In a strategic move to bolster its position as a global leader in education and technology, China is ramping up efforts to cultivate elite talents in critical fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated circuits. This initiative is part of the country’s broader vision to build a robust education system that aligns with national strategic demands and industrial development.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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East China conference pools Maritime Silk Road development wisdom
The 2025 Maritime Silk Road Urban Cooperation & Development Conference, alongside the International Travel Agents Conference, commenced on November 19 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, East China. The event, themed ‘Integration and Innovation for Win-win Cooperation,’ brought together nearly 400 participants from countries including China, Italy, and Indonesia to explore collaborative growth opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, emphasized at the opening ceremony that China has paved the way for cooperation, opportunities, and shared prosperity with Maritime Silk Road partner nations. He pledged Xinhua’s commitment to fostering exchanges and supporting multi-field collaboration among these cities, aiming to enhance the high-quality development of the BRI.
Lian Yimin, Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, underscored Zhejiang’s dedication to innovation-driven cooperation and sharing development achievements with Maritime Silk Road cities. The conference, running until November 21, is co-organized by Xinhua News Agency’s Zhejiang branch, the Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government, and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
This gathering highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen international ties and promote sustainable development through the Maritime Silk Road, reinforcing China’s role as a global leader in fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
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Mainland warns DPP against sacrificing Taiwan interests for US favor
In a stern statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Mainland China cautioned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) against prioritizing U.S. favor over the welfare of Taiwan’s people and economy. Zhu Fenglian, representing the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that such actions would only serve U.S. interests under the ‘America First’ policy, ultimately harming Taiwan. The warning came in response to reports suggesting the U.S. had requested Taiwan to invest between $350 billion and $550 billion during tariff negotiations—a staggering sum equivalent to 44-69% of Taiwan’s 2024 GDP and 58-92% of its foreign exchange reserves as of October. Zhu criticized the DPP for allegedly sacrificing Taiwan’s resources and business interests to gain external support for its separatist agenda. She warned that such moves could lead to the outflow of capital, technology, and talent, severely undermining Taiwan’s industrial development. Additionally, Zhu expressed firm opposition to reports of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te planning a U.S. transit before year-end, urging the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and avoid emboldening ‘Taiwan independence’ forces. Zhu reiterated that any attempts to seek independence through external support are doomed to fail.
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UAE residents welcome removal of minimum salary for loans; experts advise caution
The UAE Central Bank’s decision to eliminate the minimum salary requirement for personal loans has been met with widespread enthusiasm among residents, though financial experts urge caution. The move, which allows banks to set their own minimum thresholds based on internal risk policies, is expected to expand access to credit for thousands of previously unbanked individuals, particularly low-income workers. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased borrowing for non-essential purposes. Pakistani expat Mohammed Haroon, a Dubai-based driver earning Dh4,000 monthly, expressed relief, stating the policy change came at a crucial time as he sought funds for his daughter’s wedding. Financial advisor KV Shamsuddeen highlighted the dual impact of the policy, noting it could reduce reliance on illegal loan sharks but also lead to unnecessary debt accumulation. He emphasized the need for enhanced financial literacy programs to educate workers on responsible borrowing. Industry analysts predict the shift will spur innovative lending products, such as micro-financing and savings-linked credit options, tailored to entry-level employees. While the policy is seen as a progressive step toward financial inclusion, experts stress the importance of cautious implementation to mitigate risks.
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Japan’s business community urges dialogue
Prominent figures from Japan’s business and civil sectors have called for sustained and constructive dialogue with China, warning that reckless political actions could severely damage bilateral economic ties. This appeal follows controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which sparked strong protests from Beijing. Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, emphasized the importance of political stability as a foundation for economic exchanges, urging the government to prioritize dialogue. Ken Kobayashi of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the inseparable economic relationship between the two nations, while Mutsuo Iwai of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives stressed the need to maintain private-sector engagement. Political economist Kazuyuki Hamada criticized Takaichi’s lack of insight into Japan-China relations, expressing concerns over potential regional tensions and the economic fallout from reduced Chinese tourism and student exchanges. China remains Japan’s largest source of tourists and international students, with significant economic implications. Masaaki Kanai, director-general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, recently visited China, with hopes of fostering future-oriented proposals to rebuild bilateral relations. Experts warn that prolonged tensions could disrupt trade, investment, and supply chains, with broader regional and global consequences.
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Mayors, city planners explore Nanjing
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, recently hosted a gathering of mayors and city planners from across the globe to exchange insights on green transformation, cultural heritage preservation, and smart governance. The event, held on Wednesday, highlighted Nanjing’s commitment to sustainable urban development and its rich historical legacy. Participants visited Yuhuatai High School to witness a campus soccer match, showcasing the city’s emphasis on youth engagement and sports infrastructure. Nanjing’s dedication to fostering a soccer culture was evident in its 294 national youth campus soccer specialty schools and the construction of 180 new soccer fields over the past five years. Alessandro Rapinese, Mayor of Como, Italy, praised Nanjing’s energy and competitiveness, which he experienced firsthand on the soccer field. The delegation also explored the Nanjing City Wall Museum and Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng, marveling at the city’s meticulous preservation of its Ming Dynasty heritage. The Nanjing City Wall, built in 1366, remains the world’s longest and best-preserved ancient city wall, while Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng stands as a testament to China’s architectural ingenuity. Over the three-day visit, participants embarked on a diverse itinerary, including a research vessel tour to observe finless porpoises, a visit to a bug studio to study insect traces, and a tour of Nanjing Iron and Steel Group Company to witness its green transformation efforts. The event also featured a World Literature Salon, where mayors read Chinese and English poetry, fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Mohamed Higazy, a board member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, lauded Nanjing as a model city that balances heritage preservation with forward-looking development. Thomas Himmler, Director of Foreign Affairs in Dietfurt, Germany, expressed his admiration for Nanjing’s warmth and cultural richness, emphasizing his goal to bridge understanding between Germany and China.
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Chinese innovations hog limelight at Dubai air show
The Dubai Airshow 2025 became a stage for Chinese aviation innovations, as a wide array of cutting-edge products, from domestically developed jetliners to advanced drones, made their debut. This event significantly bolstered China’s presence in the global aviation sector. The Aero Engine Corporation of China showcased its latest technologies, marking the company’s most extensive overseas exhibition of homegrown aero engines to date. Among the highlights were the C919 and C909 passenger jets, which made their first appearances in the Middle East. The C919, operated by China Southern Airlines, features a modern cabin design with eco-friendly materials and a theme of ‘oriental grace.’ Visitors and industry professionals alike praised the aircraft for its comfort and stability. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is actively seeking potential overseas clients, with over 170 C909 jets already delivered to domestic and foreign customers. The event also featured the Lanying R6000, the world’s first 6-ton-class tiltrotor aircraft, which holds significant potential for heavy-lift scenarios in the Middle East. Additionally, Chinese-manufactured unmanned aerial vehicles and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft garnered substantial attention, further solidifying China’s role as a key player in the global aviation industry.
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Flying hospital now ready for eye and ENT surgeries
China’s pioneering ‘flying hospital,’ a collaborative initiative between the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, has achieved a significant milestone. Equipped with a newly upgraded Class 1 clean operating room, the aircraft is now capable of performing both ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology surgeries. This advancement marks a critical step in China’s efforts to establish a high-level aviation medical system and enhance precision healthcare delivery via air platforms. The project, which began with a focus on ophthalmology, has now expanded to include ENT services, setting a global precedent in aviation medicine. The flying hospital, operating from a domestically manufactured aircraft, completed its first mission on September 5, transporting over 30 medical professionals from Shanghai to Shihezi in Xinjiang. During this mission, the aircraft provided advanced diagnostic services to nearly 50 patients, leveraging 5G technology for remote consultations with specialists in Shanghai. The addition of the operating room aligns with directives from the National Health Commission to improve cataract surgery capabilities in rural areas and accelerate in-flight surgical development. The operating room features customized domestic equipment and a bolt-free design, enabling rapid installation within eight hours. Innovations such as a variable wind speed laminar flow module have overcome technical challenges, making it possible to integrate surgical functions into the aircraft cabin. The hospital plans to begin with cataract surgeries, addressing high demand in underserved regions, and expand to common ENT procedures like nasal polyp and sinusitis operations. This initiative not only improves access to quality healthcare in remote areas but also strengthens China’s emergency medical response capabilities.
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Russian hacking suspect wanted by the FBI arrested on Thai resort island
A 35-year-old Russian national, suspected of orchestrating cyberattacks on U.S. and European government agencies, has been arrested in Phuket, Thailand, following a tip from the FBI. The suspect, identified as Denis Obrezko from Stavropol, entered Thailand on October 30 and was apprehended earlier this month at his hotel. Thai authorities seized laptops, mobile phones, and digital wallets during the arrest, with FBI officials present. Obrezko is now detained pending a potential extradition to the United States. Russian state media confirmed the arrest, and his relatives are reportedly planning to contest the extradition. The U.S. Department of Justice and State Department have declined to comment on the case. Russian diplomats have visited Obrezko in custody, and the Russian consulate in Phuket acknowledged the arrest but provided no further details. The extradition process is underway, though its duration remains uncertain.
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Resilience and recovery
In a remarkable display of resilience and scientific ingenuity, rare red-flowered black mangroves (Lumnitzera littorea) in Hainan province, China, are on the path to recovery following the devastating impact of Typhoon Kajiki. The storm, which struck on August 24, unleashed winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, severely damaging the coastal regions of Hainan. Among the casualties were six of the only 14 known mother trees of this rare mangrove species in China.