Author: shuiyaoinns.com

On October 17, 2023, the Beijing Municipal Transportation Committee, in collaboration with the Beijing Road Transportation Association, held a promotional training and product recommendation meeting regarding the scrapping and updating policies for National IV emission standard trucks. The aim of the meeting was to clarify relevant policies, advise transportation companies on the appropriate timing for scrapping and replacing their vehicles, and foster precise connections between freight companies and truck manufacturers regarding product needs.

The conference brought together representatives from 201 local businesses that operate National IV emission trucks, including those involved in refrigerated transport. Notable truck manufacturers and battery suppliers such as Beiqi Foton, Weichai, Yutong, FAW Jiefang, and CATL participated, alongside entities engaged in scrapping transactions, vehicle recycling, and financial institutions involved in the complete spectrum of vehicle disposal, replacement, and financing processes.

Under the new policies, businesses can apply for subsidies until December 10 for four specific scenarios:

1. Scrapping a National IV emission truck and upgrading to a new energy truck, which can receive a subsidy of up to 140,000 yuan.
2. Only scrapping a National IV emission heavy truck, eligible for a 45,000 yuan subsidy per vehicle.
3. Scrapping a National IV heavy operating truck and upgrading to a National VI heavy operating truck, which qualifies for an 85,000 yuan subsidy.
4. Purchasing a new energy refrigerated truck can yield a 35,000 yuan subsidy for each vehicle.

Truck owners can submit their applications online through the “National IV and Below Old Passenger and Freight Vehicle Disposal and Updating Maintenance Platform” by accessing the website’s PC version, the “Policy Fulfillment” channel on the Capital Window, or the “Jingtong” Mini Program, ensuring to provide accurate vehicle and ownership information along with relevant documentation.

The municipal authorities are enhancing industry mobilization efforts and providing guidance to freight transportation companies regarding the scrapping and updating of vehicles. They are liaising closely with dedicated teams to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and respond promptly to public concerns through a “service on demand” approach. Manufacturers like Beiqi Foton and FAW Jiefang are supportive of the policies, ensuring adequate production capacity and launching special offers and after-sales service packages to create more purchasing options for truck owners. Meanwhile, transaction platforms and recycling institutions are committed to accelerating the process of inquiries and approvals to better serve vehicle owners.

Looking ahead, the traffic department plans to deploy skilled personnel to offer targeted guidance and in-person assistance to busy transportation companies. They will work on enhancing policy alignment, particularly integrating incentives for the scrapping of National IV diesel operational trucks with the purchase of new energy light trucks, thereby creating a cohesive policy framework that benefits freight enterprises. This initiative aims to optimize the energy structure of Beijing’s road transport, reduce traffic safety risks, and improve vehicle operational efficiency, ultimately aiding in cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in logistics operations.

On October 13, Dongfeng Lantu launched its brand-new electric SUV, the Zhiyin. This vehicle is the latest competitor in the market, joining previous releases like the Leitao L60, Zeekr 7X, Zhijie R7, Avita 07, and the new ZhiMai LS6, all aimed squarely at challenging the Tesla Model Y.

The “golden September and silver October” marks a busy season for auto manufacturers, as many introduce new models in conjunction with a traditional spike in car sales. Data indicates that while production and sales in September experienced a year-on-year decline, there was a significant month-on-month increase. Notably, the sales figures for passenger vehicles ended a five-month downward trend, emerging as a highlight of the season.

“A record high in sales was achieved by Leap Motor on the last day of the National Day holiday, with over 17,000 units sold during the seven-day period,” shared Zhu Jiangming, founder, chairman, and CEO of Leap Motor, in a WeChat post on the evening of October 7.

In addition to Leap Motor, several other car companies reported record order volumes during the National Day holiday. Hongmeng Zhixing saw orders exceed 28,600, Xpeng reached 16,000, and Deep Blue reported 14,000 new orders, while Zeekr surpassed 10,000. Fan Junyi, General Manager of Geely Auto Sales Company, told reporters: “During the National Day holiday, overall sales for the Geely brand saw a significant uptick, with fuel vehicle sales up 29% year-on-year, and an even greater increase driven by our new energy models, including the Galaxy E5 and Xingyuan.”

According to reports, in September, China’s automobile production and sales reached 2.796 million and 2.809 million units, respectively, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 1.9% and 1.7%, yet a month-on-month growth of 12.2% and 14.5%. Specifically, production and sales of passenger vehicles, primarily for personal use, were 2.502 million and 2.525 million units, showing month-on-month increases of 12.6% and 15.8%, while year-on-year changes were slightly positive at 0.2% and 1.5%. This marked the end of a five-month decline.

“With robust national support for vehicle scrappage and renewal subsidies, and local policies coming into effect, alongside manufacturers launching new models for autumn, the passenger vehicle market is gradually recovering. Notably, the retail market remains strong, showing continued effects from the ‘golden September’ phenomenon,” commented Chen Shihua, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

To stimulate automotive consumption, a joint initiative from the Ministry of Commerce and 14 other departments introduced the “Consumer Goods Trade-in Action Plan” in March. This was followed in August by specifics on subsidy implementation for vehicle trade-ins. The standards were considerably raised for consumers trading in vehicles—subsidies for purchasing new energy vehicles increased from 10,000 to 20,000 yuan, while those for fuel vehicles rose from 7,000 to 15,000 yuan. Many localities promptly established relevant policies to accelerate this process. As of midnight on October 7, the Ministry of Commerce’s platform had received over 1.27 million applications for subsidies, driving new car sales beyond 160 billion yuan nationwide.

To take advantage of the trade-in policies, automakers have been speeding up the rollout of new models to cater to diverse consumer preferences. In September alone, over 50 new models or updates were launched, including the Passat Pro, Deep Blue L07, Aion RT, and Dongfeng Honda Lingxi L. Simultaneously, companies continue to expand promotional offers to draw in consumers. For instance, NIO now offers a 20,000 yuan optional equipment subsidy along with an energy top-up voucher for vehicle purchases.

“As we enter the ‘silver October’ phase, automakers and dealers are gearing up for an intense finish to the year. Implementing stronger incentives is certainly the most straightforward way to boost sales,” noted Yan Jinghui, a member of the Expert Committee of the China Automobile Circulation Association.

Amidst the recovery in passenger vehicle sales, a pronounced divide between new energy vehicles (NEVs) and traditional fuel vehicles is becoming clearer.

In September, Li Auto led NEV deliveries with 53,700 units, marking a 48.9% year-on-year increase. Huawei’s HarmonyOS vehicles reached monthly deliveries of 39,900, with the AITO series becoming a sales standout. Leap Motor recorded its highest monthly deliveries at 33,700, while XPeng achieved two-year highs with over 20,000 sales thanks to its MONA M03 model. Xiaomi Automotive also surpassed 10,000 in deliveries that month.

Looking at traditional automakers, those transitioning more swiftly to new energy technologies demonstrated clearer improvements in sales figures. BYD saw a record-breaking month with sales exceeding 410,000, while Geely Holdings marked a historic high with 308,000 units sold, reflecting a 17.8% year-on-year increase. Notably, sales of NEVs reached 152,500, growing by 59.6% and achieving a penetration rate of 49.5%.

Conversely, traditional joint-venture brands that have been slower to adapt, primarily relying on fuel vehicles, are witnessing declines. In September, FAW-Volkswagen sold 148,000 vehicles, a drop of 18.2%, while GAC Toyota and SAIC-GM saw even steeper declines, selling 72,000 and 22,000 units, respectively.

Data shows that in September, China’s NEV production and sales totaled 1.307 million and 1.287 million, marking year-on-year increases of 48.8% and 42.3%. NEV sales accounted for 45.8% of all new car sales, achieving historical highs. In contrast, domestic traditional fuel vehicle sales fell to 940,000, down 30% year-on-year, underscoring the profound structural changes within China’s automotive market, driven by electrification and intelligence.

The growth of NEV sales can be attributed to the expanding variety of products available; in September, over 80% of new models launched were NEVs, providing consumers with ample options. Additionally, product competitiveness has improved, particularly with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offering strong alternatives to traditional fuel vehicles. “PHEVs have outperformed traditional fuel vehicles across several metrics including energy consumption, performance, reliability, intelligence, usage costs, and pricing,” stated Ouyang Minggao, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University professor.

“The current policy environment favoring NEVs generally surpasses that of traditional fuel vehicles. The subsidies for trade-ins significantly favor NEVs, and this has been a crucial factor in their sustained sales growth,” Chen Shihua predicts total NEV sales in China this year could reach 12 million, far exceeding earlier estimates.

The escalating competition is pushing for high-quality development. “The long-range smart edition is priced at an attractive 179,900 yuan,” announced Shao Mingfeng, General Manager of Lantu Automobile Sales and Service Co., on October 13, prompting gasps in the audience, who noted, “Finally, a company has offered a mid-sized electric SUV priced under 200,000 yuan!”

Despite the rebound in passenger vehicle production and sales, the price war ignited in the market since early last year shows no signs of abating. National Bureau of Statistics data reveals that in September, the prices of NEVs and fuel cars decreased by 6.9% and 6.1%, respectively. Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the Passenger Car Association in China, highlighted that in the first nine months of this year, 195 models saw price cuts, well above 150 models in 2023 and significantly exceeding 95 models in 2022.

Price competition remains a common strategy among businesses in a market economy. By lowering prices in response to shifts in consumer demand, companies can expand their market share, forcing weaker brands and inefficient capacities out and enabling a natural selection process within the industry. Nonetheless, a price war can be a double-edged sword; if it leads to unhealthy “inward” competition, it could harm reasonable profit margins for companies while also squeezing upstream and downstream suppliers, jeopardizing the industry ecosystem.

This year’s ongoing price war has intensified market turbulence, placing unprecedented pressures on automotive dealers. “In the profit structure for dealers, new car sales are facing significant losses with negative gross profit contributions, and these losses are expanding,” stated Shen Jinjun, President of the China Automobile Circulation Association. He cautioned manufacturers to align production with sales and avoid blind overproduction in their pursuit of market share or overly aggressive price reductions.

Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu urged that given the current landscape of insufficient market demand and fierce competition, automakers should focus on innovation and the development of new types of productive capacities, delivering high-quality products and services to create new value for customers. This approach can help navigate the pitfalls of price wars and avoid unhealthy competition, ultimately leading to true high-quality industrial development.

On October 15, Walgreens announced plans to close 1,200 of its stores, with the immediate goal of shutting down 500 locations within the next year. By 2027, it is projected that one in every seven Walgreens stores currently in operation will be closed.

CNN has reported that Walgreens is grappling with challenges such as increasing competition from online retailers and a decline in prescription drug prices. The latest closure announcement marks an expansion of previously mentioned numbers from just a few months ago.

Faced with financial pressure, Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth unveiled a restructuring plan in June that included closing 300 underperforming stores. The company revealed that approximately 25% of its locations were unprofitable and that urgent reform was necessary across its operations.

Despite exceeding expectations in its last quarterly earnings report, which showed a 6% increase in profits compared to the same period last year, Walgreens still faced a staggering loss of $3 billion, influenced by debt write-downs from a Chinese pharmaceutical firm and home care company CareCitrix.

Neil Saunders, a retail analyst from GlobalData, pointed out that Walgreens’ recent announcement of closures reflects the company’s effort to adjust its strategy during challenging times. He shared with CNN that while Walgreens expanded its business through acquisitions over the years, it neglected the fundamentals of store and retail operations, leading to declining sales and a lack of profitability at many locations.

Furthermore, Walgreens’ stock has plummeted nearly 70% this year. In response to consumer cutbacks on high-priced items amid rising inflation, the company announced over a thousand product price reductions back in May.

The retail pharmacy sector as a whole has been facing significant challenges in recent years. Competitors like CVS and Rite Aid have also seen declines in sales due to reduced reimbursement rates for prescription drugs, coupled with new competition from Amazon’s pharmacy. CVS announced a reduction of 5,000 positions last year and further plans to save $2 billion this year, along with laying off 2,900 employees.

*Insists no harmony among law enforcement agencies on corruptionWale Igbintade
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has drawn the attention of the National Assembly to constitutional issues relating to law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and factors inhibiting the government’s objective of abolishing corruption, as stated in Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution.
In two separate letters to Senate and House of Representatives, dated October 14, 2024, Agbakoba said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was an unlawful organisation, which was “unconstitutionally established”.
He stated, “I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly. The EFCC is an unlawful organisation.”
The letters were addressed separately to Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
The deputy speaker doubles as Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, while Jibrin is Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review.Agbakoba said he was delighted to note that many states had finally taken it upon themselves to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC, saying, “This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC.”
The letter to the deputy senate president, titled, “Urgent Legislative Attention on Constitutional Reforms Relating to Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Corruption Efforts,” read, “I commend you for the remarkable leadership you have demonstrated as Chairman, Senate Constitution Review Committee, particularly in advancing the government’s reform agenda through a robust constitutional framework. Your efforts to strengthen the legal infrastructure underpinning the nation’s development programs are indeed commendable.
“I write to draw attention to certain constitutional issues on matters related to law enforcement agencies. As you are obviously aware, the fundamental objective of the government is to abolish corruption. But from my observation, there is no harmony amongst law enforcement agencies on corruption. They all appear to be working at cross purposes.
“This has been confirmed by the Supreme Court in so many cases. The Supreme Court has consistently sanctioned the EFCC for its conduct and questioned if the EFCC can in fact validly do what it does.
“I will go further to say that I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly. The EFCC is an unlawful organisation.
“I am very delighted to note that many states have finally taken it upon themselves to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC. This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC.
“Whilst we await the decision of the Supreme Court as the final court on the matter, I respectfully request that the Senate convene a public hearing to consider these constitutional issues.
“Such a hearing would provide an invaluable platform for stakeholders to discuss the reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks for law enforcement and anti-corruption, which will meet the stated and laudable objective of the government to abolish corruption as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.
“I trust that, under your capable leadership, the Senate Constitution Review Committee will give these matters urgent attention in the interest of our nation’s development.”

In recent weeks, there have been two tragic water safety incidents involving Chinese citizens in Iceland, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. One accident involved a car that rolled into a river, while the other was a case of a person slipping into the water. The Chinese Embassy in Iceland is mourning the loss and emphasizes the critical need for Chinese tourists in Iceland to prioritize their safety and enhance their awareness of potential hazards.

To ensure safety before traveling, the embassy has provided several key recommendations:

1. **Pre-Travel Preparation:**
– It’s essential to purchase adequate personal safety and medical insurance, as costs for medical services in Iceland can be quite high. Opt for a reputable insurance provider and choose suitable coverage.
– Maintain regular contact with family and friends back home. Share your itinerary and contact details while ensuring you have a reliable way to communicate, such as activating global roaming on your phone or purchasing a local SIM card once you arrive.
– Keep important documents like your passport secure by having both physical copies and electronic scans stored separately.

2. **Safety Precautions While in Iceland:**
– If opting for a self-drive adventure, choose a reputable car rental company and inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Make sure to select appropriate insurance to mitigate potential losses. For group tours, select trustworthy travel agencies.
– Familiarize yourself with Iceland’s traffic regulations. Avoid driving under the influence, when fatigued, or speeding, and never use your phone while driving. Icelandic law mandates that all passengers wear seat belts, and drivers must keep headlights on at all times. Use high beams cautiously and switch to low beams when approaching oncoming vehicles to prevent accidents. Driving off-road is strictly prohibited, and violators may face hefty fines and lack of insurance coverage in case of accidents. For exploring remote areas accessible by “F” roads, use a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
– Due to Iceland’s rapidly changing weather conditions, be extra cautious while driving, especially in winter when icy roads are common. Equip your vehicle with appropriate winter tires to handle sudden ice formation, and stay informed about weather conditions via the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s website, which provides real-time updates. Avoid driving if conditions seem unsafe.
– Iceland’s geography can be challenging, with many roads being gravel and difficult to navigate. Prioritize main roads, as those with lower numerical codes are generally in better condition. Stay alert for hazardous conditions like sharp turns and icy paths. Prior to travel, visit the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website for road condition updates and safety information. Additionally, check Safe Travel for safety tips during your trip. Do not attempt to drive if warnings are issued regarding road conditions.
– Refrain from exploring unsafe or undeveloped areas out of curiosity or for social media posts. Follow local laws and guidelines regarding photography and drone usage, and respect private property to avoid potential issues.
– Although Iceland is generally safe, theft can happen. Keep valuables like passports, cash, and tickets secure. Do not leave bags unattended in vehicles and separate your important documents from your money.
– Be mindful of other potential dangers, such as glacial crevasses, volcanic cracks, and the risk of hypothermia or being swept away by large waves. Avoid hiking on glaciers or entering ice caves without a trained guide.

3. **Emergency Situations:**
– If you encounter an emergency, call the local emergency number 112 and reach out to the Chinese embassy for assistance.
– For emergencies in Iceland, dial 112 (when calling from China, add the international code +354). You can also download emergency apps such as “112 Iceland” and the Icelandic Meteorological Office app “Veður” from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
– The Chinese Embassy in Iceland can be contacted at +354-5276688 for general inquiries or +354-4160128 for consular assistance. Their email is [email protected] and their office is located at Brietartun 1, 105 Reykjavik. For further assistance, you can reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ global consular protection service center at +86-10-12308 or +86-10-59913991.

In Nanning, Guangxi, an impressive showcase of local theatrical talent is taking place, highlighted by the performance of the Gui Opera “Seven Steps Song” on the evening of October 20 at the Yongzhou Theater.

The production delves into a captivating historical tale from the Three Kingdoms period, focusing on the complex relationships between Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Zhen Shi, as they navigate themes of power, family, and love. The narrative details how rivalry over royal power intensifies the already strained bond between the Cao brothers, culminating in a profound conflict sparked by their mutual affection for the same woman. Ultimately, the struggle leads Cao Pi to contemplate fratricide, while in a moment of desperation, Cao Zhi recites the poignant verse, “We are born of the same root; why should we be in such a hurry to harm one another?”

Audience members filled the theater, eagerly transported to a world rich with political intrigue, romantic entanglements, and profound human struggles as the curtain rose. The actors’ superior performances, magnificent costumes, and melodic singing vividly brought the emotional and dramatic tensions between the brothers and their beloved Zhen Shi to life.

“I find Cao Pi’s internal struggle between power and familial bonds to be incredibly complex and profound,” said Yang Qing, the actor portraying Cao Pi. “He craves power yet grapples with deep ties of affection. In my performance, I strive to reveal this inner conflict and allow the audience to witness his pain and helplessness. Each scene with Cao Zhi is filled with emotional clashes and power struggles, and collectively conveying this intricate relationship requires complete dedication and meticulous nuance.”

Yang Qing also emphasized how the distinctive style of Gui Opera enriches the portrayal of complex emotional landscapes. “The unique performance methods and singing techniques of Gui Opera provide a profound means to express a character’s emotions, enabling the audience to engage more deeply with their internal struggles.”

“I showcase Cao Zhi’s turmoil and steadfast beliefs through subtle variations in my gaze, expressions, and movements,” shared Luo Yiwei, who plays Cao Zhi. He finds the character compelling due to his remarkable talent and deep appreciation for family bonds. “This performance has offered me new insights into Cao Zhi as a historical figure; he is not only a literary giant but also a person filled with rich emotions and unyielding resolve.”

Gong Xiangyu, who portrays Zhen Shi, believes her character resonates with audiences, evoking empathy for genuine love. As the focal point of the brothers’ power struggle and emotional conflict, Zhen Shi embodies a different dimension of theatrical aesthetics, showcasing femininity, resilience, and intellect. “Participating in this Gui Opera has deepened my appreciation for its charm while enhancing my performance skills,” she expressed.

On October 19, in Beijing, Cheng Hehong, the Chief Lawyer of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), stated that the Commission will collaborate with various parties to leverage the roles of market participants, enhance root governance, and collectively advance investor protection and the high-quality development of capital markets.

Cheng made these remarks during the main forum of the 2024 Financial Street Forum, which focused on “Driving High-Quality Development of Capital Markets through Comprehensive Deepening of Capital Market Reform.”

“Investors are the foundation of the market,” Cheng emphasized. In the modern capital market system, the creation, exercise, and realization of investor rights are intricately linked to the activities of key market participants, including securities issuers, listed companies, securities and futures institutions, and fund managers, whether those activities result in benefits or losses.

He pointed out that securities issuers must adhere to principles of honesty and integrity, as these values are critical to safeguarding investor rights in capital market activities. Listed companies should enhance this foundation by delivering actual investment returns to protect investor interests. Meanwhile, securities and futures institutions need to conduct their business prudently according to the law, providing high-quality market services for investor protection. Additionally, fund managers should prioritize investors with utmost diligence, strictly fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities to safeguard investor rights. Market intermediaries, such as sponsors, certified public accountants, and securities lawyers, must act as professional guardians of investor rights. He noted that investors also have mutual obligations to act with integrity and engage in fair trading, particularly avoiding market manipulation and insider trading that may harm other investors’ legal rights.

Cheng also highlighted that relevant securities and futures market institutions must take their responsibilities seriously in addressing investor grievances, diligently handling complaints made through the 12386 service platform or other channels. “We must make a genuine effort to resolve issues and effectively address conflicts,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of practical measures to protect investor interests.

Enhancing the quality of investor services and upholding their legal rights are crucial for the overall benefit and long-term development of capital markets. Cheng believes that protecting investor rights requires legally regulating the activities of these key entities while fully harnessing their positive roles. “Only by doing so can we proactively prevent issues and strengthen legal protections for investors, especially small and medium-sized investors, from the ground up,” he concluded.

On October 10th, a press conference was held in Beijing to announce the first National Small Drama and Skit Exhibition, set to take place from October 16th to 28th in Changsha, Hunan Province.

The inaugural event promises a diverse array of activities across various art forms, aiming to make the arts more accessible to the public. Planned highlights include an opening and closing ceremony, performances of small dramas and skits, on-site evaluations, thematic discussions, and a special presentation of traditional boat songs from regions where they are prevalent. Additionally, there will be dedicated performances showcasing outstanding local art programs from Hunan Province.

Out of over 160 submissions from across the country, 42 works have been selected for the small drama and skit exhibition. These will be complemented by 14 projects chosen under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “National Stage Arts Excellent Program Creation Support Plan,” totaling 56 pieces across 12 performances. Experts will attend the performances to conduct evaluations and nominate several outstanding works for further development. Selected writers, directors, and composers may also be invited to participate in the 2025 mentorship initiative aimed at enhancing the creative aspects of stage art.

In addition, the exhibition will feature a special performance of traditional boat songs, bringing together accomplished artists from provinces where these songs are prevalent for a concentrated exhibition in Changde, Hunan. Furthermore, a showcase of Hunan’s exceptional local art programs, including styles such as Changde Sihuan, Changsha Puppet Show, Hengyang Fishing Drum, and Qiyang Folk Tune, will be held in Changsha. These initiatives aim to enhance the influence and demonstration of small yet exquisite artistic achievements.

Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah assets in the Lebanese capital of Beirut this morning, resulting in the deaths of three senior Hezbollah commanders, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

In a statement, the IDF confirmed that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted a strike based on intelligence reports, hitting a command center and an underground weapons storage facility associated with Hezbollah.

Lebanese state media reported that the airstrikes involved two attacks in Haret Hreik and one in Hadath, both located in the southern outskirts of Beirut, where Hezbollah has a strong presence.

The IDF remarked that among those killed were prominent figures, including Alhaj Abbas Salameh, a senior official at Hezbollah’s southern command, communications expert Radja Abbas Awache, and Ahmad Ali Hussein, who is responsible for strategic weapons development.

At this time, it remains unclear whether these commanders were killed during the strikes on the intelligence facility or as part of other military actions. Hezbollah has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

Additionally, Lebanese media reported that overnight, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on several villages and towns in southern Lebanon, marking the third consecutive attack on the city of Nabatiyeh this week.

The National News Agency noted that Israeli aircraft bombed Nabatiyeh seven times, including one strike on a residence, with rescue teams still searching through the rubble for survivors.

Nabatiyeh, controlled by Hezbollah and the allied Shiite political movement Amal, suffered a devastating airstrike on the 16th, resulting in the death of the city’s mayor and significant destruction, including the demolition of local markets.

The National News Agency also reported that the Israeli air force has targeted more than fifty towns and villages, including locations along the volatile Israel-Lebanon border such as Kfarshuba, Bint Jbeil, and Khiam, with reports of casualties emerging.

On October 17, the 17th “Chinese Bridge” World Middle School Chinese Proficiency Competition kicked off at the International Academic Exchange Center of Tianjin Normal University.

This event is guided by the Ministry of Education and the Tianjin Municipal Government and is hosted by the Ministry’s Center for Language Exchange and Cooperation. It is jointly organized by the Tianjin Education Commission and Tianjin Normal University, among others.

This year’s competition emphasizes the theme of “Urban Exploration,” transforming the entire city into a vibrant stage for Chinese language application and immersive practice. Through a unique combination of “on-site learning, entertaining games, interactive experiences, and Chinese language competitions,” participants will delve into the historical and cultural richness of the city, experiencing the realities of modern Chinese urban life while engaging in a fun and educational competition.

Throughout the event, contestants will have the opportunity to visit iconic locations such as the Haihe River, Smart Port, National Maritime Museum, Beijiang Museum, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nankai Middle School, Yueyang Road Primary School, Tianjin Arts Vocational College, Tianjin Huo Yuanjia School, Ancient Culture Street, Five Avenues, Tianjin Zoo, and the picturesque countryside of Ninghe. They will also have the chance to step into Chinese households.

This competition aims to provide young people from around the world with opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and form friendships. It seeks to broaden their horizons, enhance their knowledge, and foster camaraderie through cultural exchange.