Category: NEWS

On September 28th, the 27th National Clinical Oncology Conference and the 2024 Annual Academic Meeting of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian. This prestigious event, focused on clinical oncology in China, embraced the theme “Patient-Centered, Shared Future,” drawing top-tier experts and scholars from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Recent data from the National Cancer Center reveals that China reported around 4.82 million new cases of malignant tumors in 2022. The conference underscored the essential role that technological innovation and support play in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Leading experts engaged in discussions surrounding prevalent conditions such as lung cancer and lymphoma, sharing cutting-edge treatment philosophies that are shaping the future of oncology research.

Lung cancer continues to be the most common and deadliest malignant tumor in China. However, with recent breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, remarkable improvements in patient survival rates and overall quality of life have been noted. Professor Zhou Caicun from the East Hospital of Tongji University pointed out that advancing lung cancer treatment requires collaborative efforts among hospital specialists, academic societies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Meanwhile, Professor Ma Jun from the Harbin Institute of Blood Diseases and Oncology highlighted significant advancements in the treatment of hematological tumors. Under the guidance of dedicated CSCO committees, innovative protocols for lymphoma treatment and the development of new drugs are emerging, leading to higher cure rates for lymphoma patients.

Li Bin, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Roche Pharmaceuticals China, expressed optimism for collaborative initiatives aimed at creating a high-quality platform for academic research exchange. He stressed the importance of harnessing innovative methods such as digital intelligence and precision medicine to propel the oncology field forward, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Since its founding in 1997, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) has grown into one of the largest nonprofit oncology professional organizations in China. Its mission revolves around fostering academic exchange and technological progress in oncology, bridging domestic and international expertise to elevate standards of cancer prevention and treatment across the country.

This year’s conference featured specialized sessions that covered a broad spectrum of cancer types and treatment strategies, uniting experts from government agencies, R&D firms, medical institutions, and health economics to deliberate on pressing topics, including the development of international anti-cancer drugs and innovative pharmaceuticals emerging from within China.

In a landscape dramatically reshaped over three decades, G. Elias has become a key player in legal practice not only in Nigeria but also on a global scale. In a recent conversation, Managing Partner Fidelis Adewole offered insights into the firm’s significant evolution, highlighting its impressive growth, contributions to the legal sector, strong international connections, and its capability to handle global legal challenges for its clients. He underlined the firm’s steadfast dedication to meeting the needs of its clients—an essential factor behind its enduring success. Adewole also explored the transformations in Nigeria’s legal environment over the last 30 years and how G. Elias has continued to adapt and thrive.

**Can you tell us about G. Elias and what it represents?**

G. Elias, established in 1994, is committed to providing exceptional legal services to businesses in Nigeria, with a vision to support our clients for generations. We focus on addressing the complex legal challenges faced by both local and international clients, regardless of their size. Our excellence is particularly recognized in corporate, financial, and commercial disputes and transactions. Today, our team comprises nearly 100 professionals, and our diverse practices have earned accolades both domestically and internationally. We specialize in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, compliance, litigation, arbitration, intellectual property, and tax law, catering to a wide range of industries including agribusiness, fintech, oil and gas, and healthcare.

**Reflecting on G. Elias’s 30-year journey, what key milestones stand out? Can you share any landmark cases or projects that have defined the firm’s reputation?**

The firm’s evolution can be segmented into phases of about 4 to 6 years. Initially, we focused on establishing a robust market presence and attracting major multinational clients in crucial sectors like financial services and energy. Many of these clients continue to rely on us for significant transactions and challenges, which has been very rewarding.

As we progressed, we began promoting outstanding lawyers to partnership roles, transforming the firm into a multi-partner practice. Remarkably, all original partners from that era are still with us today. Our recognition expanded with our first Senior Advocate appointment and our listings in top international legal directories. More recently, we achieved notable proficiency in areas like Eurobonds and arbitration, and we have seen our partnership—and staff—grow by about threefold in the past decade.

Our growth didn’t follow a strict master plan; instead, it resulted from a combination of strategic positioning, favorable circumstances, and the generous support of our community.

**Which landmark cases or projects would you highlight?**

We have been involved in numerous cases that have significantly impacted our reputation, although many clients prefer to remain anonymous. Recently, we played a key role in the pioneering Nigerian domestic USD bond, engaged in substantial arbitration efforts for foreign investors, and assisted in the listing of Transcorp Power, valued at nearly USD 1.8 billion. Other major projects have included a notable metro line in Lagos and significant oil asset transactions—each contributing to our national standing.

**In a globalized world, how does G. Elias blend local expertise with international best practices?**

At G. Elias, teamwork is essential to our approach, both internally and through our external collaborations. We prioritize responsiveness, operational efficiency, and alignment with our clients’ goals. Our culture fosters excellence and professionalism, and we are committed to nurturing top talent, which has solidified our reputation for developing young lawyers.

We also connect with law firms around the world, maintaining formal partnerships that enhance our practice. For instance, we are part of Multilaw, a global network of independent law firms that broadens our reach and collaborative opportunities across over 100 countries.

**How has G. Elias evolved in response to changes in Nigeria’s legal landscape, and what trends do you foresee for the future?**

Nigeria’s legal landscape has undergone vast reforms, technological advancements, and shifts in economic policies over the past thirty years. G. Elias has adapted proactively, not just responding to changes but actively shaping solutions within the legal community.

We are involved in numerous legal reforms aimed at improving the business environment and aligning with international standards. Our attorneys consistently update their expertise through continuous training and often contribute to discussions on legal reforms through publishing and advocacy.

Technology has revolutionized our practice; we have integrated innovative solutions to enhance efficiency. Additionally, we’ve broadened our specialized legal offerings, particularly in key sectors like oil and gas, and we expect continued complexity and demand to grow, especially regarding regulatory scrutiny and sustainability matters.

**What lessons has G. Elias learned from navigating Nigeria’s regulatory environment?**

A crucial lesson has been the necessity for adaptability in a dynamic regulatory landscape. We take a proactive approach, closely monitoring changes to ensure our clients remain compliant and well-positioned for legal shifts. Building strong relationships with regulatory bodies has also proven vital, as open communication and transparency enable us to navigate the regulatory environment more effectively and advocate for our clients’ interests.

**How does G. Elias approach corporate social responsibility?**

Corporate social responsibility is intrinsic to our firm’s values. We have a longstanding commitment to providing pro bono legal services, having assisted over 50 individuals on death row across various states in Nigeria. To commemorate our 30th anniversary, we recently provided financial support to women facing surgery for post-natal complications and contributed to vocational training programs for youth.

**As you look back on three decades of G. Elias, what core values have driven the firm’s success?**

Our journey has been guided by a commitment to teamwork, responsiveness, continuous improvement, creativity, ethics, and scholarship. These values remain at the forefront as we uphold professionalism and integrity in all of our interactions. We prioritize building trusting relationships with clients by understanding their unique challenges and offering tailored solutions—a cornerstone of our success.

**What are G. Elias’s strategic priorities for the next decade?**

In the coming years, we will focus on delivering innovative solutions for our business clients. Our strategic aims include deepening our areas of specialization, retaining top talent, and enhancing client engagement. By addressing our clients’ distinct needs, we aspire to maintain our status as a leading business law firm in Nigeria and beyond.

**In conclusion, how would you encapsulate G. Elias’s journey over the past 30 years?**

Our unwavering commitment to our core values has been essential. As we look ahead, we will continue to emphasize professionalism, integrity, and excellence, ensuring these principles remain central to our identity as we navigate future challenges and opportunities.

Experts suggest that Japanese store employees are generally less inclined to overtly address suspected shoplifting behaviors compared to their counterparts in other countries. A recent report by the Nikkei highlights a notable rise in the arrest of foreign shoplifters in Japan, particularly among Vietnamese individuals who have entered the country on tourist visas with the aid of unknown organizers. For instance, this year, Osaka police apprehended three Vietnamese women who had stolen around 3,300 items, including women’s underwear, from popular outlets like Uniqlo and H&M.

These women reportedly entered Japan between June 2023 and February 2024, utilizing short-term visas for two-week stays and targeting 37 stores throughout Tokyo and the Kansai region. Their stolen goods were valued at approximately 12.3 million yen (around $830,000), with each member earning between 170,000 and 210,000 yen (roughly $1,143 to $1,412) as compensation. One of the suspects commented on the ease of pilfering from Japanese stores, explaining how they would discreetly fill a Boston bag with merchandise until it was time to transfer it all into a suitcase held by an accomplice.

Investigators revealed that these women had entered Japan under the guidance of an unidentified man who organized their travel and lodging, as well as providing them with strategic pre-departure instructions. This included targeting open commercial spaces, steering clear of shops that had limited entrances and exits, and focusing on easily concealable women’s apparel. One suspect highlighted how the Vietnamese market is saturated with counterfeit goods, making genuine items with Japanese labels highly desirable for resale at elevated prices on local second-hand platforms.

As COVID-19 travel restrictions have eased, there’s been a noticeable increase in foreign tourism to Japan, which has coincided with a spike in organized theft by foreigners. Labor shortages in Japanese retail have created more opportunities for thieves. Data from the National Police Agency indicates that 1,326 foreigners were arrested for theft in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year—the first rise in eight years. Alarmingly, organized crime involving foreigners has become a growing concern, with about a quarter of these cases including accomplices, compared to just 3.6% of cases involving Japanese suspects.

In March, four Vietnamese nationals were sentenced to probation following their theft from a Uniqlo store in Fukuoka, during which they followed the lead of a main perpetrator and used specially modified bags to bypass anti-theft sensors.

Hikaru Masakatsu, a director at the National Association for the Prevention of Shoplifting, pointed out that the polite demeanor of Japanese retail staff towards customers contributes to the prevalence of these crimes. For instance, while retail employees in other countries might collect large bags for temporary storage as a preventative measure, Japanese staff often hesitate to intervene. Masakatsu emphasized the importance of comprehensive training to raise awareness among employees.

A spokesperson for Fast Retailing, Uniqlo’s parent company, noted, “We are exploring more effective training programs for our employees to bolster theft prevention awareness throughout all our stores.”

As we approach the November elections, we’re eager to gather insights from Americans about their perspectives on the current state of the US economy. Recent reports indicate that the rising cost of living has emerged as a primary concern among voters. After experiencing significant price hikes in recent years, some economists argue that inflation may finally be under control and that the economy could be heading toward a “soft landing,” characterized by slowing price growth and a stable job market. Nevertheless, many Americans still voice concerns and uncertainty about their economic futures.

How do you view the current state of the US economy? In what specific ways has inflation impacted you personally?

We invite you to share your stories about your experiences with inflation in the United States through the form provided. If you are 18 or older, we welcome your contributions, which can be submitted anonymously if you wish. Rest assured that your responses will be securely stored in an encrypted format, with access limited exclusively to The Guardian. Your input will be used solely for this feature, and any personal information will be deleted once it is no longer needed. For those seeking complete anonymity, we also offer the option of using our SecureDrop service.

The outcomes of the 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session have emerged as a crucial framework guiding China’s comprehensive reforms as it embarks on a new journey. To unpack the “seven focal points” outlined in these decisions, Xinhuanet’s Sike platform has launched a series titled “Authoritative Interpretations of the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session by Party School Experts.” This initiative aims to delve into the core of these reforms. A significant highlight from the decisions is the goal of establishing a high-level socialist market economic system. In this segment, we have the opportunity to speak with Professor Hong Xianghua, Deputy Director of the Research Department at the Central Party School and a member of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era Research Center, along with Gao Xingwei, a researcher at the same center.

Xinhuanet Sike: The decisions from the Third Plenary Session emphasize the construction of a high-level socialist market economic system as the top priority among the “seven focal points.” How can we best understand this high-level system?

Gao Xingwei: The decisions underscore that economic system reform remains a focal point for advancing deeper reforms. A central challenge in this reform process is balancing the relationship between government and market. One of the pivotal points in the document is its commitment that, by 2035, we will have fully established a high-level socialist market economic system. Gaining a clear understanding of this high-level system involves clarifying six critical relationships.

First, it combines Party leadership with market economy principles. Fundamentally, a socialist market economy is one that is guided by the Communist Party of China. We need to leverage both Party leadership and market efficiency. Support for Party leadership ensures our economic “ship” is steered in the right direction towards common prosperity, while allowing the market to play a decisive role in resource distribution enhances our economic growth. Both elements should work in concert, utilizing their strengths.

Second, there is a need to integrate socialism with market economy practices. We must optimize the institutional strengths of socialism while also capturing the advantages of a market economy. As Deng Xiaoping famously stated, “A planned economy does not equal socialism, and a market economy does not equal capitalism; socialism can indeed incorporate markets.” This encapsulates the integration we seek.

Third, we must ensure the compatibility of public ownership and market economy dynamics. Some voices in the West challenge our market economy status, arguing that our commitment to public ownership undermines it. However, this confusion stems from conflating “ownership” with “property rights.” Ownership pertains to asset possession, while property rights define the responsibilities and benefits associated with those assets. As long as property rights are well-defined, we can successfully develop a high-level socialist market economy.

Fourth, effective coordination between the “two hands” of government and market is fundamental. Theory and experience show that markets are the most efficient way to allocate resources. Before the 18th National Congress, we recognized the market’s fundamental role in resource allocation, and by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Congress, this role was elevated to a decisive level. This means that all resources that can be allocated by the market should be managed by the market, while businesses should operate within their capacity. However, while the market holds a critical role, the government must also remain engaged, particularly in addressing market failures. The decisions from the Third Plenary Session stressed enhancing the market mechanism to create a fairer, more dynamic market environment, optimizing resource allocation efficiency and maximizing benefits. This necessitates both a “flexible” market and “effective” governance from the government.

Fifth, the interdependence of economic and political factors cannot be ignored. Politics cannot exist without economics, nor can economics thrive without politics. Currently, we observe a notable trend towards politicizing economic matters.

Sixth, establishing a regulatory framework for capital is essential for a high-level socialist market economic system. We must harness the positive aspects of capital while mitigating its potential negative effects.

Xinhuanet Sike: How does the high-level socialist market economic system reflect its “high” qualities?

Hong Xianghua: The decisions from the Third Plenary Session emphasize the development of a high-level socialist market economic system, and the “high” quality manifests in several key areas.

Firstly, it involves an effective synergy between a dynamic market and an active government. A high-level socialist market economic system requires effective management of the government-market relationship, ensuring the market plays a decisive role in resource distribution while enhancing the government’s ability for macroeconomic regulation. This balance helps prevent both market and government failures, fostering efficiency in resource allocation and economic benefits.

Secondly, the creation of a unified national market is vital. This market aims to eliminate fragmentation and barriers, enabling the free movement of goods and resources, which is crucial for improving market efficiency and competitiveness—a defining characteristic of a high-level socialist market economic system.

Thirdly, refining the foundational institutions of the market economy is critical. The decisions stress the need for improving essential market systems, such as property rights and market access. Enhancements in these areas contribute significantly to the smooth functioning and healthy development of the market economy.

Ultimately, the “high” aspect of this system is evident across various dimensions, and these improvements will lead to higher quality, more efficient, equitable, and sustainable economic growth in China.

Xinhuanet Sike: The decisions promote both “flexibility” and “control.” How can these concepts be harmonized?

Hong Xianghua: The successful integration of “flexibility” and “control” is vital for achieving a high-level socialist market economic system and is essential for advancing Chinese-style modernization.

“Flexibility” relates to deepening reforms to fully unleash market vitality. “Control,” on the other hand, involves employing governance and management strategies to effectively regulate market behaviors, uphold fair competition, address market failures, and respond to external shocks, ensuring stable economic operations and sustainable growth. Striking a balance between flexibility and control requires effective coordination between the market’s “invisible hand” and the government’s “visible hand,” leveraging the strengths of both to address their respective shortcomings.

In practical terms, on one hand, we need to refine the market system and mechanisms to support the market’s decisive role in resource allocation. We also aim to establish a unified national market, expand our international market presence, and facilitate domestic and international cycles to create broader market opportunities. On the other hand, we must clearly define the government’s functions and responsibilities within the socialist market economic system, enhancing the effectiveness and scientific rigor of governmental management and regulation.

Xinhuanet Sike: The decisions advocate for the construction of a unified national market and highlight the importance of regulating local investment laws to prohibit illegal advantages. What does this signify, and what behaviors should the government avoid?

Gao Xingwei: The unified national market we aspire to cultivate is not simply a collection of small regional markets or a narrow local cycle. We must confront historical challenges such as unfair competition and excessive “involution” in investment attraction. While attracting investment is crucial for high-quality local economic development and industrial restructuring, we need to reflect on the appropriate roles of both the market and government.

In the context of investment attraction, the government’s responsibilities primarily focus on two areas: first, compelling local governments to improve the business environment and public service quality by enhancing investment attraction; and second, bridging the information gap between the government and enterprises. Therefore, the decisions stress the importance of standardizing local investment laws and strictly prohibiting any illegal advantages extended to businesses. We must prevent discriminatory and biased industrial policies that hinder fair competition. Local governments should avoid skewing incentives, rewards, or subsidies toward select enterprises simply for short-term economic gain, as such actions would undermine fair competition and negatively impact the development of a unified national market.

Xinhuanet Sike: The decisions reinforce the policies of “two unwavering principles,” calling for a favorable environment and more opportunities for the non-public economy. How can we further stimulate the growth of the private economy?

Gao Xingwei: A high-level socialist market economic system is not an isolated phenomenon; it is fundamentally supported by established socialist economic systems, with the “two unwavering” principles being particularly crucial.

Currently, these “two unwavering” policies are firmly anchored in our constitution and Party charter, reflecting their permanence. We must steadfastly support and develop the public ownership economy while simultaneously encouraging, supporting, and guiding the growth of the non-public economy. Ensuring that all ownership types enjoy equal access to production factors, fair competition, and legal protections is essential. This sends a strong message that private enterprises and entrepreneurs play an integral role in our system.

The private sector is a significant contributor to the economy, comprising over 50% of total tax revenue, 60% of GDP, 70% of innovations, 80% of urban employment, and 90% of all businesses. Therefore, it’s vital to convey to the market and society that while state-owned enterprises provide the foundation for common prosperity, the private sector also serves as a crucial engine for growth.

The Third Plenary Session has proposed a Law on Promoting the Private Economy to legally protect market players and ensure the practical implementation of the “two unwavering” policies. Furthermore, it stresses the removal of barriers preventing private firms from entering the market, empowering them to spearhead vital national technological initiatives and gain better access to major state research facilities. This reassures them of their critical role in fostering high-quality economic growth in China.

During the women’s singles semifinals of the 2024 China Open held in Beijing on October 5th, Chinese player Zheng Qinwen unfortunately fell during the match, injuring her finger. Ultimately, she lost to Czech player Marketa Vondrousova with a score of 0-2, missing the chance to advance to the finals.

In the semifinal match, Zheng’s mishap occurred in the sixth game of the first set while she was desperately trying to return the ball. Despite the injury, she fought hard but fell short with scores of 3-6, 4-6 against the former French Open runner-up. The moment of her fall, followed by her tears on the court, was particularly poignant for fans.

During a medical timeout, Zheng was visibly emotional, with teary eyes. After taking a painkiller, she bravely stepped back onto the court to finish the match, demonstrating both resilience and determination.

After the match, Zheng reflected on her performance and admitted, “I haven’t been at my best physically and mentally, especially after dealing with a recent cold and not enough rest. I know I can do better.”

From her emotional breakthrough in Paris to her bittersweet experience in Beijing, the past two and a half months have given Zheng’s tears a new context. Before the Paris Olympics, she faced consecutive defeats at the French Open and Wimbledon, prompting her to share a valuable lesson: “I’ve learned that I need to be patient. Having great strength is important, but knowing when to use it is crucial. The best players aren’t necessarily the strongest or the fastest; it’s about making the right choices at the right moments without chasing perfection.”

Zheng’s journey to Olympic gold was marked by a series of impressive comebacks, battling through oppressive heat to clinch Asia’s first Olympic tennis singles gold medal. She then matched her best performance at the US Open, pushing through tough matches until the early hours of the morning.

At the China Open, held at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, Zheng continued her trend of resilience, battling to comeback victories against Amanda Anisimova and Ekaterina Alexandrova. This year has seen her win all three of her three-set matches during the second half of the season.

“When I step on the court now, I sometimes know I’m not in top condition, but it’s about finding ways to win rather than blaming myself for how things are. In previous matches, I let technical issues affect me, but now I focus solely on each point,” she noted, emphasizing her growth in dealing with the challenges that come with competing at the highest level.

This China Open marked a significant milestone for Zheng, as she reached the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career. Joining Li Na and Wang Qiang, she became only the third local player to reach the women’s singles semifinals since the tournament was upgraded to a 1000 event in 2009. However, missing the finals means she still has a step to go to qualify for the year-end championships.

“Since the Australian Open, my performance hasn’t been very stable. Now, as I think about entering the finals, I feel a sense of urgency. Moving forward, I need to ensure I perform well,” Zheng summarized her first-half performance. She admits that she found it challenging to stay grounded after her success and that it was only through facing setbacks that she could regain her focus. Forgetting the glow of Olympic victory and maintaining calm and stability has become central to her approach.

Zheng is determined to turn the disappointment from the China Open into motivation. She will soon participate in the Wuhan Open, stating, “I will take it one match at a time, focusing on getting my body and mind back to where they need to be to play my best tennis.”

As the National Day holiday wraps up, many individuals are either savoring the last moments of their time off, gearing up to return to school or work, or navigating the busy journey back home. Whether crammed on a plane, riding a high-speed train, or stuck in traffic, long travel durations often lead to discomfort and soreness.

To shed light on this issue, we spoke with Professor Qian Yu from Zhejiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. He emphasizes the risks of sitting for extended periods without movement, particularly concerning the cervical spine. “This can lead to symptoms like heaviness in the shoulders, difficulty lifting the arms, and shoulder pain,” he explains. For travelers grappling with these discomforts, the professor recommends seizing travel time to perform some simple neck exercises.

One exercise he suggests involves clasping your hands behind your head and pressing your head back against your palms while simultaneously pushing your hands forward. “You should hold this position for ten seconds; you’ll feel the muscles in the back contract,” he notes. Another effective movement includes supporting your chin with both hands while pushing down with your chin, countered by pulling up with your hands. This compresses your palms against your chin for ten seconds, which bolsters neck strength.

In addition to these exercises, Professor Qian advocates for massaging acupressure points like Fengchi, Jianjing, Hegu, and Houxi. Spend three to five minutes on each point, applying firm pressure until you feel a tolerable level of discomfort. “This technique can significantly relieve muscle tension in those areas,” he suggests.

The professor also warns about “economy class syndrome,” a condition connected to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that can occur from prolonged immobility or cramped seating during long journeys. To counter this, he recommends practicing “Seated Baduanjin,” a set of wellness exercises that can be performed while seated to enhance circulation.

One of the movements, called “Knock the Teeth to Gather the Spirit,” involves sitting cross-legged with a straight back, placing closed fists on your thighs, and sitting quietly for three to five minutes before clenching and tapping your teeth together 16 times to strengthen them. Another movement, “Slightly Shake the Heavenly Pillar,” involves gently turning your head side to side to stretch the neck and alleviate tension.

The third exercise, “Tongue Swirling and Gargling,” requires swirling your tongue around the inside of your mouth both clockwise and counterclockwise. After that, hold your tongue against the roof of your mouth and gargle 36 times before swallowing in three intervals. “This helps support oral health and nourishes the skin and internal organs,” says Professor Qian.

As travelers wrap up their holidays and embark on their journeys home, keeping these tips in mind can help ease the physical strain that often accompanies travel.

On October 6th, the China (Fujian) – Hungary Cultural Exchange Week officially kicked off at the Fujian Art Museum. This year marks a significant milestone—the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary. The event aims to honor this anniversary by enhancing cultural and tourism cooperation between the two nations. Jointly hosted by the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Fujian Foreign Affairs Office, and the Hungarian Consulate General in Guangzhou, the exchange week features an array of activities, including art exhibitions and concerts, designed to highlight the cultural richness of both countries and to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship.

During the opening ceremony, a dual art exhibition titled “Painting and Light Symphony” was unveiled, showcasing the works of Hungarian artist Ader Orsolya and Fujian artist Tang Chenghua. This exhibition consists of 40 pieces from both artists and has drawn considerable attention from visitors eager to engage with the impressive artistry on display.

In an interview, Ader Orsolya shared her thoughts on her Chinese name, saying, “Many people wonder why I have the name ‘Mulan.’ Since I was seven years old, I’ve been enchanted by the story of Hua Mulan, and I aspire to embody her confidence, bravery, and strength.” She went on to explain that the works exhibited span various stages of her artistic journey, most of which were created in cities across China, such as Shanghai and Chengdu. “Through these pieces, I aim to express my love for Chinese culture and the profound impact it has had on me,” she added.

Fujian artist Tang Chenghua commented on the collaboration, noting, “Though our artistic styles are different, both of us express our inner emotions and spirit through our art. This exhibition allows the public to see the truth that ‘art knows no borders’ and underscores the importance of cultural integration.”

In addition to the exhibition, the Fujian Grand Theatre will host a special concert titled “Eastern Melodies,” featuring Hungarian pianist Alex Szilas interpreting classical works by renowned composers Chopin and Liszt.

In his speech, Hungarian Consul General in Guangzhou, Hu Peide, expressed that this initiative represents a vital step in enhancing cultural and artistic exchanges between Fujian, China, and Hungary. He reflected on the shared dreams and aspirations of the people from both regions, despite the physical distance that separates them. Hu eloquently compared the friendship between the two nations to Hungary’s Tokaji wine—fragrant, sweet, and enduring.

On October 1st, the Guangdong Museum of Art celebrated the opening of “Eternal Temperature—Selected Works Donated by the Ludwig Couple from the Collection of the National Art Museum of China” at its new Baitan venue.

The Ludwig couple, distinguished art collectors and respected art historians from Germany, made a significant contribution to the National Art Museum of China in 1996 by donating a collection of 89 works, totaling 117 pieces of international art. This donation has played a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange between China and the global community. The museum is actively working to engage with these collections, highlighting their artistic and cultural significance, and reigniting the “eternal temperature” of Sino-German relations.

This exhibition features 55 notable pieces from the Ludwig collection, showcasing works by iconic artists such as Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Roy Lichtenstein. These selected pieces offer a rich representation of 20th-century artistic styles, vividly portraying the evolution of global art movements and sociocultural trends. Through these artistic treasures, the exhibition aims to create a dialogue that spans different periods, regions, and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the vision and passion that the Ludwig couple has brought to art collecting.

The Guangdong Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing and promoting vital global artworks while actively encouraging cross-cultural artistic exchanges through a variety of exhibitions. The museum hopes this exhibition will inspire audiences to appreciate the excellence of world art and understand the deep significance of cross-cultural dialogue.

The exhibition will be open to the public until January 10, 2025.

On the morning of September 27, New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a noteworthy appearance at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where he faced five charges, which he firmly denied. After a brief hearing, he was granted bail under the condition that he refrain from contacting anyone involved in the case. On the same day, federal investigators conducted a search at the home of his chief advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin.

Originally, Adams was set to arrive at the courthouse around noon, but he appeared early, around 8:50 AM. Dressed in a dark blue suit and a red tie, he kept a serious expression as he passed by the media, giving them a thumbs-up without any verbal comments. Approximately four hours later, around 12:45 PM, he exited the courtroom and once again acknowledged the media with a thumbs-up.

Reports from the New York Times indicate that the court proceedings themselves lasted less than 20 minutes. During the hearing, Adams confirmed that he understood his rights and had read the 57-page indictment against him, although he chose not to have the document read aloud in court.

An agreement was reached between the prosecution and Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, allowing for Adams’ release after he signed the necessary documents. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker approved the release without requiring him to surrender his passport. Adams’ next court date is set for October 2.

Speaking briefly to reporters outside the courthouse, Spiro asserted Adams’ innocence. “This isn’t a legitimate case at all,” he claimed.

Despite the surrounding turmoil, Adams aimed to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his schedule. It was reported that he met with city officials at 8:00 and 8:30 AM and had plans for two additional meetings later in the day, at around 3:30 and 4:00 PM.

When asked about the possibility of Adams resigning, Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement the evening before, saying she had reviewed the indictment but had yet to make a decision regarding Adams’ future. “I hope the mayor takes the next few days to consider how best to serve the people of New York City with strong leadership,” she expressed.

On the same day Adams appeared in court, federal investigators visited Lewis-Martin’s home, where they seized her phone and issued a subpoena from the grand jury. Lewis-Martin is regarded as one of Adams’ closest aides.

Currently, Adams is facing five federal charges connected to bribery, fraud, and the illicit solicitation of foreign campaign contributions. Prosecutors allege that his involvement in these activities began during his time as Brooklyn Borough President and has continued into his mayoralty. He previously delivered a brief speech, asserting that all accusations against him are “lies” and emphasizing his intention not to resign.