Month: October 2024

On October 18, the Hainan Dongpo Theme Library officially opened its doors at the Hainan Provincial Party School. As the first library in China dedicated entirely to the theme of Su Dongpo, this establishment aims to fill a significant gap in specialized libraries and promote the rich culture surrounding this historic figure.

The Hainan Dongpo Theme Library features five core functional areas: an interactive reading space, a collection area, an electronic reading room, an academic discussion zone, and a cultural exchange reception area. This design is intended to offer readers a comprehensive and multi-dimensional cultural experience and learning environment. Currently, the library’s collection boasts a total of 9,036 volumes.

Fu Xuanguo, the Party Secretary of Hainan University, shared insight into the library’s origins. It was collaboratively established by the Hainan Provincial Party School and Hainan University. The library’s collection includes ancient texts, classic works, research findings, journals, and newspapers related to Su Dongpo, as well as documents containing paintings and calligraphy associated with him from countries like Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, and the United States. This resource aims to provide a comprehensive platform for scholars specializing in Dongpo culture.

Li Gongyu, Vice President of the Hainan Su Study Research Society, expressed the significance of the library’s vast collection of ancient texts. He stated, “Everyone has a respectful, credible, and lovable image of Su Dongpo in their hearts,” and believes the library will help scholars uncover the most authentic, original, and complete portrayal of Su Dongpo.

The establishment of the library has been supported by various social organizations and prominent collectors, which has greatly enriched the diversity and rarity of its collections. Among the noteworthy items is the “Overseas Collection of Su Wenzhong,” which encompasses all of Su Dongpo’s works created during his time in Danzhou, Hainan. This collection, passed down since the Song Dynasty, culminated in its final version during the Republic of China, making it a crucial resource for understanding Dongpo’s life in Hainan and the region’s ancient culture. Wang Rui, an associate researcher at Hainan University’s Dongpo Culture Research and Dissemination Center, emphasized the collection’s significant documentary value.

Looking ahead, Wang Shaowen, Deputy Party Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party School, outlined plans for the library: “We will leverage the Hainan Dongpo Theme Library to deeply explore the essence of Dongpo culture and conduct extensive promotion and educational activities, helping more people understand, appreciate, and inherit Dongpo’s legacy.” He also noted that the library will continuously work to enhance its cultural offerings and service quality while strengthening collaborations with domestic and international institutions focused on Su studies.

On October 16, school committee candidate Min Chang held a press conference alongside parents at the entrance of the school district, voicing strong opposition to the planned closure of 11 schools. This issue has escalated, with Mayor London Breed publicly opposing the closures. Both Min Chang and fellow candidate Laurance Lem Lee expressed their disapproval, arguing that shutting down schools unfairly punishes smaller educational institutions and disproportionately affects the Asian and Chinese communities.

During the press conference, Chang urged the school committee and the district superintendent to pause the school closure process. With three committee members not seeking re-election and one aiming to do so, there are 11 candidates vying for four positions. Chang suggested it’s best to wait for the newly elected committee to make such crucial decisions.

Chang pointed out that a close examination of the closure list reveals that many affected students are Asian, particularly Chinese, highlighting the unfair impact on the Chinese community. The schools identified for closure are small, already struggling with low enrollment. One of the district’s criteria for closing schools is an enrollment below 260 students, which Chang sees as targeting and punishing smaller schools.

He argued that closing these schools will not effectively address the district’s financial shortfall and called for exploring better solutions. He suggested seeking additional funding at the federal, state, and local levels while reducing the direct and indirect costs of the central office.

Chang emphasized that closing schools sends a troubling message to parents: “Even if your school survives this year, what about next year? Will we continue to decline and close more schools? This makes managing existing schools even more difficult.” He noted that many are directing their frustration at Superintendent Matt Wayne, who has become a scapegoat. While acknowledging Wayne’s complicity, Chang insisted that the committee, as the decision-makers, must also share the responsibility.

Laurance Lem Lee commented that if all 11 schools close, the Asian community, which accounts for about 35% of the population, will be significantly impacted. He criticized the district’s decision to close the schools as random and lacking a transparent process. “I don’t understand how closure criteria were established and why only small schools were targeted. They need to stop these closures. With a budget shortfall of $10 million, the focus should be on balancing the budget. If you attempt to close schools without a solid plan, people will leave San Francisco.”

Lee expressed concern that the community only had a month to communicate to the district how misguided this decision was.

The Israeli Air Force, known to operate the American-made stealth fighter jet F-35, may be preparing to retaliate against Iran following a large-scale missile attack launched by Iran on October 1st. Reports indicate that the US government recently leaked intelligence suggesting that these aircraft could conduct airstrikes on Iran with the assistance of aerial refueling. This has sparked significant concern regarding Israel’s potential response.

During an interview with CNN, House Speaker Mike Johnson commented, “An investigation is underway, and I expect to receive a classified briefing within hours… We are closely monitoring the situation.”

CNN and the Associated Press reported that documents dated between the 15th and 16th of October were disseminated by a user named “Middle East Spectator” on Telegram, starting on the 18th. Initially believed to be leaked by a member of the US intelligence community, it was later claimed that the information originated from the Department of Defense. The documents appear to have been compiled through satellite imagery analysis and are marked “highly classified,” indicating that only the US and its “Five Eyes” allies—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK—are authorized to share them.

The documents suggest that Israel is gearing up for a possible attack on Iran. One of the files, reportedly compiled by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), outlines plans for the transportation of ammunition, while another from the National Security Agency (NSA) details air-to-ground missile exercises by the Israeli Air Force aimed at Iran. Additionally, one document implies that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, a claim the country has long refused to confirm; however, it notes that the US has not observed plans indicating Israel’s intent to use such weapons against Iran.

The circumstances surrounding the leak remain unclear, with investigations ongoing to determine whether it resulted from hacking or an internal breach. A US official indicated that there is a search for individuals who may have accessed the documents. The Telegram channel spreading the documents claims to be based in Tehran and has previously shared memes of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as other content supporting the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” comprised of Middle Eastern militant groups funded by Iran.

This leak occurs at a particularly sensitive time in US-Israeli relations and is likely to provoke anger within Israel, further escalating tensions. Mick Mulroy, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East and retired CIA officer, remarked that “this is a serious leak that could challenge future coordination between the US and Israel.”

This incident recalls a previous leak in which Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira disclosed military secrets on the messaging platform Discord, which strained relations between the US and allies like South Korea and Ukraine; notably, one document in the recent leak resembles the style of Teixeira’s disclosures.

Getty ImagesMonarchists in Australia have accused the state premiers of "insulting" King Charles as they will not be present at a reception welcoming him to the country.
The King's visit, which begins later this week, will include a reception in Canberra, but the six state premiers – of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania – have said they're unable to attend.
"I find it insulting," said Bev McArthur of the Australian Monarchist League. "They should just take off their republican hats, make the short trip to Canberra, say 'hi and thank for you coming to Australia'."
Buckingham Palace is not commenting on the row – but the Australian states will all have representatives at the event, including their governors.

On October 17, the State Taxation Administration of China announced via its official WeChat account that five typical tax-related illegal cases have been disclosed.

**Case 1: Joint Investigation of Export Tax Fraud in Fujian**

In a collaborative effort involving various departments in Fujian, including the tax authority, police, the People’s Bank of China, and foreign exchange management, two exporting companies were found to be part of a fraudulent scheme involving fake invoices to obtain export tax rebates. Quanzhou Huatuo Xingsheng Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd. and Quanzhou Jindun Si Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd. were implicated in creating 3,383 fraudulent VAT invoices. They used methods such as “fake invoices for purchases” and conducted false exchanges through underground money houses, fabricating export business transactions to claim rebates. The authorities reclaimed 41.26 million yuan (approximately $5.7 million) of improperly claimed rebates. Ultimately, the Fujian Provincial Intermediate People’s Court sentenced 19 defendants, including Wang Renhe and Zhang Qingwo, to prison terms ranging from 2 years and 3 months to 12 years, along with fines totaling 59.42 million yuan (around $8.2 million). The judgment has now taken effect. A representative from the Fujian tax bureau emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward significant tax violations, pledging ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the export tax rebate policy.

**Case 2: Tax Evasion via Inflated R&D Expenses in Shanghai**

In another case, the Fifth Inspection Bureau of the Shanghai Local Tax Bureau investigated Shanghai Tongteng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Based on precise analysis of the evidence, the company was found to have inflated its R&D expenses by falsely claiming outsourced projects, resulting in an evasion of 2.06 million yuan (approximately $285,000). Following legal procedures in accordance with the Enterprise Income Tax Law and the Tax Collection Administration Law, the bureau recouped unpaid taxes, late fees, and fines that totaled 3.76 million yuan (around $530,000). Officials from the bureau reminded businesses of the October deadline for reporting R&D expense deductions for the third quarter and called for accurate and honest submissions.

**Case 3: Fake VAT Invoices in Hunan**

In Changde, Hunan Province, a joint investigation led by the local tax bureau and police dismantled a criminal group involved in issuing fake VAT invoices. The group set up several shell companies using others’ identities and created false operations to generate a façade of legitimate business. They issued 7,204 fake VAT invoices totaling 700 million yuan (around $98 million). Eight members of the group, including Tang Xiaoping and Song Jinzhi, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 1 to 14 years and fined a total of 2.1 million yuan (approximately $292,000).

**Case 4: Tax Evasion by a Gas Station in Henan**

In Henan, authorities uncovered tax evasion at a gas station operated by Gongyi Hongli Materials Co., Ltd. The gas station utilized illegal modifications to fuel dispensers to conceal sales revenue and submitted false tax declarations, leading to an underpayment of 2.08 million yuan (around $290,000) in VAT and other taxes. Tax inspectors filed charges based on the Tax Collection Administration Law and the Administrative Penalty Law, resulting in a recourse of 3.28 million yuan (around $460,000) in total penalties.

**Case 5: Pharmaceutical Invoice Fraud in Sichuan**

Sichuan Yunbaotang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. was found guilty of issuing fake VAT invoices without legitimate business transactions. The criminal group behind this operation acquired over 1,300 fraudulent VAT and agricultural purchase invoices, obtaining illegal tax reductions. The company faced a fine of 400,000 yuan (approximately $56,000), while four individuals received prison sentences between 3 to 11 years, along with fines amounting to 100,000 yuan (about $14,000) and the confiscation of 500,000 yuan (around $70,000) in illegal gains.

Officials from the respective tax authorities reiterated their commitment to working in tandem with other departments to combat tax-related crimes, asserting a continued zero-tolerance policy to foster a fair and lawful taxation environment.

Learners trying to beat backlog can pay up to £195 with brokers who buy up slots and sell them on, according to motoring organisation
Mabel Banfield-NwachiTue 15 Oct 2024 19.01 EDTShareThe RAC has issued fresh warnings to desperate learner drivers trying to beat the backlog by booking tests through unregulated websites after it found they could be paying up to four times the going rate.
The average waiting time for a test across England, Scotland and Wales is about four and a half months and many learners have turned to brokers who book out slots and resell the tests for hundreds of pounds.
According to the RAC, some sites are reselling tests for up to £195. One London-based learner said she paid just under £500 for a test in May 2023, including use of an instructor’s car, and about £400 for a second test after she failed the first.
A practical exam booked through the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website costs £62 on weekdays, and £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
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‘They have you over a barrel’: how scammers, touts and bots took over driving testsRead moreThird-party brokers are exploiting the frenzied hunt for tests and “cheating the system” by using automated software known as bots to book available slots on the DVSA website the moment they become available, faster than any human could, the RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said.
More than 1.7m practical driving tests are typically carried out each year, but an increase in demand, industrial action and the Covid backlog has meant waiting times have drastically increased.
An estimated 500,000 learners had their driving courses disrupted or paused their lessons during the Covid lockdowns, which has had a big knock-on effect on test waiting times.
60th time lucky: learner driver breaks UK record for sitting theory test Read moreThe DVSA has been taking steps to clamp down on the “black economy”, but many slots can still be bought through third parties online. Since January 2023, the DVSA, which is responsible for the driving test, has issued 283 warnings and 746 suspensions and has closed 689 businesses for misuse of its booking service.
However, tests are being sold via encrypted WhatsApp chats and sellers often use the disappearing message function so conversations are deleted and not traceable, according to the RAC.
Williams added: “It’s terrible that ‘brokers’ using software to reserve tests faster than a human possibly could are making it so hard for learners to book test slots.
“Definitive action needs to be taken to prevent bots booking tests and then selling them on to desperate learners for crazy amounts of money. This leads to genuine slots being wasted and learners, who are ready to take their tests, missing out and having to wait months for a chance to become a qualified driver. It’s no wonder some learners end up booking test slots before they’re ready.”

In 2024, the 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session convened successfully, stating firmly, “We must continue to push reforms forward.” This emphasis on reform resonates as a crucial need for China, positioning reform to play a more prominent role in governance.

One key aspect of this effort is breaking the rigid patterns of fiscal spending and ensuring that funds are allocated effectively. In Anhui, a significant reform initiative has emerged, centered around zero-based budgeting.

The initiative targets ineffective fiscal expenditures, leading to some surprising revelations during a policy assessment. Li Qiuhui, a staff member from the Anhui Provincial Government Office, shared, “After compiling the policy information, we were shocked by the sheer volume; it far exceeded our expectations.” Zuo Zhi, the Deputy Director of the Anhui Provincial Finance Department, noted, “For instance, the 28.5 million yuan allocated for small town construction is based on an old policy from the 1990s. With 104 counties, it’s hard to see any real impact from distributing such a small amount.”

Wu Jinsong, the Secretary of the Anhui Provincial Science and Technology Department, added, “One project can be reported to multiple departments under various names. Some researchers spend more time chasing project approvals than actually conducting research. Although money is being spent, the underlying issues remain unresolved.” The scale of overlapping policies—328 provincial-level policies—proved startling, with many suffering from redundancy and outdated practices.

To combat the dissipation of precious fiscal resources in low-efficiency policies, Anhui began its reformation in 2023. “We had to change our thinking,” emphasized Zuo. “Initially, there wasn’t a complete understanding of the necessity for reform, and that lack of clarity stunted progress.”

However, through various academic workshops and statewide discussions, there was a unification of understanding. The phrase “We don’t need 800 million anymore” was a decisive moment, signaling a critical step toward reform. This led to a large-scale policy cleanup, with Zuo explaining, “Policies without life lead to projects with no benefits, resulting in waste. Funds supporting small towns had to be reclaimed.”

The result was a comprehensive list of policy adjustments: 25 policies were rescinded, 35 reduced, 40 extended, 43 consolidated, and 42 strengthened, reorienting Anhui’s 2023 provincial budget by freeing up 8.58 billion yuan. The old paradigms were being dismantled as Anhui reorganized its strategy, shifting from a scattergun approach to concentrated efforts on major initiatives.

“How do we prioritize? Who decides what’s critical?” The answer wasn’t limited to a specific department; instead, it emerged from sectors like industry, technology, and public welfare—addressing the most urgent needs. This led to the formation of a focused support policy list comprising over 70 items across 14 major categories for 2023.

Li Qiuhui elaborated, “Key initiatives from the provincial government, like supporting the construction of the ‘Silicon Valley’ of technology or major platforms for innovation, represent individual policies.” A dedicated task force was established, moving away from a fragmented approach to a more strategic one, where the emphasis shifted from just seeking funding to seeking viable projects.

The procedural refinements became essential for departmental approvals. He Yi, a project applicant from Anhui’s grain department, indicated, “If our documentation isn’t complete or necessary explanations aren’t satisfactory, our proposal could be rejected.” Zuo further explained, “It’s about avoiding last-minute funding at year-end; by planning ahead, we can allocate money more effectively.”

This proactive planning means that government departments are now compelled to plan projects well in advance. “We’ve transitioned from a reactive state to an actively planned approach,” noted Wu Jinsong.

Reforms have begun to yield visible results. In Bengbu, the long-standing challenge of funding for rural waste management has been addressed through these changes. “Reform does come with a cost,” said Xue Yachao, head of the fiscal bureau in Anhui’s Bengbu Economic Development Zone. “There are no easy tasks, only tasks we choose to tackle.”

Transitioning from disparate efforts to a cohesive strategy, the initial effects of reform are beginning to show. In Hefei, reward funds increased dramatically, transforming recognition into substantial support. “This level of assistance has been immensely beneficial for us,” commented Gao Yuanfeng, the Public Affairs Director at Hefei Visionox Technology Co., Ltd.

The reforms are enhancing funding efficiency. With a focus on major initiatives, the transformation spurred investments, with every 500 billion yuan leveraged resulting in 1.5 trillion yuan for industrial growth. “Funding that was once used for simple subsidies is now blended with private capital for industry investment,” explained Du Rongsheng, Director of the State-Owned Financial Capital Supervision Department of Anhui.

Anhui’s zero-based budgeting reform is showing promising results, as Finance Minister Gu Jianfeng articulates, “Our reform is not merely about splitting a single unit of funding; it aims to stretch every yuan to accomplish tenfold efficiency.”

Long-term planning is vital, as fiscal system reform has always been about systemic reconstruction rather than immediate fixes. Anhui’s zero-based budgeting reform addresses today’s needs while setting sights on future efficacy.

This complex reform touches multiple aspects of government governance, and while the path ahead may be challenging, it highlights the vital role reform and innovation play in driving progress. Only those willing to face challenges head-on, understanding the intricacies of change, will carve out a new path towards high-quality development. As this transformative process unfolds, we eagerly anticipate its outcomes.

So, what exactly is zero-based budgeting reform? Simply put, it involves changing the manner in which fiscal resources are allocated. Traditionally, if a department’s budget from the previous year was 10 million yuan, the new budget would likely increase based on that figure. However, with this reform, that baseline is eliminated. Departments must now justify their budget requests by aligning them with the central government’s priorities and their potential to stimulate industry growth. The finance department will draft budgets according to actual needs, fiscal conditions, and urgency. It’s clear that this reform is sweeping and will disrupt the established power dynamics surrounding budget allocations.

During an interview at the 136th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, Cao Jianfeng, the sales manager of Zhejiang Huarong Battery Co., Ltd., shared his insights on the event. “As soon as we opened in the morning, the flow of visitors was quite dense. Our team has been busy managing promotions and attending to clients, and it’s been really energizing!” he said, as he navigated the bustling exhibition hall around 3 PM.

Taking place from October 15 to November 4, the fair has attracted over 30,000 offline exhibitors across three phases. In Xuhang’s Nanhu District, 61 companies are participating, with 26 of them showcasing their products in the first phase that kicked off on the 15th.

In just half a day, Cao has exchanged business cards with more than 30 potential clients. “Today, our main goal is to promote our products and establish connections with potential customers. We’ll follow up for more in-depth discussions after the initial exchanges.” He expressed optimism, noting that he sees potential in over half of the business contacts he met.

Among the many exhibitors focused on advanced manufacturing, companies like Zhejiang Yate Electric Co., Zhejiang Huarong Battery, and Ailist Health Technology showcased their flagship products across 49 booths, including 12 brand booths and 37 general booths, featuring a broad range of categories such as new energy, automotive parts, and electronic consumer goods.

“Our highlight this time is the high-energy alkaline battery that meets the latest EU environmental standards, primarily aimed at supermarkets,” Cao explained. Huarong Battery specializes in the research and production of dry batteries and battery components, predominantly targeting overseas markets. Currently, over 80% of the company’s total output value comes from exports, and they have participated in the Canton Fair for ten consecutive years.

Cao also noted that in 2024, the company team has already participated in exhibitions in nearly ten countries and regions, including Germany, Poland, Brazil, and Indonesia. “This has helped us maintain relationships with old clients while also attracting new ones. Overall, our sales outlook is positive, and we anticipate reaching around 500 million RMB in annual sales.”

For businesses, seizing the opportunities at the Canton Fair is crucial—not just to display their products and services but also to deepen their understanding of market demands and integrate into the global marketplace.

On the call, we also spoke with Fu Zhenxian, the sales manager at Jiaxing Shuntian Machinery Co., Ltd., who mentioned that he was currently assisting a client from Egypt. “After examining our samples, the client enthusiastically placed an order right on the spot for approximately $30,000 worth of products,” he recounted.

“Of course, we are happy to close deals on-site, but our primary goal in attending the fair is to make new friends and attract more customers to expand our market reach,” Fu explained. Shuntian Machinery has a long-standing history at the fair, with two booths totaling 27 square meters, showcasing nearly 100 products.

“Our main focus is on automotive jacks, and all our products are primarily for export. We’re looking to tap into any market that has vehicles,” Fu added. In 2024, the company plans to maintain existing customer relationships to stabilize their orders. Besides participating in major domestic fairs, they also attended the Cologne Fair in Germany and are expanding their online sales channels to seek new orders.

An official from the Nanhu District Economic and Information Bureau indicated that nine furniture and home decor companies and 32 businesses focusing on bags, clothing, and textile fabrics are set to continue participating in the second and third phases of the Canton Fair, which emphasize “Quality Home” and “Better Life.”

Currently, foreign trade has become a bright spot for Nanhu’s economy, showcasing its resilience with stable growth. According to statistics, from January to August 2024, Nanhu District achieved foreign trade imports and exports of 33.879 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 25.2%, ranking second in Jiaxing City. Among that, exports totaled 28.01 billion yuan, with a remarkable year-on-year growth of 20.2%, placing first in Jiaxing.

In a recent incident at a Northgate Crossing elementary school in Springs, Texas, concerns have arisen after a teacher allegedly distributed sleep aid patches to young children. This discovery was made by Lisa Luviano, the mother of a four-year-old attending the school’s attached preschool. One day, Luviano’s daughter came home with a sticker featuring a starry night design. When Luviano asked her where it came from, her daughter replied, “It’s a sleep aid patch, my teacher gave it to me to help me sleep.”

Alarmed by this revelation, Luviano feared that the patches might contain melatonin, a hormone known to aid sleep, as indicated by the National Institutes of Health. She expressed her anxiety, stating, “Just thinking about what happened at school makes me very anxious.”

The following day, Luviano reported the incident to the school administration, but felt her concerns were not addressed promptly. Frustrated, she told a local KTRK television reporter, “The school said they would look into it and that they fully support parents, yet two days have passed and the teacher is still at the school.”

Another parent, Najla Abdullah, received a message from Luviano and began to question her own four-year-old son about any “special stickers” he might have received. He confirmed, saying, “Yes, Mom. I got a special sticker.” When asked what it looked like, he described it as something he placed on his arm that had storms, clouds, stars, and the moon—essentially, a sleep aid patch.

In response, Abdullah and other parents began contacting the school and reported the situation to child protective services. The Northgate Crossing elementary school’s parent association later stated that the school confirmed via email that two teachers and two aides involved in the distribution of the sleep aid patches had been suspended while the investigation was underway. During this time, the individuals involved have been placed on administrative leave.

The school’s email remarked, “Learning that a teacher may have given students melatonin is truly disturbing and absolutely unacceptable.” They emphasized that no staff should administer medication to students without proper procedures.

As of now, the individuals involved in this case have not faced any charges. Luviano, speaking to reporters, labeled their actions as “completely unacceptable,” stating, “We send our children to school expecting them to be safe there. We trust our teachers, and for something like this to happen is just unbelievable.”

On October 11, San Francisco Public Health Director Grant Coflax visited East West Medical Center in Chinatown to advocate for Proposition B, which will soon go to a vote. This proposition proposes issuing medical bonds to provide funding for several healthcare facilities within the city, specifically aimed at renovating aging medical infrastructure and enhancing the city’s ability to respond to public health crises.

Dr. Jianqing Zhang, the director of East West Medical Center, emphasized that the approval of Proposition B would not raise residents’ taxes. He asserted that the measure is crucial for both Chinatown residents and the overall healthcare system in San Francisco.

If Proposition B passes, the Chinatown Public Health Center will temporarily relocate to the fourth floor of East West Medical Center during construction, utilizing the high-quality medical facilities and environment already available at the center.

Dr. Zhang highlighted the hospital’s commitment to providing a multi-lingual healthcare environment for patients from Chinatown, ensuring that they remain within their community. He assured that patients will continue to have the same insurance systems and healthcare procedures in place. Aside from improvements to the medical environment and convenience, there will be no changes.

Li Dianbang, a representative from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, noted that relocating the Chinatown Public Health Center to East West Medical Center is vital for retaining Chinese-speaking residents in the community.

As a key healthcare institution in Chinatown, East West Medical Center and the Chinatown Public Health Center have long provided essential health services to local residents. Chinatown is one of the lowest-income areas in San Francisco, with approximately one-third of its residents living below the poverty line. This underscores the importance of public healthcare facilities in ensuring the health and well-being of the local population. These institutions offer affordable medical services to many low-income families, seniors, and immigrants, ensuring they receive necessary medical support even when they cannot afford private healthcare.

Director Coflax stressed the urgency of renovating the Chinatown Public Health Center, noting, “This building has not undergone any major renovations since 1969 and poses significant earthquake risks. Passing Proposition B will help us improve the infrastructure of these facilities, ensuring that residents can receive medical services in a safe, modern environment.”