Chinese vice president attends opening ceremony of International Peace Day event

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the Commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2024 in Jinan in east China's Shandong Province on Thursday.

Han said that in the face of unprecedented global challenges, China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind, along with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, has injected confidence and momentum into advancing world peace, development and common prosperity.

He called on all parties to follow the right direction of the historical trend and work together to build a strong synergy toward creating a community with a shared future for humankind.

He also urged joint efforts to implement the three major global initiatives, pursue common development, adhere to peaceful coexistence, and foster exchanges and mutual learning.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important member of the "Global South," China will actively promote an orderly, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Han said, noting that China will work with other countries to promote peace and development and build a better world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video speech at the meeting. Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, Sommad Pholsena, former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe, former Colombian President Ernesto Samper, and former President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer, among others, also addressed the meeting.

They spoke highly of China's long-term efforts and contributions to promoting world peace, security and development, noting that they would work with China to continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and jointly safeguard peace to achieve better development.

About 180 representatives from foreign political parties, peace and friendship organizations, security think tanks and relevant domestic departments attended the event.

Chinese vice president attends opening ceremony of International Peace Day event

Chinese vice president attends opening ceremony of International Peace Day event

Chinese vice president attends opening ceremony of International Peace Day event

The Honghe butterfly valley in southwest China's Yunnan Province is expected to see a 10-year high butterfly boom this year.

As one of the world's richest regions for butterfly species, the butterfly valley in Jinping County sees a massive butterfly emergence every year in late spring and early summer.

From May to June, billions of butterflies emerge and fill the skies above the valley.

Experts estimate this year's butterfly number could be the highest in nearly a decade.

Scientists say such a spectacle is only possible in a healthy ecosystem.

For nearly three decades, local resident Yang Zhenwen has devoted himself to monitoring and protecting the butterflies.

Every day during the emergence season, he serves a special meal to help the tiny creatures replenish their energy: a nutrient solution he developed together with researchers.

"The solution is made mainly from local ingredients, including pineapples, fermented glutinous rice juice and brown sugar. After being boiled together, a small amount of salt is added," said Yang.

Yang regularly patrols the mountains, monitors butterfly habitats, records species data and tracks the growth of host plants.

Recently, over 40 content creators were invited to the county to promote biodiversity conservation through artistic installations and online campaigns. With support from the local government, conservation is also driving rural development.

"We have invited some social organizations. They bring some artists to come here to help our people design butterfly craft products, and also, some professional guides to train our people to become a good tourist guide. I would like to say it's a vivid proof of how human beings and nature can live in harmony," said Liu Xuan, deputy head of Jinping County.

The butterfly valley is drawing in a growing number of tourists.

Butterfly boom forecast to hit 10-year high at butterfly valley in Yunnan