Hangzhou Asian Games

The 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, held from Sept 23 to Oct 8, were a grand celebration of athletic prowess, cultural exchange, and technological innovation.

Esports debuted as a medal event, mirroring the evolving landscape of competitive sports. The event also showcased groundbreaking initiatives, including a digital torchbearer, electronic ID registration, and the use of robot dogs to retrieve sports equipment, demonstrating a commitment to a smart Asian Games.

The competition witnessed unforgettable moments, such as tennis player Zhang Zhizhen's triumph in the men's singles final. The diving competition saw China securing all 10 gold medals, exemplifying a perfect performance in the discipline. The women's basketball final added to the excitement as China secured the championship in the closing moments against Japan.

War and peace

As we bid farewell to 2023, the world remains entangled in the complexities of conflict, with two hot spots capturing global attention: the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Multiple countries in Africa and South America are also facing potential conflicts due to regional disputes.

While wars persist globally, China's commitment to stability and peace provides a valuable lesson in diplomacy and internal cohesion. As the world navigates uncertain waters, the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and a commitment to peace becomes increasingly evident.

"Conflicts drive record numbers of people from their homes," said Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, in a speech on the 2023 International Day of Peace on Sept 21. "This year's theme reminds us that peace is not automatic. Peace is the result of action."

Nuclear wastewater discharge

On Aug 24, 2023, Tokyo Electric Power Company officially announced the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant's plan to discharge nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. On Dec 18, TEPC announced that the fourth round of nuclear wastewater discharge, estimated at 7,800 tons, will begin in February of 2024.

Chinese representative Liu Jing, vice-chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, voiced China's concerns and opposition against Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge plan at the 67th General Conference of the Atomic Energy Agency in September in Vienna, Austria. Liu insisted that nuclear-contaminated wastewater is not only harmful to the ocean but also poses a threat to human lives and health.

To prevent the risks of radioactive pollution, China issued a clear order for the complete suspension of imports of aquatic products from Japan.