Monthly Archive 16/10/2024

On October 1st, the main emblem for the world heritage site “Quanzhou: World Maritime Trade Center of Song and Yuan China” was officially unveiled at Wenmiao Square in Quanzhou, Fujian. This event underscores Quanzhou’s pivotal role in global maritime trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

During this era, Quanzhou transformed into a vibrant international port, drawing in merchants from around the globe with its diverse and prosperous trading scene. It became a unique fusion of traditional Chinese and maritime cultures, nurturing the rich Minan culture and the heritage of the maritime Silk Road. In 2021, Quanzhou earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognized as the “World Maritime Trade Center of Song and Yuan China.”

In an exclusive interview, Quanzhou’s Mayor Cai Zhansheng shared his thoughts on the city’s ongoing commitment to preserving and revitalizing its cultural heritage since its inclusion on the World Heritage List three years ago. “We have been deeply committed to the comprehensive and systematic preservation and utilization of our cultural heritage,” he stated. The city strictly follows the guidelines set forth by the World Heritage Convention and is actively enforcing regulations for the protection of cultural relics. It’s noteworthy that Quanzhou’s ancient town has been designated as a model area for cultural heritage protection and utilization in China. UNESCO has commended Quanzhou for its effective promotion of world heritage, referring to its efforts as exhibiting a “power effect.”

The newly unveiled emblem, titled “Sailing with the Maritime Silk Road,” is an impressive stone sculpture measuring 4.53 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 4.5 meters in height. It comprises various components, including the project name, the world heritage logo, a brief description of the heritage’s significance, and elements representing the maritime Silk Road. The thoughtful interplay of these elements creates a striking visual impact, symbolizing the spirit of the maritime Silk Road—embarking into new horizons while showcasing Quanzhou’s industrious and adventurous character as the starting point of the maritime silk route.

In closing, Mayor Cai emphasized that the unveiling ceremony is a chance for Quanzhou to further explore its cultural significance and articulate the value of its heritage. “We are committed to establishing a model city for the protection and utilization of world heritage, ensuring the orderly transmission of cultural heritage and the continued vitality of our historical narrative,” he affirmed.

On September 15, 2023, health news emerging from China highlighted several key developments in the medical and pharmaceutical industries that are worth noting.

**Industry Highlights:**

**Anhui Expands Traditional Medicine Procurement:**
On September 9, Anhui Province’s Huangshan Medical Insurance Bureau unveiled a draft for the centralized procurement of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for 2024. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it includes several over-the-counter TCM products and exclusive varieties for the first time. The Anhui Provincial Pharmaceutical Joint Procurement Office is currently seeking public feedback on the draft until September 22. The procurement plan encompasses 18 product categories and includes 35 distinct TCMs, such as Shenzhi Jiangtang and Siberian Ginseng, among other well-known remedies.

**U.S. House Passes Biosecurity Bill:**
On the evening of September 9, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Biosecurity Act (H.R. 8333), passing it with a vote tally of 306 in favor, 81 against, and 44 abstentions. The act, citing “national security,” imposes restrictions on partnerships between U.S. federal agencies and certain biotech firms, explicitly naming five Chinese companies, including BGI Group and WuXi AppTec.

**Five Departments Push for Comprehensive TCM Coverage:**
On September 13, five national departments in China, including the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Ministry of Health, jointly released guidelines aimed at fostering the high-quality development of county-level TCM hospitals. The ambitious goal is for all county-level TCM hospitals to meet the criteria for a designated second-level hospital by 2030, with an interim target of 80% achieving this by 2025.

**COPD Added to Public Health Service Projects:**
The National Health Commission also announced on September 13 that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been included in the basic public health service projects. This follows the prior recognition of hypertension and diabetes, making COPD the third chronic disease to receive formal acknowledgment.

**Propolis Oral Film Converts to Non-Prescription:**
On September 14, the National Medical Products Administration declared that propolis oral films would transition from a Class A non-prescription drug to a Class B non-prescription drug. This change aims to enhance public access to this medication.

**Corporate News:**

**Zhendong Pharma Faces Arbitration Claim:**
On September 9, Zhendong Pharmaceuticals disclosed that its former subsidiary, Langdi Company, is pursuing arbitration to claim 1.467 billion yuan in damages due to a contractual dispute over commissioned production. Zhendong acquired Langdi in 2016 for about 2.65 billion yuan and later sold it in 2021 for more than 5 billion yuan.

**Jingjie Bio’s IPO Termination:**
On September 11, Jingjie Biotechnology revealed that it, along with its sponsor CITIC Securities, has retracted its IPO application, effectively halting its listing efforts after being approved in January 2023. The company focuses on proteomics technology for drug development and clinical diagnostics.

**Kangzhi Pharma Estimates Typhoon Damage at 30 Million:**
On September 11, Kangzhi Pharmaceuticals reported damages estimated at around 30 million yuan to its production facility in Haikou due to Typhoon Mocha. The company is working to restore water and electricity services and is currently inspecting equipment to resume production.

**Drug and Device Approvals:**

**Bu Chang Pharma’s Medication Approvals:**
On September 10, Bu Chang Pharmaceuticals announced that its subsidiary, Shandong Danhong Pharmaceutical, received approval for Levetiracetam extended-release tablets. Additionally, Tonghua Guohong’s injection of Fasudil Hydrochloride also gained approval. Levetiracetam is utilized for treating partial-onset seizures in patients aged 12 and older.

**Kangnuo’s Innovative Antibody Approval:**
On September 12, Kangnuo’s new drug, Supalimumab injection, received market approval for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults who are inadequately managed by topical therapies. This approval marks it as the first domestically approved IL-4Rα antibody medication.

**Hengrui Pharma’s Application Accepted:**
On September 13, Hengrui Pharma announced that its subsidiary, Suzhou Shengdiya Biopharmaceutical, had its application for the injection of Rizankumab accepted for priority review by the National Medical Products Administration.

**Public Sentiment Alerts:**

**Investigation into Former Hospital Director:**
On September 10, reports surfaced that He Shuming, the former party secretary of Xiaolan People’s Hospital—recognized as China’s first town-level “three A” hospital—is under investigation for serious disciplinary violations. He had been with the hospital since 2002 and became its director in 2011.

**Ruizhi Pharma Receives Warning from Regulatory Authority:**
On September 13, Ruizhi Pharmaceuticals announced it had received a warning letter from the Guangdong Securities Regulatory Commission over issues of non-compliance in goodwill impairment testing and inadequate internal controls, which have affected the accuracy of their financial reports.

In summary, the past week yielded significant developments in China’s healthcare sector, encompassing regulatory changes, corporate disputes, and notable approvals in pharmaceuticals and public health initiatives.

New York boasts an impressive lineup of over 400 restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, showcasing a diverse array of dining experiences from upscale tasting menus to beloved family-run venues. Recently, 12 new restaurants have joined this prestigious list, highlighting everything from Nordic seafood to Filipino specialties.

As reported by Time Out, the Michelin Guide has been a culinary authority for the past 125 years, and it encompasses more than just star ratings. While more than 400 eateries have earned a spot in the guide, the anticipation for star designations will culminate this fall. Let’s take a closer look at the 12 newly recognized establishments:

1. **Blanc**: After a pandemic-induced closure, this acclaimed restaurant has made a triumphant return. Chef Victoria Blamey presents an exciting tasting menu featuring dishes such as oysters with calamansi butter, soft-shell crab bao, and sea scallops paired with sweet potato, all reflecting her innovative culinary style.

2. **Eulalie**: With a hint of old-world charm, this restaurant invites diners to savor Chef Chip Vaughn’s delightful four-course French meal, but be sure to call ahead for reservations.

3. **ILIS**: Co-founded by Noma’s Mads Refslynd, ILIS offers a unique “eco-chic” atmosphere with its Nordic-inspired sustainable dishes.

4. **La Bastide by Andrea Calstier**: This Westchester gem is led by the husband-and-wife duo of Chef Andrea Calstier and General Manager Elena Oliver, serving a sophisticated French tasting menu.

5. **Le B**: Garnering four stars from Forbes, Chef Angie Mar’s latest venture is a brilliant fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and haute French cuisine.

6. **Massara**: In this spot, Chef Stefano Secchi artfully presents Southern Italian cuisine, featuring tender octopus imported from Campania and bite-sized ravioli filled with creamy burrata.

7. **Penny**: Located in the East Village, this restaurant specializes in seasonal seafood. Diners should note that reservations open exactly one week in advance at 9 AM.

8. **Sailor**: British Chef April Bloomfield’s neighborhood tavern has earned accolades for its superb roast chicken, and it is a strong contender for a star in 2023.

9. **Sushi Sho**: This intimate sushi bar, with just eight seats near the New York Public Library, offers an exceptional omakase dining experience.

10. **Tadhanà**: Chef Frances Tariga, a former private chef for the Emirati royal family, showcases her creativity and the vibrant flavors of her native Philippines.

11. **Tha Phraya**: A paradise for Thai cuisine lovers, it features dishes such as Northern Thai sausage spring rolls, golden noodles, and Phuket-inspired curry.

12. **Ying Tao**: Named in honor of Chef Bolun Yao’s grandmother, this restaurant reinvents Chinese cuisine through a refined Western dining perspective.

A recent report from the Wall Street Journal reveals that City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has accepted political donations from businessmen connected to the Adams bribery case. Many progressive Democrats view Williams as a potential candidate for acting mayor. In light of these allegations, a spokesperson for Williams characterized the donations as “routine interactions” with the community.

City election finance records show that earlier this year, Williams’s re-election campaign received a $5,000 contribution from Tolib Mansurov, a contractor based in Brooklyn, along with his employees. This isn’t the first time Mansurov has backed Williams; two years ago, he donated $10,000 during Williams’s unsuccessful primary bid for governor against Governor Kathy Hochul in June 2022.

Mansurov has been identified as “Businessman 4” in the recent federal indictment related to the Adams bribery case, although he has yet to face any criminal charges. The indictment alleges that Mansurov provided illegal compensation to four employees, guiding each to contribute $2,000 to Adams’s mayoral campaign. Notably, Mansurov himself made a $2,000 donation as well.

As an Uzbek-American, Mansurov has successfully organized events that celebrate his ethnic community’s cultural heritage, receiving support from Adams and his aides. The indictment also alleges that Adams intervened to lift a stop-work order on one of Mansurov’s construction projects, issued by the city’s Department of Buildings.

Williams’s spokesperson emphasized that his interactions with Mansurov are typical within the Uzbek community and stated, “We are unaware of any impropriety in his contributions to the mayor and have no reason to suspect any wrongdoing regarding the public advocate’s donations.”

In March, Williams partnered with Mansurov’s nonprofit organization, the Silk Road Foundation, to co-host a Ramadan breaking fast dinner, where Williams expressed his gratitude for Mansurov’s support during his speech.

Last week, Adams was charged with bribery and election fraud but has maintained his innocence. While some Democrats and political opponents are urging him to resign, Adams insists he will remain in office. As the public advocate since 2019, Williams holds a limited but significant role in overseeing city governance. According to the city charter, if the mayor were to resign or be removed from office, Williams would temporarily assume the mayoralty until a new election occurs.

During the annual dinner of the National Asian American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) on September 4th, three restaurants were awarded the top grant of $25,000 each. The proud owners of Nom Wah Nolita in New York, Pho Loan in Chicago, and Native Field in Walnut Creek, Bay Area, were thrilled to accept their checks. This funding is part of the continuing partnership between National ACE and Grubhub, now in its fourth year, which provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to Asian American-owned restaurants through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund. These grants are designed to support renovations, equipment upgrades, employee well-being initiatives, technology improvements, and marketing efforts.

From a pool of 5,000 applications this year, Nom Wah Nolita, Pho Loan, and Native Field emerged as the standout recipients for these prestigious grants. The dinner celebration served as a joyful occasion for the restaurant owners as they welcomed this significant financial support.

Zhiyu Lai, owner of Nom Wah Nolita, is a second-generation Chinese immigrant who was raised in New York. Seven years ago, he left his career in IT to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams alongside a friend. “I’ve always loved food, and dining at Chinese restaurants in Chinatown with my parents were some of my happiest memories growing up,” Zhiyu recalls. With many authentic restaurants closing their doors over the years, he and his friend decided to create their own. Despite facing challenges that come with restaurant management compared to a corporate job, Zhiyu finds immense satisfaction and fulfillment in his work. Inspired by his father, who ran a wholesale supply and seasoning business, Zhiyu said, “I watched him work hard every day, and if he could do it, so could I.”

Having successfully navigated over a decade in business and survived the COVID-19 pandemic, Nom Wah Nolita is now tackling new hurdles like rising costs and labor shortages. The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund will be instrumental in helping them sustain and grow their business. Zhiyu plans to use the grant to pay off a renovation loan for their kitchen and enhance marketing efforts to promote their catering services, aiming to share more about Chinese culture and cuisine with the community.

Pho Loan, operated by a Vietnamese immigrant couple, has a compelling backstory. Owner Loan Nguyen faced poverty in Vietnam, starting her working life at the tender age of ten selling street food. Despite limited educational opportunities, she pursued the American dream, arriving in the U.S. in 1995. Through a translator, the couple shared that before launching their restaurant, they spent 20 years running a nail salon. Due to Loan’s allergy to chemical beauty products, they transitioned to serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, a venture they have enjoyed for over a decade. Their previous renovation efforts were interrupted by the pandemic, but they are determined to use this grant for another refurbishment to enhance their customers’ dining experience.

Cathleen “Cat” Castaneda, owner of Native Fields, is a Filipino chef hailing from Southern California. After completing her culinary arts degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, she gained experience in prestigious restaurants before founding Native Fields in 2018. The restaurant focuses on serving organic food and honors her late father, Marcel Castaneda, who died due to complications from cancer.

Together, these restaurant owners embody resilience and dedication in the face of adversity, working tirelessly to preserve their culinary traditions while making valuable contributions to their communities.

On October 1st, the “Regulations for the Protection of the Shuanghua Tree Site in Zhengzhou” officially went into effect, marking a significant milestone in legal protections for this remarkable site, which boasts a history spanning 5,300 years tied to the ancient “He Luo Kingdom.”

Nestled in Gongyi City within Zhengzhou, the Shuanghua Tree site represents a crucial archaeological find from the later phase of China’s Yangshao culture. Experts confirm that this carefully selected urban settlement dates back approximately 5,300 years and is often described as the “embryo of early Chinese civilization.” Its importance has been recognized both as one of the “Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries in China for 2020” and as part of the “Hundred Great Archaeological Discoveries of the Century in China.”

The newly instituted regulations, structured into 27 articles, mirror the unique characteristics of the local area. They establish a comprehensive management framework that involves Zhengzhou City, Gongyi City, and the local town, under the guidance of cultural heritage administration. The regulations clearly delineate the responsibilities of multiple departments—including education, public security, finance, natural resources planning, ecological environment, and urban construction—in the preservation of the Shuanghua Tree site.

These regulations identify the site’s protection targets, designate protected areas, and outline prohibited activities within both the protection and construction control zones. They also implement a tiered protection strategy tailored to the specific features of different zones.

In addition, the regulations introduce a safety supervision system, daily inspection protocols, and regional protective measures. The designated protection entity is mandated to create emergency response plans and elevate the frequency of inspections. Furthermore, the managing organization is required to set up a digital information management system to intelligently monitor the site’s condition and its surrounding environment. Community-based cultural heritage protection organizations are encouraged to boost public awareness and promote practices that safeguard the site.

On the topic of revitalizing and utilizing resources from the Shuanghua Tree site, the regulations advocate for educational institutions, research organizations, and scholars to investigate the site’s cultural significance and contemporary relevance. They also support the use of archaeological parks and museums for educational, teaching, and research-oriented social practice activities. The Gongyi City government is expected to create a multifaceted operational mechanism to promote the sustainable use of the site’s cultural relics and foster a distinctive cultural and tourism industry.

“In recent years, we have made significant strides through ongoing excavations at the Shuanghua Tree site,” stated Gu Wanfa, Director of the Zhengzhou Cultural Relics Bureau. He highlighted that the new regulations will bolster protection, management, and usage of the site, ensuring its authenticity and integrity while enhancing its status as a symbol of Chinese civilization and driving high-quality development through strong legal safeguards.

The 21st China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit is currently in full swing, highlighting China’s dedication to open markets and its ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and trade ties with ASEAN countries.

Recent discussions surrounding the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 have seen nine rounds of negotiations, producing encouraging results. Meanwhile, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has been successfully enacted among all member nations. Analysts view these two pivotal free trade agreements as essential stabilizers in China-ASEAN trade relations, enriching the landscape for regional economic collaboration.

During the Expo, Deputy Minister of Commerce Li Fei emphasized RCEP’s significant role in fostering more extensive and deeper cooperation within the region. He remarked that it has established a foundational framework for economic integration throughout the Asia-Pacific and highlighted the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area as a model for “South-South cooperation.”

In recent years, China has been increasingly aligning with international standards in trade and economic regulations, enhancing its institutional openness in terms of rules and standards. The upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the effective implementation of RCEP demonstrate China’s commitment to sharing development opportunities and promoting an open global economy.

At this year’s Expo, Chinese officials reiterated their goal to implement RCEP efficiently and to accelerate negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0. They stressed the importance of continuing to broaden institutional openness and creating a more stable and seamless cross-border industrial and supply chain.

The Expo serves as a significant platform for monitoring trade between China and ASEAN, acting as a crucial bridge to enhance bilateral trade. Over the years, distinctive ASEAN agricultural products—such as bananas from the Philippines, rambutans from Indonesia, and rice from Cambodia—have successfully entered the Chinese market through this event.

A noteworthy feature of this year’s Expo is its new thematic focus on strategic emerging industries, showcasing innovations in digital technology, green energy, and smart vehicles. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia are exhibiting their high-tech advancements, marking a significant progression in the evolution of China-ASEAN trade relations.

Current trade between China and ASEAN is not only increasing in volume but is also experiencing structural optimization. Official data reveals that imports and exports of intermediate goods between China and ASEAN surged by 9.6% in the first eight months of this year, surpassing the overall growth rate of China’s intermediate goods by 4.1 percentage points.

The Ministry of Commerce has also announced initiatives to bolster trade in competitive agricultural and industrial products with ASEAN countries. Additionally, it aims to expand collaboration in emerging sectors such as digital transformation, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

These initiatives in cutting-edge fields are anticipated to unlock more trade and investment opportunities for Chinese companies and their ASEAN partners, paving the way for new avenues of collaboration in the future.

On October 9th, villagers from Majiazai in Nanjin Village gathered to harvest chrysanthemums. Can you describe what it’s like to participate in this annual activity?

The vibrant fields of chrysanthemums must create quite an atmosphere. What does it feel like to work among such beautiful flowers?

After harvesting, the chrysanthemums are loaded up for sale. How important is this harvest for the local economy?

Additionally, I understand there’s a chrysanthemum processing workshop in your village. Can you share what happens there after the flowers are harvested?

How has the tradition of chrysanthemum cultivation and processing evolved in your community over the years?

On October 9, a significant agreement was reached in Hong Kong when Li Yongzhe, the Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Commerce, and Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan signed the “Agreement on the Amendment to the ‘Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Service Trade Agreement’ (referred to as Agreement No. 2).” This new agreement will take effect immediately upon signing and is set to be officially implemented on March 1, 2025. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee and Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Yin Zonghua.

This revision aims to align with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party and the subsequent second and third plenary sessions, focusing on enhancing Hong Kong’s role in the nation’s foreign openness initiatives. It marks the second amendment to the CEPA Service Trade Agreement following its first revision in 2019, aiming to further deepen economic and trade cooperation between the two regions. This effort is designed to bolster Hong Kong’s economy and development, aiding its integration into the broader national development framework.

The revisions reflect the needs of Hong Kong’s socio-economic development and industry demands, introducing further reductions or eliminations of entry barriers for Hong Kong service providers in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, construction, and tourism. These measures will facilitate their employment and practice in the mainland. Some of the newly opened initiatives will be implemented first in the Greater Bay Area, enhancing the alignment of mechanisms and regulations within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Mary Nnah

At a recent event, Edward & Clara Memorial Clinic (ECMC) celebrated the opening of its second facility in Lagos, specifically in Okota, marking a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.

Dr. Augustina Anetor, the Managing Director of ECMC, expressed optimism about the impact of this new walk-in clinic, located on the first floor of SuperSavers Mall, Ago Palace Way. She emphasized that the clinic aims to enhance access to quality and affordable healthcare at the grassroots level in Nigeria.

With a background as a Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon trained in the United Kingdom, Dr. Anetor returned to Nigeria in response to the Federal Government’s call for healthcare professionals abroad to contribute to national growth and innovation in the sector. She shared that ECMC was conceived as a unique initiative aimed at becoming a leader in preventive healthcare while empowering communities to improve their overall well-being.

This new clinic joins the ranks of the first ECMC facility that opened at SuperSavers Mall in Osapa, Lekki, back in April 2023.

“Our clinics are strategically located within communities, close to daily activities, making it easier for people to walk in and receive prompt medical attention,” Dr. Anetor explained. The services offered include clinical consultations, laboratory tests, treatment of minor and intermediate injuries, health screening, and counseling.

Dr. Anetor highlighted that ECMC utilizes technology and collaborates with healthcare professionals and institutions both locally and internationally to ensure that communities in Okota, Amuwo Odofin, and Lekki have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions. She encouraged regular shoppers at SuperSavers Mall and local residents to take advantage of a one-month free registration and consultation offer, inviting families to visit the clinic to learn more about their health status.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Lucky Egede, the chairman of the event and the SuperSavers supermarket retail chain, commented on the establishment of ECMC as a crucial development in nation-building. “Nigeria can only progress when everyone contributes across different fields and areas,” he stated. He urged local shoppers and residents to make the most of the new clinic, emphasizing that “a healthy community builds a progressive nation,” and remarked, “when you are healthy, you are wearing a crown that only the sick can see.”

Representatives from several residential estates and communities in Okota who attended the event voiced their support for the walk-in clinic, noting that it alleviates the challenges of distance and access to quality private primary healthcare in the region.