分类： society

A remarkable love story born from the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake has culminated in marriage, capturing the nation’s attention as a testament to human connection and resilience. Liu Ximei, now 27, has wed Liang Zhibin, 39, the People’s Liberation Army soldier who saved her from the rubble when she was just 10 years old.

The extraordinary journey from rescue to romance spanned 17 years, with their story going viral on Chinese social media platforms after being featured by Rednet.cn. The narrative, celebrated as a real-life fairy tale, accumulated over 2.3 million views on Sina Weibo and ranked among the platform’s top three trending topics.

The initial connection occurred on May 12, 2008, in Qingchuan county near the earthquake’s epicenter. The catastrophic magnitude-8.0 quake claimed approximately 70,000 lives and left hundreds of thousands injured or missing. During rescue operations, Liang discovered young Liu trapped in the wreckage and carried her to safety. Liu’s most enduring memory remains the image of Liang’s hands—covered in rescue debris yet conveying profound security and warmth.

Following the disaster, their paths separated without contact for more than a decade until a chance encounter in 2020 on a Changsha street. While dining with her parents, Liu’s mother noticed a resemblance to ‘Soldier Liang’ in a man at a nearby table. Overcoming initial shyness and excitement, Liu approached him, though Liang didn’t immediately recognize the woman before him as the child he had saved.

Their relationship evolved gradually, with Liang initially viewing Liu as a younger sister figure due to their significant age difference. However, Liu’s proactive communication and eventual confession of feelings transformed their dynamic. Both emphasize that their union stems from genuine love rather than mere gratitude, distinguishing between humanitarian duty and personal affection.

Liang articulated this distinction clearly: ‘Saving people during the disaster was my professional responsibility. Loving Liu today comes from my heart—these are fundamentally separate matters.’ The couple’s story continues to inspire nationwide as a powerful narrative of hope emerging from tragedy.

In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, a former senior investigator from the nation’s top disciplinary watchdog has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for accepting bribes exceeding 102 million yuan ($14.44 million). The Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday against Li Gang, a 60-year-old former official who had held prominent positions in both Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

The court determined that between 1998 and June 2024, Li exploited his authoritative roles—including serving as deputy mayor of Sichuan and heading the organization department of Yunnan—to illicitly benefit various individuals and organizations. His corrupt activities encompassed business operations, project contracting, land transfers, and personnel promotions in exchange for substantial financial gains.

Despite the severity of the crimes, which the court noted caused ‘enormous losses to the country and its citizens,’ the sentence reflected some leniency considerations. The judicial authority acknowledged Li’s cooperation in exposing other illegal activities, his confession after apprehension, voluntary disclosure of previously unknown bribery facts, and active restitution efforts. Additionally, the court imposed a 6 million yuan fine and ordered the confiscation of all illicit assets to be transferred to the state treasury.

Li’s career trajectory, which began in 1982 and included Communist Party membership since 1986, culminated in his September 2024 investigation while serving as head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection team stationed at the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. His subsequent expulsion from the Party and dismissal from public office occurred in April, followed by formal indictment three months later.

The September 18th public hearing attracted significant attention, with over twenty attendees including national lawmakers and political advisers, underscoring the case’s importance within China’s comprehensive anti-graft initiative.

Dubai’s Al Nasr Club sports hall radiated with palpable emotion and triumph during the fifth annual People of Determination Fitness Championship. Over 100 students from various government centers and associations across the UAE participated in the inclusive sporting event, demonstrating exceptional physical prowess and unwavering determination.

The championship featured a diverse array of athletic challenges including obstacle courses, jumping competitions, leg-strength exercises, and core workouts such as sit-ups and upper-body lifts. Weeks of dedicated preparation under the guidance of experienced coaches culminated in performances that surpassed all expectations.

Ahmed Salah, one of the participating coaches, expressed profound admiration for the participants: ‘Their execution today was nothing short of remarkable. They remembered every instruction and demonstrated perfect balance and focus. Most importantly, their visible joy throughout the competition was truly inspiring.’

The event created an atmosphere of mutual support where children of varying abilities cheered for one another while demonstrating their physical capabilities. Seven-year-old Fatima shared her excitement about the jumping challenges, stating, ‘When I run and jump, I feel very strong.’ Fourteen-year-old Rania emphasized the social aspect, noting, ‘I made new friends today. We all cheered for each other.’

Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Development Sector at the Ministry of Family, highlighted the championship’s significance within the UAE’s broader inclusion framework. ‘This event reflects our nation’s clear vision of empowerment and social integration. Sports serve as a powerful vehicle for building confidence, physical health, and emotional wellbeing while helping participants discover their unique talents,’ she explained.

The ministry’s approach to developing such programs incorporates continuous research, global best practices, and active collaboration with families and experts. Tahlak emphasized that family insights directly inform program design to ensure meaningful impact in participants’ lives.

As the championship concluded, participants departed with medals symbolizing their achievements, while parents and coaches left with hearts full of pride, already anticipating next year’s gathering that continues to redefine possibilities for people of determination.

A single photograph has come to embody the profound human tragedy of Hong Kong’s most devastating fire in over seven decades. The image, captured by Reuters photographer Tyrone Siu, shows 71-year-old Wong standing helpless before the inferno that consumed his residential complex, crying out ‘My wife is inside.’

One week after the catastrophic blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, Wong’s wife remains among the 30 individuals officially listed as missing. The fire, which rapidly engulfed seven high-rise towers housing approximately 4,000 residents, has claimed at least 156 lives, marking Hong Kong’s deadliest structural fire since 1948.

The tragedy unfolded on what began as an ordinary Wednesday afternoon in autumn. Wong had departed his apartment to collect his granddaughter from school, leaving his wife behind. Returning to find flames erupting from the middle floors of his residential tower, Wong immediately recognized the grave danger his spouse faced.

Authorities have identified substandard plastic mesh and flammable insulation foam used in ongoing renovation work as primary factors contributing to the fire’s rapid spread. Ironically, Wong, a retired building maintenance foreman with certifications in electrical and plumbing work, had previously expressed concerns about these exact safety hazards.

His son, who asked to be identified as J Wong, revealed that his father had taken preventive measures, replacing styrofoam window coverings with fire-retardant plastic film and regularly moistening the external green mesh surrounding their apartment. ‘Despite knowing the risks, no matter what he did, he couldn’t change what happened,’ the son stated.

In a heartbreaking final connection, Wong’s wife managed to place a brief telephone call to her husband as the fire intensified. Their conversation lasted approximately one minute before communication ceased permanently. ‘Soon after that chat, she disappeared,’ J Wong recounted.

As recovery teams in protective hazmat suits continue their grim search through the charred remains, the Wong family represents just one of countless stories of loss emerging from the catastrophe. The photographic depiction of Wong’s anguish serves as a powerful symbol of both personal devastation and collective mourning for a city grappling with unprecedented tragedy.

Chinese authorities have achieved significant breakthroughs in combating wildlife crime through a specialized nationwide operation launched in August 2025. The Ministry of Public Security reported that law enforcement agencies have initiated proceedings in more than 6,600 criminal cases involving endangered species protection violations, resulting in the apprehension of approximately 9,900 individuals suspected of wildlife trafficking and harm.

The comprehensive campaign specifically targets the entire illegal wildlife trade network, addressing offenses ranging from illegal hunting and procurement to distribution and commercial utilization of protected animals, particularly bird species. Enforcement strategies have incorporated advanced data analytics to enhance operational precision, focusing on sophisticated criminal methodologies including modified hunting equipment, drone-assisted arrow systems, specialized nail guns, and concealed trapping devices.

A notable case investigation in Dalian, Liaoning Province, demonstrated the operation’s effectiveness. Police dismantled a major trafficking ring specializing in precious and endangered wildlife, detaining 13 suspects and confiscating over 12,000 yellow-breasted buntings—a species classified under China’s highest protection level as national first-class protected wildlife. The estimated value of this single case exceeded 39 million yuan (approximately $5.52 million).

Investigative findings revealed that primary suspect Zhang organized multiple hunting expeditions targeting nationally protected bird species while simultaneously purchasing illegally obtained specimens from other poachers for distribution through secondary markets, where birds were often fattened before resale.

The ministry has strengthened inter-agency collaboration and public engagement mechanisms to enhance wildlife protection governance. A national reporting platform dedicated to environmental and food safety violations has been established to facilitate citizen participation in crime prevention efforts.

In a significant move to strengthen cross-Strait economic collaboration, Fujian provincial authorities have unveiled a comprehensive subsidy program offering financial incentives to Taiwanese residents establishing Shaxian snack restaurants. The initiative provides a one-time entrepreneurship subsidy of 5,000 yuan (approximately $707.80) to qualified applicants from Taiwan who open establishments specializing in this distinctive culinary tradition.

The subsidy forms part of a broader package of 12 policy measures announced on Tuesday designed to deepen economic and cultural exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan. These measures represent Fujian’s latest effort to foster mutual economic development and people-to-people connections across the Taiwan Strait.

Shaxian snacks, originating from Shaxian District in Sanming, Fujian Province, represent a culinary tradition with remarkable diversity, featuring over 200 distinct varieties. The cuisine achieved national recognition in 2021 when it was officially included in China’s national-level intangible cultural heritage list. These affordable, flavorful snacks have gained tremendous popularity throughout China, with storefronts appearing in urban centers nationwide.

The announcement follows a recent Shaxian snacks-themed exchange tour conducted across five Taiwanese cities in November, demonstrating the growing cultural exchange surrounding this culinary tradition. The tour served to promote understanding and appreciation of Shaxian cuisine among Taiwanese communities.

This development occurs within the broader context of increasing cross-Strait economic initiatives aimed at strengthening commercial ties and fostering mutual prosperity through cultural and culinary exchanges.

Hong Kong authorities have issued an urgent directive requiring the removal of all scaffolding netting from renovation sites by Saturday following the territory’s most devastating fire in decades. The catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court housing complex has now claimed 159 lives, with 31 individuals still unaccounted for as search operations continue.

Investigations reveal that the protective netting surrounding the complex, which was undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardancy standards. The highly flammable material enabled flames to spread rapidly across multiple tower blocks, creating what survivors described as an uncontrollable inferno.

Development Secretary Bernadette Linn Hon-ho announced that new testing guidelines for scaffolding materials will be implemented next week. “I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh,” Linn stated, confirming that samples have already been collected for comprehensive analysis.

The removal order affects approximately 300 buildings across Hong Kong, including 200 private residential structures and 10 public buildings currently undergoing renovations. Police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the criminal investigation progresses.

Police Commissioner Joe Chow reported that search teams have completed interior examinations of all seven towers but continue recovery efforts in areas obscured by collapsed bamboo scaffolding. To date, 140 victims have been identified—49 males and 91 females ranging from one to 97 years old.

Survivors recounted the horror of watching flames engulf building after building. “It all happened within just an hour or two,” said a woman identified only as Leung, who lost her home in the disaster. “The bamboo scaffolding cracked and there was banging that sounded like exploding windows. The flames were completely out of control.

Her daughter Bonnie expressed the family’s hope for accountability: “We also hope the truth will come out—whether there were hidden hands behind this, corruption or any improper dealings.”