英语新闻丨离境退税服务迎来实施一周年里程碑

China has urged all peace-loving countries to remain highly vigilant and firmly resist Japan's neo-militarist moves, after the latter took its latest step toward revising three key security-related documents as part of a broader push to accelerate its military buildup under the pretext of strengthening deterrence.Lin Jian, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a daily news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, a day after Japan convened its first expert panel meeting to advance the revision of the documents, which are expected to be updated by the end of the year.According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told the meeting that Japan should draw lessons from the Ukraine crisis and the conflict in the Middle East, adapt to "new forms of warfare", including the use of drones, and prepare for a "long-term conflict".Lin pointed out that Japan, which has launched wars and invaded other countries in the past, is now playing up so-called tensions. "Is Japan seeking to repeat the mistakes of history, race down the path of remilitarization and once again become a source of trouble in East Asia?"Japan's recent dangerous and provocative moves in the military and security fields — from its long-standing "exclusively defense-oriented policy" to its declaration to "prepare for a long war" — have dented its self-proclaimed image of being a peaceful country, Lin said.He noted that Japanese militarism pursued rampant aggression and expansion in the past, committing heinous crimes against China and other Asian neighbors, while also inflicting deep suffering on the Japanese people.He added that many insightful people have observed that recent remarks made by some Japanese politicians sound more like warmongering, closely resembling the rhetoric of Japanese militarists in the past.To prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism, a series of documents with full legal effect under international law — including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender — required Japan to remain "completely disarmed" and to not maintain industries that could allow its rearmament for war.The Japanese Constitution also places strict limits on the country's military capabilities, its right of belligerency and its right to wage war.This year marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Tokyo trials, which held Japanese leaders accountable for war crimes committed during World War II.And yet, Japan has not only failed to seriously reflect on its past wars of aggression, but is also attempting to pursue military expansion, Lin said, adding that the international community will never allow that.Also on Tuesday, China expressed its strong indignation and stern condemnation of visits made to the Yasukuni Shrine by 166 Japanese national and local lawmakers.Their visits follow Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's recent ritual and cash offerings to the notorious shrine, which is a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression and honors Japanese militarists, including 14 convicted Class-A war criminals.Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, denounced these moves, saying they blatantly trample on historical justice and human conscience, as well as challenge the outcomes of WWII and the postwar international order.Eighty years ago, the international community, with overwhelming iron-clad evidence, passed its judgment on Japan's crimes of aggression, tried and sentenced its Class-A war criminals, upheld the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and safeguarded international justice, Lin said.However, some Japanese politicians and right-wing forces, instead of reflecting on history and correcting the wrongdoings, repeatedly visit the war shrine in an attempt to reverse the verdict on Japan's aggression, whitewash its war crimes and revive militarism, he said."The Chinese people and people elsewhere who suffered under Japanese aggression will never accept that, neither will anyone in the world who stands for peace," Lin added.

Tourists shift focus to local destinations as uncertainty looms for outbound trips出境游不确定性隐现，游客目光转向国内目的地Rising jet fuel costs and uncertainty over international air routes are driving a shift from outbound to domestic travel, with Chinese tourism platforms predicting that this year's Labor Day holiday is expected to see a surge in domestic tourism.航空燃油价格上涨、国际航线前景不明，正促使游客从出境游转向国内游。多家国内旅游平台预测，今年五一劳动节假期将迎来国内旅游热潮。The Labor Day public holiday in China this year is a five-day break from May 1 to 5.今年中国劳动节假期为5月1日至5日，共5天。Data from online travel agency Qunar showed that bookings for long-haul trips to domestic destinations over 800 kilometers away have increased more than 30 percent year-on-year, while hotel reservations in popular third-tier and smaller cities have doubled.在线旅游平台去哪儿的数据显示，800公里以上的国内长线游预订量同比增长超30%，而热门三四线及小城市的酒店预订量翻了一番。According to a report by the online travel platform Tuniu, bookings for domestic package tours during the Labor Day holiday increased 10 percent year-on-year, with self-drive tour bookings surging over 50 percent and free independent travel bookings rising nearly 20 percent.途牛旅游网发布的报告显示，五一假期国内跟团游预订量同比增长10%，自驾游预订量增幅超50%，自由行预订量增长近20%。As overseas travel becomes less predictable, many Chinese tourists are opting for more relaxed, immersive domestic experiences. Among emerging trends is "lie-flat travel" — low-key, quality stays in smaller cities, often in star hotels that cost a fraction of those in first-tier cities.随着出境游不确定性增多，不少中国游客开始选择更悠闲、更具沉浸感的国内体验。其中，“躺平式旅行”成为新趋势——在小城市享受低调而高品质的住宿，往往入住星级酒店，花费仅为一线城市的零头。For example, an office worker surnamed Qi from Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, chose Jiayu, a small county in Hubei, about an hour's drive from her home. "Deciding to travel to my doorstep made me feel relaxed," she said. "I booked a very nice hotel for only a third of the price in a first-tier city, saving me 1,000 yuan ($146)."例如，来自湖北武汉的上班族齐女士选择了距家约一小时车程的湖北嘉鱼县。她说：“决定到家门口旅行让我感到格外放松。我订了一家很不错的酒店，价格只有一线城市的三分之一，一下子省了1000元（约合146美元）。”Another traveler, Lyu Qing, a Beijing resident who used to take her child abroad every holiday, opted this time for Luzhou, a lesser-known city in Sichuan province. "Flights to Europe are too expensive without stopovers in the Middle East, and routes to Southeast Asia are uncertain," she said. "So I chose a small domestic city — fewer crowds, cheaper and more reliable."另一位游客吕青家住北京，以往每个假期都会带孩子出境游玩，这次则选择了不那么知名的四川泸州。她说：“飞欧洲的机票不经停中东就太贵了，东南亚航线又充满不确定性。所以我选了个国内小城，人少、便宜，也更靠谱。”Qunar data showed that hotel bookings in destinations such as Ding'an in Hainan province surged 8.7 times year-on-year, while Luzhou in Sichuan saw a fivefold increase and Zhongshan in Guangdong province a fourfold rise. The average price of luxury hotels in popular small cities is more than 40 percent lower than in first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, with some county-level luxury hotels charging as little as 300 yuan per night during the holiday peak period.去哪儿数据显示，海南定安等目的地的酒店预订量同比增长8.7倍，四川泸州增长5倍，广东中山增长4倍。热门小城市的豪华酒店均价比北京、上海等一线城市低四成以上，部分县域豪华酒店在假期高峰每晚仅需300元。The introduction of a spring break from late April to early May in about 30 cities — including Hangzhou and Ningbo in Zhejiang province, Changsha in Hunan province and Shenyang in Liaoning province — has encouraged families to travel earlier, thereby easing congestion during the traditional peak period. Qunar said that staggered spring breaks across regions have effectively extended the holiday period to 17 days, from April 24 to May 10.此外，包括浙江杭州、宁波，湖南长沙和辽宁沈阳在内的约30个城市，在4月底至5月初设置了春假，鼓励家庭提前出行，从而缓解传统高峰期的拥堵。去哪儿表示，各地错峰安排的春假实际上已将假期时段拉长至17天，即4月24日到5月10日。Tuniu said that the travel boom in Zhejiang is expected to start early, from Tuesday, driven by the spring break. The combined spring break and Labor Day holiday has created an extended "3+5" vacation, with local bookings surging by 135 percent year-on-year for the period.途牛称，受春假带动，浙江的出行热潮预计从周二起就已启动。春假与劳动节假期叠加，形成了“3+5”的超长休假模式，当地同期预订量同比飙升135%。According to Qunar, trips during the weekends before and after the holiday have increased by 20 percent year-on-year, with average round-trip airfares about 40 percent cheaper than flying on April 30 or May 5. Meanwhile, bookings for multi-city itineraries — covering two or more destinations — have risen 118 percent year-on-year, while bookings for self-drive tours have climbed nearly 60 percent.据去哪儿统计，五一假期前后的周末出行人次同比增长20%，往返机票均价比4月30日或5月5日出行便宜约四成。同时，涵盖两个及以上目的地的多城行程预订量同比增长118%，自驾游预订量增长近六成。Lyu Ning, dean of Beijing International Studies University's School of Tourism Sciences, said the shift in demand from high-end outbound travel toward domestic long-haul trips would accelerate innovation in domestic tourism products.北京第二外国语学院旅游科学学院院长吕宁表示，从高端出境游转向国内长线游的需求变化，将加速国内旅游产品创新。"Traditional sightseeing is being replaced by immersive experiences, niche destinations, light luxury getaways and loop self-drive tours," said Lyu. "Tourists now prioritize safety, immersive experiences and value for money, and are developing a growing appreciation for China's natural and cultural assets."“传统的观光游正被沉浸式体验、小众目的地、轻奢度假和环线自驾所取代。”吕宁说，“游客如今更看重安全、沉浸式体验和性价比，对国内自然和人文资源的欣赏也在不断加深。”She called on domestic destinations to benchmark international service standards and develop small but refined leisure travel concepts. She said that local governments should tap into county-level cultural and tourism resources, such as Ding'an in Hainan and Luzhou in Sichuan, and integrate hot spring wellness, healing retreats and folk customs to fill the gap in the market for high-end domestic vacations.她呼吁国内旅游目的地对标国际服务标准，打造“小而精”的休闲度假概念。吕宁表示，地方政府应充分挖掘县域文旅资源，如海南定安、四川泸州等地，将温泉康养、疗愈度假和民俗风情结合起来，填补国内高端度假市场空白。Lyu also stressed the need for smart governance. Big data and digital platforms should be used to monitor real-time crowd densities and implement dynamic early warning systems and intelligent diversion strategies. She said that strict caps on scenic area capacity, online reservations, timed entry and route diversification are essential to prevent overcrowding and ensure travel quality.吕宁还强调了智慧治理的必要性。她指出，应利用大数据和数字平台实时监测人流密度，实施动态预警和智能分流策略。严格执行景区容量上限、线上预约、分时入园和路线多样化，对于防止过度拥挤、保障出游品质至关重要。long-haul trip /ˌlɒŋ ˈhɔːl trɪp/长途旅行package tour /ˈpækɪdʒ tʊə/跟团游immersive /ɪˈmɜːsɪv/沉浸式的stopover /ˈstɒpˌəʊvə/中途停留congestion /kənˈdʒestʃən/拥堵staggered spring breaks /ˈstæɡəd sprɪŋ breɪks/错峰春假getaway /ˈɡetəweɪ/短假tap into /tæp ˈɪntuː/挖掘

In an era marked by global economic uncertainty and escalating geopolitical tensions, Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visits to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar demonstrated China's strategic commitment to fostering regional stability and prosperity.在全球经济充满不确定性、地缘政治紧张局势加剧的时代背景下，外交部长王毅近期对柬埔寨、泰国和缅甸的访问，展现了中国致力于促进地区稳定与繁荣的战略担当。The three countries, all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, are at crucial development stages and share a deep-rooted friendship with China. The five-day diplomatic outreach, which concluded on Sunday, is not merely a series of bilateral engagements, but also a calculated effort to deepen cooperation with ASEAN countries across political, economic and security areas.柬泰缅三国同为东盟成员国，均处于关键发展阶段，且与中国友谊深厚。这场于周日落幕、为期五天的外交行程，不仅是系列双边互动，更是深化与东盟国家在政治、经济、安全领域合作的精心布局。By promoting initiatives such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework, China aims to address the immediate development concerns of Southeast Asian nations while also planning for their long-term security and prosperity.通过推动澜沧江-湄公河合作框架等倡议，中国着力解决东南亚国家眼下的发展关切，同时为其长远安全与繁荣谋划。Wang's visits to these Mekong region countries highlight China's efforts to build a community with a shared future in this strategically vital area. Trade between China and the Mekong countries has already surpassed $500 billion, marking a 150 percent increase over the past decade. This robust economic cooperation underscores the dynamic potential of regional partnerships. By fostering such economic integration, China and the Mekong countries are paving the way for shared growth and prosperity through strategic collaboration.王毅此次湄公河流域三国之行，凸显中国在这一战略要地构建命运共同体的努力。中国与湄公河国家贸易额已突破5000亿美元，较十年前增长150%。强劲的经济合作彰显了区域伙伴关系的蓬勃潜力。通过促进经济融合，中国与湄公河国家正以战略协作铺就共同发展与繁荣之路。Security cooperation has also seen notable advancements. A key highlight of Wang's visit was the inaugural "2+2" strategic dialogue mechanism between the foreign and defense ministers of China and Cambodia. The initiative to upgrade this mechanism to a "3+3" framework, broadening cooperation to include law enforcement, social governance and combating transnational crime, as the Cambodian side told the media, indicates a readiness to strengthen collaboration on multiple levels to address complex transnational issues, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability.安全合作同样取得显著进展。此次访问的一大亮点是，中国与柬埔寨启动了首次外长、防长"2+2"战略对话机制。据柬方向媒体透露，双方计划将该机制升级为"3+3"模式，将合作拓展至执法、社会治理及打击跨国犯罪等领域，表明双方愿在多个层面加强协作，应对复杂的跨国议题，助力地区和平稳定。Similarly, China-Thailand relations are poised for new growth momentum. As 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the visit provided a platform to consolidate past achievements and strategically align with Thailand's new government to chart a cooperative blueprint for the next five decades.中泰关系同样迎来新的发展动能。2025年正值两国建交50周年，此次访问为巩固既往成果、同泰国新政府进行战略对接提供了平台，从而共同绘制下一个五十年的合作蓝图。China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, with bilateral trade surpassing 1 trillion yuan ($146 billion) for the first time in 2025, a 15.1 percent increase year-on-year. China, as Thailand's second-largest export market, absorbs over 40 percent of Thai agricultural exports. Looking ahead, cooperation could expand into the renewable energy sector, as Thailand plans to accelerate its transition to clean and renewable energy. The potential for collaboration in trade, tourism and renewable energy between China and Thailand is immense.中国已连续13年成为泰国最大贸易伙伴，2025年双边贸易额首次突破1万亿元人民币（约合1460亿美元），同比增长15.1%。作为泰国第二大出口市场，中国吸纳了泰国四成以上的农产品出口。展望未来，鉴于泰国计划加速向清洁和可再生能源转型，双方合作有望扩展至可再生能源领域。中泰在贸易、旅游和可再生能源领域的合作潜力巨大。The significance of Wang's visits extends beyond economic and trade cooperation. In the face of complex and volatile international dynamics, Southeast Asian countries are grappling with challenges such as energy security, economic stability and supply chain restructuring. The recent energy crisis, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, highlights regional energy vulnerabilities. Countries such as Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, which depend heavily on oil imports, are particularly affected, with soaring fuel prices and severe disruptions in tourism and local industries.王毅此访的意义不止于经贸合作。面对复杂多变的国际形势，东南亚国家正着力应对能源安全、经济稳定和供应链重构等挑战。近期中东冲突引发的能源危机，凸显了该地区的能源脆弱性。柬埔寨、泰国、缅甸等高度依赖石油进口的国家所受冲击尤为明显，燃料价格飙升，旅游业和当地产业受到严重干扰。China provides a crucial anchor for the long-term development of regional nations. That Moody's affirmed China's A1 rating on Monday and upgraded the outlook to stable is a positive reflection of the improving prospects for the world's second-largest economy. Deepening economic ties with China represents feasible ways for Southeast Asian countries to stabilize their economies and safeguard their peoples' livelihoods.中国为地区国家的长远发展提供了重要锚定。穆迪国际信用评级公司周一发布报告，决定维持中国主权信用评级“A1”并将展望上调至“稳定”，这积极反映了对中国这个世界第二大经济体前景的看好。深化对华经济关系，是东南亚国家稳定经济、保障民生的可行路径。Wang's visits were also significant for regional security, particularly in the context of uncertainties along the Cambodia-Thailand border. China's mediation efforts have been a catalyst for dialogue, as the country has expressed its commitment to facilitating trust-building between Cambodia and Thailand and has offered platforms for direct communication between the two sides that helped reduce tensions.王毅此访对地区安全同样意义重大，特别是在柬泰边境存在不确定因素的背景下。中国的斡旋努力已成为促进对话的催化剂，中方表示愿协助柬泰两国建立信任，并为双方提供了直接沟通的平台，有助缓解紧张局势。By enhancing strategic trust, strengthening institutional collaboration and expanding areas of cooperation, China and ASEAN nations are jointly crafting a closer community with a shared future. This endeavor contributes not only to regional economic prosperity and stability, but also to global peace and development.通过增进战略互信、加强机制化协作、拓展合作领域，中国与东盟国家正携手构建更加紧密的命运共同体。这一努力不仅有利于地区经济繁荣稳定，也促进了全球和平与发展。China and ASEAN should continue to advance the building of a community with a shared future, and deepen their cooperation across the political, economic and security domains to build a resilient and dynamic region.中国与东盟应继续推进命运共同体建设，深化在政治、经济和安全领域的合作，共同打造一个富有韧性、充满活力的地区。law enforcement /lɔː ɪnˈfɔːrsmənt/执法transnational crime /trænzˈnæʃənl kraɪm/跨国犯罪be poised for /bi pɔɪzd fɔːr/蓄势待发；准备好迎接volatile /ˈvɒlətaɪl/动荡的；不稳定的grapple with challenges /ˈɡræpəl wɪð ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/应对挑战；着力应对挑战catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/催化剂；促进因素

China's job market remained generally stable in the first quarter of this year, with 2.99 million new jobs created in urban areas nationwide and an average surveyed urban unemployment rate of 5.3 percent, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.今年一季度，我国就业形势保持总体稳定。人力资源社会保障部数据显示，全国城镇新增就业299万人，城镇调查失业率平均值为5.3%。From January to March, efforts focused on employment for key groups, such as college graduates and young people, to seize the critical period for graduates entering the job market and accelerate measures to help more secure employment as early as possible, Cui Pengcheng, a ministry spokesperson, said at a news conference on Tuesday.人力资源社会保障部新闻发言人崔鹏程在28日举行的新闻发布会上介绍，1至3月，我国聚焦高校毕业生、青年等重点群体就业，抢抓毕业生离校前求职关键期，加快落实各项举措，帮助更多人尽早实现就业。China has set a target of around 5.5 percent for the surveyed urban unemployment rate in 2026 and aims to create more than 12 million new urban jobs this year.我国已明确2026年城镇调查失业率控制在5.5%左右的目标，全年计划城镇新增就业1200万人以上。Policy measures have also been developed to expand large-scale vocational skills training, particularly by strengthening the supply of high-quality training resources in fields such as artificial intelligence, the low-altitude economy, new energy vehicles and elderly care services, Cui said.崔鹏程表示，已制定扩大大规模职业技能提升培训的政策措施，重点加强人工智能、低空经济、新能源汽车、养老服务等领域的优质培训资源供给。In collaboration with other departments, about 59,000 job fairs have been held nationwide, offering 36 million positions. Nearly 1 million "point-to-point" transportation trips have been provided for migrant workers, he said.他介绍，会同有关部门，全国已举办招聘会约5.9万场，提供岗位3600万个；为农民工提供近100万次“点对点”运输服务。vocational skills training /voʊˈkeɪʃənl skɪlz ˈtreɪnɪŋ/职业技能培训low-altitude economy /loʊ ˈæltɪˌtud ɪˈkɑnəmi/低空经济job fairs /dʒɑb fɛrz/招聘会

The nationwide rollout of China's departure tax refund service, which smoothly reached its one-year mark this month, has effectively stimulated inbound travel and increased consumption vitality, experts said.专家表示，中国离境退税全国性推广本月初平稳迎来实施一周年，有效刺激了入境旅游，激发了消费活力。The policy governing the service aims to further enhance the convenience of departure tax refunds for overseas visitors and optimize their shopping experience. Travelers purchasing tax-refundable items at designated stores across the country can receive a spot refund in renminbi upon signing an agreement and processing a credit card preauthorization.该政策旨在进一步提升境外旅客离境退税的便利性，优化其购物体验。在全国各地指定商店购买可退税商品的旅客，在签署协议并办理信用卡预授权后，即可现场领取人民币退税款。China's tax authorities and relevant government organs have actively encouraged eligible stores to offer this "buy and get a refund" service, with their total number currently exceeding 8,000, surging more than 100 percent since the policy was adopted in April last year.中国税务部门及相关政府机构积极鼓励符合条件的商店提供“买即退”服务。自去年4月该政策实施以来，提供该项服务的商店总数已超过8000家，增幅超过100%。As the service continues to expand, more overseas visitors are receiving spot tax refunds on a wider range of goods, further spurring consumption.随着该服务的持续扩展，越来越多的境外旅客在更广泛的商品品类上享受到了现场退税，进一步刺激了消费。According to data from the State Taxation Administration, the number of individuals processing refunds nationwide over the past year increased by 12.96 times. Both the tax-refundable sales volume and the total refund amount increased by 9.35 times over the past year, marking a rapid growth in scale.根据国家税务总局的数据，过去一年全国办理退税的人数增长了12.96倍。退税销售额和退税总额均增长了9.35倍，呈现出规模化快速增长趋势。Fan Yong, dean of the Central University of Finance and Economics' School of Public Finance and Taxation, said the promotion and implementation of the service have effectively stimulated inbound consumption vitality.中央财经大学财政税务学院院长樊勇表示，该项服务的推广落地有效激发了入境消费活力。"It stands as an important achievement in China's continuous effort to optimize its business environment, and has promoted local brands on the international stage," Fan added.他补充道：“这是我国持续优化国际化营商环境的重要成果，亦有力促进了本土品牌走向国际舞台。”To further enhance the business environment, local tax authorities have actively explored ways to upgrade the service over the past year.为持续优化营商环境，过去一年，各地税务部门积极探索服务升级路径。For instance, Beijing has introduced a citywide processing system, allowing inbound travelers to shop at any tax refund store in the Chinese capital and process their refunds at a centralized location in the city.例如，北京推出了全城通办系统，允许入境旅客在首都的任何一家退税商店购物，并在市内的集中退付点办理退税手续。Sichuan province has launched a refund system based on a QR code, enabling overseas visitors to quickly complete the process and receive instant refunds by simply uploading photos of their application forms, valid identification documents and shopping invoices.四川省推出基于二维码的退税系统，境外旅客只需上传退税申请单、有效身份证件和购物发票的照片，即可快速完成退税手续，实时收到退税款。Shenzhen in Guangdong province has expanded its diversified electronic refund system by launching a real-time transfer service to WeChat Pay HK wallets for visitors from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.广东省深圳市通过推出微信香港钱包实时到账服务，扩展了其多元化的电子退税体系，方便香港特别行政区旅客办理退税。It has also introduced a "digital RMB hard wallet" refund method, which involves a prepaid card that allows travelers to receive and use their refund instantly without needing a bank account or internet connection.该市还推出了“数字人民币钱包”退税方式，即一种预付卡，旅客无需银行账户或网络连接即可实时接收和使用退税款。Gary Cai, a partner at professional services firm KPMG and head of KPMG China Economic Research Institute, said that optimizing departure tax refunds and the payment environment lowers transaction costs for overseas visitors.毕马威中国合伙人、毕马威中国经济研究院院长蔡伟表示，优化离境退税和支付环境降低了境外旅客的交易成本。"This turns potential desire into real consumption," he said, adding that inbound consumption effectively supplements domestic demand and helps optimize the nation's overall trade structure.他说：“这将潜在消费意愿转化为真实消费。”他补充说，入境消费有效补充了内需，有助于优化国家的整体贸易结构。Experts also pointed to untapped consumption potential.专家还指出，目前的入境消费潜力仍处于尚待开发阶段。While China's inbound consumption in 2025 recovered to the pre-pandemic peak level, accounting for 0.7 percent of the nation's GDP, there remains a gap compared with major global tourist destinations, Cai said.蔡伟说，虽然2025年中国入境消费恢复到了疫情前的峰值水平，占GDP的0.7%，但与全球主要旅游目的地相比仍存在差距。"Our focus should shift from scale recovery to quality improvement and structural optimization," he said.“我们的重点应从规模恢复转向质量提升和结构优化，”他说。To further unleash this potential, Cai suggested implementing higher tax refund rates for premium domestic brands and green, smart products.为进一步释放这一潜力，蔡伟建议，对优质国产品牌及绿色智能产品实行更高的退税率。Authorities said they will continue to expand service scenarios and provide stronger support for consumption and high-level opening-up.有关部门表示，将持续拓展服务场景，为促进消费和高水平对外开放提供更有力支撑。

For years, auto shows have been primarily about new models.多年来，车展的核心一直是全新车型。At Auto China 2026 in Beijing, it is increasingly about new systems — from AI-driven driving to centralized computing architectures.而在北京 2026 中国国际汽车展览会上，焦点正逐步转向全新系统，涵盖人工智能驾驶、集中式计算架构等多个领域。This year's show, the largest of its kind, has drawn more than 2,000 companies from 21 countries and regions, with 1,451 vehicles on display.本届车展为全球规模最大的汽车展会，吸引了 21 个国家和地区的 2000 余家企业参展，展出车辆 1451 台。It includes a total of 181 global debuts and 71 concept cars, hitting a new high.展会共迎来 181 款全球首发车型与 71 台概念车，数量创下历史新高。More than 60 percent of global premieres at the show come from Chinese brands, while the number of concept vehicles has reached a record level.本届车展超六成全球首发车型来自中国品牌，概念车展出数量也创下历史纪录。Behind the numbers, however, a deeper transformation is underway, one defined by artificial intelligence, software architecture and system-level innovation.但在亮眼数据背后，一场以人工智能、软件架构、系统级创新为核心的深度行业变革正在悄然推进。Chinese automakers, long known for their expansive product lineups, are now using the show floor to highlight technology stacks as much as vehicles.中国车企素来以丰富的产品矩阵著称，如今在车展舞台上，其展示重心已兼顾整车产品与全栈核心技术。Large standalone halls occupied by domestic brands — including BYD, Chery and Geely — reflect not only product breadth but also accumulated capabilities in electrification and intelligent systems.比亚迪、奇瑞、吉利等中国品牌坐拥独立大型展馆，既彰显了产品覆盖面，也体现出在电动化、智能化领域长期积累的技术实力。As performance gaps in batteries, motors and electronic control systems narrow, competition is moving toward shaping technological identity and capturing user mindshare, said analysts.分析人士表示，随着电池、电机、电控系统的性能差距不断缩小，汽车行业的竞争正转向打造专属技术标签、抢占用户心智。Artificial intelligence has become the focal point of this shift.人工智能已然成为这场行业变革的核心焦点。Geely is highlighting its full-domain AI 2.0 system, while SAIC's Roewe brand is showcasing AI-based in-car applications developed with Volcano Engine.吉利重点展出全域人工智能 2.0 系统，上汽荣威则亮相与火山引擎联合研发的车载智能应用。Huawei's automotive business also made its first appearance as an independent brand cluster, presenting multiple new models alongside its Harmony-based intelligent cockpit ecosystem.华为汽车业务首次以独立品牌矩阵形式参展，多款全新车型同台亮相，同步展示基于鸿蒙系统打造的智能座舱生态。Across the exhibition, intelligent driving, smart cockpits and large language model integration are no longer isolated features, but part of unified system architectures.整场展会中，智能驾驶、智能座舱、大模型融合技术不再是孤立配置，而是融入一体化系统架构的核心组成部分。One of the most explicit articulations of this transition came from XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng, who outlined the company's strategy centered on "physical AI".小鹏汽车董事长何小鹏清晰阐释了行业转型趋势，并介绍了企业以「物理人工智能」为核心的发展战略。XPeng's latest model, he said, is the first Chinese vehicle designed with full hardware redundancy to meet robotaxi standards and has already obtained road testing permits in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.他表示，小鹏全新车型为国内首款搭载全冗余硬件、符合自动驾驶出租车标准的量产车型，目前已在广东广州获得道路测试资质。The company is currently conducting regular Level 4 pilot operations and plans to begin passenger-carrying tests with safety drivers later this year, targeting fully driverless operation by early 2027.企业现阶段已常态化开展 L4 级自动驾驶试点运营，计划今年年内启动带安全员的载人测试，力争 2027 年初实现完全无人驾驶落地。He also extended the concept of physical AI beyond vehicles.何小鹏还将物理人工智能的应用范畴拓展至汽车之外。XPeng is developing humanoid robots following a "commercial-first" path, with initial deployment in retail environments.小鹏正以商业化优先为导向研发人形机器人，首批落地场景聚焦零售行业。The company aims to sell more than 10,000 units by 2027.企业目标在 2027 年前实现人形机器人销量破万台。Underlying these initiatives is a broader industry view: hardware iteration is slowing, while software, particularly AI-driven capabilities, is becoming the primary driver of differentiation.一系列创新举措的背后，是行业共识：硬件迭代速度放缓，软件能力尤其是人工智能技术，正成为车企核心差异化竞争力。The integration of AI is also reshaping the underlying computing architecture of vehicles.人工智能的深度融合，也在重构汽车底层计算架构。At a technology event two days ahead of the show, Horizon Robotics introduced its Starry chip, built on a 5-nanometer automotive-grade process.车展开幕前两天，地平线在技术发布会上推出星辰系列芯片，该芯片采用 5 纳米车规级制程工艺打造。With 650 TOPS of computing power, the chip supports both intelligent driving and cockpit AI models on a unified platform.芯片算力可达 650TOPS，可在同一平台兼容智能驾驶与智能座舱大模型运算需求。This shift toward centralized computing, combining previously separate domains, is expected to reduce system complexity, lower costs and shorten development cycles.集中式计算架构打破以往各模块独立运行的模式，有望降低系统复杂度、压缩生产成本、缩短车型研发周期。According to the company, integrated architectures could cut vehicle-level costs by up to 4,000 yuan ($585) and reduce development timelines from 18 months to eight months.地平线表示，一体化架构最高可使单车成本降低 4000 元（折合 585 美元），并将车型研发周期从 18 个月缩短至 8 个月。More than 10 carmakers and suppliers including BYD, Chery, Volkswagen and Bosch have shown interest in the chip, said the company, indicating growing industry alignment around unified computing platforms.官方透露，比亚迪、奇瑞、大众、博世等十余家车企及供应链企业已表达合作意向，行业正加速向统一计算平台靠拢。Horizon Robotics CEO Yu Kai described autonomous driving as "the first large-scale application of physical AI", placing the current technological wave within a broader transition toward intelligent systems interacting with the physical world.地平线创始人余凯表示，自动驾驶是「物理人工智能」首个大规模落地场景，当下技术浪潮，本质是智能系统与实体世界深度融合的时代变革。For the first time, core suppliers and automakers have appeared in the same exhibition halls — a structural change that reflects shifting power dynamics across the industry.核心零部件供应商与车企首次同馆参展，这一结构性变化，折射出汽车产业格局与话语权的重塑。Battery makers, chip companies and AI solution providers are no longer operating behind the scenes.电池企业、芯片厂商、人工智能解决方案供应商不再局限于幕后研发。Instead, they are presenting integrated system solutions directly to the market.转而直接面向市场输出一体化系统解决方案。CATL, for example, built a 1,500-square-meter energy technology zone at the entrance of one hall, showcasing its next-generation battery concepts, including solid-state and sodium-ion technologies.例如宁德时代在展馆入口打造 1500 平方米能源技术展区，集中展示固态电池、钠离子电池等下一代动力电池前沿技术。Other major suppliers, from Bosch to SenseAuto, are also displaying full-stack solutions rather than individual components.博世、毫末智行等头部供应链企业，也不再单独展示零部件，转而推出全栈式技术解决方案。Global automakers accelerate localization国际车企加速本土化布局International carmakers are deepening their engagement with China's AI ecosystem.海外车企正深度融入中国人工智能产业生态。Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said the company is moving beyond electrification and driver assistance toward "agentic AI for all".大众汽车集团首席执行官奥利弗・布鲁姆表示，企业发展重心已从电动化、辅助驾驶，升级为普及全域智能体人工智能。"Starting this year, our in-car AI Agent will begin coming to our locally developed cars," he said.他称：「从今年起，车载智能体将逐步搭载于本土研发车型。"With this step, the Volkswagen Group is the first global automaker to deploy agentic AI across an entire vehicle portfolio in China at scale."借此举措，大众成为首家在华全系车型规模化落地智能体人工智能的跨国车企。The system, based on a locally trained large language model, is designed to proactively understand user intent and execute complex, multisystem tasks through natural interaction, while keeping data processing within the vehicle.该系统依托本土训练大模型打造，可主动识别用户需求，通过自然交互完成多系统复杂操作，同时实现数据车端本地化处理。BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse emphasized a similar approach to localization.宝马集团首席执行官奥利弗・齐普斯也强调了本土化协同发展战略。"In China, we can integrate local partners such as Momenta and Alibaba," he said, highlighting the flexibility of software-defined architectures.他指出：在中国市场，我们将深度整合毫末智行、阿里巴巴等本土合作伙伴资源，并着重提及软件定义架构带来的灵活升级优势。Zipse added that artificial intelligence will underpin the future of driving itself.齐普斯补充道，人工智能将成为未来出行的核心基石。"The vehicle will anticipate your next move — slowing down before a turn or adapting to your habits," he said.未来车辆可预判驾驶员操作，提前弯道减速、适配个人出行习惯。"AI and sheer driving pleasure are not contradictory; they are fundamentally connected."人工智能与驾驶乐趣并非对立，二者相辅相成、深度融合。architecture /ˈɑːkɪtektʃə(r)/n. 架构；体系结构redundancy /rɪˈdʌndənsi/n. 冗余；备份localization /ˌləʊkəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/n. 本土化；本地化ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/n. 生态系统

The Office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management on Saturday emphasized the urgency of guarding against flood risks, as heavy rainfall is expected in multiple parts of southern China.国家防汛抗旱总指挥部办公室、应急管理部4月26日（周六）强调防范洪涝风险的紧迫性，预计我国南方多地将迎来强降雨。These downpours are set to sweep across multiple southern regions from April 26 to 29, covering a wide area and advancing rapidly, according to a meeting held by the two authorities together with meteorological and water conservancy departments.两部门会同气象、水利等部门召开会议研判，4月26日至29日，南方多地有大到暴雨，影响范围广、移动速度快。The meeting underscored the need to reinforce patrols and emergency responses for reservoirs and dams, while urging enhanced routine maintenance and inspections.会议强调，要加强水库大坝的巡查排险和应急处突，强化日常维护和检查。Reservoirs with known safety hazards must stay empty during the main flood season, and rescue personnel, supplies and equipment should be deployed in advance, according to the meeting.会议指出，主汛期期间，存在安全隐患的水库必须保持空库运行，并提前预置抢险救援人员、物资和装备。multiple /ˈmʌltɪpl/多个的，多部分的  downpour /ˈdaʊnpɔːr/暴雨，倾盆大雨  meteorological /ˌmiːtiərəˈlɒdʒɪkl/气象的，气象学的  water conservancy department /ˈwɔːtər kənˈsɜːrvənsi dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/水利部门  patrol /pəˈtrəʊl/巡查，巡逻  safety hazards /ˈseɪfti ˈhæzərdz/安全隐患

Trump unharmed as incident sparks concern over rise in political violence特朗普安然无恙事件引发对政治暴力上升的担忧The shooting on Saturday night of a Secret Service agent at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner raises questions yet again about security at a time of increased political violence.在政治暴力不断加剧的背景下，当地时间4月25日晚白宫记者协会晚宴上发生的一起涉及特勤局人员的枪击事件，再次令外界对安保工作产生质疑。United States President Donald Trump was unharmed and other top White House officials were evacuated from the event after a man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby and opened fire.一名携带多支枪械和刀具的男子冲入酒店大堂并开枪射击，美国总统特朗普未受伤，其他白宫高级官员随即从活动中疏散。Hundreds of agents from several law enforcement agencies were tasked with protecting the annual bash, which Trump attended for the first time as president.来自多个执法机构的数百名特工奉命保护这场年度盛会，这也是特朗普作为总统首次出席该晚宴。Yet a suspect armed with a shotgun and other weapons managed to get a floor above the ballroom where an extraordinary concentration of cabinet members, high-ranking lawmakers and celebrities were dining.尽管如此，一名携带霰弹枪等武器的嫌疑人仍闯到了宴会厅上方楼层，而当时宴会厅内正聚集着大批内阁成员、高级国会议员和各界名流。In addition to Trump, US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other government officials were in attendance.除特朗普外，美国副总统万斯、国务卿鲁比奥、国防部长赫格塞思、财政部长贝森特及其他政府官员均在现场。It is too early to definitively say whether there were any law enforcement failures or miscommunications, Reuters noted.路透社指出，目前还难以断定是否存在执法失误或沟通不畅的问题。But coming less than two years after a pair of assassination attempts against Trump during the presidential campaign in 2024, Saturday's incident suggests even the nation's most comprehensive personal security apparatus has points of vulnerability.但考虑到2024年总统竞选期间特朗普曾两次遭遇暗杀未遂，距今还不到两年，周六的事件表明，即便美国拥有最严密的个人安保体系，也仍然存在薄弱环节。Washington's police chief said the alleged gunman — who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives — was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner took place.华盛顿警察局长称，被指控的枪手携带一支霰弹枪、一把手枪及多把刀具，就住在晚宴举办地华盛顿希尔顿酒店。In a Truth Social post, Trump shared a photo of the suspected gunman, who appears to have been subdued, with his hands bound behind his back and lying face down on the ground.特朗普在“真相社交”平台上发布了一张嫌疑人照片，显示此人似已被制服，双手反绑，面朝下趴在地上。In a news conference at the White House late on Saturday evening, Trump said the alleged shooter lives in the state of California and law enforcement agents went to his apartment.在周六深夜的白宫记者会上，特朗普说，被指控的枪手住在加利福尼亚州，执法人员已前往其公寓。When asked by a reporter whether the shooter acted alone, Trump said that "they seem to think he was a lone wolf, and I feel that too".当被记者问及枪手是否单独行动时，特朗普回答：“他们似乎认为他是独狼，我也这么觉得。”In response to a question about whether this shooting could have been linked to the war in Iran, Trump said,"I don't think so. But you never know."有关这起枪击是否可能与伊朗战争存在关联的提问，特朗普表示：“我认为不是，但谁也说不准。”"It's not particularly a secure building," Trump said of the hotel about a 10-minute drive from the White House.特朗普谈及这家距白宫约十分钟车程的酒店时说：“那栋楼安保并不是特别严密。”It was also the site of a 1981 assassination attempt against then-president Ronald Reagan.1981年，时任总统里根也曾在此遭遇暗杀未遂。While the roughly 2,600 attendees were required to pass through metal detectors to enter the basement ballroom, they needed only to show a ticket to enter the hotel itself, which was also open to guests.约2600名与会者需穿过金属探测器才能进入地下宴会厅，但他们仅凭门票就可进入酒店，而酒店也照常对住客开放。With the venue's entrance surrounded by demonstrators, many protesting the US administration's war against Iran, attendees were quickly waved through.酒店入口处被示威者包围，其中许多人抗议美国政府发动对伊朗战争，但与会者仍被迅速放行。Trump was evacuated from the dinner after the shooting at the hotel. Attendees were seen on the live broadcast ducking around their tables and taking cover.酒店枪击发生后，特朗普被从晚宴上疏散。直播画面显示，与会者纷纷在桌旁俯身躲避。In a joint press conference, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said all guests at the dinner were safe, while US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro said the suspect now faces charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.在联合记者会上，华盛顿市长鲍泽表示晚宴所有宾客均安全，华盛顿特区联邦检察官皮罗称，嫌疑人面临在暴力犯罪中使用枪支，以及使用危险武器袭击联邦官员等指控。US media identified the suspect as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.美国媒体确认嫌疑人为31岁的科尔·艾伦，来自加利福尼亚州托伦斯。Trump confirmed the shooter is in custody. "The shooter has been apprehended," he wrote on social media.特朗普证实枪手已被拘留。他在社交媒体上写道：“枪手已被逮捕。”Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X: "Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event."加拿大总理卡尼在X平台上表示：“政治暴力在任何民主制度中都没有立足之地，我牵挂所有因这一令人不安事件而受惊的人们。”Political violence has been frequent in the US in recent years. Trump has been the target of multiple assassination attempts and death threats during his presidential campaign and as the president.近年来，政治暴力在美国屡见不鲜。特朗普在总统竞选及任职期间，多次成为暗杀未遂和死亡威胁的目标。The most prominent example is the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, which Trump narrowly survived while campaigning for president.最广为人知的一例是2024年7月宾夕法尼亚州巴特勒的暗杀未遂事件，特朗普在竞选活动中侥幸脱险。evacuate /ɪˈvækjueɪt/疏散cabinet members /ˈkæbɪnət ˈmɛmbərz/内阁成员assassination /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/暗杀subdue /səbˈduː/制服duck around /dʌk əˈraʊnd/俯身躲闪assault /əˈsɔːlt/袭击apprehend /ˌæprɪˈhɛnd/逮捕

Yiwu in Zhejiang province has been dubbed "the world's supermarket" for the overwhelming array of goods available there. And this is a part of the magic of this bustling business hub in eastern China.That magic in Yiwu also means that people there dare to dream big, building business empires step by step even from the smallest and seemingly most insignificant commodities such as buttons.So it was for Nie Ziqin, a businesswoman at the Yiwu International Trade Market, who came to the city from Henan province with her father in 2003 at the age of 16, with the dream of becoming her own boss.From peddling handmade masks door to door, to renting a 4.5-square-meter stall devoted exclusively to Halloween products, and later building her own factory and buying commercial property, Nie has fulfilled that dream and become one of the leading merchants in this vast market."In Yiwu, as long as you are not afraid of hardship and hard work, you can achieve anything," she said.Located in central Zhejiang province, Yiwu is neither on the border nor on the coast. Once a county-level city hindered by poor transportation links and scarce resources, it has written a remarkable chapter in China's county-level economic development over the past four decades, since the opening of its first-generation small commodities market in 1982.Forging what has become known as the "Yiwu development experience", marked by a spirit of innovation and the ability to "create something from nothing", the city has grown into the world-renowned "capital of small commodities".Today, the Yiwu market is home to more than 1.26 million business entities and maintains trade links with more than 230 countries and regions. In 2025, its export value ranked first among all county-level regions in China."In Yiwu, there are no products you cannot buy — only products you have not thought of," Nie said.In an instruction published on Thursday, President Xi Jinping called for efforts to further review and make better use of the "Yiwu development experience".Yiwu's small commodities have broken into a vast market and developed into a major industry, forming the "Yiwu development experience", Xi said, adding that this represents a successful example for developing county economies in line with local conditions.Efforts should be made to further review and apply the experience by integrating it into the Party-wide study campaign for establishing and practicing a correct understanding of governance performance, Xi said.It is imperative to guide all regions to leverage their own resource endowments and explore high-quality development paths suited to their respective local conditions, he said.Xi's ties with Yiwu go back many years. In December 2002, shortly after taking office as Party secretary of Zhejiang province, he visited the Yiwu International Trade Market for an inspection.From 2002 to 2007, Xi made more than 10 fact-finding trips to Yiwu, pressing for reforms to remove institutional bottlenecks holding back its fast-growing private economy. He once likened Yiwu to "a fast-growing child wearing unsuitable clothes", a vivid metaphor for the constraints on the city's development needs.In November 2005, Xi called for efforts to remove institutional bottlenecks ranging from financing to registration for foreign trade enterprises and tax policies. A year later, Zhe­jiang issued guidelines on piloting local government administration reforms, delegating Yiwu a total of 131 economic and social management powers — the first county-level city in the country to enjoy such broad authorization.According to previous reports, Zhou Yongnan, then a reporter with Zhejiang Daily, later recalled that when local media and officials sought to sum up Yiwu's path as the "Yiwu model", Xi advised against the term "model", saying that it implied something fixed and unchanging, whereas reform and innovation are endless."He said it should be called the 'Yiwu experience' instead," Zhou recalled.With Xi's support and Yiwu's influence as an exemplar of reform, many regions across Zhejiang began receiving expanded administrative powers, and the "Yiwu experience" was later promoted nationwide.In September 2023, Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, revisited the Yiwu International Trade Market during an inspection tour of Jinhua, Zhejiang province.Speaking with merchants and representatives of small business owners, he urged the trade market to make fresh achievements and contribute further to expanding both domestic and international markets and smoothing dual circulation of domestic and international trade.That call for Yiwu to scale new heights has since been reflected not only in the city's trade figures, but also in its growing international pull.With Pakistani businessman Ali Kamran obtaining his own business license on July 31, 2025, the total number of foreign-invested business entities in Yiwu reached 10,000, making Yiwu the first county-level city in China to surpass that mark.Today, investors from more than 160 countries and regions have put down roots in Yiwu.In 2025, Yiwu's total imports and exports exceeded 800 billion yuan ($117.2 billion) for the first time, reaching 836.5 billion yuan. Meanwhile, total retail sales of consumer goods reached 215.38 billion yuan, up 5.2 percent year-on-year, also the highest among all county-level regions in the province.Since the beginning of this year, turbulence in the Middle East and broader global uncertainty have once again rattled international trade, and Yiwu has inevitably felt the impact.Yet the city has continued to show striking resilience, with its total imports and exports in the first two months of the year reaching 173.56 billion yuan, up 52.8 percent year-on-year, official data showed."As merchants rooted in Yiwu, we have not only participated in the city's development experience, but also benefited from it," said Nie, the businesswoman. "Xi's instruction is both a full affirmation of Yiwu's development and an earnest encouragement to every market operator here."In October, Nie plans to move into a new factory complex covering more than 100,000 square meters."The journey has been hard, but the outcome keeps getting better," she said.dub /dʌb/称为，赋予称号overwhelming array /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ əˈreɪ/琳琅满目bustling /ˈbʌslɪŋ/繁华的，热闹的peddling /ˈpedlɪŋ/兜售，叫卖devoted exclusively to /dɪˈvəʊtɪd ɪkˈskluːsɪvli tuː/专营forging /ˈfɔːdʒɪŋ/锻造，打造

In this episode of Beyond the Finish Line, we look at a surprising headline from Beijing E-Town: a humanoid robot outran the human half-marathon world record by nearly seven minutes. But beyond the speed spectacle, a more meaningful question emerges: what does a running robot have to do with ordinary life?