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In an interview discussing recent developments at ByteDance, the company, known for owning TikTok, revealed that it terminated an intern due to allegations of sabotage related to an internal artificial intelligence project.

The dismissal occurred in August after the intern reportedly “maliciously interfered” with the training of artificial intelligence models crucial to a research initiative. Given the immense popularity of TikTok and its Chinese counterpart Douyin, ByteDance has established itself as a major player in the global social media landscape, particularly as it seeks to leverage generative AI technologies.

The company has recently made strides in this area, such as with the launch of its Doubao chatbot, which has positioned itself against competitors like Baidu’s Ernie in the quest to create a viable alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Additionally, ByteDance introduced wireless earbuds that seamlessly connect with Doubao, allowing users to engage with the chatbot without needing their smartphones.

ByteDance addressed the intern’s termination following a swirl of rumors on Chinese social media over the weekend. In a statement released via its news aggregator service, Toutiao, the company clarified that the intern was let go from the commercial technology team due to serious disciplinary violations. They also emphasized that the integrity of their commercial products and large language models, the backbone of generative AI, remained intact.

While ByteDance acknowledged the existence of speculation on social media regarding the incident, they asserted that many of the claims were exaggerated. This included assertions that up to 8,000 graphical processing units—essential for AI model training—were impacted, along with claims of losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars. The company disclosed that it had notified the intern’s university and relevant industry associations about their conduct.

This incident comes at a time when tech giants are facing increased scrutiny regarding the safety of generative AI models and the broader implications of social media. ByteDance itself is under significant pressure in the United States, where it is contending with a potential federal ban on TikTok. The government argues that TikTok poses a national security threat, a claim that ByteDance continues to dispute vigorously.

Attempts to reach ByteDance and TikTok for further comments are ongoing.

On October 26, the Fifth Global Teacher Education Summit officially commenced at Beijing Normal University. This year’s summit, themed “Towards the Future: Building a Global Community for Teacher Education,” emphasized the significance of future teacher education and the establishment of a global community for educators, while exploring new roles in teacher preparation within the context of the modern era.

The event drew nearly 30 leading scholars from China and abroad, engaging hundreds of university academics and frontline teachers in discussions on global teacher education topics. It has become a vital platform for dialogue and exchange among researchers and practitioners in the field of teacher education.

In his opening remarks, Vice President Kang Zhen of Beijing Normal University highlighted the new opportunities and challenges faced by teacher education and workforce development amid the trends of technological advancement, globalization, and personalized teaching. He stated that the summit serves as an opportunity to explore collaboration and development in global teacher education.

During the keynote sessions, Li Zijian, President of Hong Kong Education University, examined the core competencies of teachers from both Eastern and Western philosophical perspectives. He identified moral literacy, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to engage in research and reflection as essential traits for educators, while stressing the importance of personal and professional development in teachers’ growth.

“This global teacher education summit brings together experts and scholars from various backgrounds to exchange ideas, which is immensely beneficial for the development of the field, particularly for young teachers,” noted Chen Liyuan, an associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s School of Education.

Additionally, during the invited reports segment, Tony Loughland, Dean and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales, creatively illustrated the relationship between teachers and schools using the metaphor of “chefs and kitchens.”

“China has a rich history in education,” Loughland remarked in an interview. “Western education needs to break down barriers and broaden its perspective from the Chinese educational system.” He expressed a desire to learn in diverse environments through this opportunity.

The summit, organized by the Teacher Education Research Center at Beijing Normal University, will include keynote speeches, thematic seminars, group report presentations, and poster displays, continuing through October 28.

The South Korean military confirmed on October 15 that they have fired back in response to North Korea’s destruction of the rail tracks linking the two Koreas along the Gyeongui Line and the Donghae Line. This comes as South Korean soldiers patrolled the border on October 14, amidst rising tensions. According to reports from the Korean news agency, despite these railway tracks being located within North Korean territory, South Korea invested approximately 176.8 billion won—equivalent to about 130 million dollars at the time—into these infrastructure projects, which North Korea seemingly dismantled without hesitation.

The Gyeongui Line spans 499 kilometers, starting from Seoul Station and passing through Goyang and Paju, reaching into North Korea’s Kaesong, Pyongyang, and Sinuiju. Initially opened by Japan in 1906, the Donghae Line, also known as the Northern Donghae Line, is a 180-kilometer railway that connects Yangyang to Wonsan, opened in 1937.

The reconnection of the Gyeongui and Donghae lines, along with the roads extending along them, has long been viewed as symbols of reconciliation and cooperation between the two Koreas. However, following incidents such as the shooting of South Korean tourists at Mount Kumgang and North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile provocations, relations have soured, and these rail lines now hold only symbolic value.

The predicament is that, although these railway systems are located within North Korea, they were funded by South Korean taxpayers. The South Korean government announced that taxpayer loans supported the construction of the Gyeongui and Donghae railway and land connection projects, amounting to approximately 132.9 million dollars from 2002 to 2008. This funding was never repaid by North Korea.

In June 2020, North Korea destroyed a building funded by South Korea, leading the latter to file a lawsuit against the North in June of the previous year, seeking approximately 44.7 billion won in damages. This claim was still within the three-year statute of limitations for such compensation claims.

South Korea has explained that even if they were to win the lawsuit, it’s unlikely they would actually receive any payment from North Korea. The purpose of the legal action is to underscore that North Korea’s bombings clearly violate agreements between the two Koreas and infringe upon the property rights of the South Korean government and its citizens.

Analysts suggest that the railways, funded through the South Korean budget, represent a foundational trust between both countries, and the destruction of these assets could lead to further legal action by the government.

On October 27, CNN reported that U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope that the recent Israeli strike against Iran marks “the end of the escalation in the Middle East.” This statement came in the context of Israeli military actions on October 26.

Biden mentioned that he was informed about the attack before it occurred. Although U.S. officials indicated that they had been closely consulting with Israel, they clarified that the United States did not directly participate in the strike.

After the attack, Biden received a briefing on the situation, noting that “it appears they (the Israelis) didn’t hit anything other than military targets.” He further articulated his hope that this action by Israel could signify a de-escalation in the region.

On the same day, reports indicated that dozens of Israeli fighter jets launched three waves of airstrikes on sites near Tehran, the Iranian capital, as well as military factories in western Iran.

In response, the Iranian military declared that its air defense forces successfully repelled the attack, although they did report the death of four soldiers and described some areas as experiencing “limited damage.”

On October 27, 2023, the first training session for operational management capabilities of refined oil distribution enterprises was held in Shenyang, aiming to promote the sustainable and healthy development of the refined oil circulation industry in the city. The initiative seeks to enhance the operational management abilities of distribution companies, optimize resource allocation, and improve management efficiency.

During the event, Wang Yanbo, the Director of the Production Material Circulation Division of the Shenyang Municipal Bureau of Commerce, presented and interpreted the “Implementation Plan for Special Rectification of Refined Oil Circulation in Shenyang.” Zhou Lixin, the Deputy Director of the Goods and Services Tax Division of the Shenyang Municipal Taxation Bureau, provided a detailed explanation of tax policies applicable to refined oil circulation enterprises, as well as tax management and rectification measures specific to these companies.

Li Jian, the Deputy Director of the Product Quality and Safety Supervision Division of the Shenyang Municipal Market Supervision Administration, discussed key initiatives in market regulation pertaining to the refined oil sector. He also explained the “Supervision Management Regulations for the Implementation of Quality and Safety Responsibilities by Industrial Product Sales Units.” Additionally, Chen Chao from the Economic Investigation Team of the Shenyang Municipal Public Security Bureau outlined the special rectification efforts being deployed in the refined oil circulation field.

Expert Shen Jianming from the Guangdong Petroleum and Gas Association delivered insightful lectures on key themes, including trends in gas station development, effective marketing strategies for gas stations, and enhancing team marketing capabilities.

This training session covered a range of topics, including policy interpretation, industry trend analysis, and marketing planning, serving as a vital bridge between government and business. It aims to contribute to the prosperity and development of the refined oil circulation industry in Shenyang.

On October 22-24, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at the invitation of his Russian counterpart. As the trip concluded, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, spoke with accompanying reporters about the significance of this visit.

Wang described the visit as President Xi’s first trip abroad following the successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party and marked the first summit since the historic expansion of BRICS. During less than 48 hours in Kazan, President Xi engaged in over ten activities, combining both bilateral and multilateral meetings. The schedule was tightly packed yet fruitful, showcasing productive discussions among both old friends and new partners. Media outlets, both domestic and international, paid close attention and widely reported on the visit, highlighting its success and the wealth of outcomes. The summit contributed to a new chapter of solidarity and strength among BRICS nations, paving the way for greater development and prosperity in the Global South, where China reaffirmed its role as a central figure and core member among these countries. Amid a world undergoing unprecedented changes, cooperation among the larger BRICS is set to yield significant and far-reaching historical impacts.

Firstly, Wang emphasized that the BRICS cooperation mechanism emerged during a pivotal moment when emerging markets and developing countries were rising collectively, influencing global dynamics and the balance of power. Over its 18-year history, BRICS has continued to grow, now comprising nearly half the world’s population and over 30% of global economic output, contributing more than 50% to global economic growth. It has become a vital platform for unity and collaboration among emerging markets and developing countries.

In the context of rapid global changes, with humanity facing critical choices between conflict and peace, Wang noted that the BRICS cooperation mechanism is at a crucial stage for transition and future direction. Many developing countries are optimistic about the prospects of BRICS and look forward to a more significant role in maintaining world peace, promoting shared development, and enhancing global governance. However, there are voices of skepticism and doubt regarding BRICS’ path forward. President Xi, present throughout the BRICS meetings, articulated a clear vision for the future of “Greater BRICS Cooperation,” emphasizing that the unity among BRICS countries is based on their shared aspirations. The greater the challenges of the times, the more imperative it is to take the lead and demonstrate historical agency. This cooperative spirit aims to transform BRICS into a primary channel for promoting unity in the Global South, while also serving as a driving force for reform in global governance.

President Xi laid out China’s vision for accelerating high-quality development in “Greater BRICS Cooperation.” He urged BRICS nations to build a peace-oriented, innovation-driven, environmentally sustainable, equitable, and culturally engaging partnership, serving as protectors of common security, pioneers of high-quality development, advocates for sustainable practices, leaders in governance reform, and promoters of cultural coexistence. Xi also announced eight practical measures to support high-quality development within BRICS, broadening the scope and depth of cooperation while reinforcing foundational frameworks, thus enhancing the capabilities and confidence of BRICS nations.

With over 30 countries expressing a desire to join BRICS, President Xi stressed the importance of maintaining an open, inclusive, and cooperative ethos, responding positively to calls from the Global South, and welcoming more nations to engage with BRICS in various forms. The consensus reached at the Kazan summit to invite additional countries to become BRICS partner nations marks another significant milestone, expanding the representation and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and solidifying its position as a strategic force for establishing a more equitable global governance system.

Wang noted that the continuous growth of the BRICS mechanism and its enduring vitality fundamentally depend on an open and inclusive approach, aiming for win-win cooperation and the pursuit of fairness and justice. This stands in stark contrast to the “small groups” and “cliques” that cling to Cold War mentalities and provoke confrontations. Since 2013, President Xi has actively participated in every BRICS summit, introducing significant proposals, including the “BRICS Plus” cooperation model, thereby driving substantial progress and establishing a distinctive Chinese presence within the BRICS framework. As BRICS matures and strengthens with collective effort, it will amplify its common values and interests, providing powerful momentum for a more equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive global economic growth.

Secondly, Wang highlighted the emergence of the Global South as a significant marker of the world’s transformation. Currently accounting for over 40% of the global economy, countries in the Global South are increasingly vital in maintaining peace, fairness, and cooperative strategies against global challenges, positioning themselves as stabilizing forces for progress. Despite the evident lag in the global governance system, the needs and perspectives of the Global South have not been fully represented, impacting their development and the world’s ability to confront global issues. The gathering of over 30 national leaders at the Kazan summit for the “BRICS Plus” dialogue reflected a unified stance against hegemony and double standards, advocating for urgent ceasefires and reforms in international economic systems, highlighting the Global South’s desire for peace, development, and justice.

In response to the changing global landscape, President Xi has put forth several initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, offering Chinese solutions to alleviate the deficits of peace, development, security, and governance. These proposals have garnered recognition from more than 100 countries, many of whom have joined the “Friends of the Global Development Initiative” and backed the “Six Points Consensus” proposed by China and Brazil to politically address the Ukraine crisis. During the Kazan summit, Xi remarked on the unprecedented importance of the Global South’s collective modernization, underscoring that the path to revitalization will not be easy. As leading nations of the Global South, BRICS members must showcase their collective will to maintain peace, drive development efforts, and promote cultural exchanges.

Wang emphasized that recent major diplomatic actions by China—including the Third Belt and Road Forum, the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and various cooperation forums—demonstrate China’s unwavering commitment to the Global South. China continues its high-quality development and expansion of open practices, encouraging more Global South countries to join its modernization journey toward a future characterized by peace, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity.

Thirdly, during the Kazan summit, President Xi held bilateral meetings with several foreign leaders, broadening interactions with attending dignitaries to discuss bilateral relationships and major global issues, leading to many new important agreements.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. President Xi met again with President Putin, highlighting the solidification of their relationship. Both leaders commended their countries’ ties and recognized their collaborative approach based on non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting third parties. They agreed to uphold a spirit of perpetual friendship, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial collaboration as a model for a new type of major power relations. They also dedicated to using next year’s United Nations 80th anniversary and the 80th victory anniversary over fascism to promote a correct view of World War II history and jointly uphold global strategic stability and international justice.

Wang noted the significant global anticipation surrounding President Xi’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, which marked their first official meeting in five years. President Xi presented crucial suggestions on the future of China-India relations, emphasizing the need for both nations to recognize the importance of strategic perceptions, coexist harmoniously, and jointly develop, setting an example for the extensive collective of developing nations. Prime Minister Modi responded positively and suggested practical ideas for improving bilateral relations. Both leaders commended their recent substantial communications that successfully addressed border issues, agreeing on the importance of managing differences strategically and fostering trust, ultimately aiming for a stable and positive trajectory in their relations.

Importantly, all participating leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the “One China” principle and supported China’s stance on its core interests, expressing a desire for closer strategic cooperation to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South nations and advance the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity. Many leaders expressed appreciation for China’s fair stance on issues like those in Palestine, characterizing China as a sincere and trustworthy friend and partner, anticipating an even more significant role for China on the international stage.

In conclusion, Wang indicated that amidst a world of rapid change, China’s commitment remains steadfast. China will continue to unite with BRICS and Global South partners to pursue their collective dreams and responsibilities in the face of challenges, enhancing global stability and shared prosperity. By deeply understanding and implementing the spirit of the recent central party meeting, we aim to actively uphold unity and cooperation and navigate towards a peaceful and prosperous future, making meaningful contributions to comprehensive reforms and the unique modernization pathway of China.

During a press conference for the Shenzhen International Electronic Arts Music Festival (S·E·A) held on October 22, it was announced that renowned French composer and electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre will be performing alongside top global electronic artists and Chinese music stars at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center’s “Spring Cocoon” arena later this year.

In a collaborative effort, Jarre will work with Chinese artists Lang Kun and Xia Feng, following an invitation from Lang Kun Xia Feng Artistic Co., Ltd. The trio has reached a consensus on blending technology and art, envisioning a unique musical showcase that reflects Shenzhen’s identity as a “City of Technology.” Attendees can expect a host of cutting-edge technologies to debut at the concert.

Speaking at the conference, Jarre expressed his deep connection to China: “I was honored to be the first Western artist to perform in China when I began my career. This opportunity allowed me to understand Chinese culture and the commonalities it shares with French artists. I have performed multiple times in Shanghai and Beijing, deepening my appreciation of China. Notably, in 2004, I had the chance to perform at Tiananmen Square to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, which was broadcast worldwide.”

He added, “Electronic music is closely intertwined with technology—there’s no music without it. Today, Shenzhen’s rapid technological advancements and its creativity have caught the world’s attention. Our goal is to connect music, art, and technology, showcasing Shenzhen to both China and the world. Creativity, vision, and culture are powerful forces that will shape the future.”

The festival will feature France as the guest country, offering attendees not only an electronic music extravaganza but also a celebration of cultural exchange between China and France. Jean-Michel Jarre will serve as the honorary chairman of the Shenzhen International Electronic Arts Music Festival, which is set to take place from 4 PM on December 31, 2024, until approximately 12:30 AM on January 1, 2025.

**Interview with Ebere Wabara on Recent Language Missteps in Nigerian Media**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ebere. You’ve been critical of some recent language errors in Nigerian media. What prompted you to address these issues?

**Ebere Wabara:** Thank you for having me. These language errors undermine the quality of journalism and can mislead readers. For instance, in the October 20 issue of The Mirror, they wrote, “There is a marked difference between political activities and electioneering campaigns.” In fact, “electioneering” already encompasses campaigns, so we can simply refer to it as “electioneering.”

**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting observation. What about expressions that seem redundant or confusing?

**Ebere Wabara:** Absolutely. For example, they mentioned “the interest of the common man in the street.” The phrase “man in the street” already implies commonality; adding “common” is unnecessary and overly repetitive. Another error was, “Glo’s Move to Greener Pastures campaign hits over 50,000 views.” It should be “Move to Greener Pastures campaign,” not with hyphenation.

**Interviewer:** You’ve pointed out several errors in recent editions. Can you highlight a few more?

**Ebere Wabara:** Sure, I noted that the Daily Independent incorrectly stated, “FG says its suffering from cash crunch.” It should be “it’s suffering.” Moreover, they referred to “pipeline vandalization,” when the correct term is “pipeline vandalism.”

**Interviewer:** That certainly illustrates a range of linguistic lapses. How do you feel these missteps affect public perception?

**Ebere Wabara:** These errors diminish credibility. When a publication states, “Corruption destroying the fabrics of Nigeria,” it should read “the fabric” to maintain singularity and clarity. Such mistakes can lead to misunderstanding about serious issues.

**Interviewer:** Are there other instances that stood out to you?

**Ebere Wabara:** Definitely. The Guardian stated, “work at Baro Port…has reached an advanced stage.” This vague phrasing fails to convey a clear understanding of the progress. Journalists should provide statistical context, so readers grasp the scope of work being done.

**Interviewer:** How about other misprints or grammatical errors?

**Ebere Wabara:** I’ve seen glaring errors like “APC presidential shoes fits,” which should be “APC presidential shoe fits.” In ONSA’s report about the crackdown on forex speculators, the correct phrase is “crack down,” not “crackdown.”

**Interviewer:** It’s clear you have a keen eye for detail. What do you hope will change in the media landscape?

**Ebere Wabara:** I hope for a more robust approach to language and a commitment to clarity and precision. Maintaining high standards in journalism is crucial for informing the public accurately. Better editing processes and training could go a long way in reducing these errors.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ebere, for sharing your insights. It’s essential to uphold the integrity of language in journalism.

**Ebere Wabara:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important issues.

During a recent address at the CAF General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, CAF President Patrice Motsepe assured attendees that the incident involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya is under thorough investigation, and appropriate sanctions will be applied.

Motsepe remarked on the situation, acknowledging the concerns but refraining from commenting on its specifics due to the ongoing investigation. “When there was an issue with the Nigerian national team in Libya, I won’t delve into the details because we are conducting a proper investigation,” he stated. “However, I want to highlight that we will not tolerate certain behaviors, as this has been an ongoing issue.”

He emphasized, “Let’s not focus solely on the Nigeria and Libya incident, as that process is being properly handled, and the necessary actions will follow. We expect a CAF verdict on this matter soon.”

In light of the Super Eagles situation, Motsepe also underscored the need for sportsmanship among clubs and national teams. “I’ve heard numerous stories of football clubs or national teams arriving in a country, only to be held up for hours at the airport with arbitrary document checks,” he shared.

He continued, “During COVID, there were instances where officials would target your best players, falsely stating that those 10 individuals had COVID-19. When you presented test results proving otherwise, they still insisted you were infected. This kind of unprofessionalism has been prevalent, and we have not taken effective actions against it. If there are violations of regulations and rules, we will respond appropriately.”

Motsepe concluded by reiterating the pride that comes from nations that extend respect and dignity to visiting teams and clubs. “We encourage those who treat others the way they wish to be treated,” he said. “We are currently reviewing those regulations to promote sportsmanship in our community.”

On the evening of October 22, during the Native Harmony Night and Huawei’s all-scenario product launch event, Huawei officially introduced its first independently developed mobile operating system, the Native Harmony OS. This makes it the third largest mobile operating system in the world, following Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

According to the company, the Native Harmony OS has achieved significant breakthroughs in the core technologies of operating systems. Unlike previous versions of Harmony OS, which still relied on some elements of the AOSP open-source code and had to maintain compatibility with certain Android applications, the newly released Native Harmony is entirely self-developed. This change has resulted in notable enhancements in the system’s fluidity, performance, and security features, ensuring greater autonomy and control.

Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s Executive Director and Chairman of the Terminal BG and Smart Automotive Solutions Business Unit, stated that the Native Harmony OS leads the industry in terms of battery life, security, and privacy protection. Currently, over 15,000 native Harmony applications and services have been launched, spanning 18 different industries, with common office applications available to more than 38 million enterprises in China.

Additionally, the Native Harmony OS facilitates connectivity across various devices and scenarios, including smartphones, tablets, and automotive cockpits. Utilizing a new distributed software bus, it significantly boosts cross-device connection speeds by three times while consuming less power. The system can connect up to four devices simultaneously, enabling various features such as cross-device scanning, shared photo libraries, and clipboard functionality.

In the field of accessibility, Native Harmony introduces an innovative AI voice restoration feature that can instantly repair phrases spoken by individuals with speech impairments, allowing them to communicate more clearly in face-to-face situations.

Currently, the number of devices supporting the Harmony OS has surpassed 1 billion, with 6.75 million registered developers. Furthermore, Huawei has partnered with over 300 universities in China to accelerate technological research and development.