标签： Asia

Confucianism has long served as a cultural and intellectual bridge between China and South Korea, fostering a shared heritage that transcends centuries. This enduring connection is exemplified by the life and works of Choe Chi-won, a Korean poet and scholar who lived during the late Unified Silla period (668-935). Choe, known in China as Cui Zhiyuan, spent significant years in China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907), where he mastered classical Chinese and earned the prestigious jinshi degree, the highest level of the imperial civil service exams. His poetry, written in classical Chinese, reflects a deep emotional and intellectual bond with both cultures. Choe’s influence extended beyond literature; he sought to reform the declining Silla kingdom by advocating for Confucian principles such as meritocracy, monarchical strength, and ethical governance. Although his reforms were largely ignored, his legacy shaped the Confucian bureaucratic traditions of subsequent Korean dynasties, including Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910). The Gwageo system, introduced by Goryeo and modeled after China’s imperial examinations, further solidified this cultural exchange. Today, Confucianism continues to symbolize the profound intellectual and artistic affinity between China and South Korea, as evidenced by events like the Confucian ritual at Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine, a tribute to the Joseon Dynasty’s royal ancestors.

In a significant cultural milestone, Quanzhou in Fujian Province and Wuxi in Jiangsu Province have been officially inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Quanzhou has been designated as a ‘City of Gastronomy,’ while Wuxi has earned the title of ‘City of Music.’ This recognition underscores their commitment to leveraging creativity as a cornerstone for sustainable urban development and their active engagement in enriching cultural life. With this addition, the number of Chinese cities in the network has now reached 20, joining prominent metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This year, a total of 58 cities worldwide were welcomed into the network, selected through a stringent process that includes national recommendations and international evaluations. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, a flagship cultural initiative, spans eight creative fields and operates alongside other UNESCO programs focused on World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage. The network’s biennial designation process highlights the global importance of fostering creativity in urban planning and cultural preservation.

At the tender age of 10, I stumbled upon a revelation that reshaped my understanding of my family. My grandfather’s weathered toolbox, long thought to be a repository of mundane tools, was in fact a treasure trove of missile craftsmanship. My father’s frequent absent-mindedness, often a source of family jest, was revealed to be the byproduct of his relentless dedication to aerospace research. These two unassuming men in my household, who had always been pillars of quiet strength, were in truth the unsung heroes illuminating the cosmos. Their stories, etched in the celestial tapestry of our nation, are a testament to the extraordinary contributions of ordinary individuals. To all such silent superheroes, we extend our deepest salute — your legacy is forever intertwined with the starry river of our motherland.

NOVI SAD, Serbia — Tens of thousands of Serbians gathered in Novi Sad on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of a devastating railway station disaster that claimed 16 lives. The commemoration also served as a powerful platform for widespread discontent with the government of President Aleksandar Vucic, whose autocratic rule has faced increasing scrutiny since the tragedy. The collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1, 2022, sparked youth-led protests and a nationwide movement demanding political change, significantly challenging Vucic’s grip on power. Protesters attribute the disaster to rampant corruption and nepotism in state infrastructure projects, particularly those involving Chinese partnerships, which allegedly led to a fatal disregard for safety standards. Despite 13 individuals being charged, no one has been held accountable. The ceremony began with 16 minutes of silence at 11:52 a.m., the exact time of the collapse, followed by wreath-laying and candlelight tributes outside the station. Attendees, including Vera Jaramazovic from Subotica, expressed profound grief and frustration, reflecting a society in turmoil. Vucic, who recently apologized to student protesters after previously threatening mass arrests, attended a church service in Belgrade while the government declared a day of mourning. However, protesters dismissed his apology, continuing to demand early parliamentary elections to oust his populist regime. Serbia’s EU accession process has stalled under Vucic’s leadership, as his close ties with Russia and China and crackdown on democratic freedoms have drawn criticism. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos noted that the tragedy has galvanized calls for accountability and democracy, values essential for Serbia’s EU integration. The event also highlighted the resilience of the protest movement, with thousands of young people marching hundreds of kilometers to Novi Sad, where they were met with emotional support from the community.

Residents of the UAE can look forward to pleasant weather conditions this weekend, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts fair to partly cloudy skies across the country. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, temperatures are expected to remain comfortable, with highs of 33ºC in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In the latter, certain areas like Mezaira may experience cooler temperatures, dropping to as low as 19ºC, while mountainous regions could see mercury levels dip to 17ºC. Overnight and into Sunday morning, humidity is anticipated to increase in some coastal and internal areas. Light to moderate winds, occasionally freshening, will sweep across the nation. Sea conditions are predicted to be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. This mild weather offers an ideal opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration.