2025 Harvard College China Forum focuses on China-US relationship

Global industry leaders from different sectors offered their views on China-U.S. relationship amid the current global situation at the just-concluded Harvard College China Forum, which was held at Harvard University in the United States, from Friday to Sunday.

The event, being run for nearly 30 years, serves as a global platform to strengthen China-U.S. business and cultural ties.

Under the theme of "Navigating Changing Times", the forum this year is expected to help forge international cooperation amid the current perilous moment when there are conflicts and wars, and the economic uncertainties caused by tariffs.

"I think this year is especially important because of the trouble in the world, because of the turbulence between our countries, because of tariffs, and countervailing measures," said Roberta Lipson, founder of United Family Healthcare, an international hospital and clinic network that has been providing private, premium healthcare in China since 1997.

"We need to not forget that the U.S. and China are made of people -- proud people who want peace and prosperity. And in order for us to not forget this we need to keep talking to each other," Lipson said.

This three-day gathering includes global leaders from a diverse array of sectors including banking, food distribution, microchip, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Some guests mentioned the just-released tariffs policy from the U.S. side, which has been catching great attention in the globe.

"In spite of the tensions that have appeared certainly this week on the back of these tariffs and Liberation Day, the potential for renewed cooperation as technology that will push us in that direction, potential geopolitical cooperation, it will require readjustments on both sides, the U.S. side, but also the Chinese side. That's certainly my hope and I think such a sentiment may be closer to us than we think," said Xavier Rolet, senior fellow of the Harvard University.

Founded in 1997, the Harvard College China Forum is the longest running student-run conference on China in North America. Every year, it brings together thought leaders to talk about the most pressing issues impacting China. The annual forum takes place every April in Boston, Massachusetts.

2025 Harvard College China Forum focuses on China-US relationship

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