Middle-East

British PM announces full ban on social media for under-16s

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:53:50 +0800

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leads a press conference to announce government action to protect children online, at Downing Street in central London, June 15, 2026. (PHOTO / AP)

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced a forthcoming ban on social media for users under the age of 16 at a Downing Street press conference, saying it was needed to protect the well-being of children.

"These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life," Starmer said in a post on X the same day. "I just can't let that go on anymore. So we're giving children their childhoods back."

Universities target healthy weight loss

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:42:43 +0800

A growing number of universities are introducing weight management courses to help students achieve healthier body compositions and develop sustainable lifestyle habits.

The latest to join the trend is Jiangnan University in Jiangsu province. In early April, the university issued a student physique enhancement action plan, which includes mandatory weight management courses for students with a body mass index exceeding 28, as well as fitness courses for those with weaker physical fitness.

The university has also added a 2,000-meter run for female students and a 2,400-meter run for male students as part of its physical education assessment.

Meanwhile, China Agricultural University has been running a successful weight management program for three and a half years.

Launched in the autumn semester of 2022, the university's "fat reduction and health enhancement" series has attracted 707 student enrollments over eight semesters, according to Wu Min, deputy head of the university's physical education department.

The 16-week course begins with a health screening, followed by theoretical lessons on obesity classification, diagnostic criteria, causes and risks, as well as scientific dietary approaches to fat reduction, Wu said.

During the eight-week intensive intervention period, students attend classes three times a week, with each 90-minute session combining strength and aerobic training.

Outside class, students are required to complete aerobic exercise two to three times a week, with each session lasting at least 40 minutes, while managing their own dietary intake. After the intervention period, students continue with four weeks of self-directed exercise and nutrition management before a final assessment, she said.

The course has produced notable health benefits. In 2025, participants in the spring semester lost an average weight loss of 6.09 kilograms, including an average of 5.08 kg of fat, while reducing their body fat percentage by 3.08 percentage points. Their physical fitness test scores improved by an average of 12.70 points.

Results from the autumn semester were also impressive. Participants lost an average of 5.34 kg and 4.23 kg of fat, reduced their body fat percentage by 2.33 percentage points and improved their fitness test scores by an average of 7.76 points.

For many students, the most valuable outcome is not the weight they lose but the healthy habits they gain.

Li Jiajun, a first-year mechanical engineering student at China Agricultural University, said he enrolled in the course to improve his endurance for the university's fitness test and to address postural problems developed during years of sedentary study in high school.

"The biggest takeaway isn't how many kilograms I lost, but the regular exercise and healthy eating habits I've developed — and the healthier body composition I've achieved," Li said.

The weekly strength and aerobic training sessions have helped him overcome his reluctance to exercise. Li added that he has also learned how to plan balanced meals instead of resorting to blind dieting, while his energy levels and physical fitness have improved significantly.

Zhou Zehao, a third-year agricultural science student, weighed about 110 kg at his heaviest. Poor lifestyle habits — including staying up late and consuming high-fat, high-sodium meals — had taken a toll on both his immune system and self-esteem.

"The greatest gain is that I have regained confidence and resilience," Zhou said. "The biggest takeaway from losing weight has never been how many kilograms I shed, but the courage to challenge life's deepest desires for laziness and comfort."

Before joining the program, Zhou said, he would order takeout rather than leave his dormitory. He also felt "invisible" to female students because he lacked the confidence to communicate with them.

After enrolling, he adjusted his diet and began exercising daily for about 40 minutes in a small public workout area in his dormitory building.

"The biggest advantage of this course is that you have a group of friends who encourage each other and keep each other accountable — workout buddies who tease you when you slack off but lend a hand when you truly need it," Zhou said, adding that such genuine human connection is something no online program or fitness influencer's boot camp can replicate.

Parents urged to shun 'digital babysitting' trend

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:41:50 +0800

The Ministry of Education has recently launched the 2026 National Preschool Education Publicity Month campaign, urging kindergartens nationwide to ensure that play remains the primary activity for young children and discourage an overreliance on digital devices.

The ministry has also called on parents to adopt child-rearing practices that emphasize companionship, play, sports and time in nature, while discouraging so-called digital babysitting.

It stressed that digital products — such as reading companions, chat-based tools and interactive games — must not replace physical picture books and toys.

Digital tools should also not be used to directly generate child observation records or assessments.

According to the ministry, there are persisting misunderstandings about the role of digital applications in early childhood education, alongside misleading marketing by some commercial entities and the improper or excessive use of digital products by some local authorities and kindergartens.

During the campaign period, a series of public awareness activities will be held nationwide, bringing together professional and social resources to focus on protecting the rights and interests of preschool children in the digital era.

Su Jing, director of Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences' early education research institute, said surveys show that it is common for parents to use electronic devices to keep children occupied.

"In many scenarios, we see young children swiping screens, rapidly switching content, or playing games on tablets and phones," she said.

Addressing growing concerns over so-called digital babysitting — the practice of using digital devices, including artificial intelligence applications, to manage young children's behavior — Su said: "Children aged 3 to 6 are in a stage of concrete thinking and embodied cognition. Their learning relies on physical perception, hands-on activities and real-life social interaction — things that AI products cannot replace."

She also warned of the potential harm of excessive screen time to children's developing vision. Early exposure to blue light and electronic screens is a major contributor to myopia, she said.

"Beyond vision, it can also lead to attention disorders, physical health issues caused by a sedentary lifestyle and other health risks," she added.

Su warned that many parents still turn to digital devices as a quick fix to calm a fussy child, creating a vicious cycle.

"Children learn best through real-life play and hands-on experiences. When that happens, their eyes light up, they are fully engaged and they develop very well," she said.

To safeguard children's healthy development, Su recommended a cautious approach to the use of AI in early childhood settings.

Young children should not use AI products, she said, adding that their learning must be grounded in rich sensory experiences and real-world interactions. Relevant authorities should strictly control the introduction of AI into kindergartens, and AI should not replace the role of teachers.

Parents embrace calm as millions appear for gaokao

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:39:57 +0800

Students raise their fists in encouragement outside an exam site in Changxing, Zhejiang province on Sunday, as the 2026 national college entrance exam, or gaokao, kicks off across the country. TAN YUNFENG / FOR CHINA DAILY

The national college entrance exam, or gaokao, got underway on Sunday with millions of Chinese students appearing for it, while their parents gathered outside examination venues in quiet support.

Rather than being fretful and anxious, most parents were the very picture of calm — a sure sign that the long-held belief that the gaokao alone determines a child's future is becoming history.

A total of 12.9 million candidates are taking this year's exam, which can stretch over two to four days, depending on the region. According to the Ministry of Education, authorities have put candidates first by strengthening comprehensive support in transportation, accommodation, food safety, noise control and psychological counseling, to ensure a safe and orderly exam process.

On Sunday, many parents arrived at the examination centers well ahead of time. Fu Jing, a Beijing mother of an art student, showed up an hour before the exam began.

Fu noted that she had made no special changes to her daughter's diet or daily routines in the run-up to the exam to keep things as normal as possible. She planned to leave the venue once the exam started and return at noon, rather than wait for the entire duration of the test.

Liu Jinqiao, another Beijing mother, admitted feeling a bit nervous but remained composed.

She said that she has set no specific targets for her son as far as scores or universities were concerned. She felt that such decisions could wait till the exams were over. For her, the gaokao is a milestone in every child's life, but it is not a decisive turning point.

Not all parents, however, were keen to downplay the exam's significance. Lu Qiang, the father of a Beijing sports student, said the gaokao still carries great weight. He said that his son hoped to get into a good sports college, which also emphasized solid academic performance.

Lu noted that competition remained fierce, and doing well in the exam could help young people better chart their future path.

Lin Hong, a Beijing mother, recalled her own gaokao in 1997, when her father traveled a long distance to bring her homemade food. Now as a parent herself, she feels that showing care is more about following her daughter's lead. So the family skipped exaggerated exam rituals and maintained a relaxed atmosphere instead.

She is proud of how brave and self-aware her daughter has become.

"I've watched her strive relentlessly for her goal over the past three years," Lin said. "She has learned to recognize her strengths and weaknesses, set goals and make plans, and push forward through hardships. That kind of growth means far more than any exam score," Lin added.

Cheng Lu, a teacher in Qingdao, Shandong province, said that the gaokao marks a culmination of years of study and a true test of perseverance and self-discipline, but it can never define one's life. She values her son's curiosity, independent learning ability and upbeat personality far more than high scores.

"I want my son to know that no matter how important a day is, the sun rises and sets as usual," she said. "Life is a long journey — feel it, experience it and live it to the fullest."

Global Chinese poetry celebration concludes in Nanjing

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:38:40 +0800

The "Poetry connects the world" global celebration of classical Chinese poetry concludes on Friday at Nanjing Normal University in Jiangsu province. [Photos provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The "Poetry connects the world" global celebration of classical Chinese poetry has recently concluded at Nanjing Normal University in East China's Jiangsu province.

The gathering for mangzhong (Grain in Ear)— the ninth solar term of the year — was jointly hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing University and Nanjing University of the Arts. More than 400 international students attended the event.

The celebration began with an immersive garden poetry session. The closing ceremony, held on Friday, was structured around four themes: poetry spanning thousands of miles, poetry gathering in Nanjing, poetry in the present and poetry for the future. Performances included musical renditions of the Classic of Poetry and recitations of famous verses about Nanjing written by Li Bai, Liu Yuxi and Du Mu.

Renowned scholar and Nanjing Normal University professor Li Bo held a dialogue with international students on the contemporary relevance of classical Chinese poetry.

Since its launch in Beijing on Apr 20, the event series has hosted in-person poetry gatherings in countries including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Russia. A global video competition drew more than 700 entries from 93 countries, while a social media challenge garnered more than 51 million views.

Eight-nation delegation visits Tianjin's Luban Workshop vocational model

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:38:19 +0800

A delegation of officials and experts from eight countries visits the Luban Workshop Construction Experience Museum on Monday. [Photo by Huan Xiaoyang/for chinadaily.com.cn]

On Monday, 18 leaders and experts from eight countries, including Cuba, The Gambia, and Austria, visited the Luban Workshop Construction Experience Museum at Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College.

Gaokao math question turns Ningxia pagodas into online sensation

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:37:23 +0800

A math question from China's 2026 national college entrance examination, or gaokao, has sparked widespread attention by turning a centuries-old cultural landmark into an unexpected social media sensation.

The math question featured the famous 108 Pagodas in Qingtongxia, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, using the ancient complex's arrangement pattern.

Shortly after completing the exam, Su Xinyan invited Pathberiya Senanga, a Sri Lankan student at Ningxia Medical University, to visit the site.

Standing beside the Yellow River, Su explained the history and cultural significance of the landmark, which was built during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227). The pagodas are arranged in odd-numbered rows, forming a giant triangular pattern that mirrors the mathematical model in the exam.

"The layout is exactly like the problem on my test paper," Su said while pointing to the hillside structure.

Senanga was impressed. "It's amazing to see mathematical wisdom hidden in ancient buildings," she said.

New research center to boost Sino-Hungary ties

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:36:05 +0800

A Hungarian studies center, aimed at advancing high-level international cooperation, was jointly launched on Saturday by Sanming University and Shanghai International Studies University in Sanming, Fujian province, a major ancestral home of overseas Chinese in Europe.

The center brings together 20 cross-disciplinary expert researchers, while engaging overseas Chinese professionals based in Hungary. It will leverage the city's diaspora resources to conduct practical, field-based research.

Chen Lieping, Party chief of Sanming University, said the center will adhere to a global vision and field investigations to build a highly innovative research community, providing continuous intellectual support for the country's opening-up efforts.

Meng Zhongjie, president of Shanghai International Studies University, said the university will provide counsel for trade between Fujian and Hungary and cultivate compound talents versed in the Hungarian language, international rules, and industrial economics.

Renato Horvath, the acting consul general of Hungary in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, said, "Under the strategic guidance of leaders from both nations, Hungary-China relations are currently experiencing their strongest period in history."

He expressed hope that the center would serve as a platform to expand practical bilateral cooperation in joint student training, faculty exchanges, scientific research collaboration and cultural dialogue.

The launch brought together scholars from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Peking University and Hungary's Eotvos Lorand University and University of Miskolc. A forum held on the sidelines of the event focused on the global expansion of Fujian enterprises into European markets, aligning academic resources with industrial needs.

Gerhard Akos Emod, former mayor of Velence, Hungary, said economic cooperation between the two countries has seen robust growth, with Hungary becoming a key platform for major Chinese firms such as BYD and CATL to enter the broader European market.

Emod said bilateral cooperation is expected to expand further in energy storage, technological innovation and circular recycling economies, highlighting that China will remain an important investment source and strategic economic partner for Hungary's development.

International scholars conducted field studies on Sunday in Mingxi county, an inland commercial gateway to Central Europe where nearly 5,000 overseas Chinese from the county are engaged in business and trade activities across Hungary, providing a foundation for exchanges.

Local authorities said the diaspora connection has fostered sister-city ties between Sanming and Budapest's 15th district. Sanming University and Hungary's University of Miskolc recently launched an approved dual-degree undergraduate program in artificial intelligence, using a dual-registration model to jointly train technology talent.

Zhang Yi contributed to this story.

Education consultancy releases 2026 university subject rankings

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:35:36 +0800

Higher education consultancy ShanghaiRanking released the 2026 China University Subject Rankings on Monday. Peking University topped the national list with 93 A+ subjects, followed by Tsinghua University with 57 and Harbin Institute of Technology ranked third with 51.

The rankings evaluated subjects offered by at least four higher education institutions, covering a total of 640 subjects. The rankings list universities in the top 50 percent for each subject, with 30,710 subject entries from 1,132 universities making the list.

This year's rankings encompass 838 subjects across 92 subject categories and 13 academic disciplines, making it the most comprehensive and extensive ranking of undergraduate subjects in China to date.

A subject is classified as "A+" if it ranks in the top 2 percent nationwide or is among the top two in its field.

Due to their strong overall capabilities, "Double First-Class" universities have a significant advantage in the number of A+ subjects. The 129 "Double First-Class" universities account for over 80 percent of all A+ subjects nationwide.

Following Peking University, Tsinghua University and Harbin Institute of Technology, top performers in terms of the number of A+ subjects include Renmin University of China (47), Zhejiang University (43), Fudan University (42), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (38), Beihang University (34), Nanjing University (33), and Beijing Foreign Studies University (32).

Among non-"Double First-Class" universities, Beijing Film Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy, and Sichuan Fine Arts Institute each have 10 A+ subjects, tying for first place, followed by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, each with 9 A+ subjects.

In comprehensive universities, Peking University and Tsinghua University lead with A+ subject precision rates of 77.5 percent and 75 percent, respectively. Other top performers among comprehensive universities include Renmin University of China (60.3 percent), the University of Science and Technology of China (54.8 percent), Fudan University (53.2 percent), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (50.7 percent), Beihang University (46.6 percent), Harbin Institute of Technology (44.3 percent), Zhejiang University (43.4 percent), and Beijing Institute of Technology (41.1 percent).

According to the number of subjects listed in the rankings, Peking University leads all domestic universities with 120 subjects. Jilin University follows closely with 119 subjects, and Wuhan University ranks third nationwide with 116 subjects.

Among non-"Double First-Class" universities, Yangzhou University stands out with 105 listed subjects, far ahead of others. Jiangsu University and Kunming University of Science and Technology are tied for second place, each with 88 listed subjects.

In China's provincial-level regions, Beijing stands out with the highest number of A+ and A subjects. Shanghai holds the second position nationwide for A+ subjects.

In terms of the total number of listed subjects, Jiangsu leads the country, followed by Beijing and Hubei, Shandong, and Guangdong provinces.

Alipay launches AI version to reinvent China's super app

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:30:31 +0800

China's Alipay unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered version of its app on Tuesday, launching a new assistant called "A Bao" as owner Ant Group seeks to transform one of the world's largest digital platforms into an AI-first super app.

The company said the new version has entered invitation-only testing and will be gradually rolled out to its broader user base.

The launch marked one of the most ambitious efforts yet by a major Chinese internet platform to integrate AI across its entire ecosystem, as technology giants race to embed AI agents into consumer services ranging from shopping and payments to travel and healthcare.

Alipay said users can access the AI assistant by swiping right within the app, allowing them to complete tasks across thousands of services through natural language conversations rather than navigating multiple menus and mini programs.

The company described the upgrade as making Alipay the world's first super app to complete a full platform wide AI transformation.