China and Spain should jointly safeguard true multilateralism and protect global peace and development, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday in Beijing in his meeting with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Sanchez is on an official visit to China from Saturday to Wednesday, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Noting the world today is in turmoil, confronted with the contest between the rule of law and the rule of power, Xi called on both China and Spain to strengthen communication and cooperation, consolidate mutual trust, and jointly oppose a return of the world to the law of the jungle.
Xi also said that the two countries should uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
"I'm glad to meet Mr. Sanchez again. This is your fourth visit to China in four years. At a time when the world is beset by turmoil and the international order is in disarray, how a country treats the international law and order reflects its worldview, its values, its vision of order, and its sense of responsibility. China and Spain are both nations with principles that uphold justice and willing to stand on the right side of history. We should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and deepen cooperation. Together we must oppose any return to the law of the jungle, jointly safeguard true multilateralism, and protect global peace and development," said Xi.
Sanchez said that Spain, a stable and predictable country, is ready to deepen bilateral ties with China.
"President Xi, it is a true pleasure to see you again. Today, we are working with China to launch the strategic dialogue between our two countries to further raise our ties. We Spanish people are a friendly and constructive people with a long history, as people in China. We are a stable, predictable country, and we know that only this spirit will lead us to lasting prosperity and peace," said Sanchez.
China, Spain should safeguard multilateralism, protect global peace, development: Xi
China, Spain should safeguard multilateralism, protect global peace, development: Xi
China, Spain should safeguard multilateralism, protect global peace, development: Xi
A one-legged oriental white stork has managed to find its footing again after a custom-built prosthetic was fitted at a wildlife rescue center in north China. Staff there are now assessing whether this unique bionic bird is ready to be released back into the wild.
The stork was brought to the Sunshine Wildlife Rescue and Shelter Center in Tianjin Municipality back in 2024 with a severe injury after its left leg became entangled in netting. A resulting infection was so serious that amputation was required.
While staff at the center slowly nursed the bird back to health, it was initially determined that it would be unable to survive in the wild on a single leg. To change its future, the team searched for a solution that would eventually allow it to return to nature.
Last year, staff began experimenting with prosthetic designs, testing a range of materials including carbon fiber, plastic, and rubber. Each attempt improved the outcome, but the key challenge was developing a suitable “shock absorber” to make the prosthesis feel more natural to the stork and help it fully restore its movement.
Oriental white storks typically land and step with the front of the foot first, and walking naturally requires a strong upward rebound. To deal with this, the latest prosthetic developed by the teams incorporated a mechanical component to allow for finer adjustments while providing cushioning to support the bird as it walks.
"The internal compression rod and clasp system enables [the stork to have] micro-adjustments so that the stork is able to better get used to [walking with the prosthesis]. And the [prosthesis] can match the height of the stork's remaining leg while offering both walking support and shock absorption," said Li Zheng, a staff member at the Tianjin Wildlife Rescue and Domestication Breeding Center, as he showed off the final design.
The 17-centimeter-tall prosthesis is made from resin and silicone, and it is designed to weigh roughly the same as a normal bird leg. Its orange color was also chosen to help it blend in with its peers.
The breakthrough came on the morning of Wednesday, when staff carefully carried out the fitting. After nearly an hour-long, non-invasive procedure, the prosthesis was successfully installed.
Returning to its outdoor enclosure, the stork took some time to adjust and adapt to the new feeling. But, before long, it was soon seen attempting to step up onto a rocky formation with its new leg leading the way, and after a couple of shaky moments it appeared able to keep its balance.
Next, staff say they will monitor and assess how well the stork is acclimatizing to the brand new prosthetic. If they deem it can live and move normally, the bird will be released back into the wild at an appropriate time.
One-legged stork finds feet again after being fitted with custom prosthetic leg
