New flag patterns of four branches of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), namely the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force, were put into official use on the occasion of China's Army Day that falls on Aug. 1.
The release of the branch flags marks the establishment of a military flag system of the people's army in the new era, comprising the PLA flag, the flags of the army, navy, air force and rocket force, as well as the flags of the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force.
The PLA flag is displayed when PLA units carry out combat missions, hold formation ceremonies, enlistment or retirement oaths, major military trainings, disaster-relief operations, naval escort missions and other important military actions, as well as during parades, inspections, key commemorations, memorial ceremonies, major holiday assemblies, and foreign-related guard-of-honor ceremonies.
The branch flags are normally used during anniversary celebrations and in guard-of-honor ceremonies for foreign delegations undertaken by army units with foreign-affairs missions, and may also be carried in major national or military parades.
Military flags are the combat flags of the PLA, the emblem of the PLA, and the symbol of its honor, courage, and glory. All military personnel must respect, cherish, and safeguard the flags.
No organization or individual may use the flag patterns without authorization. When they are used, it must be done solemnly and respectfully with no alterations allowed.
It is forbidden to use the flags or their patterns for commercial advertising or in any decoration or setting that would compromise their dignity.
The Central Military Commission (CMC) has issued a decision to adjust the current trial regulations on the administration of military flags, revising provisions on the types and usage of military flags to standardize their management and safeguard their dignity through legal measures.
New flags of PLA's four branches put into use
The massive production complex of BASF in Zhanjiang City in south China's Guangdong Province has become a major symbol of China-Germany cooperation and green power utilization.
The company on Thursday put the multibillion-euro site into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.
With an investment of 8.7 billion euros, the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers, the company said. Industry analysts say the project underscores BASF's long-term commitment to expanding in China as the country continues to promote high-standard opening up.
Unlike traditional plants, it runs entirely on green power, using 100 percent renewable electricity and fully electric-driven compressors for its core steam cracker.
"By utilizing 100 percent of the renewable energy, our products made in Zhanjiang contribute also significantly to the lower carbon product footprint. Our current product footprint for such a site like ours will probably be around 4 million tons of CO2. And today, we are at 1.7 million tons of CO2," said Haryono Lim, president of Mega Projects Asia at BASF.
Cutting carbon emissions by more than half, the Zhanjiang site is setting new benchmarks for sustainable chemical production.
"We wanted to distinctively move to South China to participate in the strong growth around the Pearl River Delta and in Guangdong Province. And then, of course, Zhanjiang offers great opportunities with its good infrastructure, deep-sea harbor, and great support by the local government," said Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF.
The local government's support has been key to the company's growth in the region, and the project is now driving broader green ambitions.
"BASF's full operation boosts the region's low-carbon hydrogen transition by developing the hydrogen value chain to attract related industries, supplying low-cost green power from offshore wind and solar, driving green upgrades in local petrochemicals and steel, and helping build a national pilot zone for zero-carbon industrial parks," said Yang Jiedong, director of the Administrative Committee of Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone.
BASF Zhanjiang production complex goes fully green, using 100 percent renewable electricity
