Category: NEWS

On October 14th, in Horgos, Xinjiang, a visit to a modern agricultural industry park revealed an impressive smart greenhouse system where tomatoes thrive. The rows of tomato vines were meticulously organized, hanging neatly from the overhead supports of the greenhouse. Inside, a mix of Chinese and Western classical and pop music played in the background, contrasting with the outdoor temperature of about 13 degrees Celsius. Within the climate-controlled environment, the tomatoes were already bearing fruit, their roots nestled in coconut coir, receiving water with precision to the drop. Tasting the results, the large tomatoes were succulent and juicy, while the small ones offered a delightful sweetness.

In an exclusive interview, project leader Yuan Wei explained that Xinjiang is one of the world’s three major tomato production areas. The region benefits from lower energy costs and reduced summer cultivation expenses, making it an ideal location for tomato farming. Thanks to the sophisticated smart greenhouse system, each vine produces an average of 47 harvests per year, yielding over seven times the amount of an average tomato.

However, high yields demand higher standards of operation. Yuan noted that to maintain cleanliness in the greenhouse, workers must leave their phones in designated areas before entering and wear smartwatches that track their movements in real time. This technology helps to pinpoint specific areas for tomato picking and identifies which workers handled them.

Yuan also shared insights about the ambitious modern agricultural industry park that covers approximately 1,000 acres. It includes areas for organic produce production, research and training, and logistics processing. The use of advanced equipment like double-layer inflated membrane greenhouses, precision water and fertilizer systems, and vertical cultivation techniques enable large-scale, automated agricultural production.

The initiative has a total planned investment of 1 billion yuan, with over 500 million already invested, which includes support from a Jiangsu aid program. The project has successfully constructed 25,000 square meters of smart greenhouse space, advancing digital agriculture, smart equipment, and agricultural services.

“We generate around 120 million yuan in revenue from tomatoes alone, with an output value of approximately 400,000 yuan per acre,” Yuan elaborated. Eight unique varieties, including Provence tomatoes and Horgos cherries, are cultivated here, with harvesting seasons lasting up to nine months. Various agricultural products are sold through e-commerce platforms to regions such as Xinjiang, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Sichuan, with some even exported to Kazakhstan, and demand continues to outstrip supply, prompting plans for further expansion.

Moreover, the project has transformed local university students into modern farmers, engaging in over 40 training sessions annually with more than 700 participants. This initiative has also created job opportunities for over 150 local residents, with an average annual income exceeding 70,000 yuan. The smart greenhouse industry in China has been developing since 2016, with leading companies located in Beijing, Jiangsu, and other areas. Yuan expressed hope that the modern agricultural industry park in Horgos would serve as a model for the smart greenhouse sector in the future.

This week saw a significant increase in mortgage rates, with various terms rising by between 0.25% and 0.375%. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has now reached 6.375%. On October 21, key officials from the Federal Reserve, including Lorie Logan, president of the Dallas Fed, Jeffrey Schmid, president of the Kansas Fed, and Mary Daly, president of the San Francisco Fed, signaled that the Fed intends to continue lowering rates.

During her speech at the Wall Street Journal’s TechLive conference, Daly indicated that the Fed may further decrease interest rates to prevent additional weakness in the labor market. She noted, “So far, I haven’t seen any information suggesting we won’t continue to lower rates. For an economy on the track toward a 2% inflation target, interest rates are significant, and I don’t want to see the labor market worsen further.”

Last month, the Fed made its first rate cut since the onset of the pandemic, reducing the benchmark rate by half a percentage point. Subsequent economic data has shown that hiring in recent months has been stronger than initially reported, leading to expectations that the Fed will enact a smaller rate cut of a quarter percentage point during its upcoming policy meeting on November 6-7.

Daly emphasized that the decision between a half-point and a quarter-point cut was a “close call,” but she strongly favored the former.

Logan also hinted that the Fed will continue to lower rates and suggested there is no reason to stop the Reserve from advancing its plan to reduce its balance sheet simultaneously.

On the afternoon of October 25, a seminar titled “Understanding Seniors’ Rights” was held at the Confucius Plaza Community Room in Manhattan’s Chinatown. This event was a collaborative effort by the East Asia Alliance (EAA), the University Neighborhood Housing Program, and Fuhong Healthcare, aimed at helping seniors in the community understand their rights and learn to identify and prevent common scams. The seminar drew a crowd of over 60 participants, with every seat filled. Water Lilies Food sponsored the event.

Sisi Yam, a board member of the East Asia Alliance, emphasized the growing importance of protecting seniors’ rights in today’s society. “This seminar is designed to enhance seniors’ understanding of their rights and help them navigate various social welfare resources while improving their skills in scam prevention,” she stated. “I hope seniors will actively participate in similar seminars to gain relevant information, strengthen their self-protection awareness, and secure a better quality of life in their later years.”

The seminar featured guest speaker Yanling Chen, an equitable access officer from the nonprofit health organization Raising Health. She provided insights into the various services offered by her organization, helping seniors and their families better understand community resources and social welfare, thus improving their quality of life.

Chen also detailed how to identify and prevent common scams, focusing particularly on phishing scams that often target the elderly. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, seniors aged 60 and older lose at least $3.4 billion annually to scams, making them the most affected age group. In 2023 alone, more than $1 billion was reported lost by seniors due to various scams.

On the evening of October 25th, “Uncle Wang,” or Wang Yaoqing, took the stage alongside conductor Zhang Jiemin and the Xiamen Song and Dance Theatre Symphony Orchestra to present the closing performance of the 2024 Cross-Strait (Xiamen) Arts Festival — the symphonic drama “Romeo and Juliet.” This production beautifully brought to life the timeless romance penned by Shakespeare.

Earlier that day, a meet-and-greet event featuring the creators of “Romeo and Juliet” and the festival’s closing ceremony was held at the Minnan Grand Theatre’s small theater. Wang Yaoqing, Zhang Jiemin, and renowned music critic Jiao Yuanpu engaged in a deep dialogue with local art enthusiasts, sharing stories from behind the scenes of their creative process.

The symphonic drama “Romeo and Juliet” is centered around the ballet score composed by the Russian maestro Prokofiev. Notably, Jiao Yuanpu adapted the script by weaving Shakespeare’s original text into lyrical form, allowing Wang Yaoqing’s captivating performances to illuminate the “flower of love” from four centuries ago on the stage of Gulangyu Island.

In this one-act play, Wang Yaoqing transformed into a “storyteller,” skillfully portraying fifteen characters, vividly bringing to life the complex array of personalities depicted by Shakespeare.

Wang shared his insights about the production: “This is not just a simple love story. We hope that through this performance, the audience can experience the music more profoundly, giving it a sense of visual imagery tied to the narrative. Furthermore, we aim to encourage a fresh examination of the story of Romeo and Juliet, exploring the depths and nuances behind this tragic romance.”

During the 30-day festival, the Minnan Grand Theatre presented an impressive lineup that included twelve high-quality productions, such as U-Theatre’s “Ink Five Colors 2.0,” the Zhu Zongqing Percussion Ensemble’s concert “Kinetic Energy ∞,” and the vocal concert by the mysterious Taiwanese ensemble “Voices Never Fade.” The return of renowned Taiwanese artists and ensembles to Xiamen after years apart was met with great enthusiasm from local art lovers.

Moreover, the theater organized nearly 20 art-sharing sessions and charity events, including cultural marketplaces and meet-and-greets with the stars of the shows, attracting over 1.6 million participants both online and offline, alongside extensive coverage from major national media outlets.

A highlight of the festival was the “Window of Waves” Youth Exhibition, which received widespread acclaim. This initiative serves as a platform for young Taiwanese artists to pursue their dreams in Xiamen, showcasing around 30 works, including acrylic paintings, photographs, and wooden sculptures. The exhibition was open to the public for free during the festival and centered on cultural exchange between the two regions, presenting the unique customs and historical narratives of both areas.

Chen Junyi, a young sculptor from Taiwan and an exhibitor, shared his perspective: “The cultural exchange between the two sides has significantly impacted me. Through this exhibition, I want to express the thoughts of my generation, viewing traditional culture and artifacts from our group’s perspective.”

The Minnan Grand Theatre also relaunched its “Light·Theatre” youth arts support program, providing emerging talent with a platform to showcase their skills. This initiative has attracted a number of students and young art enthusiasts from Xiamen, fostering exploration of the future of cross-strait cultural and artistic integration alongside established artists.

Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7th raid on Israel, was killed by Israeli forces in Rafah, Gaza, on the 17th. Gershon Baskin, who previously served as a negotiator for prisoner exchange agreements, spoke with CNN anchor Kim Brunhuber about the implications of Sinwar’s death. He noted that Hamas’s command structure is now in disarray, which could endanger the lives of hostages.

“Hamas is in a state of chaos,” Baskin remarked. “The internal turmoil within Gaza and the leadership in exile might lead to a dire situation. There is a real possibility that Hamas militants holding hostages could resort to execution. Right now, there is no clear command structure in Gaza, and discipline could easily break down.”

Baskin further explained that following Sinwar’s death, negotiators will need to focus on reaching an agreement with the Hamas leadership based in Doha, Qatar. “There’s a significant question to consider: Is there a viable agreement that can ensure the safe return of all hostages and guarantee that the Gaza government will not be Hamas after the conflict? If these two conditions can be secured in an agreement, then the Israeli military could withdraw from Gaza,” he stated.

On October 24-26, the second Thailand Green Technology Exhibition took place in Bangkok, and we had the opportunity to speak with key representatives about this significant event.

Organized by the Shanghai International Trade Promotion Committee, the Thai-China Technology Association, and the Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co., Ltd., the exhibition was supported by various institutions, including the Thai Ministry of Energy, the Thai Ministry of Industry, the China International Chamber of Commerce, and the Bangkok Innovation Cooperation Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The theme of this year’s exhibition was “Green Technology: Making the World More Livable,” utilizing nearly 10,000 square meters of space to host nearly 100 companies and organizations from Thailand, China, South Korea, Japan, and other nations. The exhibition focused on key areas such as renewable energy transformation, low-carbon transportation, and energy conservation, providing a vital platform for exchange and cooperation in the green technology sector between China, Thailand, and globally.

During our discussions, representatives emphasized the profound significance of collaboration between China and Thailand as two major economies in the green technology field. Throughout the exhibition, the organizers, along with Thai and Chinese institutions, hosted over 20 events, including forums and policy discussions centering on energy transformation and environmental conservation, aimed at supporting Chinese enterprises in expanding into the Thai market. These activities facilitated discussions on innovative green technologies and environmental policies, showcased Thailand’s latest advances in green energy, and provided exhibitors with a platform for technology demonstration and networking to jointly propel the innovation and development of green technology.

Notably, this year’s Thailand Green Technology Exhibition coincided with the 2024 “China Trade Promotion” (Lancang-Mekong) Green Cooperation Exhibition, creating interactive linkages and resource sharing to inject strong momentum into regional sustainable development.

In a recent endeavor to promote traditional Chinese culture through modern creativity, Hong Kong’s Lego Certified Professional, Hung Tsz-kin, has constructed an impressive 26-meter-long and 1.78-meter-wide three-dimensional model of the famous “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” using nearly three million Lego bricks. This monumental piece has officially set a Guinness World Record for the largest Lego scenery model in the world. The model has been on display at the New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, and has attracted a large number of visitors and locals alike.

On September 25th, the magnificent model was unveiled in a shopping mall, recreating the bustling life of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng) during the Northern Song Dynasty. Hung, the only Lego Certified Expert in Hong Kong, dedicated over five months to this project, culminating in his recognition by Guinness World Records in September. He aims to celebrate China’s historical heritage in honor of the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China.

The project was initiated by the Bank of China (Hong Kong), which sought to engage the youth by blending contemporary trends with traditional culture through creative activities. Wen Xiwen, Deputy General Manager of Personal Finance and Wealth Management at the bank, stated, “We hope to resonate with the younger generation’s interests, enriching the cultural and artistic life of our community.”

Originally working in the finance sector, Hung turned to Lego as a way to alleviate work stress. However, a fortunate opportunity led him to pursue certification as a Lego Master, making him the 13th person globally to achieve this title in 2015, as well as the first in Greater China. With a deep-rooted interest in Chinese history, Hung began conceptualizing the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” project six or seven years ago.

Reflecting on the experience of recreating this masterpiece, Hung expressed his excitement, stating, “It was exhilarating and fulfilling.” He compares the creative process to falling in love, emphasizing that understanding the subject matter deeply helps bring its allure into the model. Throughout the construction, he collaborated with local youth to depict significant scenes like the Rainbow Bridge, various shops, and the caravan of camels—transforming a two-dimensional painting into a vibrant, detailed Lego masterpiece.

Hung noted that there were three main challenges in recreating the artwork: gathering extensive reference materials to determine the appropriate colors for the scenery, conceptualizing how to transition from flat images to a three-dimensional form, and handling the intricacies of the figures—especially since Lego has limited options for Chinese characters and clothing.

He shared that locating the specific camel models necessary for the caravan was unexpectedly difficult. “These camel models were discontinued over a decade ago, and acquiring them locally is nearly impossible,” he explained. “We have had to source them online, which is costly, as each one can exceed a hundred Hong Kong dollars.”

Now nearing a decade as a Lego Certified Professional, Hung feels a sense of duty in his work. He believes that while building with Lego brings joy, it also helps traditional Chinese culture gain international recognition. Over the years, he has created several significant pieces inspired by Chinese heritage, including models of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

“The fusion of traditional culture with modern elements like Lego is quite delightful,” Hung remarked. He believes that using Lego to recreate ancient architecture and scenes sparks greater interest in traditional culture among young people. “Promoting Chinese culture to the next generation in this way is incredibly gratifying.”

On October 26, the “Chinese Moutai · Pillars of the Nation” 2024 Hope Project’s Dream Realization Initiative, a large-scale public welfare scholarship event, was held in Beijing. This impactful initiative has been providing hope and support to countless young students for thirteen years, maintaining an annual donation amount of 100 million yuan.

Launched in 2012 by the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF), Guizhou Moutai, the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League, and 32 provincial youth development foundations across the country, the “Chinese Moutai · Pillars of the Nation – 2012 Hope Project Dream Realization Initiative” kicked off in Beijing. During the event, Guizhou Moutai donated 100 million yuan to the CYDF to support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who excel academically and are accepted into regular full-time higher education institutions.

Every year, the “Chinese Moutai · Pillars of the Nation” Hope Project Dream Realization Initiative continues its mission, consistently donating 100 million yuan annually. The initiative constantly optimizes its focus on donations to illuminate the paths of even more young people.

A representative from the CYDF highlighted that since the implementation of the “Chinese Moutai · Pillars of the Nation” initiative, this unique public welfare project has evolved through continuous exploration and practical application. It has become one of the most significant public welfare brands under the Hope Project, demonstrating remarkable reach, extensive beneficiary coverage, and deep collaboration, making a substantial contribution to the development and success of today’s youth.

Zhang Deqin, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Moutai Group, shared three key thoughts during the event and emphasized the future vision of establishing the “Chinese Moutai · Pillars of the Nation” as a central brand for Moutai’s philanthropic efforts.

First, he discussed the significance of charitable education, emphasizing the importance of deeply engaging in the “Pillars of the Nation” initiative to support students in chasing their dreams. Since the launch of this program, Moutai has helped over 250,000 students achieve their university dreams, many of whom are now contributing to national development. Zhang also noted that a significant number of Moutai alumni actively participate in social welfare and volunteer activities, with nearly 90% having been involved in such initiatives. Furthermore, Moutai is committed to enhancing its charity work; this year, they added four new sub-projects to the initiative, including a special class for students, community service activities, homecoming journeys, and a talent program to inspire students to strive for excellence.

Second, he emphasized the importance of sustaining long-term charitable efforts to establish a strong public welfare brand and demonstrate Moutai’s commitment to social responsibility. As a company rooted in the countryside, Moutai has engaged millions of local residents in its production chain. Since the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan,” Moutai has contributed over 9 billion yuan to support agriculture, education, disaster relief, and environmental protection. The company actively collaborates with suppliers and distributors to improve the livelihoods of local communities and give back to society in recognition of public support for Moutai.

Third, he reiterated the importance of fostering values through charitable actions, aiming to cultivate future pillars of society. Zhang expressed Moutai’s desire to work alongside students to build a brighter future, committing to support them in overcoming challenges in their educational journeys. He encourages students to set ambitious goals, learn from books, practice, and their predecessors, while cultivating innovation and a proactive mindset, ultimately striving to become contributors to the nation and society.

In closing, Zhang highlighted the company’s plans to upgrade its philanthropic efforts by focusing on the core values of “Respecting Heaven and People, Practicing Integrity and Kindness” and strengthening the “Chinese Moutai · Pillars of the Nation” brand. Moutai will continue to support rural revitalization, educational initiatives, and various fields such as technology, culture, and environmental protection, fostering the development of talent in research, education, healthcare, sports, and culture to cultivate more skilled professionals and “pillars of the nation.”

Zhang emphasized that as Moutai embarks on this new journey, the company is committed to upholding a sense of social responsibility reflective of its brand’s stature, expanding its community of public welfare allies, and diligently enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of the “Pillars of the Nation” philanthropic initiative.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left Asheville, North Carolina, grappling with significant devastation, residents found a remarkable sense of community amidst hardship. With power outages, water shortages, and food rapidly spoiling, people like Erin Kellem stepped up to help one another. “Anyone in the neighborhood with a chainsaw came out to help clear the roads,” Kellem recounted. “When it became clear that restoring power would take a while, we all agreed to check our freezers and see what we could cook together.”

Kellem and her neighbors banded together, pooling their resources of wilting vegetables and thawed meats to prepare meals for each other. “Our neighbors had organized what they called a ‘freezer burn’ event, encouraging everyone to bring a grill or camp stove,” Taylor Aurilio shared, describing how an anticipated gathering of a dozen grew into a lively assembly of around 30. BBQ, Mexican, and Asian dishes filled the air with tantalizing aromas as everyone contributed to the feast.

Rachel Wingo, a social worker from West Asheville, highlighted the rich diversity of her neighborhood, comprising Russian, Spanish, and English-speaking families. “Before the storm, we often held potlucks together,” she said. “After the hurricane, it turned into an even bigger effort to help one another.” Neighbors checked in on each other, rushing to clear out freezers and using up what they could as a cold front loomed. Wingo managed to salvage a few items from her garden and recalled, “My garden was largely washed away in the floods, but what I had left turned into our first meal together.”

Though not a big meat eater, Wingo had received a subscription box from a local farmer, presenting her with more beef than she was used to. “I took it across the street to my Salvadoran neighbors, who turned it into carne asada. They explained the cooking method, ensuring it could last a couple of days without refrigeration. Suddenly, I had multiple days of carne asada.”

Community meals continued for many days in various neighborhoods. While Aurilio’s area had a bonfire, Kellem’s family enjoyed cookouts every night for a week. Wingo noted that even three weeks later, they still gather to cook for one another, despite power being restored. “We did all of this without spending a dime. We simply shared what we had,” she said, recalling her favorite meal at the home of Marty Gutierrez, who runs a local cake shop. Wingo described the gathering: “There was banana bread, grilled meats and veggies for tacos, and someone even fried nopales. It felt like everyone came together regardless of background, age, or language.”

Wingo reflected on how the experience fostered connections among neighbors, many of whom had never interacted before the storm. “Honestly, before this, I knew more of the dogs’ names in the neighborhood than their owners’,” she admitted with a laugh. “It took a hurricane and a prolonged power outage for us to bond as friends, even if just for a brief time.”

As they navigate the long road to recovery, one thing is clear: despite the challenges, a spirit of generosity and community resilience has emerged, transforming adversity into connection in Asheville.

**Interview with Tsiren Rob, the “Most Beautiful Border Guardian”: A Veteran’s Ongoing Commitment to Protecting the Frontier**

By: Gonsang Laram and Liu Xiaodong

Recently, the Administrative Office of the Ali Region in Tibet, alongside the Ali Military Division, held an awards ceremony and storytelling session recognizing the “Most Beautiful Border Guardians” in Shiquanhe Town. The event honored outstanding members of the border defense force, militia, and local citizens who excelled in border control, patrol duties, military training, and political education.

Among the honorees, one name stood out: Tsiren Rob, the Party Secretary and Village Committee Director of Deya Village in Zhada County, Ali Region.

Having served as a soldier in the Ali Military Division after enlisting in 1984, Tsiren underwent a year of training in Yecheng, Xinjiang, before being assigned to the Shubqi Border Defense Company in Deya Township in 1985. Reflecting on the conditions at the time, he shared, “Transportation was extremely difficult. We could only access the area from late June to October.”

After being discharged in 1999, Tsiren remained committed to his role on the frontlines, engaging in activities such as herding while patrolling, maintaining border facilities, and ensuring public safety. He established a volunteer patrol team made up of party members, which he led to regularly assist the military with guarding posts and patrolling.

When asked about his past experiences as a border guardian, Tsiren noted, “Back then, we could only herd sheep and cattle along the border because there were no roads; you had to ride horses or walk to get around. Nowadays, everything has changed dramatically. Roads have been built right up to our doorsteps, and every household has a vehicle, making transportation much easier.”

Having dedicated nearly 40 years to safeguarding the plateau since 1985, Tsiren not only protects the border but also leads his fellow villagers in developing their homeland. He encourages local youth and returning veterans to stay in the highlands to collaboratively build and safeguard the border. In 2016, he made the impactful decision to send his son, Rin Jianji, to serve in the same military unit where he once fought, continuing the family legacy of border protection.

During his military service, Tsiren received three third-class merit awards and post-discharge recognition as a “National Model of Patriotism and Love for the Military,” a “Most Beautiful Supporter of the Military,” and the title of “National Model Individual for Ethnic Unity and Progress,” among other accolades.

Under Tsiren’s leadership, Deya Village has established agricultural and animal husbandry cooperatives, extensively cultivating economic fruit such as Deya red apples and white apricots. They have also launched a brick factory that brings in close to 3 million yuan annually for local residents.

In addition to Tsiren, the recent evaluation also highlighted the contributions of ten other dedicated border guardians, such as Sergeant Major Wei Mengyu and He Jun, who have demonstrated resilience and courage in their duties.

Xu Hui, from a communication station in the Ali Military Division, expressed how the awards and stories shared during the ceremony greatly inspired her, reinforcing her determination and confidence to serve and excel in her work in the highlands. Meanwhile, He Jun reflected on being named a “Most Beautiful Border Guardian,” stating it as the highest recognition for his years of service on the plateau, vowing to continue his dedication to safeguarding the border.

As this story unfolds, it’s clear that individuals like Tsiren Rob not only protect the frontier but also inspire others to contribute to their communities and uphold the spirit of service.