分类： society

The South Korean capital of Seoul has witnessed a significant rise in public complaints regarding rat sightings, with reports nearly doubling over the past three years. According to data revealed by Representative Kim Wi-sang of the People Power Party, a total of 9,280 complaints were filed by residents between 2020 and July 2025. While annual reports remained below 2,000 until 2023, the figure surged to 2,181 in 2024, with 1,555 complaints already recorded by July 2025. The districts of Gangnam, Gwanak, and Mapo were identified as the most affected areas. Experts attribute this increase to climate change, which has altered the urban ecosystem, extending rats’ breeding seasons and improving their survival rates during warmer winters. Representative Kim emphasized the need for enhanced pest control and urban management systems to prevent a potential surge in the rat population, which could lead to severe public health issues. The Seoul Metropolitan Government also highlighted that redevelopment projects, construction activities, and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, have displaced rats from their natural habitats, driving them into urban areas. Despite the rise in sightings, the city noted a decline in rat-borne diseases like leptospirosis and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, with no fatalities reported in recent years.

As economic challenges persist and job opportunities dwindle, an increasing number of Indonesians are becoming ensnared in Southeast Asia’s expanding web of online scams and human trafficking networks. Analysts caution that without robust law enforcement and comprehensive strategies, this alarming trend is set to continue. Recent reports highlight the severity of the issue, with the Indonesian embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, confirming communication with 148 trafficking victims stranded in Myawaddy, a notorious hub for scam operations near the Thai border. These individuals were identified following multiple reports involving hundreds of nationals, including 58 located in the former KK Park complex. Embassy officials are working with local authorities to verify identities, relocate victims to safer areas, and facilitate their repatriation. This development follows another major case handled by the embassy, which involved 83 Indonesians fleeing the same complex. In less than two weeks, the consulate addressed 231 new trafficking cases. Meanwhile, Cambodian authorities recently arrested 106 Indonesians, including 36 women, on charges related to online scams. The practice of luring job seekers with fraudulent overseas offers and coercing them into criminal activities remains rampant, despite a five-year crackdown on organized syndicates. Interpol estimates that these networks generate up to $3 trillion annually, expanding their reach beyond Southeast Asia into Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has recorded a 250 percent increase in nationals involved in Cambodia’s cyber scam centers between 2023 and 2024. Since 2020, 10,000 Indonesians have been trapped in scam and trafficking networks, with only 1,500 identified as victims. Many are lured by promises of quick profits, and some even return to these operations after repatriation. Economic pressures and high unemployment rates, particularly among educated youth, exacerbate the issue. Experts emphasize the need for stronger state intervention and law enforcement to break this cycle. The recent 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur addressed transnational crimes, with member states pledging enhanced coordination to combat these growing threats.

In a significant move to bolster ecological conservation and sustainable development, Chinese authorities have introduced comprehensive guidelines aimed at accelerating the modernization of state forestry farms. The initiative, jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and other government departments, seeks to enhance the ecological quality and functionality of these farms while promoting green development and improving local livelihoods. By 2030, the plan envisions the establishment of a preliminary modernized state forestry farm system, characterized by high-quality natural resources, stable ecological functions, and a thriving green economy. By 2035, a more advanced system is expected to be in place, serving as a cornerstone for national ecological security, advancing forest and grassland industries, and supplying premium ecological products. The NDRC has pledged to collaborate with other departments to strengthen policy support, upgrade essential infrastructure, and coordinate efforts to expedite the construction of this modernized forestry framework. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to balancing ecological preservation with economic growth, ensuring a sustainable future for its vast forest resources.

Ravanov Eldar, a young Azerbaijani student, has emerged as a symbol of the growing cultural and educational ties between China and Azerbaijan. His journey began with a deep fascination for Chinese language and culture, which led him to participate in the prestigious ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition. Held annually, the competition attracts participants from over 100 countries, and Eldar’s exceptional performance earned him the Excellence in Style Award at the global finals.

Eldar’s connection to China deepened when he enrolled at Tianjin University, China’s first modern university, for a one-year preparatory language program. As the youngest international student on campus, he immersed himself in Chinese culture, participating in over 20 campus events and even hosting the New Year Gala and Cultural Festival. ‘The university’s inclusive culture and diverse events made it my eternal alma mater,’ Eldar shared.

Currently pursuing Electronic Information Engineering at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Eldar aims to bridge his language skills with technological expertise. His vision is to connect Azerbaijan’s oil and gas resources with China’s manufacturing and computing strengths. ‘I want to tell stories in Chinese and solve real-world problems with what I’m learning,’ he said.

Eldar’s journey reflects the broader trend of strengthened bilateral relations between China and Azerbaijan. In April 2025, Azerbaijan’s prime minister visited China, culminating in the announcement of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Eldar credits his father’s encouragement for his decision to learn Chinese, noting that Azerbaijan was one of the earliest supporters of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Beyond language, Eldar has developed a profound interest in Chinese traditional culture, particularly historical texts like the Book of Changes and the Analects of Confucius. ‘Whenever I face challenges, Confucius’ sentences resonate with me,’ he said.

With the recent visa-free agreement between China and Azerbaijan, Eldar believes more Azerbaijani students will follow in his footsteps. ‘This policy makes our exchanges easier, and I’m confident it will inspire others to explore China’s rich culture and opportunities,’ he added.

The Liulihe archaeological site in Beijing’s Fangshan district has been designated as the city’s next World Heritage project, according to Chu Jianhao, deputy director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Bureau. The announcement was made during a press conference on October 29, 2025. The site, which is the largest and most extensively excavated Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC) feudal site in China, will draw inspiration from the successful UNESCO World Heritage designation of Beijing’s Central Axis, achieved on July 24, 2024, after more than a decade of preparation. Chu highlighted that the Liulihe project has already adopted strategies from the Central Axis initiative, particularly in its application for World Cultural Heritage status. Advanced technologies such as big data and digital twins are being utilized to enhance the site’s preservation and research efforts. For instance, the creation of a digital twin for the Central Axis has established a comprehensive spatial data framework for monitoring and protecting heritage elements. Collaboration with internet companies has further integrated digital technology into cultural heritage protection and World Heritage applications. Since 2021, Beijing has established a dedicated task force for the development of the Liulihe National Archaeological Site Park. The protection plan for the site has been approved and implemented, with ongoing excavations yielding significant discoveries, including the inscription ‘Tai Bao Yong Yan,’ which provides evidence of Beijing’s 3,000-year history. Researchers have also reconstructed a family tree from the Shang and Zhou dynasties using whole-genome sequencing, marking a breakthrough in understanding the Western Zhou Yan state’s social structures. The site has been added to China’s tentative list for World Cultural Heritage, with preparatory work for its nomination progressing steadily.