Author: shuiyaoinns.com

On October 10, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the fourth confirmed case of avian influenza in the state. While the risk of widespread transmission to the public remains low, officials are urging those who interact with infected animals to take special precautions.

The latest case was identified in an individual from the Central Valley who had contact with infected dairy cows. This case adds to three others already reported, with all four individuals having interacted with infected animals at four different farms.

Currently, there is no known connection between the confirmed cases, indicating that the virus is circulating in California primarily between animals and humans. So far, all cases have exhibited mild symptoms, including redness or discharge in the eyes (conjunctivitis), and none have required hospitalization.

Public health officials have stated that while the risk of a large-scale outbreak is low, they anticipate finding more infected individuals among those who have come into contact with the infected dairy cows. Workers on dairy and poultry farms are particularly at risk. The CDPH advises anyone who has contact with animals or materials that may be infected with the avian flu virus to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles (face shields or safety glasses), N95 masks, and gloves.

In the past four months, the health department has distributed over 340,000 masks, 1.3 million pairs of gloves, and 160,000 pairs of goggles to relevant farms. The CDPH continues to collaborate with local health departments to track, test, confirm, and treat potential cases in real-time. California is one of 14 states affected by the infected dairy cow situation and has provided 5,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccines to farm workers through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Meanwhile, public health officials emphasize that pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption, as pasteurization effectively inactivates the avian influenza virus. Additionally, as a precaution, milk from sick cows is not permitted in the public milk supply according to state and federal regulations.

Furthermore, health officials are warning anyone who may have been in contact with infected animals to monitor for symptoms such as red eyes (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and fever within ten days of exposure. If any of these symptoms arise, individuals should isolate themselves and contact their local health department for testing and treatment.

The public health department also strongly recommends that all Californians, especially farm workers, receive the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.

On the morning of October 16, the 6th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Local Leaders’ Meeting officially kicked off in Yantai, Shandong Province.

The meeting, themed “Future-Oriented Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries,” drew approximately 1,000 attendees, including former political figures from CEEC nations, provincial and municipal leaders, ambassadors to China, representatives from friendly organizations and businesses, scholars, and delegates from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant national ministries and provinces.

During the opening ceremony, both Chinese and foreign guests highlighted the conference’s theme, reflecting on the significant achievements of China-CEEC cooperation. They shared typical experiences and important outcomes that have driven local exchanges and collaboration while proposing future cooperation initiatives.

Representatives from Chinese enterprises, an academician from the European Academy of Sciences of Greek origin, and young representatives from Romania recounted personal stories illustrating the benefits of local cooperation between China and CEEC countries in improving lives, fostering development, and promoting mutual understanding. They also showcased iconic projects stemming from this collaboration.

Over the course of the three-day meeting, various forums—such as those focused on industry-education integration and enterprise cooperation—will welcome representatives from universities, businesses, and associations from both sides to engage in discussions and negotiations promoting collaborative intentions. In addition, events like the “Discover CEEC” photography art exhibition, a CEEC goods showcase, and a traditional Chinese medicine exhibition will concurrently launch, aiming to present the local cultures of CEEC nations and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples.

Notably, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CEEC Local Governors’ Association. The conference is co-hosted by the Shandong Provincial Government, the China-CEEC Cooperation Secretariat, and the China-CEEC Local Governors’ Association.

On October 18, during an exclusive interview, we learned from the Ministry of Water Resources of China that on October 17, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held a high-level dialogue on the “Global Framework for Agricultural Water Scarcity” in Rome, Italy. Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying led the Chinese delegation and delivered a keynote address in which he proposed establishing a comprehensive system aimed at enhancing water-saving efficiency in agriculture.

Minister Li emphasized that China’s unique geography and climate make water management crucial for agriculture. In recent years, the Ministry of Water Resources has significantly improved the capacity of water management to support agricultural food production. The ministry has been actively modernizing irrigation systems, promoting water conservation, leveraging technology in irrigation, and strengthening disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. Notably, China, with only 9% of the world’s arable land and 6% of freshwater resources, sustains nearly 20% of the global population.

To effectively address the complex and profound changes in global water resources, Minister Li proposed a five-point initiative to enhance water-saving efficiency in agriculture based on China’s practices and experiences:

First, establish a scientific irrigation system that aligns with the biological characteristics and water needs of crops by formulating appropriate irrigation schedules and quotas.

Second, develop a comprehensive water measurement and monitoring system to improve the coverage, accuracy, and practicality of agricultural water use, which will support the management of water demand in agriculture.

Third, implement an agricultural water pricing policy system that establishes a scientific and reasonable water pricing mechanism to curb unreasonable water demand, promote water-saving irrigation, and attract social capital for investment in irrigation infrastructure.

Fourth, create a market-based water rights trading system to incentivize water-saving practices through enhanced rewards for conservation.

Fifth, establish a technical and service framework for water-saving practices that includes promoting advanced and suitable irrigation technologies, providing specialized guidance, and facilitating services to improve efficiency.

This high-level water dialogue aimed to share policies, technologies, and experiences from various countries in tackling agricultural water scarcity. A declaration titled “Rome Declaration on Agricultural Water Scarcity” was issued during the meeting, urging member states to support FAO initiatives and enhance international cooperation in addressing agricultural water resource challenges.

On October 19, in Guangzhou, China News Service reporter Cai Minjie conducted an interview focusing on why Haizhong Temple in Guangzhou has captivated attention both domestically and internationally since the Qing Dynasty.

Guangzhou’s Haizhong Temple holds the distinction of being the first temple in China to open its doors to foreign visitors during the Qing Dynasty. It has frequently appeared in Western travelogues and export paintings, establishing itself as an early window for Westerners to gain insight into China. But what accounts for the temple’s allure? Why did the British Library choose to collect paintings associated with Haizhong Temple? And what prompted Hans Christian Andersen, who never visited China, to mention this ancient Eastern temple?

In a recent exclusive interview with China News Service’s “East-West Dialogue,” Shifu Guangxiu, Vice President of the Guangzhou Buddhist Association and Abbot of Haizhong Temple, along with Shifu Guangze, the temple’s master, provided valuable insights and discussed how to tap into the historical and cultural resources of Haizhong Temple to advance the Belt and Road Initiative.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

**China News Service Reporter:** During the Qing Dynasty and the Thirteen Factories trading period, what enabled Haizhong Temple to become one of the few attractions open to foreigners in Guangzhou?

**Shifu Guangze:** There’s an old saying, “officials do not repair their offices,” indicating that governmental buildings were not particularly suitable for major activities. In contrast, large temples in ancient times served multiple functions, acting as centers for education, culture, and economic activities.

Established at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Haizhong Temple boasts a long history. Many scholars and officials became monks there, earning respect within society through their unique roles and knowledge. Inscriptions on the temple’s bronze bell record that officials like the Prince of Pingnan, Shang Kexi, contributed generously to the temple, thereby expanding its size and elevating its status in Guangzhou. This transformation allowed what was once an inconspicuous Buddhist hall to rank among the top five temples in the city, significantly increasing its social influence. Over time, renovations have made it comparable in magnificence to the renowned “Jiang Ling” temples in Nanjing.

The Qing Dynasty’s “Cohong” trade policy restricted foreign merchants to designated trading quarters. However, Haizhong Temple’s picturesque location, just across the Pearl River from the merchant quarter, allowed it to be included in areas where foreigners could roam freely. As a “window” for interaction, Haizhong Temple hosted numerous Western visitors, who left behind beautifully written travel accounts infused with exotic sentiments.

**China News Service Reporter:** How did the phenomenon of “export paintings” emerge during the Qing Dynasty, and what connection does Haizhong Temple have with this art form? Why did the British Museum choose to collect paintings of Haizhong Temple, and how did Andersen reference this distant temple in his works?

**Shifu Guangze:** “Export paintings” refer to artworks created by Chinese artists using Western paints (watercolor, gouache, oils) combined with traditional Chinese brush techniques. These paintings, imbued with a Chinese essence, were sold to foreigners visiting China. The rise of export painting during the Qing Dynasty coincided with a “China craze” in Europe, where these artworks served as souvenirs shipped back to Europe from the Chinese coast.

In the Qianlong era, Haizhong Temple was in a restricted zone for foreigners, who would rest and participate in official events there, making it a symbol of Chinese culture in Western eyes. The temple’s inclusion in paintings was due in part to its representation of Buddhism, one of the core components of Chinese culture. Additionally, its traditional architectural elements added to its allure.

The content associated with Haizhong Temple in export paintings predominantly consists of landscapes featuring the temple’s architecture and religious practices. The garden’s style reflects the aesthetics, emotions, and aspirations of past Zen masters. The layout of the temple and garden embodies tranquility, elegance, and a sense of character.

The recently unveiled series of export paintings housed at the British Library offers a glimpse into the late 18th-century Haizhong Temple. These artworks made their way to Britain through merchants and were eventually donated to the library. Meanwhile, the export paintings preserved in Haizhong Temple are even more exquisite, having been commissioned by Manuel de Aguirre, a representative of the Royal Spanish Philippines Company during his stay in China, and created using precious materials like gold threads and powders.

“Export paintings” showcased Guangzhou’s dual identity as both a commercial hub and a religious center, creating a significant impact on Europe’s upper crust, including influencing the literary works of Hans Christian Andersen. Without ever visiting China, Andersen referenced a temple in his story “The Twenty-Seventh Night” within a children’s book, which experts now believe is based on Haizhong Temple, demonstrating its rising prominence during that era.

**China News Service Reporter:** As a witness and convergence point for Sino-foreign exchanges, what role did Haizhong Temple play in the interplay between Eastern and Western civilizations?

**Shifu Guangxiu:** The Guangdong authorities hosted diplomatic emissaries from Britain, the Netherlands, and other countries at Haizhong Temple, making it an official venue for representing central government diplomatic ceremonies.

More broadly, Haizhong Temple serves as a platform for showcasing Chinese religious culture, garden culture, architectural culture, and poetic culture, providing Westerners with a unique lens through which to observe Eastern traditions. Its vibrant cultural expressions have attracted overseas researchers and enabled Haizhong Temple’s numerous constructions and sculptures to find a place in international discourse.

In London, there are dozens of engravings of Haizhong Temple kept in collections. A book titled “Treasured Export Paintings of Qing Dynasty China” features 91 export paintings depicting Haizhong Temple, chronicling its peak during the Qing era.

This unique cultural role has elevated Haizhong Temple’s global reputation, leading to its frequent mention in international literature, memoirs, and artworks. Almost every foreign visitor who came to Guangzhou during that time felt compelled to visit Haizhong Temple, viewing it as a symbol of Chinese religious culture. Even today, Haizhong Temple remains a focal point for studying Sino-Western cultural exchanges during the Qing Dynasty.

**China News Service Reporter:** What cultural characteristics of Lingnan Buddhism does Haizhong Temple reflect?

**Shifu Guangze:** Radiating Buddhist light, Haizhong Temple is a significant site for the Lingnan Buddhist school. Its most notable cultural feature is its role as a platform for cultural exchange, evidencing the spread of Chinese culture through trade, while simultaneously showcasing Lingnan’s embrace of foreign influences. The development of Haizhong Temple exemplifies the inclusiveness of Lingnan Buddhism and its integration of Confucian culture. In a way, Haizhong Temple’s culture is a quintessential representation of the sinicization of Buddhism in China.

The temple’s garden art, bonsai craftsmanship, and floral arrangement reflect the monks’ profound appreciation for life. The famous Su Ren Ge bonsai art school originated at Haizhong Temple, characterized by its elegant simplicity and unique shapes, now a beloved style in garden design. This bonsai art complements the temple’s overall ambiance, influencing the lifestyles of Guangzhou residents.

Zen culture has long been viewed by scholars as the most profound example of cultural integration in the sinicization of Buddhism in our country. The serene, ethereal ambiance of Buddhist temples provides an escape from the mundane yet remains intrinsically connected to worldly affairs.

Today, Haizhong Temple sustains its historical traditions by remaining open to the public without charge, serving both as a sacred site for Buddhist worship and a peaceful retreat for residents.

**China News Service Reporter:** How can we better harness Haizhong Temple’s historical and cultural resources to bolster the Belt and Road Initiative?

**Shifu Guangze:** As a Buddhist temple rich in historical and cultural resources, Haizhong Temple plays a vital role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.

The wisdom from the Sixth Patriarch teaches us that while people belong to different regions, culture knows no boundaries. By hosting cultural exchange events like “Elegant Zen: A Lingnan Monk’s Art and Cultural Exhibition,” Haizhong Temple showcases calligraphy and other artistic works infused with the values of faith, compassion, and wisdom inherent in Buddhist culture. This reflects universal values and fosters international understanding and identity. Beyond its wealth of historical cultural resources, Haizhong Temple engages younger audiences through innovative cultural products, promoting a shared vision that advances recognition and support for the Belt and Road Initiative across nations.

Recently, over 43 kilograms of Wei Long’s “Kiss” snacks were recalled in Japan after testing positive for TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), a food additive banned in the country.

According to an official announcement, 90 boxes of Wei Long’s Classic Spicy Flavor (each box weighing 480g) were recalled because they contained 0.005g/kg of TBHQ, which is not permitted under local food safety regulations in Japan. The affected products have a shelf life of five months, with production dates after May 7, 2024, and sales occurring between May 21 and August 23.

In response to the recall, Wei Long stated that the difference in standards between countries is at play and asserted that their products comply with Chinese regulations, deeming them safe for consumers. When asked about the possibility of continuing to sell “Kiss” snacks in Japan, Wei Long indicated they could adjust the recipe to meet Japanese standards.

Prof. Zhu Yi from the Food College of China Agricultural University explained to China News that TBHQ is a fat-soluble antioxidant used to prevent or delay the oxidation of fats in food, particularly effective in plant oils.

“Although TBHQ is permitted in many countries, concerns about its safety persist,” Zhu noted, adding that TBHQ is allowed in over 100 countries, including China, the EU, and the U.S., based on safety and efficacy evaluations. However, he also mentioned that while small amounts usually pose little harm, long-term excessive consumption could lead to adverse health effects, such as an increased risk of stomach cancer and possible impacts on women’s hormone levels, as well as toxicity to the liver and kidneys.

Zhu criticized this incident as a reflection of Wei Long’s inadequate quality control and a lack of awareness regarding the standards of the countries they export to, ultimately causing unnecessary anxiety among consumers.

In June 2002, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine issued a notice emphasizing the importance of inspecting TBHQ in animal and plant-derived foods exported to Japan. By 2004, Japan formally banned TBHQ based on relevant research and evaluations.

Food industry analyst Zhu Danpeng expressed concern regarding this incident, stating, “Brands going international represent not just themselves but also the quality and responsibilities of Chinese brands and the food industry. Therefore, companies must be rigorous and scientifically informed, gaining a full understanding of local laws and dietary habits.” He categorized this event as a serious quality safety issue, noting Japan’s stringent food safety regulations.

Zhu also suggested that Wei Long’s apparent negligence regarding quality control might have serious ramifications, not only impacting their export capabilities but also affecting their performance in the capital market.

As for why the “Kiss” snacks destined for Japan contained a banned additive, China News reached out to Wei Long for a response but had not received communication by the time of reporting.

It’s worth noting that Wei Long has faced quality control issues in the past. In May of this year, a social media user posted a video highlighting that their konjac snacks were labeled as having a net weight of 15 grams, but the actual weight was only 8.9 grams. When confronted with this complaint, Wei Long’s customer service seemingly questioned the consumer’s credibility.

One in six workers has engaged a firm to hand in notice for them, as younger workers reject traditional work ethic
Justin McCurry in TokyoFri 18 Oct 2024 20.00 EDTShareMari was just two months into her new job when she decided she had had enough. The position at an online bank in Tokyo, found through a staffing agency, had looked like a perfect fit for the 25-year-old, a member of Japan’s legions of temporary workers.
But she quickly became despondent. “On my first day they gave me a thick manual to read, and when I went to my boss with questions he said: ‘What the hell are you asking me that for?’”
Mari, who asked that her real name not be used, was regularly forced to work late, and her boss’s behaviour became more threatening. “He would ask me why I was taking so much time to finish a task and pretended to punch me when he thought I’d made a mistake. And he’d do things like deliberately knock my pencil case on to the floor. It was power harassment, pure and simple.”
Unable to summon the courage to tell her boss that she wanted to quit, she sought help from a company offering proxy resignations, a rapidly growing service for Japanese workers who can’t bring themselves to hand in their notice in person.
‘In Japan, companies are traditionally strong …Resigning is seen as evading your responsibilities. But that is changing’Shinji TanimotoThe Tokyo-based agency Momuri reports soaring demand since it started offering proxy resignation services two-and-a-half years ago. “We submit resignations on behalf of people who, for whatever reason, can’t do it themselves,” says Shinji Tanimoto, the head of Albatross, the firm that runs Momuri – Japanese for “enough already”.
He adds: “Sometimes it’s just natural reluctance, but some might have experienced harassment or even violence from their employers. They are at their wits’ end when they come to us.”
The firm, one of an estimated 100 companies across Japan offering similar services, has so far received 350,000 online consultations and completed 20,000 resignations.
Experts have attributed the trend to a generational shift in attitudes towards work, accelerated by the disruption to jobs and lifestyles caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, when working from home prompted many people to reconsider their work-life balance.
View image in fullscreenOffice workers in Tokyo’s business district. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesJapan’s chronic labour shortage – a symptom of its low birthrate – has also made employers more determined to retain staff, even if it means intimidating them into staying. Some force workers to find their own replacements before accepting their resignations or rip up their resignation letters in front of them.
After contacting Momuri through a popular messaging app, clients are asked to complete a questionnaire, sign a contract and pay a fee: ¥22,000 (£110) for full-time workers and ¥12,300 for part-time employees or those on a fixed-term contract.
One of Momuri’s 50 staff then calls the employer on the client’s behalf. The process, from the initial consultation to resignation, can take as little as 20-30 minutes, according to Tanimoto, whose firm retains lawyers to deal with legal disputes.
People in their 20s account for 60% of Momuri users, including a large number of new graduates. According to the labour ministry, more than 30% of recent graduates leave their jobs within three years – a figure that would have been unimaginable during Japan’s postwar economic miracle.
There are myriad reasons for wanting to resign, says Tanimoto, whose firm boasts a 100% success rate: from unpaid overtime, low wages and employer breaches of contract, to verbal abuse, violence and sexual harassment.
“In Japan, companies are traditionally strong – what your employer says goes,” he says. “And Japanese people are generally reluctant to rock the boat. Resigning is seen as escaping and evading your responsibilities. But that is changing.”
The surge in demand for proxy resignations has been attributed to a mismatch between gen Z workers and companies whose corporate culture is rooted in the postwar era, when lifetime employment, promotions and pay rises were expected to be rewarded with absolute loyalty from staff. Many bosses take a resignation request as a personal insult.
Although Momuri’s client base is mainly young, it also receives requests for help from older workers. “We deal with all sorts of companies, from household names to small businesses,” says Tanimoto, whose firm once submitted 45 resignations en masse to the same company.
The reaction from employers varies. A small number show contrition and offer indirect apologies to the employee, and most simply accept the decision and complete the necessary paperwork. “But a small number go mad and threaten to turn up at our office, that sort of thing,” he adds. “If they behave like that it makes you wonder how awful it must have been for the client.”
View image in fullscreenMore than 40% of those who used a resignation agency said their employer had tried to stop them leaving or was likely to. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesProxy resignation firms say consultations spike after long public holidays, weekends and even after a rainy day – times when people tend to be more reflective. One in six workers in Japan used resignation agencies to change their jobs in the 12 months to June this year, according to Mynavi, an employment information provider.
The largest group, 40.7% of respondents, said they had sought help because their employer had prevented them from leaving or was likely to. Almost a third said their working environment made it impossible to communicate their intention to quit, while almost 25% said they feared their firm would react badly.
Toui Iida texted a resignation agency in September, a month after he was hired on a short-term contract by an IT company.
“The job was way more physically demanding than I’d been told, so I decided to quit,” says Iida, who is now in between jobs. “But when I told my manager he pointed out that I’d signed a one-year contract and hadn’t been there long, so he refused to let me go.”
It took just hours for the 25-year-old to cut ties with his employer. “I was so happy that I didn’t have to go to work the next day. It was like being given a second chance.”
Mari, who is back in work, felt a similar wave of relief. “The experience had affected my physical and mental health,” she says.
“In Japan, you’re expected to devote yourself to your company … quitting is out of the question. But people of my generation are different. We’re more calculated about our life choices, and for me that means putting my personal happiness before my job.”

In today’s increasingly globalized world, cultural exchange and integration are advancing at an unprecedented pace, infusing endless vitality into innovation across various fields. Historically, the development of cultural sectors has been closely linked to technological progress. The occurrence of technological revolutions has promoted cultural innovation by providing new material supports for cultural transmission, while the flourishing of culture has, in turn, unleashed significant potential for technological advancement.

In recent years, technology has fully empowered the cultural industry, giving rise to a plethora of new cultural business models and scenarios. The integration of culture and technology has become a vital pathway for fostering high-quality development in the cultural sector, with the trading card phenomenon serving as a notable example. Originating in the 1990s in Europe and the United States, trading cards later spread to Japan and other parts of Asia, evolving into a cross-cultural global phenomenon. As a burgeoning consumption model, trading cards are gradually transcending borders and sparking a fresh wave of enthusiasm worldwide. The journey from trend to sustained success is undoubtedly driven by technological empowerment, which propels the ongoing advancement of the trading card market.

The fusion of traditional culture and advanced technology is embodied in these small cards, fundamentally supported by robust smart manufacturing. The printing industry, traditionally seen as conventional, is rapidly transitioning toward cultivating and forming new productive forces. As the era of low-threshold, low-cost printing fades, the industry now aims for green, flexible, and digitized production processes to enhance the high-quality development of printing and packaging. In the card gaming sector’s “future factory” in Yiwu, technology reaches every corner of the operation.

Within this large workshop, an industrial internet platform has bestowed new functionalities upon production equipment. Multiple robotic arms and intelligent storage robots coordinate rapidly, communicating through automated systems. This intelligent management allows the factory to achieve comprehensive digital management and highly automated production, maximizing efficiency.

Moreover, the development of the “future factory” ensures that product manufacturing aligns more closely with consumer demand for quality. With the proliferation of the internet and widespread use of electronic devices, digital printing technology has emerged. Based on computers, networks, and digital equipment, this technology has enabled digital, automated, and intelligent printing processes. The Kayo Group boasts top-tier printing equipment from renowned global brands like Manroland, coupled with proprietary double-sided printing technology and innovative techniques such as cold foiling, dazzling colors, and 3D effects. The advent of three-dimensional printing marks a new “industrial revolution” in traditional imagery and printing, ensuring that each product withstands the test of time and becomes a true collectible.

Taking Kayo’s first set of sports culture trading cards, designed under the guidance of the National Sports Administration of China, as an example, the features of these cards deeply integrate with the collection of cultural relics. Transparent silk printing highlights the glaze and dimension of ceramics, tactile paper recreates the colors and textures of ancient calligraphy and paintings, and cards depicting snuff bottles even use scented inks that release fragrance when rubbed. As carriers of cultural dissemination, these innovative expressions allow a small card to showcase the profound heritage of ancient Chinese sports culture both domestically and internationally, promoting cultural exchange and communication while displaying the beauty of Chinese card craftsmanship. In this context, these tiny cards have become tools for international social interaction and carriers for showcasing traditional Chinese culture, with their positive value being evident.

By leveraging new technologies to empower outstanding traditional Chinese culture, a new path has been carved for cultural development, igniting the cultural code and spiritual strength deeply etched in the hearts of the Chinese people. Additionally, the current success of “Made in China” going global presents significant opportunities for “cultural export.” It is essential to recognize that the world’s deep recognition of China ultimately resides in the cultural domain. This “cultural soft power” is poised to further bolster China’s “economic hard power,” facilitating high-quality development.

Kamala Harris spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania, warning her supporters about Donald Trump’s comments, after the Republican nominee said the military or national guard should be deployed against opponents whom he called ‘the enemy within’ when the election takes place on 5 November. ‘A second Trump term would be a huge risk for America, and dangerous. Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged,’ Harris told the crowd in Erie, Pennsylvania, after playing a clip of Trump’s comments
Harris calls Trump a ‘risk for America’, after former president’s ‘enemy within’ remarks
Source: ReutersMon 14 Oct 2024 23.08 EDTLast modified on Tue 15 Oct 2024 04.13 EDTShare

The Southern California Chinese Church Union is hosting a joint Bible study and spiritual retreat from October 25 to 27, running nightly at 7 PM. This event is free of charge, featuring sermons in Mandarin on Friday and Sunday, with Cantonese translation, while Saturday will have sermons in Cantonese with Mandarin translation.

The keynote speaker for the retreat will be Pastor Qu Yingyu, whose topic will delve into the themes of judgment and revival through the Book of Ezekiel. To register online, visit www.glacma.org. The event will be held at the Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church, located at 100 W. Duarte Rd, Arcadia, CA 91007. For those unable to attend in person, there will be live streaming each night at glacma.org.

Pastor Qu Yingyu has a rich academic background; he studied biochemistry at the University of Waterloo in the 1970s before pursuing theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he earned his PhD in theology and philosophy. Currently, he serves as a consulting pastor at the North City Chinese Christian Church and is a retired president of the Canadian Chinese Theological Seminary. His experience also includes roles as the director of the International Education Association, a missionary with SEND International, and pastor at the Chinese Christian Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, as well as the Northridge Chinese Christian Church in Toronto. He has also served as president of a Bible and Theology School in the Philippines.

This event is organized by the Greater Los Angeles Chinese Church Workers Association, with Pastor Chen Yinuo acting as the contact person. For inquiries, you can reach him at 626-353-8199.

On October 18, 2024, the launch ceremony for the “Overseas Chinese Law Promotion Month” in Jinan and Lixia District was held at the Central Square of the Jinan Universiade Village Community. The event brought together over 100 representatives, including expatriate entrepreneurs, overseas Chinese, returnees, and their families, aiming to foster a supportive atmosphere for building connections and advancing the interests of the overseas Chinese community.

During the ceremony, Feng Shangwei, Deputy Minister of the Shandong Provincial United Front Work Department and Director of the Provincial Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, attended and presented a plaque for the Overseas Chinese Legal Service Work Station.

In her speech, Xu Yanfang, Deputy Minister of the Jinan Municipal United Front Work Department and Director of the Municipal Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, emphasized that the purpose of this promotional month is to fully implement the Party’s policies regarding overseas Chinese affairs. She highlighted the importance of safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of returnees and overseas Chinese, and how this initiative will leverage the unique advantages of the overseas Chinese community to promote high-quality development and enhance the city’s global engagement.

Xu elaborated on the responsibilities of overseas Chinese affairs departments, stating that they should act as effective promoters of overseas Chinese laws and regulations. She advocated for comprehensive service actions to raise awareness of the legal frameworks in place and to continuously improve the legal policies relevant to overseas Chinese. Additionally, she stressed the need for these departments to become trusted supporters for the overseas Chinese community, enhancing the services available to them.

Before the ceremony, Feng Shangwei and his team conducted a study of the overseas Chinese work in the Longdong Street area of Lixia District. At the event site, two dedicated areas were established for providing legal consultations and welfare services, offering helpful resources to raise societal awareness of overseas Chinese rights and protections.

Zhao Qian, a returnee, expressed her gratitude at the event for the opportunity to ask questions about overseas Chinese law. She noted that the proceedings not only offered free legal consultations for overseas Chinese but also provided a platform for the general public to learn about the laws affecting them. Zhao mentioned that she was able to gain insights on the latest policies for families of overseas Chinese and hoped for more such outreach programs in the future to provide effective legal assistance to their community.