NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Rural charms harvest online appeal

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Mo (right) and his team livestream the benefits of pomelos. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As the morning light streams through the window and roosters crow, Mo Zhou yawns, steps out, calls his dog, grabs his tools, and embarks on a day’s work.

    The 26-year-old differs from other farmers in that he always carries a smartphone to record his day-today life. He’s a vlogger, filming snippets of rural life and traditional homemade food for his 12 million followers on short-video platform Douyin.

    From traditional dishes to heartfelt narratives, his videos capture the essence of rural life, showcasing the beauty of his hometown and its culinary delights.

    His recording of the tranquil village of Chenjiazhai in Tongren, Southwest China’s Guizhou province, has garnered a total of 320 million likes on Douyin. Named Zhouzhou on the platform, he has posted 577 videos.

    I cherish the earthy scent I carry and hope to encourage more young people to stay in rural areas and contribute to their hometowns through my experiences,” Mo says.

    Mo cuts preserved pork for a video shooting. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Born to a rural family in 1998, Mo has two older sisters. His life changed when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. To ease the financial burden, Mo decided to quit school and take care of his mother at home in 2019 as his mother’s health deteriorated.

    Hearing about the man’s story, fellow villager Mo Zhilin found that Mo Zhou had the potential to become a vlogger by sharing his daily life. Later in 2020, Mo Zhilin, Mo Zhou, Mo Jun and Yang Xudong set up their e-commerce company.

    Facing challenges with shyness and camera presence, Mo Zhou overcame his inhibitions by studying other accounts, taking online courses in video production and seeking advice from others on how to authentically showcase rural life and cuisine in his videos.

    As their fan base grew, they raised the bar for video quality, embracing the natural rhythm of rural life. They sourced local ingredients based on the seasons, fostering a sense of nostalgia and connection with their audience.

    “I will continue to anchor myself in the countryside, utilizing my online influence to capture and share more of Guizhou’s beauty, culture and culinary heritage,” the man says.

    Since Li Ziqi, a rural Chinese woman, became an online sensation in the late 2010s, an increasing number of rural life vloggers have put their countryside in the frame.

    Mo (right) and Yang Xudong promote kiwifruit online. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Thanks to the popularity of short-video platforms, they share their lives online and use the internet as sales channels.

    These channels not only bring higher incomes but also inject new life into the country’s rural vitalization.

    Data from Douyin shows that last year, the platform had about 176 million rural content creators, posting more than 1 billion videos and selling about 4.73 billion orders of agricultural products.

    According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, from 2012 to the end of 2022, over 12.2 million people had returned or moved to rural areas with the aspiration of starting businesses. The number is expected to reach 15 million by 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global artists celebrate Silk Road culture in NW China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An international arts festival opened on Saturday in the historic city of Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, attracting artists to showcase their performances in an international arena.

    The 10th Silk Road International Arts Festival, which is hosted by the provincial government of Shaanxi and will run until Nov. 10, has attracted artists from 15 countries and regions, according to the organizer of the event.

    During the festival, 63 performances are scheduled to be staged. A series of activities will also take place during the festival, including shows and exhibitions.

    The first Silk Road International Arts Festival was held in 2014.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Media Group airs 2024 Chongyang Festival Opera Gala

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A Chinese opera artist performs in the Huguang Guild Hall in Beijing, China, October 11, 2024. [Photo courtesy of CMG]

    The 2024 Chongyang Festival Opera Gala was held by China Media Group (CMG) on Friday, graced by many renowned Chinese opera artists.

    Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, falls on the 9th day of the ninth lunar month on the Chinese lunar calendar. It fell on October 11 this year.

    In Chinese folklore, the number nine is a homonym of the Chinese word “jiu,” which contains the auspicious meaning of “a long and healthy life.” It is an annual festival to show respect and care for the elderly throughout China.

    The gala was held in the Huguang Guild Hall in Beijing, a theater with a history of 200 years. The gala saw performances from young and senior Chinese opera artists, stressing the importance of respecting and loving the elderly.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sam Hou Fai elected Macao SAR’s sixth-term chief executive designate

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Sam Hou Fai was elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday.

    He won the election with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots. Song Man Lei, president of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election, announced Sam the winner.

    According to Macao’s Chief Executive Election Law, an election is valid if two-thirds of the 400-member election committee are present to vote. To be elected, a candidate must receive support from more than half of the committee’s members, which is at least 200 votes.

    As prescribed by the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, the chief executive is elected by a broadly representative Chief Executive Election Committee and is then appointed by the Central People’s Government. The chief executive serves a five-year term and may be re-elected once.

    After Song announced the election result, warm applause was heard in the hall.

    In his speech upon election, Sam Hou Fai expressed his gratitude to the committee members.

    “I am grateful to all the election committee members for their recognition and support, which allows me to continue serving Macao, the country, and the broader public in a higher, more comprehensive, and more strategic capacity,” he said.

    According to the Basic Law, the chief executive is accountable to the central government and to the Macao SAR. Sam noted that he will be steadfast in these significant duties and responsibilities.

    He highlighted his commitment to faithfully fulfilling his political platform and manifesto, with the primary goal of meeting people’s expectations for a better life. His highest principles will be fully, accurately, and steadfastly implementing the “one country, two systems” policy and safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, he said.

    In accordance with the provisions of the Chief Executive Election Law, the election result will be submitted to the Court of Final Appeal for confirmation, and thereafter published in the Macao SAR Gazette. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Laos achieve more substantive progress in building community with shared future

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China, Laos achieve more substantive progress in building community with shared future

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 13 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from Friday to Saturday after attending the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation here, stressing to continue to deepen practical cooperation with Laos.

    Li, together with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, attended the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building here on Saturday. Speaking at the ceremony, Li extended warm congratulations on the successful completion of the project, highlighting the hospital as the largest in scale, most comprehensive in functions, and best equipped modern comprehensive hospital and medical teaching base in Laos.

    As a flagship overseas project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the Mahosot Hospital has played an important role in improving medical conditions and safeguarding the health of the Lao people.

    Vilaphan Keokuman, deputy chief of the ear, nose, and throat department at Mahosot Hospital, said: “The brand-new building, modern facilities and equipment of the hospital, as well as its capacity to accommodate more patients, provide us with greater convenience.”

    Premier Li emphasized in his speech at the ceremony that in recent years, the two countries have closely focused on building a community with a shared future with high standards, high quality, and high level, strengthened the synergy of development strategies, continued to deepen practical cooperation, and worked hard to complete a number of important infrastructure projects, injecting strong impetus into the economic development and improvement of people’s livelihood in both countries.

    During his meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, Li said China and Laos should enhance practical cooperation in trade, investment, production capacity, electricity, minerals and other fields, calling on both sides to further tap potentials, give full play to the driving-effect of the China-Laos Railway, and push for more visible results in all-around cooperation.

    While talking with Sonexay, Li pointed out that China is ready to work with Laos to speed up the development along the China-Laos Railway and juxtaposed border control, and strengthen cooperation in new energy, advanced manufacturing, digital economy and artificial intelligence, among other fields.

    Launched in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway, which serves as Laos’ first modern railway, has facilitated the transportation of over 10 million tonnes of goods valued at approximately 5.74 billion U.S. dollars as of September 2024, according to local authorities.

    During Li’s visit, China and Laos released a joint statement focused on mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality.

    In the statement, the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen practical cooperation under the framework of strategic alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Laos’ strategy to “convert the landlocked country into a land-linked hub”, and jointly implement the outline of the Belt and Road cooperation plan between the two countries.

    Currently, China is the largest foreign investor in Laos, and Laos sees huge potential for further deepening cooperation with China across various fields including the export of agricultural products, the import of electric vehicles and trucks, tourism, hotels and restaurants, and electricity, mining, and solar energy.

    Analysts said that both China and Laos are poised to take Premier Li’s visit, alongside the 15th anniversary of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, as pivotal moments to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

    Lu Guangsheng, a professor at Yunnan University’s Institute of International Relations, said China and ASEAN, including Laos, have strong industrial complementarity.

    “China requires new drivers from Laos, while Laos looks to China for industrial support,” he remarked, suggesting that this mutual dependence will foster constructive strategies for promoting high-level openness and advancing the shared vision for a community with a shared future for humanity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xizang official sentenced to death with reprieve for bribery

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Jiang Jie, a former senior political advisor of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, was convicted of bribery and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.
    The verdict was handed down by the Tianjin First Intermediate People’s Court on Saturday. Jiang was a member of the leading Party members group of the Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice chairman of the committee.
    Jiang was found to have exploited his positions in both east China’s Shandong Province and Xizang to provide improper assistance to relevant units and individuals regarding administrative approvals, project contracts, land sales and job promotions.
    In return, he accepted money and valuables worth over 225 million yuan (approximately 31.8 million U.S. dollars), according to court documents.
    He received a reprieve from an immediate death sentence due to his voluntary disclosure of previously undiscovered facts related to the bribery cases, his admission of guilt and his expression of remorse. Additionally, most of his illicit gains and their proceeds have been recovered, said the court. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s generative AI service users surpasses 600 million

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has more than 600 million registered users for generative artificial intelligence (AI) services, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said on Saturday.

    Zhao Zhiguo, chief engineer at the MIIT, highlighted the continuous expansion of the country’s core AI industry, with over 4,500 companies now operating in the sector.

    Currently, nearly 200 generative AI service models are registered and available to the public, said Zhao.

    He noted that it is essential to enhance the capacity of AI infrastructure for public services and establish accessible, adaptable and highly available AI development platforms to accelerate the training, optimization and large-scale application of AI models.

    Efforts are also needed to enhance the supply capability of computing power facilities and build a unified national computing system, thereby increasing the share of intelligent computing resources, said Zhao.

    The country’s telecommunications operator, China Mobile, launched an evaluation standard on general AI large models on the same day together with China Electronics Standardization Institute and 16 key enterprises, providing a reference for companies to select high-quality AI models.

    The standard, driven by actual demand from key industries, focuses on six dimensions, namely functionality, accuracy, reliability, safety, interactivity and applicability, to comprehensively assess the core competence in the application of large models.

    It covers a wide range of industry scenarios, including telecommunications, transportation, energy and manufacturing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star set to accelerate world’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) economy with market projected to reach $2.7 trillion by 2032

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 13, 2024/APO Group/ —

    GITEX GLOBAL (www.Gitex.com), the world’s largest tech and startup event, takes centre stage in the UAE next week with this year’s 44th edition destined to redefine the world’s digital economy and AI ecosystem.

    Held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, the incomparable international showpiece will be more influential than ever this time around – presenting an expanded events programme that transforms the UAE into an AI universe epicentre.

    Under the theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy”, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 welcomes the world’s largest technology enterprises alongside governments, investors, experts, startups, academia, and researchers.  

    Expand North Star (http://apo-opa.co/405aSCm), the world’s largest startup and investment show, runs concurrently at Dubai Harbour from 13-16 October – hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by DWTC.

    With over 6,500 exhibiting companies, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries participating across 38 halls of innovation and business opportunities, these blockbuster events will see the UAE “strategically propel the next generation of AI-driven technologies”.

    Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, said: “At GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, we shall close the year with significant manoeuvres from our tech community by doubling down on global collaborations and intensive engagements amongst all involved. Through these efforts, we shall forge competitive advantages in the race towards regional and international digital supremacy.

    “With international participation in GITEX GLOBAL 2024 rocketing by almost 40 per cent, it’s a barometer of the unstoppable ambitions of many young rising digital nations who are now confidently forging their ways into the future global AI economy through GITEX. As the world’s most global tech event brand with events in Germany, Singapore, Morocco, and Nigeria alongside Expand North Star, we are committed to strategically propelling the next generation of AI-driven technologies via startups, scale-ups and unicorns.”

    A global agenda for tomorrow’s AI economy

    According to Fortune Business Insights, the global AI market is projected to reach $621 billion in 2024 and soar to $2.7 trillion by 2032. Given its influence and impact now and in the future, the technology takes centre stage at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 with over 3,500 enterprises presenting the latest breakthrough innovations in AI, IoT, data, and the cloud.

    Amongst them is TECOM Group PJSC, which celebrates its 25th successive year at GITEX GLOBAL next week. Ahead of the event, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group PJSC and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: “Dubai’s pro-innovation frameworks are the bedrock of tech advancements that serve a greater purpose. GITEX GLOBAL is a springboard to unlock this potential, and as the region’s leading tech hub, Dubai Internet City has been a proud partner for decades in its mission towards a brighter future. Our community is pleased to connect innovators from more than 3,500 companies across fields like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, digital transformation, and beyond to realise this vision.”

    Abu Dhabi’s most influential companies and organisations, including the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and G42 Group with its leading enterprises Presight and Khazna, will reinforce the Emirate’s position as an emerging global AI nexus. Other tech giants participating are Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Builder Ai, Dell, Google, Honeywell, Huawei, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, Salesforce, SAS, solutions by STC, and Tech Destination Pakistan.

    Presenting the year’s largest AI event, GITEX GLOBAL will deliver 120-plus hours of AI and deep tech-focused content across various topics, facilitating discussions on the implications of AI in Future Health, Digital Finance, and EdTech. Following the wildfire pace of AI adoption and the unprecedented growth in data storage demand, the event is also launching the region’s largest Data Centre Symposium in 2024, featuring the industry leaders Datalec, Kerno, Khazna, Legrand, NTT Data, Schneider Electric, Vertiv, among many others.

    The programme will build anticipation ahead of the all-new AI Everything Global 2025. This event – taking place in Abu Dhabi (4 February) and Dubai (5-6 February) will gather some of the world’s most visionary AI tech companies to construct an innovative, fair, and responsible AI industry of the future.

    Fast-tracking the next generation of startups

    The world’s largest startup and investment event, Expand North Star will foster the next frontier of tech and innovation. In another record-breaking edition, the event will connect the most innovative global founders with new markets, enterprise customers, and an influential pool of investors and venture capitalists with over $1.2 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). These include SOSV, Bessemer Ventures, Lightrock, Sinovation Ventures, and the European Innovation Fund.

    Additionally, Expand North Star will seek to redefine the future of money, blockchain, and creativity through leading co-located events GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. Accelerating the next generation of scaleups, the world’s largest start-up pitch competition, Supernova Challenge 2.0, also graces GITEX GLOBAL with the winners claiming a share of the $200,000 prize pool.

    Historic international involvement

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 will welcome the highest international attendance in its history, welcoming over 400 government and digital development agencies from around the world. Alongside GITEX GLOBAL regulars, the new nations debuting this year will showcase their latest groundbreaking tech innovations.

    Next week marks the largest European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with over 35 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups from debuting countries, including Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia.

    Many rising digital nations from Latin America are also behind the record-breaking international involvement, as are those from Central and Southeast Asia. Joining long-time GITEX GLOBAL participants such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are several debutants – Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan amongst them.

    While promoting international business development, entrepreneurship, and investment engagements to benefit enterprises, organisations, and SMEs alike, GITEX GLOBAL welcomes the European Innovation Council for the first time, Europe’s biggest deep-tech investor.

    It will also see significant collaborations with global organisations from all continents, such as the European Innovation Council, Tech Destination Pakistan, IE University, University College London (UCL), Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and key corporate ventures from leading tech enterprises such as Sony, Honda, Standard Chartered, QIC, and many more.

    An action-packed agenda

    Throughout its six-day duration, GITEX GLOBAL will become a microcosm of the world, launching industry-defining programmes such as GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos. In 2024, the event will connect 59 top global unicorns, such as Axelera, DeepL, Insilico Medicine, and Synthesis AI.

    The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit is another must-attend show with global innovators and influential leaders set to address critical priorities shaping the future of technology. Additionally, GITEX Cyber Valley is this year’s most anticipated cybersecurity showcase – hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council. With specialists forecasting that damage costs could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the show will present a power-packed conference agenda as the world’s most influential CISOs, CIOs, and GRC leaders to discuss the risks of global cybercrime.  

    Leo Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President & President of Enterprise Sales at Huawei, which will be present with a flagship stand at the event, commented on the possibilities unlocked at the event for the industry: “GITEX GLOBAL offers a unique platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogues with industry peers about the trends and perspectives on industrial intelligence. We look forward to sharing our insights and learning from others to explore the endless possibilities of industrial digital and intelligent transformation.”

    For more information on GITEX GLOBAL 2024 and to secure your passes, please visit http://www.Gitex.com. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier urges China, Vietnam to jointly meet external challenges

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HANOI, Oct. 13 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday that China is ready to work with Vietnam to firmly advance the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, jointly meet external challenges and better achieve common development.

    He made the remarks when meeting with Tran Thanh Man, chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam — Chinese premier

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam — Chinese premier

    HANOI, Oct. 13 — China stands ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam, carrying out the plan of synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang here on Sunday.

    Li made the remarks when meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam stress handling differences via friendly consultation

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HANOI, Oct. 13 — China and Vietnam here on Sunday stressed the need to properly handle their differences through friendly consultation.

    In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged both sides to stick to friendly consultation, properly handle differences and expand maritime cooperation.

    In response, Pham Minh Chinh said the two sides should implement the high-level consensus of the two parties and two countries, properly manage differences through friendly consultation, and jointly safeguard maritime peace and stability.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Electric car sales have slumped. Misinformation is one of the reasons

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Analytics & Resilience, UNSW Sydney

    Karolis Kavolelis/Shutterstock

    Battery electric vehicle sales in Australia have flattened in recent months. The latest data reveal a sharp 27.2% year-on-year decline (overall new vehicle sales were down 9.7%) in September. Tesla Model Y and Model 3 cars had an even steeper drop of nearly 50%.

    Sales also fell in August (by 18.5%) and July (1.5%). There’s a clear downward trend.

    Before this downturn, electric vehicle sales had been rising steadily, supported by increased choices and government incentives. In early 2024, year-to-date sales continued to grow compared to the same period in 2023. Then, in April, electric vehicle sales fell for the first time in more than two years.

    Australia isn’t simply mirroring a broader global trend. It’s true sales have slowed in parts of Europe and the United States — often due to reduced incentives. But strong sales growth continues in other regions, such as China and India.

    A range of factors or combinations of them could help explain the trend in Australia. These include governments axing incentives, concerns about safety and depreciation, and misinformation.

    Governments are cutting incentives

    Electric vehicles typically cost more upfront. However, the flood of cheaper Chinese vehicles is lowering the cost barrier.

    Federal, state and territory governments also provide financial incentives to buy electric vehicles. These have been among the main drivers of sales in Australia.

    Nationally, incentives include a higher luxury car tax threshold and exemptions from fringe benefits tax and customs duty. But several states and territories have scaled back their rebate programs and tax exemptions in 2023 and 2024.

    New South Wales and South Australia ended their $3,000 rebates on January 1 this year. At the same time, NSW ended a stamp duty refund for new and used zero-emission vehicles up to a value of $78,000. Both incentives had been offered since 2021.

    Victoria ended its $3,000 rebate, also launched in 2021, in mid-2023.

    In the ACT, the incentive of two years’ free registration closed on June 30 2024.

    Queensland’s $6,000 electric vehicle rebate ended in September.

    The market clearly responded to these changes. However, reduced financial incentives alone cannot explain the full picture. Despite several rounds of price cuts, sales of popular Tesla models are falling.

    Buyers are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles instead. In September, sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles were up by 34.4% and 89.9%, respectively.

    These sales trends reflect other consumer concerns beyond just the upfront cost.

    Resale value worries buyers

    One major issue for car buyers in Australia, and globally, is uncertainty about their resale value. Consumers are concerned electric vehicles depreciate faster than traditional cars.

    These concerns are particularly tied to battery degradation, which affects a car’s range and performance over time. And batteries account for much of the vehicle’s total cost. Potential buyers worry about the long-term value of a used electric vehicle with an ageing battery.

    For example, a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with nearly 85,000km currently lists for about $34,000. It has lost roughly half its value in just three years.

    While Tesla offers transferable four-year warranties and software updates, the rapid evolution of EV technology also makes older second-hand models less desirable, further reducing their value.

    Fires raise fears about safety

    Electric vehicle fires have made headlines globally. This has created doubts among consumers about the risks of owning them.

    In Korea, a high-profile battery fire in August 2024 led to a ban on certain electric vehicles from underground car parks. While similar bans are not common in Australia, some have been reported. These could have harmed local consumer confidence.

    Incidents of electric vehicle fires have increased along with vehicle numbers. Statistically, these vehicles are not more prone to fires than conventional cars – in fact, the risk is clearly lower.

    For example, analysis of publicly available statistics from South Korean government agencies, one of the early adopters of electric vehicles, show the number of fires per registered electric vehicle is steadily increasing. Fire risk remains lower than for traditional vehicles, although the gap is shrinking as the electric vehicle fleet ages. And the highly publicised nature of their fires is a source of growing buyer hesitancy.

    Electric vehicle fires in Korea are increasing with EV numbers, but the rate is still less than for petrol or diesel cars.
    Author provided using data from South Korean government agencies, CC BY

    Misinformation and politicisation are rampant

    The full environmental benefits of electric vehicles depend on widespread adoption. However, there is a wide gap between early adopters’ experiences and potential buyers’ perceptions.

    Persistent misconceptions include exaggerated concerns about battery life, charging infrastructure and safety. Myths and misinformation often fuel these concerns. Traditional vehicle and oil companies actively spread misinformation in campaigns much like those used against other green energy initiatives.

    In response, coalitions such as Electric Vehicles UK have formed to combat these false narratives and promote accurate information.

    The politicisation of green initiatives adds to the challenge. When electric vehicles become associated with a specific political ideology, it can alienate large parts of the population. Adoption then becomes slower and more divisive.

    Green transition is a work in progress

    The electric vehicle market in Australia is facing challenges, despite the growing variety of models and price cuts.

    The EV sales trend signals deeper issues in the market. Broader trends, such as the dominance of SUVs and utes, underscore the fact that while the transition to greener vehicles is progressing, it remains uneven.

    Further efforts will be needed to reduce misconceptions and misinformation, and bridge the gap between owners’ experience and potential buyers’ perceptions. Only then can Australia enjoy the environmental benefits of widespread EV adoption.

    Hadi Ghaderi receives funding from the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, IVECO Trucks Australia limited, Victoria Department of Education and Training, Australia Post, Bondi Laboratories, Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, Sphere for Good, Australian Meat Processor Corporation,City of Casey, 460degrees and Passel.

    Milad Haghani does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Electric car sales have slumped. Misinformation is one of the reasons – https://theconversation.com/electric-car-sales-have-slumped-misinformation-is-one-of-the-reasons-240545

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Premier Li urges Chinese, Vietnamese entrepreneurs to boost cooperation

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HANOI, Oct. 13 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday it is hoped that Chinese and Vietnamese entrepreneurs actively follow the general trend, better seize opportunities and further strengthen cooperation for greater development of their own businesses and contribute to the common development of the two countries.

    He made the remarks when addressing a symposium gathering representatives of Chinese and Vietnamese entrepreneurs. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also attended the symposium.

    Li noted that in recent years, with both sides’ joint efforts, China-Vietnam relations have developed steadily, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results.

    China and Vietnam are traditional socialist friendly neighbors, and their respective development is an important opportunity for each other, he said, adding that economic and trade cooperation has always been a highlight of China-Vietnam cooperation and an important source of driving force for advancing bilateral ties.

    Looking ahead, Li said, there is still more space for expansion and greater potential to be tapped in the further alignment of the development strategies of the two countries, stronger connectivity, the release of complementary advantages, as well as economic and trade cooperation.

    The two countries share the same social system, strong political mutual trust, geographical proximity and affinity among their people, and enjoy a profound friendship of “comrades and brothers,” which has laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation.

    The Chinese premier called on the entrepreneurs to more actively engage in national development strategies, and make full use of multilateral and bilateral economic and trade cooperation agreements and policy dividends such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

    Li proposed that the entrepreneurs should jointly promote the integrated development of industries, deepen mutual integration of supply and demand, and build stable and smooth cross-border industrial and supply chains.

    He also urged the two countries’ entrepreneurs to pool innovation and creativity, and strengthen the whole-chain innovation cooperation between industry, academia, research and utilization, with a particular focus on clean energy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, so as to jointly foster and strengthen new driving forces for the development of the two countries.

    Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that under the guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, Vietnam and China have deepened and solidified bilateral relations, bringing the ties into a new era of building a community with a shared future for Vietnam and China.

    Noting that China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, and Vietnam is China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, he said economic and trade cooperation has become a highlight and an important pillar of the friendly relations between the two countries.

    Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam is willing to work with China in the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, further give play to complementary advantages, fully tap potential, improve the level of corporate cooperation, promote cooperation on finance, technology, investment, transportation infrastructure, digital economy, green economy, and production and supply chain connectivity, and strengthen coordination within the framework of regional economic integration.

    “The Vietnamese government will continue to provide a sound business environment for enterprises and welcome Chinese enterprises to continue to expand their investment in Vietnam,” he said.

    The Vietnamese head of government also expressed the hope that enterprises from the two countries will jointly deepen practical cooperation, and boost the growth of bilateral relations and the respective development processes of Vietnam and China.

    Representatives of participating enterprises said that the strategic guidance of the two countries’ top leaders has injected strong impetus into China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation.

    They said the Belt and Road initiative is highly compatible with the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, and the business communities of the two countries are optimistic about the development prospects in each other’s markets and have firm confidence in deepening cooperation.

    They expressed the willingness to seize opportunities to further promote cooperation on finance, transportation infrastructure construction, digital economy, green energy, communications and logistics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US should stop “two-faced” actions on Taiwan question: Defense Spokesperson 2024-10-09 “We urge the US side to stop its duplicity towards China, stop its ‘two-faced’ actions on the Taiwan question,” said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian on Wednesday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      BEIJING, Oct. 9 — “We urge the US side to stop its duplicity towards China, stop its ‘two-faced’ actions on the Taiwan question,” said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian on Wednesday.

      It is reported that the US government recently approved a US$567 million military assistance to China’s Taiwan region which will fund training, anti-armor weapons  and UAVs.

      According to the spokesperson, the US’s provision of military assistance to China’s Taiwan region in defiance of China’s firm opposition has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, severely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and security interests and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. “We strongly condemn such action and have lodged solemn representations with the US side,” he said.

      The spokesperson pointed out that in recent years, the US side has repeatedly broken its promise and tried all means to provide Taiwan with military assistance, sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatists. The US has been pouring fuel on the Taiwan question and heightening regional tension, pushing the island towards an extremely dangerous situation of war.

      “It must be stressed that arming Taiwan is supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces, and that means war. Anyone attempting to contain China with Taiwan will end up eating the bitter fruit of their own doing,” slammed the spokesperson.

      The spokesperson also urged the US side to stop its duplicity towards China, stop its “two-faced” actions on the Taiwan question, and stop arming Taiwan to avoid further disrupting and sabotaging the relations between China and the US and their militaries. “The Chinese PLA will keep strengthening military training and combat readiness, comprehensively enhance its capability to fight and win in order to resolutely counter ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external interference, and defend China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” stressed the spokesperson in the end.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Guarding Rainforest Homeland’ exhibition held in Haikou

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ‘Guarding Rainforest Homeland’ exhibition held in Haikou

    Updated: October 14, 2024 07:20 Xinhua
    A man listens to the sound from nature at the “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 13, 2024. The “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition has been held by the management office of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest in Haikou. Featuring animal specimens, photographs and videos, the exhibition showcases the beauty of the rainforest and introduces the construction process of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor poses for a photo at the “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the “Guarding Rainforest Homeland” exhibition in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Netanyahu urges UN to withdraw peacekeepers

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday urged the United Nations to withdraw its UNIFIL peacekeeping force from southern Lebanon.

    “Mr. Secretary-General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way,” Netanyahu said in a public video statement, addressing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

    “It should be done right now, immediately,” Netanyahu added.

    Netanyahu claimed that the presence of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) forces in southern Lebanon makes them “hostages of Hezbollah,” the Lebanese armed group and political party with which Israel has been engaged in conflict since last October.

    The prime minister expressed regret over the incident last week in which Israeli forces injured two UNIFIL soldiers in southern Lebanon. “We are doing everything possible to prevent this harm,” he said.

    On Friday, UNIFIL condemned the attack on peacekeepers as “a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701,” stating that such incidents place UN peacekeepers in “extremely grave danger.”

    Since early October, the Israeli military has conducted targeted ground operations against Hezbollah positions near the Lebanese border, while intensifying airstrikes and artillery bombardments across Lebanon, particularly in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China stands ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam, carrying out the plan of synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hanoi on Sunday.

    China and Vietnam both are developing countries standing at a critical stage in their modernization efforts, Li said when holding talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, adding China firmly supports Vietnam in pursuing a path of socialism that suits its national conditions.

    Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to continuously improving and upgrading cooperation across various sectors with the Southeast Asian nation.

    China is ready to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, healthcare, and disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as expand collaboration in local currency settlement and emerging industries, including the digital economy and green development, Li said.

    In August, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, drawing a blueprint for and injecting fresh vigor into the development of China-Vietnam relations, Li said.

    China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, maintain high-level communication, and continuously build mutual trust, Li said.

    The Chinese premier also called on upholding the original aspiration of good-neighborliness and friendship, reinforcing confidence in the two countries’ respective paths and systems, strengthening solidarity and cooperation, expanding comprehensive strategic cooperation and deepening the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    Li urged the two countries to take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, both taking place next year, to further deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the younger generations, and carry forward the cause of China-Vietnam friendship.

    Li urged both sides to stick to the principle of friendly consultation, properly handle differences and expand maritime cooperation.

    China stands ready to work with Vietnam to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Vietnam at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and APEC, strive for more just and rational global governance, safeguard the interests of developing countries, and play a leading role in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Pham, for his part, said Vietnam and China enjoy a close relationship of comrades and brothers, and that their traditional friendship grows ever stronger.

    Developing relations with China is a top priority and a strategic choice for the party and the government of Vietnam, Pham said, noting China is the only country that encompasses all of Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities.

    Vietnam abides by the one-China principle, supports China’s development and growth, as well as the series of global initiatives put forward by President Xi, Pham said. He thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to his country.

    Next year marks the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations, Pham noted, saying that guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of both parties and countries, Vietnam stands ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and enhance synergy of development strategies with China.

    He also pledged to advance cooperation with China in finance, investment, agriculture and science and technology, accelerate connectivity in transportation infrastructure, explore new models such as cross-border economic cooperation zones, expand collaboration in emerging sectors like the digital economy and green development, as well as strengthen exchanges in education, tourism, and youth exchanges.

    Vietnam is also willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Pham said.

    He called on both countries to implement the high-level consensus of the two parties and two countries, properly manage differences through friendly consultation, and jointly safeguard maritime peace and stability.

    Following the talks, Li and Pham witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents in various fields, including connectivity, agricultural products, customs, finance, human resources, media, and education.

    During Li’s official visit to Vietnam, the two countries are also expected to issue a joint statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli tanks ‘forcibly enter’ UN position in southern Lebanon

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a UNIFIL patrol vehicle in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Sunday that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its positions in southern Lebanon and “forcibly entered” the site after blocking its movement the previous day.

    “At approximately 4:30 in the morning, while the peacekeeping soldiers were in shelters, two Merkava tanks belonging to the Israeli army destroyed the main gate of the position and entered by force. The tanks left about 45 minutes later,” UNIFIL said in a statement, referring to a position in the Ramyah area on the Lebanese side of the border.

    According to UNIFIL, the breach was part of recent Israeli violations against UN forces and positions over the weekend.

    “At approximately 6:40 in the morning, peacekeepers in the same location reported multiple bursts of gunfire 100 meters north, creating dense smoke. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced symptoms such as skin irritation and stomach issues after the smoke entered the base. They are receiving treatment,” the statement added.

    In addition, UNIFIL reported that on Saturday, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers prevented a critical UNIFIL logistical movement near the southeast village of Mays al-Jabal.

    “Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701,” UNIFIL stated, adding that it has “requested an explanation from the IDF for these shocking violations.”

    Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been carrying out an intense air campaign on Lebanon, dubbed “Arrows of the North,” amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The campaign has included attacks on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, injuring at least five UN peacekeepers over the past week.

    On Sunday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks. Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier remarks urging the UN to “get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way” from southern Lebanon, Mikati said this “represents a new chapter in the enemy’s disregard for international legitimacy and its relevant resolutions.”

    “Lebanon, while condemning Netanyahu’s position and the Israeli aggression against UNIFIL, reaffirms its commitment to international legitimacy, Resolution 1701, and the role of the United Nations forces in the south, and demands that the international community take a firm stand to halt Israeli aggression,” Mikati added.

    Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire along the Lebanon-Israel border, raising fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel rages in the Gaza Strip.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK forces ordered to get ready to open fire: KCNA

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The armed forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) received order to get ready to open fire, state media said on Sunday, amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula following DPRK accusation of South Korea for recent drone incursion into its airspace.

    A Sunday statement by the DPRK Ministry of National Defence said that “the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army issued a preliminary operation order on October 12th to the combined artillery units along the (southern) border and the units taking on an important firepower task to get fully ready to open fire,” according to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese PLA conducts ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ drills surrounding Taiwan island

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday organized its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct “Joint Sword-2024B” drills in the Taiwan Strait and the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan, said a spokesperson.
    Li Xi, spokesperson for the theater command, said the drills involve vessels and planes closing in on the island from multiple directions and assaults by joint forces.
    The drills focus on joint sea-air combat readiness patrol, the blockade and control of key ports and areas, strikes on sea and land targets, and the seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, so as to test the joint real-combat capabilities of the forces of the command, Li said.
    The drills are a powerful deterrent to the separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” elements, and are legitimate and necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and national unity, Li said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 7 dead, 4 injured in east China gas poisoning

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Seven people have died and four others were injured during a gas poisoning at a biotech company in east China’s Shandong Province on Saturday afternoon, local authorities said on Sunday.
    Ministry of Emergency Management has sent a team to aid rescue work and investigations. It has ordered that no cost be spared in saving those who have sustained injuries, and that the number of casualties should be determined as soon as possible.
    The accident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Weifang Jinshi biotech company, according to the emergency management bureau of Shouguang City.
    Those who sustained injuries are currently in stable conditions, the bureau said, noting that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Central gov’t congratulates newly elected Macao chief executive designate

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office congratulated Sam Hou Fai on being elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday.
    The successfully concluded election is “significant” for implementing the principle of “patriots administering Macao” and advancing the successful practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics, the office said in an article posted on its website.
    Taking place ahead of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, the election fully reflected the Macao society’s wholehearted support for the “one country, two systems” principle and its strong confidence in the development path of the Macao SAR over the past 25 years, the article said.
    It has also demonstrated the Macao society’s widespread recognition of Sam and high expectations for Macao to achieve further development under the leadership of the new chief executive, it added.
    The article noted that Sam had received broad public support for his deep affection and sense of responsibility toward Macao and the country, willingness to collaborate with various social groups and sectors, and commitment to promoting socio-economic development and improving the well-being of Macao residents.
    Sam, who previously served as president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal, has handled a number of major cases and effectively safeguarded national security and the constitutional order of the Macao SAR, the article said.
    The Macao society has confidence in Sam to safeguard both the overall interests of the country and the fundamental interests of Macao, and ensure the steady and sustained practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics, it added.
    The article also said Sam demonstrates his capability of adapting to changes and seeking transformation, and the will to seize opportunities and pursue reform.
    The new chief executive designate is expected to unite and lead the Macao society to create a better future and make greater contributions to building China into a stronger country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, the office said in the article.
    Sam, who announced his candidacy on Aug. 28, won the election on Sunday with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing to add 31 eldercare service centers in rural areas

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Beijing will establish 31 eldercare service centers in its rural areas this year. This is part of a new set of policies aiming to enhance eldercare services ahead of the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional festival in China that promotes respect and care for seniors.

    According to the official policy document, the city will promote mutual-aid eldercare in rural areas, and establish a rural eldercare service system that includes township eldercare service centers and nursing homes, eldercare stations, and neighborhood mutual-aid spots.

    The city will also encourage the development of at-home eldercare services, as well as chain operations and delivery services that provide meals to the elderly.

    Zhenzhuquan township, the least densely populated township in Beijing with a high proportion of senior residents, has taken proactive and successful steps in this regard.

    In May, it established a township meal service center that prepares meals in a central kitchen and delivers them through 16 distribution points to the elderly. Village volunteers also deliver meals to elderly residents with limited mobility, said Zhou Yin, first secretary of the township.

    Zhou noted that each elderly person pays a highly affordable amount of 300 yuan (about US$42) per month. Compared to individually run village dining space for the elderly, the operating cost per person at the township center has decreased by 47.93% monthly.

    Data from the municipal civil affairs authority shows that there are currently 326 eldercare institutions and 674 eldercare stations in Beijing’s rural areas, along with a total of 807 neighborhood mutual-aid spots in operation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, foreign journalists visit lantern festival in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A total of 47 journalists from 38 foreign media outlets and Chinese media organizations participated in a lantern festival held in Beijing on Wednesday, experiencing the joyous atmosphere of China’s National Day holiday while learning about the local culture.

    The festival, co-organized by the Information Office of Beijing Municipal Government and the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of China’s Foreign Ministry, opened to the public on Sept. 15, and will last through Oct. 31. It features nine themed areas and showcases over 200 creative light displays of various sizes, including 75 large and medium-sized lanterns, and about 100,000 decorative lantern pieces.

    The lantern festival combines the famous lantern-making technique of Zigong, Sichuan province, with Beijing’s traditional customs and modern aesthetics, making it the largest-scale lantern fair in the history of the Chinese capital. 

    This festival also aims to promote Beijing’s night economy. Besides a variety of creative lantern displays, it also includes over 150 food stalls, offering a range of options such as intangible cultural heritage cuisine, state banquet dishes, and trendy popular foods.

    To further enrich visitor experience, the organizers arranged various themed activities, including singing and dancing, stage shows, and traditional cultural events. Furthermore, visitors can learn about the stories behind the lights by scanning their QR codes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Silk Road arts festival brings global artists to Shaanxi

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An international arts festival opened on Saturday in the historic city of Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, attracting artists to showcase their performances in an international arena.

    The 10th Silk Road International Arts Festival, which is hosted by the provincial government of Shaanxi and will run until Nov. 10, has attracted artists from 15 countries and regions, according to the organizer of the event.

    During the festival, 63 performances are scheduled to be staged. A series of activities will also take place during the festival, including shows and exhibitions.

    The first Silk Road International Arts Festival was held in 2014.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees new trend in booming tourism consumption

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    People visit a historical and cultural street in Xixiu District of Anshun City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Oct. 2, 2024. (Photo by Chen Xi/Xinhua)

    With neon lights sparkling against the night sky, a group of models, clad in vibrantly colored and intricately crafted costumes of ethnic minorities, sauntered down the catwalk, each step met with raucous applause.

    This fashion show featuring intangible cultural heritage is the first of its kind held on Qilou Old Street, a national historical and cultural street in Haikou, Hainan Province, south China.

    Both professional and amateur models walked the show, including Pan Yuzhen, in her seventies, a well-known inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group who had been a guest on the fashion stage in London and Paris.

    “This is my first time in Haikou, and I like it very much,” said Pan, adding that she was happy to have the opportunity to promote the intangible cultural heritage of her people.

    The performance, which integrated tradition with modernity, serves as a microcosm of how localities explored creative approaches to better meet the surging cultural and tourism demand during the National Day holiday ending earlier this week.

    Official data showed that 765 million domestic trips were made during the just-concluded holiday, up 5.9 percent year on year, with total tourist spending rising 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.1 billion U.S. dollars).

    People’s interest in traditional cultural attractions was reflected in the travel boom, with many flocking to historical sites over the vacation period. During the week-long holiday, the demand for taxi services to tourist attractions like ancient cities and towns soared by 111 percent compared to the pre-holiday period, according to data from Didi Chuxing, a popular ride-hailing platform in China.

    With multiple scenic spots featured in the Chinese hit video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” north China’s Shanxi province was experiencing a boom in tourists even before the holiday kicked off.

    In response to the travel peak, the local government and businesses intensified efforts to provide better services for all visitors. “Many local temples that were not accessible for hundreds of years are open to the public this time,” said a travel vlogger in her video on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

    As treasure troves of history and culture, museums have also been gaining popularity among the Chinese in recent years, with 1.29 billion visits to nationwide museums in 2023, surpassing the figures of previous years, data from Chinese authorities revealed.

    Aside from traditional hotspots, lower-profile cities and counties started to rank among the top travel destinations, as an increasing number of people, especially the youth from first-tier cities, prefer to spend their leisure time in less crowded areas.

    Data from Ctrip, a leading online travel agency, noted that tourism orders to counties during the National Day holiday grew by 20 percent compared to the same period last year.

    While venturing to different places, many tourists picked up cultural and creative products as mementos of their trips, and more thoughtfully designed items have started to make their way to market.

    This summer, a plush toy modeled after roujiamo, which is sometimes called the “Chinese hamburger,” went viral among visitors to Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province. A purchase was combined with learning to make this local street food, which has been hailed as a new, enticing experience. The toy has proved popular far and wide, with more than 10,000 orders made within three months, with people living as far away as New York and Sydney managing to snag one.

    Such consumption frenzy is evident across various cultural activities, including movies, concerts, music festivals and sporting events, with many willing to travel long distances for the experience.

    Mo Zhenqi, from south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, took his child to Rongjiang County, the birthplace of the Guizhou Village Super League, also known as “Cun Chao” in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. They came to watch friendly soccer matches featuring international players from countries including Brazil. He felt “extremely excited” about the fierce competition on the field, the wonderful song and dance performance, and the enthusiastic atmosphere.

    Tourists like Mo revved up the county’s holiday economy, as the holiday week witnessed nearly 500,000 trips to Rongjiang County, with over 600 million yuan in tourism revenue, an increase of nearly 22 percent year on year.

    “The booming cultural and tourism industry could play a more important part in upgrading the economy, boosting consumption, and meeting people’s needs for a better life,” said Miao Muyang, an official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shift in policy to strengthen nation’s growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Employees work at an assembly line of Chinese vehicle manufacturer Seres Group in Liangjiang New Area, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s economic growth is expected to strengthen on a sequential basis amid the latest stimulus package and with more incremental policies in the pipeline, translating into over 5 percent year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter, analysts and economists said on Sunday.

    They said a long-awaited policy shift is unfolding for China’s economy and markets, as policymakers have pledged to strengthen countercyclical adjustment and step up fiscal policy support. This will include the largest debt resolution support in recent years, with a particular focus on addressing pressing challenges such as the prolonged housing downturn, debt issues and sluggish domestic demand.

    Their comments came as data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Sunday that China’s consumer prices rose at a slower pace in September, while the decline in factory gate prices continued, pointing to pressures on the world’s second-largest economy and intensifying the need to roll out more incremental policies.

    The country’s consumer price index, the main gauge of inflation, rose 0.4 percent year-on-year in September, compared with a 0.6 percent increase in August. The producer price index, which gauges factory gate prices, dropped 2.8 percent last month, widening from a 1.8 percent fall in August, the NBS said.

    “The slower CPI growth in September was mainly due to still-weak domestic demand, seasonal factors and the high comparison base in the previous year, while the deeper PPI drop was influenced by falling commodity prices, especially in the energy sector,” said Zhou Maohua, a researcher at China Everbright Bank.

    Shen Bing, director-general and a senior research fellow at the market and price research institute of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said the growth in CPI is expected to register a mild recovery while maintaining overall stability in the fourth quarter of the year.

    This is because consumer demand has shown signs of pickup, with the sales of passenger vehicles and home appliances having improved, a trend that would be consolidated upon the implementation of incremental policies to expand domestic demand, Shen said.

    On Saturday, the Ministry of Finance announced plans to soon introduce a comprehensive package of new targeted policy measures, with a key focus on improving the financial situations of local governments, facilitating the stabilization of a bottomed out property market, and enhancing the risk resilience and credit allocation capabilities of major banks, among other things.

    The ministry said there is still ample room for the central government to borrow and increase its deficit. It plans to enhance the large-scale debt limit at once, replace the hidden debt of local governments, and increase support for local governments to resolve debt risks.

    Chang Haizhong, executive director of corporates at rating agency Fitch Bohua, said this policy is the largest supportive debt measure introduced in recent years and will greatly alleviate the pressure on local governments.

    “It is expected that the hidden debt of local governments may be replaced in large part by increasing the issuance of treasury bonds in the future,” he said.

    According to Chang, the current economic growth is under pressure and fiscal revenue is lower than expected, making some local governments more stretched financially.

    “Once implemented, this policy will substantially reduce local fiscal pressure, unleashing fiscal funds for economic development and ensuring people’s livelihoods. At the same time, the balance sheets of local government financing vehicles will also be strengthened,” he said.

    Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said his team estimates that the size of the announced fiscal stimulus package will be at least 4 trillion yuan ($566 billion), surpassing market expectations.

    “It will directly drive GDP growth in the fourth quarter to rise above 5 percent, thereby helping achieve the annual growth target of around 5 percent this year,” he added.

    Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura, said he believes that much of the incoming fiscal stimulus will likely be used to fill the fiscal gap faced by local governments.

    “In addition to the 200 billion yuan for strategic projects announced by the National Development and Reform Commission, we expect the country to increase fiscal transfers to local governments and give them a large quota for borrowing,” he said.

    Lu added that policymakers might consider an increase in spending on social security to help those with lower incomes and to encourage childbirth, and they will likely provide funding to those presold residential projects that have been delayed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s consumer prices hold steady in September

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A customer shops at a supermarket in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, March 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s consumer prices steadied in September amid a sustained recovery of domestic demand, official data showed Sunday.

    The consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, was up 0.4 percent year on year in September, lower from a 0.6-percent rise in August, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

    The 0.4 percent growth in September was lower than the previous month mainly because of the higher base logged in the same period last year, said NBS statistician Dong Lijuan.

    On a monthly basis, the CPI remained unchanged compared to the previous month.

    In breakdown, food prices rose 3.3 percent year on year in September, an increase of 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous month. Non-food prices were down 0.2 percent, reversing a 0.2-percent uptick in August.

    Among non-food items, the decline in energy prices deepened, and tourism prices shifted to decrease from an increase with widening declines in airfares and hotel accommodation.

    NBS data showed the producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, went down 2.8 percent year on year in September.

    On a monthly basis, the PPI edged down 0.6 percent, narrowing from a 0.7-percent decrease a month earlier, the data showed.

    Dong attributed the monthly PPI performances to fluctuations in international commodity prices and insufficient effective demand in the domestic market.

    From January to September, the average PPI decreased 2 percent from a year ago.

    China unveiled an action plan in March this year to implement a program of large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods to expand domestic demand, and stepped up policy support in July with an extra funds injection of 300 billion yuan (about 42.4 billion U.S. dollars) via ultra-long special treasury bonds.

    Under the program, factories are encouraged to replace old machines with advanced new ones, and individual consumers can enjoy subsidies on automobiles and home appliances, among others.

    China will apply a set of fiscal policy tools including local government special-purpose bonds, special funds and taxation policies to help stabilize the property market, Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an told a press conference Saturday. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Deepwater gas field sees record high oil, gas output

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s first independently developed and independently built ultra-deepwater gas field, Shenhai Yihao, also known as Deep Sea No.1, has recorded an accumulated natural gas output of over 9 billion cubic meters to date, with an oil output exceeding 900,000 cubic meters.

    Shenhai Yihao is the deepest gas field of its kind in China and began operations on June 25, 2021.

    The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has said that once its phase II project, which aims to upgrade the gas field, is fully operational, it expects that Deep Sea No.1 will increase its peak annual output from 3 billion cubic meters to 4.5 billion cubic meters. And by that time, the gas field will be an important gas source for the country’s energy security.

    The phase II project has proven natural gas reserves of over 50 billion cubic meters, and includes such facilities as 12 deepwater gas wells, a comprehensive processing platform weighing over 14,000 tonnes, and five submarine pipelines with a total length of approximately 250 kilometers.

    Deep Sea No.1 is located 150 kilometers from the city of Sanya in south China’s island province of Hainan. It is able to operate at a maximum marine depth of over 1,500 meters.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Serbia, China ink contract to build new railway station in New Belgrade

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on April 28, 2024 shows the Pupin Bridge spanning the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Serbia has signed a contract with China’s Shandong High-Speed Group (SDHS) to build a new railway station complex in New Belgrade, a central business district of the capital city.

    The agreement worth 138 million euros (151.03 million U.S. dollars) was formalized on Saturday by Serbia’s Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Goran Vesic, and a SDHS representative, in the presence of China’s Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming.

    The project includes 70 million euros for the construction of a new station and approximately 40 million euros for reconstructing the station’s bridge structure. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year, with completion set for December 2026.

    “This station will be integrated with the bus and tram networks, significantly enhancing the city’s transport system,” Vesic said.

    Li underscored the importance of this agreement, calling it a new highlight of Sino-Serbian friendship, which will boost Serbian transport system and railway industry. He also described collaboration on infrastructure development and the ongoing EXPO 2027 project as key areas of partnership between the two states.

    From May 15 to Aug. 15, 2027, Serbia will hold World Expo, also known as Specialised Expo, in Belgrade with the theme of “Play for Humanity.” It will be the first time that World Expo is held in the Western Balkan region.

    The station, designed by Serbian academic Milovan Lojanica, is poised to enhance New Belgrade’s role as a transport hub, providing improved multimodal services once operational, the statement said. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar)

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