China has established the world's most comprehensive and extensive energy system as well as the largest electric-vehicle charging network and renewable-energy system, an energy official said on Tuesday.
At a press conference on China's energy achievements during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration, said all key targets set in the five-year-plan have been met on schedule.
In 2024, China's electricity generation surpassed 10 trillion kWh, about one-third of the global total, while total energy output equated to roughly 5 billion tonnes of standard coal, accounting for more than one-fifth of worldwide production, according to the official.
He also noted further improvements in China's intra-country and cross-border energy infrastructures.
"About 40 percent of the energy used in eastern regions now comes via major energy arteries such as the west-to-east power transmission, west-to-east gas transmission pipelines, and the north-to-south coal transport. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we built the world's largest EV charging network - roughly two chargers for every five electric vehicles on the road," Wang said.
Wang noted that the 14th Five-Year Plan period has seen the fastest green and low-carbon transition on record, with China establishing the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable-energy system.
The share of renewables in installed power-generation capacity has risen from about 40 percent to around 60 percent, with annual additions of wind and solar capacity surpassing the 300 GW mark.
"Energy consumption is moving steadily toward green sources. One in every three kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed nationwide now comes from renewables. Each year, the share of non-fossil energy in total energy consumption has increased by one percentage point, putting us on track to surpass the 20 percent target set for the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Meanwhile, coal's share has fallen by one percentage point annually. This 'one-up, one-down' dynamic has greatly contributed to the green growth of China's economy," Wang said.
China develops world's largest, most comprehensive energy system
Candlelight memorials were held across China on Saturday to honor the victims of the Nanjing Massacre during Japan's aggression against China in 1937.
The Nanjing Massacre took place when Japanese troops captured the then-Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. Over the course of six weeks, they proceeded to kill approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of WWII.
Saturday marks the 12th National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims.
In Nanjing, now the capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, a candlelight memorial and international peace rally was held on Saturday night, joined by around 200 participants from China and across the world.
As night fell over the city, people from different walks of life gathered at the square of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those killed.
Participants included representatives of inheritors of the historical memory of the Nanjing Massacre, descendants of international friends who aided China during the war, and young students. Dressed in plain attire, they took part in the solemn commemorative event.
Five representatives from various sectors passed along illuminated bouquets of Zijin grass, known as February orchid in Nanjing and radish flower in Japan, jointly forming a light display spelling out the word "Peace." Candles were also arranged into the shape of a dove, symbolizing the shared hope for lasting peace.
"This history is deeply cruel and painful, but we must remember it. Only by remembering history can we truly cherish the peace we enjoy today. When I grow up, I hope to work together with others to safeguard peace," said Yue Cen, a student from Nanjing Foreign Language School's Xianlin Campus.
A similar candlelight memorial was also held in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China's Liaoning province, where the September 18 Incident in 1931 marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.
More than 200 representatives from various sectors gathered at the 9.18 Historical Museum to pay tribute, lighting candles in memory of the Nanjing Massacre victims.
"On the National Memorial Day, the nation remembers its suffering. It reminds us to cherish the peace that was won at the cost of lives. I will study harder, strengthen my abilities, and contribute my youth to national rejuvenation," said Li Shuhang, a student from Shenyang University.
Candlelight memorials held in China for Nanjing Massacre victims
