分类： society

In an inspiring fusion of tradition and modernity, Yang Yuxiao has transformed her career path from international trade to cultural preservation. After five years working as a Paris-based trader specializing in crafts and artworks, the French-educated professional made a pivotal decision in 2016 to return to her roots in Linhai, Zhejiang province. Her mission: to reinvigorate the ancient art of Linhai paper-cutting, recognized as part of Zhejiang’s intangible cultural heritage since 2007.

Yang assumed leadership of the Zhang Xiujuan Paper Cutting Museum, founded by her mother who serves as a respected bearer of this cultural tradition. Confronting the challenges of preserving delicate paper artworks vulnerable to humidity and fading, Yang pioneered innovative solutions that have secured 13 national patents. Her breakthrough came with developing paper-cutting techniques using alternative materials including silk and cashmere cotton, creating both durable and marketable products.

Beyond material innovations, Yang has strategically expanded the art form’s applications through contemporary product designs featuring traditional patterns. Her creations now adorn functional items including fashion accessories, bags, coasters, and traditional Chinese cloud shoulders (shawls). This commercial approach has generated sustainable revenue through gift orders while preserving artistic integrity.

The enterprise operates through a multi-tiered production system: collectible pieces crafted by Yang and her mother, alongside cultural gifts produced by approximately 30 project-based artisans. Yang has additionally established educational initiatives that provide vocational training to local villagers, having conducted over 150 sessions with more than 2,000 participants. Her international outreach includes livestreamed classes attracting global students from the United States, Spain, Hungary, and beyond, complemented by cultural exchange programs including a recent visit to South Korea.

At 36, Yang balances innovation with tradition, stating: ‘To sustain our intangible cultural heritage work, we need products that can support us financially.’ Her vision continues to evolve toward making Linhai paper-cutting relevant to younger generations through everyday integration rather than merely wall decorations, ensuring this family legacy thrives through contemporary relevance.

In a remarkable display of dedication to professional excellence, China’s young skilled workers are redefining vocational achievement through intense preparation and national competition. The recently concluded Third Vocational Skills Competition in Zhengzhou, Henan province, served as the culminating platform for these efforts, featuring 3,420 competitors across 106 specialized events.

The story of Li Minghui, a 29-year-old instructor from Henan Technician College of Medicine and Health, exemplifies the extraordinary commitment required to excel in these prestigious competitions. For nearly two years, Li maintained a rigorous training schedule that blurred the lines between weekdays and weekends, often working until 10 PM nightly. Her perseverance culminated in a gold medal achievement in early childhood care—a category demanding both technical precision and emotional intelligence.

Li’s preparation extended far beyond basic technical rehearsal. She dedicated countless hours to mastering subtle techniques, including the exact pressure required to support an infant’s head, neck, and spine, and developed specialized methods for infant care using only wrist strength and hollow palm techniques. “The smallest details matter tremendously in this profession,” Li emphasized, noting that procedures like artificial respiration require complete mouth and nose coverage while maintaining perfect rhythm.

The competition itself presented multifaceted challenges across six rounds covering four core modules. Participants demonstrated expertise in artificial feeding, environmental disinfection, medication administration, and traditional Chinese infant massage (tuina), while also performing CPR with exact compression depth requirements. Beyond technical execution, competitors had to maintain emotional connections with simulated infants and respond professionally to standardized ‘parents’ identifying potential safety concerns.

This national skills showcase represents China’s strategic investment in vocational education, backed by substantial resources, legal reforms, and focused development of high-end skills for emerging industrial sectors. With 66 events serving as selection trials for the WorldSkills Competition, the event highlights China’s growing emphasis on vocational excellence as a cornerstone of national development.

In an unprecedented demonstration of regional collaboration, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has launched the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities alongside the 9th National Special Olympic Games. This landmark event, which commenced on Monday, represents the first joint hosting of China’s premier disability sports competitions across multiple administrative regions, signaling a new era of coordinated development and social inclusion.

The games feature an extensive competitive program comprising 46 major sporting categories and 1,876 subevents, blending 11 mass participation sports with nine Paralympic disciplines. A record-breaking contingent of 7,824 athletes from 34 national delegations has registered for the events, supported by over 11,000 participants including technical officials, coaches, and support staff—marking a substantial 30 percent increase from previous editions.

Executive deputy-general Yong Zhijun emphasized the event’s significance beyond athletic competition, noting it showcases China’s advancements in disability support during the 14th Five-Year Plan period while strengthening regional integration. ‘This collaboration powerfully demonstrates the strengths of the “one country, two systems” framework while promoting coordinated growth throughout the Greater Bay Area,’ Yong stated at a Guangzhou press conference.

Infrastructure preparation has been comprehensive, with Guangdong utilizing 36 competition venues—22 repurposed from last month’s 15th National Games and 14 specifically configured for disability sports. All facilities meet rigorous national accessibility standards, featuring ramps, tactile paving, adapted toilets, wheelchair seating, sign language interpretation systems, and smart information services to ensure full participation.

Regional cooperation extends beyond Guangdong, with Hong Kong hosting four events including boccia, wheelchair fencing, and Paralympic table tennis, while Macao oversees badminton competitions. Both special administrative regions have implemented specialized support systems, with Macao establishing green channels at border ports for expedited clearance and Hong Kong emphasizing the games’ role in breaking down physical and administrative barriers through resource sharing.

The human dimension remains central to the event, with approximately 1,500 volunteers receiving specialized training in sign language communication and assistance techniques for participants with varying disabilities. These volunteers will provide comprehensive support across competition services, venue logistics, and hospitality functions throughout the games period.

Across India’s diverse states, a transformative social experiment is quietly unfolding as millions of women receive direct cash transfers without conditions—marking one of the world’s most extensive yet understudied welfare initiatives. From Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu, approximately 118 million women now receive monthly payments ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 rupees ($12-$30), representing a fundamental shift in India’s approach to social welfare.

Unlike traditional conditional programs in countries like Mexico or Brazil, India’s approach imposes no requirements regarding school attendance or poverty status. The money arrives simply because women sustain households, bear the burden of unpaid care work, and constitute an electoral bloc too significant to overlook. Eligibility criteria vary by state, typically incorporating age thresholds, income caps, and exclusions for families with government employees or certain assets.

The political dimension has become unmistakable. In Bihar, the government transferred 10,000 rupees to 7.5 million female accounts ahead of recent elections, resulting in heightened female voter turnout that secured a landslide victory for the ruling coalition. While critics decry the practice as blatant vote-buying, the strategy has proven effective across multiple states including Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

Financial implications are substantial: twelve states will allocate approximately $18 billion to these programs this fiscal year, with half facing revenue deficits according to PRS Legislative Research. Despite fiscal pressures, the programs continue expanding, with Maharashtra alone promising benefits for 25 million women.

Research reveals nuanced outcomes. A 2023 West Bengal survey found 90% of recipients operated their own accounts and 86% controlled spending decisions, primarily allocating funds to food, education, and medical expenses. In Tamil Nadu, women reported reduced marital conflict and increased confidence, while Karnataka beneficiaries noted improved nutrition and greater household decision-making power.

Notably, studies by Professor Prabha Kotiswaran of King’s College London found no evidence that transfers discourage women from seeking paid work or reinforce gender stereotypes—two primary concerns among feminist critics. However, the payments haven’t reduced women’s unpaid workload either, which remains disproportionately high at nearly five hours daily compared to men’s 1.5 hours.

The emerging consensus suggests these transfers provide financial autonomy and dignity without being transformative. As Professor Kotiswaran notes: ‘They are neither panacea nor poison—they are useful but limited tools operating in a patriarchal society where cash alone cannot undo structural inequities.’

The future trajectory hinges on improved program design: simplifying eligibility rules, maintaining unconditional status, enhancing financial literacy, and coupling transfers with messaging about recognizing unpaid work’s value. Ultimately, India must decide whether these payments will become genuine empowerment tools or merely a new form of political patronage.

A significant majority of the British public supports withdrawing from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is permitted to participate, according to a new poll. The survey, commissioned by senior political advisor Pablo O’Hana, reveals that 82% of Britons believe Israel should be excluded from the competition, while 69% endorse a UK boycott if Israel competes.

The findings emerge amidst a growing international controversy following the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision last Thursday to allow Israel’s participation. Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have already announced their formal boycott of the event, citing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and allegations of unfair voting practices.

The poll further indicates that three-quarters of British respondents view the EBU’s contrasting treatment of Russia (banned from previous contests) and Israel as inconsistent. O’Hana commented that the results demonstrate the public views Eurovision as more than mere entertainment, stating: “Eurovision isn’t just about songs and staging – it’s about values.”

Despite expectations of a contentious vote at the recent EBU general assembly, no formal ballot was taken. The EBU stated that a large majority of members agreed the contest should proceed with “additional safeguards in place.”

The issue has sparked sharp political divisions within the UK. The BBC, Britain’s public broadcaster, has expressed support for the EBU’s decision. Conversely, the Green Party has called for the UK to join the boycott, arguing the event must not “whitewash Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.” The Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake maintained Britain should remain a “friend of Israel” and compete.

The debate intensified with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticizing the boycotting nations, suggesting that with a ceasefire in Gaza, the action was misguided. This drew fierce criticism from MP Zarah Sultana of the left-wing Your Party, who labeled Davey “spineless” and drew parallels to historical sporting boycotts of apartheid South Africa.

In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Ren Yuzhong, former vice-president of Peking University, has been permanently expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from all public offices. The decisive action follows an extensive investigation authorized by the CPC Central Committee and conducted by the nation’s top disciplinary bodies.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision announced on Monday that their probe revealed multiple serious violations by the former academic leader. Investigators determined that Ren had systematically abused his influential position for personal enrichment, engaging in illegal acceptance of substantial monetary gifts and valuable property.

According to official statements, Ren’s misconduct extended across multiple domains of university operations. The investigation documented how he manipulated staff recruitment processes, provided improper advantages in student admissions and employment placements, and violated regulations by holding undisclosed shares in private companies. His actions represented a comprehensive breach of both party discipline and legal boundaries.

The disciplinary report characterized Ren’s behavior as particularly egregious, noting that he ‘completely ignored disciplinary and legal boundaries’ and ‘showed no restraint’ in his pursuit of personal gain at the institution’s expense. His case has been described as both serious in nature and damaging in its broader impact.

With his party membership revoked and public office terminated, Ren now faces criminal proceedings. All illicit assets acquired through his misconduct have been confiscated, and judicial authorities will review the evidence for potential prosecution on bribery charges.

Ren Yuzhong, a 45-year-old native of Sichuan province, had risen through academic ranks to become one of China’s most prominent university administrators. Holding a doctoral degree in law from Peking University, he previously served as head of the university’s Party committee publicity department and acted as institutional spokesperson.

A cinema in Changchun, Jilin province has launched an innovative pet-friendly viewing experience, allowing movie enthusiasts to enjoy films alongside their animal companions. The special screening of Disney’s animated sequel Zootopia 2 marked a significant departure from traditional cinema protocols, creating a unique social experience for pet owners.

The theater implemented comprehensive modifications to accommodate its four-legged guests. Technical adjustments included softened lighting and reduced sound levels to ensure animal comfort during the presentation. The venue further enhanced the experience by providing specialized amenities including plush pet cushions and absorbent diapers, addressing both comfort and practical concerns for pet owners.

This initiative represents a growing trend in consumer entertainment experiences that recognize pets as family members. The carefully curated environment allowed both humans and animals to enjoy the cinematic experience without the stress typically associated with bringing pets into public venues. Local residents responded enthusiastically to the opportunity, with many attending the special screening as a novel family activity.

The cinema’s management demonstrated how commercial establishments can adapt their services to evolving consumer expectations regarding pet inclusion in public spaces. This experimental approach to entertainment could potentially influence how other public venues consider pet accommodation policies in the future.

China’s Supreme People’s Court has issued definitive judicial guidance on property management conflicts through the publication of five landmark cases, establishing clear legal boundaries between homeowners and service providers. The move represents a significant judicial intervention aimed at elevating service quality standards and addressing both persistent and emerging challenges within the rapidly evolving property sector.

The court emphasized the critical role of property management in fulfilling citizens’ aspirations for improved living standards, particularly as China’s urban development strategy shifts from rapid expansion to the enhancement of existing residential properties. This transition has positioned community living as a central component of modern urban existence, consequently driving increased public demand for superior living environments, housing quality, and professional property services.

In response to the frequent, widespread, and recurrent nature of disputes between residents and property companies, the Supreme Court has directed nationwide judicial bodies to proactively address public concerns and utilize legal mechanisms to facilitate conflict resolution. One illustrative case involved a homeowner identified only by the surname Zhang, who found himself denied access to his building’s elevator and entry systems due to outstanding property fees. Although Zhang eventually reached a settlement with the management company, he proceeded with legal action to challenge the punitive measures.

Referencing China’s Civil Code, a local court determined that property service providers are expressly prohibited from suspending essential services including electricity, water, heating, or gas to compel fee payments. The judiciary acknowledged homeowners’ contractual obligation to pay agreed-upon fees while recognizing that payment delays and refusals have become commonplace, sometimes prompting companies to employ inappropriate pressure tactics.

The court explicitly stated that restricting access cards or limiting elevator usage for fee collection constitutes improper infringement of homeowners’ property rights. Such approaches lack legal foundation and exceed reasonable boundaries, frequently exacerbating rather than resolving conflicts. Instead, the judiciary emphasized that service providers should employ reasonable communication methods to encourage payment and pursue their legitimate rights through formal channels including mediation, litigation, or arbitration—all without disrupting residents’ daily lives.