Author: shuiyaoinns.com

A tragic incident occurred in Israel on Sunday as a truck slammed into a bus stop in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, resulting in one death and approximately 40 injuries. Local police are treating this as a suspected terrorist attack. Authorities reported that the driver, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, was subdued by armed passersby.

Meanwhile, health officials in Gaza reported a staggering toll of around 70 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes in the past day alone. This surge in violence comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the northern Gaza Strip, particularly targeting Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. Notably, reports coming from northern Gaza have become increasingly sporadic, making it difficult to verify the situation due to communication outages and the harsh conditions imposed by the ongoing siege.

Sunday also saw further violence, with the Israeli military reporting the death of a Palestinian man who allegedly attempted to stab soldiers in Hizma, a town in the occupied West Bank.

The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate in Gaza, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres describing the plight of trapped civilians as “unbearable.” His office reported harrowing details of casualties, with civilians suffering under rubble, lacking essential healthcare, food, and shelter.

In the political arena, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced backlash during a memorial event for victims of the Hamas attacks when family members of hostages voiced their anger, questioning his leadership and slow progress in securing a hostage deal. Many in Israel hold Netanyahu responsible for the intelligence failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, further complicating the response to the ongoing crisis.

Additionally, Israeli operations in southern Lebanon resulted in at least 21 fatalities from airstrikes, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting multiple casualties in various locations, including the port city of Sidon. Israel’s military counters that it has eliminated numerous Hezbollah fighters and continues to issue evacuation orders to areas suspected of being associated with Hezbollah military activities.

As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the actions of both Israel and Palestinian militant groups, while diplomatic efforts to revive ceasefire and negotiation talks are underway, albeit challenged by ongoing hostilities and complex regional dynamics.

On October 15, the Xinjiang Disabled Persons Welfare Foundation organized a unique event titled “Journey of Light: Shaping Our Future Together,” inviting 56 blind children to explore a day filled with sensory experiences at the Urumqi Blind School and the historical Baishui Gorge Ancient Town. This initiative aims to deepen public understanding and support for the education and living conditions of visually impaired individuals.

During their visit to the Urumqi Blind School, board members and volunteers from the foundation participated in a sensory experience at the school’s dark experience hall. The journey, which spanned just under 20 meters, took about three minutes for me to navigate.

“We organize these educational outings each year, allowing the children to experience the world and witness the care and support from society,” said Shen Jie, the vice principal of Urumqi Blind School.

That day, the children listened to voice-guided tours of the ancient town, using touch to connect with their environment through the castle walls, wooden carvings, and the textures of animal fur.

“It makes us really happy to have uncles and aunties accompanying us during these activities,” said Jiao Wenbo, one of the participants.

Additionally, the foundation organized a heartwarming activity called “Releasing Wish Paper Airplanes,” where children launched paper airplanes marked with braille wishes. Kind-hearted individuals then drew these wishes, with one social media book host, Zhu Qing, pledging to fulfill a child’s wish for a smartphone valued at 1,000 yuan.

“October 15, 2024, marks the 41st International White Cane Day. Through various creative and interactive activities that foster integration between people with and without disabilities, we allowed these children to perceive the beauty and diversity of the world in non-visual ways, inspiring their love for life and hope for the future,” a representative from the Xinjiang Disabled Persons Welfare Foundation shared.

According to a report from the Guangdong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision on October 15, the former Party Secretary and Chairman of Guangdong Nanyue Group Co., Ltd., Zhou Xingtian, is now under formal investigation for serious violations of discipline and law, following approval from the Provincial Party Committee.

Investigations revealed that Zhou lost his ideals and convictions, betrayed his original mission, and demonstrated disloyalty and dishonesty towards the Party. He also resisted organizational scrutiny. In addition, he disregarded the central government’s eight-point regulations by excessively allocating and using office space. Violating organizational principles, he engaged in improper selection and appointment of cadres. Zhou failed to maintain a clean and honest lifestyle, improperly holding shares in non-listed companies and leveraging his position to benefit friends and family. His actions constituted significant abuses of power, involving detrimental transactions for personal gain, including facilitating investments, project contracts, and loan approvals, while illegally accepting substantial sums of money.

Zhou’s actions severely breached the Party’s political, organizational, integrity, and lifestyle disciplines, amounting to serious professional misconduct and suspected bribery. His continued misbehavior post-18th National Congress marked his actions as serious and adversely impactful, warranting strict consequences. The Guangdong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, following a meeting and with the approval of the Provincial Party Committee, has decided to expel Zhou from the Party and dismiss him from public office. Additionally, his illicit gains will be confiscated, and the alleged criminal matters will be forwarded to the prosecuting authorities for legal examination and prosecution, along with all related assets.

At a press conference on October 22, the National Health Commission discussed issues surrounding “Seasonal Changes and Health.” During the event, a journalist raised a question about the rise in infectious diseases during the autumn and winter, specifically noting the increasing reports of norovirus infections at this time of year. They inquired about which groups should be particularly vigilant and what preventive measures can be taken.

In response, Zhang Daitao, a researcher at the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness. After contracting the virus, symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. Generally, for the average person, the illness is mild and tends to improve within 2 to 3 days. However, vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children may experience more severe symptoms.

Zhang pointed out that norovirus primarily spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water. To prevent infection in personal and family settings, he recommended several key practices:

1. Maintain good hand hygiene. It’s important to wash hands properly with soap and running water before meals, after using the bathroom, and before preparing food.

2. Pay close attention to personal food hygiene. Drink boiled water and eat cooked foods. Ensure that vegetables and fruits are thoroughly washed, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, especially shellfish and other seafood which should be fully cooked.

3. If someone falls ill, the patient should rest at home until they have fully recovered, ideally for at least 3 days after symptoms disappear. During this time, it’s best to minimize close contact with other family members, particularly with the elderly and young children.

4. Keep the home environment clean and well-disinfected. Regularly open windows for ventilation. If a family member experiences vomiting or diarrhea, it’s crucial to use an effective chlorine-based disinfectant to properly sanitize the affected areas.

5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by adhering to a regular sleeping schedule, balanced diet, and engaging in moderate exercise, which can help boost the body’s resistance to viruses.

Zhang further emphasized that in crowded places like schools and daycare centers, it’s essential to carry out regular disinfection and ventilation of the premises, as well as to monitor the health of all attendees. Ensuring that infected individuals do not come to work is also a critical step in preventing further spread.

This election is a pivotal moment for our nation. Will we choose to embrace a hopeful future, or will we retreat to a regressive past? We stand firmly behind Kamala Harris, a leader poised to unlock the full potential of our democracy rather than surrendering to its flaws.

In the current political landscape, it’s hard to envision a candidate less suitable for the presidency than Donald J. Trump. His track record of deceit, hypocrisy, and avarice renders him utterly unfit for office. A second term for Trump would threaten the rule of law, undermine America’s standing in the world, and exacerbate racial and cultural divides. Even in defeat, he has demonstrated a willingness to erode the electoral process, with allies promoting baseless conspiracy theories to undermine the legitimacy of the results.

Notably, there are prominent Republicans, such as former Vice President Dick Cheney, who refuse to endorse Trump due to the danger he poses. General Mark Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, has labeled his former boss a “fascist.” America was founded in opposition to autocratic rule, yet the Republican nominee seems to idolize authoritarian figures such as Vladimir Putin.

Trump’s brand of authoritarianism threatens to dismantle U.S. democracy. He has praised those convicted for the January 6 insurrection and has signaled intentions to circumvent legal protocols, potentially leveraging violent methods against perceived adversaries—be they Democrats or undocumented immigrants.

While his team attempts to distance itself from the extreme proposals of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, including mass firings of civil servants and the repeal of women’s rights, it’s likely that, if reelected, Trump would pursue these intolerant initiatives. His agenda seeks to dismantle government for personal enrichment and legal evasion. If Republicans gain control of the Senate, House, and presidency, he would interpret that as a mandate to silence dissent and consolidate power.

Trump’s transactional and corruptive nature appeals to some; Christian nationalists support an authoritarian regime to impose religious rulings, while figures like Elon Musk seek to influence the future without oversight. Such self-serving interests threaten the fundamental principles of democracy. The erosion of our democratic fabric occurs gradually, but can culminate in abrupt shifts. Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices who in summer rulings effectively granted him immunity for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, crowning him “a king above the law,” as noted by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Kamala Harris has emerged as a formidable candidate since Joe Biden’s departure. Her campaign exemplifies political agility, transforming Trump’s perceived strengths into clear weaknesses. Emphasizing hope and joy, she starkly contrasts with Trump’s bleak portrayal of America’s decline. In their only televised debate, Harris deftly outmaneuvered Trump, who struggled to respond coherently, appearing increasingly agitated. While she exudes confidence and composure, he appears unhinged.

Trump’s agenda poses serious threats to voting rights, women’s rights, and civil liberties, potentially reversing decades of progress. He was a driving force behind the erosion of reproductive rights, and if victorious, could enforce a national abortion ban, jeopardizing IVF and birth control. The GOP has suffered in polls due to association with these unpopular policies, a vulnerability that Harris should continue to exploit.

Democrats are energized by Harris’s strategic media engagements, appealing to swing voters while remaining steadfast in their commitment to freedom and equality. However, she has faced disappointment from those urging a more forceful stance on U.S. involvement in Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Minimizing the implications of U.S. military support while war crimes continue could jeopardize Democratic prospects in key battleground states like Michigan.

In a political arena where perception often outweighs substance, the narrative is vital. While Harris hasn’t centered her identity as a woman of color in her campaign, her potential victory would be historic, symbolizing progress for women and minorities. Her candidacy has energized critical demographics, including young voters and communities of color, who have become disenchanted with Biden. This election represents a leap of faith in Harris, offering a vision of a better future, while Trump clings to a regressive past.

Despite facing a criminal conviction and a judge’s ruling branding him a rapist, Trump remains alarmingly close to reclaiming the presidency. Nonetheless, while many still support him, an outright majority of Americans likely do not. Republicans often benefit from a skewed electoral system where Democrats have won the popular vote in almost every election since 1992, yet Republican leaders have frequently held power. In a tight race, Trump may only need a favorable court ruling to regain the presidency, regardless of the popular vote.

Joe Biden has been a transformative political figure but has not fundamentally altered the fabric of the country. His ambitious plans aimed to address inequality, repair public services, and confront climate change, but corporate interests and a narrow Senate majority limited his aspirations. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shifted his focus toward national security in response to soaring prices. Nevertheless, Biden has made groundbreaking investments in the green economy, recalibrating industrial policy to counteract China. Harris’s plans seek to recapture the spirit of Biden’s original agenda.

While the U.S. economy is stronger than it has been in decades, Trump continues to outperform Harris in economic polling, reflecting a decades-long trend of neoliberalism. For many blue-collar workers, real wages have stagnated since the 1970s, and inflation-adjusted housing costs have skyrocketed. Polling indicates that a significant majority of Americans believe substantial political and economic reform is necessary—putting Democrats at a disadvantage as they are often linked to the status quo.

Political hope diminishes when we settle for the present instead of striving for what’s possible. Kamala Harris represents the belief in democracy’s potential, believing in progress rather than resigning to its imperfections. The Republican agenda is stark: suppression of voter rights, censorship of books, and tax cuts for the wealthy. Democrats advocate for global engagement, while the GOP favors isolationism. The Biden-Harris administration has laid the groundwork for a net-zero America; a Trump return would undo these strides. A Harris victory, alongside a Democratic Congress, offers a chance to restore governance, create jobs, and lead global climate initiatives. Defeating Trump is essential to safeguarding democracy from the clutches of oligarchy and dictatorship. The stakes are far too high not to support Kamala Harris for president.

Plans for a new battery energy storage facility in West Sussex have received unanimous approval from the Mid Sussex District Council, despite considerable local opposition. The proposed site at Coombe Farm, covering 27 acres, has faced dozens of objection letters, with the Twineham Parish Council citing concerns over its proximity to residential areas.

In an interview, a representative from One Planet Developments emphasized the urgent need for energy storage solutions in the UK. They explained that the facility would store electricity generated during peak renewable energy periods and release it when needed. However, the Twineham Parish Council raised additional worries about potential conflicts with the Rampion 2 cable route, part of a planned expansion for a nearby wind farm.

Meanwhile, the West Sussex Fire and Rescue service did not express any concerns about the project, and Bolney Parish Council also voiced their apprehensions, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Christopher Phillips, chairman of the council’s planning committee, voiced surprise over the application’s submission prior to resolving issues surrounding the Rampion 2 wind farm. Nevertheless, council officers determined that this did not justify delaying the decision. “While we sympathize with residents,” Phillips remarked, “we are largely following expert recommendations.” He noted the importance of locating the facility near the substation to minimize power loss.

The developer’s spokesperson highlighted that the project is crucial in the context of shifting toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind. They warned that without such storage facilities, the UK could face energy security risks or be forced to rely on building additional fossil fuel power stations and gas peaking plants.

Councillors were informed that due to the complex nature of the development, work must commence within seven years.

On October 22, reports emerged from the Guizhou Province’s Guizhou City Commission for Discipline Inspection, stating that with the approval of the Guizhou City Party Committee and the Gui’an New Area Party Working Committee, an investigation has been initiated into serious violations of discipline and law by Yang Zumin, a former First-level Researcher at the Industry and Information Technology Bureau of Gui’an New Area.

Investigations revealed that Yang Zumin had lost his ideals and beliefs, deviated from his original mission, and took various measures to conceal his misconduct, actively resisting organizational scrutiny. He disregarded the spirit of the Central Committee’s eight regulations by accepting invitations that could compromise his impartiality in public duties. Furthermore, he violated organizational principles by failing to report personal matters as required. Yang also crossed the ethical line, engaging in profit-making activities through usurious lending practices. Showing a blatant disregard for party laws and regulations, he misused the power granted to him for personal gain, assisting others in securing contracts, disbursing project funds, and checking construction quality, while illegally accepting substantial amounts of money.

Yang’s actions constituted serious breaches of the Party’s political, organizational, and disciplinary rules, amounting to significant misconduct in office and suspected bribery. His failure to correct his behavior since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party indicates the severity and negative impact of his actions, warranting strict consequences. According to the “Regulations on Disciplinary Actions of the Communist Party of China,” the “Supervision Law of the People’s Republic of China,” and the “Administrative Penalty Law for Public Officials,” the Gui’an New Area Commission for Discipline Inspection has decided, following an internal meeting and with approval from the Guizhou City Party Committee, to expel Yang Zumin from the Party and remove him from public office, confiscate his illegally obtained gains, and transfer his criminal related issues to the prosecutorial authorities for further review and prosecution, along with all related assets.

On October 22, the launch ceremony for the China (Guangxi) – Vietnam (Quang Ninh) Cataract Treatment Assistance Project took place in Dongxing City, Guangxi.

Back in February, during the 2024 New Year meeting of party secretaries from four provinces along the China-Vietnam border, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Health Commission and the health departments of the four Vietnamese border provinces signed a collaborative action plan for health cooperation (2024-2026). This plan aims to explore and agree on a cooperative model to provide treatment assistance to cataract patients and those with eye diseases in both Guangxi and the four provinces of Vietnam.

Du Zhenzong, the director of the Guangxi Health Commission, expressed that Guangxi is eager to utilize the mobile ophthalmic surgical vehicle “Rehabilitation No. 18” as a platform. They plan to leverage high-quality medical resources from institutions like Dongxing People’s Hospital and Liuzhou Red Cross Hospital to share technology and experience with Quang Ninh and the other border provinces. This collaboration aims to deepen the implementation of the cataract treatment assistance project in the China-Vietnam border region, enhance the health and well-being of the local populations, and improve efforts in preventing and treating blindness, contributing to the high-quality development of health services in both regions.

Nguyen Trung Mien, the director of the Quang Ninh Health Department, highlighted that cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. He stated that this cataract treatment assistance project initiated by Quang Ninh and Guangxi provides a significant opportunity for residents in Quang Ninh to receive timely examinations and treatment, thereby improving overall eye health. The province looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Guangxi to enhance public health quality and standards.

On October 27, a reporter from China News Service spoke with officials from the Hainan Provincial Meteorological Bureau regarding Typhoon Talim, the season’s 20th storm. The typhoon, classified as a tropical storm, made landfall at 10:40 AM near the coastline between Da Nang and Hue in Vietnam. At the time of landfall, the storm’s maximum wind speed was recorded at Level 9 (23 meters per second), with a minimum central pressure of 990 hPa.

The meteorological agency anticipates that Typhoon Talim will move in a looping pattern just offshore of central Vietnam and gradually weaken in intensity. However, from October 27 to 30, the remnants of the storm combined with cold air will still bring strong winds to various marine areas in Hainan Province. Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected in the Xisha Islands and Hainan Island from October 28 to 30.

The Hainan Provincial Marine Forecast Center issued a yellow warning for waves at 10 AM on October 27, stating that the seas south of Hainan Island could experience towering waves ranging from 4.0 to 6.0 meters from noon on the 27th to noon on the 28th. In regions like the southern Gulf of Tonkin, east of Hainan Island, near the Xisha Islands, and the northwestern Nansha Islands, wave heights are predicted to reach between 3.0 to 4.0 meters. Meanwhile, wave heights of 2.0 to 3.0 meters are expected near the Dongsha Islands, east of Leizhou Peninsula, northern Gulf of Tonkin, areas around the middle of the Nansha Islands, south of the Nansha Islands extending to Zengmu Ansha, and the Qiongzhou Strait.

On October 18, the National Bureau of Statistics released data on the national economic performance for the first three quarters of 2024. The GDP grew by 4.8% year-on-year, and there were positive changes in key economic indicators in September. How should we interpret these figures, and what steps should be taken in the fourth quarter? Additionally, with the recent introduction of a package of incremental policies, how can we ensure effective implementation?

To dive deeper into these questions, we connected with ZHU Min, a senior expert from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and former Vice President of the International Monetary Fund.

**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on the 4.8% year-on-year GDP growth for the first three quarters?

**ZHU Min:** Achieving a 4.8% growth rate in the current global context is quite impressive. When we look at the broader picture, global economic growth has been slowing down. It decreased from 3.5% in 2022 to around 3.1% this year. This sluggish global growth significantly impacts our economy.

Moreover, we’re witnessing a rise in trade fragmentation due to anti-globalization trends, causing a consistent decline in trade growth since 2017. The proportion of trade to GDP has been hovering around 60%, which is quite concerning for a large, export-driven economy like China. Thus, our 4.8% growth reflects both the changing global environment and the inherent volatility as we recover economically.

We’re also observing structural changes in China’s economy. The industrial sector shows some promising signs, consumer spending has room for growth, and stabilizing the real estate market is crucial. So, that 4.8% figure really represents a difficult achievement.

**Interviewer:** The data shows a 5.3% year-on-year increase in imports and exports. How do you view these foreign trade figures?

**ZHU Min:** The past nine months have been challenging for foreign trade. While we saw a 6.2% increase in exports, attaining that growth was no small feat, especially considering the pressure from Western nations.

Take the electric vehicle sector, for instance. Both Europe and the U.S. are discussing tariffs, and we’re adapting our trade policies in response. As global trade becomes more fragmented, we’ve noticed a shift towards trade with the Global South, with trade with regions like Africa and Southeast Asia seeing significant growth—over 6% in the case of the “Belt and Road” initiative. This change is crucial for maintaining our trade momentum.

It’s also worth noting the robust growth from private enterprises in trade, which is a strong indicator of resilience.

**Interviewer:** To reach the annual 5% growth target, what specific growth rate is needed in the fourth quarter, and what pressures do you foresee?

**ZHU Min:** Indeed, the pressure for the fourth quarter is considerable. To meet the target, we would need to achieve a growth rate of approximately 5.5%, which poses a significant challenge. That said, if we confront the difficulties head-on and maintain confidence, achieving this goal is still feasible.

Key actions will be vital:
1. **Stabilizing Real Estate:** The real estate sector has seen investments drop by 10.1%, new home sales decline by 17.1%, and prices continue to fall. It’s essential to implement measures to stop this decline, as it greatly influences our overall economy. Policies encouraging home purchases and addressing inventory issues are critical here.

2. **Boosting Consumer Spending:** We need policies that not only enhance residents’ income but also promote more high-quality service consumption. A boost in consumer spending is crucial for a strong economic performance in the fourth quarter.

**Interviewer:** Moving forward, how can we effectively stabilize the economy?

**ZHU Min:** We need to focus on two main areas: firstly, helping to increase residents’ income to enhance their spending power, and secondly, supporting businesses in overcoming challenges. Creating a unified market, ensuring a compliant business environment, and reducing transaction costs are essential for energizing both enterprises and consumers, ultimately revitalizing our economy.