Month: October 2024

**Interview with Economic Policy Analyst on Strengthening Macroeconomic Policies**

As we look at the effectiveness of macroeconomic policies, it becomes clear that tapping into the synergy of these policies is essential. What are the key elements to ensure that they work together rather than at cross purposes?

“To enhance the alignment of macroeconomic policy goals is crucial,” says our expert. “By fostering a common objective, we can drive various policies to work in unison, thereby avoiding pitfalls such as ‘composite fallacy’ or ‘decomposition fallacy,’ which can lead to policies cancelling each other out.”

Importantly, it’s not just about crafting thoughtful policies; successful implementation requires a cohesive strategy that encourages collaboration rather than competition among different sectors. How has the recent National Day holiday highlighted these themes in practice?

The holiday brought renewed attention to the “trade-in for new” concept, which has gained significant traction in markets like Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei district, where consumers are greeted with numerous posters advertising discounts on home appliances and electronics. “According to the Shenzhen Commerce Bureau, the average daily sales of traded-in appliances increased by 74.9% compared to the previous period,” our analyst notes. In Qingdao, tangible subsidies have spurred enthusiasm for vehicle upgrades, with over 1,028 cars exchanged during the holiday.

Implementing a program like “trade-in for new” sounds straightforward, but it becomes a complex undertaking once we delve into the details. How did the government ensure resources were effectively allocated for this initiative?

“To address funding concerns, the National Development and Reform Commission collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to allocate 150 billion yuan in long-term special bonds to local governments,” the analyst explains. The government employed tailored strategies across various consumer goods sectors, issuing specific guidelines for automobiles, home appliances, electric bikes, and home renovations. This comprehensive approach ensured a well-coordinated response across all provinces.

How essential is coordination between top-level planning and local realities in this process?

“Integrating top-down designs with grassroots realities while considering vertical and horizontal connections is vital,” our expert states. “This cohesive effort among various departments has been instrumental in implementing trade-in policies effectively, showcasing a significant ripple effect on the economy.”

In the broader context of economic and social development, achieving targets requires a multifaceted approach instead of relying on isolated policies. How does recent political discourse reflect this understanding?

The recent Central Committee meeting emphasized prioritizing key areas, actively implementing existing policies, and introducing new ones that enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of policy measures. “To promote high-quality development, we must foster greater consistency in macroeconomic policy directions,” the analyst asserts.

What role does a systems perspective play in enhancing policy effectiveness?

“A holistic view is foundational to effective policymaking,” the expert highlights. “It’s crucial to understand the relationship between overarching policy frameworks and specific initiatives, as well as between long-term and short-term policy objectives. Avoiding simplistic thinking and maintaining this systems perspective can significantly amplify the combined effects of macroeconomic policies.”

How does the persistence of habitual thinking hinder policy efficiency?

Given that macroeconomic policies emerge from various departments, each with different objectives—merely adding independent yet sound policies together does not guarantee overall effectiveness. “Departments must transcend their individual priorities and work towards precise, scientifically-informed adjustments based on regulatory goals,” the analyst suggests.

Can you provide an example of this in action, particularly within industries facing challenges?

“In the cement sector, while there is a demand for energy-saving upgrades, strict controls on capacity swaps and limited bank credit complicate matters,” the expert explains. By implementing clear policies such as the ‘Special Action Plan for Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Cement Industry,’ the government aims to support low-emission transformations. By clarifying industrial policy signals and leveraging fiscal strategies effectively, the government addresses these challenges, facilitating green economic growth.

What can be done to mitigate potential inefficiencies during the implementation of policies?

“The key lies in fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability during policy execution,” our analyst stresses. “By ensuring all sectors work synergistically, we can prevent situations where initiatives are undermined or diluted.” Recent monetary policy developments and actions to inject liquidity into the market have shown potential, with various supportive measures strengthening the momentum.

Ultimately, effective policy implementation requires meticulous attention to detail. How should the effectiveness of policies be assessed?

“The real measure of a policy’s success is its tangible impact,” our expert concludes. “By proactively introducing measures that stabilize growth and expectations while being cautious about policies with contractionary effects, we can genuinely deliver benefits to businesses and citizens. This approach facilitates the multiplicative effects that are crucial for meeting annual economic and social development goals.”

In an interview with local officials and stakeholders, we explored the dynamic development of Gansu’s agricultural exports, particularly in the Suzhou District of Jiuquan City, during the vibrant autumn season.

“Autumn brings an abundance of delicious fruits like fresh crabs and juicy plums,” began Dai Wenchang, the spokesperson for the local postal administration. “We’ve worked diligently to construct an efficient urban-rural delivery logistics system that connects rural producers with consumers far and wide, effectively boosting the local economy and paving a path for prosperity for our farmers.”

In the past few years, the Jiuquan Post Administration has focused on enhancing courier services in rural areas. “We realized that improving delivery access to villages is crucial,” said Yuan Lixin, the head of the Jiuquan Postal Administration. “Through collaborative logistics initiatives among delivery companies and integrating parcel and passenger services, we’ve achieved complete courier coverage in all established villages in the Suzhou District.”

On October 24, a visit to the San Dun Town integrated service station showcased the fruits of this initiative. The network continues to grow, with numerous new postal service points sprouting in towns and villages. Yuan noted, “We’ve established a county-level central distribution hub, 15 township service stations, and 122 village postal logistics service stations. Additionally, we’ve created public service positions for logistics in 109 administrative villages, and our automated sorting centers have significantly reduced mail delivery times by an average of half a day.”

The quick, stable, and precise delivery services are catalyzing the rapid growth of modern agriculture. Local postal companies are innovating collection methods and optimizing transportation routes, thus enhancing their service for both traditional products like Dunhuang apricots and onions, and new offerings like fresh plums and crabs. “This strategy allows us to promote ‘Jiuquan flavors’ on a wider scale,” Yuan emphasized.

To ensure that fresh agricultural products are shipped out swiftly, courier companies in Suzhou District have established cooperative mechanisms with towns, villages, and farmers. “We’ve set up multiple service points in villages where there’s a high volume of deliveries, cutting out unnecessary transfer stages to improve speed,” Yuan explained. “So far, we’ve shipped 550,000 plums this year, helping farmers earn an additional 22 million yuan, creating a win-win situation for farmers, e-commerce, and companies alike.”

Crab farming in the Gobi Desert is a newer industry that has emerged in the district over the past few years. “To make sure our crabs reach consumers across the country promptly and in peak condition, we’ve continually refined the entire delivery process,” Yuan mentioned. In August this year, local courier companies managed to deliver over 50 tons of crabs, totaling around 21,000 parcels and generating more than 5 million yuan in additional income for the community.

Gansu’s agricultural practices are steeped in history, with the region’s unique advantages—its length, abundant sunlight, substantial temperature differences, and low pest occurrences—creating an ideal environment for various fruits, highland vegetables, and Gobi aquaculture. “In the first three quarters of 2024, Gansu’s agricultural product export value reached 2.38 billion yuan, a growth of 22.7%, with products shipped to over 100 countries and regions worldwide,” highlighted An Guomin, deputy director of the Gansu Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

On October 23, in Shanghai, a significant advancement was reported by the Yangshan Port Maritime Bureau’s Administrative Center. They collaborated with the Wuhu Maritime Bureau’s Administrative Center to issue five certificates for the Jianghai Direct Line to Yangshan, addressing the issue faced by crew members of the “Jianghai Certain” vessel who needed to renew their licenses in a different location.

“This remote licensing service is truly a beneficial policy for both the public and businesses. Our company is based in Wuhu, and previously our crew members had to travel all the way to Yangshan Port in Shanghai to renew their licenses, which was really inconvenient. Now it’s much easier since we can handle it right here, close to our company. We have several more crew members who will need to renew their Yangshan Line certificates soon, and we can continue to process them in bulk,” an employee from the “Jianghai Certain” company shared.

Since the Jianghai Direct Line certificate was included in the “cross-regional service” list on March 20, 2024, the Yangshan Port Maritime Bureau has been proactive in promoting this initiative. They appointed specialized staff, designated service windows, and established communication lines to summarize experiences and set up a working mechanism. This led to the development of a “three-step working method” for issuing the Jianghai Direct Line certificates:

Step one involves initial communication with crew members or businesses to help them select the most convenient “cross-regional service” office from among 43 available locations. Step two focuses on liaising with the chosen office to clarify acceptance details, requirements, and the methods for collecting and transferring documents. Finally, in step three, after receiving the forwarded materials from the respective office, the documents are reviewed and the certificates are issued.

This streamlined three-step process has significantly improved the efficiency of the service. To date, the Yangshan Port Maritime Bureau has established a routine collection and transfer model with the Wuhu, Nantong, Nanjing, Pudong, and Shanghai Maritime Bureaus, successfully issuing a total of 51 Yangshan Line certificates, which represents 61.5% of all certificates issued.

In the context of the Yangtze River Delta integration development strategy, the Yangshan Port Maritime Bureau emphasized their commitment to promoting integrated developmental measures. They plan to innovate work mechanisms, enhance proactive services, and establish a regular communication and coordination framework with maritime agencies across the region. Their goal is to create a first-class business environment that is more beneficial to enterprises, more advantageous to the public, and safer for production.

Recently, we sat down with meteorological expert Zhang from the Central Meteorological Administration to discuss the recent severe weather events affecting various regions in China and the potential impact of Tropical Storms Tamme and Connie.

**Interviewer:** Can you provide us with an overview of the weather conditions across China recently, particularly in coastal regions?

**Zhang:** Certainly. In the past 24 hours, we’ve seen significant winds along the coastal areas of Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Island, as well as rain and snow in provinces like Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Heilongjiang. Notably, sustained wind gusts in some areas reached between 6 and 9 levels, with local gusts peaking at 13 to 14 levels in the Sansha region of Hainan.

**Interviewer:** What are the current conditions caused by Typhoon Tamme?

**Zhang:** Typhoon Tamme officially downgraded from a typhoon status to a strong tropical storm as of yesterday evening. Its center was located approximately 110 kilometers northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, and it is expected to make landfall around noon today. We anticipate winds in the area of 25 meters per second and a minimum central pressure of 982 hPa. Coastal regions in the South China Sea, northern Gulf of Tonkin, and parts of Guangdong and Guangxi could experience strong winds of 6-7 levels and gusts of up to 9 levels.

**Interviewer:** How are these storms expected to influence weather patterns in the coming days?

**Zhang:** Over the next few days, we are expecting heavy rains and storms, particularly on Hainan Island where there is a risk of torrential rain. As we move towards the end of the month, another system, Typhoon Connie, is anticipated. Currently located around 1400 kilometers east-southeast of Hualien, Taiwan, Connie is moving slowly but will gradually turn northwest and strengthen as it approaches Taiwan.

**Interviewer:** What specific precautions should residents in affected areas take?

**Zhang:** People in the impacted regions should remain vigilant, especially those in coastal areas prone to flooding and strong winds. We advise residents to stay updated through official weather channels and to prepare for potential power outages and transportation disruptions. Local authorities will provide guidance as conditions evolve.

**Interviewer:** Lastly, can we anticipate any snow or severe weather in other parts of the country?

**Zhang:** Yes, areas like northeastern Inner Mongolia and parts of Xinjiang can expect light snow or sleet in the coming days. Meanwhile, significant rain is forecasted for many regions, with some areas on Hainan Island facing exceptionally heavy downpours totaling between 100 to 180 millimeters.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for this insight, and we hope everyone stays safe during these weather events.

On October 19, the 6th annual conference of the Art History Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Art Theory, titled “A Global Perspective and Local Expressions in Chinese Art History,” was inaugurated in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia.

Co-hosted by the Art History Professional Committee and the Inner Mongolia Art Academy, the conference attracted nearly 200 experts and scholars from 93 universities and research institutions across China, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shenzhen University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Macao City University, Nanjing University of the Arts, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, and the host institution, Inner Mongolia Art Academy.

This two-day event is designed to facilitate intellectual exchanges and explore innovative approaches, methodologies, trends, and pathways in contemporary art history research. The conference featured several sub-forums addressing key issues such as “Constructing Independent Knowledge Systems in Contemporary Art History,” “Global and Local Issues in Contemporary Art History Research,” “Comparative Art History in Cross-Cultural Contexts,” and “Intermedial and Interdisciplinary Art History.”

Furthermore, the conference placed special emphasis on “Artistic Spirit in Northern Heritage and Folk Culture” and “The Multidimensional Interweaving and Expansion of Art History Research.” These discussions aim to delve into local art forms, examining Chinese stories and narratives within the context of Northern heritage and folk culture. The seminar also included a paper competition for graduate students, offering a dedicated forum for young scholars from across the country to engage and interact with established experts in the field.

Ensuring the accuracy of electronic weighing scales directly impacts the interests of the public. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has been intensifying its efforts to rectify the market order concerning electronic weighing devices. Recently, officials were dispatched to various locations to investigate the progress of these initiatives.

Flea markets are popular destinations for residents looking to purchase agricultural products and daily consumer goods, making them key areas for the use of electronic scales. At the Dongshan Agricultural Market in Hangzhou, officials from SAMR, along with local market regulators, conducted random checks on the electronic scales in use.

**Shan Haiwen, Manager of Dongshan Agricultural Market:** “We have a unified system for purchasing, rigorous testing, and maintenance for our electronic scales. Each scale is tagged, which includes a compliance label demonstrating it has passed our annual testing. We also feature a ‘Zhejiang Product Code’ that allows customers to scan and see exactly when the scale was purchased and last tested.”

The newly upgraded electronic scales feature screens on both sides, making the information displayed—like price and weight—clear for consumers. This data is also transmitted to a backend management system.

**Shan Haiwen, Manager of Dongshan Agricultural Market:** “For example, if a scale suddenly starts recording unusually high weights, we can immediately check the scale on-site to determine what might be wrong.”

Statistics reveal that to combat the issue of fraudulent scales, over 460 flea markets in Zhejiang have implemented a standardized weight distribution system, which represents approximately one-quarter of the total markets.

**Zhang Kehe, Director of the Measurement Department of Zhejiang Market Supervision Bureau:** “We aim to tailor our approach to local conditions, eliminating fraudulent scales without imposing extra burdens on local businesses and vendors.”

Since May of this year, authorities have seized 34,000 non-compliant electronic weighing scales nationwide.

According to data from SAMR, since the commencement of the comprehensive market rectification campaign in May, a total of 2.578 million electronic scales have been inspected across the country, resulting in the seizure of 34,000 non-compliant units and the initiation of 16,000 cases related to illegal measurement practices.

**Interview with Marco Silva After the Everton vs. Fulham Match**

**Interviewer:** Marco, it’s been quite a journey for you returning to Goodison Park. After being sacked in 2019, how did it feel to come back with Fulham and secure a strong performance against Everton?

**Silva:** It’s mixed emotions, really. I showed respect for the club during my time here, but I also wanted to win. We played well and created opportunities, but football can be very unpredictable.

**Interviewer:** Fulham seemed to control much of the play throughout the match. What did you make of your team’s performance?

**Silva:** I think we played much better from the first minute. We had clear chances and controlled the ball. I asked for a reaction after our match against Aston Villa, and the team certainly responded well. However, it’s frustrating not to get the result we deserved today.

**Interviewer:** It looked like your side was heading for victory until Beto’s late equalizer. What are your thoughts on how the match unfolded, especially in the closing moments?

**Silva:** Football is indeed hard to explain at times. We were the team pushing for the win, and to concede a late goal like that feels very unfair. The players gave their all, and we really should have seen out the win.

**Interviewer:** Everton’s tactics changed significantly as the game progressed, especially with Michael Keane pushed up front. Did you anticipate that sort of desperation from them?

**Silva:** Yes, it was apparent they were struggling and needed to make changes. When you see a defender pushed up front, it’s clear they’re looking for a way to get back into the game. It put us under pressure for a short time, but we managed to hold our own until that late moment.

**Interviewer:** There seemed to be a lack of clinical finishing from both sides early on. What was your perspective on that first half?

**Silva:** The first half was indeed tough for both teams. We had some good moments but couldn’t convert. We should’ve capitalized on our chances more effectively, but I felt we improved as the match went on.

**Interviewer:** Alex Iwobi scored the opener for Fulham with a well-placed shot. How important was that goal not only for the match but also for Iwobi personally?

**Silva:** That goal was significant. Alex is a talented player, and scoring against his former club is special for him. His performance today showed his quality, and I was pleased for him, even if we couldn’t secure the win.

**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what will be your focus for the next matches after this result?

**Silva:** We need to build on the positives. The performance was encouraging, but we have to learn to finish games stronger. It’s crucial we retain that confidence and focus for our upcoming fixtures.

On October 23, a press conference was held in Hangzhou to discuss the economic performance of Zhejiang Province in the first three quarters of 2024. According to the report, the province achieved a regional GDP of 62,618 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.4%.

During the conference, it was highlighted that the industrial economy in Zhejiang has shown steady growth, significantly driven by private enterprises. The added value of the industrial sector above a designated size increased by 7.8%, with private businesses contributing an impressive 8.6%. This sector’s contribution to the overall increase of industrial value added was 80%. Out of 38 major industrial categories, 31 reported year-on-year growth in added value, resulting in a growth coverage of 81.6%.

Notably, the production of key products in Zhejiang has seen rapid growth. For instance, service robots increased by 110%, smartphones by 49.4%, new energy vehicles by 37%, and integrated circuits by 30%.

In terms of disposable income, residents in Zhejiang reported an average disposable income of 52,206 yuan for the first three quarters, surpassing the 50,000 yuan mark for the first time, with a nominal year-on-year growth of 4.8%. Breaking this down, the average wage income, net operating income, net property income, and net transfer income saw nominal growths of 3.8%, 6.8%, 4.1%, and 6.7%, respectively. The income ratio between urban and rural residents stands at 1.75, a slight decrease from the same period last year by 0.03.

Moreover, Zhejiang has made significant strides this year in advancing the “Two New” initiatives, focusing on large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins for consumer products. This initiative has yielded notable results in both investment and consumption sectors.

On the investment front, the province has seen a 10% rise in technology upgrades for industrial enterprises and a 4.1% increase in manufacturing investments. Investments in ecological conservation, transportation, energy, and water resources jumped by 23.1%, while infrastructure investments grew by 15.8%. In terms of consumption, retail sales of wearable smart devices, smartphones, and new energy vehicles experienced remarkable growth rates of 55.6%, 48.6%, and 33.1%, respectively.

Chu Yingguo, the chief statistician and spokesperson for the Zhejiang Provincial Bureau of Statistics, stated that overall, the economic operation in the first three quarters remained stable with positive progress. However, he cautioned that there are still many unfavorable external factors at play, and further efforts are needed to sustain and enhance the rebound of the economy.

On October 25, Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council meeting, discussing the current economic landscape and the implementation of a comprehensive set of incremental policies. This meeting followed a recent initiative where State Council leaders conducted field research across various regions to assess the current economic situation and the effectiveness of these policies.

During the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of achieving annual economic and social development goals. They highlighted the need to ensure the effective implementation of these policies, advocate for timely evaluations and optimizations, and enhance counter-cyclical adjustments. The aim is to strengthen macroeconomic controls while focusing on the interaction between policies and market dynamics to incentivize various stakeholders, thereby driving growth and vitality.

In addition, the meeting addressed measures to invigorate the ice and snow economy through the high-quality development of ice and snow sports. It was noted that in recent years, there has been significant progress in promoting ice and snow sports, with a thriving ice and snow tourism industry emerging. The officials called for expanding participation in ice and snow sports, particularly among the youth, and boosting competitive levels in these activities. There’s also a commitment to solidifying the achievements of engaging 300 million people in ice and snow sports through widespread development nationwide.

The plan includes enhancing the entire industrial chain of the ice and snow economy by creating region-specific, distinctive tourism options, innovating ice and snow equipment, and building reputable brands. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on cultivating leading enterprises in the ice and snow sector and specialized small and medium-sized enterprises. Improvements in venue and facility construction, service quality, product variety, and consumer environment for ice and snow activities are also prioritized.

Additionally, the meeting approved the revised draft of the National Natural Science Fund Regulations. Officials underscored the need for strengthening foundational research as a critical pillar for building a technology-driven nation. They advocated for a more strategic, systemic approach to foundational research, including increased support for major original and interdisciplinary projects. The focus is on nurturing young scientific and technical talent to provide robust theoretical foundations and technical sources for achieving high-level technological independence.

The meeting encouraged greater participation from social forces in foundational research and urged enterprises and organizations to collaborate in funding initiatives. The establishment of cooperative mechanisms for technological innovation aims to consolidate efforts in advancing scientific progress. Furthermore, strict governance of the National Natural Science Fund management will ensure transparency and fairness, alongside a strong commitment to maintaining integrity in research practices.

Other matters were also discussed during the meeting.

During a press conference in Brussels on October 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made serious allegations against North Korea, claiming that the country has dispatched military officers to Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine and is preparing to send thousands of troops to assist in the conflict. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, however, stated that there is currently no evidence of North Korean soldiers participating in combat.

Zelenskyy highlighted these concerns during the press briefing, saying, “We have intelligence indicating that some North Korean military officers are already on Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by Russian enemies. So they have joined the Russian forces.” While he could not specify how many North Korean officers were present, he noted that “about 10,000 North Korean soldiers are preparing to be sent to fight against us,” labeling this development as “the first step of a World War.”

Western allies of Ukraine have yet to confirm Zelenskyy’s claims regarding the deployment of North Korean troops but indicated that investigations are underway.

In the joint press conference with Zelenskyy, Secretary General Rutte remarked, “We do not have evidence of North Korean soldiers being engaged in combat.” He added, “However, we do know that North Korea supports Russia in numerous ways, including supplying weapons, technology, and innovations to aid their military efforts, which is extremely concerning.”

Additionally, on October 15, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, Sean Savett, stated that if the reports of North Korean troop involvement in Ukraine are true, it would signify a significant strengthening of the defense relationship between North Korea and Russia.