Chinese scientists have applied domestic satellite navigation technology on ancient sea turtles to collect data and enhance the protection of this endangered species.
On a beach in Huidong County of south China's Guangdong Province, scientists were releasing 200 sea turtles back into their natural habitat, including 100 turtles that were raised in human care.
These efforts are the culmination of years of work by the Huidong National Sea Turtle Nature Reserve, combining field rescue with artificial breeding to help revive China's sea turtle population, which has been threatened by overfishing and habitat loss.
This year, a Chinese-developed sea turtle satellite tracker -- powered by the country's Beidou Navigation System -- has been applied on these turtles for the first time.
"This is a brand-new device, made right here in China. It doesn't use an external antenna like some foreign models, so it won't break when the turtle rests underwater, in which case we won't be able to receive the data," said Xia Zhongrong, a senior engineer at the Huidong National Sea Turtle Nature Reserve.
The tracker is equipped with underwater sensors, smart computing technology and ultra-low power communication device, all operating through China's Beidou satellites.
"With Beidou's positioning and short-message communication technologies, we can get data even when there are no ground stations," said He Shuqian, head of Sea Turtle Research Team at Hainan Normal University.
The new technology is also eco-friendly, as the scientists used a green, non-toxic adhesive to attach the trackers, minimizing the impact on both the turtles and the ocean.
Satellite tracking is one of the most effective methods to study sea turtle migration routes. The data collected will help scientists better understand their feeding grounds, migration patterns, and the best strategies for protecting these creatures.
China protects ancient sea turtles with domestic satellite navigation technology
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
