China's GDP is projected to grow by 4.5-5 percent, and its annual contribution to global economic growth is poised to remain around 30 percent. This outlook is a source of confidence, according to Prof. Lin Yifu, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University.
In 2026, China targets an economic growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent and will strive for better in practice, according to a government work report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation.
Prof. Lin said, "The current environment, especially the international environment, is in one of the most significant periods of adjustment in recent years. Under these circumstances, I believe that such a growth target takes our potential into account, and our potential is actually higher than this."
In his eyes, considering the international environment, structural adjustment needs, and the need to deepen reform, the growth target is realistic and will certainly be achieved.
"Moreover, if we do well, it might even exceed the pre-set target," he added.
Professor Lin Yifu Photo: Ma Jingjing/GT
Efforts are underway in Gaza to restore what remains of the historic Abu Salim Mosque and preserve that it represents, after the religious site was hit by an Israeli airstrike on August 24.
Located in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, the Abu Salim Mosque is widely regarded as one of Gaza's oldest and most historically significant religious landmarks.
However, more than half of the mosque currently lies in ruins, with parts of its historic walls collapsing following the Israeli strike.
The municipality and volunteers are trying to salvage whatever they can from the rubble, even the mosque's damaged stones, valued by Palestinians for their historical and cultural significance.
"We are searching for heritage books and stones. When conditions allow reconstruction in the future, the municipality will work with heritage organizations to restore this mosque," said Salem Abu Hasnin, a member of the Deir al-Balah Municipal Council.
The search through the rubble is made harder by a severe lack of equipment and resources.
"This mosque is both a heritage and archaeological site. It was built in 1951 in the Ottoman style. Our team launched a preventive preservation campaign, collecting historic marble pieces and scattered limestone for safekeeping," said Shaimaa Al-Natour, a member of the Heritage Guardians Team.
The mosque's library was also damaged. Among the debris, the team is trying to rescue surviving books and preserve them with whatever materials are available.
"Documenting, archiving and collecting historic books require special preservation boxes. We are working with very limited resources, keeping the books in cardboard or wooden boxes that are not designed for this purpose," said Muhannad Abu Lahya, a cultural heritage guide.
The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments says almost all of Gaza's 1,275 mosques have been targeted since the war began, including well over 1,000 that were completely destroyed.
Despite the widespread destruction, Palestinians remain determined to preserve their heritage, hoping what they save from the rubble can one day be rebuilt into what was lost.
Efforts underway to preserve historic Abu Salim Mosque after Israeli strike
