Author: shuiyaoinns.com

In a significant recent development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of Hashem Safieddine, who was believed to be the next leader of Hezbollah, following an airstrike in southern Beirut earlier this month. Speaking on Tuesday evening, an Israeli military spokesperson stated that the strikes in the Dahiyeh suburb also killed Ali Hussein Hazima, the head of the militant group’s intelligence branch, during operations conducted three weeks ago.

This marks a pivotal moment, as it’s the first time Israel has acknowledged the death of a high-ranking Hezbollah political figure since the former secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah has yet to respond to this claim.

Safieddine, who held a key position as head of Hezbollah’s executive council, was said to have been chosen as Nasrallah’s successor several years back. A cousin of the former leader, he shared much of Nasrallah’s charismatic appeal, which had fostered a strong cult of personality around him. Following the Israeli strikes on October 3rd, targeting what was reported as an underground bunker housing the senior leader, Safieddine’s status remained uncertain, with Hezbollah unable to re-establish communication with him since the attack. Rescue teams were reportedly barred from reaching the bombing site.

With Safieddine’s demise, Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s deputy secretary general, is now the only remaining figure from the organization’s senior public leadership. Although Qassem has been a prominent face of Hezbollah since Nasrallah’s assassination, he does not enjoy the same level of support among the group’s followers.

The identity of Hezbollah’s next leader remains unclear. In a speech two weeks ago, Qassem mentioned that the process of appointing a new leader is complex and will take time. Alongside these political losses, Israel has reportedly decimated much of Hezbollah’s senior military cadre in recent months.

The airstrike that claimed Safieddine’s life also resulted in the deaths of 25 other Hezbollah leaders, as per Israeli reports. Last week, Israel took out Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. During a visit to Israel on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Israeli leaders should “capitalize” on Sinwar’s death to seek an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to work towards the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s initial assault that sparked the ongoing war. He also stressed the importance of improving humanitarian aid access for Palestinians.

Following these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office characterized his meeting with Blinken, which lasted over two hours, as “friendly and productive.”

Despite significant losses in its leadership structure, Hezbollah maintains that it has preserved its organizational integrity, citing Israel’s perceived failures in advancing its objectives in southern Lebanon as evidence. Since Israel launched its ground incursion into Lebanon on September 30, Hezbollah fighters have engaged in daily confrontations with Israeli troops, with tanks observed in various border villages and extensive destruction reported in southern Lebanese towns due to Israeli remote detonations.

Israel maintains that its ground operations are intended to dismantle Hezbollah’s border infrastructure to prevent cross-border attacks. The level of success in achieving these objectives remains uncertain, as media access to southern Lebanon is limited.

Born in 1964 in southern Lebanon, Safieddine was a founding member of Hezbollah and spent considerable time in Qom, Iran, before being entrusted with various significant responsibilities within the organization. He has been designated as a “terrorist” by both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia since 2017.

In contrast to Nasrallah’s reclusive lifestyle, Safieddine made public appearances at political and religious events, including funerals, during the past year of hostilities with Israel, a stark change from the previous leader’s secretive approach.

Recently, Israel has intensified its air campaign in Lebanon, targeting infrastructure linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-affiliated bank accused of financing the organization. The bank, part of Hezbollah’s philanthropic network, operates over 30 buildings throughout Lebanon.

On Monday night, Israeli strikes on Greater Beirut resulted in 18 fatalities, including four children, and injured 60 others in Dahiyeh, causing significant damage to the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Lebanon’s largest public medical facility.

In retaliation, Hezbollah fired rockets at Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel and successfully downed an Israeli Hermes 450 drone with a surface-to-air missile on Tuesday afternoon.

The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets targeting Israel on October 8, 2023, in an act of solidarity with Hamas, which had attacked the previous day. Since Israel’s initiation of “Operation Northern Arrows” on September 23, hostilities have dramatically increased, with casualties in Lebanon surpassing 2,500, and injuries exceeding 11,850 over the past year.

Recently, both spot gold and COMEX gold futures have reached historic highs, surpassing the $2700 per ounce mark for the first time. With international gold prices continuing to rise, the retail prices for 24-karat gold jewelry in domestic markets have also hit new peaks, with some prices exceeding 800 RMB per gram. As of October 21, brands like Chow Tai Fook, Liufu Jewelry, and Chow Sang Sang reported retail prices for 24-karat gold jewelry at 806 RMB per gram, 806 RMB per gram, and 803 RMB per gram, respectively.

In an on-the-ground visit to several gold stores, we found that most have begun selling gold jewelry according to the new retail price guidelines. With the Double 11 shopping festival approaching, some shops are offering various promotional discounts to attract more customers. For instance, certain brands have initiated price reductions of 20 to 50 RMB per gram, while others are running promotions that offer a 30 RMB rebate for every 2000 RMB spent on gold jewelry.

“Recently, the fluctuations in gold prices have been significant, prompting many customers to place orders quickly once they see a favorable price,” a sales representative from a gold jewelry store in Beijing’s Xicheng District shared. “Investment-grade gold bars have become the primary choice for buyers.”

According to data from the China Gold Association, in the first half of 2024, gold consumption nationwide reached 523.753 tons, with gold jewelry at 270.021 tons, marking a year-on-year decline of 26.68%. Meanwhile, gold bars and coins saw a consumption increase of 46.02%, totaling 213.635 tons. This trend illustrates a divergence in sales, with high-priced gold jewelry seeing a marked decline while lower-priced gold bars and coins experience significant growth. The volatility in gold prices has intensified the operational risks for gold processing and sales companies, leading to a reduction in purchases by wholesalers and a notable drop in processing volumes among jewelry manufacturers.

Financial reports reveal that companies primarily engaged in gold jewelry sales have experienced varying degrees of declines in performance. For example, from July 1 to September 30, Liufu Group reported an overall retail sales drop of 16% year-on-year and a 35% decrease in same-store sales, along with the net closure of 76 locations. Similarly, Chow Sang Sang’s total retail sales for the first half of the year fell by 13%, resulting in the net closure of 22 stores.

Industry experts note that while rising gold prices have increased the retail prices of gold jewelry, the negative impact on sales has been even greater, contributing significantly to the declines in jewelry company performances and store closures. Gold brands need to adjust their sales strategies and offer products more in line with consumer budgets. Additionally, with the rise of online shopping platforms, traditional jewelry stores must also adapt, leveraging online channels to expand their customer base and increase sales opportunities.

Gold has emerged as one of the strongest-performing commodities of 2024, with prices continually setting new records. Wu Zijie, a precious metals analyst at Jinrui Futures, explains that several factors are driving this bullish trend in gold prices: First, unfavorable policies have been largely exhausted. Following the September meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), strong economic employment data from the U.S. has fueled market expectations for a hawkish stance in November, which previously created downward pressure on gold and silver prices. As the marginal expectations for interest rate cuts have turned dovish, the negative impacts from policy have begun to ease. Second, the implied inflation expectations in U.S. Treasury bonds have risen significantly, providing further support for gold prices.

Moreover, the risk of an increasing U.S. fiscal deficit has become a concern. The latest report shows that the budget deficit for the fiscal year 2024 has risen to $1.833 trillion, an 8% increase from the previous year’s $1.695 trillion. This marks the third-highest federal deficit in U.S. history, and projections suggest that the deficit may grow further in 2025. As a form of decentralized “currency,” gold serves as one of the most important tools for hedging against the risks associated with deteriorating sovereign fiscal situations, which contributes to its sustained appeal.

Despite the significant rise in gold prices, international institutions remain optimistic about its future performance. Representatives at the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) annual conference predicted that gold prices could potentially reach $2941 per ounce within the next 12 months, suggesting a nearly 10% increase from current levels.

On October 21, the Shanghai Gold Exchange issued a notice warning about significant volatility in precious metal prices, indicating a pronounced increase in market risk. They advised member units to refine their risk emergency plans and urged investors to manage their positions prudently and invest rationally.

Wu Zijie emphasizes that, from a medium- to long-term perspective, challenges such as potential sovereign credit crises or inflation risks stemming from de-globalization will continue to pose significant risks to the global economy, which will likely drive gold prices higher. Therefore, gold remains a valuable long-term investment option. However, considering the risks associated with short-term price volatility, investors should avoid stepping in too aggressively.

On October 16, local time in Islamabad, Chinese Premier Li Qiang participated in the twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Attendees included the Prime Ministers of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as India’s External Affairs Minister, Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Prime Minister of Mongolia, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan. The meeting was hosted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif.

In his address, Premier Li emphasized that the SCO serves as a significant platform for maintaining regional peace and stability, and for promoting development and prosperity among its member states. During the Astana Summit in July of this year, President Xi Jinpeng and the leaders of the member countries reached an important consensus on building a united, trustful, peaceful, prosperous, friendly, just, and equitable SCO community. Li stated that this vision requires a stronger political foundation, more reliable security guarantees, tighter economic ties, deeper emotional connections, and more coordinated multilateral cooperation.

Li expressed China’s willingness to work with all parties to translate the leaders’ consensus into effective actions, turning the vision of the “five common homes” into reality. He proposed four recommendations for deepening cooperation within the SCO: First, strengthen strategic alignment around mission objectives by developing a ten-year strategy for the SCO and outlining a cooperation roadmap. Second, expand pragmatic cooperation by addressing development needs, focusing on poverty alleviation, digital economy, and green development, while maintaining stable industrial and supply chains and actively working towards the establishment of a SCO Development Bank. Third, focus on major risks and enhance cooperative action to combat the “three evil forces,” while quickly establishing comprehensive centers to handle security threats and drug control. Fourth, respond to public expectations by promoting people-to-people exchanges, enhancing the role of the SCO Neighborhood Cooperation Committee, building a digital education alliance, and organizing civil friendship forums.

Participants highlighted that member states uphold the “Shanghai Spirit,” reinforcing mutual respect and trust, and enhance friendly cooperation, which has steadily improved regional economic integration and significantly contributed to regional peace, stability, and development. In light of the complex and turbulent international environment, they stressed the importance of implementing the outcomes of the Astana Summit, fostering unity and collaboration, linking the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, deepening cooperation across various sectors including trade, security, connectivity, energy, finance, green development, and poverty reduction, strengthening cultural ties, practicing genuine multilateralism, and jointly upholding international fairness and justice to promote lasting peace and shared prosperity in the region and the world.

Premier Li Qiang, together with the leaders of member states, signed and issued a joint communiqué, approving related resolutions for the SCO’s development.

Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo presidential candidate, has reportedly secured 70.7% of the vote in Mozambique’s recent presidential election. However, this triumph comes amid serious allegations of election rigging and the tragic killings of two opposition figures by unidentified gunmen.

With this result, Chapo comfortably surpasses the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff. Venâncio Mondlane, a former radio DJ who resonated with many young voters and claimed to have actually won the election, finished a distant second with 20.3% of the vote.

The electoral atmosphere was severely affected by the violent incidents last Saturday, where Elvino Dias, an opposition lawyer preparing to challenge the election results, and Paulo Guambe, a member of the Podemos party, were both killed. Podemos had supported Mondlane, who ultimately had to run as an independent candidate.

Before the election held on October 9, civil society groups accused the long-standing ruling Frelimo party—now in power for nearly 50 years—of falsifying the voter registration process by including nearly 900,000 fictitious voters in a total electorate of 17 million. Both local and international election observers expressed concerns about the integrity of the vote count. The bishops of Mozambique’s Catholic Church claimed there was ballot stuffing, while EU election observers pointed out “irregularities during counting and unjustified alteration of election results.”

Mozambique, one of the poorest nations globally, is still grappling with the repercussions of a 2016 scandal involving $2 billion in concealed corrupt loans, which led international financial institutions, including the IMF, to withdraw support, plunging the economy into turmoil.

Venâncio Mondlane has rallied significantly among younger voters, appealing to a demographic where the average age is under 18. Recently, he urged peaceful protests through Facebook videos, stating, “The time has come for the people to take power and say that we now want to change the history of this country. There won’t be enough bullets for everyone, there won’t be teargas for everyone, there won’t be enough armoured vehicles.”

Zenaida Machado, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for authorities to uphold the right to peaceful protest and to investigate reports of violence and the arbitrary arrests of demonstrators and journalists covering these events. She voiced her concerns regarding the potential actions of security forces based on their conduct in recent years.

On October 21, in a ceremony held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, members of Indonesia’s new cabinet took their oaths of office, officially appointed by the newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto.

Prabowo was sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president on the morning of October 20 and later that evening revealed the names of 53 cabinet members, dubbing them the “Red and White Cabinet” in reference to the colors of the Indonesian flag. This new cabinet consists of seven coordinating ministers, 41 ministers, and five ministerial-level officials, with the youngest member being 34-year-old Dito Ariotjo, the Minister of Youth and Sports, who represents the millennial generation.

In contrast to the 34 ministries under former President Joko Widodo’s administration, the current government has established 48 ministries, adding 14 more departments. Additionally, several ministries now have multiple deputy ministers, breaking the previous norm of having only one. For instance, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises each have three deputy ministers, resulting in a total of 56 deputy minister positions.

Among the new cabinet members, at least 16 are familiar faces; four coordinating ministers were retained, and 12 out of the 41 ministers previously held ministerial roles. However, most of the retained ministers have been reassigned to different positions, with the notable exceptions of Economic Coordinating Minister Airlangga, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif. President Prabowo stated that his selection process was based on merit rather than background.

Sujiyono has been appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, becoming the first non-career diplomat to hold this role in recent years.

On October 21, 2024, the China Foreign Commercial Enterprises Association’s Committee for Drug Development and Research (RDPAC) successfully held the 2024 RDPAC Pharmaceuticals Compliance Seminar in Shanghai. The event aimed to promote industry self-discipline and support the healthy development of China’s pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

Mr. Penny Zhenke, Chair of the RDPAC Executive Committee and President of Pfizer China, welcomed participants with heartfelt appreciation. He underscored the crucial role of compliance in the healthy growth of the pharmaceutical industry and praised the effectiveness of China’s concentrated efforts in regulatory reform. Mr. Zhenke emphasized that these initiatives would have a profound and positive impact on the high-quality development of the pharmaceutical sector and the enhancement of its governance system. He reaffirmed RDPAC’s commitment to helping its member companies continuously improve compliance management while collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote compliance development across the industry.

The seminar featured five roundtable discussions, attended by dozens of distinguished guests, each hosted by RDPAC’s Compliance Working Group co-chairs, vice-chairs, and core members. Notable attendees included Mr. Wu Xiaobin, Global President and COO of BeiGene; Mr. Shan Guohong, RDPAC Executive Committee Vice-Chair and President of Takeda China; Ms. Zhang Wei, Managing Director of Merck Pharmaceutical Health China; Ms. Xing Jun, Executive Chairman of Medichem (China); Mr. Tang Pengcheng, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding; Mr. Liu Tianyao, General Manager of Sinopharm’s Global Procurement and Supply Chain Service Center; Mr. Jarenou, RDPAC Executive President; and Ms. Feng Lan, Secretary-General of the China Pharmaceutical Innovation Promotion Association. They participated in two morning roundtable discussions that explored the current state and future vision of industry compliance from multiple perspectives.

Several of these guests, along with Mr. Zhu Hongbiao, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Chinese Health Economics Association; Ms. Chen Siyuan, Vice President and Regional General Manager for China and Asia at Bristol Myers Squibb; Ms. Huzur Devletsah, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly China; and Ms. Shi Liying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Medical Association, attended a closed-door exchange meeting with relevant departments over lunch.

In the afternoon, the seminar began with the RDPAC compliance head outlining the organization’s compliance efforts for the year. RDPAC recently opened its pharmaceutical representative compliance examination to non-member units and, just days prior, released guidelines for compliance in cooperation with Contract Sales Organizations (CSOs). Additionally, RDPAC plans to publish compliance guidelines for collaboration with industry associations and foundations, as well as to revise the RDPAC Code of Conduct once again.

The following three roundtable discussions focused on key topics such as compliance communication and collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and healthcare professionals; compliance management in CSO operations; and compliance cooperation between pharmaceutical companies and associations or foundations. Compliance officers from both member and non-member firms, leaders from associations and foundations, public hospital integrity department heads, industry experts, and attorneys shared their insights, prompting engaging discussions on several significant issues.

The seminar concluded with a summary address from Mr. Jarenou, who commended the outcomes of the event and expressed his anticipation for ongoing collaboration with all industry stakeholders to further enhance compliance practices and foster a healthier pharmaceutical and medical environment.

Recent reports reveal a stagnation in California’s housing market, with September sales hitting a nine-month low. According to the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), even with interest rates reaching their lowest since spring, home sales in September remained unchanged.

Data indicates that the number of single-family home transactions in California reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 253,010 in September, down 3.4% from August’s 262,050 but up 5.1% compared to 240,840 from the previous year. Year-to-date sales data shows a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the same period in 2023.

C.A.R. President Melanie Barker commented, “As we enter the traditional slow season, the housing supply has gradually improved in recent months. With the possibility of further price declines in the coming months, the fourth quarter may present a good opportunity for potential buyers looking to reenter the market, particularly as interest rates trend back toward historical averages.”

The statewide median home price dropped by 2.3% from August’s $888,740 to $868,150, while still reflecting a 2.9% increase year-over-year. This marks the fifteenth consecutive month of year-over-year price increases, although the growth rate is the slowest since July 2023. As the market enters its typical slow season, prices may continue to decline, yet a year-over-year growth is still anticipated.

High-end home sales have consistently influenced price fluctuations, though their impact on overall state median price growth has diminished in recent months. Sales of homes priced at $1 million and above account for just 3.9%, whereas the market for homes priced below $500,000 has struggled, experiencing an 8.6% decline year-over-year. If the share of high-end properties continues to decrease this fall, the growth of median prices may further slow in the upcoming months.

Regionally, all major areas saw home sales in September exceed last year’s levels, except for the Central Valley and Central Coast. The North Far region experienced the highest growth at 7.2%, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area at 5.1% and Southern California at 1.1%.

Among the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R., 27 reported an increase in home sales year-over-year, with 12 of those counties seeing growth exceeding 10%. Lassen County recorded the largest increase at 78.6%, followed by Siskiyou at 75.0% and Mariposa at 50.0%. Conversely, 25 counties experienced year-over-year declines, with Mono County showing the steepest drop at 50.0%.

In terms of median home prices, most major regions saw increases in September compared to the previous year, with the Central Coast recording the largest gain at 4.6%, followed by the Central Valley at 4.0% and Southern California at 3.7%. The San Francisco Bay Area, however, reported the largest decline at 2.6%, followed by the North Far region at 1.4%.

C.A.R. Chief Economist Jordan Levine noted that economic uncertainty and expectations for low interest rates may have caused many buyers to delay their purchasing decisions, leading to two consecutive months of declining sales and the lowest point of the year. However, recent rebounds in bond yields serve as a reminder that interest rates will continue to fluctuate, suggesting that waiting may not be the best strategy for potential homebuyers.

Interviewer: Maitreya culture is widely recognized in China. Can you explain how it has developed over the centuries?

Wei Daoru: Maitreya culture in China has a history of nearly 2,000 years, and we can generally divide its development into two major historical phases.

The first phase, from the Eastern Han to the Sui and Tang dynasties, saw Maitreya beliefs introduced into the Chinese cultural system as a significant aspect of foreign Buddhism, quickly gaining a following. However, during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the situation began to shift. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, Maitreya beliefs circulated among Buddhists and various societal classes, though the progression was somewhat erratic—sometimes thriving and at other times declining. This phase contained distinct Chinese characteristics, showcasing local innovations, but primarily retained elements from external Buddhist traditions.

The second phase spans the late Tang to the modern era. During this time, Maitreya culture entered a new phase of development. Popular folk tales featured the “Buddha of the Cloth Bag,” often recognized as an incarnation of Maitreya. These stories gained widespread acceptance, reflecting the localization of Buddhism in China.

In summary, Maitreya culture embodies the fruits of cultural exchange between China and India.

Interviewer: What are the characteristics and features of Maitreya culture in China?

Wei Daoru: Over two millennia, out of the numerous Buddhist figures in Chinese society, Maitreya belief has emerged as one of the cultural forms reflecting the Chinese spirit, ethos, and characteristics.

Chinese Maitreya culture results from extensive interactions and exchanges between Chinese and Indian cultures. Compared to other Buddhist figures, the Maitreya culture featuring the “Buddha of the Cloth Bag” contains more elements of Chinese spiritual heritage, deeply resonating with the Chinese worldview and values that emphasize optimism, kindness, and a sense of community.

Firstly, the Chinese conception of Maitreya is shaped by Zen Buddhist principles, representing the essence and core spirit of Zen philosophy. As the incarnation of Maitreya, the “Buddha of the Cloth Bag” exemplifies a Zen master who embodies enlightenment in every mundane act, illustrating the fundamental spirit of Zen teachings.

Secondly, the belief in Maitreya promotes virtues highly regarded in Chinese culture, such as openness, optimism, honesty, and altruism. This representation of Maitreya emphasizes compassion and care for others, which aligns with themes found in Confucianism, Daoism, and even local cultural elements in Ningbo.

Thirdly, the unique aesthetic sensibilities of the Chinese people are prominently showcased in Maitreya culture. Unlike the solemn representations of Buddhas and bodhisattvas in Indian Buddhism, the Chinese Maitreya, characterized by a carefree demeanor, hearty laughter, and relaxed postures, embodies the juxtaposition of humor and dignity, reflecting the inherent aesthetic values of the Chinese culture.

Interviewer: What significance does Chinese Maitreya culture hold today?

Wei Daoru: In contemporary society, Chinese Maitreya culture bears significant value and relevance.

To begin with, the qualities embodied in Maitreya culture—tolerance, kindness, wisdom, and joy—align closely with modern values of harmony and compassion, reflecting a deep-rooted appreciation for life and a hopeful outlook for the future among the Chinese people. These positive spiritual messages transcend religious belief, contributing to family harmony, neighborly relations, and individual mental well-being.

Moreover, Maitreya culture plays an important role in fostering a community with a shared future for humanity and promoting a harmonious world. The principles of compassion, equality, tolerance, peace, and optimism present in Maitreya culture hold invaluable worth that transcends national and ethnic boundaries, facilitating international cultural exchange and understanding, and contributing to global peace and development.

Interviewer: How is Chinese Maitreya culture spreading beyond its borders, particularly in Asia and the West?

Wei Daoru: The image of Maitreya, along with its rich spiritual resources, gradually spread throughout China and even reached countries like Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia in ancient times, showcasing remarkable international adaptability. In recent decades, the influence of Maitreya culture has extended to Europe and North America, truly becoming a global phenomenon.

A notable example of this “global outreach” can be seen through the Maitreya culture initiatives originating from Xuedou Mountain in Ningbo, which has been actively promoting Maitreya culture worldwide since 2008. This site has engaged in cultural exchange activities with over 50 countries and regions. Xuedou Mountain has also established a presence in Nepal, Cambodia, and other nations, sending a scaled-down version of the towering Maitreya Buddha statue—a 56.74-meter outdoor statue—as a gift to Cambodia.

Additionally, international activities like “Chinese Maitreya Culture Antarctic Charity” have led to a growing recognition and appreciation of Maitreya’s image among foreign friends. Maitreya is affectionately known as “the Happy Buddha” or “the Joyful Chinese,” and its cheerful visage is dubbed “the Smile of Compassion from the East,” transforming Maitreya culture into a significant cultural symbol for China.

Interviewer: Why do you think Chinese Maitreya culture is capable of being shared globally in dialogues between Eastern and Western civilizations?

Wei Daoru: The ability of Chinese Maitreya culture to be shared globally is primarily due to its unique spiritual content and broad international adaptability.

The values inherent in Maitreya culture—tolerance, kindness, wisdom, joy—closely align with universally pursued ideals of human society. These values transcend religious boundaries, becoming a universally appealing cultural resource. For instance, the emphasis on tolerance and understanding in Maitreya culture is especially relevant in today’s multicultural society, encouraging cooperation and mutual respect as we navigate our differences.

The adaptability and outreach of Maitreya culture are further evidenced by the worldwide recognition of its imagery and narratives, providing a solid foundation for its global dissemination. The Maitreya Buddha’s character—marked by open-heartedness and a ready smile—tends to resonate across diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting acceptance and appreciation of Maitreya and Chinese culture, fostering dialogues and interactions, and contributing positively to peace and development globally.

**Interviewer:** Can you tell us about the recent developments in Nigeria regarding the plans for a 5-star hotel in Abuja?

**Olawale Ajimotokan:** The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is currently in discussions with Daewoo about the potential establishment of a 5-star hotel in Abuja. This project aims to enhance the hospitality sector in the capital.

**Interviewer:** I understand that there was an international network launched focused on African energy transition. What was Nigeria’s role in this initiative?

**Peter Uzoho:** Yes, Nigeria, along with other nations, was represented at the launch of the inaugural international network on African energy transition organized by Eni and Luiss University. This platform seeks to address the energy challenges faced by the continent.

**Interviewer:** There are reports about former Central Bank governor Godwin Emefiele being arraigned today. Can you shed some light on the situation?

**Alex Enumah:** Certainly. Emefiele is set to face court proceedings today amidst concerns regarding the possibility of his rearrest, which has raised significant public interest.

**Interviewer:** There seems to be a financial issue involving USSD debt owed by banks to telecommunications companies. What are the details?

**Ayo Yusuf:** Indeed, the situation is quite grave. The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has disclosed that the debt owed by banks for USSD services has reached a staggering N200 billion.

**Interviewer:** What updates can you provide regarding mining communities in Nigeria?

**Ayo Yusuf:** The Federal Government has revised the guidelines that govern mining communities, a move aimed at improving the sector and ensuring sustainable practices.

**Interviewer:** There’s been political commentary about the opposition party. What’s the current sentiment regarding their state?

**Ayo Yusuf:** Recently, representatives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have suggested that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its direction and purpose, indicating a shifting political landscape.

**Interviewer:** Lastly, there have been significant losses in the community recently. Can you touch on the passing of a notable advocate for derivation?

**Interviewer:** Yes, the community mourns the loss of a prominent advocate for derivation, who passed away. His influence was notable, particularly in discussions surrounding the division of 13% derivation funds.

**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what initiatives are in play for the upcoming election related to creative influence?

**Interviewer:** Ahead of the elections, the TASCK is leveraging the power of creative professionals to support YIAGA’s “60% of Us” initiative, aiming to engage the public and promote voter participation.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent actions, accusing him of undermining food security globally, particularly in Gaza. British intelligence has indicated that Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports, with Starmer asserting that Putin is “willing to gamble on global food security.”

Starmer highlighted that multiple grain ships headed for developing nations have been damaged due to these Russian strikes. An intelligence report released by the UK government revealed that between October 5 and October 14, at least four merchant vessels were struck by Russian munitions. Among the affected was a ship carrying vegetable oil intended for the World Food Programme in Palestine, which faced delays.

The Prime Minister noted, “Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission. In doing so, he is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war.”

This week, Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner were urged by British-Palestinian families to establish evacuation and resettlement programs and to take firmer action against Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Health officials in northern Gaza have warned that medical supplies are running critically low amid ongoing Israeli offensives.

Families called for a British presence at Gaza’s border crossings to ensure quicker inspections and an unrestricted flow of aid. While Israel claims that aid has increased since a leaked US letter earlier this month warned of restricted arms supplies unless 300 aid trucks entered Gaza each day, the United Nations reported that aid shipments were at their lowest in months by mid-October.

The Biden administration has expressed concern over delays to US-funded aid entering Gaza, noting a drop of over 50% in the supply flow since March, when Israel had pledged to facilitate more deliveries.

In a related development, the UK government announced a £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine, funded by interest from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, as part of a commitment made during the G7 summit in June.

Starmer emphasized that these Russian strikes are occurring during Ukraine’s critical harvest season. He pointed out that Ukraine’s food and grain exports, primarily via the Black Sea, had nearly returned to pre-war levels this year, thanks to a newly established shipping corridor and successful drone attacks on the Russian fleet.

Before the conflict, Ukraine ranked as the world’s seventh largest wheat exporter, prominently serving markets in the Middle East, while also being a significant producer of sunflower oil and other essential food items. However, Russia has consistently attempted to impose a maritime blockade on Ukraine’s economy.

Starmer denounced Russia’s actions, stating, “Russia has no respect for the norms and laws that govern our international system. Not only was their illegal invasion a blatant attack on the principles of the UN charter, but the manner in which they have conducted their warfare shows a complete disregard for human life and the global repercussions of their invasion.”

Additionally, the UK government has announced plans for a British factory to begin producing artillery barrels for Ukraine by 2027, in collaboration with Germany’s Rheinmetall. This initiative will utilize British steel and is expected to create 400 jobs, marking the first domestic production of artillery barrels in a decade.