China's first domestically produced large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, marked its 100th voyage on Monday in Shanghai, having attracted over 350,000 domestic and international tourists since starting commercial operations in early 2024.
At 06:00, the cruise ship concluded its voyage, docking at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, where passengers disembarked with smiles of satisfaction.
"There are slides, swimming pools, and 'gardens on the sea' on the cruise ship," said a little boy as he shared what impressed him during the voyage.
"I hope that next time, I can bring my parents along to join me on another Adora voyage," said a female passenger.
Meanwhile, Shanghai's maritime and border inspection authorities have introduced a customized management program to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of Adora Magic City.
"Using tools such as the smart maritime platform, electronic patrols, and the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system, we provide advance safety and weather information to the cruise ship passing through the waters under our administration, ensuring the cruise goes safely and smoothly," said Sheng Jinghao, a maritime inspector at the Baoshan Maritime Safety Administration.
"We've implemented a series of measures to continuously streamline the customs clearance process. We use the cruise control system to speed up inspection, greatly reducing passenger waiting times," said Qiao Yingsong, a customs officer at the Pujiang Border Inspection Station.
The Adora Magic City showcases China's growing cruise industry expertise, built with contributions from over 1,000 global manufacturers, symbolizing innovation and international cooperation.
China's first homegrown large cruise ship completes 100 voyages
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
