NEWS

Xi Honors Top Scientists

January 8， Beijing： Chinese President Xi Jinping（center） presents Chinas top science award to virologist Hou Yunde （left） and explosives expert Wang Zeshan for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

Wang Zeshan， an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering （CAE）， is known as the “King of Explosives” for his research into compounds with important civilian and military applications. Hou Yunde， also an academician at the CAE， is the founder of Chinas work in modern virology. He laid the foundation for Chinas molecular virus research， wrote numerous textbooks， created Chinas first genetically engineered drugs—highly potent medicines that can be mass-produced—saving millions of lives and billions for the countrys economy.

The nations top science award comes with a prize of 5 million yuan （US$769，000）. Twenty-nine scientists have received the award since it was established in 2000.

New Era for China-France Ties

January 8， Xian， Shaanxi Province： French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron pose for photos next to the famous terracotta warriors during a visit to China.

China is keen on engaging in joint efforts with France to enhance cooperation under the Belt and Road framework using the principle of mutual benefits， President Xi Jinping said while meeting with his French counterpart in Beijing. The two countries can rise above their differing social systems， developmental periods， culture and traditions to enhance political trust and work on their cooperation potential， Xi said.

President Macron spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative， and declared that France would like to play an active role in building the initiative， adding that he also would like to boost mutual trust and strengthen the two nations ties as well as Europe-China relations.

After taking office in May 2017， President Macron made his first state visit to China from January 8 to 10， 2018. He arrived in Beijing after a half-day visit to the northwestern Chinese city of Xian， one of the eastern ends of the ancient Silk Road.

Opening Up， Opportunity & Development

January 24， Davos， Switzerland： Liu He， a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China （CPC） Central Committee and director of the General Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs， gives a speech during the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum.endprint

During his speech， Liu declared that China will encourage both inbound and outbound investment and business activities as it seeks greater economic and trade interaction with other countries and works with them to establish an open world economy. After decades of development， a large middle-income population has emerged in China， giving rise to a vast domestic market. This open market with a fast-growing population of 400 million will contribute significantly to global development， Liu added.

“It was a very positive message from China，” opined Mohammed Sharaf， an economy and trade official from the United Arab Emirates. “Chinas opening up not only benefits itself， but also brings huge opportunity to the whole world.”

Icy Fantasy World

January 5， Harbin， Heilongjiang Province： Tourists visit illuminated ice sculptures at the Ice and Snow World. The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival （HIISF） kicked off that day. It lasts until end of February， when the ice generally begins to melt.

This year Harbin introduced seven categories of winter tourism products， and some 100 ice and snow-themed activities to improve the festival for visitors. Activities include 16 professional and 44 non-professional ice and snow sports events， 13 ice and snow tourism activities targeting students and 30 themed art and cultural activities.

Harbin ranked first on the “Top Ten Chinese Cities for Ice and Snow Tourism” list recently released by China Tourism Academy. Originating from the Ice Lantern Show in 1985， the HIISF has become one of the worlds four largest ice and snow festivals， along with the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan， the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada and the Ski Festival in Norway.endprint