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  • Shandong apple pickers find new fame as influencers

    Shandong apple pickers find new fame as influencers

    In the mountainous orchards of Zhongzhuang township, Zibo city, a digital transformation is taking root alongside the apple trees. During peak harvest season, couples navigate through groves heavy with ripe fruit, but instead of traditional baskets, they carry smartphones and streaming equipment. These agricultural workers have embraced dual roles as both fruit growers and digital content creators, leveraging online platforms to revolutionize their sales approach.

    The regional government has actively fostered this evolution by establishing comprehensive support systems including e-commerce service centers and specialized training platforms. These initiatives guide local farmers in developing digital marketing skills and expanding their online commercial channels. Strategic partnerships have been formed with major e-commerce platforms, supermarket chains, and community group-buying services to create integrated sales networks.

    What distinguishes these agricultural influencers is their authentic approach: they conduct livestreams directly from the orchards, providing real-time demonstrations that allow consumers to virtually experience the apples’ growing environment. This transparency builds consumer confidence while showcasing product quality. The husband-and-wife teams particularly excel at creating engaging content that blends agricultural expertise with personal storytelling, making the fruit-buying experience both educational and entertaining.

    This innovative model represents a significant upgrade to traditional fruit industry practices, merging agricultural production with digital entrepreneurship. The success in Zhongzhuang township demonstrates how rural communities can leverage technology to create sustainable economic models while maintaining agricultural traditions.

  • In their words: Survivors and others talk about fatal Swiss Alpine bar fire

    In their words: Survivors and others talk about fatal Swiss Alpine bar fire

    CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — A catastrophic fire that erupted during New Year’s celebrations at a popular Alpine bar has claimed 40 lives, marking one of Switzerland’s deadliest tragedies in modern history. The blaze, which tore through the crowded Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana early Thursday, also left 119 people injured, according to official reports.

    Investigators revealed Friday that sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fatal inferno when flames made contact with the ceiling decor of the packed establishment. The tragedy has united this multilingual nation in grief, with condolences expressed across French, Italian, German, and English languages reflecting Switzerland’s cultural diversity.

    Heartbreaking accounts emerged from survivors and responders who described scenes of chaos and heroism. Fourteen-year-old Marc-Antoine Chavanon recounted to The Associated Press how he rushed to assist victims: “We were bringing people out, people were collapsing. We saw people screaming, running. There was one of our friends: She was struggling to get out, she was all burned. You can’t imagine the pain I saw.”

    The search for missing loved ones continued through Friday as distraught mother Laetitia Brodard pleaded for information about her 16-year-old son Arthur: “I’m looking everywhere. The body of my son is somewhere. I want to know where is my child, and be by his side.”

    Regional hospital director Eric Bonvin described the psychological impact on the community: “This place was very well known as somewhere to celebrate the new year. Seeing young people arrive — that’s always traumatic.”

    Swiss President Guy Parmelin, speaking on his first day in the annually rotating position, acknowledged the nation’s resilience: “Switzerland is a strong country not because it is sheltered from drama, but because it knows how to face them with courage and a spirit of mutual help.”

    The Valais region’s attorney general Beatrice Pilloud emphasized that identification of victims remains the priority to allow families to begin mourning. Pope Leo expressed condolences through a telegram to the bishop of Sion, praying for the deceased to be “welcomed into His abode of peace and light.”

  • Military-backed party leads in early election results in Myanmar

    Military-backed party leads in early election results in Myanmar

    BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-appointed electoral authority has commenced announcing results from the initial stage of its three-phase general election, confirming widespread expectations that the junta-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has secured most declared seats.

    The electoral process, criticized by opposition groups as fundamentally flawed, faces allegations of being engineered to provide superficial legitimacy to military rule. Detractors emphasize the exclusion of major political factions and systematic suppression of dissent as evidence that the polls lack both freedom and fairness. Numerous opposition organizations have consequently advocated for voter boycotts.

    According to Wednesday’s government statement, approximately 52% of eligible voters—over 6 million individuals—participated in the December 28 first-phase elections, which the regime characterized as a resounding success.

    Saturday’s partial results published in the state-controlled Myanma Alinn newspaper revealed the USDP secured 38 seats in the 330-member Pyithu Hluttaw lower house, with numerous constituencies still awaiting declaration. A separate announcement confirmed USDP leader Khin Yi, former general and police chief regarded as a key ally of military ruler Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, won his Naypyitaw constituency with 49,006 of 68,681 votes.

    The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party and Mon Unity Party each gained one seat according to the Union Election Commission’s statement.

    Despite incomplete results, USDP leadership expressed confidence in their first-phase performance. A senior party official anonymously informed The Associated Press they had captured 88 of 102 contested seats, noting the party faced no opposition in 29 constituencies due to absent challengers.

    Myanmar’s political structure features a bicameral national legislature totaling 664 seats. The constitution guarantees the military 25% automatic representation in each chamber, meaning any party seeking governance must achieve a combined parliamentary majority to select the president and form a government.

    The USDP official additionally claimed victory in 85% of regional legislature contests, though complete outcomes await subsequent voting phases scheduled for January 11 and 25. Electoral proceedings occur in三个阶段 due to ongoing armed conflicts, with 65 townships excluded entirely from participation.

    While 57 parties fielded over 4,800 candidates for national and regional legislatures, only six organizations possess nationwide reach and potential parliamentary influence, with the USDP emerging as the dominant force.

    The current military regime originated from the February 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government, preventing her National League for Democracy (NLD) from serving a second term despite their landslide 2020 victory. The NLD was subsequently dissolved in 2023 alongside 39 other parties for refusing registration under new military regulations. The takeover ignited widespread resistance that has since evolved into full-scale civil war.

  • Multiple explosions rock Venezuelan capital Caracas

    Multiple explosions rock Venezuelan capital Caracas

    The United States has launched targeted military strikes against Venezuelan defense installations, according to U.S. officials who confirmed the operation to CBS News. The pre-dawn attacks on Saturday morning sent plumes of smoke rising over Caracas and prompted the Venezuelan government to declare a national emergency.

    Multiple explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital, with reports indicating strikes hit strategic military locations including La Carlota airfield and the primary Fuerte Tiuna military base. Social media circulated unverified footage showing explosions and military helicopters operating overhead, while several surrounding communities experienced power outages.

    The Venezuelan government issued an official statement vehemently condemning what it described as “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States, calling on the international community to denounce the actions. The White House and Pentagon have maintained official silence regarding the operations.

    This escalation occurs amid already heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. President Trump had previously deployed naval forces to the Caribbean and repeatedly suggested potential military intervention in Venezuela. Recent weeks have seen U.S. forces targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the region, including a strike earlier this week on a dock facility allegedly connected to Venezuelan drug operations.

    The political context underscores the confrontation: The U.S. administration considers President Nicolás Maduro’s government illegitimate and has accused him of direct involvement in narcotics trafficking. Meanwhile, Maduro maintains that Washington’s true objective is regime change aimed at controlling Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves, citing recent U.S. seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers as evidence of this motivation.

    The international community now faces a rapidly developing crisis that marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two nations.

  • Ferry links mark 25-year travel milestone

    Ferry links mark 25-year travel milestone

    Fujian immigration authorities have reported a significant milestone in cross-Strait transportation, with ferry services between mainland China and Taiwan’s offshore islands facilitating over 26 million passenger journeys throughout their 25-year operational history. These vital maritime connections, collectively known as the ‘Mini Three Links,’ have established themselves as fundamental channels for interpersonal and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

    The inaugural voyage occurred on January 2, 2001, when two ferries transported 180 residents from Jinmen to Xiamen while simultaneously, a 507-member delegation from Matsu arrived at Fuzhou’s Mawei Port. This historic moment marked the resumption of direct transportation links after decades of separation between the two sides.

    Currently, four active ferry routes connect the mainland cities of Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou with the islands of Jinmen and Matsu. These maritime connections have evolved into the most economical and frequently available transportation option for travelers crossing the Strait. The year 2025 witnessed record-breaking usage with over 1.43 million Taiwanese passengers utilizing the services.

    Passenger experiences highlight remarkable improvements in convenience and efficiency. Mr. Chang from Tainan noted the significantly streamlined customs process during his two trips to Xiamen last year before proceeding to his ancestral hometown in Quanzhou. Ms. Lin, traveling from Taipei via Jinmen in December, praised the implementation of facial recognition and fingerprint verification systems that made entry procedures ‘exceptionally fast and straightforward.’

    Chen Jinlai, Deputy Director of Xiamen’s Gaoqi Immigration Inspection Station, emphasized the transformative impact of these routes on regional mobility. ‘With ferries departing every thirty minutes and a crossing duration of merely 25 minutes, the experience parallels the convenience of urban bus transportation,’ Chen stated.

    The services particularly accommodate Taiwanese residents with ancestral connections to Fujian province, who frequently utilize the routes for family visits during traditional festivals like Qingming. The transportation network also supports cultural and sporting exchanges, including pilgrimages to Mazu temples and participation in mainland-based cycling and baseball events.

    Port authorities have implemented specialized facilities and optimized procedures to manage the substantial passenger volume efficiently, ensuring smooth transit experiences for all travelers.

  • Global experts hail Xi’s people-centered message

    Global experts hail Xi’s people-centered message

    International scholars and policy experts worldwide have applauded President Xi Jinping’s 2026 New Year message, recognizing it as a comprehensive articulation of China’s governance framework that prioritizes citizen welfare while pursuing sustainable, high-quality development. The address has drawn particular attention for its fusion of socialist principles with pragmatic policy implementation, offering what analysts describe as an increasingly influential model for global governance.

    Keith Bennett, co-founder of Friends of Socialist China, observed that the message demonstrates how socialism under Communist Party leadership is gaining renewed global prominence. Bennett highlighted how cultural manifestations—from humanoid robots performing traditional kung fu to grassroots football leagues in Guizhou province—reflect both improved quality of life for Chinese citizens and the growing appeal of Chinese civilization internationally.

    Brazil-China Research and Business Center executive director Ronnie Lins noted the speech’s effectiveness in connecting national objectives with daily lived experiences. “President Xi’s assertion that ‘no issue of the people is too small’ translates Chinese modernization and common prosperity into tangible, actionable measures that directly benefit citizens,” Lins told CGTN.

    The address also outlined China’s extension of its domestic governance philosophy to international engagement. President Xi emphasized China’s commitment to collaborative global problem-solving, stating: “China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity.”

    Canadian Chinese Entrepreneurs Council secretary-general Zheng Xiaofeng interpreted this as a significant indicator of China’s policy direction, noting the message emphasizes resilience and patience amid global uncertainties rather than promising unrealistic growth. Zheng particularly welcomed concrete references to expanding openness, predicting enhanced policy predictability and rules-based international cooperation.

    The speech’s emphasis on the Global Governance Initiative received special attention from African analysts. Nairobi-based international relations scholar Adhere Cavince noted the initiative’s alignment with development cooperation opportunities between China and African nations. Citing the upgraded China-Kenya partnership, Cavince identified potential in agricultural modernization, infrastructure development, and green energy collaboration. “As Xi’s message calls for bold strides,” he remarked, “such partnerships could accelerate Africa’s development agenda while enhancing economic resilience and shared prosperity.”

  • Trump following Netanyahu playbook with new Iran threat: critics

    Trump following Netanyahu playbook with new Iran threat: critics

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated geopolitical tensions on Friday by issuing a direct military threat against Iran through his Truth Social platform. The controversial statement warned that American forces stand “locked and loaded” to intervene if Iranian authorities intensify their crackdown on ongoing domestic protests.

    Trump’s social media post explicitly stated: “If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.” This declaration came shortly after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Trump reportedly expressed openness to supporting additional military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.

    The Iranian government responded swiftly through Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who cautioned that American interference would “destroy America’s interests” and create “chaos in the entire region.”

    Policy experts from the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) expressed grave concerns about Trump’s rhetoric. President Jamal Abdi characterized Netanyahu’s visit as strategically aimed at “moving the goalposts for military action on Iran” and warned that Trump’s comments represent “a dangerous signal” that could lead the United States into another Middle Eastern conflict.

    The current protests in Iran originated from economic grievances, particularly the catastrophic collapse of the national currency. What began as strikes by technology merchants in Tehran has evolved into widespread demonstrations incorporating overt anti-government sentiments. Reports indicate several protesters have been killed by security forces during the unrest.

    NIAC analysts Etan Mabourakh and Ehsan Zahedani emphasized that the Iranian people’s struggle for economic justice and freedom deserves genuine solidarity rather than Western “salvation” through military intervention. They cautioned against external actors co-opting legitimate domestic grievances to advance agendas of militarism and regime change.

  • Tech crucial factor shaping China-US ties

    Tech crucial factor shaping China-US ties

    The technological competition between the United States and China dominated bilateral relations throughout 2025, with semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors emerging as primary battlegrounds in this strategic rivalry. Washington significantly expanded export control measures targeting Chinese technology companies while simultaneously pursuing international alliances to counter China’s growing technological influence.

    Throughout the year, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security implemented stringent restrictions, adding over 80 Chinese entities involved in advanced integrated circuits, quantum computing, and AI to its Entity List. The introduction of the controversial Affiliates Rule in September further extended these controls to foreign companies with significant ownership ties to listed entities, though implementation was temporarily suspended during trade negotiations.

    Concurrently, the US Treasury Department enacted outbound investment screening mechanisms effective January 2025, limiting American capital flow into Chinese semiconductor, quantum computing, and AI enterprises. The diplomatic offensive culminated in December with the ‘Pax Silica’ Declaration, through which Washington sought to establish a coalition of allied nations dedicated to creating alternative supply chains for critical minerals and technology components.

    Despite these comprehensive constraints, Chinese technology firms demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation capacity. AI startup DeepSeek emerged as a particularly striking example, developing large language models that rivaled established US products while utilizing significantly reduced computational resources. Through sophisticated software optimization and hardware efficiency improvements, the company achieved performance levels comparable to OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Google’s Gemini 3.0 Pro.

    Similarly, Huawei and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), both subject to Entity List restrictions, made substantial advances in domestic chip production technology. Huawei’s November release of the Kirin 9030 processor, manufactured using SMIC’s enhanced fabrication processes, represented China’s most sophisticated semiconductor achievement to date according to industry analysts.

    Technology policy experts increasingly question the long-term effectiveness of US export controls, noting that restrictions appear to be accelerating Chinese technological independence rather than stifling it. The International Center for Law and Economics and Information Technology and Innovation Foundation both published analyses suggesting that American measures have inadvertently stimulated innovation within China’s technology sector.

    The two nations presented contrasting visions for global AI governance, with the US emphasizing competitive leadership through its AI Action Plan while China promoted multilateral cooperation and inclusion of developing nations through its Global AI Governance Initiative. Despite these divergent approaches, experts identified potential areas for collaboration including apolitical technical standards, public health datasets, and energy infrastructure development for data centers.

    As trade negotiations continue into 2026, technology remains deeply intertwined with broader economic discussions, with semiconductor and AI policy expected to remain central factors shaping the complex relationship between the world’s two largest economies.

  • At least 7 explosions and low-flying aircraft are heard in Venezuela’s Caracas

    At least 7 explosions and low-flying aircraft are heard in Venezuela’s Caracas

    CARACAS, Venezuela — The pre-dawn hours of Saturday were shattered by a series of at least seven powerful explosions and the ominous sound of low-flying aircraft over Venezuela’s capital, sending panicked residents into the streets despite the early morning darkness. The mysterious incidents occurred approximately at 2:00 a.m. local time, with the origin and nature of the detonations remaining officially unconfirmed as multiple governments maintained silence.

    The unsettling events unfolded against a backdrop of dramatically escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States, which has been conducting an extensive military campaign targeting alleged drug-smuggling operations in the region. According to the Trump administration, American forces have executed 35 separate boat strikes since early September, resulting in at least 115 casualties.

    Eyewitness accounts described a scene of chaos and terror. ‘The entire ground shook violently. This is absolutely horrifying. We heard consecutive explosions and aircraft in the distance,’ recounted Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker whose voice trembled as she spoke. She was returning from a birthday party with two relatives when the explosions occurred.

    Remarkably, Venezuelan state television continued regular programming without interruption, airing cultural content about national music and art rather than addressing the explosions. This broadcasting decision raised questions about the government’s response to the incidents.

    The geopolitical context adds layers of complexity to the situation. Just one day prior to the explosions, the Venezuelan government had expressed openness to negotiating an anti-drug trafficking agreement with the United States. However, President Nicolás Maduro simultaneously accused the U.S. of attempting to force regime change in Venezuela to gain access to the country’s substantial oil reserves through a prolonged pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.

    The relationship between the nations has further deteriorated following a recent CIA drone strike on Venezuelan soil targeting areas believed to be used by drug cartels—the first known direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan territory. Maduro himself faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States.

    Adding to the economic pressure, the U.S. has implemented sanctions against four Venezuelan oil companies and seized multiple sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela’s coast, alongside establishing a naval blockade that effectively constricts the country’s economy.

    The American military presence in the region represents the largest in generations, highlighted by the November deployment of the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier with thousands of additional troops. President Trump has characterized the boat strikes as a necessary escalation in what he describes as an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels responsible for funneling narcotics into the United States.

    International attention came from an unexpected source as Iranian state television reported on the Caracas explosions, showcasing images of the Venezuelan capital. The coverage underscored the strategic alliance between Iran and Venezuela, bonded significantly by their shared adversarial relationship with the United States.

  • Trump promise to intervene over Iran protests ‘reckless’ says foreign minister

    Trump promise to intervene over Iran protests ‘reckless’ says foreign minister

    Iranian officials have issued a stern rebuke of former US President Donald Trump’s offer to intervene in ongoing domestic protests, labeling his statements as dangerously irresponsible. The diplomatic clash emerged after Trump posted on social media that US forces were “locked and loaded and ready to go” should Iranian authorities move against peaceful demonstrators.

    Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi responded via social media platform X, asserting that “Iran will forcefully reject any interference in their internal affairs.” Drawing parallels to US domestic policy, Araghchi noted that Trump should understand from his own deployment of National Guard troops that attacks on public property cannot be tolerated.

    The exchange occurs against a backdrop of significant civil unrest that has spread across multiple Iranian cities. According to various reports, at least eight fatalities have occurred during week-long demonstrations that began with shopkeepers protesting the Iranian currency’s sharp devaluation against the US dollar. The protests have since expanded to include university students and citizens chanting against the country’s clerical leadership.

    Iranian police spokesman General Saeed Montazerolmahdi stated that security forces would prevent “enemies” from transforming “unrest into chaos,” while President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged he would listen to “legitimate demands” of protesters. Simultaneously, Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that instability attempts would meet a “decisive response.”

    In a significant diplomatic move, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani formally requested the UN Security Council condemn Trump’s statements, warning that the US would bear “full responsibility for any consequences arising from these unlawful threats.” The current protests represent the most widespread demonstrations since the 2022 uprising sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death in custody, though on a smaller scale.