China is willing to continue enhancing exchanges and cooperation with global partners including Japan to jointly contribute to the conservation of endangered species, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.
Guo made the statement in response to a media query about the scheduled return of four giant pandas on loan to a theme park in western Japan to China on Saturday, and the upcoming home return of the last two remaining giant pandas in Japan next February.
"Giant pandas, as a precious endangered wildlife species, are profoundly loved by people around the world. They are emissaries conveying the Chinese people's friendship. Since China and Japan started research cooperation on international conservation of giant panda in 2000, the two countries have established sound cooperative relations, and achieved positive results in giant panda breeding, scientific research, technology exchanges and public education, playing an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Japanese people. In the future, we are willing to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with global partners including Japan to jointly contribute to the conservation of endangered species," Guo said.
Spokesman on giant pandas to return home from Japan
Spokesman on giant pandas to return home from Japan
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.
The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.
A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.
Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.
Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.
A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.
Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.
Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen
