Author: shuiyaoinns.com

In a significant visit to Kyiv today, NATO’s newly appointed Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rutte reiterated his commitment to helping Ukraine “defeat” the ongoing Russian invasion, while Zelenskyy voiced his frustration with Western nations over the delays in supplying long-range missiles.

This visit marks Rutte’s inaugural trip since taking on his NATO role and underscores his strong backing for Ukraine.

During a joint press conference in Kyiv, Rutte stated that ensuring Ukraine’s victory is his top priority in this new position.

Zelenskyy took the opportunity to express his concerns about the sluggish pace of long-range missile deliveries from Western allies, emphasizing their critical role in countering the Russian threat.

“We require sufficient numbers of high-quality weapons, including long-range systems,” he told reporters. “In my view, our partners are dragging their feet.”

Furthermore, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to persuade Western allies to bolster their support in intercepting missiles and drones launched by Russia.

“We will keep advocating for the importance of intercepting Russian missiles and drones,” he said. “We recognize this is a challenging decision… they are not quite ready for it yet.”

On the evening of February 26, 2021, a robbery at a Chinese gambling den on 7th Avenue in Brooklyn erupted into a violent street brawl, leading to the tragic death of one Chinese man and injuries to several others. Fast forward to October 8, Liu Yongfa, a brave bystander who was injured that night, took the stand in Brooklyn Criminal Court to recount the harrowing events.

Now 43, Liu migrated from China to the U.S. in 2008 and works as a rideshare driver. He recalled that evening at around 9:30 PM when he had parked his car at the corner of 57th Street and 7th Avenue, waiting for a ride request. Suddenly, he heard shouts of “Robbery!” in the Fuzhou dialect. Across the street, he spotted three or four African American individuals walking ahead of a couple of Chinese men following closely behind.

Recognizing the situation as a robbery in progress, Liu wasted no time in dialing 911. Not well-versed in English, he requested a Mandarin-speaking operator—a detail corroborated by recordings from the court. After reporting the emergency, he slightly moved his car forward to avoid obstructing a fire hydrant.

Seeing his fellow Chinese community members in jeopardy, Liu felt an urgent need to intervene. He grabbed what he called his “tools”: a hammer and a screwdriver. At that moment, Zheng Yong, accompanied by three others, walked by, and Liu handed Zheng the screwdriver before they both dashed across the street towards the brewing conflict.

In court, Liu explained that he had taken the tools primarily for self-defense, aware that Asian individuals often find themselves at a disadvantage in physical confrontations. His intent was to assist his compatriots and make sure the assailants couldn’t flee before the police arrived. When prosecutors inquired if he knew who the robbery victims were, Liu expressed that Chinese immigrants typically work hard and avoid trouble. Given it was fellow Fujianese calling for help, he felt certain they were the victims.

As Liu and Zheng made their way across the street, chaos ensued. What started as shoving rapidly escalated into a violent fight, pulling both Liu and Zheng into the fray. When asked by the prosecutors if he noticed any weapons during the melee, Liu admitted he hadn’t clearly seen anything. Amidst the turmoil, he suddenly felt sharp pains in his right side and arm. Upon touching his body, he realized he was bleeding; he had been stabbed. Zheng was struck around the same time, and both men stumbled into a nearby Chinese restaurant, collapsing just inside the door.

Reports later indicated that Zheng, a sizable man, tragically succumbed to blood loss after being stabbed in the subclavian artery. Court footage showed a substantial pool of blood where he fell. Liu was fortunate enough to survive, having suffered two stab wounds to his right side and a cut to his arm. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, where he remained for three days.

Witnesses noted that a bystander had captured a photo of one of the suspects on their phone, assisting police in identifying a white Mercedes linked to the robbery. This vehicle belonged to William Smith, the African American suspect caught on camera. Facing second-degree murder charges, Smith entered the courtroom in handcuffs, exhibiting little emotion.

Zheng’s wife attended the hearings consistently, often with tears in her eyes as she spoke about her late husband. She shared that their daughter is now in college, while their son is only 8 years old. Despite the resilience of her children, she articulated her deep emotional turmoil following Zheng’s untimely passing, reflecting on the overwhelming support and comfort provided by the Chinese community in Brooklyn during that dark chapter. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for their kindness and a fervent hope for justice against the perpetrator.

Adrian Wojnarowski, a prominent NBA insider renowned for his ability to deliver breaking news, has made a surprising career change. He recently announced his decision to leave journalism and take on the role of general manager for the men’s basketball program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Wojnarowski elaborated on his choice, stating, “This craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role, and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply, and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.”

With his impactful tweets, often referred to as “Woj bombs,” Wojnarowski has significantly influenced sports journalism, amassing a staggering 6.5 million followers on X. His knack for breaking news has solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in U.S. sports media, a role that demanded his unwavering dedication to the intricacies of the NBA.

A 1991 graduate of St. Bonaventure, Wojnarowski has long been engaged in fundraising efforts for the university. Speaking with ESPN about his new position, he shared his enthusiasm: “It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches, and institution. I am hopeful that I can bring value in many areas to our basketball program and open doors for our young men’s futures, both professionally and personally.”

Before his stint at ESPN, which began in 2017, Wojnarowski built his reputation at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County in New Jersey. As figures like Adam Schefter and Shams Charania continue to rise in prominence, Wojnarowski’s transition signifies yet another fascinating development in the evolving landscape of sports media.

On September 19, the Qinghai Provincial Medical Insurance Bureau made an important announcement: starting from October 1, 2024, 127 outpatient surgeries across 71 disease categories will be incorporated into the medical insurance reimbursement system.

This initiative is designed to improve the efficiency of medical insurance fund usage while alleviating the financial burden on patients by reforming payment methods for outpatient surgeries. Specifically, these surgeries will be classified as outpatient if they can be completed within 48 hours, without the need for extended hospital stays.

In line with current practices within medical institutions, the Qinghai government has identified these 127 outpatient procedures as qualifying for insurance reimbursement. Hospitals that are at least of secondary level and meet the necessary standards for conducting outpatient surgeries will manage the insurance payments for these services.

For residents covered by urban employee or rural resident medical insurance in Qinghai, costs related to outpatient surgeries will be eligible for basic medical insurance coverage, contingent upon a thorough pre-surgery assessment at the medical facility. Notably, there will be no minimum payment threshold. Reimbursements will follow the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) methods or the Disease Classification Point (DIP) standards. Should patients experience complications that necessitate further care post-surgery, they will have the option to request a change to regular inpatient status.

Moreover, expenses incurred from pre-operative outpatient examinations and tests conducted at the same facility, directly linked to the upcoming outpatient surgery, will also be included in the reimbursement plan. Medical institutions are encouraged to streamline outpatient surgeries through dedicated “green channels,” ensuring timely completion of pre-operative assessments and tests.

Furthermore, any medical facility wishing to introduce new outpatient surgeries must comply with established clinical pathways or treatment protocols that guarantee the use of appropriate technology, quality control, safety measures, and cost-effectiveness. These institutions will submit applications to local medical insurance authorities for the addition of new outpatient surgery categories, which will then be reviewed and approved by the Provincial Medical Insurance Bureau before being integrated into the reimbursement framework.

On October 9th, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) in Taiwan released its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for September. The report indicated a month-over-month increase of 0.11%, with a seasonally adjusted rise of 0.38%. Year-on-year, the CPI saw an increase of 1.82%.

In an interview, a spokesperson from DGBAS explained that the month’s CPI increase was primarily influenced by a decrease in fruit supply stemming from the Typhoon that struck in late July, which led to higher prices. Additionally, there was a temporary uptick in personal care service fees, partly due to gift-giving associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, this was somewhat balanced out by declines in vegetable and oil prices, as well as drops in the costs of tour packages and airline tickets, reflecting typical seasonal trends after the summer travel period.

The year-on-year CPI growth of 1.82% for September was significantly driven by rising prices in several food categories, including fruit, cooking oil, and dining out. The spokesperson noted continued increases in rents and registration fees, coupled with higher expenses for electricity, entertainment services, parking, and vehicle maintenance.

In the detailed consumption breakdown, food prices increased by 3% compared to September of the previous year. Notably, fruit prices surged by 17.37%, while cooking oil and dining costs rose by 8.56% and 2.98%, respectively. On the flip side, egg and vegetable prices dropped by 15.49% and 4.21%, respectively, thanks to improved supply conditions and a high comparison base from the previous year, which helped to offset some of the overall price surges.

Looking at the broader picture, from January to September of this year, Taiwan’s average CPI reported a year-on-year increase of 2.26%. Additionally, the report highlighted that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for September fell by 0.8% from the previous month and saw a year-on-year decrease of 0.33%. From January to September, the average PPI rose by 1.47%.

Recent developments in the Middle East have intensified tensions and sparked significant international concern. On October 2, during a press briefing, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations put forward “four musts,” urging renewed efforts to achieve a ceasefire and peace in the region. This proposal underscores China’s long-standing approach to resolving international conflicts through dialogue and political solutions.

As a nation with a rich civilization that spans over five millennia, China has always prioritized harmony. Since its founding 75 years ago, the People’s Republic of China has maintained an independent and peaceful foreign policy, emphasizing the five principles of peaceful coexistence. China has consistently positioned itself as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order, paving the way for peaceful modernization.

In the context of rising geopolitical conflicts and a growing development deficit globally, the international order is facing significant challenges. In addressing the pressing question of “what kind of world do we want to build, and how do we build it?”, China has introduced the idea of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has pointed out that this concept expands and enriches the five principles of peaceful coexistence, promoting mutual respect and shared development among nations.

Rousseff’s comments highlight a crucial aspect of China’s role on the global stage: its commitment to fostering peace. Over the past 75 years, China has not instigated a single war or conflict; nor has it invaded another country’s territory. The five principles of peaceful coexistence established in the 1950s have become key guidelines in international relations and law. China has actively participated in resolving major international crises, including mediating the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitating historic reconciliations among Palestinian factions, and advocating for political solutions to the Ukraine crisis as well as the conflict in Myanmar. Furthermore, China stands as the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

In 2022, President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Security Initiative, which lays out fundamental principles for addressing security deficits and striving for lasting peace. As China continues to develop, there is evidence that its capacity to promote peace also grows. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has praised China’s peaceful development, describing it as a noble pursuit that benefits humanity and fosters global progress.

Peace is foundational to development, and development, in turn, supports peace. A review of Security Council agendas shows that most pressing issues arise in developing regions. Promoting shared development is crucial for addressing the root causes of conflict, and in this regard, China remains steadfast in its commitment to global development.

Looking ahead to the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, global leaders have taken note of China’s modernization achievements. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited a Chinese automobile manufacturer in Shenzhen, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa toured SANY Group in Hunan, and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio explored agricultural research institutions in Hubei. These visits illustrate how China’s modernization efforts resonate with nations striving for their own development.

At the heart of these initiatives is China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has energized efforts towards global shared development. Over the past decade, China has entered into more than 200 cooperation agreements related to the initiative with over 150 countries and 32 international organizations, resulting in over 3,000 collaborative projects and investments exceeding one trillion dollars. Scholar Dr. Joseph Nye has predicted that historians will recognize the Belt and Road Initiative as a defining project of this era a millennium from now.

In 2021, China proposed the Global Development Initiative, which has garnered support from over 100 countries and more than 20 international organizations. Eighty-two countries have joined the “Friends of the Global Development Initiative” group, further expanding the global dialogue on development. Former Guyanese President Donald Ramotar remarked that China’s approach aims to help developing countries transition to higher-value production stages, thereby fostering shared prosperity.

To maintain peace and promote development, a fair and equitable international order is essential. In 1945, China was the first nation to sign the UN Charter. Since the establishment of new China, it has consistently acted as a guardian of the international order. Recently, some nations have undermined the post-World War II international rules, opting for so-called “national regulations.” China firmly believes that there is only one international system, centered on the United Nations; only one order, based on international law; and only one set of rules, grounded in the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

On the global stage, China has been a strong advocate for developing countries, amplifying their voices and addressing their challenges. The expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, support for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, and an increase in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s membership to 110, along with initiatives like the China-Latin America Cooperation Forum and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, have all played a role in elevating the voice of the global South. As Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera noted, “China genuinely cares about the needs of developing countries.” In 2023, China introduced the Global Civilization Initiative, addressing vital questions related to how different civilizations can coexist and the future of human civilization, offering a framework for enhancing global governance of civilizations.

American sociologist Emmanuel Wallerstein predicted over two decades ago that “the Chinese people will play a significant role in determining the common destiny of humanity.” Today, the interactions between China and the world are bringing this prophecy to life.

Reflecting on 75 years of growth and progress, the Chinese people increasingly understand that humanity is an interdependent community with a shared destiny. The recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized a commitment to an independent and peaceful foreign policy while promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Looking forward, China remains determined to pursue a path of peaceful development, foster friendly cooperation with all nations, and advance the common development of the world. China firmly believes that a prosperous world will lead to a prosperous China, and a prosperous China will contribute to a better world for all.

**Interview with Financial Expert Huang Xiaodong**

As we sit down with financial expert Huang Xiaodong, he highlights a pressing concern for many Americans: the anticipated need for long-term care. According to official statistics, a staggering 70% of individuals aged 65 and older will require long-term care before they pass away, typically for a duration spanning 5 to 8 years due to conditions such as strokes, cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease. Huang points out that the average monthly cost for such care ranges from $6,000 to $8,000, leading to a potential total expense of between $500,000 and $1.2 million over the years.

A concerning trend emerges—90% of Americans currently lack long-term care insurance. Many find themselves dependent on government assistance programs like Medicaid, which has placed an immense financial burden on the government. Huang notes, “Officials are looking at options like raising payroll taxes to fund these programs. However, this only partially addresses the issue; government plans usually cover only six months of care, which is frequently inadequate.”

Huang recommends that individuals consider purchasing private long-term care insurance that aligns with their specific needs. He emphasizes that this choice not only helps avoid mandatory participation in government-funded programs and payroll taxes but can also result in tax savings. He shares four strategies for reducing taxes through long-term care insurance:

1. **Tax Deductions**: Depending on one’s age, individuals can claim tax deductions on long-term care insurance premiums:
– Ages 41-50: $850
– Ages 51-60: $1,790
– Ages 61-70: $4,770
– Age 70 and over: $5,960
For example, a couple aged 65 purchasing a plan with monthly benefits of $6,000 would pay an annual premium of $11,411, with $5,747 being tax-deductible.

2. **Health Savings Account (HSA)**: “If you have an HSA, you can use those funds to pay for about half of your premium, based on tax-free limits,” Huang explains. This allows for pre-tax purchases of long-term care insurance, with future payouts remaining tax-exempt.

3. **Business Ownership**: For business owners, it’s possible to purchase long-term care insurance for themselves and employees, with premium costs potentially being fully or partially tax-deductible, depending on the structure of the company.

4. **Exchanging Annuities or Life Insurance**: If individuals have an annuity or a life insurance policy that no longer serves their needs, they can exchange its cash value for long-term care insurance. Huang states, “This can help avoid capital gains taxes while still providing long-term care benefits, all tax-exempt.” For instance, a 60-year-old man might exchange a $95,000 life insurance policy for long-term care insurance that offers $6,000 a month with lifetime coverage limits, potentially yielding $150,000 in life insurance benefits.

He also notes that this type of insurance can cover home care or nursing home expenses, with all monthly benefit payouts being tax-free. “Moreover,” Huang adds, “if benefits aren’t fully utilized or only partially used before passing away, beneficiaries will still receive life insurance payouts, which are also tax-exempt.”

Huang addresses a common concern: securing insurance. “Many individuals experience challenges due to rejections from providers,” he says, but adds, “We work with several financially stable A-rated insurance companies, enabling us to find coverage even for those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. I encourage anyone who has been denied coverage to reach out.”

For those interested in delving deeper into long-term care insurance and annuities, Huang is hosting a free educational seminar on September 21.

– **Date and Time**: Saturday, September 21, from 2 PM to 3 PM
– **Location**: 3100 Mowry Ave, CA, 94538

An online seminar option is also available. To register, interested individuals should call 408-466-0233 and ask for Ms. Liang, or email [email protected] for an online participation link.

As the National Day holiday wraps up, we had a chance to sit down with officials from the Taiyuan Railway Bureau on October 6, during a peak travel period projected to see around 400,000 passengers. Officials expect that travel demand will continue to be strong in the coming days.

To accommodate the influx of holiday travelers, the Taiyuan Railway Bureau is actively adjusting train schedules. They’ve introduced a “daily plan” system to optimize their resources, resulting in the addition of 74 extra trains. This includes 23 additional high-speed trains and 28 regular trains, primarily connecting major cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Xi’an, Hohhot, as well as several cities in Shanxi province, including Taiyuan, Datong, Linfen, Yuncheng, Lüliang, and Jinzhong.

To ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for returning passengers, the Bureau plans to enhance security measures and expand ticket inspection channels at high-traffic stations. Stations like Taiyuan, Taiyuan South, Datong, Datong South, Pingyao Ancient Town, and Yuncheng North will see increased staffing levels. Additional personnel will be present in ticket halls, waiting areas, and transfer corridors to assist passengers, ensuring that help is readily available when needed. During peak arrival times, all exit gates will be opened to facilitate quicker departures for travelers.

Railway officials urge passengers to double-check the station names on their tickets, as many cities have more than one train station. Avoiding confusion is key to preventing delays. Moreover, travelers are reminded to comply with regulations regarding personal items and to sit according to the specified travel section, seat type, and seat number on their tickets to promote an orderly travel experience.

During a press conference on October 9th, representatives from the Guangdong Provincial Information Office unveiled an action plan designed to promote high-quality development in the province’s biopharmaceutical industry. It is projected that by the first half of 2024, Guangdong will have 59 listed companies in this sector.

Responding to a reporter’s question, an official from the Guangdong Provincial Financial Office detailed the provincial government’s issuance of a set of implementation guidelines in early February 2024, known as the “15 Policies for Science and Technology Finance.” This initiative encompasses a broad spectrum of policies addressing venture capital, bank loans, financing guarantees, multi-tiered capital markets, technology insurance, cross-border finance, service systems, and financial technology. The aim is to establish a diversified and comprehensive financial support system that meets the needs of technology-driven enterprises, particularly those in the biopharmaceutical sector. This includes promoting the creation of specialized financial institutions and teams, tailored risk control mechanisms, incentive structures, and customized lending standards.

When it comes to credit support, there is a significant focus on guiding banks to enhance their offerings of technology-focused loans. The government is committed to boosting financial backing for strategic emerging industries, with a specific goal of achieving a loan growth rate for tech enterprises that either matches or surpasses the overall loan growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. By the end of May 2024, the loan balance for high-tech enterprises in Guangdong reached 1.49 trillion yuan, reflecting an impressive nearly 30% year-on-year increase. The adoption of intellectual property pledge loans and the corresponding total loan amounts have also experienced notable growth, achieving 1.41 times and 1.8 times the figures from the previous year, respectively.

On the capital market side, Guangdong is actively encouraging biopharmaceutical companies to consider listing on both domestic and international stock exchanges. As of mid-2024, the province has seen 59 publicly listed biopharmaceutical companies, which boasts a combined market value of 992.18 billion yuan, total operating revenues reaching 227.49 billion yuan, and net profits of 20.415 billion yuan, positioning it as the leading region in China.

Moreover, the province is working diligently to enhance its pool of potential listed companies, concentrating on discovering and nurturing high-quality biopharmaceutical firms across the industry’s value chain. This initiative aims to promote strategic listings that optimize resource allocation and encourage innovation.

In terms of fostering patient capital, local organizations such as Guangdong Hengjian Group, Yueke Group, and Yuecai Group, along with regional capital operations platforms, are stepping up their efforts throughout critical segments of the biopharmaceutical industry. They are implementing strategies like equity investments and mergers of biopharmaceutical pipelines, supported by various investment funds, including the Guangdong Strategic Industry Promotion Development Fund and the Guangdong High-Quality Development Fund for Listed Companies. The objective is to create a positive cycle between science and technology and industry while encouraging venture capital and private equity funds to offer targeted support based on the developmental stages of the enterprises, facilitating their accelerated growth.

On October 7, the Ministry of Health in Kazakhstan stepped up its border quarantine measures following recent evaluations of the Marburg virus outbreak by the World Health Organization.

In an official statement, the ministry clarified that the goal is to prevent the virus from entering the country. To that end, authorities have intensified inspections for travelers arriving in Kazakhstan. All international airports have now implemented non-contact temperature screenings for incoming passengers.

The health department also issued guidance for individuals planning to travel to Southern or Western Africa or to areas currently experiencing outbreaks. They emphasized the importance of taking precautions, specifically advising travelers to avoid contact with infected individuals and wildlife. “Research shows that bats are natural hosts of the Marburg virus, and it can be transmitted to humans through them,” the statement read. “Travelers in those regions should avoid caves, mines, and should not consume undercooked meat.”

This heightened response comes after the Rwandan health ministry confirmed the emergence of a Marburg virus outbreak in late September. As of September 29, the World Health Organization reported 26 confirmed cases in Rwanda, with 8 fatalities. Given that confirmed cases have also been identified in regions bordering Rwanda, the WHO has deemed there is a risk of further transmission.

Marburg virus disease is recognized by the World Health Organization as a highly lethal illness. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding. The Marburg virus is closely related to the Ebola virus and is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.