China has criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's so-called "free and open Indo-Pacific" vision, saying it runs counter to regional aspirations for peace, development and cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
"The concept carries the words 'free and open,' but in fact sows division and rivalry. This sugarcoated scheme goes against the regional countries' shared aspirations for peace, development and cooperation. It will never win genuine recognition. The Asia-Pacific needs stability over turbulence, and values cooperation over division. Safeguarding postwar international order and purposes and principles of the UN Charter is the foundation of the prosperity and stability in the Asia Pacific, as well as the shared responsibility of regional countries," Guo said.
China slams Japan's so-called "free and open Indo-Pacific" vision
An exchange event bringing together young baseball players from China and the United States is underway in Fuzhou, the capital of east China's Fujian province, providing a platform for these young people to build friendships and enhance mutual understanding through sports and cultural exchanges.
The event, "Bond with Kuliang: 2026 China-U.S. Youth Baseball Exhibition Games and Sports Festival," runs from Monday to Thursday.
As part of the event, exhibition games featuring four U.S. youth teams and four Chinese teams were held on Tuesday at Fuzhou's Pingtan Baseball Park.
In an exciting game, China's Fujian Provincial Baseball Team took on the U.S. Northeastern State University RiverHawks. Hits, diving catches, and every brilliant play ignited the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere.
"It's honestly once in a lifetime opportunity and experience, because it's a great way to get along, have fun and just build friendships together," said Hill from the U.S. Northeastern State University RiverHawks.
But it wasn't just about the competition. A touching moment unfolded when an American player injured his finger during a game. A Chinese player noticed right away and quickly called for a medic.
"Injuries are hard to avoid in baseball. They can happen suddenly. There was no team doctor in the opposing team's dugout, so I called out to our side to see if they had any plasters, and asked our medic to help treat him," said Lu Yun from the Fujian Provincial Baseball Team.
"One of their players was nice enough to give me a bandage. The only ones I know in Mandarin are thank you (Xiexie), so that's what I said. It's cool how baseball can connect even if you don't speak the same language; you can play baseball together," U.S. player Osborne expressed his gratitude.
Beyond the baseball matches, the young athletes also visited Minjiang University in Fuzhou City as part of the event, where they played basketball and learned Chinese martial arts together. During the campus visit, they also explored a university lab to learn about innovative research and achievements.
Baseball events in Fuzhou build friendship between China, US youth
