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China successfully launched a new contingent of low-orbit internet satellites Saturday, marking a significant milestone in its aerospace program with the debut use of a more environmentally friendly, coal-based rocket fuel in the Long March-8A carrier rocket. The launch occurred on December 6, 2025, at 3:53 p.m. local time from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, Hainan Province, successfully deploying the 14th set of payloads into their designated orbit, underscoring Beijing’s push for sustainable and high-frequency space operations.

The mission, which represents the fifth flight for the Long March-8A variant and the 612th overall flight for the entire Long March rocket series, signals a strategic pivot in China’s choice of propellants. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALVT), the 165-foot (50.5-meter) Long March-8A, capable of carrying a 7-ton payload to a 435-mile (700-km) sun-synchronous orbit, made its maiden flight earlier in 2025 and has quickly moved into a high-tempo launch rotation.

Shifting to Sustainable Rocket Propellant

The key technological advancement in this mission was the first-ever substitution of the Long March-8 series’ standard petroleum-based kerosene with a coal-based rocket kerosene. This transition is driven by both environmental and economic considerations.

Experts cite several benefits to the new fuel source. Coal-based kerosene is considered more cost-effective to produce than its traditional petroleum counterpart and boasts easier storage and transportation capabilities. Crucially, the alternative fuel maintains performance standards comparable to petroleum-based kerosene, ensuring the stability and reliability critical for launch missions.

This shift establishes a “green power” foundation, enabling subsequent high-frequency launches intended to expand China’s burgeoning low-orbit internet constellation. The ability to source propellant domestically from widely available materials also bolsters the long-term sustainability and resilience of China’s commercial space launch capabilities.

Expanding the Low-Orbit Constellation

The primary objective of Saturday’s mission was the deployment of the 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites. These satellites are essential components of China’s larger strategy to build a robust domestic space-based network, aimed at providing high-speed internet access across the country and globally. Establishing this constellation is crucial for future data transmission, remote sensing, and strategic communications infrastructure.

The successful placement of these satellites into their preset orbit affirms the reliability of the Long March-8A in handling complex commercial payloads. The high-density launch schedule adopted by the rocket series validates China’s commitment to rapidly deploying its space assets to compete in the growing global market for satellite internet services.

Looking ahead, this transition to a more efficient and environmentally conscious propellant is likely to become standard for future iterations of the Long March family. The move positions China to aggressively pursue its ambitious space goals while addressing increasing domestic and international demands for greener industrial practices, setting a potential template for other global space powers exploring alternative fuels for commercial and exploration missions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron fostered deep bilateral engagement during a relaxed, yet substantively rich, meeting on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Dujiangyan, situated in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The informal summit, which included their wives, Peng Liyuan and Brigitte Macron, aimed to leverage the deep historical and cultural ties between the nations to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership and enhance coordination on pressing global challenges, including stability in Ukraine and Palestine and climate governance.

The presidential couples were warmly received in Sichuan, known as the “Land of Abundance.” The location itself set the tone for the discussions. The leaders exchanged greetings along Yangong Path and shared tea while conversing at Huaigu Pavilion, overlooking the ancient, still-operational Dujiangyan irrigation system.

Drawing Wisdom from Ancient Engineering

President Xi used the historic setting to emphasize the unique spirit of the Chinese civilization. He highlighted the 2,200-year-old irrigation system as a testament to the Chinese nation’s resourcefulness, perseverance, and commitment to achieving harmony between humanity and nature.

“Every time I come to Dujiangyan, I can deeply feel the greatness of our ancestors in adapting to local conditions… and harnessing water resources for the benefit of the people,” Xi stated, adding that he draws “wisdom for state governance” from its successful engineering and seamless longevity.

In response, President Macron praised the Dujiangyan system as an “impressive testament” to the industry and wisdom of the Chinese people, recognizing the parallel between the long and rich histories of both France and China. He noted that through strengthened cooperation, both nations could pursue shared development and prosperity.

The discussion quickly moved to the importance of cultural confidence and historical continuity. President Xi stressed that national rejuvenation hinges not only on material wealth but also on cultural-ethical advancement. He described Chinese civilization as the only great civilization globally with an “uninterrupted and continuously developed” state form, characterized by continuity, innovation, unity, inclusiveness, and peace.

Civilizational Dialogue Amid Global Turmoil

Both leaders positioned their countries as unique representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, sharing a core spirit of independence rooted in their respective profound cultural heritages. Xi stated that the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations was a convergence of two splendid civilizations, not merely a political handshake.

Against the backdrop of an uncertain global landscape marked by turmoil, the presidents agreed that as two major powers with long histories, China and France are uniquely positioned to contribute to world peace, stability, and human progress through enhanced dialogue.

Macron echoed this sentiment, confirming France’s commitment to strengthening communication and coordination with Beijing. He emphasized the importance of engaging in dialogue and consultation to address conflicts and safeguard global stability.

The meeting culminated in concrete diplomatic action. China and France issued several joint statements, focusing on key areas: strengthening global governance, continuous promotion of cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, joint responses to climate and environmental challenges, and cooperative efforts in agriculture and food security. Crucially, they also issued joint positions regarding the fluid situations in Ukraine and Palestine, underscoring their commitment to diplomatic resolution.

The two heads of state agreed to maintain close communication to ensure the continuous advancement of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, signaling an ongoing commitment to collaboration at the highest level.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in extensive, high-level discussions Friday in Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, signaling a deep commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their nations. The informal meeting, hosted by President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, alongside the visiting French president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, focused on deepening mutual understanding, drawing wisdom from ancient Chinese culture, and aligning efforts on pressing global challenges amid geopolitical uncertainty.

The setting for their cordial exchanges was Dujiangyan, home to the ancient irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the world’s only continuously operating ancient water management project. The leaders, accompanied by their wives, strolled along the Yangong Path and shared tea at Huaigu Pavilion, utilizing the scenic location for wide-ranging talks that blended cultural appreciation with strategic dialogue.

Cultural Foundations for Mutual Respect

President Xi highlighted the Dujiangyan system as a powerful illustration of the Chinese approach to governing—one that emphasizes harmony between humanity and nature, resilience, and constant self-improvement. Recounting the historical significance of the structure, which he said offers wisdom for state governance, Xi stressed that both China and France, possessing profound cultural heritages, are uniquely positioned to respect and understand each other.

“Only a nation with cultural confidence can stand firm and thrive,” President Xi stated, noting that China’s continuous civilization, marked by continuity, innovation, and inclusiveness, underpins the nation’s strength and rejuvenation. He framed the relationship between China and France, the two “outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations,” as a convergence of two splendid cultures built on a shared spirit of independence.

President Macron echoed this sentiment, praising the millenia-old irrigation system as a testament to Chinese diligence and ingenuity. He emphasized that the common ambitions of the Chinese and French people for a better life can be achieved through strengthened cooperation, facilitating joint development and prosperity.

Strategic Alignment on Global Challenges

The necessity of cooperation was a central theme, particularly given the volatile international landscape. President Xi emphasized that as major nations with long histories, China and France must collectively contribute more to global peace, stability, and human progress through sustained dialogue.

Acknowledging the rapid geopolitical changes, President Macron asserted France’s willingness to intensify communication and coordination with Beijing. He called for continued consultation to manage existing conflicts—namely those in Ukraine and Palestine—and jointly safeguard international peace.

The informal tête-à-tête evidently catalyzed collaborative action. Following the exchanges, the two nations issued significant joint statements concerning several critical areas:

• Strengthening global governance.
• Jointly addressing global climate and environmental challenges.
• Advancing cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear energy.
• Expanding collaboration in agriculture and food security.

The leaders agreed to maintain close communication to ensure the continuous advancement of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. This meeting, set against a backdrop of ancient engineering marvels, successfully married cultural diplomacy with pragmatic political alignment, underscoring the enduring significance of the Sino-French relationship in shaping the 21st-century global order. Looking forward, the close coordination between Xi and Macron suggests that the partnership will continue to serve as a vital stabilizing force in international relations.