标签： Asia

On November 12, 2025, China commemorated the 159th birth anniversary of Sun Yat-sen, a revered national hero, patriot, and pioneer of China’s democratic revolution. The ceremony, held at Zhongshan Park in central Beijing—a location named in his honor—was organized by the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Attendees, including senior officials from the CPPCC National Committee, the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and the Beijing municipal government, paid their respects with floral tributes and bows before Sun’s statue. The event also saw participation from representatives of non-Communist parties, prominent non-affiliated figures, Sun’s descendants, and other organizations. Born in 1866 in Guangdong province, Sun Yat-sen was instrumental in the 1911 Revolution, which ended the Qing Dynasty and over two millennia of feudal rule in China, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

A group of Japanese students who participated in an exchange program to China shared their transformative experiences at an event in Tokyo on Tuesday. The program, titled ‘100 Japanese University Students Visiting China,’ provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore China’s cultural heritage, technological advancements, and urban modernization. Koharu Hayakawa, a student from Chuo University, spent a year studying in Tianjin and was particularly struck by China’s ability to balance modernization with the preservation of its cultural identity. During visits to Hongcun and Xidi villages in Anhui province, Hayakawa observed that these popular tourist destinations maintained a strong sense of everyday life, dispelling his earlier assumptions of over-commercialization. He also noted regional differences in lifestyle, cuisine, and technology use, which deepened his appreciation for China’s diversity. The program included trips to Anhui and Henan provinces, where students explored Mount Huangshan, Huizhou culture, and innovative companies like Mixue Ice Cream and Tea. Reiji Nomachi, a student at Nihon University, was impressed by China’s rapid technological advancements, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. He highlighted the affordability, fast-charging capabilities, and longevity of Chinese EVs, noting that China’s adoption of this technology far surpasses that of Japan. Both Hayakawa and Nomachi emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in understanding China, encouraging others to share their experiences to foster friendly relations between Japan and China. Otohiko Endo, head of the Japan-China New Century Association, stressed the need for fresh and creative perspectives in youth exchanges, urging young people to face differences bravely and turn brief encounters into lasting relationships. Zhao Baogang, minister counselor at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, underscored the significance of firsthand experience, especially in light of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Despite media speculation about ‘anti-Japanese sentiment,’ students encountered genuine warmth and friendliness from the Chinese people. Sun Ran, editor-in-chief of Live Japan and head of the visiting delegation, announced the establishment of a youth friendship association to provide a long-term platform for continued exchange and mutual understanding.

In response to the escalating demands of an aging population, Chinese authorities have introduced a nationwide initiative to engage retired medical workers in integrated medical and elderly care institutions. This program, spearheaded by the National Health Commission and four other government bodies, aims to leverage the expertise of retired professionals to enhance the quality of care for seniors. Ten provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Chongqing, Hebei, Jilin, and Jiangsu, have been selected as pilot zones to develop scalable models for nationwide implementation. The initiative operates on a voluntary basis, allowing retired doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and administrative staff to contribute their skills in areas such as diagnosis, rehabilitation, nursing, and mental health support. With China’s elderly population surpassing 310 million in 2024, accounting for 22% of the total population, the integration of medical and elderly care has become a critical strategy. The program also encourages partnerships between care facilities and local hospitals, particularly those specializing in geriatric medicine, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Retired professionals will be offered flexible working hours, competitive remuneration, and additional benefits, ensuring their rights and well-being are protected. The initiative not only addresses the growing care needs but also provides retirees with meaningful opportunities to remain active in their field. Wei Qingzhuo, a retired medical professional from Shandong province, shared his positive experience working at a private elderly care center in Beijing, highlighting the convenience and harmonious work environment. By 2027, authorities aim to establish at least one integrated medical and elderly care institution in every county-level region, marking a significant step forward in addressing China’s demographic challenges.

The 15th National Games has witnessed an unexpected phenomenon as the mascots, Xi Yangyang and Le Rongrong, inspired by the Chinese white dolphin, have captured the hearts of audiences across the three host regions. Designed by Liu Pingyun, the creative mind behind the Beijing Winter Olympics’ Bing Dwen Dwen, these mascots showcase a significant evolution in athletic expressiveness. Unlike Bing Dwen Dwen’s limited mobility, Xi Yangyang and Le Rongrong feature a two-heads-tall proportion, enabling smoother and more dynamic movements. This design enhancement not only allows for versatile graphic depictions of various sports but also provides live performers inside the costumes with greater flexibility. Their energetic performances, including break dancing, rapid tail spins, and headstands, have electrified venues like the Dongguan Basketball Center, driving the crowd into a frenzy of cheers. Social media has been ablaze with viral videos and memes of their antics, with many hailing them as the most energetic mascots ever seen. The performers, a group of 23 martial artists from the Foshan Huangfeihong International Martial Arts School, were selected for their physical prowess, discipline, and teamwork. Their rigorous training since late July has paid off, bringing the mascots to life with natural and lively portrayals. The Chinese white dolphin, the mascots’ biological inspiration, carries profound symbolic meaning. Known as the ‘giant panda of the sea,’ it represents the maritime culture of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and embodies unity, perseverance, and endeavor. The dolphins’ annual return to the Pearl River Estuary symbolizes a deep connection to their homeland, reflecting the strong bonds among the people of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. This symbolism is particularly relevant given the Games’ historic joint hosting, marking a new era of regional cooperation. Liu Pingyun emphasized the challenge of transforming the unfamiliar marine creature into approachable, engaging characters. The final design features rounded bodies, human-like limbs, and distinctive blue, green, and yellow adornments atop their heads, representing water spraying from their blowholes. Despite their design, the mascots have sparked a wave of online humor, with many affectionately dubbing them the ‘great bay chickens,’ a nod to Cantonese cuisine and culture. This grassroots rebranding has made the mascots more approachable, drawing people in and helping them connect more deeply with the cultural and athletic spirit they represent.