作者: admin

  • Melodic harmony under gingko tree

    Melodic harmony under gingko tree

    Shanghai’s cultural scene witnessed a harmonious fusion of nature and artistry as the historic Shanghai Concert Hall celebrated its 95th anniversary with a special Ginkgo Concert series on December 6. The Shanghai Brass ensemble delivered an enchanting open-air performance beneath the golden canopy of gingko trees, creating a multisensory experience that blended musical excellence with natural beauty.

    The concert, strategically timed to coincide with the peak coloration of the iconic gingko trees, represented one of several seasonal performances organized by the venerable institution. Professor Han Xiaoming, renowned horn virtuoso and faculty member at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, emphasized the city’s cultural ascendancy during the event. ‘In terms of musical quality and international standards,’ Han noted, ‘Shanghai now stands among the world’s first-class cultural capitals.’

    The anniversary celebration highlighted Shanghai Concert Hall’s enduring legacy as one of China’s premier performance venues since its completion in 1930. The ginkgo concert series has become an anticipated annual tradition that attracts both dedicated classical music enthusiasts and casual listeners, offering accessible cultural programming in a distinctive natural setting. The integration of architectural heritage, musical performance, and seasonal natural elements demonstrates Shanghai’s innovative approach to cultivating public engagement with the arts.

  • Trump criticises Democrat he pardoned over not switching political parties

    Trump criticises Democrat he pardoned over not switching political parties

    Former President Donald Trump has publicly condemned Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar for what he termed a “lack of LOYALTY” after the Texas congressman chose to remain with the Democratic party despite receiving a presidential pardon. Trump issued the full pardon on Wednesday for Cuellar, who faced 14 federal charges including bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy related to allegations of accepting $600,000 from Azerbaijan’s state oil company and a Mexican bank.

    In his social media post, Trump expressed disappointment that Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat just hours after receiving clemency, thwarting Republican hopes that he would switch parties and bolster their narrow House majority. “Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!” Trump wrote, emphasizing his expectation of political allegiance in return for the pardon.

    The Justice Department had accused Cuellar and his wife of acting as foreign agents by accepting payments in exchange for advancing interests of Azerbaijan and Mexico in Congress. Both maintained their innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

    Trump framed the prosecution as politically motivated, claiming Biden’s administration targeted Cuellar specifically because the moderate Democrat had “bravely spoken out against Open Borders” and supported border security measures. He described the case as an “evil quest” by “radical left” Democrats to destroy Cuellar and his family.

    Despite never having spoken with Cuellar or his family, Trump stated he “felt very good about fighting” for them because they were “treated sooo BADLY!” He particularly noted that the congressman’s daughters had written a personal letter appealing for their father’s pardon.

    Cuellar, in response to Trump’s comments, affirmed his commitment to the Democratic party while expressing willingness to collaborate across party lines. “I’m an American, I’m a Texan and I’m a Democrat in that order,” he told Fox News, adding that he had prayed for Trump and his family during church services, believing that “if the president succeeds, the country succeeds.”

    This incident highlights Trump’s longstanding emphasis on loyalty, which has previously manifested in official contexts including federal job applications that asked applicants to describe how they would advance Trump’s agenda. The expectation of political allegiance following presidential pardons represents a new dimension in this pattern of behavior.

  • Supply squeeze is reshaping bitcoin market, says industry expert

    Supply squeeze is reshaping bitcoin market, says industry expert

    The Bitcoin market is undergoing a fundamental transformation characterized by unprecedented supply constraints that are reshaping the cryptocurrency’s economic landscape, according to industry analysis. Abdumalik Mirakhmedov, Founder and Executive President of global mining firm GDA, reveals that available Bitcoin for immediate trading has dwindled to critically low levels, creating what may become one of the most significant supply squeezes in the asset’s history.

    With nearly 20 million of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million coin cap already mined, the convergence of institutional accumulation, long-term holding strategies, and permanently lost coins has created structural scarcity. Mirakhmedov estimates that accounting for coins held by steadfast investors and approximately 18% lost in inaccessible wallets, the truly liquid supply may have contracted to just six million coins.

    This scarcity dynamic is being accelerated by three pivotal developments: the emergence of spot Bitcoin ETFs that physically custody vast quantities of Bitcoin, institutional and governmental adoption treating Bitcoin as a reserve asset, and the permanent loss of early coins through discarded hardware or misplaced private keys.

    Unlike traditional currencies or commodities, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature prevents any central authority from increasing supply or manipulating availability. This immutable scarcity framework, combined with growing institutional participation from banks, pension funds, and sovereign wealth managers, is transforming Bitcoin from a speculative instrument into a digital store of value.

    Mirakhmedov, who will address these developments at the Bitcoin MENA conference in Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that this supply contraction represents a permanent market structure shift rather than temporary cyclical patterns. As more Bitcoin becomes locked in long-term custody solutions and institutional portfolios, the actively traded supply continues to diminish, potentially creating sustained upward pressure on valuations.

    The conference will feature further discussion on Bitcoin mining’s role in global energy transitions, highlighting the evolving narrative around cryptocurrency’s place in institutional portfolios and global financial infrastructure.

  • Media tour explores Xiamen’s tech surge and smart manufacturing

    Media tour explores Xiamen’s tech surge and smart manufacturing

    Xiamen, a coastal city in China’s Fujian province, is rapidly transforming into a significant technology hub, as demonstrated during the recent 2025 Xiamen Internet All-media Tour. Journalists and media representatives visited two key locations that exemplify this technological evolution: the Xiamen Science City No1 Incubator and the leading smart manufacturing enterprise GoldenHome.

    The tour provided firsthand exposure to Xiamen’s growing technological capabilities and industrial modernization efforts. At Xiamen Science City, participants explored cutting-edge research facilities and innovation ecosystems designed to nurture emerging technologies and startups. The incubator represents the city’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.

    Meanwhile, the visit to GoldenHome offered insights into the practical application of smart manufacturing principles. The company exemplifies how traditional industries are integrating advanced automation, data exchange, and IoT technologies to revolutionize production processes. This transformation toward Industry 4.0 practices demonstrates Xiamen’s position at the forefront of China’s manufacturing evolution.

    The media tour highlighted how Xiamen is successfully bridging the gap between theoretical research and industrial application, creating a synergistic relationship between academic innovation and commercial implementation. This integrated approach to technological development positions Xiamen as an emerging leader in China’s broader strategy to advance its technological capabilities and manufacturing sophistication.

  • Discover Xiamen with beauty of ecological governance

    Discover Xiamen with beauty of ecological governance

    Xiamen has emerged as a paradigm of ecological restoration through its innovative coastal governance initiatives, as demonstrated during the recent 2025 Xiamen Internet All-Media Tour held December 3-4. Media representatives witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of the city’s coastline, particularly at two flagship conservation sites: the picturesque Huandong Romantic Coast and the ecologically significant Xiatanwei Mangrove Park.

    The Huandong Romantic Coast now showcases pristine blue skies, expansive sandy beaches, and lush greenery where degraded landscapes once existed. This scenic coastline represents just one facet of Xiamen’s comprehensive ecological modernization program. Meanwhile, Xiatanwei Mangrove Park demonstrates how coastal wetlands can simultaneously function as natural barriers against erosion while providing critical habitat for diverse wildlife species.

    Located in Fujian province on China’s eastern coast, Xiamen has achieved remarkable progress in ecological civilization construction—a holistic approach that integrates environmental protection with sustainable development. The city’s methodology combines advanced environmental science with community engagement, creating recreational spaces that also serve vital ecological functions.

    The successful rehabilitation of these coastal areas illustrates how urban centers can effectively balance development with environmental stewardship. Xiamen’s model offers valuable insights for other cities seeking to address coastal degradation while enhancing biodiversity and creating public amenities that benefit both residents and visitors alike. This transformation positions Xiamen as a leading example of how determined environmental policy can revitalize urban coastal ecosystems within a relatively short timeframe.

  • Qatar Airways names former airport COO Hamad al-Khater as group CEO

    Qatar Airways names former airport COO Hamad al-Khater as group CEO

    Qatar Airways Group announced a significant leadership transition on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, appointing Hamad al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. This executive change marks a strategic shift for the Gulf carrier following the brief tenure of predecessor Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

    The appointment concludes Al-Meer’s leadership period which began in October 2023 when he assumed the role from industry veteran Akbar Al Baker. Al Baker’s retirement concluded an influential 27-year tenure during which he established himself as one of aviation’s most prominent and outspoken executives.

    Al-Khater brings substantial operational expertise to the role, having most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Qatar’s premier aviation hub. His professional background also includes significant roles within QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company, providing him with diverse experience across both aviation and energy sectors critical to Qatar’s economy.

    The leadership transition occurs as global aviation continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery challenges, evolving sustainability mandates, and increasing competition in the luxury travel segment where Qatar Airways has established its market position. Industry analysts will be monitoring how al-Khater’s operational background from managing one of the world’s premier airports might influence the airline’s strategic direction.

    The announcement did not specify reasons for the relatively brief CEO tenure of Al-Meer, who had been positioned to continue Al Baker’s legacy of expansion and excellence that established Qatar Airways as a leading global carrier renowned for its service quality and fleet modernization.

  • Israel army says killed two Palestinians after attempted ramming attack

    Israel army says killed two Palestinians after attempted ramming attack

    Israeli military forces fatally shot two Palestinian individuals during a confrontation near Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Saturday night, according to conflicting accounts from Israeli and Palestinian authorities. The Israel Defense Forces stated the incident began when a vehicle accelerated toward soldiers stationed at a security checkpoint in the Bab al-Zawiya area, prompting troops to open fire and “eliminate” what they described as a terrorist threat.

    Palestinian authorities identified the deceased as 17-year-old Ahmad Khalil Al-Rajabi and 55-year-old Ziad Jabara Abu Dawoud, the latter reportedly employed as a sanitation worker. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed the older victim’s civilian occupation. Initial military investigations suggest the sanitation worker was traveling separately from the alleged attacker and was “uninvolved” in the incident, according to Israel’s army radio.

    This lethal encounter occurs against a backdrop of intensifying violence throughout the West Bank since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Despite a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, tensions remain critically elevated in the occupied territory. According to documentation by AFP based on Palestinian health ministry statistics, more than 1,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank since the Gaza war began—many identified as militants but including substantial numbers of civilians. Official Israeli figures report at least 44 Israeli casualties, comprising both military personnel and civilians, during the same period in Palestinian attacks or military operations.

    The incident underscores the persistent volatility in the region, where checkpoint confrontations frequently result in lethal outcomes. Both sides maintain sharply divergent narratives regarding the circumstances of violent incidents, complicating efforts toward de-escalation and reconciliation.

  • Boeing tackles quality problems with a ‘war on defects’

    Boeing tackles quality problems with a ‘war on defects’

    Boeing has launched a comprehensive manufacturing transformation at its 737 Max production facility near Seattle, implementing rigorous new quality control protocols in response to recent safety incidents. The initiative follows the January 2024 Alaska Airlines emergency when a door plug detached at 15,000 feet, exposing passengers to extreme conditions.

    The aerospace giant has fundamentally restructured its production processes at the Renton, Washington factory, addressing long-standing concerns about quality versus speed priorities. Key changes include enhanced inspection procedures where workers now utilize photographic guides instead of engineering drawings, reduced ‘travelled work’ (tasks performed out of sequence) by approximately 75% since February 2024, and implementation of daily and weekly quality reviews.

    According to Katie Ringgold, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing’s 737 program, the company is ‘right in the middle of the field’ with substantial progress still required. The transformation includes standardized processes across 40 critical manufacturing stations, simplified documentation that has cut instruction pages by half, and experimental tool-tracking technology to prevent oversights like the missing bolts in the door plug incident.

    The reforms are showing tangible results: Airlines report quality improvements, and the Federal Aviation Administration has eased some restrictions imposed after the 2024 incident and earlier 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people. However, employee surveys reveal declining pride in the company—from 91% in 2013 to 67% currently—with mixed opinions among workers about the pace of cultural change.

    As Boeing prepares to increase production to 42 monthly 737 Max jets and introduce a fourth production line next year, the company faces ongoing challenges in maintaining safety standards while competing with Airbus’s higher output rates. Union representatives acknowledge progress while emphasizing the need for sustained commitment to quality improvements.

  • Benin’s armed forces foil attempted mutiny, says interior minister

    Benin’s armed forces foil attempted mutiny, says interior minister

    COTONOU, Benin – The government of Benin has successfully suppressed a military uprising aimed at overthrowing President Patrice Talon’s administration, according to an official statement released Sunday by Interior Minister Alassane Seidou.

    The crisis unfolded when a faction of soldiers identifying as the ‘Military Committee for the Refoundation’ (CMR) seized control of the state broadcaster Benin TV and announced the president’s removal from office. The attempted mutiny triggered immediate security responses throughout the capital region.

    Minister Seidou confirmed that loyalist armed forces, ‘faithful to their oath,’ effectively contained the situation through republican measures. Government authorities have urged citizens to maintain normal activities while security operations continue.

    Eyewitness accounts from Cotonou residents described heightened military presence at strategic intersections, though daily life continued with markets remaining operational. Military helicopters conducted aerial patrols over the city while ground forces established secure perimeters around government installations.

    The epicenter of the confrontation occurred at Camp Guezo, located near the presidential residence, where exchanges of gunfire were reported. Despite initial rebel claims of controlling state media, government forces successfully reclaimed these facilities.

    President Talon’s safety was confirmed by the presidency, with Economy Minister Romuald Wadagni characterizing the situation as ‘under control’ during an interview with Jeune Afrique. ‘The mutineers are trapped,’ Wadagni stated. ‘We are clearing the area, but it is not over yet.’

    This instability emerges against Benin’s historical backdrop as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies since its 1960 independence from France. The nation maintained consistent political stability following Mathieu Kerekou’s two-decade rule that ended in 1991.

    President Talon, initially elected in 2016 and reelected in 2021, was scheduled to conclude his term after April 2026 elections. Recent constitutional amendments extended presidential terms from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit.

    The attempted coup coincides with regional instability, following November’s military takeover in Guinea-Bissau that ousted President Umaro Embalo after contested election results.

  • In China’s ‘ice city,’ ice harvest sets stage for winter tourism season

    In China’s ‘ice city,’ ice harvest sets stage for winter tourism season

    HARBIN—The annual ice harvesting ceremony commenced on the frozen expanse of the Songhua River this Sunday, heralding the beginning of Harbin’s vibrant winter tourism season. Dozens of workers, clad in traditional red cotton coats, meticulously carved and extracted glistening ice slabs from the river’s surface using metal chisels and iron poles. These blocks, prized for their remarkable clarity and uniform density, measure approximately 1.6 meters in length and 0.8 meters in width.

    The harvested ice will serve as the foundational material for the Harbin Ice-Snow World, the planet’s largest ice and snow theme park. This year’s edition promises unprecedented scale, spanning 1.2 million square meters and utilizing 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow. According to Sun Zemin, deputy director of marketing at Harbin Ice-Snow World Park Co., Ltd., the park will introduce innovative attractions including hot spring camps, cross-country skiing tracks, and themed parades.

    The timing of the harvest coincides with Daxue, or Major Snow, a traditional Chinese solar term indicating the arrival of deep winter. Meteorological experts confirm that river ice typically reaches optimal harvesting thickness of over 30 centimeters during this period.

    The event attracted substantial crowds of local residents and international tourists, including Russian student Alina Dorokhina, who described the ceremony as “stunning” and noted the warmth and vitality of Harbin’s folk traditions despite the cold environment.

    Harbin’s winter tourism strategy has generated remarkable economic returns. Last winter, the city welcomed 90.35 million visitors, generating 137.22 billion yuan (approximately $19.4 billion) in revenue—a 16.6% year-on-year increase. Wang Hongxin, director of Harbin’s culture, radio, television, and tourism department, emphasized plans to integrate ice and snow with educational tours, sports, and technology to enhance the city’s appeal as a premier winter destination.

    This development aligns with China’s national strategy to expand its ice-and-snow economy, targeting 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. The northeastern region, historically known as China’s rustbelt, is experiencing revitalization through winter tourism. Heilongjiang province alone reported a 266.17 billion yuan ice-and-snow market in 2024, with tourism contributing 182.33 billion yuan.