Monthly Archive 28/10/2024

The Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security recently released videos showing North Korean soldiers receiving military uniforms, Russian-made weapons, and fake identification from Russian military personnel. These soldiers are reportedly posing as Russian troops from Siberia and are set to be deployed to the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war after completing their training.

On October 18, the South Korean National Intelligence Service confirmed that around 1,500 North Korean special forces members have arrived in Vladivostok to undergo acclimatization training in preparation for their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The emergence of training-related videos online appears to corroborate these claims.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, currently in Naples, Italy, addressed the situation on October 19. He stated that while he cannot confirm the reports at this time, if they are true, it raises significant concerns.

Rep. Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, warned that this represents a crossing of red lines for both the U.S. and NATO. He expressed alarm over the implications of North Korean troops either attacking Ukraine from Russia or entering Ukrainian territory, emphasizing that such actions necessitate an immediate response from the U.S. and NATO.

The intelligence report from South Korea suggests that North Korea is sending its elite 11th Army Corps, known as the Storm Corps, to assist Russia. Earlier reports indicated that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers from four brigades are currently undergoing training in Russia and are expected to join Russian forces starting November 1.

The special forces contingent of 1,500 traveled from North Korea’s northern regions via Russian landing craft and escort vessels between October 8 and 13. They have reportedly been issued Russian military gear, weapons, and fake IDs to masquerade as Russian troops. A second deployment wave is anticipated soon.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that it remains unconfirmed whether North Korea’s regular military forces will indeed intervene in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pending further investigations.

Amid the unfolding situation, videos shared online depict North Korean soldiers lined up to receive supplies from Russian military personnel at a training center in Russia’s Far East. Additional footage sourced by CNN shows troops arriving at the Sergeevka Training Ground, near the Russia-China border.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously accused North Korea of providing troops and weaponry to Russia, although Russia has denied these allegations, labeling them as misinformation. The recent video released by Ukraine appears to aim at substantiating those claims.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has asserted that the North Korean soldiers are not mercenaries, but regular members of the North Korean People’s Army, criticizing Russia for drawing North Korea into the conflict in Ukraine.

As of now, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has commented on these developments.

With a military force of approximately 1.2 million personnel, North Korea has one of the largest armies in the world, though most lack combat experience. Should it be confirmed that Pyongyang is aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine, it would mark a significant intervention in an international conflict for the regime.

In a recent interview, Starbucks announced a shift in its pricing strategy that has sparked mixed reactions among its customers, particularly in the Chinese-American community. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the coffee giant is planning to cut back on discounts as part of an initiative to position itself as a premium brand. Some patrons are concerned that with the reduction in discount offers, enjoying a Starbucks beverage may become less accessible.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted that the Starbucks mobile app will feature fewer promotions, meaning consumers might miss out on certain discounts when purchasing their favorite tea or coffee. This change is the brainchild of the new CEO, Brian Niccol, who aims to elevate Starbucks to a high-end coffee brand while also alleviating employee workload. Employees have reported being overwhelmed during periods of significant discounts.

Traditionally, customers ordering through the Starbucks app could enjoy various discounts. For instance, in September, the major promotions included extra points for coffee purchases on Tuesdays and discounts on certain beverages on Saturdays. Previously, customers had access to more attractive deals like “buy one, get one free” or “second cup at half price.” The Wall Street Journal indicated that such deals may become a thing of the past, even during the upcoming holiday season. Instead, Starbucks plans to focus on advertising to promote new products.

In recent years, significant discounts from Starbucks have been few and far between. However, during the first half of this year, the company offered better promotions, hoping to lure back lost customers. Unfortunately, sales did not see the expected uptick. With Niccol’s ascension to CEO, Starbucks seems to be reverting to its former pricing policies, which entail phasing out substantial discounts. Notably, the company has reported two consecutive quarters of sales falling short of projections. In July, CNN revealed that same-store sales in North America have declined by approximately 6% for locations open for over a year, attributing this downturn to consumers struggling to afford an average coffee price of around $6.

In Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, regular Starbucks patrons have noted that prices have consistently risen. One customer remarked on the price increase of the seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has jumped from about $5.50 a few years ago to over $6 today. This customer expressed concern that if significant discounts are eliminated, she may have to cut back on her Starbucks visits.

According to Money website, the price of the Pumpkin Spice Latte has doubled since its debut. When it launched in 2005, a grande size cost around $3.35; today, the average price has reached $6.50, with some locations charging even more.

A recent analysis from Bank of America revealed that Starbucks is losing customers, particularly those who visit infrequently in the afternoon and younger patrons aged 18 to 29.

Brian Niccol envisions transforming Starbucks into a community-centric coffee shop rather than primarily an online ordering business. In a letter to employees, he expressed a commitment to returning Starbucks to its original mission: becoming a community coffeehouse with distinct boundaries between in-store consumption and takeout options.

On October 15, 2023, Colonel Wu Qian, the director of the Ministry of Defense News Bureau and spokesperson for the Ministry, addressed recent military-related questions during a press briefing.

A reporter inquired about the recently reported commencement of the Navy’s recruitment process for pilots for 2025. Wu Qian responded by detailing that the Navy has officially launched its recruitment efforts for pilot candidates, targeting high school graduates as well as recent undergraduate and master’s degree graduates.

He highlighted that, in line with the recruitment standards of other leading naval forces globally, the Navy has relaxed certain optometric requirements. Specifically, individuals who have undergone corrective eye surgery are now eligible to apply. To meet the demanding requirements for aircraft operations in diverse maritime conditions, the Navy has also expanded its screening criteria, which now includes tests for depth perception, contrast sensitivity, as well as advanced imaging tests like cranial MRIs and chest CT scans. Additionally, candidates will undergo a 15-hour airborne flight capability assessment to ensure a more scientific and accurate selection process for aspiring carrier-based pilots.

Wu emphasized the nobility of the pursuit, saying, “Chasing dreams in the skies and seas, dedicated to serving the nation.” He announced that the preliminary screening process for the 2025 Navy pilot recruitment has officially begun as of October 15. He encouraged young aspirants to boldly engage in this courageous endeavor and truly become “dancers on the edge of the Navy’s sword.” For more detailed information, interested individuals can visit the official Chinese Navy pilot recruitment website at www.hjzf.mil.cn.

On October 16, 2023, in Jilin, China, we delve into the phenomenon of “leaf-peeping tourism” that has ignited the “autumn foliage economy” in the small city of Jiaohe.

Avoiding the crowded tourist spots, 67-year-old Cheng Yingtie chose to explore the Hongye Valley scenic area in Jiaohe City. Surrounded by vibrant red leaves, he captures moments with his professional photography equipment, taking snapshots as fellow visitors relax by the streams.

Cheng has been photographing the autumn leaves for over twenty years. As the colors deepen, his camera hardly rests. “The leaves are most beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, especially when there’s a light drizzle,” he shares.

Jiaohe, under the administration of Jilin City, is often referred to as the “City of Red Leaves.” It has been recognized three times as one of China’s “Top Ten Most Beautiful Autumn Sceneries.” In recent years, the rise of “leaf-peeping tourism,” rural travel, and “mini-vacations” has invigorated the autumn foliage economy in this northeastern town.

The Hongye Valley, a key viewing area for red leaves, stretches over a hundred miles and offers peak scenery from late September to late October. Zhang Meiling, director of the Jiaohe Tourism Service Center, explains that the valley is home to over ten varieties of deciduous trees. In addition to maple trees, other species like the Acer truncatum and oak create a picturesque tapestry of colors, which has bolstered the enduring reputation of “Jiaohe Red Leaves.”

During the recent National Day holiday, Jiaohe welcomed 283,500 visitors, generating a tourism revenue of 113 million yuan. Tourist hotspots and rural attractions buzzed with activity, benefiting local communities with increased sales in dining, lodging, and transportation.

The Changbai Mountain Red Leaf Tourism Festival, now in its 22nd year, has become a hallmark event in northern China’s cultural tourism scene. This year, Zhang notes, the event featured an “Autumn Exchange” program, connecting visitors with tour groups from five provinces and cities nationwide. The launch of the “Jiao You Li” public brand showcased local specialties like pollen and black fungus, which have become popular souvenirs.

To attract a younger demographic, the tourism season introduced a “Music in the Valley” concert for the first time. Thousands of music enthusiasts gathered in the Hongye Valley, celebrating amidst the stunning autumn landscape.

Interestingly, Jiaohe’s autumn foliage has gained traction on social media, appearing frequently in trending topics on short video platforms. To transform this online buzz into lasting interest, the city has established the “Red Leaf Influencer Jiaohe Cultural Tourism Promotion Team.”

Local officials highlighted ongoing efforts to innovate cultural and tourism projects. During the recent holiday period, the “Sunrise Adventure” at Lafashan drew significant attention, where visitors trekked to witness breathtaking autumn scenery and stunning sunrises over the clouds, marking a new growth point for cultural tourism in the region.

On October 17, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the military and emphasized the importance of recognizing South Korea as a foreign and adversarial entity. During his visit to the Second Command of the People’s Army, he warned that North Korea would unconditionally and decisively use force if its sovereignty was violated by South Korea.

Kim stated that the severance of highways and railroads connecting North and South Korea symbolizes not just a physical closure but also a complete break from what he referred to as a “malicious relationship” with Seoul. He stressed the need to eliminate any sense of kinship or unity between the two Koreas, asserting that only by curtailing the enemy’s power can North Korea achieve reliable, safe, and consolidated peace. He insisted that the military must become stronger.

According to reports from the Korean Central News Agency on the same day, North Korea has amended its constitution to designate South Korea as a hostile state and has destroyed connecting roads between the two countries. The North has committed to fortifying its closed southern border permanently.

As tensions between the two Koreas escalate, there are growing concerns about the potential for renewed conflict. Professor Kim Dong-yup, who teaches at Seoul’s Korea University, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of North Korea initiating a full-scale war, noting that the regime is well aware of the severe consequences that massive conflict would entail.

Similarly, Professor Nam Sung-wook, also at Korea University, suggested that North Korea’s recent accusations regarding South Korean drone incursions might serve as mere rhetorical tactics. Both Koreas, he argued, understand that they cannot bear the cost of full-blown war, making the actual use of nuclear weapons unlikely.

Professor Kang Dong-wan from Dong-A University in Busan echoed these sentiments, asserting that North Korea is leveraging military confrontations to bolster internal solidarity rather than escalate to the level of war.

According to the European Broadcasting Union, North Korea boasts the fourth-largest military in the world, with nearly 1.3 million active personnel, representing about 5% of its total population, along with approximately 600,000 reserve troops.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim has prioritized defense spending, stating in January that 15.9% of this year’s government budget would be allocated to military expenses. Estimates suggest that North Korea’s military spending could account for around 36.3% of its GDP in 2023, ranking it second highest globally.

Additionally, Kim has aggressively pursued nuclear capabilities, leading the country through four nuclear tests in 2013, 2016, and 2017. Under his leadership, there have been at least 160 ballistic missile launches, surpassing the totals conducted by both his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

On October 11, during an exhibition match at the ATP Shanghai Masters, table tennis player Fan Zhendong showcased his skills as he returned a shot. The event featured a friendly yet competitive showdown between Team Federer, consisting of the tennis legend Roger Federer and singer Eason Chan, and Team Amazing, comprised of Fan Zhendong and tennis player Zhang Zhizhen. Ultimately, Federer and Chan triumphed over their opponents with a score of 2-0.

Following the match, Fan Zhendong jokingly consoled his partner, saying, “Losing to Federer isn’t something to be ashamed of!” To which Federer lightheartedly replied, “You aced me!”

According to media reports, the exhibition was separated into two camps: Team Federer, led by Federer himself—who boasts an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles—alongside an ecstatic Eason Chan, who expressed his excitement by admitting, “It’s a dream come true to play alongside Federer.”

Team Amazing, on the other hand, featured the gold medalist from the Paris Olympic men’s singles table tennis event, Fan Zhendong, teaming up with Zhang Zhizhen.

The match was played in a best-of-three format, requiring teams to win two sets to secure victory. Federer demonstrated he hasn’t lost his touch as an effective scorer for Team Federer, while Eason Chan actively moved across the court, successfully executing several net interceptions and showcasing his strong serves, evidence of his rigorous training.

Team Amazing also put on an impressive performance, with Fan Zhendong cleverly incorporating table tennis spin techniques into his tennis play. This was exemplified when he landed a remarkable ace against Federer, earning thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd.

**Interviewer:** Can you tell me about the current situation in the Qilian Mountains, particularly regarding the traditional practices of animal husbandry?

**Interviewee:** Absolutely! The Qilian Mountains, which stretch for 800 kilometers along the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, are rich in natural alpine grasslands. Here, various ethnic groups, including the Yugur, Tibetan, and Mongolian peoples, have been herding livestock for generations.

**Interviewer:** I understand that the fall season brings a change for these herders. Could you elaborate on what happens during this time?

**Interviewee:** Yes, as October arrives, the grasslands transition from green to golden, signaling the time for herders to move their livestock. Traditionally, they relocated from summer and autumn pastures to winter and spring pastures. However, in recent years, the Qilian Mountain region has been actively exploring innovative methods for modernizing traditional pastoralism, leading to the rise of a new practice known as “borrowing grass.”

**Interviewer:** What does “borrowing grass” entail, and what are its benefits?

**Interviewee:** This practice involves herders bringing their livestock down from the mountains to temporarily use harvested cornfields in agricultural areas. This year, for instance, Zangye City anticipates around 200,000 sheep and cattle to participate in this initiative. The livestock graze on leftover corn stalks, which allows herders to settle near the fields for winter. This method effectively replaces the old routine of wintering in traditional pastures.

**Interviewer:** How does this new approach affect the animals and the herders’ livelihoods?

**Interviewee:** By allowing the grasslands a five-month hiatus from grazing, the livestock can gain weight more effectively due to the ample corn stalks, which ultimately increases their market value come spring. For example, Zhu Wenxin, head of the forage department at the Zangye City Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau, reported that each sheep can yield an additional income of 28 yuan after deducting borrowing costs.

**Interviewer:** What about the farmers who provide these cornfields? Are they benefiting as well?

**Interviewee:** Definitely. Farmers find they earn more from lending out their land than by simply selling the corn stalks. Additionally, the manure from the grazing livestock enriches the soil, benefiting next year’s crops. Local farmer Wang Jingnian shared that his family saves a significant amount on organic fertilizer, leading to an annual profit increase of about 40,000 to 50,000 yuan.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like a mutually beneficial arrangement! Are herders from other regions also participating in this practice?

**Interviewee:** Yes, indeed! Aside from local herders, those from the other side of the Qilian Mountains in Qinghai province have started to join in. We’ve seen about 23,000 sheep and 12,000 cows coming down to borrow grass each year.

**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! What are the logistical considerations and necessary precautions when moving such a large number of animals?

**Interviewee:** Animal health is a priority when transferring livestock across regions. Preventative measures against diseases are crucial, as outbreaks can severely impact herders’ incomes. Before the move, herders typically vaccinate their animals, like the small ruminant vaccine for a highly fatal disease.

**Interviewer:** Aside from health precautions, what other support do herders receive for this transition?

**Interviewee:** In recent years, local governments have been providing “care packages” to herders before the borrowing period begins. This year, for example, Nima Caileng received essential supplies like gloves, washing powder, and disinfection materials for their sheep pens.

**Interviewer:** How do herders ensure clear agreements when borrowing land for grazing?

**Interviewee:** It’s essential! Herders like Nima sign standardized contracts with landowners which protect their rights and clarify the terms of use, avoiding disputes that could arise from misunderstandings.

**Interviewer:** This collaboration seems to foster a sense of community among herders and farmers. Do you see friendships forming through this practice?

**Interviewee:** Absolutely! As herders and farmers work together, they’ve built meaningful relationships, sharing responsibilities and forming bonds. For instance, one farmer, Ren Xinghe, and a Tibetan herder, Huang Junrong, have become good friends after working together for three consecutive years.

**Interviewer:** What do these friendships mean for the community?

**Interviewee:** They symbolize the unity and mutual support among different ethnic groups. After the grazing season ends, these friendships continue, with visits and gatherings becoming a tradition. Such experiences reflect a broader narrative of shared prosperity and interconnectedness occurring at the foot of the Qilian Mountains.

On October 14th, the Tianjin Eco-city hosted a conference aimed at promoting high-quality development in the green and low-carbon sectors, during which they officially launched the international sustainable development standard ISO37111 tailored for small and medium-sized cities.

The event drew over 140 participants, including representatives from national standardization technical committees, relevant governmental bodies, and various enterprises. Attendees engaged in in-depth discussions and learning sessions focused on several topics, including low-carbon transportation, green port construction, zero-carbon demonstration projects, new energy vehicle propulsion, and the marine economy.

The ISO37111 standard is designed to assist urban communities at different stages of sustainable development worldwide by providing a progressive approach to determining process goals and priorities. This standard incorporates best practices from many small and medium-sized cities globally and has garnered widespread support from more than twenty countries, including the UK, Russia, Canada, and Australia.

Since the conception of this standard in 2018, the Eco-city has dedicated three years of effort towards its establishment, culminating in a 100% approval rate upon its official release. The development of the standard received backing from the National Standardization Administration and integrates over a decade of sustainable development practices from the Eco-city, resulting in various tools and methodologies.

The standard has already been tested in several small and medium-sized cities such as Guangzhou’s Huangpu Development Zone, Huzhou in Zhejiang, and Chibi in Hubei, demonstrating its advanced nature and applicability. Looking ahead, the Eco-city plans to continue leading with standards, assisting relevant organizations and enterprises in developing more advanced standards, thereby providing technical support for the establishment of national green development demonstration zones.

On October 16, during the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states held in Islamabad, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Premier Li emphasized that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia is maintaining a high level of development. He noted that both countries strongly support each other on core interest issues, their strategic collaboration is fruitful, and practical cooperation continues to advance, benefiting the people of both nations. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Li expressed China’s readiness to work with Russia to further implement the important consensus reached by their leaders, enhance strategic coordination, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation to contribute to both nations’ development and global prosperity and stability.

Li also highlighted China’s willingness to deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as trade and energy, while promoting collaboration in emerging fields like the digital economy. He underlined the importance of strengthening industrial and supply chain cooperation between the two countries to achieve more tangible outcomes. Additionally, he called for close communication and collaboration, urging member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to uphold the “Shanghai Spirit,” enhance strategic mutual trust, and commit to win-win cooperation. He emphasized the need for unity and progress in areas like trade, energy, digital economy, and green industries to create a more vibrant and practical organization, with results that benefit all.

Prime Minister Mishustin acknowledged that this year marks both the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of Sino-Russian diplomatic relations. He pointed out that the comprehensive strategic partnership is currently at an unprecedented high level. In light of the current international landscape, he expressed Russia’s willingness to work closely with China to fulfill the leaders’ important consensus, mutually support each other’s core interests, and enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union. He also emphasized the need to deepen practical cooperation in trade, energy, transportation, agriculture, and to successfully carry out the “Russian-Chinese Cultural Year.” Furthermore, he mentioned the importance of strengthening communication and collaboration within frameworks like the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS to continuously advance the relations between the two countries.

In an exclusive interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Zhao Xufeng, an associate researcher at the Tianshan Mountain Grottoes Research Institute, who has dedicated the past two decades to the protection and study of the Tianshan Mountain Grottoes.

The Tianshan Mountain Grottoes, located about 50 kilometers south of Wuwei City in the Zhangyi Town area of Gansu Province, are renowned for their stunning beauty and rich historical significance. Often referred to as “the ancestor of grottoes,” they were carved during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and have been a focal point of Buddhist art for over 1,600 years.

Zhao shared his insights about the monumental history of the site, emphasizing the influential role it played in the development of China’s early grotto art. “These grottoes were commissioned by Juqu Mengxun, the ruler of the Northern Liang,” he explained. “He recognized the importance of creating these sculptures for their long-lasting preservation.” The Tianshan Mountain Grottoes have since served as a crucial reference point for the emergence of grottoes in adjacent areas, giving rise to what is known as the “Liangzhou model” in Buddhist grotto art.

As we spoke, Zhao highlighted that the Tianshan Mountain Grottoes not only impacted the development of the Bingling Temple and Maijishan Grottoes but also left a lasting legacy on sites further west, like the Mogao Caves and the caves in the Gaochang region. This valuable contribution to the study of Northern Buddhist grottoes and architecture has earned it the acclaim of being the “source of grottoes” in academic circles.

The exhibition dedicated to the Tianshan Mountain Grottoes at the Wuwei City Museum offers another perspective on their cultural and artistic value. The rare artifacts displayed tell a compelling story of the site’s historical evolution and significance.

During our discussion, Zhao introduced himself as the “storyteller of the grottoes.” His passion for the site is evident; he combines his expertise in grotto research with his efforts to promote the Hexi Baohua, a form of intangible cultural heritage in the region. “About 20 years ago, I began my journey here, working on artifact preservation and studying the grottoes,” he recounted. Over the years, he has not only focused on preserving the art but also on collecting, organizing, and publishing pieces related to the Liangzhou Baohua.

Zhao’s commitment to educating the public about the historical and cultural significance of the Tianshan Mountain Grottoes and the Liangzhou Baohua is palpable. “The Liangzhou Baohua is a branch of Buddhist literature that is more accessible and highlights important themes like filial piety and moral goodness,” he noted. When guiding visitors, he often embellishes his explanations with impromptu performances of Liangzhou Baohua, captivating the audience with its poignant melodies.

Ultimately, Zhao expressed his desire to pass on this rich cultural heritage to the next generation. He hopes to mentor young individuals in continuing the traditions of the Liangzhou Baohua and aims to replicate more grotto murals to further contribute to the preservation of the Tianshan Mountain Grottoes before he retires.