Monthly Archive 31/10/2024

October is National Pizza Month, and pizza chains across the country are rolling out exciting promotions for customers to enjoy delicious pizzas at great prices. Here are some notable deals you won’t want to miss this flavorful month.

California Pizza Kitchen is offering a fantastic deal: customers who purchase either the Burnt Ends BBQ Pizza or the Bacon & Brussels Pizza can receive a free baked pizza. This promotion is valid for dine-in, takeout, and delivery until October 31.

Little Caesars has a tempting offer where customers can enjoy a 20% discount on any large pizza when they buy the 3 Meat Treat, which features spicy sausage, Italian sausage, and bacon. This deal is available until October 20.

Marco’s Pizza is providing a 10% discount on electronic gift cards from October 14 to 20, making it a great time to stock up on future pizza nights.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza has a delightful promotion for customers who order any pizza besides the mini size. For just $4.99, you can add six boneless wings to your order, or for $8.99, get twelve. They are also featuring the spicy Himalayan Pizza until November 30, topped with chicken, mushrooms, jalapeños, mozzarella cheese, and Indian curry sauce. This deal is valid through October 31.

Papa John’s continues to offer the $7.99 Papa Pairings, which includes a one-topping pizza and a side dish for those looking for a satisfying meal.

Pizza Hut is celebrating all month long with various offers on pizzas and sides, including a $10 one-topping medium pizza and $7 cheese sticks.

It’s the perfect time to indulge in your favorite cheesy slices!

On October 21, a report from The Paper revealed that the Supreme People’s Court has upheld the death sentence for Zhou, the defendant in the high-profile “Changchun fatal object dropping case.” This decision was announced by the Intermediate People’s Court of Changchun on the morning of the same day.

In June 2023, a 28-year-old woman named Xiao Lou was tragically killed when a brick thrown from a high-rise building in Changchun struck her while she was at a night market. Zhou had previously hurled two buckets of water and three cans of unopened soda from the building, injuring two other individuals. On December 13 of the same year, the Changchun Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Zhou to death and deprived him of political rights for life, ordering him to pay over 40,000 yuan in compensation for funeral expenses to the victim’s family.

Xiao Lou’s sister spoke about the emotional toll of the announcement of the death sentence review, mentioning that Zhou was brought into the courtroom without showing any remorse, either personally or through his family. “For five or six days, this criminal continuously threw objects from above, injuring multiple people, which ultimately led to my sister’s death. The lack of intervention during that time is deeply disturbing to us,” she remarked.

According to previous reports from The Paper, Xiao Lou was a legal professional in Beijing who had visited Changchun to see friends. “She was at a crucial point in her career and had a stable relationship with her boyfriend. They were planning to get married,” her sister said.

On the night of June 22, 2023, Xiao Lou was struck by a brick thrown from the 33rd floor as she passed through the night market at Wanda Plaza on Hongqi Street in Changchun. She had no vital signs by the time she reached the hospital.

Her sister recounted that the police informed her that the suspect, a man in his twenties from Jiangxi, had arrived in Changchun just days before the incident and was living in a rented room without stable employment. A mental evaluation issued by the Changchun Public Security Bureau on July 24 confirmed that Zhou did not suffer from any mental illness and was fully criminally responsible.

The case was publicly heard by the Changchun Intermediate People’s Court on November 27, 2023. Prosecutors accused Zhou of harboring a disdain for society due to his inability to be self-sufficient, which led him to plot the repeated acts of throwing bricks and other objects from a high building, endangering the lives of unspecified individuals below. On the evening of June 22, he is said to have thrown eight bricks from a window and the rooftop of a 32nd-floor apartment, with one brick striking Xiao Lou in the forehead.

Prior to this incident, on June 17, Zhou had thrown two buckets of water from the 33rd-floor window, injuring another victim. Later that night, he hurled three cans of soda, which injured yet another victim.

Forensic experts later determined that Xiao Lou died from severe cranial injury caused by a blunt object, while the injuries to the other victims were classified as minor. Zhou voluntarily surrendered after the incident. The prosecution charged him with endangering public safety through dangerous methods.

On December 13, the court ruled in favor of the death penalty for Zhou, alongside the same lifetime deprivation of political rights and was required to pay damages to the victim’s family. Throughout the proceedings, Zhou did not appeal or express any apologies to Xiao Lou’s family.

He Peiyun, The Paper reporter. Edited by Shao Wanyun.

On October 25, 1945, the streets of Taipei were adorned with lights and decorations as people of all ages celebrated Taiwan’s return to the motherland after half a century of Japanese colonial rule. Now, 79 years later, individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are commemorating this glorious moment in diverse ways, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for liberation, and expressing a strong desire for peaceful reunification.

This pivotal moment in history should not be forgotten or distorted. The restoration of Taiwan is a victory earned through the shared struggle of all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan, and it deserves to be commemorated and celebrated by all. However, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration has deliberately chosen to downplay this significant historical event, not only to obscure the truth but also to pursue its own agenda that leans towards pro-Japanese and separatist sentiments.

Ignoring the historical reality of Taiwan’s restoration is a betrayal and a disrespect to our compatriots on both sides of the Strait. During Japan’s colonial rule, countless patriots, driven by the belief that “it is better to die as a righteous person than to live as a captive,” engaged in a 50-year struggle against oppression. Many noble individuals also traveled to the mainland to join the national resistance against foreign aggression, standing shoulder to shoulder with their fellow compatriots. Subsequent international legal documents confirm that 79 years ago, China legally and factually reclaimed Taiwan.

Despite the undeniable historical facts, the DPP has worked fervently to cover up the truth and erase the contributions of our heroes. Under Chen Shui-bian’s presidency, the holiday celebrating “Restoration Day” was eliminated. Since the DPP took power in 2016, no official commemorative activities have taken place. Recently, there has been a push for the so-called “New Two-State Theory,” alongside a glorification of the 400 years of Dutch colonial rule in Taiwan and the 50 years of Japanese occupation, while the restoration of Taiwan and its return to the motherland are systematically ignored. This is a blatant denial of the achievements stemming from the Chinese people’s fight against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist movement, and it deeply disrespects the immense sacrifices made by our compatriots.

The distortion and neglect of historical facts represent a profound irresponsibility towards Taiwan’s future and its younger generations. Recently, the DPP has intentionally altered history textbooks, attempting to replace the “Restoration History” with a narrative of “Japanese assimilation” and “post-war views,” instilling a pro-Japanese sentiment into the minds of Taiwan’s youth while gradually erasing their collective memory of the resistance and national identity. They have also employed a misleading narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism” to incite conflict across the Strait, promoting a separatist view of history that seeks to confuse and mislead the public, risking becoming mere pawns in the DPP’s divisive agenda.

The issue of Taiwan arose from national weakness and fragmentation, but it will be resolved with the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The DPP’s divisive actions are no match against the forces of historical progress. National reunification represents a shared blessing for all compatriots across the Strait, and it will certainly be achieved through our joint efforts.

The design of China’s lunar spacesuit has been publicly unveiled for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country’s crewed lunar exploration program and showcasing China’s confidence in its technological advancements.

Recently, the China Manned Space Agency launched a public naming campaign for its lunar spacesuit and revealed its appearance. This unveiling not only highlights the progress made in China’s crewed lunar exploration efforts but also signifies a new phase in the development of space suit technology in China, reflecting the nation’s ambition in aerospace.

As a core piece of equipment for future crewed lunar missions, the lunar spacesuit is a product of intricate and precise craftsmanship, boasting high technological sophistication. It’s designed to provide life support and operational assistance for astronauts during extravehicular activities on the lunar surface, protecting them from the harsh conditions such as vacuum, extreme temperatures, lunar dust, and radiation. Astronauts wearing the suit will be able to walk, climb, drive, and conduct scientific research on the Moon. The suit is lightweight, allowing for squatting and bending, and incorporates protective materials that effectively guard against extreme temperature conditions and lunar dust. Additionally, the panoramic anti-glare visor enhances visibility, while cameras on both sides of the helmet allow for capturing footage at various distances. These high-tech features will ensure the successful execution of China’s first crewed lunar mission.

Developed over four years through overcoming numerous technical challenges, the lunar spacesuit embodies the dedication and hard work of aerospace researchers. It is the result of innovation and the progression of space suit technology. Currently, only a handful of countries have the capability to independently develop such advanced spacesuits. As China’s crewed space program continues to flourish, its spacesuits have successfully facilitated 35 astronauts in and out of space. The country’s first and second-generation extravehicular spacesuits have supported 17 astronauts in 33 successful extravehicular activities, significantly contributing to the construction and efficient operation of the Chinese space station. Each achievement in space exploration is a hard-earned success; for instance, creating the visor of the extravehicular spacesuit requires 47 steps, while the size tolerance for gloves is limited to no more than 1 millimeter. The metallic frame of the spacesuit must not exceed 0.1 millimeters in burr size. The lunar spacesuit incorporates these lessons, presenting a sleek design tailored to the astronauts’ needs and focusing on weight reduction to enhance operational efficiency.

The development of the lunar spacesuit is rooted in the deep foundation of China’s aerospace endeavors, reflecting the nation’s relentless pursuit of self-reliance and innovation. From the Shenzhou spaceflights to the dazzling Beidou satellite system, and the Chang’e lunar missions to the construction of the Chinese space station, the nation’s journey toward the stars has been unwavering. Chinese space professionals have turned dreams into reality, forging a unique path of independent innovation and driving the aerospace sector from inception to strong and historic development. With an eye on achieving its goal of landing humans on the Moon by 2030, the power of autonomous innovation will firmly support this dream.

The design of the lunar spacesuit merges historical traditions with modern elements, showcasing a striking aesthetic rooted in a culture of innovation. The suit embodies the unique romantic spirit of Chinese aerospace, with red decorative bands enhancing strength and silhouette. The arm bands evoke elegant “flying ribbons,” while the leg bands resemble the tail flames of a launching rocket, creating a cohesive image of ascension. Overall, the suit exudes a sense of strength and bravery, reinforcing the spirit of exploration and determination of the Chinese people. The public’s enthusiastic response to the naming campaign, demonstrated through active online engagement, is a testament to the burgeoning development of the aerospace sector and its positive impact on cultural confidence.

China’s crewed lunar exploration has officially begun. Following the successful Chang’e 6 mission, astronaut training is underway, and crucial equipment such as the Long March 10 rocket, the new generation of crewed spacecraft, lunar landers, and crewed lunar rovers are in advanced stages of development. The continuous overcoming of key technological challenges, including the lunar spacesuit, lays a solid foundation for achieving the goal of a crewed lunar landing by 2030. The dream of landing on the Moon is within reach, and the future looks promising.

During the 26th China International Mining Conference held in Tianjin, the International Mining Research Center under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources released the “Global Mining Development Report 2024” on October 16th.

The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global mining landscape amid the new economic cycle, building on a series of studies by Chinese research institutions aimed at promoting sustainable development in the global mining sector.

According to the report, the global economy is facing significant challenges, with geopolitical issues and financial policies influencing the evolution of the global manufacturing landscape, leading to heightened risks in supply chains. Investment in global solid mineral exploration stands at approximately $12.76 billion, marking a 1.8% decline compared to the previous year. While financing for global mining projects has decreased, mergers and acquisitions have seen an uptick.

In terms of supply and demand, there is an ongoing adjustment in global energy resource reserves, production, and consumption. Notably, fossil energy supply and demand have both risen. However, the situation for bulk minerals shows a clear divergence: the supply and demand for steel has decreased, leading to an increase in oversupply; in contrast, copper supply growth outpaces demand, significantly narrowing the supply-demand gap; aluminum supply is also surpassing demand, indicating oversupply.

Moreover, strategic emerging minerals are witnessing rapid production growth, with lithium, cobalt, and nickel in oversupply and a marked decline in trade volumes. After initially soaring, the demand for precious metals like gold and silver has retreated, while demand for platinum has also seen a decline.

As for market prices, international mineral product prices are generally trending downward. The average price of energy minerals has dropped, and prices for bulk solid minerals have experienced increasing volatility, with battery-grade lithium carbonate prices plummeting over 80% this year.

Mining companies are facing fluctuating stock prices. Major oil and gas companies have seen their share prices decline significantly, along with a noticeable drop in net profits. Key solid mineral companies initially experienced declines before rebounding, yet their net profits have dropped by over 20%, although they remain at relatively high levels overall. In contrast, strategic emerging mineral companies have seen their stock prices fall sharply, with profits decreasing more than 60% year-on-year.

The report concludes that new productive forces are providing fresh momentum for high-quality development in the mining sector. Advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing, big data, and the Internet of Things are expected to continuously give rise to new industries, including AI-driven mineral exploration and smart mining. Data asset pricing is anticipated to lead global mining infrastructure into a new era, enhancing the comprehensive utilization of mineral resources and urban mining initiatives.

Interviewing a representative from Changan Automotive, we dive into the rich history behind this prominent Chinese company, tracing its roots back to the Shanghai Arsenal, established in 1862.

**Interviewer:** Changan Automotive has a legacy of 162 years. How is it that a company with such a long history continues to feel increasingly youthful today?

**Representative:** That’s a great question. Our journey reflects resilience through adversity. Let me share three key stories that highlight our spirit.

**Interviewer:** Please go ahead.

**Representative:** The first story captures the theme of struggle. In the fall of 1937, amid chaos and conflict, our predecessor, the Jinling Arsenal, found itself in a life-or-death relocation scenario. With the Japanese forces advancing, it was crucial to transport machinery and equipment to Chongqing.

Employees undertook the perilous journey, navigating over 2,500 kilometers of treacherous waters under constant bombardment from enemy planes. At one dramatic moment in Yichang, equipment was lost when bombs struck, sinking it to the riverbed. Workers, tied with ropes, jumped into the frigid waters to retrieve the vital machinery as planes targeted their efforts. Tragically, many sacrificed their lives, united by a shared conviction: “As long as there’s life, the machinery must survive.”

In just three months, the Jinling Arsenal successfully relocated over 4,300 tons of equipment, a remarkable achievement at that time when it was renamed the 21st Arsenal. Despite suffering 14 bombings and the loss of seven workers, production did not falter. In fact, they contributed a staggering 60% of China’s ammunition for the front lines, solidifying their place as one of China’s largest munitions factories.

**Interviewer:** What an incredible testament to bravery and determination! What’s the second story?

**Representative:** The second story embodies courage as well. In 1957, Changan was tasked with an urgent mission: to produce the first domestically-made Jeep for the upcoming 10th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. The challenge, however, was significant—not only was there a lack of technical knowledge, but we also had no equipment whatsoever.

Yet, our resilient workforce faced the challenge head-on. With no blueprints, they hand-measured every component, using basic tools to laboriously shape the vehicle from the ground up. Despite the harsh conditions, the craftsmanship was exquisite. By May 1958, the first prototype emerged, named “Changjiang,” after the Yangtze River.

On October 1, 1959, at the 10th National Day parade, 20 Changjiang Jeep models proudly rolled past Tiananmen Square, receiving applause and recognition from the nation.

**Interviewer:** Such a remarkable achievement! And what’s the third story you’d like to share?

**Representative:** The third story is about innovation and youthfulness. In 2006, a group of young Chinese designers made their way to the industrial district of Turin, Italy. There, they launched the Changan Automotive Design Center, marking a significant step in our global reach.

This center brought together 199 talented designers from around the world, focusing on the aesthetics and development of Changan vehicles. In the fashion-forward environment of Italy, we fused local creativity with our vision for innovation. Over time, our research and development network expanded globally, establishing centers in cities like Yokohama, Detroit, and Birmingham. This expanded framework enables us to collaborate seamlessly and develop modern vehicles that reflect both style and practicality.

**Interviewer:** That sounds like an exciting direction for Changan. Considering the rapid development of the Chinese automotive industry, how does Changan fit into this landscape?

**Representative:** Absolutely! Beyond Changan, the 21st century has seen our automotive industry flourish, growing in production and sales year after year. By 2010, China emerged as the world’s largest automotive producer. Recently, the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs) has propelled us onto the global stage, with China leading the market.

In 2023, for the first time, our production and sales surpassed 30 million units, making us the world’s largest automotive exporter, with NEVs contributing over 60% of global production volume.

**Interviewer:** Inspiring! It sounds like Changan’s story is interwoven with the evolution of the entire Chinese automotive culture.

**Representative:** Exactly! We embody endurance, dedication, and a forward-looking approach. While there are many historical brands like FAW, Dongfeng, and BAIC, we see ourselves as a legacy brand—that thrives on innovation, ensuring we remain relevant and dynamic in this ever-changing industry.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these incredible stories from Changan Automotive. They truly illustrate the resilience and innovative spirit behind the brand.

Late-night hosts discussed Harris’s Fox News interview and ridiculed her opponent’s performance at a Miami town hall
Guardian staffFri 18 Oct 2024 10.25 EDTLast modified on Fri 18 Oct 2024 10.48 EDTShareLate-night hosts touched upon Kamala Harris’s treatment during an interview on Fox News and were baffled by Donald Trump’s inability to answer a question during a town hall with undecided Latino voters.
Jimmy KimmelOn Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host told viewers they were “18 days from the election and 95 days from our next insurrection” and that Trump continues to boast a great deal of support for “reasons I can’t begin to fathom”.
He said that the former president has a “commanding lead in the annoying emails department” with the New York Times reporting that since he entered the race in November 2022, his campaign has sent 7,400 emails asking for money.
Kimmel on Trump’s all-women Fox News town hall: ‘North Korea level propaganda’Read moreKimmel said that Trump was “all over the place right now both literally and figuratively” with many appearances on carefully picked male podcasts. “None of these guys spend a minute pushing back on his nonsense,” the host complained.
He also appeared at a Univision town hall in Miami for undecided Latino voters who “for once put this nutjob on the spot”.
Kimmel played his rambling answers as proof that the same things Republicans claimed were happening to Joe Biden with increased age were “clearly happening to Donald Trump”.
He added: “How much garbage are his followers supposed to swallow?”
When asked about climate change, Trump bragged about the many environmental awards he has received. “Let’s see those awards,” Kimmel said.
The host moved on to reports that Trump’s campaign tried to offer a second hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels over the summer. He said that is “a lot of money to pay a person you didn’t have sex with to not tell people you didn’t have sex with”.
Kimmel joked that Melania Trump now “hates him more than she hates Christmas”.
Stephen ColbertOn The Late Show, Stephen Colbert said that when it comes to the US, we are “rapidly approaching what could be its series finale”.
He spoke of Harris’s interview with Bret Baier on Fox News, saying she “entered the belly of the beast and then cut her way out with a rusty spoon”.
Colbert said that Baier performs for “an audience of one” given previous allegations of him trying to suppress election results that could offend Trump.
Baier asked Harris about her complaints over Trump threatening to use the military against American citizens, yet played a carefully edited clip that didn’t show what he really said. “Maybe he couldn’t see the clips because his eyes are two dehydrated blueberries,” Colbert said.
He added: “It’s like if you only watch the first 10 minutes of Jurassic Park, you’d think that place looks like a lot of fun.”
Baier also tried to “trap Harris with the stupidest gotcha this side of the Rio Grande” asking her why Trump has so much support if he is as bad as she says he is, asking her if she thinks his followers are stupid.
“No they’re not stupid Bret, they’ve just been watching your network and you feed them lies,” Colbert said.

In a recent interview, the President of the Lebanese Chinese Chamber of Commerce highlighted the impact of a recent explosion involving communication devices in Lebanon. He stated that this incident has prompted Lebanon, along with several other countries, to shift their tech procurement from Western sources to China, particularly increasing imports of electronic products like mobile phones.

According to a report by CGTN, the explosion of communication devices used by the militant group Hezbollah on September 17 resulted in at least 12 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries across Lebanon. A subsequent episode involving walkie-talkies on September 18 killed at least three more people and injured hundreds. This series of collective explosions is unprecedented. While many international media outlets speculate that Israel may have orchestrated this attack, there has been no confirmation or denial from Israeli officials.

The Lebanese Minister of Health has expressed concern around the safety of Western technologies, citing the incident as a catalyst for shifting procurement strategies. The President noted that Turkey has already paused imports of American technology in favor of developing its own products. As a result, Lebanon and other nations are expected to reduce Western imports and look towards China for electronic goods.

Following the bombings, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced a ban effective from December 12 on the use of walkie-talkies and other communication devices for all flights, likely in response to the emerging threat.

Interestingly, the explosive walkie-talkies implicated in the attack were linked to a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo. U.S. officials disclosed that Hezbollah had ordered the devices from them, with the majority being of the AR-924 model. However, Gold Apollo has since distanced itself from the incident, asserting that they had no involvement in the design or manufacturing of the AR-924. They clarified that the model’s rights were held by a Hungarian firm, BAC Consulting KFT., which was responsible for its design, manufacturing, and sales.

This series of events has raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of Western technology, potentially affecting future trade dynamics.

During my interview with officials on October 15, I learned about an engaging “Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Exhibition” hosted at the University of West Attica in Greece. The exhibition effectively bridges the gap between the local community and traditional Chinese culture through a variety of interactive activities, including traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, herbal knowledge, and even Chinese calligraphy.

The exhibition, organized by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in collaboration with the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum and the Shanghai Pudong Science Popularization Association, features several sections that vividly portray the rich and profound culture of traditional Chinese medicine. Displays such as “Ancient Medical Treasures,” “Notable Doctors and Their Prescriptions,” and “The Evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine” showcase the captivating charm of Chinese cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the introduction of popular science books published by the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum. Titles such as “Seeking Medicine Through Stone” (available in English and French), “Museum History Unearthed: Illustrated History of the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum” (in both Chinese and English), and “Recognizing Herbs by Fragrance: Traditional Chinese Medicine in Daily Life” (also in Chinese and English) have been well received by guests and visitors alike.

A special stamp area at the exhibition further attracted attendees, with the organizers providing themed postcards and stamps featuring the museum’s architecture, as well as portraits of its first curator, Wang Jiming, and the renowned Tang dynasty doctor, Sun Simiao. This interactive component allowed visitors to collect stamps and deepen their understanding of the museum’s history and the long-standing traditions of Chinese medicine.

Greek attendees expressed a keen interest in experiencing the profound and captivating aspects of Chinese traditional culture through the exhibition and its activities.

After the exhibition concludes, most of the displayed items will be donated to the Confucius Institute at the University of West Attica, a joint initiative between Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the university. As the fourth Confucius Institute established in Greece, this institute not only offers Chinese language education and cultural activities but also aims to promote the dissemination and development of traditional Chinese medicine in Greece, leveraging the academic strengths of both institutions. These donated items will continue to play a vital role in preserving and promoting the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and the rich cultural heritage of China.

During an interview in Ambon market, a vendor selling flags of the Dutch national football team shared that these flags have been in high demand during the World Cup. The strong connection between the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and the Netherlands, dating back over 300 years of colonial influence, remains evident today. The Maluku people learn Dutch, maintain cultural ties, and cheer for the Dutch football team. However, historians caution that the economic benefits during the colonial period were minimal, and the support for the establishment of the “South Maluku Republic” was eventually withdrawn. They urge the need to promote cooperation while remembering past lessons.

Joyce Amelia Loedia, born in Geleen, Netherlands, in 1954, moved to Jakarta with her family at the age of eight. As a result, she speaks fluent Dutch. Every week, Joyce gathers with other Dutch speakers at church or restaurants, where they read the Bible and sing Dutch hymns, sharing their emotional ties to both Maluku and the Netherlands.

Reflecting on the past, during Indonesia’s independence war, thousands of Maluku people joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) to resist the Indonesian government and establish the South Maluku Republic, leading to their perception as traitors and subsequent repression by the Indonesian military.

After the Dutch military withdrawal in the early 1950s, around 12,500 Maluku soldiers and their families sought refuge in the Netherlands. Initially supported by the Dutch government while they awaited the establishment of the South Maluku Republic, their hopes were ultimately dashed.

While Joyce’s family returned to Indonesia, many Maluku people chose to stay in the Netherlands. According to Dutch government statistics, approximately 70,000 Maluku individuals lived in the Netherlands as of 2018, leading to a strong familial connection for many residing in Indonesia.

In Maluku province, residents predominantly practice Islam and Christianity, including Catholicism, with over 60% of the capital, Ambon, being Christian. Joyce’s connection to the Netherlands runs deep; for many in Ambon, cheering for the Dutch national football team becomes a cultural expression that highlights their shared heritage.

The Dutch football team features several players of Maluku descent, including well-known figures like Simon Tahamata and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Joseph Matheus Rudolf Fofid, a cultural historian, notes that while these players represent the Netherlands, they resonate with the Maluku people as a symbol of their presence on the world stage through football.

Nico Tulalessy, a music teacher in Ambon, passionately supports the Dutch team, even painting his motorcycle in their signature orange. He maintains close ties with relatives in the Netherlands, celebrating their victories with communal festivities that turn the city orange, regardless of the outcome.

However, Joseph acknowledges a complex emotional landscape regarding the Maluku people’s deep feelings for the Netherlands. He explains that the colonial era left lasting scars, with the Dutch East India Company implementing harsh policies, including forced labor and violent suppression of dissent.

The initial generations of Maluku soldiers and their families faced difficulties in the Netherlands, often struggling to assimilate and facing discrimination. Many lived in poor conditions in refugee camps, and the sentiments of betrayal lingered due to the cessation of Dutch support for their aspirations.

Despite the turmoil, the connection between the Maluku people and their Dutch counterparts endures. Joseph describes a bittersweet longing, with family members on both sides missing each other, maintaining a bond across continents.

Seventy-four-year-old Linda, proud of her Ambon roots, hopes to pass on Dutch culture to future generations. She emphasizes the importance of continuing to learn and speak Dutch as an essential part of their identity.

Yet, Joseph insists that while reconciliation with the Dutch is important, the historical injustices must not be forgotten. He advocates for collaboration among Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Maluku in economic, educational, cultural, and sporting arenas, stressing the need to learn from the past while looking forward to the future.