Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Hutt Road between Jackson Street and Nevis Street is closed following a serious crash.
Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 2pm.
One person has received serious injuries and another has minor injuries.
The road is expected to be closed for some time.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Source: China State Council Information Office
China is firmly opposed to Japan’s unilateral move of starting the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, and this position remains unchanged, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday.
Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that as one of the most important stakeholders, China is opposed to Japan’s irresponsible move. In line with the understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries that the issue should be addressed through consultation and negotiation, China has held over 10 rounds of intensive negotiations and consultations with Japan and the relevant international organization. The relentless efforts have led to an agreement released on Friday.
“China is firmly opposed to Japan’s unilateral move of starting the discharge, and this position remains unchanged,” Mao said. The purpose of releasing the agreement with Japan is to urge Japan to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international law and its responsibility for safety oversight, to do its utmost to avoid leaving negative impact on the environment and human health, and to effectively prevent the potential risk that may arise from the discharge.
She said it is hoped that the international community, especially the stakeholders, will work with China to closely monitor Japan’s fulfillment of its commitments.
Due to the limitations of the existing international mechanism, the current evaluation and monitoring of the discharge is incomplete and lacks transparency and credibility, and needs to be further improved and strengthened, Mao said, adding that it is especially important to establish a long-term international monitoring arrangement covering key stages of the discharge and ensure that China and all other stakeholders can participate substantively in the arrangement and carry out independent sampling and monitoring.
She said this is the only way to obtain comprehensive, genuine and valid data and place the risks of the discharge under control. Through negotiations, China and Japan have reached agreement in this regard.
As the next step, there will be discussions on technical details such as the types of radionuclides to be monitored and testing methods, to realize comprehensive, effective and credible long-term international monitoring, she added.
How to handle the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water properly is a political and, more importantly, scientific issue, and the China-Japan bilateral agreement has laid the foundation for the international community to handle nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, effective and safe manner, Mao said.
She said that this is an initial achievement made by the international community, especially the stakeholders. Going forward, China will work with the international community, other stakeholders in particular, to continue to act with a great sense of responsibility for global marine ecosystems and environment and for human health, engage in science-based dialogue with Japan, and urge Japan to address concerns over the discharge properly.
The import suspension on all aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) of Japanese origin is a temporary emergency precaution taken in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and WTO rules, Mao said. It is aimed at preventing risks and protecting people’s health.
She added that the measure is based on rules and regulations. It is an example of the Chinese government’s sense of responsibility for its people. Reaching the agreement does not mean that China will immediately resume imports of all Japanese aquatic products. China will continue to act in accordance with WTO rules and Chinese laws and regulations, take scientific facts as the guidance, and view safety as a precondition.
“We will begin to adjust the relevant measures based on scientific evidence after participating substantively in the relevant monitoring activities, carrying out independent sampling, and verifying the result,” Mao said.
China will hold technical consultations with Japan and, after China’s demands are fully addressed, gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet the regulation requirements and standards, and the consultation results and policy adjustments will be made public in a timely way, she added.
Source: China State Council Information Office
China’s vehicle software market is worth more than 65 billion yuan (about 9.2 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 30 percent of the country’s total software market, according to a report released on Friday.
The report on the development of new quality productive force in China’s automobile industry was jointly published by China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd and China Economic Information Service. It was released during the Automobile New Quality Productive Force Development Forum held in Chongqing Municipality on Friday.
“The first half of the car industry development is electrification. It is now time for it to enter the second half, featuring intelligent technologies, with the software, operating systems and car chips as the core,” said Xu Haidong, deputy chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
He added that vehicle software can precisely manage the entire car, including its facilities, driving and communication capabilities.
The report also pointed out that the localization rate of automobile chips is on the rise as enterprises such as Huawei are making headway in chip development. The localization rate of power semiconductors has risen to 15 percent to 20 percent.
The automobile industry is one of major pillars of China’s economy, with the gross output of the whole industrial chain of automobiles contributing 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, according to the report.
MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
120 medical volunteers from different regions of the country gathered at the All-Russian seminar-conference on the development of medical volunteering in the field of preventive healthcare, which is being held from September 19 to 22, 2024 in Novosibirsk. The following cities are represented at the event: Samara, Moscow, Tomsk, Krasnodar, Lugansk, Belgorod, Ryazan, Crimea, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Khanty-Mansiysk, Volgograd, Kirov, Khabarovsk and others.
Volunteers are holding the event together with the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University” with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh.Granty”
The seminar-meeting is being implemented within the framework of the National Projects “Demography” and “Healthcare” with the aim of replicating the experience of young representatives of medical volunteering in the field of preventive medicine and updating knowledge about the prevention of diseases of the reproductive system.
The opening of the event featured speeches by the following guests of honor:
— I am very glad that the topic of the All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare was preventive medicine with an emphasis on maintaining reproductive health. The Ministry of Healthcare has been actively involved in prevention issues in our country for about ten years, I think you all know that new federal projects will start on January 1, 2025, including the national project “Active Long Life”, thanks to which new health centers will be opened, they will be aimed at developing preventive technologies. I wish successful work to medical volunteers! I hope that you will spend the days of the seminar-conference positively, acquire not only new friends, but also new knowledge, which you will inspire everyone around you, so that each person takes care of their health, — shared the acting Minister of Healthcare in the Novosibirsk Region Tatyana Anokhina.
— It is gratifying that today the topic of health is receiving a lot of attention! Educational work is very important. It is great that the youth audience in the person of medical volunteers is taking on this challenge and is actively working with the population of the country. At our university, medical volunteers are a very noticeable figure, despite the fact that the medical faculty takes up a small percentage of students. I hope that during the seminar-meeting you will all be able to work well and walk around Novosibirsk, — said Olga Yakovleva, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Educational Work at Novosibirsk State University.
— I am glad to welcome you to the All-Russian Seminar-Conference. It is such an amazing coincidence that today is the Day of Socially Useful Persons, and volunteering is precisely the desire to be useful, to do things that improve various processes of life! Medical volunteers, we can’t do without you! The path from an idea that is born in the head to its implementation is the magic that you create. Dear friends, continue to be proactive and active. Bon voyage and don’t be afraid of anything! — noted Konstantin Bakulin, Vice-Rector for Educational and Social Work at the Novosibirsk State Medical University.
— I thank Novosibirsk State University for the trust and the opportunity to organize such an event! Thank you for your support and assistance in all aspects of holding the All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare. Thank you to the team of the Novosibirsk Regional Branch, you are great! I hope that, having seen the experience of such events, each of you in your region will also be able to organize an All-Russian event. Thank you for coming to Novosibirsk, I wish each of you productive and fruitful work, — Maria Miroshnikova, Head of the Department of Medical Volunteering Projects and Educational Programs of the All-Russian Volunteer Medical Association, greeted the participants.
The event is attended by leading experts in reproductive health of men and women, specialists in medical prevention, as well as specialists in the field of health protection.
Paying special attention to strengthening the reproductive health of the country’s population and popularizing family values, the participants attend educational and outreach platforms, including in the format of strategic sessions. The participants are also working on creating an innovative information product in the field of medical examination and reproductive health, the result of which will determine the further development of volunteer activities in preventive work.
Organizers and partners: All-Russian public organization “Volunteers-doctors”, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University”, Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh”, Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, ANO “National Priorities”.
The All-Russian public movement “Volunteers-doctors” is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the healthcare sector in Europe. With the support of the Russian Ministry of Health, 89 regional branches of the All-Russian public movement “Volunteers-doctors” have been opened in the country, uniting more than 164 thousand people. From 2013 to 2023, volunteers provided more than 24 million hours of assistance in more than 1 thousand medical organizations in the Russian Federation. Every year, about 4 million Russians receive assistance and support from medical volunteers.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/atmosphere/all-Russian-seminar-meeting-on-the-development-of-medical-volunteering started in-Novosibirsk/
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
The death of a 10-year-old Japanese boy stabbed on his way to school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen has sparked public grief and condemnation, while police have detained a 44-year-old male suspect who was caught at the attack scene.
On Thursday evening, some local citizens laid flowers near the Japanese school where the boy was enrolled, expressing both anger and sorrow over the attack, according to local media reports. One message on a bouquet read: “The boy lived and studied here. He was a child of Shenzhen, regardless of his nationality.”
According to local media reports, the boy, a Japanese national born to a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was stabbed by the suspect who was only identified by his surname Zhong at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday. The boy was rushed to the hospital and succumbed to injuries early on Thursday.
“Our medical staff immediately took several emergency measures. We restored his heartbeat and put him in surgery,” Ma Xiaopeng, head of the doctors’ team and president of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, was quoted as saying. “A team of specialists made every possible effort to save him, but unfortunately, due to the severity of injuries, the boy was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m. on Thursday.”
Local police said that the investigation into the case is still ongoing, and initial findings showed it was an “isolated incident.”
In response to the stabbing, local public security and education authorities in Shenzhen have heightened security measures around schools and other public venues.
The city has pledged to take further steps to safeguard the lives, property and legal rights of everyone there, including foreign nationals.
The education department in Nanshan District, where the school is located, has also established a psychological counseling team for students of the school, which serves Japanese nationals living in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas.
“We regret and are saddened by this tragic incident. We mourn for the passing of the boy and our hearts go out to his family,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.
“The Chinese government never allows any illegal or violent activities and will conduct an investigation into the case and bring the criminal to justice in accordance with law,” Lin said. “We believe individual cases will not affect exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.”
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
Effective democracy
The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
Strengthening the foundations
The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
Greater solidarity
As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
So far, the mu
seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
“Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
“I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.”
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will take decisive measures to resolutely defeat any separatist attempt for “Taiwan independence,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Friday.
In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to Taiwan, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said the PLA would continue to step up military training and improve combat preparedness.
“We urge the U.S. side to earnestly honor its commitment of not supporting ‘Taiwan independence,’ and stop arming Taiwan in any form,” Zhang added.
Voicing strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to the plan, Zhang said it severely violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques.
He stressed that “Taiwan independence” is the most toxic tumor to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.
“The U.S. side has sent a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces for ‘Taiwan independence,’ which is gradually pushing Taiwan to the danger of a treacherous war, and escalating tensions over the Taiwan Strait,” he noted.
The security of Taiwan depends on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, Zhang stressed, adding that U.S.-made weapons are not a shield for the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, but will rather hasten their own destruction.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. The bill would direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to award grants to states, cities, law enforcement units or tribes that operate overdose data collection programs, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).
“The fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand this vital program.”
“When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” Cantwell said. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.”
“We commend the efforts of Senators Cantwell and Grassley for their work on the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. Developing a clear picture of where fatal and non-fatal drug poisonings and overdoses occur allows law enforcement and public health professionals to dedicate the needed resources to areas experiencing spikes in incidences,” Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, said.
“The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director’s Association (NHDA) would like to thank Senators Cantwell and Grassley, along with their colleagues in the Senate, for their strong commitment in getting the Opioid Overdose Data Enhancement Act drafted and introduced on the Senate floor. This act will increase the public awareness on the dangers of synthetic opioids and address the crisis negatively impacting communities across the country. Your sponsorship of this legislation provides both crucial resources to the 33 [High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) programs] across the country, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, and public health to fight against alarming increases in overdose deaths from fentanyl. The NHDA thanks you for your leadership on this important issue,” F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National HIDTA Directors Association, said.
Grassley and Cantwell are joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Download bill text HERE.
Background:
ODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports in near real-time suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events, as well as incidents where overdose reversal medications like Naloxone were administered. ODMAP helps local agencies identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is a widely favored platform, DOJ would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best for each grant applicant.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) secured $68,662,000 to reconstruct the I-80, I-35 and I-235 interchange in Des Moines. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Mega Grant Program, which is funded by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“This interchange has held up for many decades under significant traffic volume. But it’s past time for a revamp to enhance efficiency and ensure drivers’ safety. These federal dollars will help get the millions of people who pass through our capital city each year where they want to go,” Grassley said. “I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with Iowa’s future in mind, and I’m glad our state is seeing a return on that investment.”
These federal resources will enable IDOT to reduce congestion and increase navigability at the interchange, where reports indicate nearly 1,000 crashes occurred between 2018 and 2022.
Specific construction projects include:
New flyover bridges from southbound I-25/80 to eastbound I-235 and to westbound I-80;
A new bridge on westbound I-235; and
An additional lane on eastbound I-235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive.
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
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The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), Mr Poon Kwok-ying, attended the International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Conference in Vienna, Austria from September 18 to 20 (Austrian time). The Conference was an annual forum for railway safety regulators, operators and relevant stakeholders worldwide to exchange knowledge, experience and lesson learnt on railway safety. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) gave presentations on four separate railway safety topics to share its experience in the applications of innovation and technology (I&T) for enhancing railway safety as well as the regulatory experience and preventive measures on handling catastrophic flooding. At the closing ceremony of the Conference on September 20 (Austrian time), Mr Poon, together with the Administrator of the National Railway Administration, Mr Fei Dongbin, and the Operations and Innovation Director of the MTR Corporation, Dr Tony Lee, were handed over the “IRSC Triangle” by the Organising Committee Chairman of this year’s Conference, symbolising that Hong Kong, China will be the host city of the next Conference. Under the theme “Advancing Railway Safety through Innovations and Collaborations”, the IRSC 2025 Conference will be jointly hosted by the EMSD, the National Railway Administration and the MTR Corporation. The delegates around the world will be invited to participate the Conference in Hong Kong, China to carry out in-depth exchanges on the issue of railway safety development and also personally experience the China’s railway development in recent years. Over 300 internationally renowned railway experts from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and more are expected to attend the Conference.
Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00
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Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Bringing a festive atmosphere to Beijing, nearly 230,000 people visited the ongoing “The Temple of Earth and Me” book fair at the Ditan Park during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Named after an essay by renowned novelist Shi Tiesheng, the 11-day book fair being held as part of the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, will conclude on Monday.
The admission is free to the event that comprises 10 exhibition zones, including a bookstore street, creative cultural products zone, children’s books area and an original foreign-language books section, in its 18 square-kilometer exhibition area.
More than 330 publishing houses, physical bookstores and other exhibitors from across the country have brought 400,000 types of books to the book festival. To attract readers, each buyer is offered discount coupons worth 50 yuan for book purchases at the fair.
A joint exhibition and sale of old books is also being held, showcasing ancient texts and over 100,000 types of old books.
Xu Mei, a staff member at The Forbidden City Bookstore booth, said that most of the books exhibited this time are included in promotional activities with discounts ranging from 40 percent to 70 percent, providing the public with more, better and richer cultural experience.
Sun Ying, a sales representative at the Beijing Taihu Publications Exhibition and Trade Center, says that this year’s book fair has been more bustling than last year, with a larger number of young student customers. “Many young readers like to purchase creatively designed book bags and bookmarks.”
Sun added that books such as Cold Enough for Snow by the Australian-Chinese writer Jessica Au published by the Shanghai Translation Publishing House, Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse and A Room of One’s Own, as well as Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus and The Stranger are popular among book buyers.
Kang Chunhua, a visitor to the book fair, said that the tranquil and lush park in Beijing was bustling with people giving her an opportunity to witness the vibrant side of an ancient garden. As a young mother, she focused on the children’s book zone.
“We took many photos to capture the beauty of early autumn in Ditan Park. We also let the children choose what they wanted at the zones for children’s books and cultural and creative products. They had the opportunity to practice calligraphy with a brush, watch vendors making traditional sugar-blowing sculptures, try their hand at lacquer fan painting at a workshop and experience various types of interactive toy books. The children were thrilled.”
“In this era of convenient online book shopping, this will help children have such beautiful memories and experiences,” she says, adding she purchased picture books for over 700 yuan at the book fair.
Over 160 activities, such as cultural lectures, poetry recitals, singing and dancing performances, are planned for the event.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday night mourned the acting commander of its Elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Akil, who was killed earlier in the day by an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
“Today, the great jihadist leader Ibrahim Akil joined the procession of his brothers, the great martyr leaders, after a blessed life full of jihad, work, wounds, sacrifices, risks, challenges, achievements, and victories,” read a statement released by Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, the local MTV channel reported that the body of Akil was found along with seven other members of Hezbollah’s Elite Radwan Force.
The channel reported earlier that the whole command committee of the Elite Radwan Force was meeting in the building that was targeted by the Israeli airstrike.
Civil defense teams are still searching for bodies under the rubble.
According to the Health Ministry, the Israeli airstrike has killed 14 people and injured 66 others.
Source: China State Council Information Office
A firefighting plane extinguishes fires caused by rocket attacks from Lebanon, near northern Israeli border with Lebanon, on Sept. 20, 2024. Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhua)
Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
The Israeli strike hit a building in the Jamous area of Dahieh, a Beirut suburb. Rescue teams were clearing rubble to find casualties, the ministry said.
Local TV footage showed extensive damage and chaos in the densely populated neighborhood. Lebanese media reported the strike targeted Ibrahim Akil, a Hezbollah Jihad Council member.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Akil was killed along with other senior commanders in the Lebanese group during the operation. However, Hezbollah has not disclosed any information about Akil’s situation.
Earlier Friday, the Israeli military said about 120 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering alarms in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Safed, and Upper Galilee. Some were intercepted, with debris causing fires. No injuries in Israel have been reported.
Lebanese military sources reported Israeli airstrikes hit six locations in southern Lebanon, while artillery shelled 11 border towns earlier in the day.
Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following two explosions from communications devices in Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931.
Lebanon’s government denounced the explosions as a sovereignty violation and sought an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Hezbollah blamed Israel for targeting its units and vowed retaliation.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Published: September 20, 2024
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Steve Daines (R-Montana) sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pushing back against a proposed amendment to the National Forest System’s 128 Forest Plans. The amendment would add unnecessary red tape guidelines on local forests and halt necessary forest management work, increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
“Every fire season more acres of our western National Forests are scorched in catastrophic wildfires while needed management work is put on hold, the Senators. “Drought, insects, and disease continue to make our forests more vulnerable to these wildfires. Already this year 7.3 million acres have burned across the country. Addressing this crisis should be the top priority of the Forest Service.
“Instead the Forest Service has moved forward with an unprecedented proposal to amend all 128 Forest Plans at once without making it clear why these changes are needed or even that the proposed changes will address the real threats to old growth forests… Unfortunately, the proposed Amendment will take staff time away from on-the-ground work to address the wildfire threat and refocus the agency’s limited capacity on deciding if the Forest Plan needs to be updated to comply with the new standards… This is the opposite of what our forests need during this crisis. The Forest Service should be focused on expediting needed on the ground work, not putting new hurdles in place to delay hazardous fuels mitigation work. This new layer of guidelines will also open the door to additional litigation against proposed projects further slowing the process.”
Read the full letter HERE.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
GUIYANG, Sept. 20 — In recent years, Guizhou Province has strived to upgrade its transportation system with an eye toward modernity and connectivity. Currently, more than 30,000 bridges have been built or are under construction in the province. Today, Guizhou boasts about half of the world’s 100 highest bridges. Some not only help shorten travel time from major cities to scenic spots but also become tourist attractions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FS to visit Spain and the UK
FS to visit Spain and the UK
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The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Europe in the early hours tomorrow (September 22). He will first visit Madrid, Spain, and then London, the United Kingdom (UK). For this visit, Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, comprising senior executives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as heads of a group of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, etc. While in Madrid from September 22 to 25, Mr Chan will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises, as well as meet with members from the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a themed business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the local political, business, financial and I&T sectors, particularly Hong Kong’s burgeoning I&T ecosystem. Mr Chan will visit London from September 25 to 28. There, he will participate in a series of events, including the Plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council (Note 1); the Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the HKTDC; a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Association (Note 2), and a roundtable meeting hosted by Asia House, a think tank based in the UK. On these occasions, he will share the latest developments and advantages of Hong Kong. He will also meet with members of the local political, business and financial communities. While in Spain and the UK, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport as well as startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with relevant institutions and members of local venture capital funds and I&T circles to seek cooperation opportunities. Mr Chan will return from London in the evening of September 28 (local time) and arrive in Hong Kong in the afternoon of September 29. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.Note 1: The Hong Kong-European Business Council is a bilateral committee established by the HKTDC with Europe to foster high-level dialogue between Hong Kong business leaders and their local counterparts, promoting bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.Note 2: The Hong Kong Association is an organisation based in the UK aimed at promoting business and trading relationship between Hong Kong and the UK. The association has over 80 corporate members including global banks, international enterprises, the China-Britain Business Council, etc.
Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 21) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Red flags hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Red flags hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach
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Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 21) that due to inclement weather, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:29
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Source: China State Council Information Office 3
A weather observation platform at a 5,287.71-meter altitude has been recently put into operation in the middle section of Kunlun Mountains in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said that the comprehensive weather observation platform, the highest of its kind in China, is located in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang. It is designed to observe artificial weather modification and scientific research for cloud-water resources in the Kunlun Mountains, ScienceNet.cn reported on Thursday.
The platform integrates various systems of ground-based meteorological observation, unmanned aerial vehicle high-altitude detection, cloud ice microphysics research and monitoring, and aerosol lidar detection.
According to the CMA, together with high-performance lidar, high-definition video imaging technology, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, and a stable solar power supply system, it has thus formed a comprehensive ground-air-space monitoring network.
The integration and application of these technologies have significant scientific research value and application potential in accurately capturing cloud dynamics, optimizing artificial rain (snow) operations, evaluating the impact of climate change, and exploring adaptive strategies for ecosystems in extreme environments, the CMA said.
This is the only comprehensive scientific research platform for cloud water resources in the Kunlun Mountains. Xinjiang has reached new heights in artificial weather modification and cloud water resource development and utilization.
It is also of great significance for water resource security, agricultural irrigation, disaster prevention and mitigation in Xinjiang and the entire northwest region. According to the CMA, it will also provide valuable first-hand data for global climate change research and ecological environmental protection.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Beijing’s sub-center in Tongzhou district is making sound progress in high-quality development, featuring solid investment, booming industries, prosperous culture and tourism, and coordinated regional development, according to officials at a recent press conference.
The sub-center has received investments of over 100 billion yuan (US$14.2 billion) for four consecutive years, said Zheng Hao, head of Tongzhou district, at the press briefing.
The district is actively developing six industrial clusters, namely the digital economy, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, commercial services, cultural tourism, and modern seed industry, while exploring three future-oriented sectors: information, energy, and healthcare.
In the first eight months of the year, Tongzhou district added 25,000 new market entities, leading the capital city in this regard. The financial industry has become a pillar industry of the sub-center, with over 460 registered financial institutions.
Furthermore, 102 subsidiaries of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises have established operations in the district. In addition, the sub-center has been improving its business environment, rolling out 26 measures to facilitate high-quality industrial development.
The new municipal administrative center has also been improving its urban layout. A highlight in urban construction is East 6th Ring Road, which connects five areas with diverse functions. Additionally, the High Line Park, currently under construction, will stretch 14 kilometers and feature running, cycling, and tourism lanes, along with over 200 public leisure zones. Upon completion, the park is expected to increase the regional greenery coverage from 50% to 80%.
The sub-center is also focusing on developing the culture and tourism sectors. The three major cultural venues – the Beijing Performing Arts Center, the Beijing Library, and the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing – have received more than 7 million visitors so far this year. Moreover, another three major projects are under construction, including Beijing’s biggest outlet shopping complex, an amusement park, and the Haichang Ocean Park, which are expected to attract tens of millions of visitors upon completion.
The district is also advancing regional integration by building the Chaobaihe Bridge, which will connect with neighboring counties in Hebei province. The district has organized project matchmaking events with counties in Hebei for five years straight, which witnessed the signing of over 210 projects. Moreover, the district has collaborated with neighboring Hebei counties to facilitate cross-regional services for over 3,600 administrative items.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
The 27th Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum kicked off at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area on Thursday. Nearly 500 attendees, including entrepreneurs and tech professionals, will dive deep into the economy, trade, and sci-tech exchange and cooperation between Beijing and Taiwan during the three-day event.
The event will feature a summit, four parallel sessions, and several sub-forums. The four parallel sessions will look into energy and digitalization, fin-tech, healthcare, and intelligent electric vehicles, while the sub-forums will discuss topics including youths, women, human resources, and intellectual property protection.
At the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Cross-Strait Sci-Tech Innovation Center, which was established last year, signed strategic cooperation agreements with several research institutions. The center also unveiled a second batch of policies, which include over 10 measures to support businesses from Taiwan to develop in Beijing. The measures cover a range of issues including research and development, financial support, industry upgrade, and talent recruitment.
The Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum was established in 1998, and has since become an important economic and trade exchange platform for companies across the Taiwan Strait.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products, which includes First-Class mail. This announcement comes after Baldwin called out USPS leadership for unsustainable price hikes and poor service.
“Wisconsinites rely on the USPS to run their businesses, pay their bills, and communicate with loved ones,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The proposed price hikes would have burdened hard working Wisconsinites, and I’m pleased to see they heeded my calls and will not be raising the price of stamps at the postal counter. I will continue to push the USPS leadership to halt rate increases, especially as Wisconsin families and small businesses continue to be hurt by unprecedented mail delivery delays.”
Senator Baldwin has repeatedly called on the USPS to address rate hikes and delays Wisconsinites are experiencing. Just this week, Senator Baldwin called on Postmaster General Louis Dejoy to immediately address costly mail delays suffered by Wisconsin newspapers that rely on the USPS. These delays have already resulted in lost revenue, customer complaints, and canceled subscriptions. In April, after USPS announced the price increase for First Class Mail stamps, Senator Baldwin questioned DeJoy’s leadership, which has resulted in higher prices for Americans and worse service. Despite the USPS enacting their new “Delivering for America” plan – which they promised would modernize and transform the Postal Service – customers continue to experience poor customer service and significant mail delays, including for rural newspaper delivery.
Source: United States Coast Guard
09/20/2024 11:28 PM EDT
For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Red flag hoisted at Clear Water Bay First Beach
Red flag hoisted at Clear Water Bay First Beach
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Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 21) that due to inclement weather, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay First Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:59
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Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Shanghai finds itself in the grip of a prolonged spell of inclement weather as the aftermath of Typhoon Pulasan continues to unfold, following its landfall on Thursday night, marking the city’s second typhoon encounter in a week. With the impending convergence of cold air from the north, residents are bracing for further challenges amid heavy downpours and disruptions.
Pulasan, the 14th typhoon of the year, made its presence felt with a maximum wind force of 23 meters per second near its center, striking Fengxian district at 9:45 pm on Thursday, after its initial landfall earlier in Zhoushan’s Daishan county in Zhejiang province. The storm’s impact has been significant, exacerbating the already fragile conditions in the aftermath of Typhoon Bebinca, the year’s 13th typhoon, which ravaged Shanghai just days prior.
The relentless downpours unleashed by Pulasan have inundated Shanghai, with heavy to severe rainfall affecting the entire city. Particularly hard-hit areas — Pudong and Fengxian districts — have borne the brunt of the storm, with Situan town in Fengxian experiencing exceptionally severe rainfall, according to the Shanghai Meteorological Service.
Notably, Pengzhen Water Station in Nicheng town, Pudong, recorded 308 millimeters of rainfall in six hours, while the Yangjiazhai Meteorological Observatory Station in Situan tallied 327.7 mm of rainfall during the same period, marking a historical deluge not witnessed since 1978, the Shanghai Meteorological Service said.
The repercussions of the torrential rainfall have been swift and widespread, prompting the suspension of classes in 334 schools across Shanghai, the city’s education authority said. Beyond the city limits, neighboring cities in Jiangsu province, including Changzhou, Wuxi and Jingjiang in Taizhou, have taken preemptive measures by suspending classes to safeguard the well-being of students in the wake of Pulasan’s trajectory, local flood control officials said.
As Pulasan gradually weakens and moves northeastward, Shanghai has witnessed a gradual subsiding of winds and rains as of late Friday. However, the meteorological department has issued warnings of an impending resurgence of downpours over the weekend, fueled by the lingering effects of Pulasan and the convergence of cold air from North China, heightening concerns over potential flooding and disruptions in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
South China’s island province of Hainan will fully restore its tourism industry by the week-long National Day holiday starting Oct. 1, after being struck by Super Typhoon Yagi, the provincial government said on Friday.
According to the provincial tourism authority, as of Thursday, the resumption rate of tourism and culture related work across the island reached 93.75 percent. This includes 92 scenic spots, 581 hotels, and 82 cultural and sports venues.
Hainan will be ready to accommodate domestic and overseas tourists during the upcoming holiday, during which 71 activities will be held, including 27 cultural and performing arts activities and 20 sports events, the authority said.
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Regional Business Roundtable, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
The Roundtable brought together key stakeholders with an aim to foster deeper policy dialogue between governments and the business community. This can help strengthen public-private partnerships and fully leverage the AANZFTA provisions to drive trade and investment growth across the region.
Download the full opening remarks here.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Regional Business Roundtable appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: United States Navy
BALTIMORE (Sept 20, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine SSN 812 will be named USS Baltimore. Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony held in Baltimore aboard the historic USS Constellation, Sept. 20.
The future USS Baltimore honors the city of Baltimore, the crews of one Continental Navy ship, and the five previous Navy vessels named Baltimore.
The naming selection of the future USS Baltimore (SSN 812) continues the recent trend of naming Virginia-class submarines after cities. Del Toro previously named USS Long Island (SSN 809), USS San Francisco (SSN 810), and USS Miami (SSN 811).
“The city of Baltimore maintains a strong connection with our maritime services and is a critical enabler of our National Maritime Statecraft,” said Del Toro. “It is my honor and privilege to announce the name of the next Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, SSN-812, USS Baltimore.”
Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin joined Del Toro for the ceremony honoring Baltimore.
“Maryland is proud of our connection to the Navy and our strong history as a coastal state,” said Cardin. “I am excited that the next USS Baltimore will be sailing the seas again as the Navy’s newest submarine. Our Navy maintains and protects free and open international waters. From defending our young nation from pirates in the late 1700s to ensuring freedom of navigation today in the Red Sea and Taiwan Strait, our Navy is always on watch.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also served as a guest in the official party and spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest submarine.
“We are honored that Baltimore is being represented across the globe once again with the naming of this future ship,” said Scott. “As a city with such a rich naval and maritime history, the naming of the USS Baltimore ensures that legacy will continue to live on for decades to come. I want to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to the U.S. Navy for this honor and for continuing to uplift our city, including all Baltimoreans who choose to serve.”
Along with the ship’s name, Del Toro also announced Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In her role as sponsor, she will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.
“When Baltimore joins the fleet, with a world-class crew, it will be among the most agile, lethal, resilient, and capable conventional nuclear-powered submarines we’ve ever made,” said Hicks. “Make no mistake about Baltimore’s purpose, like all of our submarines, conventional and otherwise, we build them not to provoke war, but rather to prevent wars, through deterrence.”
The city of Baltimore has significant ties to American and Naval history. The Port of Baltimore was established in 1706 and the Town of Baltimore in 1729. One of the Navy’s six founding frigates, USS Constellation, was built in Baltimore, and the city’s skilled ship workers later would construct the famous Baltimore clipper ships. In 1814, the Battle of Baltimore inspired the American national anthem.
The first Baltimore served in the Quasi-War against France, while the second Baltimore served during the Civil War. The third Baltimore fought in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War and later conducted mine-laying operations in World War I. The fourth Baltimore earned nine battle stars during World War II, fighting in campaigns for the Caroline Islands, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and Okinawa. The fifth Baltimore participated in undersea operations against the Soviet Union, completing a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The Navy simultaneously decommissioned and struck the most recent vessel from the list on 10 July 1998.
After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, the Navy provided equities to the established “Key Bridge Response Unified Command.” NAVSEA’s Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) led critical efforts to support the clearance of the Port of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel, responsible for managing all on-scene assets tasked with debris removal and channel clearing. Del Toro personally assessed the site and met with Navy personnel on April 19, 2024.
Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum held in Foshan (with photos)
Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum held in Foshan (with photos)
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The Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum was held on September 19 and 20 in Nanhai, Foshan. Under the guidance of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the forum was hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Statistics (GPBS) and co-organised by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other government statistical agencies from the “9+2” cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Leo Yu, led a delegation to participate in this meaningful event. During the forum, the C&SD signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Statistical Exchange and Cooperation in the GBA with the GPBS and the Macao Statistics and Census Service, with a view to promoting co-operation among the relevant government statistical agencies in the three places. This year’s forum, themed “Innovation and Measurement of Statistical Methods from an International Perspective”, aimed to foster statistical exchanges and co-operation in the GBA. It provided a platform for statistical professionals from the “9+2” cities to leverage the collective wisdom and insights to explore how to innovate and reform statistical work from an international perspective to address the current complex and ever-changing environment. In addition to the participation of leaders from the NBS and the GPBS, the forum brought together statistical experts from various fields, including representatives from the government statistical agencies of the “9+2” cities in the GBA, as well as those from higher education institutions and research institutes on the Mainland. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum, Mr Yu remarked, “To achieve high-quality development, it is essential to rely not only on technological innovation but also on the power of talent. People are the core element for driving development. Therefore, we continue to strengthen the attraction and cultivation of statistical talent, uplift their capabilities in applying data science techniques, broaden their international perspectives, enable them to reach international standards in their professional work as well as encourage them to think innovatively. We also actively promote the inheritance and exchange of statistical management. All these efforts aim to consolidate Hong Kong’s position in the international statistical community, allowing Hong Kong to fully leverage its role as a window of the country to the world and provide more precise and robust support for the prosperous development of the GBA. Thus, we can use our strengths to serve the needs of the country.” Senior Statistician of the C&SD Mr James Cheng also delivered a presentation entitled “Three Major Restructuring Measures: Modernising the Planning of the 2026 Population Census in Hong Kong” at one of the sessions of the forum. Colleagues participated in the forum unanimously expressed that it was a very valuable experience for them to exchange knowledge and learn from statistical professionals from the Mainland cities. It enabled them to acquire insights into the ongoing advancement of statistical techniques on the Mainland, and reminded them to strive for innovation and actively pursue breakthroughs in the dynamic era of big data, in order to seize opportunities and tackle challenges in the future. The forum was held in Foshan and was attended by representatives of statistical organisations from Beijing, Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao, etc, through online and in-person participation. Relevant officials from the statistical systems of the cities in the GBA, as well as experts and scholars from national think tanks and renowned universities, also shared their valuable insights on the statistical measurement of new quality productive forces, statistical monitoring of digital economy, research on data science and big data statistical applications, statistical reform and innovation, and etc.
Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00
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Source: Minister for Trade