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On October 27, Stuart from the UK shared his impressions after watching the dance drama “Wing Chun” in Guilin, Guangxi. “I’ve never seen a dance drama like this before. The use of light and shadow is fantastic, and the way it showcases Chinese kung fu is truly stunning,” he remarked.

The 2024 Guilin Arts Festival kicked off on October 26, and over the next two days, the original dance drama “Wing Chun” from Shenzhen was performed at the Guilin Grand Theatre.

As a deep male voice began to chant, the curtain raised, unfolding a story steeped in Chinese martial arts. The drama opens with a film about Wing Chun boxing, setting the stage for the entire performance. In the film, the character “Master Ye” journeys to a foreign land, clutching the “Wing Chun Hall” plaque, aiming to open the door to Wing Chun amidst a sea of martial arts schools. With a sophisticated stage setup, seamless scene transitions, and a blend of warm and cool lighting, the narrative intertwines the life journey of “Master Ye” with the dramatic portrayal of kung fu, showcasing the dancers’ precise movements through striking contrasts in light.

Stuart noted the impactful integration of cinematic elements within the performance. “I particularly loved the vintage film filters used during the performance; it created an immersive experience for me.”

Li Jingzhe, the deputy director of the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Drama Theater and the creator of “Wing Chun,” explained, “The storylines of the ‘film set’ and ‘Master Ye’ run parallel. The performers, dressed in fragrant cloud silk garments, seamlessly blend martial arts with dance, highlighting both Wing Chun boxing and the artistry of the fragrant cloud silk, both of which are part of our intangible cultural heritage.”

Graduate student Zhang Qiyu from Guangxi Normal University expressed her excitement: “It’s not often that we get to see a performance as professional as ‘Wing Chun’ in Guilin, especially one that combines martial arts with dance. I booked my ticket right away. I hope to learn from these dancers’ expertise to improve my own performance skills.”

The dance drama “Wing Chun” is a production of the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Drama Theater, sponsored by the Shenzhen Municipal Propaganda Department and the Shenzhen Cultural, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports Bureau. The script is penned by Feng Shuangbai, the chair of the Chinese Dancers Association, while the celebrated duo Han Zhen and Zhou Liya serve as the chief directors. Their collaboration has led to acclaimed productions such as “Eternal Waves,” “Only This Green,” and “Shawan Memories.” Since its premiere in December 2022, “Wing Chun” has performed over 200 times across China, Singapore, the UK, and France.

The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference kicked off in Beijing today. The head of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) highlighted that China’s intelligent connected vehicle industry has made remarkable progress.

**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the advancements in China’s intelligent connected vehicle industry?

**Minister Jin Zhuanglong:** We’ve established a comprehensive industrial system that includes foundational chips, sensors, computing platforms, chassis control, and cloud connectivity. In terms of technology, our human-machine interaction is globally competitive, with rapid breakthroughs in areas like steer-by-wire and active suspension systems.

**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! What infrastructure developments have been made to support this industry?

**Minister Jin Zhuanglong:** We’re accelerating the rollout of essential infrastructure. Currently, over 50 cities across the nation are conducting road testing demonstrations for intelligent connected vehicles, with 32,000 kilometers of road open for testing. We’ve also completed approximately 10,000 kilometers of intelligent road transformations and installed more than 8,700 roadside units.

**Interviewer:** How is China positioned in the global intelligent connected vehicle market?

**Minister Jin Zhuanglong:** In this sector, we have nurtured nearly 400 specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, with five lidar companies ranking among the top ten globally in sales. Additionally, we’ve deepened international cooperation with Europe, Japan, and the U.S., collaborating on developing regulations for autonomous driving.

**Interviewer:** What are your expectations for advancements in autonomous driving technology?

**Minister Jin Zhuanglong:** With the rapid development of computing power, big data, and large models, we anticipate significant breakthroughs in advanced driving technology, entering a new development stage for intelligent connected vehicles.

**Interviewer:** Can you outline the four key areas that China will focus on to promote new industrial development?

**Minister Jin Zhuanglong:** Certainly. First, in terms of integrated innovation, we will focus on new-generation electronic and electrical architecture, high-performance chips, domain controllers, and ultra-intelligent systems, connecting data to promote collaboration with smart grids, transportation, and cities.

Second, we’ll expand application scenarios by initiating integrated vehicle-road-cloud pilot projects and broadening applications across logistics, public transport, taxi services, and sanitation.

Third, we’ll improve standards and regulations that address road safety, insurance, and the establishment of robust management systems for high-level autonomous driving, alongside accelerating the development of safety standards concerning functionality, cyber security, and data protection.

Lastly, I’d like to highlight that under the UN International Organization for Standardization framework, we plan to enhance cooperation with other countries on standard regulations and explore policies that facilitate cross-border data flow.

**Interviewer:** What groundbreaking achievements have been announced during this conference?

**Minister Jin Zhuanglong:** During the conference, representatives from the Chinese Academy of Engineering unveiled ten major breakthroughs in the global intelligent connected vehicle landscape. These include significant advancements in AI technologies for vehicles based on large models, the integration of intelligence and networking as a vital technical pathway, and a new central computing architecture that launches industrial practices.

Other breakthroughs include enhancements in smart chassis for vehicle control and safety, improvements in safety technology for autonomous driving systems, a transformative closed-loop approach for vehicle-cloud data, large-scale deployment of driver assistance technologies, acceleration in the research and development of L3 and above intelligent connected vehicles, key legislative progress in major countries, and a global push for standards in autonomous driving regulations.

This is a rapidly evolving space, and we are committed to leading the way.

On October 15, the Haikou Customs released statistics showing a remarkable trend in export activity during the first three quarters of this year. According to the data, Haikou Customs issued a total of 11,439 various types of export certificates of origin, marking a year-on-year increase of 25.04%. The total value of the exported goods reached 6 billion yuan, which is a 37.1% increase compared to last year. Notably, 768 RCEP certificates were issued, with a total value of 670 million yuan, reflecting year-on-year growth of 78.2% and 90.7%, respectively.

Hainan Xuanchuang International Trade Company, a foreign trade enterprise primarily exporting products such as fructose, coconut fruit, plant-based creamers, and plastic kitchen utensils, is seeing significant benefits from these trends. The company focuses its exports on ASEAN countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia. Xu Qiumin, a foreign trade representative for the company, highlighted how the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area certificates have allowed their products to enjoy zero import tariffs in these markets, enhancing their bargaining power. This year alone, their company has processed 68 certificates under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, totaling a value of 34.34 million yuan and resulting in approximately 1.717 million yuan in tariff reductions.

Looking ahead, Haikou Customs is actively promoting a “paperless declaration + intelligent review + self-service printing” approach for issuing certificates of origin. Currently, 23 types of certificates can be printed on-demand, allowing companies to handle the entire certification process online, around the clock. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for certification from businesses.

In the future, Haikou Customs plans to further enhance the implementation of policies that benefit companies through these origin certificates. By facilitating a fully online application process, they aim to effectively reduce both the time and costs associated with obtaining these important documents, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for enterprises in the region.

In an interview, Feng Lizhen, the head of the Aging Mastery Program (AMP) at the Anleju organization, discussed the newly launched course aimed at helping seniors enhance their knowledge across various professional fields. This initiative, the first of its kind in the U.S. to offer AMP in Chinese, focuses on empowering older adults to lead fulfilling and enriched lives by learning about physical and mental health, interpersonal relationships, financial management, and more.

With over 35 years of experience at the Chinatown Public Health Bureau, Feng is well-versed in the needs of seniors. She noted, “Fifty years ago, the average life expectancy for older adults was around 60. Today, thanks to advancements in science and improvements in quality of life, individuals can expect to live approximately 19 years post-retirement at age 65, with many living even longer. The question then becomes: how can they make the most of these additional years?”

The National Council on Aging recognized the need for seniors to appreciate and add value to their lives, leveraging the benefits and opportunities that come with longer lifespans. Consequently, they established the AMP courses for those aged 55 and older. Since its inception in 2013, over 30,000 participants have enrolled, with an impressive 80% to 90% expressing satisfaction with the knowledge gained in areas like physical health, mental health, and building interpersonal relationships.

Beginning in 2021, Anleju expanded the AMP to include English and Spanish courses, and recently introduced the Chinese version, making it the first organization in the U.S. to offer these courses in Chinese. The program comprises ten classes, during which participants engage in consultations to learn new skills that can be translated into actionable plans for daily living. Topics covered include physical health, mental health, financial management, and interpersonal skills. Notably, five classes focus on physical health, discussing important aspects such as healthy eating, the significance of exercise, sleep, fall prevention, and medication management.

Feng emphasized the importance of social connections for seniors, who can often feel lonely or depressed. The program encourages participants to cultivate healthy relationships and to seek help from friends when needed. Moreover, seniors are also taught financial management strategies, including advance planning for their finances and estate, ensuring that their children face fewer burdens in the future.

To enhance interaction between instructors and participants, each course is limited to 15 to 20 individuals, with the next session set to begin after the Lunar New Year. Anleju currently operates seven day care centers in the Bay Area, located in San Francisco, Fremont, and Santa Clara County, providing comprehensive care services for seniors. For more information about Anleju’s home care, medical services, meal delivery, transportation, or physical therapy, interested individuals can call (866) 526-9622 or scan the QR code on the World Journal advertisement.

On October 21, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics released data indicating a remarkable growth in the retail sales of new energy vehicles in the capital. Between January and September, the retail sales jumped by 22.4% compared to the same period last year, with these vehicles accounting for over 30% of total automotive retail sales.

Beijing is rapidly advancing its investments in sectors like new energy vehicles and integrated circuits. In the first three quarters, the added value of large-scale industrial enterprises in Beijing grew by 6.9% at comparable prices. Notably, key industries saw impressive growth: the computer, communication, and other electronic equipment manufacturing sector surged by 19.5%, while the automotive manufacturing sector experienced an 18.4% increase. Additionally, the electric power and thermal energy production and supply industries grew by 9.0%. The export delivery value for large-scale industries reached 150.3 billion yuan, marking a 13.8% rise, with the automotive sector witnessing a standout growth of 34.4% and the computer and communication equipment sector growing by 13.5%.

The push towards high-end and intelligent manufacturing in Beijing is accelerating. In the same timeframe, the added value of strategic emerging industries and high-tech manufacturing in the city’s large industrial sector rose by 14.0% and 8.3%, respectively, showcasing an upward trend in their respective shares of 41.9% and 32.0%, both increasing compared to the previous year. Production volumes for new energy vehicles, industrial robots, and wind turbine generators grew significantly, with increases of 5.5 times, 62.8%, and 21.2%, respectively.

According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics, there is a significant release of demand potential as consumers look to upgrade to new models. The demand for new energy vehicles remains strong, with retail sales consistently achieving double-digit growth since the start of the year. In the first three quarters, these sales accounted for over 30% of the total automotive retail sales, significantly higher than the 7.9 percentage point increase from the same period last year.

On October 24, the Intermediate People’s Court of Luoyang in Henan Province held a public trial regarding the bribery case of former Shanxi Provincial Deputy Secretary Shang Ligaung. This information was reported by the Supreme People’s Court of China.

Shang Ligaung, born in November 1963 in Julu, Hebei, worked in Hebei for many years before his appointment in Shanxi in June 2017. He was placed under investigation in September 2023, resulting in a public announcement regarding his removal from the Party and public office by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission earlier this February. Allegations against him include violations of discipline and law, as well as engaging in transactions involving power and money.

The Luoyang People’s Procuratorate has accused Shang Ligaung of leveraging his various positions—ranging from Deputy Secretary of the Hebei Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection to the Deputy Secretary of the Shanxi Provincial Committee—between 1999 and 2023. He is alleged to have offered help to specific entities and individuals in areas such as business operations, project contracts, case handling, and personnel promotions. In return, he reportedly accepted bribes totaling over 104 million yuan, either directly or through intermediaries. The prosecution has filed for criminal charges against Shang Ligaung for bribery.

During the trial, Shang Ligaung made his final statement, expressing his guilt and remorse. The court has announced that it will adjourn and deliver its verdict at a later date.

Translink has announced that a bus substitution service will be in effect for Enterprise rail passengers this weekend due to essential engineering works between Dundalk and Dublin Connolly. Can you tell us more about how this will impact travelers?

Yes, the engineering works will require passengers using the cross-border service to take a train from Belfast’s Grand Central Station to Dundalk on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. After reaching Dundalk, they will then transfer to a bus to complete their journey to Dublin.

And what about passengers heading north?

For those passengers traveling north, a bus will be provided from Dublin Connolly to Drogheda and Dundalk, where they can continue their journey by train.

I understand there are some updates regarding the Enterprise service schedule as well.

That’s right! Translink has also announced that starting Tuesday, October 29, a new hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin will commence. This includes new early morning departures leaving Belfast at 6:00 AM and Dublin at 6:50 AM.

How many services will be operating each day?

In total, 15 services will run in both directions from Monday to Saturday, and there will be 14 services available on Sundays.

What advice is being offered to passengers traveling this weekend?

Passengers are being encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate the changes due to the bus substitution service.

In our effort to adapt to the aging population and alleviate the stress of “one hospitalization, the whole family runs around,” recent years have seen pilot programs for “unaccompanied care” emerge in regions like Tianjin, Zhejiang, and Fujian.

**Introducing the “Unaccompanied Care Service”**

This new initiative aims to address the gaps in inpatient care. On October 26, the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) released a provisional guideline for nursing project approval, along with a notification to optimize and adjust nursing price policies. This move seeks to standardize nursing prices across provinces and introduces a new pricing item for “unaccompanied care services,” catering to the diverse care needs of the public while encouraging medical institutions to offer specialized and technical nursing services, thus creating additional revenue streams.

The “Unaccompanied Care Service” is defined as round-the-clock support provided by professional caregivers from healthcare institutions, enabling hospitalized patients to receive continuous assistance without relying on family members or hiring private caregivers.

Overall, the responsibilities of medical caregivers in these institutions are more defined and specialized, benefiting both patients and relieving the burdens on their families.

The NHSA has incorporated experiences from local explorations into the guideline, specifically establishing a pricing item for “unaccompanied care services,” which will be subject to government price guidance. By the end of 2024, provinces are expected to align with this guideline, allowing for standardized charges in pilot areas. To prevent misuse of this new service, the NHSA has clarified that, for now, “unaccompanied care services” will only be applicable to patients receiving critical or Level I nursing care. This service will not be covered by insurance at this stage, allowing patients or their families to choose between the “unaccompanied care service” provided by medical institutions or privately priced caregiver services.

**Supporting Nursing Price Adjustments**

Additionally, while standardizing nursing price projects, the NHSA encourages regions that meet certain criteria to adjust nursing prices to better reflect the value of technical services.

The NHSA will guide provincial healthcare security agencies to implement the nursing project guideline by the end of 2024, developing a unified benchmark price across provinces. Over time, regional areas will be advised to set actual execution prices based on this benchmark, gradually achieving a more balanced pricing structure for nursing services within provinces.

The NHSA also supports regions that meet price adjustment criteria and maintain balanced insurance fund operations to gradually optimize nursing service prices. This initiative is designed to better recognize the value of nursing technical labor, encouraging salary enhancements for nurses, attracting and retaining talent in the nursing field, and ultimately, improving the quality of care provided to the community.

— Liu Pai, Editor

In a recent revelation, American Airlines has faced significant scrutiny for multiple violations of federal laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Transportation has imposed a hefty fine of $50 million on the airline for failing to provide essential assistance to passengers in wheelchairs.

According to a joint investigation conducted by the Department of Transportation and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, American Airlines’ conduct towards passengers with disabilities has been deemed severely unlawful from 2019 to 2023, with some incidents even leading to injuries, although no specific data was released by the agency.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the serious nature of the findings during a media briefing, stating that thousands of wheelchairs have been improperly handled or damaged while in American Airlines’ care. He noted that their lack of necessary assistance for disabled passengers has created significant safety concerns and has resulted in extreme inconvenience for consumers.

In a poignant complaint shared by a disabled passenger, she expressed feeling like “just a piece of luggage” during her experiences with the airline, ultimately deciding never to fly with American Airlines again.

Buttigieg emphasized, “The bottom line is that the era of tolerating unfair treatment of wheelchair passengers during air travel is over.”

The Department of Transportation’s statement elaborated that American Airlines’ issues are not isolated incidents; complaints regarding improper handling of wheelchairs and inadequate support for wheelchair passengers are alarmingly common. The department is also investigating similar violations among other airlines.

As mandated, American Airlines will allocate $25 million of the fine to the U.S. Treasury, while the remaining $25 million will be invested in improving facilities to minimize wheelchair damage and implementing tracking systems to ensure passengers can monitor their checked wheelchairs. Passengers with disabilities who faced adverse experiences between 2019 and 2023 are also set to receive compensation.

In its own defense, American Airlines stated that it has already invested $175 million this year to enhance services, infrastructure, employee training, and incorporate new technologies, claiming a 20% improvement in handling wheelchairs and scooters since 2022.

The investigation was partly prompted by three formal complaints submitted by the organization Paralyzed Veterans of America. Investigators also reviewed a disturbing video from Miami International Airport that captured an incident where an employee mishandled a wheelchair by allowing it to slide down a baggage conveyor, causing it to crash and tumble onto the concrete floor.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), through its Public Health Department (PHD), has activated the Cholera Emergency Operations Centre, as part of surveillance and preparedness measures to handle any cholera outbreak in the FCT.
While activating the Cholera Emergency Operations Centre over the weekend, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Baba Gana Adam said the activation became necessary in light of the number of reported cholera cases across Nigeria’s 36 states.He noted that as an emerging city, the FCT is at risk of cholera and is taking proactive steps to prevent and contain the spread of the disease in the event of an outbreak.
The Permanent Secretary assured that the Secretariat would spare no resources or efforts to prevent a cholera outbreak in the FCT.
He directed that all relevant stakeholders be involved to develop effective, reliable strategies to prevent the disease.
Following this directive, the FCT Public Health Department organized a Cholera Update meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the cholera situation in the FCT.
The meeting included mapping high-risk areas and defining the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in addressing the situation.Regarding the FCT’s preparedness for a potential outbreak, Dr. Gadzama highlighted several measures that had been in place even before the first cases were recorded.
These include the identification of high-risk areas (which have been placed on red alert), public education and awareness campaigns, training for healthcare workers, and the establishment of a Cholera Incident Management team consisting of relevant stakeholders.
Gadzama further explained that cholera is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through contaminated food, water, and faeces.
He stressed the importance of addressing environmental factors in controlling the disease and mentioned the active engagement of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in cholera control efforts.
Earlier in the meeting, the FCT State Epidemiologist, Dr. Lawal Lukman Ademola, emphasized, “Cholera is primarily associated with a lack of potable drinking water, poor sanitation, and poor food hygiene. Addressing these issues will significantly reduce the risk of cholera outbreaks.”
He added that the government, individuals, and communities all have important roles to play in implementing preventive measures.
With the confirmation of two cases in the FCT, Dr. Ademola explained that the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Center (FCT-PHEOC) is now in response mode and will continue public awareness campaigns on the prevention, early detection, and reporting of not only cholera but also other diseases such as Mpox.
He said the campaigns will be conducted through community engagements using appropriate channels and media.