Author: shuiyaoinns.com

In a recent escalation of unrest in Mozambique, election observers from the European Union (EU) have reported that some voting results may have been manipulated. This comes on the heels of a fierce protest on Monday led by independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who is accusing security forces of being involved in the deaths of his lawyer, Elvino Dias, and another political official, Paulo Guambe. Both were shot last Friday, an event Mondlane claims was politically motivated, a charge that the authorities deny.

As the official results from the general elections held on October 9 are scheduled for release this Friday, the EU observer mission has pointed out “irregularities during the counting process” and “unjustified alterations of election results at polling station and district level.” They are calling for electoral bodies to ensure that the tabulation process remains transparent and verifiable.

Concerns over vote-buying, inflated voter rolls favoring the ruling Frelimo party, and instances of voter intimidation have also been highlighted by the International Republican Institute, which deployed a team of observants to the nation. The electoral commission’s website, which is supposed to host the national results, has been inactive since suffering a cyber-attack last month.

Mondlane, a 50-year-old presidential hopeful backed by the opposition party Podemos, has claimed victory despite the chaotic environment. He insists the killings of his aides were orchestrated by government forces. “This was a crime committed by the defense and security forces. There’s no doubt about it. The special forces killed Elvino [Dias],” Mondlane declared.

In response to the unrest, authorities used live ammunition, tear gas, armored vehicles, and police dogs to disperse demonstrators in the capital, Maputo, where the shootings occurred. Protesters barricaded roads with burning tires, with reports of arrests and at least 16 injuries. Local businesses closed on Monday but began reopening the following day.

Mondlane has called for more protests on Thursday and Friday, coinciding with the funeral of his lawyer. The international community, including former Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and organizations such as the African Union and the UN, has condemned the violence and is pressing the government to bring the perpetrators to justice. Notably, celebrated Mozambican author Mia Couto has referred to the killings as a “crime against the nation.”

With President Filipe Nyusi stepping down after reaching his term limit, the election is particularly pivotal for Mozambique, which has been under the rule of the Frelimo party since its independence from Portugal. The ruling candidate, Daniel Chapo, faces tough competition from Mondlane, Ossufo Momade of the Renamo party, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement.

On October 22, during a press conference, it was announced that the inaugural IIHF Asian Women’s Ice Hockey Championship will take place in Beijing from October 31 to November 3. The tournament will feature four of Asia’s elite teams: China, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan.

This event marks the first international ice hockey competition held in Beijing since the Winter Olympics, and it is also a key initiative by the IIHF to establish a premier ice hockey event in the Asian region. The goal is to provide a competitive platform for the best ice hockey players in Asia and to promote the sport’s further development across the continent.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with a total of six games scheduled. Japan’s women’s team holds the seventh position in the world rankings and consistently competes at the highest level in IIHF World Championships. South Korea’s team is ranked 18th globally and has emerged as a rising force in Asian ice hockey, particularly strong since the PyeongChang Olympics. Kazakhstan’s women’s team, once a dominant force, currently ranks 23rd in the world but has experienced a slight decline due to roster changes.

Wang Xuan, president of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, shared that the Chinese women’s team is currently ranked 12th in the world. Following adjustments made after the Beijing Olympics, the team has integrated several young players and has shown promise in World Championship performances. The upcoming Asian Championship serves as a crucial opportunity for the Chinese team to prepare for the Harbin Asian Winter Games and the Milan Olympic qualification. This tournament will help the team refine their roster, enhance their competitive form, and develop their tactical framework.

Preparations for the event are progressing smoothly, with ice preparation at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena nearly complete. Kazakhstan’s team is expected to arrive in Beijing on October 25 to begin pre-competition training, and they plan to hold a friendly match against the Chinese team on October 27. Japan and South Korea will also arrive in the competition area on October 30.

As Notre Dame prepares for its grand reopening on December 8 after a five-year restoration following a devastating fire, a heated debate has emerged regarding the potential implementation of an entry fee for visitors.

France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, recently suggested a modest €5 fee for tourists who wish to explore the iconic cathedral, often referred to as “the soul of France,” in hopes of funding the preservation of the country’s historic churches.

Dati highlighted that many prominent cathedrals across Europe already charge admission, asserting the need for such a fee to support France’s crumbling religious sites. “I proposed a very simple idea to the archbishop of Paris: a symbolic fee for all tourist visits to Notre Dame,” she told Le Figaro. This revenue could potentially generate up to €75 million annually, aimed at bolstering a comprehensive preservation initiative for France’s religious heritage.

Support for the idea has come from figures like France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, who expressed that if a €5 charge could safeguard France’s religious heritage, it would be a beneficial move regardless of personal beliefs. The plight of many religious structures in France is concerning, with approximately 5,000 at risk and nearly 500 in such disrepair that they are closed to the public, according to the Fondation du Patrimoine, a national heritage charity.

However, the Catholic Church in France has vehemently opposed the fees, arguing for free access for all visitors, whether they are worshippers or tourists. The Notre Dame diocese emphasized that churches should be accessible to everyone without charge, citing complications in distinguishing between tourists and individuals seeking private prayer.

Their statement explained that a universal entrance fee could deter visitors from experiencing a space that is meant to be welcoming to all. Legal challenges may also arise from France’s 1905 secularism law, which prohibits any taxes or fees on church visits. Legal experts pointed out that the law, although not enshrined in the French constitution, could potentially be reassessed if the government pursues a fee system.

Paris Mayor Ariel Weil acknowledged the significance of the issue, asserting that while the current proposal may be impractical, it raises vital questions about managing the influx of visitors to Notre Dame and funding necessary investments in France’s religious heritage. “Perhaps a voluntary contribution, with a suggested fee at the entrance?” he posited, noting the potential for visitors to contribute while still enjoying the cathedral’s historical and spiritual offerings.

Stéphane Bern, an advisor to President Macron on heritage matters, added that while access should remain free during services, charging tourists could be a reasonable approach. “Is it really so bad to charge tourists in shorts, with cameras around their necks?” he questioned, highlighting the complexity of balancing tourism and preservation in one of the world’s most visited religious sites.

“Today marks our third day in Xi’an, and we’re here to see the Terracotta Warriors – it’s truly spectacular!” This autumn, Taiwanese content creator Li Weizhen, known as “Weiwei Water Boy,” has returned to the ancient capital of Xi’an with eight family members for a long-awaited family trip. On social media, he’s sharing the journey through Vlogs, frequently using terms like “eye-opening.”

Recently, several Taiwanese short video influencers have been exploring various regions of mainland China, capturing the stunning natural landscapes and cultural landmarks in their videos. Many of them expressed a desire for more Taiwanese audiences to learn about the mainland through their content, encouraging them to experience the local culture firsthand.

Li Weizhen, who previously traveled to Xi’an alone two years ago, organized this trip specifically to revisit after flying in family from Taiwan. To ensure they could visit popular attractions such as the Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an City Wall, and the Xi’an Stele Forest Museum, he secured tickets a week in advance.

During the trip, Li’s favorite experience was watching the live historical dance drama “Chang Hen Ge” at Huaqing Palace. “When the opening lights illuminated the stage, my family and I were completely blown away. Such a magnificent and impressive performance is quite rare in Taiwan,” he shared. He even splurged on front-row tickets, noting that the immersive experience felt almost like traveling back to the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

Compared to his previous visit, Li noticed significant growth in both the number of tourists and performances, while the warmth of the local people remained unchanged. He frequently encountered residents eager to offer directions. Along with the visual feast, the family indulged in local delicacies like roujiamo (meat burger), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and oil-splashed noodles, leaving Xi’an with plenty of chili oil to share with friends back in Taiwan.

Crossing the Yellow River and heading east from Shaanxi takes you to Shanxi, another province rich in cultural relics. The recent buzz around the Mainland game “Black Myth: Wukong” has sparked interest in its scenic locations, many of which showcase Shanxi’s ancient architecture. Zhu Jiayi, who runs the short video account “Taiwan嫩草” (Taiwan Young Grass), traveled there with a childhood friend, inspired by the game.

Stepping into the Xiaoxitian Scenic Area in Linfen, they marveled at the craftsmanship from centuries ago, describing the ancient hanging sculptures as the pinnacle of “extreme complexity.” At Hukou Waterfall, they experienced firsthand the poetic imagery of the Yellow River’s majestic flow, with Zhu’s friend appreciating the essence of Li Bai’s famous lines. From the vantage point of Guanque Tower, they grasped the meaning of “to gain a broader view, one must climb a level higher.”

Zhu Jiayi learned that even before Shanxi’s rising popularity, cultural heritage workers quietly safeguarded the ancient sites. With the growing recognition of local history and culture, she felt delighted for their efforts. Zhu is currently launching a project to “challenge 100 young Taiwanese to visit the mainland,” with early participants already on board. She hopes to invite more netizens and first-time visitors to explore the mainland, turning their journeys into a memorable introduction to the culture.

Earlier this year, Zhong Pinqiao, a post-00s Taiwanese girl now living in Northeast China, embraced a new identity as the “Cultural Tourism Ambassador for Shenyang.” Proud of her new role, she showcases her love for the Northeast’s customs and hospitality on her Douyin account, “Taiwan Little Qiao Sister.” “My sense of happiness and belonging is really high here; even though winters can be harsh, my heart feels warm,” she described.

As the local cultural ambassador, Zhong shares videos related to Northeast China: strolling through Shenyang Palace in traditional attire, visiting Sofia Church, savoring classic dishes like spicy hot pot and chicken racks, and experiencing local bathing culture.

In the comment section of her posts, many mainland viewers express gratitude, saying, “Thank you for promoting my hometown.” Zhong replies, “I’m not doing it for the views; I genuinely love this place and want more people to know about it.” She believes that her sentiments reflect a broader vision shared by many Taiwanese short video influencers who spontaneously promote the beauty and warmth of the mainland.

On the 18th, a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defense stated that they have proven through decisive evidence and reconnaissance that the recent incident involving a drone penetration into Pyongyang was orchestrated by the South Korean military.

The spokesperson noted that on the 13th of this month, during a focused search across various districts in Pyongyang, the Ministry of Social Security discovered the wreckage of a fallen drone in the 76 resident class area of the Xipu region in the brother mountain area.

In response, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of State Security established a joint reconnaissance task force to conduct technical assessments and investigations into the drone, which confirmed that it was launched by South Korea.

Experts, through analysis and technical evaluation, identified the fallen drone in the Xipu area of Pyongyang as a “long-range reconnaissance mini-drone” operated by the South Korean military’s “Drone Operations Command.” Based on the collected data regarding the drone’s battery discharge and residual fuel, it is inferred that the drone was deployed at least 5 to 7 days prior.

The North Korean authorities suspect that this drone was intended for distributing leaflets over central Pyongyang, as indicated by the drone’s external features, estimated flight duration, and the leaflet dissemination tubes that remained attached. However, this conclusion has not yet been confirmed.

If this drone was not intended for leaflet dropping, it would serve as further evidence of South Korea’s military aggression infringing upon North Korean airspace, marking another instance of provocation from the South Korean military, which could have severe consequences.

North Korea emphasized that while the South Korean military continues to offer justifications and deflect responsibility, objective evidence and scientific analysis indicate that South Korea has engaged in hostile acts that infringe upon North Korean sovereignty.

In light of these events, the North Korean Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army ordered all troops in Pyongyang and along the border to enhance the deployment of surveillance watchposts.

The General Staff also decided that the artillery joint units and troops responsible for key firepower tasks near the border will maintain a state of full combat readiness, a move that has received approval.

The spokesperson issued a warning that should South Korea’s military actions once again be detected as a breach of North Korean territory, airspace, and waters, it would be interpreted as a severe military provocation and a declaration of war, prompting North Korea to respond with retaliation in a timely manner.

Recently, American designer Rick Owens, known for his gothic and avant-garde aesthetics, visited the Forbidden City in Beijing with his wife and friends. Following the visit, a companion took to social media to express frustration, claiming that the group was asked to leave due to their attire. This incident sparked considerable debate.

Photos circulating on social media show a woman in the group with a bald head, painted completely white from head to face with black around the eyes. Another bald man sported exaggerated black lipstick and eye makeup, creating a strikingly unconventional appearance.

Responses among Chinese netizens varied. Some supported the decision to deny them entry, stating comments like, “They shouldn’t have been allowed in,” and “Visitors should respect Chinese culture.” Instances were shared by users who mentioned similar experiences abroad where they were encouraged to leave due to inappropriate clothing, underscoring the importance of respecting local customs and culture.

Conversely, some praised the group’s unique style, calling it art. Comments like “This look is so cool” and “Freedom of expression in attire should be respected, and the Forbidden City has its right to refuse” were prominent. However, counters emerged emphasizing that “while personal expression is important, adapting to the cultural expectations of a place shows understanding and respect for local traditions.”

In an exclusive interview with China News Service, Li Huiyun, an assistant researcher at the Chinese Academy of Tourism Research, noted that museums are at the forefront of blending culture and tourism. They serve as shared spaces where those rich cultural resources, systemic knowledge, and quality service come together, offering a meaningful experience for both residents and visitors. Li stressed that visitors should respect local customs and behave appropriately to enhance their cultural experience.

She also pointed to global travel trends, mentioning that visiting places with cultural significance often comes with behavioral expectations. For instance, the Vatican Museums require visitors to wear appropriate attire, prohibiting shorts and sleeveless tops. “In fact, we need to balance the economic and social dimensions of tourism with cultural development and civilizational evolution,” she remarked.

An online user, “DuanDuan,” suggested that a sign prohibiting overly eccentric clothing should be placed in such solemn locations, stressing that “the premise of artistic expression is respect.”

It’s worth noting that the visiting guidelines for the Forbidden City clearly state, “Please maintain neat attire. Avoid actions that are detrimental to the image or have negative visual impacts.” Ultimately, the basis of mutual appreciation lies in understanding and respect, ensuring a harmonious cultural exchange.

On October 26, during a press conference, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed the recent approval by the U.S. to sell $1.988 billion in arms to Taiwan. The spokesperson emphasized that America’s actions are in stark contrast to their leadership’s stated position of not supporting Taiwan independence. He asserted that this sale undermines U.S.-China relations and poses a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, prompting China to take resolute countermeasures.

When asked about the October 26 announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the arms sale, which includes the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and radar systems, the spokesperson expressed serious concern. He noted that the arms sale not only violates the One China principle and the three joint communiqués between the U.S. and China—especially the August 17 Communiqué—but also infringes on China’s sovereignty and security interests. He condemned the move for sending a dangerously misleading signal to separatist forces in Taiwan.

The spokesperson highlighted that the U.S.’s insistence on using Taiwan to contain China and support for Taiwanese independence directly contradicts their publicly stated policy against such independence. He urged the U.S. to cease its arms sales to Taiwan and halt actions that undermine peace and stability in the Strait. He reiterated that China will firmly counter these actions and implement all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Muslims in Europe are facing an alarming increase in racism, partially driven by “dehumanizing anti-Muslim rhetoric,” according to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). In a recent survey involving 9,600 Muslim participants from 13 EU member states, nearly half reported experiencing discrimination in their daily lives.

“Racism and discrimination are pervasive in many facets of our lives,” highlighted Sirpa Rautio, the agency’s director. “The issues become even more pronounced against the backdrop of Middle Eastern conflicts and the dehumanizing language we see across Europe.”

The survey, published shortly after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, indicates that the already troubling climate has deteriorated further since the outbreak of violence. Although the survey data was gathered prior to these events, reports from civil society and national authorities indicate a rise in anti-Muslim incidents post-conflict.

Beresnevičiūtė, a co-author of the study, noted that 47% of Muslim respondents reported experiencing racism in the five years leading up to 2022, a noticeable increase from 39% in 2016. “The situation for Muslims is worsening,” she explained. “Living as a Muslim in the EU is becoming increasingly complicated.”

The surge in reported discrimination is seen to correlate with the rise of far-right political movements. In Austria, daily experiences of racism among Muslims reached a staggering 71%, coinciding with the Freedom Party’s recent electoral success. Germany reports a similar trend, with 68% of Muslims citing discrimination.

The survey revealed that 39% of Muslims encountered bias in the job market, and 41% were found to be working in positions for which they were overqualified. Discriminatory barriers also hindered housing access, with 35% of participants facing challenges in securing homes, a rise from 22% in 2016.

The repercussions of this discrimination are significant, resulting in elevated poverty levels and overcrowded living conditions for Muslims, who were found to be 2.5 times more likely to be on temporary job contracts. Alarmingly, Muslim respondents were three times more likely to drop out of school compared to their non-Muslim peers across the EU.

Particularly distressing were the experiences of young Muslims; over half (55%) of Muslims born in Europe reported feeling racially discriminated against while seeking employment in the past five years. This indicates a failure to be treated equitably, despite similar language skills and qualifications.

Beresnevičiūtė expressed her dismay, noting that many Muslims experienced “overlapping” discrimination related to their religion, skin color, and immigrant background. Women wearing religious attire, like headscarves, reported even higher rates of workplace discrimination, particularly among those aged 16 to 24, where incidents spiked to 58%.

Despite these experiences, only 6% felt it worthwhile to report their incidents of discrimination. In light of the findings, the FRA has urged EU member states to enforce stricter sanctions against hate crimes and discrimination and to collect data on ethnic and racial diversity, contrasting with the UK’s more comprehensive approach.

This survey follows an earlier report documenting discrimination against nearly half of Black respondents across the EU and a July study where almost all Jewish participants reported recent antisemitism. Collectively, these findings underscore the persistent nature of racism and racial discrimination within the EU, as Beresnevičiūtė emphasized, “Without targeted efforts, these issues will not simply go away.”

Eze Critiques Wike’s Remarks on Atiku and Obi

In a recent development in Abuja, Eze Chukwuemeka, the former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), has launched a critique against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his comments regarding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Wike, speaking at a luncheon for the 27 embattled lawmakers from Rivers State, claimed that Nigerians had rejected Atiku during the 2023 general elections. In response, Eze expressed his disappointment, labeling Wike’s statements as unwarranted and stressing that Atiku is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape—a dedicated mobilizer, democrat, philanthropist, and a unifying politician who has made significant sacrifices to strengthen the country’s democracy.

Eze’s remarks suggest that Wike’s criticisms reflect a lack of understanding of the nature of political relationships, which he argues should focus on enduring interests rather than enmity. He indicated that Wike, a politician from Rivers State, might have forgotten that true politics thrives on the principle that there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

Eze further condemned Wike’s tactics as indicative of a newly minted politician resorting to slanderous remarks to maintain his alliance with President Bola Tinubu, while disregarding the contributions of a committed patriot like Atiku, who has endeavored to advance Nigeria’s progress.

This exchange reflects underlying tensions within Nigeria’s political sphere and highlights the ongoing debates regarding loyalty, criticism, and the responsibilities of political leaders in a democratic society.

On October 23, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, firmly denied allegations that North Korea is sending troops to assist Russia in its military operations in Ukraine. This statement comes in response to confirmations from the United States and NATO regarding North Korea’s involvement. Zakharova labeled these claims as “false and inaccurate” and further warned South Korea against intervening in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that Russia would respond to any aggressive actions.

During a press conference held on the same day, Zakharova addressed comments made by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who claimed to have evidence of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia. She dismissed Austin’s assertions as completely baseless, suggesting that he should inquire with the North Korean authorities about the whereabouts of their troops.

In light of South Korea’s announcement to send military forces to counteract North Korea’s actions with Russia, Zakharova criticized the South Korean government’s response as puzzling. She contended that South Korea should not cooperate with what she described as Ukraine’s “rogue regime.”

Zakharova acknowledged that, despite historical geopolitical differences, Russia and South Korea have built a strong record of economic and humanitarian cooperation. She questioned why South Korea is currently yielding to provocations from Western societies.

Moreover, she underscored that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea would not negatively impact South Korea, cautioning that Russia would respond decisively to any actions perceived as threats to its national security and that of its people. She urged the South Korean government to consider its decisions carefully.