Author Archive zhengerya.com

**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.

Prabowo Subianto, the former Indonesian defense minister, officially took office as the new president in Jakarta on October 20, succeeding Joko Widodo. Notably, Widodo’s son, Gibran, has stepped into the role of vice president. The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both the U.S. and China to offer their congratulations. In his inaugural address, Prabowo emphasized national unity and highlighted the importance of energy and food self-sufficiency, while also addressing democracy and non-alignment in foreign policy, calling for coexistence between China and the U.S.

At 73 years old, Prabowo becomes the oldest president in Indonesian history, surpassing the previous record held by the third president, B.J. Habibie, who took office at the age of 61 in 1998. Gibran, in contrast, becomes the youngest vice president in the nation’s history. Prabowo secured the presidency with 58.59% of the vote after two unsuccessful attempts against Widodo in previous elections.

Reports from international media outline the new government’s five key priorities, which include implementing a free nutrition program for over 80 million children and pregnant women, boosting national revenues, constructing 3 million homes annually (with a focus on low-income rural families), improving health and education, and enhancing foreign relations and defense.

As for Prabowo’s governance strategy, it remains uncertain, as he made few specific promises during his campaign, suggesting only that he would follow a “gradual approach.”

On the evening of October 20, Prabowo announced his new cabinet, dubbed the “Red and White Cabinet” after the colors of the Indonesian flag. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a 62-year-old economist, will remain as finance minister, which is seen as a move to bolster market confidence in Indonesia’s economy. However, concerns have been raised about the potential debt implications of the new government’s large spending plans, and critics have suggested that the expanded cabinet may be designed for political patronage, possibly hindering effective governance.

Kevin Khoe, chief analyst at the Indonesian Institute for Foreign Policy Studies, noted that Prabowo has called for China and the U.S. to act as responsible global powers and has advocated for their coexistence, cooperation, and division of labor. Dinna, founder of Jakarta-based Synergy Policy, indicated that Indonesia will continue its collaboration with China, its largest trading partner and primary source of investment.

Dinna also mentioned that Prabowo is likely to personally attend all international meetings and negotiation forums, a departure from Widodo’s approach. He aims to ensure direct discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. With a bold confidence, Prabowo is open to engaging other key nations interested in maintaining security in the South China Sea.

China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, characterized by the “nine-dash line,” overlap with Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone around the Natuna Islands. Despite China’s assertive stance in the region, Prabowo is expected to handle these relations with caution.

A recent lengthy article in the U.S. journal Foreign Affairs by Robin Niblett, director of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in the UK, highlighted that Widodo’s decade-long presidency did not favor either the U.S. or China, instead showcasing a strategy that sidesteps the confrontational dynamics between the two powers, a precedent that Prabowo may consider as he steps into his new role.

On October 15, during a press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office, Yang Xiaoyu, the director of the System Engineering Department at the China National Space Administration (CNSA), shared some exciting updates about lunar exploration. He revealed that on June 25, the Chang’e 6 mission successfully returned 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the Moon, marking the first time humanity has brought back samples from this unexplored region.

Currently, scientists are in the process of organizing these lunar samples, having completed initial assessments of their physical and chemical composition as well as their structural characteristics. They have uncovered a wealth of information, including insights into the Moon’s early evolution, volcanic activity on the far side, and basalt that records the volcanic activity history of the sampling sites, alongside some non-basalt materials from other regions. Looking ahead, Yang indicated that further research would follow the national lunar sample distribution policy.

Earlier, on December 17, 2020, the Chang’e 5 mission returned 1,731 grams of lunar soil, the youngest lunar samples ever obtained by humanity. Over the past few years, the CNSA has distributed a total of 80 grams of lunar samples across seven batches to 131 research institutions domestically for scientific study. Chinese scientists have engaged in extensive research, producing numerous high-quality papers with significant discoveries and findings.

“One notable discovery was that we determined the age of the basalt from the Chang’e 5 samples to be around 2 billion years,” Yang explained. “This pushes back the timeline for when volcanic activity on the Moon ceased by about 800 million years. Further studies found evidence of volcanic activity on the Moon as recently as 120 million years ago. Additionally, we discovered that the Moon is cooling much more slowly than previously thought, and we ruled out the hypothesis that the heat source for initial magma melting in the basaltic areas of the landing zone was derived from radioactive elements.”

Yang also mentioned that the CNSA has estimated the water content in the mantle source area of the Chang’e 5 lunar samples to be between 1 to 5 micrograms per gram of rock, indicating that the basalt source region is quite “dry.” Compared to results from Apollo samples, this marks the lowest water content found in mantle materials, challenging the traditional theory that high water content during early mantle melting led to a lower melting point and prolonged magma activity.

Furthermore, scientists identified a new mineral, which has been named “Chang’e Stone,” representing the sixth new mineral discovered on the Moon.

“There are many more achievements like these,” Yang concluded, highlighting the significant progress made in lunar research.

In an effort to prevent wildfires, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced on Thursday that it might implement power shutoffs affecting users in five counties across the Bay Area. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, PG&E is currently monitoring weather conditions and considering proactive power outages for Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Napa County, Solano County, and Sonoma County.

PG&E indicated that heightened concerns about wildfires are due to strong, dry winds off the coast. Starting on Thursday, October 17, a total of 30 counties statewide could face shutoffs. Specific addresses, maps, and details regarding the planned outages are typically released two days prior to the shutdowns.

These potential outages coincide with a red flag warning that is set to take effect in certain areas of the Bay Area, starting Thursday night at 11 PM and lasting until Saturday, October 19, at 5 PM.

The red flag warning will cover the entire Bay Area, with the exception of coastal Marin County and regions like the Sacramento Valley, Nevada foothills, Lake County, Delta, northern San Joaquin Valley, and the Central Coast—while excluding the Monterey Bay coastline.

PG&E has shut off power in certain areas due to the dry and hot conditions that could lead to damage to equipment and potentially spark wildfires.

Forecasts predict winds in the Santa Clara Mountains, North Bay, and East Bay valleys from the north to northeast may reach up to 45 miles per hour, with gusts in the North Bay and East Bay hills potentially exceeding 60 miles per hour. The strongest gusts are expected on Friday morning and Saturday morning.

According to the Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center, vegetation across Northern California is significantly drier than normal following an unusually hot summer and early October heat wave.

Relative humidity during the day on Friday and Saturday may drop to 10%, further increasing the dryness of vegetation. With dry weather and high winds, any ignitions that occur could spread rapidly and become uncontrollable.

On October 16 at 5:58 PM, a noteworthy event took place as a cargo train, designated X9684, departed from the Pinghu North Station in Shenzhen. This train is significant as it marks the first international freight service using a new multimodal transport model—combining rail and road transport—between China and Central Asia, specifically through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The train was loaded with stainless steel products, ceramics, air conditioning units, and more.

On October 17, we learned from the Guangzhou Railway Group that this train is set to reach Kashgar Station in Xinjiang after a journey lasting 96 hours. From there, the goods will be transported by truck to the Irkeshtam Highway Port in Xinjiang, then they will cross the border into Kyrgyzstan before finally reaching their destination in Uzbekistan. The newly optimized multimodal transport model significantly reduces transit time by about 25% compared to traditional methods.

Thanks to strong support from the National Railway Group and the General Administration of Customs, the Guangzhou Railway Group has responded to market demand by launching a comprehensive logistics product for multimodal export transport. This initiative aims to further enhance logistics organization and streamline customs supervision, ensuring a seamless process for the entire shipping journey. Notably, the international multimodal transport feature on the Railway 95306 platform has been launched concurrently.

The successful organization of this cargo service involved collaboration between the Guangzhou branch of China Railway Container Transport Company and China Foreign Trade Development Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen, which played pivotal roles in sourcing logistics and testing customs clearance data.

Compared to traditional multimodal transport export models, this new service offers greater efficiency, convenience, and lower logistics costs. It also addresses gaps for regions lacking railway ports and reduces dependency on limited international rail capacities, ultimately paving the way for the expansion of international logistics channels.

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

Premier Li emphasized that under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia has maintained a high level of development. He highlighted the strong mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, effective strategic collaboration, ongoing practical cooperation, and vibrant cultural and local exchanges, all of which have brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Li expressed China’s willingness to work with Russia to further implement the important consensus reached by their heads of state, enhance strategic coordination, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. He noted that these efforts would contribute to the development and revitalization of both nations, as well as to global prosperity and stability.

Li pointed out that China seeks to deepen traditional cooperation in trade, energy, and other sectors with Russia while promoting collaboration in emerging areas like the digital economy. He stressed the importance of enhancing coordination in industrial and supply chains, aiming to achieve more practical results. He called for closer communication and collaboration between the two countries, encouraging SCO member states to uphold the “Shanghai Spirit,” foster strategic mutual trust, adhere to mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and work together to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, the digital economy, and green industries, ultimately making the organization more dynamic and its cooperation more practical and inclusive.

In response, Prime Minister Mishustin remarked that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, noting that their comprehensive strategic partnership has reached unprecedented heights. In light of the current international situation, he expressed Russia’s readiness to work with China to fulfill the important consensus reached by their leaders, support each other in maintaining core interests, enhance the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, and deepen practical cooperation in trade, energy, transportation, and agriculture. Mishustin also mentioned the importance of successfully organizing the “Year of Russian-Chinese Culture” and strengthening communication and collaboration within frameworks such as the United Nations, SCO, and BRICS, to further advance the enduring development of the bilateral relationship.

“Coughing Nonstop Since the Long Holiday!” As autumn sets in, the number of people coughing intermittently seems to rise. Experts tell us that this is closely related to the current temperature and allergens in the air. They advise staying away from allergens, dressing appropriately for the weather, and seeking medical attention if coughing persists, rather than self-medicating.

In an interview, Ms. Li, a resident of Nanjing, shared her struggles with worsening coughs since the onset of fall. “I find myself coughing a few times during the day, and at night, I suddenly cough, which really affects my sleep quality,” she lamented.

Dr. Mao Shan, a chief physician in the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department at Nanjing First Hospital, explained that spring and autumn are peak seasons for asthma and allergic coughs. “In particular, the rates of chronic cough, cough variant asthma, and bronchial asthma can increase by three to five times in September and October. The cold and dry weather at this time irritates the airways; the cold itself is a stimulus, and lower temperatures decrease the moisture content in the air, making the airways more sensitive, which can lead to coughing. Additionally, during the season of ‘autumn winds sweeping the fallen leaves’, seasonal allergic coughs tend to flare up, often triggered by exposure to allergens, resulting in bouts of irritating dry cough, often accompanied by a scratchy throat.”

Dr. Mao emphasized that many patients, particularly those with underlying conditions, may not take care to keep warm during significant temperature fluctuations. This can lead to decreased immunity, allowing bacteria and viruses to take hold. He noted that catching a chill can trigger inflammation, increasing airway sensitivity, and respiratory infections can easily lead to cough variant asthma.

So, what can individuals do to effectively manage their coughs? Experts recommend being attentive to climate changes, ensuring proper warmth, and wearing masks when going outside. Regular physical exercise can also boost immunity.

Dr. Mao advised that for younger individuals with mild coughs, it may be suitable to observe and wait. However, if coughing persists beyond a week or worsens, medical consultation is advised. “For older patients, especially those with underlying health issues, it’s vital to seek medical attention if they experience coughing,” he said, stressing the importance of timely diagnosis at reputable hospitals to rule out other diseases.

He further explained that treatment should be symptom-specific. For allergic coughs, which typically aren’t caused by inflammation, antibiotics are generally not required. Patients with dry cough might benefit from cough suppressants combined with some antihistamines. “The specific cause of the cough and appropriate medication should be determined by a doctor; self-medication can worsen the condition,” he cautioned.

Recently, a cough medication called dextromethorphan has garnered widespread attention online, especially among young people who view it as a “cure-all.” However, misuse has led to addiction in some cases. In response, the National Medical Products Administration and the National Health Commission released a notice in May to tighten control over the management of dextromethorphan and similar medications. As of July 1, it has been classified as a controlled substance. Dr. Mao also warned that long-term use of dextromethorphan can lead to addiction and adverse reactions in patients with underlying conditions, urging people to avoid self-medication.