinese companies this year. From light industrial products and everyday items to household appliances, mobile phones, automobiles, and robots, Chinese brands are making significant strides in global markets. Whether in well-established markets like Europe, North America, and ASEAN, or emerging ones such as Russia and Mexico, Chinese brands are increasingly becoming mainstream on the global stage.

This year's IFA exhibition has drawn over 1,800 exhibitors from 139 countries and regions. Among them is ECOVACS, a leading Chinese brand in cleaning robots that has been participating in IFA since 2012. Alongside prominent industry players like TCL and HONOR, ECOVACS has showcased its latest and most innovative technologies with confidence. The centennial IFA exhibition, in this context, stands as a testament to the rise of Chinese innovation and technology.
One New Product Launch, Two International Awards

As visitors enter the IFA exhibition from either the north or south gates, they are immediately met with a prominent display of Chinese brands. Hall 9, one of the most stunning spaces at the exhibition, sees the ECOVACS booth predominantly positioned at one side of the entrance. This year, ECOVACS Group is making its debut with a joint presentation of its dual brands, ECOVACS ROBOTICS and TINECO, at the IFA exhibition.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of ECOVACS in the service robotics industry. Through its relentless pursuit of excellence in products and services, ECOVACS has evolved into a vibrant, globally recognized brand. The booth has been continuously crowded with visitors, all captivated by the "hard-working" cleaning robots on display.

Qian Cheng, Vice Chairman of ECOVACS Group and CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS, remarked that this is his 12th time attending the IFA in the past 15 years. He has noticed changes each year, with the most significant being the increasing prominence of Chinese brands and innovations. "Chinese companies are presenting their best domestic technologies and products to European and global audiences through the IFA," he noted.

At the exhibition, ECOVACS ROBOTICS unveiled its latest floor cleaning robot innovations. Highlighting the launch was the DEEBOT X8 PRO PLUS, the world's first constant-pressure water renewal robotic floor washer. This groundbreaking model merges ECOVACS' advanced smart technology with TINECO's core OZMO ROLLER constant-pressure water renewal system. Its unique roller-based cleaning structure significantly enhances floor cleaning pressure, improving effectiveness against stubborn stains. Additionally, the DEEBOT T50 series showcases a revolutionary design as the thinnest robotic vacuum cleaner from ECOVACS, with an ultra-slim profile of just 81mm, making it the sleekest model in the DEEBOT lineup.

It is worth noting that the ECOVACS brand and its DEEBOT X8 PRO PLUS received prestigious accolades at this year's IFA Product Innovation and Technology Awards, including the "Home Cleaning Robot Brand Award" and the "Gold Award for Home Cleaning Solutions." Qian Cheng further commented, "We are honored to present ECOVACS' most advanced technological innovations in floor cleaning at this exhibition and look forward to setting a new standard in the floor cleaning industry." Additionally, at IFA ECOVACS also showcased a diverse product lineup, including the DEEBOT vacuum robot, the WINBOT window cleaning robot, and the GOAT lawn mowing robot.
Top- Seller at Europe's Largest Electronics Retailers

As early as 2012, ECOVACS ROBOTICS showcased its products, including robotic vacuum cleaners and robotic window cleaners, at the IFA exhibition. Each year since then, ECOVACS has introduced increasingly advanced technologies, making a significant impact in the industry.

This year, ECOVACS' products drew substantial attention from European media and consumers. A procurement manager from Hamburg, Germany, remarked that ECOVACS is a familiar name in the European cleaning robot market. Despite their higher price points, the products' robust functionality and user-centric design have made them bestsellers. It is evident that ECOVACS has solidified its position as a preferred Chinese brand among European distributors and consumers.
MediaMarkt is the largest electronics retail chain in Germany and Europe. According to Mr Saxe, Managing Director of MediaMarkt Berlin-Wedding, the store offers around 47,000 products, and over half of them are manufactured in China. ECOVACS products are available at all Wandeltown stores and on their e-commerce platforms, where they consistently receive high praise from consumers. One customer described ECOVACS products as "quiet, powerful, and smart."

What has earned ECOVACS the approval of discerning European consumers? The ECOVACS ROBOTICS CEO confidently attributes this success to innovation. He noted that European consumers were initially hesitant to embrace robotic vacuum cleaners. However, advancements in AI and sensor technology have enabled ECOVACS' robotic vacuum cleaners to deliver a more intelligent cleaning experience. The introduction of mopping capabilities and OMNI Stations has significantly enhanced the overall user experience.

Around the year 2000, the ECOVACS team began exploring and developing home service robots. By 2006, ECOVACS introduced its first autonomous vacuum cleaner, making its first appearance to the public. Since then, ECOVACS has leveraged the technology developed for robotic vacuum cleaners to create new categories of home appliances. This includes innovations such as robotic window cleaners and, extending beyond indoor use, the development of a robotic lawnmower that advances lawn care technology to a new level.
ECOVACS has also deeply invested in the robotics industry ecosystem by establishing an Artificial Intelligence Engineering Institute and focusing on intelligent sensor research, continually leading the advancement of cutting-edge technologies. As one of the frontrunners in the development of China's robotics and intelligent manufacturing industry cluster, ECOVACS hosted its inaugural ECOVACS Robotics Conference in Suzhou last June. The event brought together over 300 robotics-related companies, investment institutions, and industry scholars to explore future trends and challenges in the robotics industry.

Last year, ECOVACS' R&D expenditure reached 877 million yuan, marking a 17.87% increase from the previous year. Beyond that, the company employs up to 16% of its staff in technology research and development and holds over 2,000 patents worldwide.

Expanding the Pie, Not Just Sharing It

As a leading example of China's new productive forces going global, ECOVACS has leveraged its technological prowess to capture markets across Europe and beyond. Since 2012, ECOVACS has established subsidiaries in key locations such as the US and Germany. In 2023, the company further accelerated its international expansion by opening an overseas headquarters in Singapore.

In the first half of this year, ECOVACS' overseas business revenue grew by 11.3% year-on-year, accounting for 39.3% of the brand's total revenue. Sales in the European market surged by 42% compared to the previous year, with the DEEBOT X series alone selling over 1.6 million units globally.
Today, ECOVACS ROBOTICS products are present in over 170 major markets worldwide, serving more than 28 million households globally. Since 2018, ECOVACS ROBOTICS has been listed among the Top 50 Global Brands by BRANDZ for seven consecutive years.

Regarding the advantages and challenges faced by Chinese companies' "going global" strategies, Qian noted that, as far as ECOVACS is concerned, the company has achieved balanced coverage across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and the Chinese market, actively addressing global challenges. For Chinese enterprises going international, it's not about "sharing the pie" but rather "expanding it."

He believes that while market competition is inevitable, overcoming price competition always hinges on superior technology and innovation. Consumers are consistently willing to pay for an exceptional product experience. Currently, many European consumers and media representatives are visiting the booth to explore the new products. Despite ECOVACS' products being positioned in the "premium" segment, the company is confident that innovation is crucial for shaping the brand and enhancing its value.

Looking ahead to the next decade, the field of robotic vacuum cleaners is poised for significant transformation with the advancement of artificial intelligence and sensor technologies. ECOVACS will continue to uphold its mission of "Robotics for All," remain responsive to market changes, increase its investment in research and development, lead the industry in high-quality growth, and work toward becoming a top global robotics company.

Trade between China and Canada dropped by 0.5 percent year-on-year in the first eight months this year to $57.66 billion, reversing the 2.4 percent growth seen in the first seven months, official data showed on Tuesday, as Canada-provoked trade tensions with China have negatively impacted bilateral ties, experts said.

According to data released by China's General Administration of Customs, China's imports from Canada fell by 4.7 percent on a yearly basis to $26.81 billion in the first eight months, compared with 0.7 percent growth in the first seven months.

"It is no surprise to see a decline in trade between China and Canada, as the Canadian side's unreasonable move to impose tariffs on Chinese products including electric vehicles has produced negative effect on the two countries' economic and trade ties," Liu Dan, a research fellow at the Center for Regional Country Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Without any prior investigation, Canada announced a 100-percent additional tariff on Chinese EVs and a 25-percent tariff on steel and aluminum from China starting from October 1.

China's Ministry of Commerce has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, if Ottawa fails to correct its mistakes.

On Monday, China initiated an anti-dumping probe into imported colza seeds from Canada, the ministry said.

The move was made in accordance with the Chinese laws and in compliance with the rules of the WTO, the ministry said.

"It's expected that dissatisfied industry players in the colza seed industry in Canada will express their concerns to the Canadian government, forcing it to ease trade tensions with China," Liu commented.

Liu urged Canada not to blindly follow the US' footsteps and instead objectively view China-Canada relations from the perspective of its own development interests.

The Board of Directors of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has approved the distribution of interim dividends of 8.40 fils per share for the first half of 2024.

In a disclosure to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) on Tuesday, Yahsat said that the dividends are equivalent to 8.40% of the nominal value of the share, representing AED204,940,703 to be paid to the shareholders registered as at the closing of business day on Thursday, 12 September, 2024.

South Africa is grateful for the manner in which China conducts its relationship - with recognition, respect and due regard for one another - not only with South Africa but also with the rest of the African continent, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who described it as a relationship of good quality.

Ramaphosa made these remarks at a media briefing in Beijing on Thursday during his state visit to China, during which he is attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which runs from Wednesday to Friday.

"Without comparing China with any other part of the world, we have found China to be very progressive in its relations with Africa, and we are very appreciative of the FOCAC relationship we have as a continent, because we see it foster a mutually beneficial relationship," the South African president said in response to a question from the Global Times. 

Ramaphosa also briefed the media of the purposes and achievements of his visit to China. During his stay in China, the two countries announced the elevation of bilateral ties to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

Ramaphosa said that South Africa is interested in receiving more investment from China in electric vehicles, which he believes to be the future. He emphasized that South Africa is not being lobbied by the West to reject investment from China and would like those countries not to impose their will on South Africa, a country eager to foster economic development. 

"We want to remain sovereign politically and economically, and when it comes to foreign policy as well. Our view is that our journey to developing our economy should not be held back by anxieties and fears that some countries have about other countries with which we have relationships," the president said. 

Ramaphosa recognized that China has a lot of experience and technological capabilities that it can share with South Africa. 

"We are pretty straightforward and say we want to learn. We want to see how China has reached this level of great development. They already have done exactly what we are seeking to do. So our presence here is to draw from the history of their experience and the journey they have traversed," he said. 

The state visit also provided an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, he noted. As South Africa prepares to assume the presidency of the G20 in 2025, this dialogue is essential for shaping the future of multilateral cooperation, said the South African president. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Chairman of Sudan's Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

In Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, one name is widely known and revered - Mr. Wifi. This nickname refers to Zhou Tao, the founder of Ahadi Corporation. Zhou's company is dedicated to offering affordable internet services and stands as a shining example of how China's "small and beautiful" livelihood projects are elevating China-Africa ties.
In 2020, Zhou and his team set sail on an ambitious digital odyssey with their visionary project, Konnect Internet. By integrating Wifi technology with the local optical fiber network, they brought cost-effective wireless broadband network services to local communities where high-speed internet remains a luxury rather than a necessity.

For many Kenyans, the digital divide seemed too wide to surmount. A family of three in Nairobi might spend around $25 per month on internet services, which is a big amount for households earning between $100 and $400 monthly.

However, Konnect Internet is trying to change the situation. 

By offering 50 gigabytes (GB) of data for $5 per month, it provides internet access at a rate much cheaper than what has been previously available. This groundbreaking affordability has greatly reduced the financial burden on Nairobi's low-to-middle-income families, giving them access to the vast and exciting world of the internet.

Small projects, big impact

In recent years, Chinese-funded "small and beautiful" livelihood projects in Africa have captured the spotlight alongside flagship megaprojects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). From nurturing agricultural innovation to boosting digital technology and green energy, these efforts have reaped tangible economic and social benefits, accelerating Africa's modernization.

Zhou told the Global Times that his firm has created over 5,000 jobs for local communities. "As of August, we have attracted more than 1.2 million users," he said, adding that he expects their service to reach more than 10 million people in Kenya and expand to 10 other African countries within the next five years.

"China's technology edge, large-scale production advantages, and the backing of BRI policies, coupled with Africa's immense market potential, has create a fertile ground for Chinese firms to achieve further growth on the continent," Zhou added.

Zhou's vision goes well beyond mere connectivity, embracing a wide range of local innovations. His company has also introduced a user-friendly community e-commerce platform and logistics services. 

Among their developments is a shared water dispenser that pairs high-flux water filters with QR code payments, giving residents easy access to clean, affordable drinking water. Additionally, they are creating a free mobile payment system to further promote digital transactions and improve financial accessibility.

Zhou's forward-thinking efforts not only tackle the immediate needs of residents while paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient community.

Countless stories like Mr.Wifi are quietly blooming across this vast land of hope, weaving together a rich tapestry of mutually beneficial China-Africa economic cooperation and painting a vibrant picture of shared prosperity.

In 2020, Li Yi, a former McKinsey consultant, traded her high-flying career for the sun-drenched fields of Kenya. With a vision as grand as the African horizon, she co-founded FarmWorks, an ambitious agricultural venture dedicated to empowering local smallholder farmers.

FarmWorks offers services from seeds and fertilizers to cutting-edge cultivation techniques and sales support, creating a complete agricultural value chain. This initiative has not only equipped local farmers with modern farming practices and boosted their household incomes but also successfully allowed them to export premium produce.

Li told the Global Times that she aspires to unlock the vast local market with a scalable, sustainable business model in Kenya.

"Our self-operated farm stands as a 'demonstration field' for skills training, conducting plant research, testing the latest technologies, installing equipment, and prepping our staff," Li said, adding that if successful, the model will be introduced to their partner smallholders.

Starting a business in Africa is no easy feat, but it's a thrilling journey full of opportunities, Li said. She proudly highlighted their pioneering work last year - partnering with the International Potato Center to build Africa's first solar-powered sweet potato storage facility.

"The facility uses solar energy and a water recycling system for power to maintain sweet potato quality. This sustainable innovation has been both exciting and deeply rewarding for me." Li told the Global Times.

Capacity building

A recent report from China-Africa industry groups reveals that Chinese investment in Africa is shifting from traditional sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure to emerging fields such as healthcare, logistics, e-commerce, and agricultural processing.

This transition demonstrates that China-Africa economic cooperation under the BRI goes beyond relocating outdated industries; it focuses on forging innovative solutions tailored to the unique contexts and needs of both regions, according to the report.

African countries have witnessed a rising demand for technology transfer and capacity building in recent years, aligning with Chinese investment trends and BRI's broader objective of empowering locals through knowledge sharing and skill development, Zhang Jian, president of the Zambia Overseas Chinese Association told the Global Times.

Kassim Mohamed, a young Kenyan who once faced unemployment, set his new life path when a Chinese company in Kenya, Huawen Food, offered him a job. He pointed to the concrete benefits of such investment, noting that "Chinese companies have brought in lots of jobs, increased people's paychecks, and boosted local businesses, from hotels to shops."

In 2022, China gave green light to the import of wild Kenyan aquatic products that meet customs requirements, paving the way for stronger China-Arica blue economy cooperation. 

Riding the wave, Jinzai Food Corporation, the parent company of Huawen Food, set up a seafood processing factory in Kenya, bringing in advanced production methods and technologies to help cultivate the local industry chain and boost local employment. In 2023, this factory created over 150 local jobs, the company said. 

Now, the gateway to China-Africa blue economy cooperation is being opened further. 

China has partnered with nearly 20 African nations in aquaculture and commercial fishing, producing around 300,000 tons of seafood annually. Official projections show that by 2030, Africa's blue economy is poised to surge to $405 billion.

Mwangi Wachira, former economist at the World Bank and advisor to the Government of Kenya, told the Global Times that Africa, with its young population, expanding middle class, and abundant natural resources in high demand, is becoming a major driver of the global economy.

'Blue ocean' market

Transsion, China's mobile phone manufacturer, exemplifies Wachira's insights through its remarkable success in Africa. From the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the bustling neighborhoods of Lagos, the largest port city of Nigeria, Transsion's advertisements are impossible to miss.

In the second quarter of this year, the company captured more than 40 percent of the African smartphone market, maintaining its crown as the top player, according to data from market research firm Canalys.

This notable success can largely be attributed to the company's push for deep-rooted localization to meet the unique needs of the African market. "We have developed a local data production system that is both affordable and top-notch, powering multilingual voice assistants and translation tools," Arif Chowdhury, co-founder of Transsion Holdings, told the Global Times.

Transsion's supply chain, sales network, and after-sales service are also highly localized, with over 90 percent of its African workforce being local, according to Chowdhury. 

"Africa is the world's last 'blue ocean' market with over a billion people and a continent with the youngest population structure," Chowdhury noted, saying that the sweeping global digital transition is uncovering bright growth prospects for Africa's mobile internet industry.

From lush rice fields to the deep blue sea and the digital tech frontier, China-Africa economic cooperation is thriving across a wide range of sectors. This partnership vividly embodies the common aspirations and tireless efforts of both sides to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

China announced on Thursday its ten new partnership actions to jointly advance modernization with Africa, including a commitment to launch 1,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects across the continent in the coming years.

Trailblazers like Zhou and Li have felt the vibrant pulse of the African market and are gearing up to make their even deeper mark in this land of hope. 

"Africa is not a place where you can just snap your fingers and strike it rich," Li said, adding that she is nevertheless thrilled to tackle new challenges and is deeply inspired by the chance to make a real difference in local people's lives.

"For me, entering Africa means more than business, it's about having the patience and determination to truly put down roots in this promising land," Li said.

Grain enterprises across China's major agricultural provinces have purchased more than 60 million tons of summer grain now, an increase of approximately 4 million tons year-on-year, the Xinhua News Agency reported, citing the latest data released by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.

The purchase volume has remained at a relatively high level over the recent years, the report said.

The progress of summer grain purchases is proceeding smoothly. Wheat purchases in Central China's Henan and Hubei provinces, and East China's Jiangsu and Anhui provinces are nearing completion, while the progress in North China's Hebei Province, East China's Shandong Province, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is between 70 to 80 percent.

And the early indica rice purchases in Central China's Hunan Province and East China's Jiangxi Province have almost come to an end.

This year, the government continued to implement the minimum purchase price policy in the major wheat and rice producing regions, effectively guiding grain purchases by grain enterprises, Li Guoxiang, a researcher from the Rural Development Institute, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.

“This policy played a crucial role in preventing difficulties for farmers in selling their grain and curbing excessive price drops, making a significant and successful contribution to the summer grain purchases,” Li said.

The initial forecast for the 2024 summer grain purchases was approximately 70 million tons, a slight increase compared to 2023, people.cn reported in May, citing Tang Cheng, an official with the administration.

China's output of summer grain totaled 149.78 million tons in 2024, an increase of 3.63 million tons, or 2.5 percent, over the 2023 level, the National Bureau of Statistics said on July 12.

Although extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years, “their impact on China’s grain production has been limited,” Li said.

The expectation of a bumper grain output throughout the year has not changed, Li noted.

The School of Future Technology under Tianjin University has recently opened a new major specializing in brain-computer interfaces (BCI), with a major recruitment process underway, the Global Times learned. It marks the first Chinese university to do so, as the development of BCI technology has entered a critical stage of innovation breakthrough and application expansion and China is therefore in a thirst for “diversified, interdisciplinary” talent, the university said in a statement shared with the Global Times on Friday. 

The new program adopts a “secondary selection” from the new students enrolled in Tianjin University. The selection procedures include comprehensive test and experts’ interview, and admissions will be based on the combined results from those processes. 

In terms of the curriculum, the new BCI major will provide lessons involving medicine, electrical and information engineering, covering the entire industrial chain from the basic theory underpinning BCI, related device systems as well as translation and market application, the statement read.  

The program will also adopt a unique training model through research training and collaborative education training between academia and industry companies. It aims to cultivate a new generation of engineers and scientists who possess the ability to design, manufacture, and develop future bio-intelligent electronic interfaces, and who can lead the advancement of China’s BCI technology and industry development.

BCI is one of several cutting-edged tech fields at the forefront of global technology. 

Industry insiders said that at the current stage, individual countries are still developing core BCI technology and tentatively applying it in commercial settings. China has an edge in areas such as core component device, and it is expected that with government policy support and concerted efforts, as well as an amassing talent pool, the country will achieve breakthrough in certain directions such as non-invasive BCI technology.

In July, China is mulling over establishing a BCI standardization technical committee under its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), aiming to guide enterprises to enhance industrial standards and boost domestic innovation.

China's new-energy vehicle (NEV) sector is still on a robust upward trajectory, with industry insiders projecting production and sales both to exceed 10 million units by November this year, with sustained growth of 10-20 percent annually in the future.

Fu Bingfeng, executive vice president of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said on Saturday that China's NEV production and sales will surpass 10 million units each by November, compared with 9.5 million units for all of 2023, cls.cn reported on Sunday.

This bullish forecast follows the sector's impressive performance in the first half of the year, a success that industry experts attributed to sustained strong domestic and international demand, despite trade protectionist suppression from some Western countries.

Experts said that as the industry shifts into a smart technology-driven era, the introduction of new technologies and products will supercharge upgrades across the entire NEV supply and value chains, further enhancing industry prosperity.

"This trend is also fueling rapid expansion in the upstream NEV supply chains, such as battery production and installation, highlighting the sector's development potential," Fu noted.

At the 2024 World EV & ES Battery Conference held on Sunday, Miao Wei, a national political advisor, said that NEV sales in China are expected to exceed 11 million units this year, with a 10-20 percent growth rate annually until domestic annual sales reach 20 million units.

Miao also projected that the penetration rate of NEVs will exceed 50 percent by 2026, meaning that a majority of consumers will opt for NEVs when purchasing passenger cars.

China's NEV market has greatly expanded in recent years thanks to innovation that lowers manufacturing costs and improves performance, Zhang Xiang, secretary-general of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, told the Global Times on Sunday.