Mankind’s common responsibility to protect world heritage sites: Chinese spokesman

World heritage sites are mankind's common wealth making it mankind's shared responsibility to protect and preserve them, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

At the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the Beijing Central Axis, the Badain Jaran Desert’s Towers of Sand and Lakes, and the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II) all passed the review process to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lin extended the ministry’s congratulations to the successful applications for world heritage status for these three sites.

"We would like to extend our warmest congratulations on the successful application for World Heritage to 'Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital', 'Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes', and 'Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II)'. The total number of World Heritage sites in China has risen to 59, ranking second in the world. Among those, there are 15 World Natural Heritages and four World Cultural and Natural Heritages, with the number of World Natural Heritage being the highest worldwide," said Lin.

He underlined the efforts that China has put in to protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

"The successful application for World Heritage is attributed to the unremitting efforts of the Chinese government and people in protecting and preserving cultural heritages, preserving ecological environments, and building a beautiful China. The Chinese government has carried out more than 100 cultural relic protection projects to revitalize the Beijing Central Axis, the longest urban axis in the world, and to integrate the hustle and bustle of the old city with a modern lifestyle. Adhering to the principle that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets', we have stepped up efforts to protect ecological diversity and improve environmental governance, so that the geological and geomorphologic features of the Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes have been conserved, and the habitats of migratory birds along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf can provide indispensable breeding, resting and wintering grounds for tens of millions of migrating water birds," Lin noted.

He emphasized that protecting and preserving world heritages is a responsibility shared by all.

"World Heritage is a common wealth of mankind, and protecting and passing on world heritage is a shared responsibility of mankind. China will continue to uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, work with the international community to actively implement the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, share China's successful experience, strengthen cooperation on World Heritage protection, and continue to contribute Chinese wisdom and strength in global ecological conservation, as well as exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations," Lin said.

Mankind’s common responsibility to protect world heritage sites: Chinese spokesman

Truck drivers and their cargoes sought refuge in a Shanghai activity hub as Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest typhoon to hit the city in decades, made landfall on Monday morning, unleashing heavy rains and winds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour.

In the Pudong District, situated on the southeastern tip of Shanghai, the impact of Typhoon Bebinca was stark, with trees and road signs uprooted, construction sites disrupted, and bicycles scattered across the ground.

Shanghai is not prone to strong typhoons, but local authorities have made emergency plans.

In Lingang Special Area, an activity hub was transformed into a temporary shelter for over 130 truck drivers and their cargoes.

"With such strong winds, it's not safe to park my truck on the street. Trees could fall. Parking here is a safer choice. The service is good here. It's clean, and it also provides food. We can take a shower here," said Wang Shaodong, a truck driver from east China's Anhui Province.

"The Donghai Bridge has been closed, as the typhoon is approaching. That's why we came here. They provide us with bedding, and air conditioners were turned on. So we are staying here. There are also meals downstairs," said Gong Xiangge, a hazardous cargo driver from east China's Shandong Province.

"We call these truck drivers 'men living on wheels.' The 13th typhoon [of this year] brought gales, with maximum wind speed reaching 36.9 meters per second, so danger may come at any time. So staying on the side of the street is unsafe for both trucks and drivers," said Fan Jianrong, deputy director of Lingang Special Area Investment Holding Group.

Although traffic resumed on all roads and bridges across Shanghai starting from 20:00 on Monday, precautions are still in place as Typhoon Pulasan, the 14th of the year, has formed in the northeastern Pacific and could follow a similar path to Typhoon Bebinca.

The director of the center said that the shelter remains open to those in need, ensuring that assistance is readily available for individuals affected by the poor weather.

Truck drivers seek shelter as powerful typhoon hits Shanghai