Month: November 2024

On October 17, several candidates for municipal office gathered on Taraval Street in San Francisco for a press conference focused on improving city operations, particularly regarding the future development of District 7. The event highlighted core issues such as public safety, housing, and education, with attendees expressing their dissatisfaction with the current District 7 Supervisor, Myrna Melgar, for not effectively representing the interests of her constituents.

Russell Davis, the head of Thrive SF, moderated the meeting. Key speakers included District 7 Supervisor candidates Matt Boschetto and Stephen Martin-Pinto, Leanna Louie, a candidate for the City College Board, Lefteris Eleftheriou running for the San Francisco Unified School District Board, and Ellen Lee Zhou, the Republican candidate for mayor.

One of the primary topics discussed was the city’s escalating public safety and crime concerns. Stephen Martin-Pinto criticized the existing safety measures for failing to address fundamental issues impacting public safety in the city. He urged the city government to reassess its police deployment and funding strategies. Martin-Pinto specifically condemned progressive policies advocating police budget cuts, stating that such measures do nothing to reduce crime and only serve to make citizens feel less secure.

Matt Boschetto noted, “Over the past decade, progressive policies have put San Francisco in a difficult position. The community can no longer endure unsafe streets and rampant crime.” He emphasized the urgent need to tackle homelessness, identifying it as one of the core challenges in current city governance. Boschetto advocated for greater resource allocation towards affordable housing and mental health services to effectively address the root causes of homelessness, rather than relying solely on temporary emergency measures.

Education was also a significant theme at the conference. Candidate Lefteris Eleftheriou highlighted the immense challenges facing San Francisco’s public school system. He pointed out that recent policy decisions by the city government have diminished the appeal of public schools, leading more families to seek alternatives such as private institutions, charter schools, or homeschooling.

When it came to housing, the candidates discussed affordability issues and the need to balance housing development with the preservation of existing community character. There was opposition to the proposal of placing eight-story apartment buildings in single-family residential areas, as attendees believed this would undermine the uniqueness and sustainability of the community.

During this press conference, candidates shared their visions for San Francisco’s future and urged citizens to engage actively in the upcoming election. Whether the concerns were about public safety, housing, or education, all speakers agreed that the city government must become more transparent and accountable to genuinely serve its residents.

Leanna Louie summarized the sentiment by stating that if we can address educational challenges and care for the children, we will ensure a brighter future for the city. She expressed her belief that this election could represent a pivotal moment for San Francisco to reclaim its former glory.

On the evening of October 26, the EWD (2024) Oriental Dragon World Championship concluded in Shenzhen with a thrilling event titled “Longhua Showdown Night.” The competition showcased 24 fighters who delivered a breathtaking display of strength, speed, and skill.

The event was organized by the International Muay Thai Council (IMC), the International Boxing Council (IBC), and the Oriental Dragon International Organization (EWD), with guidance from the Shenzhen Municipal Government Foreign Affairs Office and the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports.

Athletes from various countries and regions, including China, the United States, Thailand, Singapore, and Morocco, participated in the tournament. The competition featured both Muay Thai and kickboxing across eight weight classes: 48kg, 54kg, 59kg, 60kg, 62kg, 63kg, 67kg, and 70kg, with fighters competing in 12 pairs of bouts.

The night kicked off with a highly anticipated match in the men’s 54kg Muay Thai division, where 19-year-old Chinese fighter Zhao Zhengdong faced off against Thailand’s Supaphon. From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a fierce exchange. Zhao landed several powerful punches and managed to knock Supaphon down twice, ultimately achieving a TKO just before the round ended, marking a victorious start for the Chinese team.

In another 54kg match, Thai fighter Janlinwen defeated Moroccan contender Soufiane.

Known as the “Iron Warrior,” Chinese fighter Gao Yuhang faced Singapore’s Li Dejun in the men’s 59kg Muay Thai category. Li adopted an aggressive strategy right from the start, forcing Gao into a defensive mode. Despite Gao’s multiple attempts to apply pressure in the second and third rounds, Li’s relentless style prevailed. In the decisive round, although Li sustained a bleed from an ear injury, he remained resilient, delivering a series of effective strikes that ultimately led him to victory and the championship trophy.

In the men’s 60kg kickboxing event, Chinese fighter Ma Qiang emerged triumphant, defeating his Thai opponent Uthidet to claim the championship.

Yang Hua, known as “Firecracker,” who boasts a professional record of 31 fights with 25 wins including 7 KOs, faced Thailand’s Chanandan and secured the championship title through his dominant performance.

The only women’s bout of the evening was the 54kg Muay Thai fight, featuring Thai fighter Suphatra taking on Malaysia’s Amissa. The match was closely contested with both women exchanging strikes effectively. In the end, Suphatra claimed victory, lifting the champion’s trophy as the two fighters embraced in a heartfelt moment afterward.

In the 70kg heavyweight Muay Thai contest, Macao’s fighter Xie Jiecheng faced off against American fighter Christopher. Christopher began the first round with powerful punches that caught Xie off guard. However, showcasing tenacity, Xie turned the tide with successive attacks, earning a well-deserved victory for the Chinese team.

The night also featured an intercontinental title bout between two Thai fighters, Khun Suk and Pansak, in the men’s 60kg category, with Pansak narrowly missing out on the title.

The battles for the men’s 63kg and 67kg international championship belts saw Thailand’s Long Santawan and Saenhong emerge victorious in their respective matches.

Song Ke, president of the IMC and IBC, highlighted the efforts of the Oriental Dragon International Organization in creating an international brand for the EWD championship through a blend of local and global engagement. This event successfully attracted fight enthusiasts from across the country.

International gold prices reached new highs on the 21st, continuing their upward trajectory after breaking the $2,700 mark during trading on the 18th. The escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly reports of Israel contemplating attacks on Iran and targeting financial institutions allegedly linked to Hezbollah for bombings, has contributed to investor anxiety. Additionally, on the 20th, a drone dispatched by Hezbollah exploded near Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence. At the same time, the U.S. presidential race is intensifying, creating an environment where investors are increasingly turning to gold as a safe haven.

On the 21st, spot gold prices briefly increased by 0.66%, hitting $2,739.35 per ounce. If this momentum continues through the New York close, it would mark the fifth consecutive day of setting a new historical high. The rise in gold prices has been fueled by central bank purchasing, safe-haven demand, and asset diversification, with gold gaining over 30% this year—outperforming both U.S. stocks and bonds.

Last weekend, Israel expanded its bombing operations in Lebanon, targeting institutions it accuses of providing financial support for Hezbollah’s military efforts. Reports from Lebanese media indicated that Israeli forces conducted at least 11 strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday night.

President Biden and his administration have been actively urging Israel to revive ceasefire negotiations with hostile factions, but Israel’s response has been staunch and uncompromising.

Traders are also repositioning their investment portfolios ahead of the American presidential election set for November 5. Polling indicates that the competition between Trump and Harris could be one of the closest races we’ve seen in the past two to three decades. Traditionally, investors have opted for gold as a hedge during times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Gold has emerged as one of the best-performing commodities this year, particularly following the Federal Reserve’s announcement last month regarding interest rate cuts, which has created a wave of optimism in the market. Central bank buying remains a long-term pillar for the gold market.

In a report released on the 21st, CBA analyst Darrell forecasts that gold futures could average $3,000 per ounce by the fourth quarter of 2025. He suggests that the Fed’s easing cycle may weaken the dollar, making gold, priced in dollars, cheaper for many buyers due to currency depreciation.

However, some analysts are bearish on gold’s future. Blue Line Futures Chief Market Strategist Stapleton notes that gold faces several minor headwinds, including revitalization efforts in mainland China, a strengthening dollar, a weakening euro, declines in base metals, and profit-taking pressures.

On October 25, Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te visited Kinmen and delivered a speech asserting that he would not relinquish any part of Taiwan’s territory. In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian held a regular press conference, reiterating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. He emphasized that no matter what the Democratic Progressive Party does or says, it cannot alter the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, nor can it change the inevitable trajectory towards reunification.

During the same press conference, a reporter inquired about Taiwan’s foreign affairs head Lin Jialong visiting Guatemala, where he is set to meet with President Arévalo. The spokesperson responded, stating, “We are aware of the reports. I would like to emphasize that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China.”

He noted that today marks the 53rd anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which restored the legitimate seat of the People’s Republic of China in the UN. The fact that 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with China clearly demonstrates that the Taiwanese authorities’ attempts to manipulate “diplomatic allies” in pursuit of independence are futile and cannot shake the prevailing trend of the one China principle, nor can they hinder the historical momentum toward China’s eventual reunification.

He added that an increasing number of insightful individuals in Guatemala are recognizing that establishing diplomatic relations with China aligns with the fundamental and long-term interests of Guatemala and its people. “We hope the Guatemalan government will recognize the larger trends, align with public opinion, and make the right choice soon,” he concluded.

On October 25th, a press conference was held by the State Council Information Office to discuss the agricultural and rural economic performance in the first three quarters of 2024. During the event, a reporter inquired about the current state of industrial development aimed at consolidating and expanding poverty alleviation efforts, asking for insights into the support provided for industry growth and future considerations.

Xia Gengsheng, a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, responded that since the poverty alleviation initiatives began, various localities and departments have earnestly implemented the decisions made by the central government. There has been significant progress in advancing supportive industries. Through continuous efforts, industries in formerly impoverished areas have evolved from weak to strong, expanded in scale, and lengthened their supply chains, resulting in notable achievements. Each of the 832 poverty alleviation counties has cultivated distinct leading industries that not only have strong potential for growth but also effectively support poverty alleviation and increase income for the population. The benefits of these industries are becoming increasingly evident, with former impoverished individuals now able to share in the value-added gains through various means like contract production, cooperative shares, and consumption assistance. The assurance of resources continues to strengthen, with central financial support for industry development increasing year by year, now exceeding 60%. Additionally, there has been enhanced support in technology and talent, including technical services and training for industry leaders.

Xia emphasized that recently, to align with the central government’s directives on supporting industry development through the “Four Batches” strategy—consolidating, upgrading, revitalizing, and adjusting—the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has issued guidelines for advancing high-quality support industries. Moving forward, the focus will be on three key areas:

First, there will be a concerted effort to strengthen categorized guidance. This involves a comprehensive assessment in impoverished areas to propose tailored paths and specific measures for consolidation, upgrading, revitalization, and adjustment of the supportive industries, ultimately leading to quality improvements and stable income growth for those lifted out of poverty.

Second, the ministry aims to enhance policy support by effectively utilizing central financial resources to increase financial backing for industry development, fostering sustainable progress in supportive industries.

Lastly, there will be an emphasis on promoting the upgrading of industries. Guidance will encourage localities to optimize their industrial layouts, develop new industries and business types in rural areas, address gaps in agricultural product processing and logistics, enhance facility conditions, strengthen brand development, and promote comprehensive development across the entire industrial chain. The goal is to continuously improve the quality and overall effectiveness of industrial growth.

On October 27, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that Typhoon “Tammy” has triggered flooding and landslides in various regions, leading to a tragic death toll of 90, with at least 36 individuals still unaccounted for.

The typhoon made landfall in the northern province of Isabela in the early hours of October 24 and subsequently swept across Luzon from east to west, bringing heavy winds and rain to several areas, including the capital, Manila.

As of 8 a.m. on the 27th, the council reported that over 5.78 million people have been affected nationwide due to Tammy, with more than 380,000 people displaced. A total of 158 municipalities have declared a state of disaster, while 334 municipalities are experiencing power outages, with 156 still without electricity.

The report also noted that the typhoon has caused varying degrees of damage to 27,640 houses and 207 infrastructure sites across the country. At least 218 roads and 40 bridges remain impassable. Additionally, operations at 92 ports have been disrupted, stranding over 2,600 passengers and 1,159 vessels.

The Bicol region has been identified as the most severely impacted area, with nearly 2.5 million people affected there alone.

Interviewer: What makes Baogong culture resonate across the Taiwan Strait and beyond?

Xia Dongbo, a special researcher at the Anhui Provincial Academy of Historical and Cultural Research, recently spoke with us to provide insight into the enduring appeal of Baogong culture, which continues to captivate audiences both domestically and internationally.

**Interviewer:** Over the centuries, how has the image of Baogong been shaped and revered?

**Xia Dongbo:** During his lifetime, Baogong—also known as Bao Zheng—was already renowned for his governance, dedication to the people, and integrity. His legacy originates from his upright and incorruptible administration and has since evolved through folklore, literature, and drama. These narratives have gradually merged together, creating the modern perception of Baogong.

His reputation remained strong in popular culture, resulting in numerous literary works and operas centered around him, including classic stories like “The Three Heroes and Five Gallants” and the “Bao Gong Cases.” Notable adaptations in television have also contributed to his fame, with shows like “Justice Bao” (1995), “Young Justice Bao” (2000), and “The Great Justice Bao” (2005) enhancing his profile.

Overall, Baogong’s image has been cultivated through four key dimensions: history, artifacts, literature, and drama. Together, they create the lasting legacy of “Justice Bao” that continues to be celebrated today.

**Interviewer:** How did Baogong culture come into being?

**Xia Dongbo:** The influence of Baogong culture has gradually developed alongside historical and cultural changes. As time passed, the character and deeds associated with Baogong became more elaborate and mythical, enhancing his legendary status. In the Song Dynasty, Confucian ethics were revived, emphasizing proper roles between rulers and officials. This golden age, marked by notable figures such as Wang Anshi and Sima Guang, saw Baogong become a central figure representing virtuous governance.

The flourishing economy of the Song era gave rise to entertainment venues and popular literature, where Baogong became an ideal character for storytelling, increasingly embellished with fictional elements. After the Song Dynasty, these tales continued to inspire theatrical works during the Yuan and Ming periods, helping to further shape the literary and mythical aspects of Baogong’s character while the historical elements began to fade.

Additionally, the growth of “honest official culture” in popular literature from the Song and Yuan Dynasties transformed Baogong into a cultural symbol of integrity, leading to his widespread renown.

**Interviewer:** How did Baogong culture spread to Taiwan?

**Xia Dongbo:** In Taiwan, Baogong culture has been promoted through the establishment of temples, community worship, and research centers dedicated to his legacy. One of the oldest Baogong temples, Haiching Temple, located in Yunlin County, was founded in 1738 by Quanzhou immigrants and has a rich history of 286 years. Temples across the island often trace their roots back to this original site.

At the Yunlin temple, Baogong is honored as the “King of Hell,” a title believed to have its origins in the Bao Family Shrine in Anhui. Over the years, the temple underwent renovations, maintaining traditional architectural styles and showcasing exquisite carvings and paintings that depict Baogong’s tales. Various other Baogong temples have been established throughout Taiwan, with the largest located in Kaohsiung.

**Interviewer:** What role does Baogong play in promoting cultural exchange across the Strait?

**Xia Dongbo:** As a symbol of honest governance, Baogong plays a crucial role in fostering cultural exchanges between the two sides. In Taiwan, popular festivals and rituals reflect a strong community reverence for Baogong. For instance, the Yunlin Temple celebrates the “King of Hell’s Birthday” each year, drawing thousands of devotees for traditional ceremonies.

Many Taiwanese households also have altars dedicated to Baogong. Notably, Baogong temples have been included in local educational curricula, teaching students about their cultural heritage and history.

Today, Baogong’s influence extends beyond mere folklore; he has become a vital bridge in the cultural exchange between the two sides of the Strait, embodying the values of integrity and justice.

**Interviewer:** How can we expand the international influence of Baogong culture?

**Xia Dongbo:** Baogong culture has already made notable strides in the Chinese cultural sphere and beyond. Historical records indicate that as early as the Ming Dynasty, Baogong’s name crossed international boundaries. Zheng He’s voyages to the West not only disseminated Baogong culture overseas but also returned with stories of international admiration for him.

Overseas, many Baogong temples can be found in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, where various ceremonies and commemorations take place to honor him.

The Baogong Shrine in Hefei, located at his childhood study site, remains the oldest and most enduring shrine dedicated to him—a gathering place for his descendants and enthusiasts from around the world.

With enhanced opportunities for cultural exchange and communication, Baogong culture is transcending time and borders, becoming a unique identifier of Chinese culture that resonates with a growing number of international communities.

In a recent press conference held by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China, officials highlighted the robust activity in the country’s foreign exchange market during the first three quarters of the year. The domestic RMB foreign exchange market recorded a total trading volume of $30.27 trillion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.1%.

As the Chinese stock market experiences upward momentum, foreign investment has surged. The SAFE reported that since late September, there has been a significant increase in foreign net purchases of domestic stocks. The willingness of foreign investors to allocate assets in RMB has also strengthened. However, it is important to note that the scale and proportion of RMB asset holdings among foreign investors are still relatively low, accounting for around 3% to 4% of the domestic equity and bond markets. This suggests considerable potential for future growth.

During the press conference, SAFE officials emphasized the positive trend in foreign investment in RMB assets. They indicated that there is additional room for further allocation, bolstered by the attractive overall yields of RMB-denominated bonds. To date, foreign ownership of domestic RMB bonds has surpassed $640 billion, reaching historic highs.

Amid the recent rally in the A-share market, there has been keen interest in the allocation of foreign capital. SAFE noted that following stock market gains, foreign net purchases of domestic stocks have increased. Even with this encouraging trend, the overall investment from overseas investors in China’s capital markets remains in the nascent stages, with the proportions of RMB asset holdings still modest.

Deputy Director Li Hongyan of SAFE reported that foreign investment in domestic bonds has continued to show stable inflows, with net increases exceeding $80 billion over the first three quarters. Recently, the situation regarding foreign investment in domestic stocks has also noticeably improved.

Li outlined several key features regarding external balance during this period: firstly, there has been a recovery of net inflows of cross-border capital; secondly, settlement and sales of foreign exchange have tended toward balance; thirdly, there has been a steady recovery in foreign exchange settlement; the settlement rate for foreign exchange income was 62.1%, while the purchasing rate was 68.9%. Additionally, the foreign exchange market remains active, and the scale of foreign exchange reserves is stable.

As of the end of September, China’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $3.3 trillion, reflecting an increase of $78.4 billion since the end of 2023.

Chiemelie Ezeobi, can you share your thoughts on the current challenges and opportunities African countries face in the digital age?

Absolutely. With innovations and developments rapidly evolving, it’s imperative that African nations confront the digital divide head-on to ensure all citizens can benefit from technology.

Nigeria, as the leading economic power in West Africa, has taken notable steps by suggesting the establishment of a National AI Trust. How does this initiative aim to address these challenges?

The proposed trust is designed to enhance global connectivity and propel progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This initiative aligns with the growing understanding that AI can significantly transform socio-economic development.

During a recent panel discussion at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the role of AI in bridging the gap between developed and developing countries. What did he highlight about inclusivity in AI development?

Dr. Tijani pointed out that while AI development in the Global South presents substantial economic opportunities, it must be inclusive and equitable. He stressed that AI will influence thought processes, work methods, and social interactions, claiming that true inclusion cannot exist if it doesn’t add value to our world.

He also mentioned that African nations are grappling with issues related to internet connectivity, infrastructure, and digital literacy. What solutions did he propose?

Dr. Tijani advocates for increased investment in digital infrastructure and comprehensive training on AI technologies. By establishing ethical frameworks for AI development, Africa can open up new pathways for economic and social progress.

He provided specific examples, such as how AI could improve access to crucial services like healthcare and education in underserved communities. Furthermore, AI-powered tools could facilitate early disease detection, and AI-driven educational platforms could offer personalized learning experiences.

What other perspectives were shared during this discussion?

Nabiha Syed, the Executive Director of the Mozilla Foundation, remarked on AI’s potential for sustainable agriculture, highlighting efforts in Kenya that use AI to predict crop yields and monitor soil health. She emphasized that inclusive AI development requires collaboration, data, and incentives to achieve its goals.

Syed also praised Nigeria’s initiative, suggesting that it could serve as a blueprint for other countries in Africa and beyond. She noted that Kenya and South Africa are already making strides in leveraging digital technologies for inclusion and public service improvement. Could you elaborate on these examples?

Certainly! Kenya’s mobile money platform, M-Pesa, is a prime example of African innovation leading the way globally, enabling access to banking services long before similar systems emerged in the West. Additionally, partnerships with tech companies like Apollo Agriculture and Mawingu Networks are helping to employ AI for improvements in public services across sectors like healthcare and agriculture.

South Africa is also making substantial progress in AI, focusing on ethical standards in its research and development while tackling issues like data privacy and equitable access to infrastructure. Both Nigeria and South Africa recognize that although they entered the AI race later than some Western nations, they have a unique opportunity to shape AI technologies to suit local needs.

Lastly, what is your vision for Africa’s role in the global digital economy?

By prioritizing ethical AI development and working collaboratively, African nations can accelerate their digital transformation efforts. It’s essential to ensure that no one is left behind, as Africa has a critical role to play in influencing how AI technologies evolve by contributing its rich languages, cultures, and context often overlooked by global systems.

According to reports from German media on October 22, Germany has confirmed its first case of a new variant of the monkeypox virus known as Klade Ib. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s disease control agency, indicated that the patient was infected abroad and was identified in Cologne last Friday.

The North Rhine-Westphalia State Health Department stated that the infection likely occurred in an East African country. The patient has been hospitalized since October 12 and is currently in isolation. Health authorities have confirmed all close contacts, who are being monitored and managed accordingly. They emphasized that there is no risk of infection for the public in Cologne, as the disease is considered not easily transmissible.

The World Health Organization has pointed out that Klade Ib is more contagious and poses a greater risk than previous monkeypox variants. As reported by the RKI, there have been 3,800 cases of the Klade IIb variant in Germany since May 2022, with no fatalities to date.

The German Health Ministry noted that the monkeypox virus primarily spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, and current vaccines are effective against this variant.

Since 1970, monkeypox has been a health concern in certain regions of Africa, and the new Klade Ib variant has been spreading across various African countries for several months. Official statistics indicate that there have been 1,100 deaths attributed to this variant since the beginning of the year.