China has made unique contributions to global environment protection and green energy development through large-scale production of advanced solar panels and electric vehicles (EV), said Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel Economic Prize laureate.
China's effort to provide affordable solar panels and EVs is saving the planet. Instead of expelling Chinese products, western countries should devote efforts to learn from China and invest in more research in these sectors, said Stiglitz during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
"I think China's contribution in getting lower prices of solar panels and low-cost EVs is a major contribution to saving the planet. They succeeded in advancing technology. That is of global public good. I think, again, it's important for Western countries to have that technology. There could be a transfer of technology, but that doesn't happen right now. So, they have to develop that technology on their own," said Stiglitz.
Stiglitz pointed out that the U.S. government's "small yard, high fence" policy advocates for unfair competition, which is hurting the industry.
"The way they're going about it – through protectionism – I think it's the wrong way of doing it. What they should do is support research, support efforts to put the universities and private companies to produce more efficient EVs, more efficient solar panels. Let's have a competition to produce the best solar panels, not protectionism," said Stiglitz.
China benefits global environment with affordable solar panels, EVs: Nobel laureate
China benefits global environment with affordable solar panels, EVs: Nobel laureate
The China-Laos Railway marked the third anniversary of its international passenger service on Monday, having carried over 840,000 cross-border travelers.
The flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative has made cross-border travel faster and more convenient, while reshaping regional connectivity.
Since April 2023, some 3,200 cross-border passenger trains have operated on the China-Laos Railway, servicing passengers from 120 countries and regions.
"Before the railway opened, traveling from Laos to China was quite difficult. Now taking the train makes everything much easier, whether it's for tourism, study, or business," said Phout, a Lao passenger.
"This is my first time taking the China-Laos Railway, and my favorite part about it is how easy it is to use, and I love how connected it makes the world feel," said Feili Johnson, an Australian Passenger. Currently, four international passenger trains run daily between Kunming in China and the Lao capital, Vientiane, with seating capacity increasing from 250 at launch to 420 per train.
Data from the operator shows that in the first quarter of this year, the railway handled 112,000 cross-border passengers, up 32 percent year on year.
With policies such as 240-hour visa-free transit now in place, cross-border travel has become significantly easier and more efficient for international travelers.
"I think it's very convenient with the visa-free arrival in China, because you can see the whole country. Instead of going for one single purpose, you're more free to do a little bit of what you want," said Gabriel Andersson, a Swedish traveler.
Adding to the convenience, immigration authorities have rolled out a range of measures to streamline border clearance. At the Mohan railway port, processing time has now been reduced to around 50 minutes.
"We've introduced more than a dozen measures to facilitate customs clearance, such as passenger classification and diversion, group booking for clearance, establishment of special channels for 240-hour visa-free transit, and pre-arrival entry card service," said Yang Xueqin, an officer from Mohan Immigration Inspection Station.
The port has also adopted smart technologies, including automated verification systems and real-time translation devices, cutting inspection time by more than 30 percent, Yang said.
With a steady rise in cross-border travelers, tourism in cities along the route — such as Xishuangbanna and Luang Prabang — is experiencing robust growth. As further facilitation measures advance between the two countries, the railway corridor is expected to unlock even greater vitality for regional tourism and economic exchanges.
China-Laos Railway marks three years of cross-border passenger services
China-Laos Railway marks three years of cross-border passenger services
