[Text/Observer Network Ruan Jiaqi] The U.S. military suddenly canceled its elite military exercises, further triggering speculation about its troop deployment in the Middle East. On the 6th local time, the United States "
China News Service, Hefei, March 8 (Reporter Zhao Qiang) The "Women of Science and Technology·Flowers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait" "March 8th" International Women's Day themed event was held in Hefei on the 8th. Nearly 40 female representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered together to use science and technology as a link, to spread warmth through flower arrangements, and to express the family ties between compatriots.
The event was hosted by the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Anhui Taiwan Compatriots Association and the Anhui Provincial General Branch Committee of the Taiwan League. In the science and technology innovation exchange session, female representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait shared and talked about topics such as technological innovation and job achievements.
After retiring, Taiwan compatriot Qiu Xianglan started a new career journey in the mainland and currently serves as the principal of the primary school of Kangqiao School in Hefei Xinzhan High-tech Zone. Talking about her development in the mainland, Qiu Xianglan said: "While working in Kunshan and Hefei, I have always felt the warmth and support from all parties." She said that the transportation in the mainland is convenient, and she can return to Taiwan to visit her family every two months or so to take care of her career and family; her family will also travel to the mainland during the holidays to experience the development achievements of the mainland.
On March 8, the "Women of Science and Technology·Flowers on Both Sides" and "March 8" International Women's Day theme activities were held in Hefei. The picture shows Taiwan compatriots experiencing flower arrangement. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhao Qiang
During the ikebana experience session, female compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait sat around a long table covered with a blue tablecloth, carefully pruning the branches and leaves, concentrating on conceiving the layout, and softly exchanging their experiences.
Wang Yujing, full-time vice president of the Taiwan Compatriots Association of Anhui Province, said: "Culture is the cultural context and roots of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Although flowers are speechless, they carry the common cultural memory of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the philosophical wisdom contained in flower arrangements can bring the spiritual distance closer. Anhui is accelerating the construction of science and technology industry clusters, and Hefei's new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and other industries are booming, creating a broad cooperation platform for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, especially female compatriots."
Chen Ruohan, a Taiwanese compatriot who has been based in Hefei for five years, said that Hefei has strong scientific and technological innovation capabilities and strong support for the cultural and creative industries, providing sufficient development space and guarantee for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to start and innovate. "I hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can conduct more in-depth exchanges in the cultural and technological industries, so that talents from both sides of the Taiwan Strait can communicate with each other, and more Taiwanese young people will be willing to enter the mainland and understand the mainland." (End)
China News Service, Beijing, March 9th. On the 9th, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress will hold its second plenary session to hear the work report of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and the "Two Highs" work report.
At 9 a.m. on the 9th, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress held its second plenary meeting in the Great Hall of the People. It heard the report of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, on the work of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the report of Zhang Jun, President of the Supreme People's Court, on the work of the Supreme People's Court, the report of Ying Yong, Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, on the work of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the report of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the legal cleanup work and opinions on the handling of relevant laws and decisions.
In the afternoon, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress held a representative group meeting to review the work report of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the National People's Congress Standing Committee's report on the legal cleanup work and opinions on the handling of relevant laws and decisions.
In addition, according to the National People's Congress News Center, from 8:00 to 8:40 on the 9th (before the second plenary session), the second "Delegates Channel" concentrated interview event of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress was held on the north side of the Central Hall of the Great Hall of the People, and some National People's Congress deputies were invited to be interviewed.
After the second plenary meeting on the morning of the 9th, the second "Minister's Channel" concentrated interview event of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress was held in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Some of the principal persons in charge of relevant departments of the State Council who attended the meeting were invited to be interviewed.
Regarding the CPPCC meeting, on the morning of the 9th, members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference who attended the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress attended the second plenary session of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress; in the afternoon, the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference held a group meeting to discuss the "Two Highs" work report and review various resolutions and draft reports. (over)
As the situation in Iran continues to be tense, U.S. President Trump’s latest statement can be described as “adding fuel to the fire.”
Yesterday (6th), Trump posted on social platforms that he would not reach any agreement with Iran unless Iran surrendered unconditionally. Not only that, Trump also asked Iran to elect a leader that the United States "acceptable" after surrender. In this way, the United States and its so-called "excellent allies and partners" will work hard to "Make Iran Great Again" (MIGA).
At a time when the conflict is about to enter its second week and Iran's tough stance shows no sign of softening, Trump, one of the "initiators", not only demands unconditional surrender, but also attempts to directly interfere in Iran's leadership change, which has already caused a backlash from Iran. On March 7, Iranian President Pezeshizyan emphasized in a televised speech that the enemy’s demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” was “an illusion they should take to their graves.”
The analysis of the US media "New York Times" believes that if Trump insists on the goal of "unconditional surrender", this round of conflicts may evolve into a "protracted war." The media even bluntly stated in the report that this goal is unlikely to be achieved.
However, just as American public opinion began to discuss how long the United States would be forced to enter the war and how much it would cost, the White House began to make up for Trump's remarks.
According to reports from PBS News Network, Axios News Network and other US media, on March 6, White House Press Secretary Levitt declared that the so-called "unconditional surrender" of Iran depends on Trump's own judgment, not Iran's.
"When Trump, as commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States and the objectives of the operation have been fully achieved, Iran is effectively in a state of unconditional surrender," Levitt said, "whether they admit it or not. Frankly, (by that time) they don't have many people left who can say that for them."
Levitt also said that the U.S. government expects this military operation to last four to six weeks. "We are making steady progress toward the goal of annihilating the Iranian navy."
As for Trump's repeated interference in the election of Iran's supreme leader, Levitt said, "Trump intends to pay attention to and explore the candidate for Iran's next leader. The current results remain to be seen and the matter is being discussed." However, she mentioned that Trump does not want the next leader of Iran to be what he calls "radical terrorists" or people who shout the slogan "Death to America."
The New York Times believes that Trump has repeatedly mentioned Venezuela in his recent statements on Iran, indicating his intention to apply the U.S. action model against Venezuela to the Iranian issue. Previously, the United States had claimed that it could take charge of the Venezuelan regime as long as Rodriguez met U.S. requirements, especially oil supplies.
In an interview with CNN on March 6, Trump said, "This will be very easy to succeed, just like in Venezuela." He declared that he did not care whether Iran elected a democratic government, and he was willing to accept it as long as its leaders "treated fairly" Israel and the United States.
But Trump completely ignored one premise - the situations in Iran and Venezuela are completely different and can be said to be much more complicated. Iran's population of approximately 92 million people is almost three times that of Venezuela. Not only that, in Iran, Shiite Muslims make up the majority, but nearly 10% of the population is Sunni, and there are also several ethnic minorities such as Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, and Baluchis. From this perspective, a better reference is Iraq. Trump, Vance and Hegseth have all criticized the US military's plans in Iraq for depleting US national power.
British electric drive specialist Helix manufactures the world's highest power density motors. The company is now working to expand this compact, high-power design into a marine propulsion ecosystem that it believes will help change the face of everyday recreational and utility watercraft (at least the bottom of the hull). The company’s newly launched “pod module” integrates the necessary electric drive components and aims to make the 360-degree pod thruster a widely available solution, which is expected to improve energy efficiency and enhance maneuverability in the huge ship market.
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Electric pod thrusters evolved from azimuth thruster systems dating back to the mid-20th century or even earlier. As a flexible, distributed form of ship propulsion, electric pod thrusters can increase efficiency, improve maneuverability, and free up space inside the hull. Unlike the traditional method, which relies on a large central engine to drive a propeller through a long propeller shaft and is equipped with an independent rudder system for steering, these devices integrate all powertrain and running gear components into a horizontally gimbaled underwater pod mounted on the keel of the ship.
The pod then functions as both a propulsion and steering mechanism, with its 360-degree rotation capability achieved through slip rings that deliver electrical power. This omnidirectional rotation allows each pod to accurately direct thrust in the desired direction, eliminating the need for an independent rudder system and greatly improving maneuverability. It can even enable giant ships to turn in place, much like the performance of torque vectoring electric vehicles on land.
In addition to improving maneuverability, pod thrusters are also claimed to increase energy efficiency. They utilize their full range of rotation capabilities to direct thrust in the most efficient manner based on current sailing direction and conditions, while reducing energy-consuming vibrations and eliminating additional drag from rudder components.
According to the Swedish-Swiss multinational ABB Group, which currently promotes Azipod, the first electric pod thruster launched in the early 1990s, in open waters, ships propelled by Azipod systems can typically reduce energy consumption by 5% to 15%, and in some cases may even achieve a 20% to 25% reduction. That's a lot for a ship like a cruise ship that consumes hundreds of thousands or even millions of gallons of fuel to travel between ports. A few years ago, a Deltamarin study found that Azipod-powered ferries could save up to $1.7 million in annual fuel costs.
This series of advantages makes pod thrusters a popular solution for some large ocean-going ships (such as cruise ships, container ships, oil tankers and ferries, etc.). We have previously discussed that pod thrusters can rotate directional thrust 180 degrees between "pull" and "push" orientations. This ability is particularly beneficial for icebreakers adapted to polar environments.
However, Helix believes that pod thrusters still have a lot of untapped potential in terms of downstream market expansion, and explained that due to the limitations of traditional motor power density, pod thrusters have long been limited to large ships. To achieve the high power levels required to propel ships, huge motors had to be installed inside giant underwater pods, resulting in high drag. Only in the very large power range above the megawatt level will the ratio of drag to power drop enough to realize the energy efficiency gains of pod propulsion. In smaller pods, the drag ratio becomes too high to overcome.
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Helix is poised to revolutionize this with its rapidly evolving motor topology technology that enables high power and torque in an extremely light and small package. While Helix’s range-topping 25kW/kg SPX177 motor was developed by its experimental division for a supercar prototype and is not optimized for mass-market use, its SPC177 radial flux motor, planned for use in the marine pod ecosystem, can still deliver up to 9.7kW/kg of power density, delivering a sustained output of 300kW from a 31kg package.
Helix reasoned that at this power density level, at sub-megawatt scale, the drag caused by the pod body would become insignificant, opening the door to efficient propulsion of small to medium-sized ships. In fact, the company even claims that its small, high-power motor construction will allow shipbuilders to reduce drag by 70% compared to traditional (giant) pod thrusters.
Rather than developing complete pods, Helix hopes to create modular flexibility by offering what it calls “pod modules” to manufacturers of small and medium-sized recreational, commercial and passenger vessels in the sub-megawatt range. Each “module” will be a plug-and-play set of pod internal components for shipyards and propulsion system manufacturers to install into their own designed subsea pod structures and pair them with propellers, battery systems, generators and control software solutions configured to specific vessel requirements.
Each first batch of "modules" will contain an SPC177 motor, complete with Xtrac gear reduction system, CAN bus interface, bearings and seals, and an optional Helix inverter.
"By freeing up aft deck space previously reserved for outboards, or internal space reserved for engine rooms and propeller shafts, our Helix pod modules offer the industry a landmark opportunity to rethink the way ships are designed, while enabling more efficient sailing and supporting the shipping industry's journey towards net-zero emissions," James Edwards, chief marine engineer at Helix, said in the launch last month.
Helix gives examples of how extra hull space can be used to make a trawler more comfortable and practical for fishermen, or a yacht more relaxing and enjoyable for leisure customers.
Three sub-megawatt pod module sizes will be launched at launch: 100kW, 200kW and 300kW. 100 and 200 kW models will be available in low and high torque variants, with Helix planning to eventually expand the product line to output power ranges from 480 kW to 3 MW.
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Given the limited range of battery-powered electric boats, you may be wondering how on earth ship operators can power conventional multi-megawatt electric pod motors. This does not rely solely on batteries, but requires an onboard power generation system using diesel or hydroelectric power.
Likewise, Helix noted that pod module customers will be able to develop their own powertrains, whether a pure battery system or a series hybrid powered by a diesel generator or other alternative energy source. Unsurprisingly, the company expects customers to gravitate towards hybrid systems in the initial phase.
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"Soldiers and weapons must be used without mercy." In February this year, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. The war spilled over to neighboring countries, and the conflict caused a large number of civilian casualties. Faced with the current situation in Iran, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on China’s position at the press conference of the two sessions on the 8th: cease fire and end the war.
Many interviewed experts told reporters from China News Service that China's position advocates getting to the crux of the Iran issue and providing a path to properly resolve the issue.
Being tough with fists does not mean being tough with principles
Wang Yi stated on the 8th that issues related to Iran and the Middle East should be handled correctly and properly, and stressed that the abuse of force should not be allowed. "Strong fists do not mean strong principles. The world cannot return to the law of the jungle. Frequent use of force does not prove one's strength, and people cannot become innocent victims of war."
Yan Wei, deputy dean of the School of Regional Studies at Northwest University and deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies, said that the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, violated the sovereignty of other countries, and abused force in an attempt to subvert the regime. This is the fundamental reason for the delay in the current situation.
In his view, China's insistence on respecting national sovereignty, refraining from excessive use of force, and non-interference in internal affairs not only addresses the causes of the Iranian issue, but is also the basic principle for resolving the Iranian issue in the future.
All parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible
History has repeatedly proven that military means cannot bring lasting peace, and conflicts can ultimately only be resolved through negotiation. Wang Yi stressed, "China has always advocated that peace is the most important thing, and all parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to resolve differences through equal dialogue and make efforts to achieve common security."
Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Institute of Middle East Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, said that the situation in Iran is not only a spillover effect of the new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also related to the Iranian nuclear issue. The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran is not conducive to the resolution of complex issues, but instead intensifies the distrust between relevant parties. "The historical trajectory of the development of the Iranian nuclear issue also proves that negotiation is the correct path to solve the problem."
Tao Jian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former dean of the School of International Relations, further pointed out that relevant parties cannot use negotiations as a means of pressure. "Currently, negotiation is the most direct and effective way to achieve peace and development in the Middle East."
Major countries must play a constructive role
China has proven with its practical actions that it has always been a defender of peace and stability in the Middle East, a promoter of development and prosperity, and a supporter of unity and independence.
"China plays a role as a stabilizer in the Middle East, especially in promoting conflict de-escalation, opposing regime change, promoting regional economic and social development, and strengthening regional unity and cooperation," Yan Wei said.
"If benevolence and righteousness are not exercised, the offensive and defensive forces will be different." When talking about the situation in Iran, Wang Yi quoted ancient Chinese proverbs and emphasized that major countries should abide by justice and act on the right path, and contribute more positive energy to the peaceful development of the Middle East.
Liu Zhongmin said that since the outbreak of a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict in 2023, the destructive role played by the United States in Middle East affairs has continued to increase. He believes that China's principled position emphasizes respect for international law and norms of international relations, "respect international law, resolve hot issues politically, oppose interference in internal affairs, and major countries must play a constructive role." (over)
China News Service, Beijing, March 8. Title: Citing ancient teachings to talk about history, Wang Yi discusses the diplomacy of major powers.
China News Service reporter Zeng Yue and Guo Chaokai
The diplomatic-themed press conference of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress was held on the 8th. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, answered questions from Chinese and foreign reporters. In the 21 questions and answers, he frequently quoted ancient sayings and talked about history, bringing the approximately 85-minute press conference into a longer time and space.
"Soldiers are deadly weapons and cannot be used without caution", which expresses China's position of ceasefire and war; "If benevolence and righteousness are not exercised, the offensive and defensive momentum will be different", emphasizing that great powers should abide by justice and follow the right path. Wang Yi used these two ancient sayings to respond to the current situation in Iran. The wisdom of the ancients warns today's people what they should not do.
Two ancient sayings directly point to the key issues in today's international relations. War is never a good way to resolve conflicts. Resorting to force will only expand conflicts, while the loss of justice and rules will eventually make the situation spiral out of control.
Wang Yi conveyed this concept through ancient teachings. The more tense and turbulent the situation is, the more all parties should exercise restraint, return to the track of dialogue and negotiation, and maintain regional stability with rationality and rules.
Last year marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trial. On the occasion of a special historical year, Wang Yi once again quoted an ancient saying on Sino-Japanese relations: "Lake history as a mirror to know the ups and downs; remembering the past is the guide for the future."
80 years ago, after two and a half years of court trials, judges from 11 countries exposed the numerous crimes of Japanese militarism with a massive amount of irrefutable evidence. At the press conference today, Wang Yi clearly stated that "no one will ever be allowed to defend colonization or overturn the verdict of aggression."
Ancient precepts often contain reflections on history. This kind of historical consciousness that runs through ancient and modern times makes China's diplomacy pay more attention to distinguishing right from wrong and clarifying directions from history when facing complex international situations, and also allows the outside world to better understand China's foreign policy choices.
If you know where you are from, you will know where you are going.
From the "Cairo Declaration" and "Potsdam Proclamation" to the "Japanese Instrument of Surrender" and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, Wang Yi used history to clarify the reality - a series of international legal documents have firmly locked in Taiwan's status.
He once again emphasized that the historical process of resolving the Taiwan issue and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is unstoppable, and quoted the ancient saying that "those who follow the trend will prosper, and those who go against it will perish." This is not only a historical law, but also a warning to all "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and external interference.
When talking about the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang Yi also used ancient teachings to clarify China’s proposition. Today, the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind has received support from more than 100 countries and international organizations. In this regard, Wang Yi said that this once again proves that "where there is truth, there is much help", and a just cause will definitely receive support from all countries and gather the power of the people.
At a time when the world is facing many common challenges, adhering to win-win cooperation and joint development is becoming the common choice of more and more countries. Looking at the future through history can help us better understand the value orientation of China's diplomacy.
Regarding neighboring countries, "It is China's tradition to help each other, and it is China's culture to be kind and kind to neighbors." When it comes to China-Africa relations, the Chinese Foreign Minister has insisted on visiting Africa for the first time in the New Year for 36 years, "consistently, rain or shine." Looking back on the development of APEC, 25 years of ups and downs have "witnessed that China and the Asia-Pacific colleagues have not changed their original aspirations"...
At a time when global conflicts are becoming increasingly acute and competition and confrontation are intensifying, Wang Yi once again clarified China's responsibility as a major country and its historical mission to the world. The image of a stable, open and responsible China is clearly presented. (over)
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