The International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 opened in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Friday, embodying principles of green and low-carbon sustainability.
Running from April 26 to Oct 28, the event, themed "Park City, Beautiful Habitat," showcases a diverse collection of flower and plant species as well as gardening cultures from all over the world at all 113 exhibition parks in the seven major exhibition areas of the main venue, as well as six core pavilions.
Apart from the exhibitions, more than 2,000 activities will be held during the 186-day event, including eight international professional competitions that will showcase the latest varieties, technologies and achievements in the field of horticulture to serve as a platform for cultural exchanges among diverse cultures from China and abroad.
Based on the outline of a panda's head, the expo's emblem also incorporates various plant elements such as ginkgo, hibiscus, and golden bamboo, fully showcasing the rich biodiversity of Chengdu.
And the expo's cute-friendly mascot, which is called "Tong Meier," symbolizes peace, friendship, inclusiveness, and mutual learning. The character's design concept references the Chinese dove tree, an endangered creature in China and a bronze bird sculpture that was unearthed from the Sanxingdui Ruins, which are believed to be the remnants of the Shu Kingdom, dating back to some 4,500 to 3,000 years.
International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 opens in Chengdu
China urges the Philippines to respect facts, honor its commitments regarding Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea and stop infringement and provocation moves, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.
Lin made the remarks after Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Department of Foreign Affairs recently issued separate statements and denied the existence of any arrangements between China and the Philippines on the Ren'ai Jiao issue, including "new model" arrangement.
Lin said that China has all along been committed to managing maritime disputes, including the Ren'ai Jiao issue, with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. The "gentlemen's agreement", internal understandings and the agreed "new model" all reflect China's effort and sincerity to that end.
Li reiterated the following basic facts at the regular press briefing in Beijing:
First, at the end of 2021, after intensive communication and consultation, China and the Philippines reached the "gentlemen's agreement." During the first few months of the current Philippine administration, both sides continued to implement the "gentlemen's agreement" until the Philippines stopped honoring it in February 2023.
Second, last September, the Chinese side invited the Envoy of the President to China for Special Concerns of the Philippines to Beijing to discuss how to properly manage the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, which resulted in an internal understanding. The understanding was approved by the Philippine leadership. One resupply mission was carried out within the realm of the understanding before it was abandoned by the Philippines.
Third, early this year, the Chinese side and the Philippine side agreed on a "new model" for resupply missions concerning Ren'ai Jiao after multiple rounds of discussions through the diplomatic channel and AFP's (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Westerm Command (WESCOM). The Philippine military has made repeated confirmation that the "new model" has been approved by all key officials in the Philippine chain of command, including the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Advisor. On February 2, the Philippines carried out one resupply mission under this "new model" before abandoning it as well.
"Whatever the Philippine says, it will not erase the fact that it did reach the 'gentlemen's agreement,' internal understandings and the 'new model' with China. Let me stress that those understandings and arrangements are aimed to manage differences, prevent conflict and build trust so that the waters of Ren'ai Jiao can remain peaceful and stable. China urges the Philippines to adhere to the basic norms on international exchanges, respect facts, honor its commitments, stop infringement and provocations and take concrete steps to come back to the right path of properly handling differences with China through dialogue and consultation," said the spokesman.
China urges Philippines to honor commitments regarding Ren'ai Jiao
