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China contributes its part to global biosecurity governance

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By He Yin, People’s Daily
The Second Meeting of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) kicked off on Aug. 7 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting is one of the outcomes of the Ninth BWC Review Conference held last year, and its aim is to further reinforce the effectiveness of the BWC and promote comprehensive compliance.
Biosecurity concerns the common interests of all humanity. Currently, global biosecurity governance faces both new challenges and important opportunities. On one hand, advancements in biotechnology promote productivity growth and the well-being of mankind. On the other hand, as the intension and extension of biosecurity are broadening, traditional biosecurity issues overlap with emerging biosecurity risks, making the global biosecurity landscape even more complex. How to strengthen global biosecurity governance and better balance security with development has become a common task for the international community.
Facing the new situation, challenges, and issues in the sphere of biosecurity, China adheres to systematic governance. While continuously fortifying its own biosecurity defenses, China actively participates in global biosecurity governance and makes positive contributions with Chinese wisdom and solutions.
China has solemnly put forward the Global Security Initiative and officially released the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper, calling on all nations to stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. It encourages all countries to practice the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in global governance, and work together to address global challenges including biosecurity.
The BWC is an important cornerstone of global biosecurity governance. In over 50 years since it became open for signature, it has played a vital role in preventing biosecurity threats and promoting the peaceful use of biotechnology.
China has unequivocally advocated strengthening the BWC and vigorously promoted the establishment of a verification mechanism through multilateral negotiations to fundamentally ensure compliance.
The country has always advocated the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all weapons of mass destruction, including biological weapons, and firmly opposes the proliferation of biological weapons and related technologies.
China is firmly committed to the BWC’s purposes and objectives, comprehensively and strictly fulfills its obligations, and actively participates in and supports multilateral processes to enhance the BWC’s effectiveness.
In April 2021, China’s Biosecurity Law formally took effect, providing a stronger legal and institutional basis for China to implement the BWC. China has also actively advocated negotiations on an international convention on the suppression of acts of bioterrorism to further address gaps in international law.
In recent years, the risks of misuse and abuse of biotechnology have attracted great attention. China supports BWC State Parties to keep pace with the times, uphold the vision of universal security and shared development for all mankind, strengthen deliberations on biotechnology development under the BWC framework, promote responsible biological research, and formulate necessary voluntary codes of conduct.
Based on this position, China engaged in in-depth discussions with various countries and reached the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists in July 2021, putting forward ten major guiding principles including ethical standards, laws and norms, responsible conduct of research, research process management, and international cooperation.
Covering the whole process and entire chain of biological research, the Tianjin Guidelines fully reflects the consensus of the international community and makes important contributions to promoting the healthy and orderly development of global biotechnology.
During the Ninth Review Conference and the Meeting of States Parties of the BWC, the Tianjin Guidelines received extensive attention and acclaim. Originating from a Chinese proposal but belonging to the whole world, the Tianjin Guidelines fully demonstrates the determination of the international scientific community to further standardize biological research activities. It also fully proves that science-based and highly representative international processes can become an effective approach to strengthening global biosecurity governance and related international cooperation.
Responding to the demands of developing countries for sharing the dividends of sci-tech development in biological and other fields, China proposed the resolution “Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security” at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
This launched an open and inclusive dialogue process under the UNGA framework, which is of great significance for building a more just and reasonable export control order, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all countries for the peaceful use of science and technology, and addressing the security challenges posed by sci-tech advancements.
This resolution has been adopted at the UNGA for two consecutive years and widely welcomed by the international community.
As a Chinese saying goes, “The journey ahead may be long and arduous, but with sustained actions, we will eventually reach our destination.” China will continue to uphold the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, promote global biosecurity governance together with the international community, and make greater contributions to achieving universal security and common development.

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Judge blocks Trump from deporting non-citizens using wartime law

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A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to deport migrants allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua under a wartime law.

US District Judge James Boasberg issued a restraining order preventing the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expel undocumented migrants accused of gang ties. The order initially protected five individuals challenging the deportation but was later expanded to all affected noncitizens in US custody.

Boasberg also directed that any planes carrying these migrants be returned to the United States. “Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned,” he ruled. The restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days or until further court action.

The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act, citing Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization that has “unlawfully infiltrated the United States” and is engaging in hostile actions. However, civil rights groups, including the ACLU, argue that the gang’s activities do not meet the legal definition of an invasion.

The Justice Department has appealed the ruling, while the case continues in court.

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China’s new chapter in global innovation

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By Gu Yekai, Liu Yiqing, People’s Daily

At a smart construction project site managed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, a quiet technological revolution is underway. Amid cranes and concrete, engineers are deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems that could fundamentally reshape the construction industry.

Li Fengjian, an AI specialistwith Xianyuan Technology, detailed how the company’s latest intelligent system – built on a large model – adapts to complex construction environments.”Engineering machinery equipped with intelligent agents can adjust its operations automatically in response to weather conditions,” Li explained, adding that a spatiotemporal sensing network further enhances the system, providing real-time tracking of both personnel and materials throughout the construction site.

In February this year, Xianyuan Technology rapidly integrated its self-developed model with DeepSeek-R1, effectively blending a general-purpose framework with industry-specific models. This integration, Li noted, has produced a solution capable of delivering expert-level performance in challenging, dynamic environments. The firm is based in the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, aburgeoning AI incubator that now hosts over 200 innovative enterprises.

China’s technological transformation extends well beyond the construction sector. Overthe past three decades, the country has evolved from its initial forays into internet connectivity to becoming a key player in global digital innovation.

Here, a steady stream of technological innovations are emerging, from the early days of emails and web browsing to the cutting-edge technologies represented by DeepSeek and the dynamic evolution of social media.

Wu Jianping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and headof the Zhongguancun Laboratory, pointed out that while China had introduced only one internet standard before 2005, it now contributes to over 200 worldwide. Such strides illustrate the country’s concerted push toward high-level technological self-reliance – a journey marked by both persistence and determination.

Beyond the digital realm, China is makingsignificant inroads in aerospace, new energy, and other high-tech sectors. It has transitioned from being a follower to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders, and in some areas, even taking the lead. Wu attributed these achievements to a dynamic ecosystem of policy reforms and talent cultivation that encourages creativity and technical expertise at every level.

Amid intensifying international competition, collaborative research and the integration of new technologies with traditional industries are central to China’s high-quality economic development.

Mei Linhai, a researcher at China’s State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Intelligence, remarked that the age of AI calls for continuous exploration. “In this era, everyone is an innovator. Only by persistently pushing the boundaries can we remain at the forefront of both technological and industrial development,” Mei observed.

In the field of general-purpose AI, Mei emphasized that independent innovation is paramount. He advocates for a self-driven industrial ecosystem that leveragesbreakthrough technologies to boost productivity and unlock new possibilities, Mei said.

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Chinese democracy in action:a village bench meeting shapes national law

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By Wei Zhezhe, Liu Botong, People’s Daily

In a modest corner of Jiangmen, south China’s Guangdong province, residents of Weidong village are experiencing firsthand a form of democracy that starts at the grassroots level and reverberates all the way to Beijing.

Wu Tengxin, a local villager who relies on a scooter for daily mobility after contracting polio, recalls a time when the village’s public spaces were ill-equipped for people with disabilities. Now, thanks to a simple suggestion made during a meeting, his everyday life has changed.

In November 2022, a team from a local legislative outreach office – a branch of China’sNational People’s Congress (NPC) – visited Weidong village and set up a “bench-style meeting.” Residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities, gathered to voice their concerns about inadequate accessibility.

Amid the conversation, Wu offered a straightforward proposal: “I hope rural accessible facilities can be improved to make mobility easier for people with disabilities and the elderly.” His words were relayed verbatim to lawmakers.

The response was swift. On June 28, 2023, at the third session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, legislators passed a law on building a barrier-free living environment. The law stipulates that improvements”shall align with social and economic development levels, coordinate urban and rural progress, and gradually narrow the gap in infrastructure between urban and rural areas.”

Today, Wu observes that the village’s main roads and public squares have been upgraded with accessibility features that make getting around considerably easier.

This episode illustrates what Chinese officials call “whole-process people’s democracy” – a system where citizen input is woven into every stage of policy development.

Jilie Ziri, head of Abuluoha village in Butuo county, southwest China’s Sichuan province, remarked that for young generations in China, democracy has become a lived experience. “Villagers are the masters of village affairs,” he said, emphasizing how active villager participation has injected new vitality into local governance.

Experts point to consultative democracy as a cornerstone of this process. Tao Kaiyuan, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, underscores the important role of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, whose members hail from every stratum of society and bring a wealth of expertise and connections.

Their regular forums, field research, and public consultations have created robust channels for citizens to contribute ideas and forge consensus.”This approach gathers collective wisdom and transforms public voices into policy,” Tao said.

Another crucial manifestation is the effectiveness of China’s political party system. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, Chinese democratic parties actively fulfill their duties, offering recommendations that often translate into concrete policy decisions. This integrated approach demonstrates the unique strengths of China’s political system and the advantages of whole-process people’s democracy.

Tao emphasized that whole-process people’s democracyhas evolved into an efficient and dynamic democratic practice – one that not only reflects the essence of socialist democracy but also presents a pioneering model of political civilization, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance and democratic development.

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