In Beijing, practical and helpful translation better option for metro By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2022-01-06 11:00 To change, or not to change, that is the question. The question of some Beijing subway lines recently adopting new translations of station names. By changing "station" to "zhan", the subway authorities have arisen some hot public discussion. Some netizens say it will confuse non-Chinese subway users, and some have even said a simple translation is enough to make non-Chinese metro users identify the stations, and the addition of zhan will only create confusion. On Saturday, Beijing Subway responded to the public concern, saying the city authorities have unified the translation standards for subway station names in accordance with related regulations. International cities install signboards in English to help foreigners who do not understand the local language navigate the streets and neighborhoods, and identify important public facilities. But what Beijing Subway has done might confuse foreigners and non-Chinese city residents who do not understand Chinese. As for the Chinese residents and visitors, they do not need to read pinyin anyway. Who are the target readers of such "translation"? What does it mean in terms of communication? Public transport authorities must be clear about the purpose and practicability of such a change before implementing them, especially in a megapolis like Beijing. A report issued by the China Tourism Academy in 2020 showed China registered more than 145 million inbound tourist trips in 2019. Although the number dropped, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, tourism will rebound in the future. Therefore, it is necessary for the country, especially major Chinese cities, to continue providing convenient services for foreign visitors. Moreover, China will continue to further integrate and improve connectivity with the world. For that, however, it should standardize the official English translation of Chinese names and terms on signboards in public places, especially at train and bus stations, airports and roads. Beijing, as the capital of China, is widely acclaimed for its cultural heritage as well as its modern urban landscape, and has always been open to visitors from both home and abroad. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games will give the world another opportunity to share the charms of this ancient yet modern city. And airports, and train and bus stations are important infrastructure facilities that can embellish or ruin foreign visitors' experience. In November, Beijing issued a regulation that requires standardizing Chinese and foreign-language signs at five types of public venues with effect from Jan 1, 2022－public transport venues such as airports and railway stations; venues for large-scale international events like sports, conferences and expos; communities with a relatively high number of foreign residents; emergency shelters; and other significant public venues, including for...

RCEP will spur region's growth By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2022-01-05 11:00 The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which took effect on Saturday, Jan 1st, fuels new hopes for economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region as it opens up markets and counters protectionism, experts say. Consisting of 15 Asia-Pacific countries, the RCEP forms the world's largest free trade area. It is made up of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Covering about 30 percent of the world's population, as well as its gross domestic product and trade volume, the agreement ushers in greater economic integration among Asia-Pacific countries and marks a victory for multilateralism and free trade, observers said. "It will play a role in creating some degree of confidence that trade integration-at least in moderate terms-will continue," said Manu Bhaskaran, chief executive of Centennial Asia Advisors, a think tank in Singapore. "In an age of growing protectionism and inward-looking policies, this is welcome." Francis Chua, founding chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, said the RCEP is expected to consolidate the position of ASEAN members within a larger grouping built on "a modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement". The regional bloc comprises Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos; some of the ASEAN members are yet to ratify the pact. In an online report, the ASEAN Secretariat said the entry into force of the RCEP "is a manifestation of the region's resolve to keep markets open; strengthen regional economic integration; support an open, free, fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system; and, ultimately, contribute to global post-pandemic recovery efforts". "The ASEAN Secretariat remains committed to support the RCEP process in ensuring its effective and efficient implementation," the report says. Chua said the pact will make sure that the opening of markets and strengthen supply chains and, this way, support an economic rebound. Apart from requiring the trade partners to cut tariffs, he said, the RCEP will enhance the harmonization of non-tariff measures like product standards for food safety, packaging and labeling requirements. Sanjay Mathur, chief economist for Southeast Asia and India at ANZ Bank, cited China's huge economy and how it will serve as the "pivotal market" for all RCEP members. The pact's members "will now have (increased) access to the second-largest economy in the world, so that is a huge step forward", he said. Bhaskaran said that China, as a leading nation in Asia, can nudge the RCEP members to adopt "broader and deeper integration "in the region. At the same time, some analysts have pointed out that the RCEP's promise of unfettered trade and its many benefits will take tim...

Chinese cultural elements shine at New York City (NYC)'s Times Square New Year's Eve countdown By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2022-01-04 11:00 At New York City (NYC)'s Times Square Friday night, a six-minute performance featuring Chinese Kung Fu and Chinese folk dances amazed thousands of people by kicking off one of the most famous New Year's Eve countdowns around the globe. Co-organized by the Sino-American Friendship Association and the Times Square Alliance, the performance brought traditional Chinese culture alive with flowing moves of Taijiquan blending firmness with softness, the magnificence of Shaolin Kung Fu and the charm of the fan dance. "The martial art also looks like a dance, so it's cool," Victoria Christensen, 19, who had traveled from the US state of Nebraska, told Xinhua, after watching the show. "The martial art demonstration was great, and the dancing was my favorite," said Adela Magallanes, a reveler from the U.S. state of California, who had traveled to New York with her husband specifically for the New Year's Eve celebration. Magallanes, a pharmacy technician who works with a lot of Chinese people and also a fan of Chinese desserts, said the cultural elements at the event help her understand more about China. Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping, who made brief remarks before the show, wished everyone a happy new year both in English and Chinese. Huang said that he sincerely invites the world to visit China and enjoy the splendid landscapes and rich culture. A video on various LED screens atop the square displayed the scenery of China such as the Songshan Mountain, the archaeological site of Yin Xu, and Longmen Grottoes, in Central China's Henan province, as well as the Yellow River. The hours-long event culminated in the 60-second countdown to the new year. Cheers and confetti filled the square when the traditional midnight drop of a multi-colored crystal ball signaled the start of 2022. The history of New Year's Eve countdown at Times Square goes back more than 100 years. After banning visitors from the event a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Big Apple rang in 2022 with a scaled-back bash as COVID-19 infections continue to surge in the city and around the nation. A 15,000-person cap on Friday night's event was well short of the 58,000 people who typically attend. New York City reported a record number of almost 44,000 new confirmed cases on Thursday, according to New York state figures. The current seven-day average daily increase of cases in the United States reached more than 316,000, a 293.4-percent spike from a month ago, fueled by a rapid spread of the Omicron variant, showed latest statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Peace, health and happiness for the world, no more Covid, said Magallanes, sharing with Xinhua her new year's wishes. New York City's new mayor, Eric Adams, took the oath of office in Times Square early Saturday shortly after the ba...

Global export control is in need of effective multilateralism By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2021-12-31 11:00 Export control plays a vital role in maintaining global security, stability and peace, and promoting development, by preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, some Western countries have been utilizing export control as a political tool to achieve their narrow goals, even engaging in pseudo-multilateralism, thereby seriously undermining the rights of other countries to peaceful uses of controlled items and relevant international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation. The white paper on export control released by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday elaborates on China's position, institutions and practices in improving export control governance and calls on all other countries to steer international export control toward the right direction of being fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory and reflects the will and interests of the majority of countries in a more balanced way. As such, it can help turn global export control into a "universal tool" that serves world peace and development and benefits all countries and peoples. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across the world and the global situation undergoing rapid changes, international export control faces new, serious challenges. The export control measures some countries have unilaterally adopted are eroding the existing order based on international law. Such measures are a deviation from the original intention of global export control to serve common security and development. In recent years, some countries, especially the United States, have utilized export control measures as a tool to achieve their political objectives. The US has generalized the concept of national security and, with its military strength, financial hegemony and superiority in high-tech, exerted immense pressure on "enemy" and "rival" countries. Such have been its machinations that even third-party countries have not escaped its "long-arm jurisdiction". By doing so, the US has hampered the sustainable development of other countries. After all, if a country puts its national interests above the common interests of the international community, all countries will suffer. The US has drawn up numerous export control blacklists, wantonly suppressing other countries' high-tech enterprises, and sabotaging global industrial, supply and value chains. It has taken unilateral actions, formed cliques and alliances, and obstructed normal global scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation. On the pretext of defending "human rights" and "democracy", Washington has imposed sanctions on other countries and interfered in their internal affairs. These acts in total disregard of international law and the basic norms of international relations, are nothing but bullying of other countries, and go against the trend of the times and have come ...

Golden rooster film festival kicked off in Xiamen By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2021-12-30 17:00 The 2021 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province on Dec 28, and will run until Dec 30. The 34th China Golden Rooster Awards, which includes 20 awards like the best film, best director, best actor, and best actress, will be announced on Dec 30. A series of outstanding films including Cliff Walkers, 1921, A Writer's Odyssey, The Pioneer, and Island Keeper as well as other candidates were nominated for awards during the festival's opening ceremony. The three-day festival also includes four film exhibitions, an academic forum, a film investment conference, and other large-scale activities. One of the film exhibitions, the Golden Rooster International Film Section, started on Dec 10 and will run for 20 days, playing 38 films from 35 countries and regions. The films include five new films from BRICS countries, three restored classic films, nine films that are making their debut in Asia, and 19 films that are making their debut in China. This article is reprinted from China Daily. If there is a copyright, please inform us in time, we will delete it right the first time.

Latin America reaps benefits as Belt and Road cooperation expands By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2021-12-29 17:00 China is ramping up cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries as it continues to expand the reach of the Belt and Road Initiative and offer support for infrastructure and development projects throughout the region. Observers said they are encouraged by increased private investments, which have added to the momentum in Chinese involvement in various projects. Diego Marcos, a founding member of the Civil Association for Argentina-China Cooperation, said: "We have seen a change in the composition of investments and financing in the area. In recent years … more private companies are (investing). This is very good in terms of sustainability and long-term projection." Belt and Road participant countries as well as other nations in Latin America "have benefited from investment and trade relations with China. Precious metal mines, railway lines and hydroelectric power plants are among the range of Chinese-funded projects in Latin America," Marcos said from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Argentina is one of the member countries of Mercosur, a trade bloc in which Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are also members. "China eventually wants to make (a free trade agreement) with Mercosur countries," said Gabriel Rozman, president of the Uruguay-China Chamber of Commerce. "Brazil and Argentina are two very important markets, and in Beijing they believe that by making an FTA with Uruguay, they will encourage the others to join the treaty as well." China and Uruguay have been moving forward with negotiations for a free trade agreement. If the talks conclude successfully, a pact could become a reality in 2022, and would be expected to greatly benefit Uruguay's agriculture and fishery sectors. "Our country (Uruguay) has a population of only about 3.5 million people, but we are able to produce enough food for between 10 million and 15 million people, which we can sell to China," said Rozman, adding that Uruguay would like to produce added value products for the Chinese market. In a video speech to the third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in early December, President Xi Jinping underlined the significance of cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean nations. CELAC is the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Juvenal Infante, director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies at Sergio Arboleda University in Bogota, Colombia, said Latin America is a key region for partnership with China. In order to feed its huge population, "helping supplier countries such as those in Latin America and the Caribbean, and helping them to build … much-needed technological and physical infrastructure to export, is part of China's strategy," Infante said. Chinese customs data shows that during the first 10 months of 2021, the nation's exports to Latin America amounted to $183.8 billion, while i...

Signs of disunity raise concerns about EU solidarity By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2021-12-28 14:00 Europe has persevered through a year of challenges in 2021, in the wake of Brexit and amid painstaking efforts towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the year comes to a close, the unfolding consequences of Brexit, speculations over a Polish exit from the European Union (EU), and the lingering migrant crisis have continued to weigh heavily on EU member states' sense of cohesion and solidarity. Post-Brexit Issues In one of the most heart-breaking headlines, 27 undocumented migrants died in an English Channel boat accident on Nov. 24 while trying to reach the UK from France. The accident triggered a squabble between the two countries, which blamed each other for the tragedy. The channel shipwreck further aggravated Anglo-French relations, which had already been strained following London's signing of the AUKUS pact with the United States and Australia in September, and the dispute over licenses for French fishermen to fish in British waters after Brexit. Another major post-Brexit row concerns the Northern Ireland protocol, a deal agreed by the UK and the EU to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit by keeping Northern Ireland in the EU's single market for goods. But the arrangement has led to checks on goods crossing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, creating a barrier to trade within the UK. After six months of unfruitful negotiations, the row will continue in 2022. Analysts interpret Brexit as a warning sign for European integration, following which new divisions could be created between EU member states, notably between Eurozone and non-Eurozone countries, net-payers and net-recipients from the EU budget, and between member states in the north and south, and east and west. "The threat of European disintegration following Brexit has reversed the seemingly irreversible course of 'ever closer union'," said University of Cambridge PhD candidate Ugur Tekiner in an article, adding that the EU needs effective leadership to set a clear trajectory for the integration process. "Polexit"? Poland was in the limelight again in October after its top court ruled primacy of national constitution over EU law -- a ruling that challenged the supremacy of EU law, considered as a central pillar of European integration. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the ruling called EU foundations into question, "a direct challenge to the unity of the European legal order." Critics of Poland's government feared the ruling would push the country further on the way out of the EU, though the government dismissed the idea as "fake news." As the absolute majority of Poland's citizens strongly support its EU membership, only a few believe that the country, the largest beneficiary of EU funding, is leaving the EU. The Polish government, led by the conservative Law and Justic...

Russia withdrawn from arms control agreement By Target Language Translation Services | Updated: 2021-12-27 11:00 Russia has officially quitted the Treaty on Open Skies, a decades-old arms control arrangement, the country's foreign ministry announced on Saturday. The ministry said in a statement that the United States was to blame for the conditions that resulted in Russia's pullout from the treaty. "Decades of fruitful implementation of the treaty showed that it has served well as a tool for strengthening confidence and security, creating additional opportunities for an objective and unbiased assessment of the military potential and military activities of the participating states," the ministry said. The ministry said that under the treaty, the country had conducted 646 flights and allowed 449 flights to be carried out over its territory. In all, 1,580 flights have been made by the participating countries, it said. "Unfortunately, all our efforts did not allow us to preserve the treaty as it was intended by its authors," the ministry said. "The entire responsibility for the degradation of the agreement lies with the initiator of the collapse of the Treaty on Open Skies: the United States of America." After the US' withdrawal from the treaty in November last year, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in January that the country had started domestic legal procedures for the country's exit from the treaty. On June 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law to this effect. The multilateral pact, which came into effect in 2002, allows the signatory countries to conduct short notice, unarmed reconnaissance flights over the territories of other participating nations to collect data on military forces and activities. Also on Saturday, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the country may take unspecified measures to ensure its security if the US and its allies continue to take provocative action and ignore Moscow's demand for guarantees precluding NATO's expansion to Ukraine. He accused the Western allies of pushing the envelope in relations with Russia, and warned that Moscow could also up the ante if the West fails to treat its demands seriously. Ryabkov's comments, in an interview with Interfax news agency, came a day after Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that the trans-Atlantic alliance deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back NATO's military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe. In another development relating to Russia, the US Senate confirmed more than 30 ambassadors and other nominees of US President Joe Biden early on Saturday after the chamber's majority leader, Chuck Schumer, agreed to schedule a vote on sanctions on the company behind the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that was built to deliver natural gas from Russia to Germany. With many senators anxious to go home for the holidays, Schumer, a New York Democrat, threatened to keep the Senate in for as long as it took to br...