2024理解当代中国 口译国赛 final stage

文章要点：

• Welcome to the national final of the 2024 FL2RP Edit Cup!
• Introduction of the judges and guest speakers.
• Explanation of the competition structure and scoring criteria.
• Highlights of the contestants’ performances and draws for their speaking order.
• Discussion on advancements in technology, culture, and innovation.
• Closing remarks on the impact of AI and the future of work.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the national final of the 2024 FL2RP Edit Cup, understanding contemporary China Interpreting contestants. I am your host, Liu Xin Yang from Shanghai International Studies University. The second runner up of the 2022 FLTRP Edit Cup English Public Speaking Contest.
I'm Zhang Yingyue from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Champion of the 2023 FLTRP Edit cup understanding Contemporary China Interpreting Contest.

We are very honored to co-host this interpreting contest. Yesterday, the top 60 contestants delivered outstanding performances in the second phase, with 10 of them standing out to proceed to this phase. Today in the third phase, we will find out who is going to be the champion. Now, let's witness this fantastic competition together.

Next, we'd like to introduce our honorable team of judges and our two guest speakers. They are chairperson of the judging panel, Professor Sun Jisheng from China Foreign Affairs University. Welcome, members of the judging panel. They are Professor Dai Hui Ping from Shanghai International Studies University. Welcome. Ms. Dunan, Deputy Director of the Secretariat of the Translators Association of China, China International Communications Group. Welcome. Mr. Hu Li Ping, former Senior Interpreter at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Welcome. Professor Li Jing from Tianjin Foreign Studies University. Welcome. Professor Ren Wen from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Welcome. Professor Wang Weiwei from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Welcome. Mr. Wei Zhenggang, professional Simultaneous Interpreter. Welcome. Professor Zhang Ying from Tsinghua University. Welcome.

And our guest speakers today are Mr. Zhu Weijun and Mr. Joe Feinberg. Welcome. Thank you to all the distinguished guests and judges for coming, and congratulations to all the contestants who have made it to the third phase. We are very proud of your wonderful performances throughout the contest, and we can't wait to see how you will surprise us today.

Now we will introduce the procedure of the third phase. As we can see, the third phase consists of two rounds during which our two guest speakers will engage in a live dialogue. In the first round, contestants seated on the left side of the stage will sequentially interpret the speeches of Mr. Zhu, while those on the right side will sequentially interpret the speeches from Mr. Feinberg. After the first round of the dialogue, the two guest speakers will switch their seats.

In the second round, those who previously interpreted from English to Chinese will switch to interpreting Chinese to English, while previous Chinese to English interpreters will do English to Chinese interpretation. Each guest will take turns delivering a two-minute speech. Once each speech is concluded, the contestant will immediately begin their interpreting in the order determined by their draw. Now we're familiar with the procedure, let's take a look at the scoring criteria.

Together, the interpretations will be evaluated based on three main aspects: content, delivery, and professionalism. The total score is composed as content accounts for 60%, delivery 30%, and professionalism 10%. The total score is out of 100. During the contestants' interpretations, dear judges, please record your scores for each contestant on the score sheet. After both rounds of interpretation, the judges will finalize their scores. In the end, we will have one champion, two runners-up, and three third place winners. In the event of a tie, the judges will discuss to determine the final result.

Now, here comes the exciting moment. It's time to welcome the top 10 contestants onto the stage. Welcome!

And now let's have all the contestants draw the lots for their sequence.

Okay, let's see the numbers. Okay. Contestant number 40, your number is one. Please go to the seat in front of number one. Contestant number 37, please stand in front of seat number two. Contestant number 29, please go to stand in front of seat number three. Contestant number 28, please stand in front of seat number six. Contestant number 12, please stand in front of seat number four. Contestant number 46, please stand in front of seat number nine. Contestant number seven, please stand in front of seat number eight. Contestant number 47, please stand in front of seat number ten. Contestant number 30, please stand in front of seat number seven. And contestant number 33, please stand in front of seat number five.

And dear judges, please align the seat numbers with the contestant's numbers on your score sheet.

Okay, contestants, you can sit down. And now, let's welcome our guest speakers onto the stage.

Hey! Not too bad, thanks. How about yourself? Yeah, sounds exciting. I'd like to hear you tell it in detail.

Now contestants, please get ready. Let's start the first round of dialogue and interpretation. And contestant number 40, you will be the first interpreter. Mr. Zhu, please start your dialogue once the contestant is in position.

Joe, I heard that you've been learning Mandarin, right? Actually, it's been a really long time since we met each other last year. But I wonder if you know that if you were learning Chinese characters 1,000 years ago or several thousand years ago, it would be even more difficult because our characters were written on bone inscriptions, silk or bamboos, and now they're written in paper or written form.

However, we can see that there has been more tapped into in terms of learning these ancient literature. Actually, some. The Forestry University based in Nanjing has cooperated with a Chinese literature publishing company to devise a large language model in which Xunzi, the ancient philosopher, and its dialogue model had been invented. Why did they do this? Because Xunzi is a very famous philosopher in the late Warring State period, from B.C.450 to 221. He was also the forerunner when it comes to interpreting Chinese linguistics by explaining and doing some marks on it.

So after all these efforts, we can see that the model came into form because it was very difficult to read those literature forms. There were no punctuations, there were no stops, and it was written vertically. This large language model was invented to overcome these barriers.

Since the beginning of 2013, we have been making this literature, including the four classic written digital. With these sustained efforts, we're trying to make 2.1 billion characters readable. And there has been a huge library about it, which has laid a solid foundation for the large language model.

Now, today, the Xun language model can do punctuations, marks, and translations in this regard, helping us better understand Chinese culture. It can help students included to better understand our Chinese characteristics in ancient times and those writings.

Moreover, it can also offer insights into the information regarding cultural heritage and can help us to do more to understand our unwritten and untapped gems. Thank you.

Ah, so that means that ancient classics of China have now got, quote unquote, a digital twin. It is interesting that I read somewhere that the Yellow River of China has also got a digital twin. We all know that the Yellow River is the cradle of China's civilization, and flood control and prevention have always been key to the well-being of the people living along it.

Now, scientists can better work on these issues by giving the river a digital twin. The digital twin of the Yellow River uses various technologies, including big data, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things devices set up along the river to collect and transmit information to the command center. Based on the information, a 3D model of the river is presented on the computer screen. It's like the Yellow River has a twin that reflects its real condition.

One big breakthrough in the river's digital governance is smart stones. A smart stone, equipped with high-capacity chips, lithium-ion batteries, and advanced signal transmitters, is a waterproof stone-shaped device. They are buried in important dike locations to record and report the movement of dike stones. Upon feeling movement of the dike stones, the smart stones send an alarm to the command center for quick response.

Now, the smart stones can do this more safely, quickly, and accurately. In addition, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LIDAR sensors now serve as expert patrollers of the river. These drones, controlled via cloud-based platforms and guided by AI-driven algorithms, fly along pre-designed routes to detect potential issues.

Speaking of this, scientists have been turning their sight to the moon. We've been trying to figure out how to solve the problem of having lunch. Scientists have been exploring how to plant food on the moon. They have been conducting new surveys and have also gained some new findings that involve bacteria.

The scientists from Agricultural University have been trying to analyze five types of bacteria in the Moon's soil. One is lithium. It is one of the key nutrients for food to grow within 10 to 20 days. There are three kinds of bacteria that can be doubled, and the moon soil with these three types of bacteria will be able to plant more after six days compared with normal moon soil.

Without such bacteria, the soil with the bacteria will be able to grow longer roots, and after 24 days, the plants will be able to grow better and healthier as well as stronger in terms of attracting sunlight and improving growth. So this result is significant for humanity's permanent residency on the Moon, and we have been utilizing the bacteria on Earth for astronauts to utilize their resources and even to build greenhouses on the Moon.

We hope that in the future, we will be able to plant food on the real soil on the moon, such as rice, corn, and potatoes. With astronauts given more time to conduct such tasks and carry out missions, we will not need to bring food into space. Thus, space planting and experiments with Moon soil is becoming even more important. Thank you.

Also about China, but on another front, recent United Nations data shows that China is ahead of other countries in filing patents for Generative Artificial Intelligence, or Gen AI inventions. China has filed six times more patents than the United States.

Generative AI produces text, images, computer codes, and even music from existing information. It is growing quickly, with more than 50,000 patent applications filed in the past 10 years, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO. By the way, WIPO is a UN agency that oversees a system for countries to share recognition of patents. Around 25% of the patent applications were filed in 2023 alone, WIPO said.

This is an area that is growing at an increasing speed. China filed more than 38,000 Gen AI inventions between 2014 and 2023. In comparison, the United States filed 6,276 over the same period. The Chinese patent applications encompassed an extensive range of fields, including autonomous vehicle systems, natural language processing, publishing, automation, and intelligent document management solutions.

South Korea, Japan, and India placed third, fourth, and fifth respectively, with India growing at the fastest rate. Among the top applicants were China's ByteDance, which owns the video application TikTok, Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group, and the US company Microsoft, a backer of OpenAI, which created ChatGPT.

While chatbots with the ability to copy human communication are already being widely used to improve customer service, Gen AI could change industries like science publishing, transportation, or security. For example, data suggests Gen AI-created molecules might help speed up drug development by streamlining the identification of viable compounds for clinical trials.

Speaking of the new advancements that China has made in artificial intelligence, we are seeing that researchers in Shanghai are developing a new experiment related to robotic dogs for the blind. This type of robot has more advantages in terms of guiding the blind compared to traditional ones.

For example, these robots can initiate dialogue with the drivers who are blind, and the voice recognition rate is as high as 90%, which can be done within one second. Besides, it can quickly and accurately understand what you're saying, such as directions like start, stop, setting my destination, accelerating, or decelerating.

All of this can be done with this robot, and with this kind of artificial intelligence technology, we can also design our route from one place to another. Such robotic dogs play a very important role. For example, they differ from traditional ones that we see now. They have six legs instead of four. The extra two legs can help them remain stable and allow for more flexible actions.

This type of robot can provide more hope for the blind. In China, the number of such dogs is in short supply. We have nearly 20 million blind people here in China, yet only more than 400 such dogs are available.

Moreover, in many workplaces, blind people are not allowed to bring their dogs with them, such as in restaurants and other settings. So, traditional guide dogs are absolutely not allowed in. This creates great inconvenience for blind individuals. However, with the invention of robotic dogs, we’re seeing a solution to another problem related to breeding and training traditional dogs.

The robotic ones can be manufactured through industrial production, suggesting a very promising future for the blind in China. Now, just like a poem in China, we are able to cleave waves and break wings to achieve new heights. Let's hope that such robotic dogs can bring more brightness to the lives of the blind. Thank you.

Well, surely AI will bring about a lot of changes to our work and life. A new study has found that about 25% of jobs are going to change in the next five years. The finding comes from a survey of employers conducted by the World Economic Forum, which is best known for its yearly meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

According to the survey, about 69 million jobs will be created and 83 million removed by 2027. That will result in a total decrease of 2% of current employment. The survey is based on data from about 800 companies employing more than 11 million workers. Technology and digitalization can act as a double-edged sword, facilitating job creation in cutting-edge fields while precipitating redundancies in roles susceptible to automation.

Companies are looking to increase their use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data. More than 75% of companies say they will be using those technologies in the next five years. About 86% of companies surveyed said they want to utilize more digital platforms and mobile apps. AI is expected to be used by 75% of surveyed companies in the coming years.

As a result, technology-centric occupations, such as those involving AI development and cybersecurity infrastructure, are projected to experience exponential demand growth. Conversely, the fastest declining jobs will be those that can be automated, like secretaries and bank tellers. The demand for AI, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity experts is expected to grow greatly.

With AI, many people's jobs will be automated, and some may find their work become easier. In future workplaces, we will see cooperation between AI and people. Perhaps in the future, we will transition to three-day weekends rather than two days, and the competition will become less intense.

However, this doesn't mean that young people can just lie flat and rely on AI for everything. In China, we anticipate that people may have to work longer years. The supreme legislation body in China has already increased the legal retirement age for the first time since the 1950s. By 2025, the retirement age will be increased from 60 to 63 years for men, while for women, it will be 58 for white-collar workers and 55 for blue-collar workers.

These changes are based on people's life expectancy, health conditions, and demographic structures. We must always prepare for the future, and government policymakers are also planning for future trends. Apart from increasing the legal retirement age, the government will also improve elderly service quality.

As a Chinese saying goes, if we can work together, we can achieve better outcomes. Thus, the government encourages enterprises to enhance the quality of elderly care services, ensuring that companies not only shoulder their responsibilities but also plan for future challenges. Thank you.

So people are going to retire at an older age. That reminds me not to wait until my retirement to enjoy life and explore the world. Many people travel to enrich their lives and find joy. As the Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi said, travel brings power and love back into your life. However, travel methods may evolve each year.

Lonely Planet and Forbes listed their top trends. Here are three of them.

First, Augmented Attractions. World travel can be expensive, but virtual reality and augmented reality are providing more possibilities to travel at little cost. With ever-improving headsets, smartphones, and Wi-Fi connections, technology has transformed how we travel, bringing 360-degree experiences of museums, theme parks, and historical sites to our homes.

Second, Solo Travel. Traditionally, travel seems to be a group activity to have fun together and avoid loneliness. However, solo travel has surged in popularity, particularly among young people. Traveling alone means you can choose where to go, and for some, it unleashes a more confident person ready to tackle anything.

Third, Getting Off the Beaten Track. There are always must-see spots whenever you travel, like Paris's iconic Louvre museum. However, with crowds blocking views of masterpieces or making it difficult to enjoy them, many now prefer to visit less famous places after searching online. With fewer tourists and things to do, exploring smaller towns lets people slow down and notice the little things.

So, I’d also like to share with you one method through which you can travel to different places without leaving your house: you can play the new game Black Myth: Wukong. This game draws inspiration from the Chinese classic Journey to the West and incorporates over 30 Chinese historical sites into its gameplay. Most of these sites are from Shanxi province, where many scenes are inspired by the Fo Guang temple.

As a result of its unique designs, sculptures, wall paintings, and calligraphies, this temple has attracted many tourists from across the country. Let me share with you some statistics. Compared with the same period last year, Shanxi has attracted one to two times more tourists this year. Additionally, the extensive time, money, and resources invested into this game have made it a 3A title and it’s recognized as the first of its kind in China.

After its release, it sold about 4.5 million copies in just one day, valued at 1.5 billion RMB. This game has also been promoted in international markets and gained popularity abroad. Interestingly, many people outside China are now learning about the classic book Journey to the West to grasp the core of this game. The success of this game also marks a milestone for how our Chinese-produced games are entering the global market.

In a few years, when we look back on Black Myth: Wukong, we may not remember some of the plots, but we will certainly remember the day it was released and the waves it has caused. Thank you.

Another currently popular online game that has captured the attention of players worldwide is Genshin Impact. Released by Mihoyo in September 2020, this action RPG or role-playing game has taken the gaming community by storm, boasting over 60 million downloads within its first month.

Set in the enchanting world of Teyvat, players can explore diverse landscapes from lush forests to towering mountains, all while unraveling the mysteries of the seven elemental nations. Genshin Impact stands out for its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, allowing players to switch between characters in real-time, each having unique abilities and elemental powers.

This dynamic system brings strategic combat, making every encounter feel fresh and exciting. The game's Gacha system, while a double-edged sword, has also kept players returning for more, with many spending to unlock their favorite characters. Interestingly, Genshin Impact generated over $1 billion in revenue within the first six months, proving it is not just a fleeting trend. By July 2023, its mobile version alone had exceeded $6 billion in revenue, solidifying its position as one of the top-grossing mobile games globally.

The game has also fostered a vibrant community, with countless fan art, theories, and cosplay events springing up around it. As the saying goes, "the sky's the limit," and Genshin Impact continues to expand with regular updates introducing new characters and regions. With its captivating story and engaging mechanics, it's no wonder players are hooked and eagerly anticipating what's next on this thrilling journey through Teyvat.

Thank you, honorable judges and guest speakers, and dear contestants. Now all the 10 contestants have finished their first round of interpretation. Mr. Zhu and Mr. Feinberg, could you please switch your seats? Thank you.

Now let's start the second round of dialogue and interpretation. Contestant number 28, you will be the first interpreter. Welcome guest speakers, please start your dialogue once the contestant is in position.

Chengxiang FA Xingyi Little Shoe Holder Indeed, many global players of Black Myth: Wukong may feel the charm of this amazing monkey, as he is ever-changing. But do you know that the concept of the monkey is not only a classic symbol in Chinese mythology but also abounds in deep Chinese culture? In Chinese culture, the monkey, as one of the 12 zodiac animals, symbolizes smartness and cleverness.

In contrast, the dragon symbolizes auspiciousness and fortune. The 12 zodiac symbols in Chinese ancient legal systems also enjoyed a high status in timekeeping. These animals symbolize each year and are imbued with profound cultural meanings. For example, the dragon symbolizes superiority, while the tiger symbolizes strength and bravery; the snake symbolizes wisdom and magical power.

Such a system combines profound Chinese culture with the philosophical idea of unity between humans and nature. Nowadays, many personality analysts interpret our thoughts about the future and personality through these zodiac animals. For instance, monkey-type personalities are often described as clever, while tiger personalities tend to be loyal and ingenious.

After thousands of years, those cultural elements have now been modernized. They’ve been incorporated with Chinese wisdom and cultural connotation, bringing modernity to our nation. Some young people even use zodiac animals alongside psychological tools like MBTI. For example, monkey personalities might align with the ENFP type, known for being vibrant, talented, and creative. In contrast, those with tiger personalities may resemble the NTJ type, showcasing strong leadership and confidence.

This blend of traditional Chinese culture with Western elements is the secret of why our heritage continues to shine in modern times.

Well, since we’re discussing the Chinese Zodiac and MBTI, did you know that MBTI stands for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator? It’s a widely recognized personality framework that sorts people into 16 distinct types based on preferences in four areas: how we focus our energy, which is introversion versus extroversion; how we take in information, which is sensing versus intuition; how we make decisions, which is thinking versus feeling; and how we organize our lives, which is judging versus perceiving.

Interestingly, MBTI has gained significant traction in China recently, particularly among younger people. According to a 2020 study, nearly 60% of Chinese college students have taken an MBTI test at some point, with many including their MBTI type in self-introductions or online profiles. Just as people often share their zodiac signs, it is indeed fascinating how personality frameworks like MBTI and the Chinese zodiac are employed to understand oneself and others, transcending cultural boundaries.

In fact, personality is crucial in how we approach relationships. Research shows that extroverts typically have larger social circles, while introverts form deeper one-on-one connections. Regardless of personality type, the need for companionship is universal. As the English proverb goes, "no man is an island."

Even in an age where technology has made it easier to stay connected than ever, many still report feeling lonely, underscoring a deep-seated desire for more meaningful relationships.

Speaking of emotional connections, Chinese individuals who have lived in the U.S. describe their American experience as enjoying beautiful scenery but feeling isolated. Human beings are naturally social creatures born to seek connections.

Studies indicate that 20% of adults encounter loneliness at various life stages. Prolonged loneliness can lead to unseen pressures and risks, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and substance abuse. Additionally, loneliness is linked to an increased risk of early death, comparable to the harm of smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Thus, we need to acknowledge that even with companions around us, we may still feel lonely.

Here are five ways to improve our social connections:

First: Actively establish and maintain connections and friendships.

Second: Seek support from others when facing emotional difficulties, while offering help to those in need.

Third: Improve the quality of social circles by expressing gratitude, care, and support for better connections.

Fourth: Identify and address obstacles hindering quality relationships, such as reducing screen time for more face-to-face communication, which fosters deeper connections.

Finally: Seek professional advice from psychologists if you find yourself in psychological trouble.

Well, you mentioned diabetes. This chronic condition affects millions globally, with approximately 537 million adults living with diabetes in 2021, a figure expected to rise to 643 million by 2030. Diabetes occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does produce.

There are two main types: Type one, often diagnosed in childhood, and type two, more common and usually linked to lifestyle factors. Several factors contribute to type two diabetes, with obesity being a significant risk. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance.

Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and high sugar consumption play critical roles as well. Interestingly, diabetes is often called a silent killer because many individuals may not exhibit symptoms until severe complications arise. It's estimated that about one in two people with diabetes are unaware they have it.

Genetic risks also significantly influence diabetes development. Individuals with a family history of diabetes have a higher risk of acquiring the disease. This genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors creates conditions conducive to the onset of diabetes.

Managing diabetes requires a multifaceted approach, including dietary control, physical activity, and medication. The saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings true here. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly decrease the risk of developing type two diabetes.

Moreover, advancements in technology, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, have revolutionized diabetes management.

As you mentioned, for many diseases, including diabetes, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, treatment methods have improved significantly, potentially increasing life expectancies up to 150 years, a noteworthy longevity by today’s standards.

With advancements in medical research, we’ve developed more treatment methods and therapies, with major breakthroughs in treating cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, we observe greater success in therapies targeting fundamental issues.

It’s noteworthy that we expect a cure rate for cancers to reach as high as 70% in the future. However, one must note that increased longevity doesn't guarantee a healthy or happy life. Even with significant advancements, if a healthy quality of life cannot be ensured, then extending longevity becomes irrelevant.

Thus, we must emphasize healthy and quality lifestyles. There are ongoing discussions regarding the ethics of extreme life extension and its implications on societal operations.

For example, we need to re-evaluate intergenerational living, social structure, people's work arrangements, and retirement implications. With every technological advancement, we aim for harmony between life quality and longevity.

In the next stage, we aim to intensify our efforts to advance scientific research, improve lifestyles, and adapt to changing social structures.

According to the WTO, in the upcoming decade, the senior population worldwide is expected to reach 2 billion, indicating a major demographic shift. This highlights the need to consider these dynamics. Aging will also lead to the creation of innovative business models as societies adapt to a rapidly increasing elderly population.

In the United States, seniors are projected to make up 22% of the population by 2050, prompting innovations across various sectors. The saying "old age is no place for sissies" underscores the need for robust systems to support an aging populace.

The global home healthcare market is expected to grow to $515 billion by 2026, propelled by advancements in telemedicine, wearable devices, and AI-powered home care systems. These innovations aim to enhance the quality of life for seniors while promoting independence.

Age tech, including medication management apps and fall-detection wearables, is a burgeoning niche, with startups and established tech companies focusing on solutions for older adults.

Financial services are also evolving to meet the specific needs of retirees, introducing products like longevity insurance and estate planning tools to ensure savings last throughout extended lifespans. In the real estate sector, senior-friendly housing now emphasizes accessibility, safety, and community engagement.

In the U.S., startups like Silver Sneakers, which offers fitness programs tailored to seniors, thrive alongside robotics companies creating elder care assistants. These innovations exemplify the potential to leverage aging not just as a challenge but as an opportunity for creativity.

In China, we believe that learning successful experiences can help us tackle these challenges more effectively. Innovations worldwide, not just in the U.S., can aid us in addressing these issues, and vice versa.

For example, Germany has promoted Industry 4.0 since 2011. This movement advocates leveraging digital technologies and connectivity to transform business models and improve productivity across various sectors.

In the automotive industry, Germany continues its legacy as a leading vehicle producer. Industry 4.0 paradigms are also being used to devise robots and smart technologies for enhancing efficiency.

Furthermore, the development of intelligent vehicles (ICV) connects automobiles with drivers and their environments, elevating safety and functionality.

The principles of Industry 4.0 extend to logistics and supply chain management, improving tracking, storage, delivery, and overall efficiency—lowering costs and enhancing productivity.

By making use of emerging technologies, we can generate a seamless supply chain and optimize resource management. The principles of Industry 4.0 can also be applied in agriculture, enabling farmers to utilize sensors, lights, and data analysis for better crop management and productivity.

By 2025, it’s anticipated that the German government will invest roughly 70 million euros in the digitalization of agriculture through pilot projects, underscoring the importance of these advancements.

Yes, in English, we often say there’s always something to learn from others. I believe many in the West have noticed the so-called Chinese speed as a miracle worthy of emulation. This phenomenon reflects the efficient and rapid completion of large-scale infrastructure projects in China, often much faster than in other countries.

A prime example is the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge-tunnel system. This project began in 2009 and was completed in less than a decade, officially opening in 2018. This massive undertaking utilized over 400,000 tons of steel and 3 million cubic meters of concrete, connecting three major cities across the Pearl River Delta.

The construction speed can be attributed to centralized decision-making, substantial investments in technology, and a highly skilled workforce. The Chinese government prioritizes infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth, which enables rapid mobilization of resources and labor.

Additionally, advanced construction techniques, such as prefabrication and modular construction, further boost efficiency. For example, segments of the bridge were prefabricated off-site and then assembled at the location, drastically reducing construction time. This capability to complete large projects swiftly highlights Chinese engineering excellence and raises questions about project management practices and public-private partnerships that could inspire other nations.

Ultimately, the phenomenon of the Chinese speed serves as a reminder of the possibilities for innovation and efficiency in infrastructure development worldwide.

Yes, speed is crucial, of course, but today, the Chinese government is more focused on quality, particularly on the quality of productivity. By the way, the term "new quality productive forces" has been recognized as one of the top 10 terms by a Chinese magazine.

In the realm of high-quality development, many measures are being implemented by the Chinese government. For instance, the economy is transitioning to a model emphasizing efficiency and an innovation-driven strategy that prioritizes advanced technologies in cutting-edge fields.

They are allocating more resources to research artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnologies while creating a scientific innovation center that has gathered over 50 billion RMB for foundational innovations. It integrates industry, universities, and research institutions for breakthroughs in scientific innovation.

Second, grain development is increasingly vital in high-quality development, guiding many cities toward sustainable practices. China has articulated that its modernization will focus on a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

For example, Shenzhen has achieved the goal of operating 100% electric buses and taxis, becoming the first city globally to do so. Moreover, regional coordination is also crucial for achieving high-quality development, such as the partnerships between the central and western parts of China.

Furthermore, efforts in regions like Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau illustrate how integrating resources can enhance overall capacity and competitiveness. I believe this example holds valuable lessons for other regions as well.

In summary, high-quality development is poised to become a key trend globally. Another trend is cross-border cooperation, which has increasingly become a binding force among nations facing shared challenges and opportunities. As the proverb says, "two heads are better than one."

This is particularly evident internationally, with small nations exemplifying this trend. For instance, Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has partnered with the Maldives on climate resilience projects. Both countries, adversely affected by climate change, collaborate to amplify their voices in international forums.

Similarly, the Republic of Palau has teamed up with Singapore to advance oceanic conservation and sustainable tourism through technology sharing. Luxembourg, despite its size, leads in cross-border partnerships, collaborating with Liechtenstein on Green Finance initiatives to champion global sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, Estonia—often called a "digital tiger"—has cooperated closely with neighboring Latvia and Lithuania to establish cross-border digital ID systems, a model admired internationally for streamlining trade and travel.

These collaborations exemplify unity's power, as even the smallest nations can make a significant impact when they join forces.

Okay, our dear contestants, now let’s take a group photo with our two honorable guest speakers, please.

Thank you, our honorable guest speakers and dear contestants. Now all 10 contestants have finished their second round of interpretation. We believe our judges have completed scoring all the contestants, so dear judges, please write down your scores on the scoring sheet.

Before we announce the final scores of the contestants, let's take a ten-minute break.