United News of Bangladesh

The exclusion of China from the Group of Seven (G7) major economies is again under discussion as leaders of the bloc gather in France, with growing debate over whether the global economic powerhouse should remain outside the group. When the first summit of major Western economies was held in 1975 at a French chateau, China was not part of the discussion. At that time, the country was politically and economically unstable under Mao Zedong and far from the global economic influence it holds today. Now, nearly five decades later, China has become the world’s second-largest economy and a major driver of global trade, prompting questions about whether its absence from the G7 still makes sense. Some experts say its economic size alone would make it a natural fit alongside G7 members such as the United States, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada. However, the G7 has traditionally been a group of democratic nations, a standard China does not meet. Critics point to restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties in China, which they say place it far behind G7 countries in democratic governance. Despite its exclusion, China remains a central topic at the summit. Its growing trade surplus, dominance in key minerals, rapid technological progress and expanding military strength are all seen as major global concerns. It is also the world’s largest emitter of carbon pollution, adding to its importance in climate discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly set aside time for leaders to discuss ways to respond to China’s trade practices, including concerns that its expanding exports could harm industries in G7 countries. Analysts say that while leaders often disagree on many issues, China may be one topic that brings them closer together. Beijing, meanwhile, has long criticized the G7 as an exclusive group rooted in Cold War thinking. In a statement ahead of the summit, China’s Foreign Ministry said the group should promote cooperation rather than division, while also acknowledging the G7’s continued global influence. Experts say China is closely watching the group, even if it views it as aligned with Western interests. At the same time, they argue that bringing China into the G7 could create divisions within the bloc due to differences in political systems and foreign policy positions. Analysts also point to Russia’s past membership as a warning. Russia joined the group in 1998 but was later suspended following its actions in Ukraine, a move that continues to shape G7 attitudes toward expansion. Some experts say this experience has made G7 members more cautious about admitting countries that are not fully democratic, fearing it could weaken unity within the group.

A four-member parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal returned home on Saturday after completing a four-day official visit to China. The delegation arrived in Dhaka at around 2pm. Before their departure from Kunming, Vice Governor of China's Yunnan Province Yuan Fang saw off the delegation at Kunming International Airport at noon local time. During the visit, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal attended the opening ceremony of the 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum in Kunming as an invited guest at the invitation of the Governor of Yunnan Province. The Deputy Speaker also participated as a special guest in the 10th China-South Asia Exposition. Bangladesh participated in this year's exposition as the theme country, with 84 pavilions showcasing Bangladeshi products. A total of 68 countries participated in the international trade fair, which runs until June 16 in Kunming. During the visit, the Deputy Speaker held separate meetings with Vice Chairman of China's National People's Congress He Wei, Secretary of the Yunnan provincial committee of Chinese Communist Party Wang Ning and Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo. On his way to the airport on Saturday morning, the Deputy Speaker visited a pilot project on autonomous or driverless transportation systems in Yunnan Province. Other members of the delegation were NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen, MP, BNP lawmaker Khaled Hossain Mahbub and Independent lawmaker (Reserved Seat) Jesmin Sultana Jui, said a press release from parliament secretariat.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen their long-standing alliance during Xi’s rare visit to Pyongyang, according to state media reports from both countries. The summit marked Xi’s first trip to North Korea in seven years and underscored Beijing’s effort to reinforce its influence over its isolated socialist neighbor amid shifting regional dynamics. Lavish welcome and high-level talks Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were greeted at Pyongyang’s international airport by Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. The Chinese leader was later welcomed with a large ceremony in the capital’s main square, featuring military honors, flags, banners and portraits of both leaders. During talks, Xi said China was ready to expand cooperation with North Korea in areas such as trade, agriculture, construction and technology, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV. Kim described relations with China as North Korea’s “most important top-priority strategic work” and praised Xi’s visit as a major sign of support, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Strategic coordination and regional implications Both leaders pledged to strengthen strategic coordination and protect their countries’ sovereignty and security interests. Kim also reaffirmed support for China’s “one-China principle” regarding Taiwan. Analysts say the visit highlights China’s desire to maintain a leading role on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, especially as North Korea has recently deepened military and economic ties with Russia. China remains North Korea’s main economic lifeline and diplomatic backer. The two countries marked 65 years of their mutual defense treaty this year. Nuclear issue left unmentioned Notably, reports from both sides did not mention North Korea’s nuclear program, a departure from Xi’s 2019 visit when Chinese media referred to denuclearization efforts. The omission is likely significant for Kim, who has sought international recognition of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. Ahead of Xi’s visit, Pyongyang reiterated that its nuclear program is non-negotiable and vowed to expand its nuclear capabilities. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that North Korea is producing enough nuclear material annually for an estimated 10 to 20 bombs and is nearing mastery of intercontinental ballistic missile technology. Economic and diplomatic context Observers believe Xi may have offered economic support measures, including food aid and expanded tourism and transport links. Direct flights and passenger train services between the two countries resumed earlier this year after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting also comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in reviving diplomacy with Kim, giving Beijing potential leverage in future negotiations involving Washington and Pyongyang.

Foreign bloggers and international visitors are increasingly sharing their experiences of feeling safe while living in or traveling across China, describing a level of security that allows them to move around freely day and night. Among them is Tatiana Kucherova, a 31-year-old Russian who has been living in Guiyang, the capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, since 2016. Joking about life in the city, she said the biggest risk she faces at night is eating too many snacks at local night markets. Tatiana first came to China to study Chinese at Guizhou University, later completed a master's degree, found a job and eventually decided to settle there. She described Guiyang as a comfortable city with a lively nightlife, where she and her husband often enjoy late-night barbecues and evenings out with friends. What stands out most to her, however, is the sense of security. "In bars, I can leave my belongings on the table without worrying someone will take them," she said, adding that the feeling gives her peace of mind. Tatiana frequently posts photos and videos of Guizhou on social media, and says many of her friends abroad have become interested in visiting the province after seeing her content. Similar experiences are being shared by many foreign visitors as China sees a rise in international arrivals, supported by expanded visa-free entry policies, improved travel services and upgraded public facilities. Many travelers have posted videos showing everyday scenes that surprised them, including unattended luggage in public places, shopkeepers taking naps while leaving stores open and people walking alone at night without fear. A Spanish student in Beijing, Ana, recently accompanied three friends on their first trip to China. While visiting busy commercial districts in Shanghai, she said they felt comfortable carrying cameras and personal belongings without constantly worrying about theft. "I feel completely relaxed here. Even walking alone late at night doesn't make me nervous," she said. For many visitors, such experiences contrast with the safety concerns they often consider before traveling abroad. Some said they arrived expecting to take extra precautions, such as closely guarding their belongings or avoiding going out at night, only to find those measures unnecessary. French blogger Leo recently shared a video showing how he accidentally left his backpack on a bench along Shanghai's Bund waterfront. When he returned about 30 minutes later, the bag was still there. The video attracted millions of views online. An Italian content creator known as Carlo Wu said he continues to be impressed by seeing parcels left outside apartment doors and laptops unattended in public spaces even after living in Shanghai for four years. He also recalled a neighbor personally delivering a food order that had mistakenly been sent to the wrong apartment, saying such acts of kindness left a strong impression on him. According to China's Ministry of Public Security, criminal cases nationwide fell by 12.8 percent in 2025, reaching the lowest level this century. China also ranked as the world's third-safest place and fourth in the law-and-order index in Gallup's 2025 Global Safety Report. Experts attribute the country's security environment to a combination of legal enforcement, community-level governance, technological support and rapid emergency response systems. Kong Fanbin, dean of Nanjing University's Huazhi Institute for Global Governance, said public safety in China is supported not only by police but also by communities and grassroots organizations. Meanwhile, He Yanling said public security has long been treated as a key public service by Chinese authorities, with local-level governance playing an important role in maintaining social stability. Observers say China's long-term social stability, continued investment in public services and focus on peaceful development have also contributed to the strong sense of safety experienced by both residents and visitors.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, left Beijing on Monday for a state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Xi's trip is at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK. Xi's entourage includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.   

Scientists in China are studying how life develops in space after mouse embryo samples brought back from the country’s space station returned to Earth, in a step that could help future research on human reproduction during long-term space travel. The samples were returned aboard the Shenzhou-22 on May 29 after completing experiments on China’s space station. Researchers say the findings may provide important scientific clues about how early life forms behave in a microgravity environment. The project was carried out by the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on how mammalian embryos develop before implantation in space, including possible damage to mitochondria and changes in genetic regulation. Scientists say the experiment is designed to better understand whether space conditions can support normal early-stage development of life. During the mission, researchers successfully cultured mouse embryos at different stages inside an onboard biotechnology experiment system. They used a specially designed microfluidic chip that allowed multiple embryo cultures and real-time imaging under limited space and resources. Lead researcher Lei Xiaohua said the main challenge was developing a system that could handle embryo culture and imaging simultaneously within the constraints of spacecraft conditions. Another research team led by Men Yongfan helped design the chip-based culture system, which included multiple small chambers to support parallel experiments and was compatible with the station’s automated systems. After ground testing, scientists confirmed that embryo development, preservation and imaging systems worked successfully in orbit, and that the collected data met research requirements. Following the return of the samples, they were transported under controlled refrigeration to Beijing for detailed laboratory analysis. Researchers will now compare the space-grown embryos with control samples kept on Earth. The study will include genetic analysis, protein studies, and high-resolution imaging to examine how space conditions may affect early development. Scientists say the findings could help determine whether space travel impacts key early biological processes, including genome activation in embryos and the possibility of normal development in microgravity. China has carried out similar experiments before, including studies on early embryo imaging in space in 2006 and further development experiments aboard satellites in 2016, where mouse embryos were observed progressing to later developmental stages in orbit.

Solomon Islands' newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced plans to review the country's security agreement with China, a deal that has raised concerns among the United States, Australia and other regional partners since it was signed in 2022. The agreement was reached under former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and sparked fears that it could eventually allow China to establish a naval presence in the South Pacific. Speaking during a visit to Australia on Wednesday, Wale said he had only recently obtained a copy of the treaty and was still examining its contents. "I've had a look at it, but not in detail," Wale told reporters in Canberra, adding that the agreement contains a confidentiality clause that prevents its immediate public release. He said the government would review the China pact along with other security agreements the country has with foreign partners. Wale had previously called for greater transparency regarding the treaty before becoming prime minister through a parliamentary vote on May 15. Responding to the announcement, China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was ready to work with the new Solomon Islands government to expand cooperation in various sectors for the benefit of both countries. The visit to Australia marks Wale's first overseas trip since taking office. During the visit, he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to begin negotiations on a broader strategic partnership covering security and economic cooperation. Wale said the two countries were seeking to "reset" relations after several years of difficulties under the previous administration. Albanese reiterated Australia's position that it should remain the Solomon Islands' preferred security partner rather than China. He said Australia wants Pacific nations to work together to maintain regional security and stability. Wale expressed support for a regional approach to security, saying it was the direction his government wanted to pursue. China has already provided police training and support to the Solomon Islands under the existing security agreement. The Pacific nation does not have a military, giving its police force a broader role in national security. The Solomon Islands strengthened ties with Beijing in 2019 when the government switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move widely seen as a major diplomatic win for Beijing.

A 15-member delegation of senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) left for China on Tuesday on a week-long visit to participate in a training programme. The delegation departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 2:00pm on a China Eastern Airlines flight. The programme, being organised with the support of the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, will be held in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, who is a member of the delegation, said the training programme will continue until June 8. The delegation includes NGO Affairs Bureau Director General Mohammed Jakaria, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-1 Mohammad Mamun Shibly, Private Secretary-2 Mehedul Islam, PMO directors Monirul Islam Patwari, Anwar Ul Halim, Mohammad Nasir Uddin Sarwar and Md Mahbubur Rahman. Other members include Protocol Officer-1 Md Ujjal Hossain, Assignment Officer-2 SM Parvez, Research Officer Abdus Sattar Patwari, Tariq Hasan, Private Secretary to Prime Minister’s Adviser Ismail Zabihullah, and officials Julia Moin, Jesmin Akter and Mohammad Jabbar. Earlier, speaking at a reception programme in Dhaka on Monday night ahead of the visit, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said high-level exchanges and cooperation between Bangladesh and China strengthened further in recent times. He said the training programme would play an important role in enhancing mutual relations and exchanging experiences between the two countries. The ambassador expressed hope that the participating officials would be able to apply the knowledge gained from China’s development and modernisation experience to Bangladesh’s development efforts after completing the programme.

Museums are increasingly playing a vital role in connecting people with different civilizations, allowing visitors to explore the history, culture and traditions of distant countries without leaving their own cities. From ancient Cambodian artifacts in Beijing to royal treasures from Kuwait in northwest China, museums across the country are attracting growing numbers of visitors eager to learn about other cultures and gain deeper cultural experiences. At the Meet You Museum in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone, an exhibition featuring 122 artifacts from the National Museum of Cambodia is giving Chinese visitors a rare opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Angkor civilization. The exhibition, which opened on May 1, will continue until August 30. Li Duo, who has a master's degree in archaeology, said the exhibition offers a chance to closely experience another great civilization and better understand its history and achievements. “Being able to encounter another major civilization without traveling abroad shows the true value of museums,” she said. The exhibition combines historical artifacts with modern technology. According to Wang Haixuan, vice president of the Beijing Zhongchuang Tourism & Culture Group, digital displays recreate the engineering wonders of Angkor Wat, while interactive systems allow visitors to engage with characters from ancient myths. The museum has also organized exhibitions on other ancient civilizations, including a popular Egyptian exhibition last year. “Our aim is to provide opportunities for people to learn about cultures from around the world,” Wang said, adding that such exhibitions are especially popular among young people, families and museum enthusiasts. He described museums as bridges linking the past with the present and connecting China with the wider world through cultural exchange and dialogue. According to China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, the country had 7,188 registered museums by the end of 2025, with more than 91 percent offering free admission. Together, they welcomed around 1.56 billion visits last year. Across China, both public and private museums are increasingly hosting international exhibitions, bringing global cultures closer to domestic audiences. At the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou, visitors can explore "Golden Dust of Time: Exhibition of the Royal Collection From Kuwait," which features 130 groups of artifacts from the Kuwaiti royal collection, including gold ornaments, sculptures and ceremonial vessels. Liu Chunxia, a tourist from Guangzhou, said the exhibition helped her gain a deeper understanding of Kuwaiti history and culture despite never having visited the country. “These artifacts show the artistic skills, beliefs and lifestyles of people who lived thousands of years ago,” she said. Experts say the growing popularity of such exhibitions reflects a rising demand among Chinese visitors for cultural and educational experiences as living standards improve. Ban Rui, director of the Gansu Provincial Museum, said museums are evolving from institutions focused mainly on local history into platforms that encourage exchanges between civilizations. Organizing international exhibitions often involves high costs and complex logistics, including transportation, insurance and promotion. To overcome these challenges, many museums are increasingly working with state-owned enterprises and private-sector partners to expand access to overseas exhibitions. This year alone, Chinese museums have hosted exhibitions from countries including Italy, the Czech Republic, Syria, Britain, Greece and Kuwait. Shanghai is also preparing to launch a major exhibition titled "Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" in July. The 16-month exhibition at the Shanghai Museum will showcase the history and culture of ancient American civilizations and continue the museum’s efforts to introduce world cultures to Chinese audiences. At the same time, Chinese cultural heritage is reaching wider international audiences. The culture of Dunhuang, famous for its historic Mogao Grottoes, has become an important part of China's cultural exchanges abroad. Through digital technology, reconstructed caves and immersive exhibitions, audiences in countries such as France have been able to experience the beauty of Dunhuang's art and history. Chai Qilin of the Dunhuang Academy said overseas visitors have shown strong interest in Chinese cultural exhibitions and often express a desire to see more similar events. “These exhibitions help people gain a deeper and more direct understanding of Chinese culture,” he said. The Shanxi Museum has also expanded its international presence, partnering with museums in countries including the United States, Australia, Russia, France, Greece and Mexico since 2012. According to Zhang Huiguo, deputy director of the museum, ancient Chinese bronze and jade artifacts have attracted significant attention abroad because of their unique craftsmanship and cultural significance. The museum also uses interactive displays and immersive technologies to explain traditional Chinese architectural techniques and ancient bronze-making methods, making Chinese culture more accessible to international audiences. In Mexico, museum experts highlighted similarities and differences between traditional Chinese silver craftsmanship and local silver-making traditions, helping visitors better understand both cultures. Zhang said China's growing international influence has helped increase global interest in Chinese culture, from traditional Hanfu clothing and Chinese cuisine to exhibitions showcasing the country's long history and cultural heritage. “International exhibitions are not only about promoting cultural diversity,” he said. “They are also about strengthening cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges around the world.”

China is strengthening conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, also known as the golden monkey, in Mount Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in southwest Guizhou Province. Deep inside the misty mountains, veterinarian Yang Wei has spent the past six years closely working with the rare primates, building a strong bond while helping improve their chances of survival. The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a nationally protected species and is listed as critically endangered, with its entire wild population — estimated at around 850 — living in the Fanjingshan area. After completing his studies, Yang returned to his hometown in 2020 and now leads the monkey research centre under the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Administration. He said his goal is to protect the rare species found only in his region. At the centre, Yang and his team have improved care for rescued monkeys by designing enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitat. As a result, all rescued monkeys under their care have survived so far. The team has also enhanced nutrition and care for pregnant monkeys. While females in the wild usually give birth every three years, those under scientific care at the centre are now producing healthy offspring every two years. Currently, nine monkeys — including rescued and centre-born individuals — are being cared for at the facility. Protecting monkeys in the wild remains a major challenge, but authorities are increasingly using technology to monitor and safeguard them. Surveillance systems, infrared cameras, drones and regular patrols are being used to track their movements and prevent poaching. In addition, 14 ecological corridors have been built along roads around the mountain to ensure safe movement of monkeys between feeding and resting areas, while reducing human interference. These measures are already showing positive results. Increased monkey activity has been recorded, with cameras capturing groups moving freely through the forest and using the newly built corridors. Forest ranger Li Jiuhua said he has noticed a rise in the number of monkeys and other wildlife in recent years. He added that sightings of multiple monkey groups in a single day are becoming more common. China is also expanding similar conservation efforts nationwide to protect biodiversity and promote environmentally sustainable development. Thousands of ecological protection projects have been implemented in recent years, with more planned in the future. Locally, authorities have invested over 46 million yuan to build a new conservation centre for the monkeys. The facility, which began trial operations in April 2026, includes enclosures, a veterinary hospital, laboratories and food preparation areas. Officials say the new centre will focus on breeding, research and education, while also aiming to involve more experts and share conservation knowledge globally.