Category: NEWS

In an interview conducted on October 19, 2023, in Lishui, China, we explored the transformation of coffee culture in Qingtian County, Zhejiang Province. Traditionally viewed as an imported luxury item associated with urban elites, coffee has evolved into a significant part of local life since the 1990s, deeply embedded in the streets, alleys, and daily rhythms of the community.

When we asked Ji Yiping, a key figure in this coffee revolution, about the origins of this phenomenon, he shared his unique journey. “In the 1990s, coffee was becoming popular in major cities due to its Western roots,” Ji recalled. “After saying goodbye to my brother who was returning from Europe, I stepped into a coffee shop at the airport and was captivated by the rich aroma. It sparked an idea: I wanted to bring that experience back to Qingtian.”

Ji explained that while traditional Chinese tastes leaned more toward lighter beverages like tea, he noticed a growing market in Qingtian driven by returning overseas Chinese who had developed a coffee-drinking habit during their time abroad. “At that time,” he said, “there were no coffee shops to cater to these individuals upon their return. I decided to open the first cafe in Qingtian.”

In 1992, Ji launched “Yuanshang Ren” (“Original Hometown”) cafe. He faced challenges due to limited resources, particularly the scarcity of espresso machines. Instead, he crafted rich coffee using a manual stirring method. “While it was a simple process, the coffee turned out to be exceptionally aromatic, quickly attracting a loyal customer base. A cup cost only five yuan, but our daily revenue reached between 2,000 to 4,000 yuan,” Ji noted.

The success of his cafe ignited a budding coffee culture in Qingtian, leading to a surge in cafes across the region. As we moved into the 21st century, we asked Ji about the significant changes that have occurred in Qingtian’s coffee industry. He reflected on how advancements in technology and talent exchanges propelled rapid growth. “Today, on Linjiang Road, we have a variety of both big-name brands and local coffee shops. From importing coffee beans to roasting and packaging, we can proudly say that coffee in Qingtian is now ‘made in Qingtian,'” he added.

We also spoke with Yu Fei, a co-founder of a local coffee roasting factory. “In the early days, we only processed pre-roasted beans from abroad, but now we handle everything from importing raw beans to roasting and selling them ourselves,” Yu explained. This shift has empowered local producers and improved quality standards.

Yu highlighted how shifting consumer demands reflect a growing diversity in the coffee culture. “Generational preferences vary significantly,” she noted. “Those from the ’60s value high-quality espresso, while the ’70s generation enjoys the ambiance of coffee spaces. The ’80s and ’90s crowds are more interested in unique coffee flavors and social experiences.” Responding to this insight, Yu aims to create differentiated products that resonate with diverse age groups and incorporate Qingtian’s local identity into packaging design.

The rapid development of Qingtian’s coffee industry has been supported by the Qingtian Coffee Association. Zhang Yanfeng, the association’s president, stated, “Compared to Europe, Qingtian’s coffee history is relatively young. Our early attempts were inconsistent and mainly reflected Italian street coffee culture. To enhance the overall quality of Qingtian coffee, we have implemented a series of industry standards and guidelines, encouraging professionals to adopt more scientifically sound methods to capture the true essence of coffee.”

From the initial brewing of coffee to the establishment of a complete production chain, Qingtian’s coffee economy has undergone remarkable transformations in the 75 years since the founding of New China. Today, the area boasts 517 cafes, with annual coffee consumption exceeding 100 tons and daily sales approaching 20,000 cups. The coffee industry has surpassed a yearly output value of 100 million yuan, establishing a robust supply chain that integrates imported raw materials, local roasting, and retail sales.

In a recent interview, Mr. Shi, a resident of the Jiulongpo District in Chongqing, expressed his satisfaction with the new benefits offered by the social security card. “With just one card, I can shop, dine out, and even visit the zoo, all while enjoying discounts that meet my everyday needs. It’s fantastic!” he remarked after completing his grocery shopping at a local supermarket.

This sentiment reflects the growing initiative in Chongqing to create a consumer-friendly ecosystem centered around the social security card. According to recent reports, the Chongqing Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, in collaboration with the Jiulongpo District, the Chongqing UnionPay, and partner banks, is pioneering this initiative in Jiulongpo. The goal is to offer a seamless “one card” experience for diverse activities, such as shopping, entertainment, and dining, effectively linking benefits for the public with consumer stimulation.

A representative from the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau highlighted several new features of this initiative, including ongoing personalized discounts in key commercial areas like Yangjiaqiao, half-price tickets at the Chongqing Zoo, and daily discounts at designated cafeterias for social security cardholders.

“We plan to further advance the ‘one card’ reform for social security cards, leveraging their extensive coverage, comprehensive functions, and online-offline integration,” the official stressed. “We aim to connect more districts, departments, and financial partners to develop additional consumer benefits across the city.”

Looking ahead, the city has set its sights on planning a series of promotional activities tied to the social security card, investigating a system for designating authorized merchants, and nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship between businesses and residents. The overarching aim is to transform this small card into a gateway for more convenient services and public benefits, ultimately supporting a more enriched quality of life for all citizens.

On September 24, the Chongqing Municipal Government issued a working plan for a comprehensive resident service card, outlining plans to expand its capabilities and enhance the community’s experience. By the end of 2026, the initiative aims for widespread access to the card’s features and the establishment of cross-regional applications.

In recent weeks, a coffee shop located within the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital has taken social media by storm, drawing attention for its vintage European-style architecture and beautiful surroundings. Influencers have flocked to the spot, arriving with professional photography gear like reflectors and tripods, capturing photos and even live-streaming in front of the café. This phenomenon has sparked considerable debate online, with many expressing their disbelief, labeling the situation as “absurd” and “ridiculous.” Some citizens have voiced concerns about the impact on the hospital’s environment. While the pursuit of beauty and online popularity is understandable, when this quest crosses boundaries, what starts as a fun experience can quickly turn into a disturbance—making the most picturesque photos lose their charm.

During a recent visit, I found that the café is situated in the west wing of the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital on Changle Road. Known for its lush sycamore trees and rich cultural vibe, Changle Road attracts many for a leisurely urban stroll. This café, which opened earlier this year, is located inside a century-old building, with the ground floor designated as a public area for patients and their families to take a break, as well as a space for medical staff to recharge. However, the hospital’s efforts to enhance its service environment have unintentionally transformed what has been a clinical setting for over 70 years into a backdrop for photo ops, making some patients seeking medical assistance feel uncomfortable amidst the unusual spectacle.

Concerns have been raised online about the hospital’s apparent lack of oversight regarding this influencer phenomenon. In response, the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital has stated that they will enhance management measures. They plan to discourage commercial photography, the prolonged occupation of seating meant for patients, and the use of large lighting equipment to ensure that normal medical activities can proceed unobstructed and that patients can enjoy a more comfortable experience. While it is clear that hospitals aren’t law enforcement agencies, relying solely on strict regulations to monitor every visitor and their belongings could overly complicate the experience for those genuinely seeking care. The question arises: aside from reinforcing rules and providing guidance, what other proactive measures can hospitals and similar institutions take to mitigate this issue?

In recent years, the trend of “taking social media photos” has become widespread, driven by a collective yearning for beauty and novelty and fulfilling social needs in our digital age. This trend has spurred innovations in business practices and become a significant cultural phenomenon. However, the growing participation in these activities has also led to numerous issues associated with influencer culture. Uncivil behaviors such as climbing on sculptures for the perfect shot, trespassing in residential areas for pictures late at night, and even illegal escapades in restricted areas raise serious concerns about public safety and order. Furthermore, misleading “travel photo guides” found online can misrepresent attractions and harm a city’s image, ultimately impacting the healthy development of the travel and tourism industry.

Instances where photo-taking disrupts public order or infringes on others’ rights are becoming increasingly common. These “influencer” behaviors signal a blurred understanding of the boundaries concerning public resource usage. Influencers should recognize that society is a collective; meeting individual desires should not come at the expense of others’ privacy and normalcy. Ultimately, in the age of social media, creative endeavors must respect limits, balance personal expression with public interest, and avoid transforming widely accessible public resources into mere backgrounds for individual marketing stories.

To address the complications stemming from influencer activities, responsible action must also come from relevant authorities and platforms. Strengthening content monitoring and oversight is essential to avoid risks from false advertising and hype. More importantly, guiding influencers and the public toward a respectful use of shared resources is crucial. We hope that through collective efforts across society, a more civil and healthy online ethos can emerge, transforming responsible “photo-taking” into a commendable and memorable part of our social landscape.

•Donates N70m to Shanahan Varsity, College of Nursing, Midwifery
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has advised that nurses and other professionals travelling overseas for greener pastures should not be stopped.
Obi stated this while making a donation of N20million to St Charles Borromeo College of Nursing and midwifery in Onitsha on Monday. He also donated N50million to Shanahan University, an institution owned by Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.
Obi, who donated N10million each to both the midwifery and nursing departments, said education and health were the currencies with which people would transact in the future.
While noting that he didn’t believe in brain drain, he added that Nigeria has over 200 million people, and that there was no need to restrict people from travelling out of the country for greener pastures.
Rather, he said Nigeria should concentrate on training more people, adding that foreign remittances could be a form of revenue for the country.
Obi told students of the college that, “What we are doing (donation) is not charity, we are rather investing in you. We need to invest in knowledge and health because it is the future.
“Investing in you will ensure your greatness. Your profession is lucrative, you’re being looked for all over the world. I told Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria that they should stop denying anybody from leaving Nigeria for greener pastures.
“We have 200 million people, let us educate them. Let those who want go out to go and those who want to stay should stay. Diaspora remittance is also a form of revenue generation.
“If you see me going round trying to donate, it is not anything but because we want to make life better for you all. I came here so I can donate to you.
“My children will not attend that university (Shanahan University), and I can sit down and use the money to add more chieftaincy to my name, but that is not be how to develop the future.
“I will be in college of nursing Anyingba tomorrow, they need my assistance to get accreditation and I will be there to support them, so that they can get.”
Earlier, Obi attended a holy mass conducted in honour of the opening ceremony of Shanahan University, at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha, where he eulogised Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Diocese, Valerian Okeke for the establishment of the university.
He said, “What shows greatness is those who think about tomorrow. The Bishop is thinking of tomorrow. By establishing this university, you have shown yourself as someone who is desirous of building a better tomorrow.”

On October 13, 2024, we celebrate the 35th International Day for Disaster Reduction. In light of this, the Fire and Rescue Team in the Ali region of Tibet has launched a series of educational activities aimed at raising public awareness about fire safety and enhancing the community’s capacity to respond to disasters and implement self-rescue techniques. The theme for this year’s observance is “Empowering the Next Generation, Building a Resilient Future,” and the team is committed to fostering an environment where everyone learns about disaster prevention and reduction.

The fire rescue team is actively engaging the community by distributing fire safety brochures and materials to educate the public on disaster knowledge and essential skills for prevention and response. They also hold informational sessions to address questions related to disaster preparedness. Key topics include fire prevention, initial fire suppression techniques, how to make emergency calls, and safe evacuation procedures. The goal is to instill a strong sense of fire safety and awareness among the populace.

Moving forward, the team plans to continue innovating their educational approaches and reinforcing fire safety messages to equip the public with more knowledge about fire safety and disaster prevention skills. This initiative aims to enhance everyone’s ability to avoid danger and perform self-rescue and mutual assistance in emergency situations.

On October 13, several key economic data points for the third quarter were released. What insights can we glean from these figures? Let’s take a closer look.

Sales revenue has shown consistent growth across various sectors, indicating a continued release of consumer potential. According to the National Taxation Administration, the sales revenue of industrial enterprises nationwide increased by 3.6% year-on-year in the first three quarters. Notably, the equipment manufacturing sector saw a 5.3% increase, particularly in advanced manufacturing areas like computer communications and instrumentation, where growth remained in the double digits.

The ongoing effectiveness of the “Two New” policies is becoming apparent. Driven by large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in programs for consumer goods, the amount spent by businesses on machinery and equipment has risen by 6.5% year-on-year, with a 5% increase in September alone—2.4 percentage points higher than in August. Retail sales of home entertainment devices like televisions grew by 10.2%, while daily appliances such as refrigerators saw a 6.5% increase. Furniture and sanitary ware retail sales also exceeded growth rates of 10%.

In terms of greener initiatives, the clean energy sector is experiencing rapid growth. Sales revenue for industries focused on ecological protection and environmental management rose by 11.4% year-on-year, with green technology services in areas like new energy and energy conservation increasing by about 20%. Industries involved in solar, hydro, and wind energy are likewise maintaining robust growth.

Wei Qijia, a researcher at the National Development and Reform Commission’s Information Center, stated that the macro economy is not only maintaining stable operations but is also accelerating towards higher-quality development. There is a fast-tracked pace in structural adjustments and industrial upgrades, leading to the formation of new productive capacities that are creating positive momentum.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) has shown a narrowing year-on-year decline. The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 2.0% decrease in the PPI for the first nine months of the year. Specific industries experienced mixed price movements due to seasonal and external factors. Increases in international oil prices and the rising costs of copper and aluminum have affected the domestic prices of oil and gas extraction and non-ferrous metals, contributing to the upward pressure on the PPI.

Consumer prices have remained stable with a modest rise. The same bureau noted a 0.3% year-on-year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the first three quarters, with service prices climbing by 0.8% compared to last year, which significantly influenced the CPI’s rise.

Zhang Xuewu, head of the price monitoring center at the National Development and Reform Commission, indicated that as domestic demand recovers, prices for services, including dining, tourism, and household services, have seen varying degrees of increase, driving up the overall service prices for the third quarter.

Looking ahead, experts predict that as existing policies are effectively implemented, a comprehensive set of new policies will be rapidly introduced and take effect, reinforcing positive trends in economic recovery.

As the chill of late autumn descends, the vibrant atmosphere at the Guangxi Yulin Special Education School is palpable. Spanning 18.3 acres, the campus is adorned with lush trees and equipped with comprehensive facilities. Here, 511 students with various disabilities receive holistic care and education, supported by 168 dedicated staff members who provide both love and expertise, fostering hope for these remarkable children.

Recently, the China Disabled Persons’ News Promotion Association and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Disabled Persons’ Federation organized a “Central Media Goes to the Grassroots” event, which allowed us to explore the warmth and transformation experienced by disabled children at Yulin Special Education School.

In the rehabilitation training room, we met Xiaoming (a pseudonym), a child with autism who struggled to communicate when he first enrolled. After undergoing rehabilitation training for some time, he can now greet teachers and classmates with confidence.

At the Special Olympics roller skating training area, four spirited young men were engaged in intensive training. All were students with moderate intellectual disabilities who had previously faced challenges in communication, cognition, and motor coordination.

“At the beginning, they could barely stand steadily, but these kids have shown tremendous effort. Through long-term individualized rehabilitation training, not only have their physical abilities improved, but they’ve also revealed athletic potential,” reflected Liang Jinquan, the school’s vice principal, with pride and satisfaction as he recalled the students’ development.

In the vocational skills classroom, we observed students diligently studying foot massage and therapy techniques. Among them were also successful graduates like Qin Guankan and Ning Zhongyu, both visually impaired. Qin has opened a blind massage center in Nanning, expanding to employ twelve blind massage therapists, while Ning partnered with friends to launch a massage business in Yulin and recently established his own blind massage parlor, creating eight jobs for blind therapists.

“The skills I learned at this school have armed me for societal engagement. I hope to help others like me,” Qin expressed during our interview, grateful for the nurturing he received that allowed him to realize his potential.

In a corner of the campus, we witnessed heartwarming scenes of teachers and students collaborating on art and craft projects. “We focus not only on knowledge acquisition and skill development but also on students’ mental well-being and interests, helping each child discover their unique strengths,” Liang emphasized.

“We are committed to the mission of laying a foundation for the happy lives of children with disabilities, guided by the principles of nurturing happy teachers, students, and families,” Liang stated. He added that the school continuously aims to provide the highest quality education and rehabilitation services by integrating medical and educational resources, promoting sports rehabilitation activities, and fostering community engagement.

In recent years, under the care of various stakeholders, the quality of education at Yulin Special Education School has improved significantly, achieving remarkable results in sports, vocational training, and integrated therapeutic education. As a designated district-level institution for rehabilitation training for intellectually disabled (autistic) students aged 0-17 in Guangxi, the school supports around 330 students annually with noticeable results.

Kuan Zhaomei, chairperson of the Yulin Disabled Persons’ Federation, highlighted that the school aims for personalized development through technology-assisted support and precise rehabilitation. It is dedicated to providing exceptional special education services for countless disabled students, ensuring that every special child has the opportunity to shine in life. With continued support from the community, there is hope for a brighter future for these exceptional children.

On October 10, in celebration of the Double Tenth Day, the Chinese community in Manhattan held a flag-raising ceremony and parade organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) to honor the Republic of China’s 113th anniversary. This event was not only a display of respect and joy for the Republic but also aimed at promoting Chinese culture, fostering community solidarity, and showcasing the values of democracy and freedom to the broader society.

The festivities began with a flag-raising ceremony in front of the CCBA building on Mott Street. A large flag featuring the “Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth” design was raised to the tune of the national anthem, as representatives from various overseas Chinese groups and attendees sang along, watching the flag ascend with pride.

The CCBA building was adorned with banners emphasizing “Equality, Fraternity, Justice, and Peace,” as well as “Democracy, Freedom, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law,” with a “Long Live the Republic of China” banner situated prominently in between, attracting many onlookers. Once the flag reached the top of the building, everyone proceeded to Columbus Park to lay flowers at the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

Following the floral tribute, a celebration was held in the CCBA hall, where CCBA President Chao-jan Chu addressed the audience. He reflected on Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s passionate and hopeful speech delivered in New York in April 1911, where he called for the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty’s oppressive regime. He emphasized the need to “eradicate old practices and restore the glory of the Han people” and proclaimed the goal of establishing a republic in China where everyone could enjoy freedom and happiness.

Chu noted that the CCBA and the overseas Chinese community strongly supported the revolution at that time, which not only inspired the revolutionary movement but also laid the foundation for the unity of the community today. He stressed that since the founding of the Republic of China, the New York Chinese community has consistently upheld the principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. He reaffirmed their commitment to unwaveringly support the Republic of China against any challenges, ensuring that the values of freedom and democracy continue to shine in Taiwan and Asia.

In his remarks, Li Chih-chiang, the director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, expressed his emotions at witnessing his first flag-raising ceremony just three months into his tenure. He was moved to hear the national anthem sung by the diaspora. Li highlighted that Taiwan’s democracy is built upon the Three Principles of the People and the Five-Power Constitution proposed by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, noting it as the only elected government among the three regions across the Taiwan Strait. He contrasted this with Hong Kong and Macau, which have been increasingly influenced by the Chinese Communist Party.

Attending the event were also Deputy Director Zhang Lih-hsien and Director Chen Yong-feng from the Overseas Community Affairs Council, along with representatives from seven major overseas Chinese organizations affiliated with the CCBA. The parade was divided into six groups, with the lead group including representatives from China Airlines and the New York Chinese Business Association.

Additionally, the overseas Chinese community in New Jersey held its own Double Tenth Day celebration on October 6, organized by the Chinese American Association of Northern New Jersey. The event included both an outdoor flag-raising ceremony and indoor festivities featuring dragon dances, lion dances, folk dances, diabolo performances, and a dance by the New Jersey Overseas Youth Cultural Ambassador Association (FASCA).

For several months, Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, has been seeking federal regulatory approval to provide direct satellite signals to mobile phone services. Established telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon have been lobbying vigorously against this move, arguing that it could disrupt existing services. However, when Hurricane Helene struck, Starlink quickly deployed over 1,000 terminal antennas to the affected areas. This swift action has helped pave the way for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve a partnership between Starlink and T-Mobile to test satellite phone services in hurricane-damaged regions. While this expansion offers opportunities for Starlink, it has also sparked ongoing debates and controversies regarding the political implications involved.

In a report by The Washington Post, T-Mobile’s Consumer Group President, Jon Freier, described their testing program with Starlink, allowing T-Mobile customers to receive emergency alerts, send messages, and make calls for free via Starlink on their smartphones. The testing service has already sent over 100,000 messages and was launched in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. Freier noted that if it weren’t for Hurricane Helene, they likely would not have moved into large-scale testing so swiftly, as Starlink might have still been bogged down by regulatory hurdles.

Musk stated on X that the decision to support the deployment of 1,000 antennas came at the suggestion of former President Trump, to whom he has remained loyal throughout the election process. Musk’s super PAC has spent nearly $33 million since August in support of Trump.

However, Musk’s relationship with the Biden administration has been strained. Some critics are questioning whether Starlink’s relief efforts have ulterior motives, given that the so-called “free” broadband service only lasts for a month and requires affected residents to purchase terminal antennas for several hundred dollars. New Jersey Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone criticized Musk, stating that he is “shamelessly exploiting a hurricane.”

Starlink announced on the 11th that it would extend the free usage period from 30 days until the end of the year. Musk and Republican allies are now placing the blame on the Biden administration for allegedly hindering Starlink’s development. On the 7th, James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, revealed that they are investigating whether the FCC blocked nearly $1 billion in federal funding meant for Starlink’s rural broadband expansion for political reasons in 2022. Musk has publicly lamented that “if the FCC hadn’t blocked this funding, it could have saved lives in North Carolina.” At the time, the FCC acknowledged that Starlink’s technology had promise but failed to meet broadband speed requirements typically expected of satellite operators.

On October 20, reports from CNN revealed that the United States is investigating a highly sensitive intelligence leak related to Israel’s plans for retaliating against Iran. According to insiders, a social media account named “Middle East Observer” recently shared classified documents on the platform Telegram. These documents were labeled “top secret” and are said to be accessible only to the United States and its Five Eyes allies—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The documents reportedly outline Israel’s preparations for a potential strike against Iran. One document, compiled by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, details Israel’s mobilization of weapons and ammunition. Another, sourced from the National Security Agency, describes air-to-ground missile exercises conducted by the Israeli Air Force, which are viewed as preparations for an assault on Iran.

A source confirmed the authenticity of these documents to CNN. However, both the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense declined to comment on the matter, and it remains unclear how the documents were leaked.

Earlier reports indicated that on the night of October 1, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the deaths of leaders such as Hezbollah’s Nasrallah. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that Iran would pay a price for this attack.