Monthly Archive 19/10/2024

For those who dislike Trump, his rallies can feel like a scene straight out of a chaotic spectacle, with some even drawing parallels to Nazi gatherings from the 1930s.

It’s important to note that while Trump and his team have their fair share of issues, many of his dedicated supporters often lack the necessary rational perspective. However, both inside and outside the rally venues, there are individuals capable of critical thinking. A significant portion of the crowd falls somewhere between madness and reason, seeking what feels like a safe space to hear messages that resonate with them and provide emotional relief from their daily lives. This kind of fandom mirrors the enthusiasm seen at a Taylor Swift concert, where the distinction may not be as pronounced as one might think.

Moreover, from a practical standpoint in New York, despite the fervor of these supporters, it is unlikely to make a substantial impact in the upcoming election. Perhaps the more pressing issue is not how many fans Trump attracts but rather when our elections, as a serious political engagement, will refocus on meaningful policy discussions.

For the Republican Party, there’s a need to clarify their own policies, especially regarding social security and their stance on abortion which affects female voters. Furthermore, to uphold America’s position and the order of the free world, should they not compel their candidates to explicitly support Ukraine’s success?

On the Democratic side, as they seek re-election, there’s a pressing need to address issues like border security, inflation, and urban crime with credible solutions that can instill some confidence in voters—at least to show them there’s substance behind the promises.

Since Trump rose to power through populist sentiments, the past three elections have devolved into referendums on him, creating a murky political climate and a deeply fractured society. However, time will inevitably move Trump off the historical stage. The real concern is whether the parties, having grown accustomed to this low-level of political discourse, will still be capable of proposing constructive agendas by then. This remains the most troubling aspect of our current political trajectory.

As part of the ongoing research effort focusing on the interactions between land and atmosphere on the “Roof of the World,” an aerial observation experiment measuring water, heat, and carbon fluxes in the Mount Everest region commenced on August 1 and was successfully completed after a month. This experiment is a significant component of China’s second comprehensive scientific investigation of the Tibetan Plateau and has garnered considerable attention.

What exactly do we mean by land-atmosphere interactions? Why is it necessary to conduct such research in this high-altitude region? And how does this study serve to benefit not only China but also the world at large? To delve into these questions, we conducted an exclusive interview with Dr. Jia Li, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Aerospace Information Innovation, who leads the research team for this experiment.

**Journalist:** Dr. Jia, your research team is currently conducting a study in the Everest region. Could you explain what land-atmosphere interaction is and its relationship to weather?

**Dr. Jia:** The full title of our project is “Integrated Observation Experiment of Complex Land-Atmosphere Interactions in the Cold Environments of the Everest Region on the Tibetan Plateau,” marking the first time scientists are using aerial platforms to gather observational data on water, heat, and carbon fluxes in this area.

When people hear “land-atmosphere,” they might think of whether someone’s approach is practical or relatable. However, in geoscience, “land” refers to the Earth’s surface, while “atmosphere” pertains to the layer of gases surrounding it. Thus, “land-atmosphere” encompasses two geographical domains: the Earth’s surface and its atmosphere.

Land-atmosphere interaction generally refers to the physical processes through which the surface and the atmosphere influence each other. Changes occurring on the ground can affect the atmosphere, and vice versa. This interaction plays a critical role in shaping the climate characteristics of the Earth system, significantly impacting issues like climate change.

Weather, on the other hand, pertains to the various atmospheric phenomena occurring over shorter time scales, including temperature variations and precipitation events.

**Journalist:** The Tibetan Plateau is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” and the “Third Pole.” Why is it crucial to conduct land-atmosphere interaction research in this area? What are the main scientific goals of this experiment?

**Dr. Jia:** It’s well-known that the Tibetan Plateau is the highest plateau on Earth, with a significant heating effect on the atmosphere, which then influences mid-latitude atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere. The exchange of materials and energy at the surface not only impacts the climate of the plateau and its surrounding areas but also has the potential to affect global climate through complex feedback mechanisms.

Our experimental area is located on the northern side of Everest, at an average elevation of about 4,200 meters. The land-atmosphere interactions here are not confined to the local environment; they can influence global climate patterns through atmospheric circulation. Conversely, global climate change can affect conditions on the Tibetan Plateau, such as accelerating glacier melt in the Himalayas.

The Tibetan Plateau is also aptly referred to as “Asia’s Water Tower.” We chose to conduct this experiment in July and August when the Asian monsoon brings abundant rainfall, coupled with melting snow, which leads to high soil moisture content. With strong solar radiation during the summer, the region experiences peak evaporation, significantly altering atmospheric convection and circulation. One of our objectives is to observe how energy and moisture exchanges at the surface influence atmospheric conditions.

However, the complex terrain of the Everest region means that localized ground-based observations are insufficient to capture the broader patterns of land-atmosphere water and heat exchanges. Therefore, our experiment utilizes drone platforms for extensive observational studies, combining ground stations and satellite remote sensing to create comprehensive data sets. Our aim is to understand the characteristics of land-atmosphere interactions under the unique climatic conditions and complex surface characteristics of Everest, focusing particularly on moisture cycles and the exchange of materials and energy.

**Journalist:** How do land-atmosphere interactions differ between the high-altitude “Roof of the World” and lower-elevation areas? What is the nature of their influence on one another?

**Dr. Jia:** There are significant differences between land-atmosphere interactions in high-altitude areas like the Tibetan Plateau and those in lower-elevation regions. Generally, interactions in high-altitude locales are more intense, as they absorb substantial solar radiation, which leads to strong convection. When there is moisture available on the surface, this can result in significant vapor transport from the land to the atmosphere. These vigorous, rapidly changing interactions contribute to dramatic weather patterns on the Tibetan Plateau — sometimes described as experiencing “four seasons in a single day” — in contrast to the clearly defined seasonal changes typically seen in low-elevation areas.

The heat and moisture generated by land-atmosphere interactions on the Tibetan Plateau can have cascading effects on lower-elevation regions through atmospheric circulation. However, this complex process impacts different areas and geographic conditions to varying degrees. For instance, heavy rainfall and flooding in the Yangtze River Basin may have links to the land-atmosphere interactions occurring in the Tibetan Plateau.

**Journalist:** Given that humanity has only one Earth and only one “Roof of the World,” how do studies of land-atmosphere interactions in the Everest region serve both China and the global community? How can international collaboration in this field be strengthened?

**Dr. Jia:** Due to the crucial role the Tibetan Plateau plays in the global climate system, China has placed high importance on researching land-atmosphere interactions in the region. We have established numerous ground observation stations on the plateau and are also utilizing satellite observations and model simulations to conduct large-scale studies. During the recent second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Tibetan Plateau, we made further enhancements to our observational networks.

Researching land-atmosphere interactions on the Tibetan Plateau helps us understand its climate patterns and responses to climate change, thereby providing valuable insights for both China and the world in formulating scientific strategies for addressing climate challenges. It contributes to global efforts in managing water resources and protecting ecosystems, aiding sustainable development worldwide.

Historically, the Chinese scientific community has prioritized international collaboration, engaging in various cooperative endeavors with foreign research institutions and universities, including those from neighboring countries. These collaborations span multiple disciplines beyond land-atmosphere interaction research, such as ecology, environmental science, and glaciology, all aimed at comprehensively understanding the physical processes at play on the Tibetan Plateau and their implications for global climate.

Looking forward, I advocate for enhanced data sharing and collaborative research among scientists worldwide, as well as improvements to related models to bolster our predictive capabilities regarding climate change trends and impacts. I hope that international cooperation on climate change can be aligned with global sustainable development goals, promoting a comprehensive approach to economic, social, and environmental sustainability in tackling shared global challenges.

**Journalist:** In 2023, a team of Chinese scientists donated seven “Global Water Resource Data Products (2023 Edition)” to the United Nations, with two of these sets developed by your team. What are your plans for future product development?

**Dr. Jia:** In March 2023, during the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York, CAS Academician Guo Huadong, who serves as the Director of the International Research Center for Sustainable Development Big Data, presented the “Global Water Resource Data Products (2023 Edition)” to the UN. This effort aims to share our expertise and experiences in the domain of water resources for global sustainable development, with two of the data sets being our team’s contributions — namely, the “Global Land Surface Evapotranspiration Product” and the “Global Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Product.”

Evapotranspiration encompasses the water flow between the surface and the atmosphere, serving as a key process in terrestrial water and carbon cycles. Accurately estimating evapotranspiration is crucial not only for understanding the Earth system and global climate change but also for practical applications in effective water resource development, crop water management, drought monitoring, and weather forecasting. Over the past decade, our team has developed a proprietary remote sensing model that offers high-accuracy evapotranspiration data products at various spatial and temporal resolutions. We intend to utilize this data to monitor the progress toward achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals. Recently, our evapotranspiration data product was also incorporated and published on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s data platform, broadening its potential applications.

**Journalist:** Agriculture is a significant consumer of water. With total water resources being limited and the demand for water rising, enhancing agricultural water use efficiency is one important strategy for addressing water scarcity. How can the “Global Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Product” aid in sustainable agricultural development?

**Dr. Jia:** The “Global Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Product” provides insights into the distribution and variability of water use efficiency in agriculture, helping to promote more efficient water utilization and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Our long-term research focus has been on land surface evapotranspiration and ecosystem water use efficiency. In the future, we will continue to refine and enhance these two products, making regular updates via data-sharing platforms such as the Earth Big Data Science Engineering and the FAO’s data sharing systems, thereby expanding their availability and accessibility globally.

**Journalist:** In 2019, you were appointed to the International Committee on Hydrometeorology of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) and will serve on the Scientific Steering Committee from 2024. How do you plan to use this platform to advance international and cross-disciplinary academic exchanges and cooperation?

**Dr. Jia:** The Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) is a core initiative of the World Climate Research Program and has become a prominent scientific research program since its inception in 1990.

During my tenure on the GEWEX committees, I aim to leverage my expertise in land-atmosphere interactions and satellite remote sensing applications to contribute positively to the program’s development. I also hope to encourage Chinese scientists’ participation in GEWEX activities and projects, fostering collaborations with leading international scientists.

Our team’s current experiment in the Everest region, focusing on water, heat, and carbon fluxes, aligns closely with the 2023-2032 scientific objectives set forth by GEWEX. For instance, GEWEX emphasizes understanding the roles of land-atmosphere interactions across various spatial and temporal scales in the water, energy, and carbon balance. One of the pressing questions we are addressing is the extent to which local surface-atmosphere interactions condition the characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer.

Moreover, scientists abroad are conducting similar land-atmosphere interaction studies in other high-altitude locales, such as the Alps and Andes. We are eager for opportunities to engage in comparative research with these international teams.

**Interviewee Profile:**
Dr. Jia Li is a secondary researcher at the Institute of Aerospace Information Innovation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as a doctoral advisor and a key researcher at the Academy. His research focuses on water cycles, groundwater remote sensing, and global change. He was elected to the Hydrometeorology Committee of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment in 2019 and is set to join the Scientific Steering Committee in 2024. He also chairs the Dryland Monitoring and Assessment Working Group of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization and leads the water resources working group of the “Digital Silk Road” International Science Program. Additionally, he serves as an associate editor for the journal Remote Sensing and is on the editorial boards of several domestic and international scientific journals. Dr. Jia has led or participated in over 40 scientific projects from agencies such as the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the European Union’s Framework Program, and has published over 190 academic papers in various journals.

**Ederson Demonstrates His Value to Manchester City Amid Transfer Speculation**

In a recent match against Fulham, Ederson made a strong case for his importance to Manchester City, delivering crucial saves, particularly against Adama Traoré. Coach Pep Guardiola addressed the summer transfer rumors linking Ederson to Saudi clubs, clarifying that no concrete offers were ever made. “He knew from day one that I didn’t want it, and we didn’t want it,” Guardiola explained. “But the real offer never materialized. For a keeper who has been instrumental in a team that won four consecutive Premier League titles, there’s a price and a value.” He praised Ederson for refocusing amid the uncertainty, noting, “He’s incredibly strong; he just states, ‘I’m here, and I’m going to give my best.'” Additionally, the arrival of Stefan Ortega has fostered healthy competition within the squad. Guardiola remarked, “Sometimes Ederson needs to feel that he has to perform well; otherwise, Stefan can step in. This respect and competition only make our team better.”

**Manchester United Struggles to Find Their Rhythm**

The ongoing conversation about Erik ten Hag’s future has intensified following Manchester United’s disappointing draw against Aston Villa, marked by missed chances from both teams. Bruno Fernandes came close with a free-kick that struck the bar, while Diogo Dalot prevented Jaden Philogene from scoring a potential last-minute winner. After the match, Ten Hag looked for silver linings but acknowledged the looming shadow of mediocrity over the club. With several high-profile players sidelined, the contrast underscored previous financial decisions. Ten Hag emphasized the importance of trusting his players, saying, “One day it will click,” while recognizing that time is of the essence.

**Southampton Faces a Critical Stretch**

Despite back-to-back losses by the same scoreline, Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed more satisfaction with his team’s performance against Arsenal compared to their earlier match against Bournemouth. Cameron Archer initially kindled hopes for an upset, but the defense ultimately faltered. Looking ahead to pivotal matches against Leicester and Everton, along with challenges against Manchester City and Wolves, Martin stressed the urgency for improvement, stating, “The games that define us are coming up. We need to do better in those matches.”

**Chelsea Unfazed by Suspension Issues**

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is unperturbed by the suspension of two players, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, who have each received five bookings this season. With both sidelined for the upcoming Liverpool match, Maresca is optimistic about his squad’s depth, saying, “We have an international break to prepare, and we will utilize players who weren’t in the starting XI.”

**Danny Welbeck Leads Brighton to Victory**

Reflecting on his journey since joining Brighton four years ago, 34-year-old Danny Welbeck has become an integral part of the squad. While he hasn’t been England’s go-to striker, his unique skill set and experience are invaluable. Welbeck’s intelligent play was pivotal in Brighton’s comeback against Spurs, scoring the decisive goal. His leadership, bolstered by encouragement from seasoned teammates, galvanized the team in the second half.

**Jordan Pickford Silences Critics at Everton**

At Goodison Park, Jordan Pickford faced the typical jeers from Newcastle fans but rose to the occasion, securing his first Premier League clean sheet of the season. Despite facing criticism, he remained focused, stating, “I just crack on with my game. I’ve learned from the past, stay focused, and aim to do my best for the badge.” His standout moment came when he saved a penalty from former teammate Anthony Gordon, showcasing clear improvement in his commanding presence between the posts.

**Liverpool Under Arne Slot: A Work in Progress**

Under Arne Slot’s management, Liverpool is already displaying signs of improvement. Virgil van Dijk seems to be regaining his form, and Ryan Gravenberch is being compared to legendary players for his playing style. However, Slot admitted that the upcoming challenges against top teams may require a quicker tempo, as their current performances might not stack up against stronger opponents.

**West Ham Explodes with Offensive Power**

West Ham’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich marked a turning point for the team, which finally found its attacking rhythm after a slow start to the season. With four players, including Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, getting on the scoresheet, the Hammers showcased the entertaining style that fans have longed for after experiencing tactical rigidity last season.

**Steve Cooper Celebrates Milestone Win at Leicester**

After his first league win of the season, Leicester City’s Steve Cooper kept celebrations low-key, emphasizing the need for ongoing progress and building trust within the squad. “I have a lot of work to do to connect with this team and establish ourselves as a real force,” he remarked after the narrow victory over Bournemouth.

**Gary O’Neil Faces Increasing Pressure at Wolves**

Wolves endured a demoralizing defeat to Brentford, leading to rising discontent among fans regarding manager Gary O’Neil. With defensive cohesion lacking and no clean sheets since February, O’Neil’s job appears increasingly precarious, and he candidly acknowledged, “At some point, someone will tell me to stop, and I will stop.”

In a recent interview, Shine, the proud owner of a standout Toyota GT86 that mirrors the look of a Taiwanese taxi, shared the backstory of his eye-catching vehicle that has piqued interest across Los Angeles. His car, brilliantly painted bright yellow, features a classic taxi roof light and showcases the logo along with the iconic “55688” taxi number from Taiwan. Shine’s striking modifications have caught the eye of local Taiwanese communities and sparked engaging discussions online.

Shine’s car photos have taken social media by storm, generating an overwhelming response with comments and shares flooding in. Many users have praised the design, especially the license plate reading “DaLanPa,” which humorously references a Taiwanese slang term for male anatomy, leaving Taiwanese viewers in stitches. “I wanted something unique,” Shine explained. “While a lot of GT86 owners lean towards designs inspired by the car in ‘Initial D,’ I was hoping for something that stood out more.”

About two years ago, he started transforming his vehicle, swapping its original white finish for the classic yellow reminiscent of Taiwanese taxis. Shine even brought back the taxi roof light from Taiwan, joking that it accounted for about a third of his luggage during his trip. After completing the changes, he shared the car’s design concepts with some of his colleagues, taking the opportunity to explain the cultural significance behind Taiwan’s “little yellow” taxis. Although his colleagues weren’t familiar with the Taiwanese taxi scene, they were impressed by the vibrant yellow color and unique design, even teasing him about potentially working as a taxi driver in Los Angeles. Shine humorously clarified that his modifications were merely for enjoyment, not for starting a taxi business. He even recounted a funny moment when his mother visited and briefly thought he was driving a taxi part-time.

As for the playful license plate “DaLanPa,” Shine revealed it was a product of a whimsical moment after a night out with friends. While casually browsing the California DMV website tipsy, he struck upon the idea of applying for the funny plate. “It was a spontaneous decision for a laugh, and when it got approved, it became a defining feature of my GT86,” he said. “This plate hits home particularly well with Taiwanese folks, adding an interesting layer to the car’s personality, even if it was an accidental choice.”

Looking to the future, Shine expressed his desire to share more stories about his car on social media and is considering incorporating additional Taiwanese elements, like symbols of the deity San Tai Zi. “For me, these modifications are purely for fun; they don’t carry any profound significance,” he noted. He stressed that age shouldn’t dictate one’s interests. “No matter what car you drive or how you choose to live your life, what truly matters is your happiness and making choices that resonate with you, as long as they’re legal.”

Norwegian Princess Martha Louise and her fiancé, Durek Verrett, are igniting the celebration with a grand three-day wedding event that commenced on August 29. They are set to exchange vows in a private ceremony on August 31, drawing significant public attention not just for their love story but also for Martha Louise’s intriguing claims of psychic prowess and Verrett’s role as an African American shaman.

The festivities are unfolding at the luxurious Hotel Union Geiranger, nestled in the breathtaking Geirangerfjord of Norway. Guests are making an adventurous three-hour boat journey to the scenic venue, ensuring a stunning backdrop for this momentous occasion. Day two of the celebration will feature performances from well-known American artists, including The Black Eyed Peas and Stevie Wonder, adding an extra layer of excitement before the couple ties the knot in a more intimate setting on the final day.

In a bid to maintain privacy, Norwegian media has reported that attendees are asked to refrain from using mobile phones or cameras during the festivities and to avoid sharing any related content on social media.

Princess Martha Louise, 52, and Durek Verrett, 49, first shared news of their engagement in 2022, which sparked a wave of conversation, largely due to Verrett’s self-identification as a “sixth-generation shaman” along with some of his more controversial views on health and wellness. In the wake of their engagement, Martha Louise made the decision to step down from her official royal duties.

Previously a professional equestrian, Martha Louise, who divorced her husband in 2017, is the mother of three daughters. This marks her second marriage, and she has been open about her belief in her “clairvoyant” abilities, revealing a deep interest in the spiritual world and claiming a special connection with animals and angels.

In a recent interview in Abuja, Kuni Tyessiin outlined the collaborative efforts of the Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), alongside youth and multi-stakeholder groups from all 36 states. Their focus is to assist the National Assembly in tackling the key priorities of Nigerians, particularly in relation to electoral reform.

Tyessiin revealed that they have submitted a comprehensive list of the top five priorities for youth electoral reform. These include the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, facilitating resolutions for post-election petitions, ensuring timely transmission of election results, reforming the leadership selection process of INEC (the Independent National Electoral Commission), and amending provisions related to continuous voter registration.

He emphasized that the recommendations made to the National Assembly Committees on constitutional review and electoral matters are aimed at enhancing the independence, neutrality, and efficiency of INEC. Additionally, these recommendations address the adjudication process for election petitions, the prosecution of electoral offenses, candidate qualifications, and the reinforcement of political party ideologies through expert reviews and discussions.

During the briefing, Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of KDI, pointed out findings from a nationwide survey revealing that 57 percent of the 4,324 respondents were dissatisfied with the electoral process during the 2023 elections. Furthermore, a striking 94 percent highlighted the urgent need for constitutional and legal reforms to improve the electoral system.

Tyessiin explained that based on this feedback, they distilled a total of 87 recommendations into 35 prioritized proposals, which were later refined down to 13 key recommendations for constitutional amendments during a National Multi-Stakeholder Forum.

Looking ahead, he indicated that KDI, along with its regional partners, plans to launch a youth-led electoral reform advocacy campaign in early 2024. The goal of this initiative is to amplify the voices of young Nigerians in the national conversation on electoral reforms. They aim to gather insights from youth across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to define their electoral reform priorities based on their experiences from the 2023 elections.

“Our survey indicated that 57 percent of respondents were unhappy with the recent electoral process, while 94 percent emphasized the urgent need for reforms,” Tyessiin stated. “We held 12 youth forums that brought together over 400 young people, including leaders from political party youth wings, socio-cultural organizations, transportation unions, entrepreneurs, and other previously marginalized groups to discuss electoral reform.”

He concluded with a strong call to action: “As the National Assembly embarks on this crucial legislative session, we urge them to prioritize the top five electoral reform recommendations from the youth and take swift action to amend the Electoral Act of 2022 and the Constitution.”

In a recent conversation with a representative from the Tianjin Museum, we explored their exciting new exhibition, “Golden Warrior and Fertile Steppe—Kazakh Historical Artifacts from the Kazakhstan National Museum,” which has just launched in Tianjin. This remarkable exhibition showcases 185 stunning artifacts from Kazakhstan, a pivotal hub along the ancient Silk Road and an important player in the Belt and Road Initiative. Among these pieces, the highlight is undoubtedly the “Golden Warrior,” with many artifacts making their debut outside Kazakhstan for the first time.

As the largest museum in Central Asia, the Kazakhstan National Museum is known as a treasure trove for the nation’s history and art. The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three sections: “Golden Man and Animal Style,” “Medieval Kazakhstan,” and “Modern Kazakh Decorative and Applied Arts.” Together, these sections offer a rich narrative of the ancient steppe civilization’s splendor. Visitors can expect to see cultural relics from famous Silk Road cities such as Taraz, Otrar, and Saran, showcasing exquisite artifacts that shed light on the interactions, integrations, and exchanges that occurred along this historic trade route.

The representative emphasized, “In recent years, the Tianjin Museum has embraced the Belt and Road theme, curating a range of exhibitions such as ‘The Great Tang of Chang’an—Exhibition of Shaanxi Tang Dynasty Artifacts,’ ‘Harmony and Unity—Art Exhibition of Bronze Figurines from Pingliang,’ ‘Echoes of the Dunhuang—Special Exhibition of Dunhuang Documents from the Tianjin Museum,’ and ‘Silk Road Kunlun—Exhibition of Xinjiang Artifacts.’ Through these exhibits, we aim to extend the narrative of the ancient Silk Road across the Eurasian continent, while capturing the enduring spirit of this historic route.”

The representative also noted that this exhibition marks a “key stop” within the initiative, as it represents the first time the Tianjin Museum’s “Silk Road” series has crossed national borders, reaching into Eurasia. This endeavor not only enhances cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan but also promotes a dialogue between civilizations, offering an important platform for the public to appreciate, understand, and embrace diverse cultures.

Co-organized by the Tianjin Museum, the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, and the Kazakhstan National Museum, this exhibition is accessible to the public free of charge until February 12, 2025.

On September 12th, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea hosted a reception celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day for overseas Chinese and expatriates. The event brought together over 300 attendees, including acting ambassador Fang Kun, department heads, and representatives from the Chinese community in South Korea, encompassing employees from Chinese-funded institutions and students.

As the evening commenced with the solemn rendering of the Chinese national anthem, Fang Kun took the stage to deliver an opening address, conveying festive greetings to the one million Chinese nationals in Korea. He praised the remarkable achievements of New China’s development and referenced the recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, which announced over 300 significant reform measures. This, he emphasized, reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing reforms. Fang articulated that China’s growth is poised to create even more opportunities for countries worldwide, including South Korea, as well as for individuals within the Korean Chinese community.

He highlighted the notable progress in exchanges and cooperation between China and South Korea across multiple sectors this year, expressing a wish for collaborative efforts to ensure the stable and healthy development of bilateral relations. Fang encouraged the Chinese community in South Korea to continue coming together to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development, peaceful reunification, and the strengthening of Sino-Korean friendship. He reassured those present that the embassy remains dedicated to serving the community and enhancing their well-being.

Wang Haijun, president of the Korean Chinese Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association, Sun Yuxu, president of the Seoul Chinese Association, Gao Chen, president of the Korean Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Wei Xiaoyan, president of the Korean Association of Chinese Scholars, also shared their thoughts, extolling the tremendous achievements of their homeland. They voiced their commitment to transforming their patriotic fervor into a powerful force for national prosperity.

The reception was enriched by performances from community art groups, featuring songs, dances, and traditional storytelling, which created a warm atmosphere where guests engaged in lively conversations and collectively wished for the prosperity of their homeland and the continued development of Sino-Korean friendship.

On October 5th, the finals of the 2024 Liaoning Equestrian Club Grand Prix, alongside the Feihe Parker “Hero of Heroes Cup” Equestrian Series, kicked off in the Hunnan District of Shenyang.

Over 200 horse and rider pairs from 13 of the province’s top equestrian clubs gathered to compete in eight thrilling events. These ranged from lower-level races at 60cm to timed contests between 90-120cm, as well as exciting carriage races. Spectators were treated to a remarkable showcase as riders tackled challenging obstacles with grace and teamwork, highlighting the breathtaking beauty of horses in motion.

This event also marks the conclusion of the 2024 Third Hunnan Equestrian Carnival. This year, the carnival innovatively offered a “double event per session” format, designed to provide a seamless and exhilarating experience. During the carnival, the “Provincial Sports Lottery Cup” 2024 Liaoning Youth Equestrian Championship ran concurrently with the main events, allowing young riders to showcase their skills alongside their equine partners. Beyond the competition arena, a vibrant atmosphere enveloped the event, featuring horse culture demonstrations, equestrian photography exhibitions, and themed dining experiences.

Compared to previous editions, this year’s event has significantly expanded in scale and diversity, striking a balance between the professionalism of equestrian sports and the festive spirit of carnival activities.

The competition took place on Zhujia Street in Hunnan District, set against the picturesque backdrop of southeastern Shenyang’s mountains, which provides an ideal landscape for developing the equestrian industry. This area has already attracted three equestrian clubs and is beginning to cultivate a growing cluster effect. In recent years, local authorities have actively developed equestrian infrastructure and enhanced event services, partnering with clubs to host various professional events, including rating tests, dressage competitions, endurance races, and youth training programs. This has laid a strong foundation for the growth of equestrian activities in the Zhujia region, signaling the emergence of equestrian sports as a vibrant part of local cultural tourism.

Looking ahead, local planners intend to strategically enhance the layout of the equestrian industry while continuing to expand its scale. They plan to integrate equestrian activities with rural accommodations and dining experiences, ultimately creating a comprehensive cultural tourism industry chain. This vision aims to foster new economic development in Zhujia, promoting rural revitalization and common prosperity.

The competition is set to last for two days, concluding on October 6th.

On October 2, the first day of the National Day holiday, the Jiangxi Provincial Library in the Honggutan District of Nanchang hosted a remarkable book appreciation event, shining a spotlight on ancient documents from the region’s academies. This gathering infused the holiday celebrations with a deeply cultural experience.

Jiangxi is recognized as a significant birthplace of China’s academy culture, boasting a rich history and vibrant heritage. For over a millennium, its ancient academies, including Bailudong Academy, Ehu Academy, Bailuzhou Academy, and Yuzhang Academy, have gained renown and are often collectively referred to as the “Four Great Ancient Academies of Jiangxi.”

What made this event particularly special was the combination of private collections and public archives displayed. The Jiangxi Provincial Library presented eight invaluable documents related to these academies, such as the Ming Dynasty manuscript “Jingzhi Tang Xu Chao” and various editions of the “Bailudong Academy Chronicle” published during the 20th year of the Wanli reign. Additionally, the exhibition featured documents from various periods of the Qing Dynasty that relate to academic life.

The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors drawn to the event. Experts and scholars engaged attendees in discussions about the historical impact of Jiangxi’s academies and the importance of preserving these ancient texts.

One visitor, Wang Yang, shared his thoughts, saying, “I was aware that Jiangxi academies held a vital place in Chinese educational history, but seeing these vivid historical documents in person was an entirely new experience for me. It felt like stepping back in time and truly experiencing the charm of academy culture.”

Importantly, the “Jiangxi Academy Ancient Document Appreciation Event” is part of a broader series organized by the Jiangxi Provincial Library, titled “Xijiang Book Talks—Jiangxi Ancient Document Appreciation Gathering.” This initiative brings together the library’s unique collections with contributions from local collectors, emphasizing service, public good, knowledge-sharing, and accessibility. The goal is to deepen public understanding of traditional Chinese texts, printing techniques, and local culture, while fostering cultural confidence and creating a society enriched by literary appreciation.