Author: shuiyaoinns.com

On October 9, in Sydney, a delegation from the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, one of Hong Kong’s largest charitable organizations, engaged in an insightful meeting with representatives from the Dongguan Association of Australia at the Justice Hall. The group comprised board members and student representatives, all eager to discuss their shared history and future collaborations.

During a roundtable discussion, participants reflected on the substantial support that the Tung Wah Group provided to the Justice Hall in 1937. Back then, the organization played a pivotal role in repatriating the remains of deceased members from the Dongguan community living in Australia, ensuring they could return to their ancestral homeland. This historical contribution underscores the enduring connections within the overseas Chinese community, transcending both time and distance.

Chen Rikun, president of the Dongguan Association, shared his insights, noting that the Justice Hall was established in the 1850s and boasts an impressive history of over 170 years. He recalled the critical assistance offered by Tung Wah during the challenging times of 1937, praising their efforts to transport remains back to Hong Kong and then onward to Dongguan for burial. Chen highlighted that the unwavering commitment of the Tung Wah Group exemplifies the cherished values of the Chinese diaspora.

Deng Minghui, chairman of the Tung Wah Group, emphasized the shared historical roots between their organization and the Dongguan Association. Since its founding in 1870, Tung Wah has dedicated itself to providing medical, educational, and social services in Hong Kong, while also actively engaging in humanitarian efforts for overseas Chinese communities, including disaster relief and burial assistance. Today, Tung Wah stands as Hong Kong’s largest charitable institution, fostering strong partnerships with Chinese organizations in Australia.

Throughout the meeting, representatives from the Dongguan Association elaborated on the history and contributions of the Chinese community in Australia. Meanwhile, student representatives from Tung Wah shared stories about their organization’s growth and achievements. The event wrapped up with a ceremonial exchange of gifts and memorabilia, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between these two vibrant communities.

Recent reports indicate that Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven in Japan, is contemplating the sale of its supermarket division amid a takeover attempt by Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard. According to sources familiar with the situation, Seven & i is currently in talks with potential buyers for its Ito Yokado supermarket chain.

Bloomberg has reported that Seven & i has reached out to private equity firms and other institutions to discuss the possibility of divesting several businesses within its supermarket division. Insiders suggest that, with an EBITDA multiple ranging from six to eight times, the sale could generate between 320 billion to 430 billion yen, roughly translating to about 2.2 billion to 2.9 billion dollars. While these discussions are still in the early stages, there remains a chance they could fall through, or that Seven & i might decide to hold on to a minority stake.

The decision to offload its supermarket assets is part of Seven & i’s strategy to refocus on its more profitable convenience store operations. After turning down Couche-Tard’s acquisition proposal, the company now faces the challenge of demonstrating a higher valuation, as the bid was perceived to be undervalued.

A spokesperson for Seven & i commented that no announcements or final decisions have been made at this time.

In addition to Ito Yokado, Seven Bank is also among the important businesses that Seven & i is considering selling as part of this restructuring process.

The performance of Seven & i’s supermarket operations has underwhelmed, reporting annual operating profits of just 13.5 billion yen as of February this year. This significantly lags behind the 301.6 billion yen profits generated by overseas convenience stores and the 250.5 billion yen from domestic operations. A report from JPMorgan analysts in August estimated the value of Seven & i’s supermarket division at around 232.4 billion yen.

In July 2018, during a visit to the UK, then-President Trump was seen inspecting the Guard at Windsor Castle alongside Queen Elizabeth II. Recently, a new biography has emerged that sheds light on the Queen’s candid views of Trump. According to the Daily Mail, the late monarch found Trump to be “very rude.” She particularly disapproved of his habit of glancing over her shoulder in search of “more interesting people” and was skeptical about his relationship with Melania, suspecting there was “some sort of arrangement” between them.

This intriguing insight comes from journalist Craig Brown’s book, “A Voyage Around The Queen.” The book explores the Queen’s interactions with various controversial leaders throughout her reign, including figures like Assad, Mugabe, Amin, Trump, Emperor Hirohito, and Putin. In an excerpt published by the Daily Mail, Brown reveals that the Queen shared her thoughts on Trump during a lunch with a guest shortly after one of his visits.

Brown emphasizes that while the Queen hosted many contentious foreign leaders during her time, she may not have relished those encounters. After their departures, she could have discreetly expressed her dissatisfaction.

He writes that a few weeks post-Trump’s visit, she confided in a lunch guest, stating he was “very rude,” and reiterated her annoyance at his tendency to seek out “more interesting people.” Furthermore, the late Queen harbored doubts about the stability of Trump’s marriage, wondering, “otherwise, why would they remain married?”

Interestingly, Trump seemed to believe he held a special place in her esteem, later telling Fox News, “Some people said they’ve never seen the Queen so happy.”

In response to these revelations, Buckingham Palace has chosen not to comment, adhering to their usual policy of remaining silent on books or biographies.

In a recent interview, Vice President Kashim Shettima articulated Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing its relationship with Japan. He believes that deepening this cooperation will pave the way for increased trade and open opportunities in vital sectors like infrastructure development, food security, and healthcare.

These comments were made during a meeting on Wednesday with a delegation from the Japanese government, which included the outgoing Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi and the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko. The meeting was held at the State House in Abuja.

“We will address all existing issues in our bilateral relations,” Shettima reassured the Japanese representatives. He emphasized that with the involvement of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and senior officials from two key ministries, they are set to tackle concerns within days, which could elevate the partnership to new heights.

Shettima commended Ambassador Kazuyoshi for his outstanding efforts in strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Japan. He noted that the presence of key figures from President Bola Tinubu’s administration demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to its collaboration with JICA.

The Vice President expressed gratitude to JICA for its ongoing support in critical areas of Nigeria’s economy, specifically thanking Dr. Tanaka for a substantial grant of ¥1.75 billion aimed at enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). “We are immensely grateful for JICA’s continuous commitment,” he remarked, highlighting how JICA’s initiatives align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also recognized JICA’s pivotal role in Nigeria achieving polio-free status in 2020 and shared a vision of positioning Nigeria as a hub for disease control in West Africa and potentially across the continent.

Shettima offered well-wishes to Ambassador Kazuyoshi for his future endeavors in his next role. During the meeting, Dr. Akihiko expressed condolences for the recent floods in Nigeria that affected many communities, particularly in Maiduguri, Borno State, and appreciated Nigeria’s openness to JICA’s participation in development projects.

Dr. Akihiko also noted the remarkable creativity and innovation of Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs he witnessed during his visit to the Nigeria Information Technology Centre, seeing it as a promising foundation for future collaboration.

Moreover, Ambassador Kazuyoshi announced that the Japanese government will host an International Conference on African Development in Tokyo next year, emphasizing the importance of the partnership with Nigeria and a desire to strengthen bilateral ties even further.

In addition, Dr. Kinsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, highlighted JICA’s contributions to food security in Nigeria and discussed key projects such as the rehabilitation of the Lagos transmission substation, which aims to ensure a reliable power supply to Apapa Wharf and modernize the Nigerian port system.

On October 8, 2023, in Guangzhou, our reporter Guo Jun took a closer look at the impactful journey of the “Guangdong Light and Color Enterprise” initiative, which has been promoting common prosperity for more than 20 years.

In March of this year, the “Light and Color Caravan” consumer support initiative, organized by the Guangzhou Light and Color Promotion Association, featured an impressive showcase of over 100 diverse agricultural specialty products from rural areas in Guangzhou and 12 partner assistance regions. The event drew in a large crowd of consumers eager to purchase items like fresh corn from Qiqihar, duck-rice ivory rice from Qingyuan, lettuce from Lianzhou, Xinjiang pears, highland black fungus, and Guizhou rice noodles.

Since its inception in 2021, the “Light and Color Caravan” initiative has carried out extensive field research in partner assistance regions. This effort has helped local enterprises develop a comprehensive system covering product processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing. By tapping into Guangzhou’s consumer market, the program has identified nearly 2,000 high-quality agricultural products, effectively linking them to local farmers and driving income generation. As of March 2024, over 1.2 billion yuan has been invested in purchasing agricultural products from these supporting areas.

The “Light and Color Caravan” initiative exemplifies the flourishing of the Light and Color Enterprise in Guangdong province. Recognized as a pivotal player in the private economy, Guangdong was among the first regions to respond to the central government’s call to promote the Light and Color initiatives. Over the past two decades, these initiatives have substantially contributed to economic development, social harmony, and ethnic unity within the region.

In recent years, promoting sustainable support and empowering rural revitalization has been a central focus. Guangdong has actively pursued innovation in the Light and Color project, contributing to poverty alleviation, regional coordinated development, and participating in initiatives like the “Ten Thousand Enterprises Support Ten Thousand Villages” action and the execution of the “Hundred Thousand Million Project.”

In Zhuwu Village, located in the autonomous county of Ruyuan Yao, 11 mushroom greenhouses were entirely funded by Dongguan’s Manda Group. However, as the peak sales season for mushrooms approached, organizing sales proved challenging. In response, Manda Group quickly dispatched a live-streaming team to the village, setting up a streaming studio on-site. They showcased not only the Shitake mushrooms but also local specialties such as Luyuan mountain valley rice, egg noodles, and chili sauce, while villagers contributed fresh vegetables. Remarkably, all 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mushrooms sold out within just three hours.

Manda Group has repeatedly mobilized social resources through collaborations with party branches, hosting “love and charity” live-streaming sessions in various locations, including Tongren in Guizhou and Nanfeng, Meizhou in Guangdong. They also focus on training e-commerce talent and encourage partner entities to directly support local products.

To date, more than 150 party branches from Manda Group and partner entities have been established. The secretary of Manda Group’s party branch noted that the charity live-streaming efforts aim to spread positive energy and inspire broader participation in the “Ten Thousand Enterprises Supporting Ten Thousand Villages” initiative, helping farmers achieve prosperity through hard work.

Private enterprises are playing an increasingly vital role in building the “High-Quality Development Project of the Hundred Counties, Thousand Towns, and Ten Thousand Villages.” The “Ten Thousand Enterprises Supporting Ten Thousand Villages” project has emerged as a key strategy to implement the “Hundred Thousand Million Project,” enabling collaboration between more and less developed areas through financial support, project development, and talent exchange, ultimately promoting shared growth.

According to the Guangdong Light and Color Promotion Association, as of July this year, Guangdong has mobilized 5,682 private enterprises to support 4,589 villages through 7,370 assistance projects, amounting to an investment of 12.7 billion yuan.

The Guangzhou Rural Revitalization Holdings Group, guided by the Zengcheng District government in Guangzhou, has united several quality listed companies and private enterprises to operate the province’s inaugural market-oriented rural revitalization industrial fund. They have pioneered an innovative model that combines “funds and parks” to bolster high-quality rural industrial development while rolling out the “Hundred Thousand Million Project.” Additionally, they have established the Guangzhou Rural Talent Academy, the city’s first specialized institution for cultivating rural talent, ensuring ongoing development and operational empowerment in villages.

For promoting ethnic unity, the Lianshan Primary School in Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County, which spans approximately 51 acres and features state-of-the-art educational facilities, was fully funded with a generous donation of 160 million yuan from Xinghe Bay Group. Dubbed locally as “the most beautiful rural primary school,” it opened its doors in September 2022.

Xinghe Bay Group has long focused on supporting impoverished and ethnically diverse regions. Their projects address critical areas of rural revitalization, including environmental improvements, grassroots healthcare and education, and the stimulation of local industries, impacting areas across Guangdong and beyond, including Sichuan, Guizhou, Tibet, Yunnan, Gansu, and Xinjiang.

With a rich diversity of ethnic groups in Guangdong, many private entrepreneurs contribute to promoting ethnic progress by investing in infrastructure development and special industry projects in minority areas, driving economic development and cultural exchanges. For example, local entrepreneurs have developed tourist attractions in ethnic regions to boost tourism and directly enhance income.

As the Guangdong Light and Color initiative continues to expand, officials underscore its importance as a platform for private enterprises to give back to society and fulfill their social responsibilities. It plays a crucial role in exploring modernity within a Chinese context and fostering the healthy development of non-public economic sectors, actively advancing the cause of common prosperity.

Looking to the future, officials express their commitment to refining the top-level design to spur innovative growth in the Light and Color initiative. They aim to weave this development into broader unified work strategies, strengthening the role of private entrepreneurs and encouraging them to collectively promote the Light and Color spirit. By enhancing brand development and increasing public awareness of Light and Color projects, they hope to attract more private entrepreneurs to get involved, supporting systematic and standardized growth that serves as a practical reference for grassroots implementation.

Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown has stepped into a new role as development advisor for Alpha Ring, a local fusion energy startup. This move comes as the city intensifies its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and promoting clean energy initiatives. Brown’s appointment highlights the growing confidence in fusion technology as a viable solution for the future of clean energy.

In our discussion, Brown stressed the importance of the next decade for the advancement of fusion technology. “Alpha Ring is leading the charge in this energy revolution, with the goal of delivering sustainable and pollution-free energy to the world. This isn’t merely a technological race; it’s a revolution that could transform the global energy landscape,” he explained.

Peter Liu, chairman of Alpha Ring, laid out the company’s visionary goal: “We aim to be the first in the world to achieve commercial fusion electricity, providing a stable and sustainable clean energy source on a global scale.”

Alpha Ring’s innovative approach centers around a magnetic control technique dubbed the “Alpha Stable Ring,” created to tackle two significant hurdles in current fusion reactions: plasma stability and energy loss. Traditional fusion technologies, such as Tokamaks and magnetic confinement reactors, rely on powerful magnetic fields to contain superheated plasma, but they are often sensitive to minor disturbances that can disrupt stable energy output.

The breakthrough proposed by Alpha Ring features a revolutionary stable ring design that employs high-frequency oscillating magnetic fields to form a stable “magnetic stability ring” within the plasma. This design effectively keeps the plasma contained, even amid disturbances. According to the company’s published test results, this technology maintains prolonged plasma stability at lower energy outputs compared to traditional methods, significantly enhancing energy conversion efficiency.

The patented technology not only promises to lower operational costs for fusion reactors but also aims to elevate energy conversion efficiency to levels suitable for commercial use.

“Our stability ring technology not only addresses the challenge of achieving stable energy output from fusion but also minimizes the reactor’s footprint, allowing for more flexible deployment of fusion technology,” highlighted a member of Alpha Ring’s research and development team.

Additionally, Alpha Ring plans to expand its roster of scientists and engineers, intending to onboard 100 new professionals from top global research institutions over the next two years. The company is also in talks with major power companies to explore potential applications for future commercial reactor designs.

Alpha Ring aspires to position fusion as a primary energy source worldwide, ultimately aiming to replace traditional fossil fuels and nuclear fission technologies to achieve true carbon neutrality.

Currently, the landscape for fusion technology development is highly competitive, with numerous startups and major research institutions vying for advancements. In addition to Alpha Ring, companies like Tokamak Energy from the UK, Commonwealth Fusion Systems from the US, and General Fusion from Canada are all making significant progress in the field of fusion.

In response to this global push, governments around the world are increasing their funding and policy support for fusion technology. This year, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a landmark $1 billion investment to bolster fusion research, while the EU and China are enhancing funding and technical support for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project.

Against this competitive backdrop, Alpha Ring aims to leverage its unique stability ring technology to gain a technological advantage and establish itself as a leader in the commercial fusion sector.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a milestone that highlights the significant contributions of overseas Chinese to both the Chinese revolution and the construction of modern China. With the success of China’s reform, opening up, and modernization heavily reliant on the support and participation of the Chinese diaspora, it raises questions about the unique roles they play in promoting cultural exchange. Looking ahead, how might they continue to facilitate dialogue between Chinese culture and cultures worldwide? Recently, we had a chance to speak with Professor Li Qirong from the International Center for Immigration and Overseas Chinese Studies at Central China Normal University.

**Interviewer**: Traditional Chinese culture serves as the root and soul of the Chinese nation. Many generations of overseas Chinese have achieved remarkable successes through their hard work and ingenuity. What cultural traits do you think they embody?

**Li Qirong**: The concept of “cultural genes,” introduced by Richard Dawkins in “The Selfish Gene,” likens these genes to biological ones, acting as units of cultural transmission grounded in specific values and ways of thinking. Over China’s 5,000-year history, our outstanding traditional culture has become a key spiritual identifier for the nation, nurturing qualities essential for the survival and development of the Chinese people.

Wherever they settle, overseas Chinese cultivate a relationship with their homeland that resonates with “roots, soul, and dreams.” They uphold material cultural traits, such as dietary habits and housing styles, while also passing down intangible cultural values like traditional beliefs and customs.

**Interviewer**: Ji Xianlin emphasized that cultural exchange is a vital force advancing human society. How do overseas Chinese facilitate this exchange with other countries, and what unique roles do they play in the process?

**Li Qirong**: Cultural exchange involves various forms, from the movement of people and goods to the sharing of customs, thought, and art. Overseas Chinese contribute greatly through their linguistic behaviors, traditions, and interactions.

Firstly, they act as carriers and ambassadors of Chinese culture, serving as important windows to project China’s image internationally. With approximately 60 million overseas Chinese embodying diverse cultural traits, they not only establish roots in their adopted countries but also spread Chinese culture through over 20,000 Chinese language schools, hundreds of Chinese-language media outlets, and countless Chinatowns and Chinese restaurants.

Secondly, they celebrate and share traditional Chinese festivals, such as Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, by engaging in culturally significant activities like decorating, writing couplets, and organizing local events, which enhance cultural diversity wherever they are.

Thirdly, overseas Chinese often organize cultural and artistic events that promote Chinese heritage. For instance, associations like the Malaysian Chinese Cultural Association host exhibitions on calligraphy and traditional painting, helping bridge cultural gaps.

Fourthly, they facilitate cultural and economic exchanges between China and other nations through business and professional connections, showcasing their specialized skills and ongoing ties with China. Initiatives like the Chinese diaspora business discussions gather professionals from over 100 countries to foster cultural exchange.

Fifthly, the Chinese food scene, an essential part of many overseas Chinese lives, has successfully introduced Chinese dining culture into various countries, reflecting the blending and appreciation of cultures.

Lastly, overseas Chinese-language media plays a crucial role in linking China and the world, significantly contributing to the dissemination of Chinese narratives and cultural understanding.

**Interviewer**: Looking towards the future, how can overseas Chinese capitalize on their unique strengths to further promote mutual understanding across civilizations?

**Li Qirong**: Overseas Chinese occupy a unique position, straddling both their homeland and foreign societies. Their deep understanding of Chinese culture, along with their knowledge of foreign languages and customs, positions them well to facilitate dialogue and understanding.

As we strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind, cultural exchange is fundamental. Overseas Chinese can leverage their unique insights into both China and their host countries to provide diverse perspectives and contribute to constructive solutions.

Community organizations and cultural groups are vital components of “people-to-people diplomacy” and can significantly enhance cross-cultural exchanges between governments and local communities. For instance, cultural exchanges have historically supported the growth of China-U.S. relations, while the involvement of overseas Chinese in commerce and cooperation with ASEAN countries continues to have a lasting impact.

To summarize, it’s crucial to continue utilizing Chinese community organizations, Chinese-language media, and cultural platforms as means of integrating into local societies while showcasing Chinese heritage. Chinese-language media, in particular, should adapt to modern formats that broaden outreach and engagement with different regions, sharing compelling stories that highlight cultural exchange and foster a balanced view of China in the global arena.

Ultimately, we must draw contemporary relevance and global significance from our rich traditional culture and communicate the accomplishments of modern Chinese cultural innovation. By emphasizing shared human values, we can enhance the vitality and influence of traditional Chinese culture continuously.

Google has recently launched the Pixel 9, positioning it as a premium smartphone at a more affordable price. Retailing at £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349), it is £200 cheaper than the high-end Pixel 9 Pro, aiming to compete with other major players like the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24.

The design of the Pixel 9 mirrors that of its Pro counterpart, featuring elegant aluminum edges and a glass front and back. Its 6.3-inch OLED display offers a vibrant visual experience, though it’s not quite as sharp or bright as the Pro version.

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 is equipped with the Tensor G4 chip, accompanied by 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. While it falls short of the Pro model’s 16GB of RAM, it still delivers smooth daily performance without any noticeable lag in apps or AI functionalities.

Battery life is one of the standout features of the Pixel 9, boasting around two days on a single charge and a full recharge in just over 80 minutes with an appropriate charger. However, it’s important to note that Google does not include a charger in the box.

Running on Android 14, the Pixel 9 promises an impressive seven years of software support, making it one of the most enduring smartphones available. It also incorporates Google’s advanced AI capabilities, including the Gemini Nano models. While it features the new Screenshots app and Pixel Studio for enhanced image management and creation, it does not come with a subscription to Google’s Gemini Advanced, limiting access to some premium AI functionalities.

When it comes to photography, the Pixel 9 sports a dual-camera system with a 50MP main lens and a 48MP ultrawide lens, though it lacks a telephoto option. The main camera excels in various lighting conditions, but the absence of a zoom lens does limit its versatility. The 10.5MP selfie camera, however, holds up well.

A unique offering is the “Add Me” feature, which utilizes augmented reality to help integrate photographers into group shots, although the results can vary depending on the complexity of the scene.

From a sustainability standpoint, the Pixel 9 is made with at least 20% recycled materials, and Google has introduced recycling options for the device. They also provide repair alternatives and access to replacement parts through services like iFixit.

In summary, while the Pixel 9 stands out as an impressive flagship without the Pro label, its lack of a telephoto camera and top-tier AI features puts it at a disadvantage compared to the more equipped Pixel 9 Pro and the budget-friendly Pixel 8a. Potential buyers might want to consider waiting for a sale to maximize its value.

**Pros:** Seven years of software updates, great camera quality, vibrant display, strong battery life, sustainable materials, and impressive AI features.

**Cons:** No zoom camera, less secure face unlock compared to Face ID, raw performance isn’t top-tier, and its value proposition may not be the strongest at its current price.

On October 7 at 9 AM, the long-awaited autumn maintenance work kicked off on the Daqin Railway, often hailed as “China’s Premier Heavy-haul Railway.”

Stretching from Datong in Shanxi province to Qinhuangdao in Hebei province, the Daqin Railway is distinguished as China’s first double-track electrified heavy-haul coal transport line. Its extensive network serves 26 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, connecting all six major power grids across the nation. In addition, it plays a crucial role in coal transportation for over 6,000 companies, including the five largest power generation firms and more than 380 key power plants and major steel manufacturers.

As October unfolds, the railway has reported an impressive transport volume of 1.192 million tons for the month, reflecting a 15.9% increase from the previous month. To swiftly restore operational efficiency post-peak production, a dedicated maintenance program is set to run from October 7 to October 26, spanning 20 days.

During this maintenance window, Daqin Railway will suspend operations and cut power along the entire route daily from 9 AM to 12 PM. The extensive maintenance efforts will involve not only replacing tracks, sleepers, and ballast but also repairing switches, with a particular emphasis on comprehensive work on bridges and tunnels. Specifically, the tasks will include replacing 127.6 kilometers of rail, 17,500 sleepers, and 17 sets of switches, as well as extensive clearing and maintenance across 86 kilometers of the track bed, along with work on 53 bridges and 5 tunnels.

To ensure the quality and efficiency of the maintenance work, approximately 9,000 personnel will be deployed, supported by 56 large construction machines, 132 small machines, and 54 track maintenance vehicles. Each operational segment—covering Datong, Chawu, Taiyuan, and Qinhuangdao—has developed tailored construction plans based on a scientifically designed overall strategy, enabling precise and thorough progress.

To guarantee stable energy transportation during this maintenance phase, the Taiyuan Bureau of China National Railway is focused on meeting its annual transport targets for the Daqin Railway. They have established a centralized construction command in Chawu and a sub-command in Datong, effectively coordinating and directing on-site operations. By fostering close collaboration among scheduling, operations, construction, equipment, and support units, the railway is optimizing train services around the construction timetable, ensuring smooth management that balances both maintenance and transportation commitments.

This intensive maintenance initiative aims to significantly elevate the quality of the track and associated equipment, enhance transportation safety, and create optimal conditions for expanded operations along this vital rail line.

In a promising development from Dechang County in Sichuan’s Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, local villager Ji Xiaoxiang shared the exciting news that his new home is nearly ready for occupancy. “We expect it to be finished this month, and we’re looking forward to moving in by the end of the year,” he explained, as he gestured toward the newly completed buildings at a geological disaster risk relocation settlement in Datianwan Village, Nanshan Lisu Township.

Sichuan is renowned for its vulnerability to mountain floods and geological disasters, which renders it a region with delicate ecological conditions. For communities that have faced such threats for years, relocation serves as the most direct and effective preventative measure. “Our old house was situated near a potential landslide zone, where a landslide occurred a few years back. Whenever it rained, we were too frightened to sleep,” Ji recalled. Following assessments of risk levels and individual preferences, residents near the old site gradually found themselves included in evacuation plans. Their relocation options varied, including centralized housing, monetary compensation, scattered housing, or moving in with relatives or friends. Ji chose centralized housing, and his new residence is just a few kilometers from his previous one. Smiling in front of the neatly arranged homes at the settlement, he noted, “Relocation also comes with subsidies.”

However, the situation in Nanshan Lisu Township, situated at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters on valley slopes, complicates the relocation process, primarily due to limited available land. To tackle this challenge, Dechang County has set up a dedicated task force to manage relocation efforts, along with ensuring access to water, electricity, and other logistical support. “This area is a ‘land parcel’ of over ten acres owned by Changzhou Street, which has relocated twenty households from our township,” stated Xie Xiulin, Party Secretary of Nanshan Lisu Township. The housing designs for the centralized settlement align with plans provided by the Dechang County authorities, with funding for essential infrastructure coming from various sources.

Liangshan Prefecture views disaster risk relocation as a crucial strategy to enhance livelihoods, increase safety, and drive rural revitalization. Local counties are developing customized relocation plans that incorporate support measures for education, healthcare, and other vital services for those who have relocated, ensuring effective project management. In 2024, Liangshan aims to relocate 5,748 households at risk of geological disasters.

Furthermore, Sichuan province has received an additional 6.95 billion yuan in government bonds to facilitate 253 projects, which include evacuation initiatives and holistic governance in disaster-prone areas, benefiting over 26,000 households in jeopardy. To date, more than 12,700 families have successfully moved into their new homes. A representative from Sichuan’s Natural Resources Department commented, “We are making steady strides in the relocation efforts, working to expedite moves for those in need, ensuring that they can relocate, settle down, flourish, and achieve prosperity.”