Monthly Archive 15/11/2024

Could Lyon be making a comeback? If not quite to the dominant form that saw them secure consecutive titles in past years, they at least seem to resemble the impressive squad that turned their season around last year, going from relegation threats to finishing sixth in Ligue 1.

At the start of the summer transfer window, there were concerns about misjudged signings, as Saïd Benrahma, Georges Mikautadze, and Moussa Niakhaté struggled to find their rhythm after a hefty investment of nearly €70 million. Meanwhile, new left-back Abner from Real Betis also faced challenges adapting. Rayan Cherki, despite attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs, chose to stay with Lyon but initially didn’t feature in the squad after hesitating to sign a new contract. Alexandre Lacazette’s uncharacteristic struggles only added to the tension, particularly as European competition loomed on the horizon with both Monaco and Marseille performing strongly.

Yet, in just a month, the narrative has flipped. Following a commanding 4-0 victory against Le Havre, Lyon has now clinched five consecutive wins across all competitions. Although the complexity of their competition within Ligue 1 has varied, standout performances in the Europa League against Olympiakos and Rangers signal a renewed sense of ambition, despite some early-game jitters.

This impressive turnaround traces back to a painful home defeat to Marseille, where the opposition played with ten men and still managed to secure a 3-2 victory. Since then, Mikautadze and Benrahma have mostly been sidelined, with Malick Fofana and Cherki now steering the ship. Cherki, after extending his contract through 2026, has re-entered coach Pierre Sage’s favor.

The young duo has exploded onto the scene during this winning streak, with Cherki contributing a goal and three assists, while Fofana has netted four goals and dished out an assist. At just 19, Fofana is already showcasing his significant talent, stepping into a role once filled by Benrahma. This shift highlights Sage’s choice to lean on younger players rather than veterans, mindful of Lacazette’s sluggish start that hindered their chase for the top four.

Talking about Cherki, the real question now is whether he can sustain this level of performance. In earlier seasons, competition from Ernest Nuamah and Bradley Barcola frequently pushed him out of the lineup, and mixed signals about his role within the team led to doubts about his commitment. However, with Sage’s backing and newfound confidence, Cherki seems poised to fulfill the promise that has always surrounded him.

Fofana’s excellent form even earned him a spot on Belgium’s senior national team and has helped Lacazette break through, scoring twice against Rangers and again in the league on Sunday. Post-match, Lacazette praised Cherki, saying, “It feels great to finally score in Ligue 1. I knew it was coming; I had my chances, and I just lacked the finishing touch. Rayan told me I’d score my first goal this weekend, and I owe him for that fantastic assist.”

While Lyon has thrived in a 4-3-3 formation, there’s potential for Fofana, Cherki, and either Nuamah or Benrahma to shift into a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 once Nemanja Matic recovers from injury. Although this strategy could leave them vulnerable defensively, it provides Sage with an advantage to enhance their attack or counteract more defensive teams.

As they continue to impress, it’s worth noting that the steady improvement of Abner, now entering the Brazilian national team scene, is contributing to the overall resurgence. Lyon finds itself just one point shy of fourth place.

However, challenges still loom. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri has appeared shaky at times, and the talented Mikautadze can’t be overlooked, despite his struggles. Niakhaté, while showing promise against Le Havre, still has much to prove considering his cost to the club. Nevertheless, the signs are increasingly positive for Lyon as they work their way back into contention for European competition, if not for the title.

In the broader Ligue 1 landscape, Montpellier’s fortunes seem to be worsening following a 5-0 defeat to Marseille, threatening their hopes for survival. Meanwhile, Auxerre has made strides away from the relegation battle with key contributions from Hamed Traorè, who looks set to be the difference maker for their safety.

Finally, the end may be nearing for Rennes manager Julien Stéphan as well, with a disappointing start to the season failing to meet club expectations after a significant transfer window investment.

From October 22 to 24, the BRICS Leaders’ 16th Meeting took place in Kazan, Russia. This event marked the first leaders’ summit following the historic expansion of BRICS. Since the inception of this collaborative framework in 2006, BRICS has navigated an 18-year journey of development. What achievements have been made during this time? How significant is the value of “New BRICS”? Let’s take a closer look at some key numbers that provide insights into these questions.

In a recent interview, Gu Jinlong, the Deputy Director of the Xi’an Ecological Environment Bureau, shared insights on the city’s proactive measures to combat air pollution. He highlighted that, “In recent years, our city has placed significant emphasis on air pollution control, launching a comprehensive five-year action plan that has already demonstrated tangible improvements in air quality.”

To enhance the effectiveness of its response to severe pollution episodes, Xi’an has revised its emergency response plan for heavy pollution days, initially introduced in 2020. The newly updated plan, titled the “Xi’an Emergency Response Plan for Heavy Pollution Weather (2024 Revision),” applies to the entire administrative region of Xi’an. It features tailored responses based on the specific pollutants involved during predicted heavy pollution events.

The plan sets ambitious targets for reducing the number of heavy pollution days in Xi’an, aiming for no more than five days by 2025 and four days by 2027. One significant adjustment in the revised plan is the modification of the air quality index (AQI) warning system. The previous dual indicators of AQI and PM2.5 concentration have been streamlined to focus exclusively on AQI, with warning levels categorized as yellow, orange, and red.

Moreover, the emergency plan has made critical changes in public life, removing mandates for vehicle license plate restrictions and school closures during heavy pollution periods. This is intended to ensure that urban operations and residents’ daily lives remain unaffected during emergency responses.

In the industrial sector, the revised plan emphasizes the importance of enhancing corporate environmental performance. Companies achieving higher performance levels will not be subjected to additional emission reduction measures.

For road transport, the updated plan introduces new control measures for non-road mobile machinery. During yellow alert periods, the use of non-road machinery with emissions standards of National II and below will be halted, with exceptions for clean energy, emergency response, and agricultural equipment. The restrictions become more stringent during orange alerts, stopping the use of all National III and below non-road machinery, and during red alerts, a complete cessation of all fuel and gas-powered non-road machinery is encouraged. Additional pollution reduction measures include banning open burning of straw, leaves, and waste, alongside enhanced monitoring in key pollution hotspots.

These updates reflect Xi’an’s commitment to improving air quality while balancing the needs of its residents and industries, ensuring a healthier environment for all.

The Formosan Dance Crew recently hosted the second annual Double Tenth National Day Dance Showcase on October 12th at Formosa Aroma in Alhambra, California. This vibrant event celebrated Taiwanese music and culture, featuring performances of eight popular dances that included hits like “I Want to Fly” by F.I.R., “Mr. Q” by Jolin Tsai, and “BITE BACK” by Cyndi Wang. The atmosphere was electric, drawing in a large audience that immersed themselves in the joyful celebration.

Fifteen dancers from various age groups participated in the showcase, demonstrating their passionate support for Taiwanese culture. Crew leader Hsin-Yi Gao noted the significance of the event, highlighting how many dancers have overcome their initial fear of performing to boldly express themselves on stage. This year, the crew welcomed several non-Taiwanese dancers and encouraged families to participate together, creating a warm, festive environment that captivated passersby. Many children joined the dancers on stage, adding to the charm of the occasion.

Gao shared that the Double Tenth Dance Showcase serves as both a celebration of National Day and a passionate expression of Taiwanese culture. “With every step, we share our love for our homeland and our deep affinity for dance, telling the stories of Taiwan through our performances,” she stated. The event also featured 100 complimentary drinks, sponsored by Formosa Aroma, allowing attendees to savor authentic Taiwanese flavors while enjoying the show.

Founded in 2022, the Formosan Dance Crew consists of a diverse group of enthusiastic dancers united by their goal of incorporating Taiwanese music, songs, and choreography into their performances. The team actively participates in various cultural celebrations and charity events to promote the richness and diversity of Taiwanese arts. This showcase not only highlighted Taiwanese culture but also turned into a delightful sensory experience, allowing the audience to engage with Taiwan’s unique charm through music and dance.

Jack Draper emerged victorious in the ATP 500 final in Vienna, defeating Karen Khachanov with a score of 6-4, 7-5. When asked how it felt to secure this significant win, the British No. 1 shared, “It feels incredible. I’m incredibly happy.”

This match marked a pivotal moment for the 22-year-old as it was his first ATP 500 final. Throughout his early career, Draper has faced overwhelming nerves during critical matches that hindered his performance. However, after a dedicated year of honing his skills and physical fitness, he demonstrated his potential and resilience on the court.

“It’s been an amazing week, winning my first 500,” Draper reflected. “It’s been a long year for me with ups and downs, but I’ve proven that consistent hard work with my team leads to great results. Coming into this week, I felt good form, but I wasn’t entirely sure how my body would hold up. This victory is a testament to my dedication to the sport, and I’m very proud of that.”

Draper’s journey has come with its share of setbacks, including a significant incident at the US Open two years ago when he faced Khachanov in the third round. At that time, he was playing exceptionally well but ultimately had to retire due to a hamstring injury while serving for a lead.

Since then, Draper has faced disappointments yet remained patient and focused on his physical development. After reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at last month’s US Open, he approached each match with newfound confidence.

In the final match against Khachanov, Draper was sharp from the start, breaking Khachanov’s serve early and maintaining a high level of play, with impressive statistics including landing 79% of first serves and winning 95% of those points. He effectively controlled the game with powerful forehands and kept pressure on his Russian opponent.

However, in the second set, after jumping to a 4-0 lead, Draper faced a dip in energy, allowing Khachanov to make a comeback by winning five consecutive games. “I was playing so well and then the momentum shifted a little bit,” Draper noted. “I didn’t feel too nervous; I just missed a few balls while Karen started swinging and picked up his level.”

Ultimately, Draper showcased his mental strength by regaining composure at a crucial moment, winning the final three games to clinch the title.

Looking ahead, Draper will not have much time to celebrate, as he prepares for the final Masters 1000 event of the year in Paris. As the highest-ranked unseeded player, he’ll face a tough first match against Jiri Lehecka from the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Recently, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of China, along with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, issued a joint document titled “Guidelines for the Collection of Evidence in Environmental Pollution Criminal Cases.” This new guideline is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement agencies collect evidence in a standardized and efficient manner, while also clarifying the areas of focus for prosecuting authorities in these cases.

In an interview, a spokesperson explained that the guidelines emphasize three key principles when handling environmental pollution criminal cases: “comprehensive and objective,” “lawfully standard,” and “evidence-based judgment.” The document outlines the necessity of gathering, securing, reviewing, and utilizing evidence in a legal and scientific manner, ensuring that it serves as a solid foundation for fact determination and legal applicability, thereby enhancing both the quality and efficiency of case handling.

The guidelines specifically highlight the importance of gathering evidence regarding the objective aspects of crimes, such as identifying the specific types of pollutants and demonstrating the suspect’s actions in terms of discharge, dumping, or disposal of waste. It also underscores the need to establish a causal relationship between the actions of pollution and the resultant environmental damage, particularly in alignment with the interpretations related to serious pollution scenarios.

Moreover, the guidelines stipulate that authorities must collect and examine evidence related to criminal liability, emphasizing the distinction between corporate and individual offenses. They stress the importance of investigating the motives, objectives, and any premeditated plans of the individuals involved. If there are defenses pertaining to subjective culpability, the guidelines recommend collecting thorough evidence concerning a suspect’s professional background, training histories, and previous disciplinary actions, as well as the nature of the pollutants and their disposal methods.

The guidelines further indicate the need to gather and assess evidence that affects sentencing, such as voluntary confessions, roles in joint crimes, acceptance of plea deals, and ecological restoration efforts. This approach aims to ensure accurate convictions and appropriate sentences.

Officials from the three departments emphasized the necessity for collaboration among prosecutors, police, and environmental authorities. They highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of evidence during investigations, and when criminal liability is suspected, cases and relevant materials should be referred to law enforcement as mandated. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to conduct thorough analyses and deepen their investigations while ensuring that evidence is collected and documented in compliance with the law.

Prosecuting bodies are tasked with a comprehensive and objective review of facts and evidence presented by law enforcement before making decisions regarding arrests and prosecutions. This rigorous approach aims to standardize the investigation of environmental pollution crimes and enhance the overall quality of case management.

On October 19, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in the northern city of Caesarea was attacked by a drone, though no casualties were reported. On October 22, Israeli media released the first images showing the damage caused to Netanyahu’s home.

During a press conference held in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Hezbollah media office director Afif stated that the organization claimed full responsibility for the drone attack on Netanyahu’s residence and would continue its assaults on him.

How will the situation in the Middle East evolve? Will the Lebanon-Israel conflict escalate further?

In response to the incident, Netanyahu issued a statement labeling the attack as a serious mistake made by “Iran and its proxies.” He emphasized, “Nothing can stop us.”

In released footage, Netanyahu appeared in a black polo shirt and sunglasses, walking through a sunlit park while addressing the camera, stating, “We are in a life-and-death struggle, and we will continue to fight to the end.”

An IDF spokesperson, Hidai, stated on October 19 that Hezbollah’s actions would prompt Israel to intensify its operations against the group. Defense Minister Gallant noted that attempts to target the Prime Minister and his family amounted to an attack on Israel itself, asserting that security forces would continue to use force against any threats to Israel.

Hezbollah’s Afif reiterated on October 22 that the group is solely responsible for the drone strike and plans to increase its assaults on Netanyahu. He expressed disbelief that anyone would doubt Hezbollah’s ability to strike “targets in Jerusalem.” He further emphasized that Hezbollah would not negotiate with Israel while hostilities continue, claiming that their attacks were steadily increasing and causing significant losses to the Israeli military.

Following the drone attack, Israeli leaders centered their comments around Iran, with Netanyahu and the Foreign Minister both accusing the country of orchestrating the incident. Experts suggest that the underlying motive is Iran’s desire to demonstrate its military capabilities and establish deterrence against Israel.

Iran, meanwhile, has denied any involvement, stating that the attack was solely conducted and planned by Hezbollah, distancing itself from the incident. However, Israeli officials view all actions as operating under Iranian guidance, aiming to bolster Iran’s military deterrent against Israel.

The Middle East situation appears to have reached a critical juncture. On October 17, Israel announced the killing of Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar in southern Gaza, whom it considered a key architect of the Hamas attacks on October 7. Hezbollah declared on October 18 that its military hostilities with Israel had entered a new escalatory phase.

Recently, Hezbollah published a statement indicating that its forces had launched 39 attacks against the IDF and northern settlements, targeting military installations and infrastructure around Tel Aviv and Haifa. They claimed to have successfully hit Israeli Merkava tanks, leading to casualties among Israeli soldiers.

Experts note that the conflict has intensified in the aftermath of Sinwar’s death, with Hezbollah’s drone strike on Netanyahu’s residence highlighting the significance of these developments along the Lebanon-Israel border. Following Sinwar’s elimination, the international community perceives a potential opportunity for Israel to conclude its military operations, given Israel’s objective in Gaza was to dismantle Hamas. This may open the door for temporary ceasefire negotiations focusing on the release of captives held by Hamas.

Despite previous expressions by Hezbollah’s leadership about seeking a negotiated resolution to the Lebanon-Israel issues, they have faced no response from Israel. With the recent escalation, including more sophisticated missile capabilities and targeted drone attacks, Hezbollah seems to be applying pressure to bring Israel back to the negotiating table.

Gansu Province’s Qingyang city has been making impressive strides in developing its digital economy, recently hitting significant milestones in business engagement and infrastructure. Recently, I spoke with various officials and stakeholders to understand how the city is positioning itself as a hub for digital economy initiatives.

“Since we began connecting with digital economy enterprises, we’ve reached out to 3,170 companies and signed contracts with 800,” shared a local official. “Qingyang has even established 239 subsidiaries since our initiatives kicked off. We’ve also built and operationalized the equivalent of 20,000 standard racks, increasing our computing power significantly from 5,000 PetaFLOPS at the end of last year to 21,000 PetaFLOPS today.”

These numbers reflect Qingyang’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment that accelerates digital investment. From January to August 2024, local enterprises in the digital economy achieved substantial revenue, with 27 businesses generating a total of 2.059 billion yuan.

Since the establishment of the “East Data West Calculation” industry alliance and the arrival of leading enterprises like Kingsoft Cloud in 2022, Qingyang has focused on cultivating a robust organizational framework, a supportive governmental atmosphere, and competitive operational costs to ensure companies feel welcomed. As one local engineer, Wang Linwei, explained, “The construction of our smart carbon-neutral big data industrial park progressed remarkably fast—three buildings were capped, and the A1 data building was lit and operational, alongside the energized substation—all within just 16 months.”

The city’s comprehensive support framework, dubbed the “40+61+28” policy system, encompasses various areas including tax reductions, technology research funding, talent support, land use, financial backing, and regulatory services, aiming to facilitate the hub’s development. Notably, the introduction of a computing voucher policy, which allocates 100 million yuan annually to support AI companies in model training and technology research, is a prime example of Qingyang’s innovative approach to attracting businesses.

Furthermore, Qingyang is committed to enhancing the recruitment capabilities of its officials by pushing a digital literacy agenda and emphasizing an approachable, team-oriented service model. “We leverage both online and offline strategies to build trust and foster deeper cooperation with potential partners,” a city representative noted. This includes a focus on the unique needs of businesses and providing tailored support throughout their establishment process.

“Every step of the way, the city’s Agricultural and Rural Affairs Bureau assigned dedicated personnel to assist us with requirements regarding land, documentation, and process navigation,” said Liu Bo, regional director of TIER Technology in Qingyang.

The financial department is also streamlining approval processes to ensure projects are set up swiftly. “By focusing on minimizing review times and maximizing service quality, Qingyang truly seeks to meet the needs of businesses. Understanding and addressing business concerns is foundational to our approach,” said Wang Yao, the deputy secretary of the Financial Bureau’s Party Committee.

These concerted efforts are helping Qingyang solidify its standing in the digital economy sector, promising a bright future for both the local government and its business community.

In response to an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24.

Since the establishment of the BRICS cooperation mechanism in 2006, the BRICS nations have steadily deepened their collaboration. This collective rise of emerging market countries and developing nations is significantly reshaping the global landscape. President Xi has often expressed the “Chinese voice” within the BRICS framework, articulating the spirit of BRICS and providing strategic direction for development.

On August 23, 2023, the 15th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. In his keynote address titled “Unity and Cooperation for Development, Responsibilities for Peace,” President Xi highlighted the current period of global upheaval characterized by significant adjustments and increased uncertainties. He emphasized the essential role of BRICS in shaping the international landscape. The BRICS countries have chosen their development paths autonomously, steadfastly defending their rights to development and modernization, representing a forward trajectory for humanity that profoundly influences global development.

Reflecting on history, President Xi reaffirmed the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusivity, and mutual benefit, which has propelled BRICS cooperation to new heights, aiding the development of its member nations. He also underscored the commitment to international fairness and justice, advocating for the voices of emerging market countries and developing nations to be amplified in key global and regional issues.

At the 9th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting held on September 4, 2017, in Xiamen, President Xi delivered a significant address titled “Deepening BRICS Partnership for a Brighter Future.” He articulated that the rapid advancement of BRICS cooperation is due to a shared understanding and mutual respect among member nations, promoting a spirit of collaboration that aligns with each country’s unique context.

Moreover, in a keynote speech at the BRICS Business Forum on September 3, 2017, President Xi pointed out that BRICS is not merely a platform for discussions but rather a cohesive action-oriented team. The five nations are striving towards a comprehensive partnership, advancing practical cooperation across trade, finance, infrastructure, and cultural exchange, thus exemplifying a new type of international relationship.

During the 7th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Ufa, Russia, on July 9, 2015, President Xi stressed that the success of BRICS cooperation proves that diverse social systems can coexist and collaborate. He advocated for an inclusive approach, where nations learn from each other and make collective advancements despite differences.

On September 9, 2021, President Xi addressed the 13th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting via video link, emphasizing the need for adaptability to the evolving global landscape. He called for more pragmatic and focused cooperation across various fields, ensuring tangible outcomes and allowing BRICS to rejuvenate under shared efforts.

Again, on August 23, 2023, at the 15th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting, President Xi reinforced the importance of cooperation for revitalization and explicitly rejected “decoupling” and economic coercion, urging for practical collaborations particularly in digital economy, green development, and supply chains.

In his remarks during the special video summit on the Palestinian-Israeli issue on November 21, 2023, President Xi highlighted the BRICS mechanism as a critical platform for emerging market economies and developing countries to unite and safeguard shared interests. This week saw an efficient start in coordinating stances and actions regarding the newly expanded BRICS cooperation.

On June 23, 2022, during the 14th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting held via video in Beijing, President Xi articulated that BRICS is neither an exclusive club nor a closed circle but a supportive family and collaborative partner, promoting the “BRICS+” cooperation model. He emphasized the need for BRICS to remain open to promote development and foster collaboration.

Finally, President Xi reiterated the call for inclusion during the press conference on August 24, 2023, at the 15th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Johannesburg. He declared that the recent expansion of BRICS signifies a historic milestone, embodying the commitment to solidarity with developing countries and aligning with the international community’s expectations. He believes that through joint efforts, the BRICS cooperation may flourish and have a promising future ahead.

During a recent press conference organized by the Propaganda Department of the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party and the Shanxi Provincial Government, important financial updates were revealed regarding the region’s public budget. From January to September 2024, Shanxi Province saw its general public budget revenue reach 251.35 billion yuan, with a notable 8.6% growth in the third quarter. Meanwhile, expenditures totaled 422.94 billion yuan, with nearly 80% of that—approximately 336.57 billion yuan—dedicated to enhancing the living standards of its residents.

段萃, Deputy Director of the Shanxi Provincial Finance Department, explained how the province has prioritized spending on people’s livelihoods in recent years, maintaining a robust commitment to increasing investments in this area. The focus has been on universal, foundational, and safety net services aimed at addressing the pressing needs and concerns of the population, thereby improving their quality of life.

The trend in Shanxi’s budget continues to show a steady rise in social spending. In line with principles that emphasize safety nets, sustainability, and precision, the finance department has taken careful measures to allocate funds effectively. In 2023 alone, total expenditures on social welfare reached 499.79 billion yuan, accounting for 78.8% of the province’s general public budget and marking a 7% increase. In the first three quarters of this year, social spending amounted to 336.57 billion yuan, supporting key areas such as education, healthcare, social security, employment, and rural development.

Deputy Director Duan highlighted an initiative where the provincial government has allocated 14.047 billion yuan to bolster poverty alleviation efforts and support rural revitalization. Additionally, 5.564 billion yuan has been designated for enhancing urban drainage capabilities and improving urban infrastructure projects to facilitate integrated urban-rural development.

Shanxi is also taking concrete steps to maintain a solid social security baseline. With 1.735 billion yuan earmarked for employment support, the province aims to stabilize job opportunities for key demographics such as recent graduates, migrant workers, and veterans. Fiscal investments in education are guaranteed to increase without exception, and over 1 billion yuan is being allocated to bolster healthcare initiatives and support the construction of regional medical centers.

Moreover, the provincial finance department is committed to enhancing the welfare standards continually. Last year, adjustments were made to 17 social policies, including subsidies for rural doctors and basic living allowances. This year, there has been a further increase in the basic pension for urban and rural residents, as well as funds for public health services.

In addition to these measures, the Shanxi Provincial Finance Department has ramped up financial support for various social projects. Last year, 968 million yuan was disbursed for 12 key social welfare initiatives. This year, efforts will be intensified further to support 15 additional welfare projects, with 1.848 billion yuan already allocated for these initiatives.

The developments in Shanxi’s budget indicate a dedicated approach towards ensuring that the needs of its citizens are met effectively and sustainably.