A fire broke out in a vegetable market in the Qiaoxi district of Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei Province, on Saturday at 8:40 am, leaving eight dead and 15 others injured, local authorities announced on Saturday.
Firefighting, emergency, and medical departments rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations. The open flames were extinguished by 10:10 am, and the rescue work was completed by 12:50 pm, the local government said in a statement.
The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment, and currently, there is no danger to their lives. The cause of the accident is under further investigation, according to the statement.
A woman from Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, accidentally fell into the sea but managed to stay afloat due to the buoyancy of her down jacket, leading to her successful rescue, according to China Central Television.
Bystanders noticed her struggling in the water and promptly called for help. Within two minutes, rescue personnel arrived at the scene. They found the woman floating on her back, her down jacket providing essential buoyancy.
The timely rescue ensured the woman was unharmed. Her composure in the water helped her conserve energy and buy crucial time for the rescuers.
The rescue team highlighted the need to remain calm and breathe steadily in such situations. If the water is not frozen, it is crucial to use any available floating objects — such as backpacks, plastic containers, foam boxes, or clothing — to keep the body afloat. Additionally, calling for help and using brightly colored items to signal rescuers can aid in being spotted.
If someone falls through ice, rescuers recommend lying flat on the ice, using their hands to carefully push against the ice surface while crawling to safety. Once out, individuals should roll away from the weakened area to safer ground.
December 20, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. It not only signifies the ended centuries of Portuguese occupation, but also heralds the beginning of a new chapter for Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
On this momentous day, those who witnessed this grand event 25 years ago are filled with emotions. With excitement, they shared their memories with the Global Times, recounting the development and changes in Macao since its return and highlighting precious historical details. Their experiences serve as a testament to the enduring emotional connection and consistent, firm direction of development between Macao and the mainland.
This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present.
"My feelings for Macao are deep. I can't let them go," Zong Guangyao fondly recalled to the Global Times, when sharing his connection with this special place.
Zong, 87, cherishes his 12 years of working and living in the SAR as the most valuable chapter of his life.
In 1987, a historic milestone was reached with the signing of the Joint Declaration between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on the Question of Macao in Beijing. This agreement confirmed that Macao would return to China on December 20, 1999, a date that would reshape the destiny of the city.
Two years later, in 1989, Zong embarked on his journey to Macao. As the deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Zong was at the forefront of this significant period. Prior to this, he had held multiple key positions, including membership and deputy secretary-general of the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, and deputy director of the preparatory committee for the hand-over ceremony. During 12 years of work in Macao, he witnessed numerous important historical moments in the development of the city.
Resolving Macao question
As the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China draws near, Zong recounted with the Global Times that he was invited by Macao students studying in Beijing to attend a get-together to share his firsthand account of the historic return. Many among the younger generation are intrigued by the choice of December 20 as the return date.
He explained to the students that although being occupied by Portugal since 1557, Macao lacked any historical treaty agreements to guide its return.
Following the determination of Hong Kong's return date, the Chinese government initiated negotiations with the Portuguese government on the Macao question in 1986. "Initially, Portugal wished to defer discussions until the 21st century, but we were resolute in our refusal," Zong recalled. "We could not allow the legacy of past humiliations to persist into a new century."
Zong noted that after some concessions from Portugal, they suggested December 31, 1999, as a potential return date for Macao. "However, this proposal was also dismissed by China," he said. "The proximity to the millennium was one concern; another was our desire to ensure the transfer occurred before Christmas so that the Portuguese can celebrate the holiday at home," Zong explained.
After extensive negotiations, December 20, 1999, was agreed upon as the day for Macao's return. Zong attributes the relatively smooth handover to China's burgeoning strength, the far-sighted consideration of the central government, and the collective efforts of Macao's residents.
Locals at the heart of the celebration
Zong's chest swells with pride when he reflects on his role in orchestrating the momentous celebration on Macao's return to China. On December 21, 1999, nearly 10,000 local performers from Macao took center stage at the grand festivities. The vibrant performances ranged from a majestic thousand-member waist drum team, dynamic martial arts displays, to the enchanting rhythms of the Portuguese folk dance, a testament to the cultural fusion that defines Macao.
The logistics of organizing such an expansive spectacle were daunting, a task that Zong entrusted to the capable hands of the local Macanese associations. He was particularly touched by the words of one person, Santos, who played a pivotal role in the success of the event. "Santos expressed with deep emotion that Macao would always be her home," Zong recounted. "She emphasized that the Macanese community should have rightful place in the grand celebration of Macao's return to China."
Zong also recalled an encounter with Macao's last Portuguese governor, Vasco Rocha Vieira, prior to the handover. "Vieira shared his initial apprehensions. He had feared that the Portuguese residents in Macao might face discrimination after the handover and have to eventually return to Lisbon. However, his worries were dispelled as he witnessed the celebratory performance plan, feeling the warmth and inclusiveness of the Chinese people." Strong faith in the future
Even after retiring for many years, Zong's dedication to his beloved city of Macao remains unwavering. A daily ritual of his is to delve into the pages of the Macao Daily News, keeping himself abreast of the latest happenings in the city.
During the interview with the Global Times, Zong presented a special edition of the newspaper, dated October 10, 2024. This particular issue showcased a report highlighting Macao's impressive ranking as the second richest region globally and the top in Asia, according to Forbes magazine list 2024.
In the mid-16th century, when the Portuguese first set foot on Macao's shores, they inquired about the local name. The residents, misunderstanding the question, directed them to a Mazu Temple, leading to a mispronunciation that gave birth to the name "Macao."
Today, the city's inhabitants, including government officials like Zong, proudly affirm that the city embodies "one country, two systems" with "Macao's characteristics." With unwavering conviction, Zong envisions a future where Macao, a city to which he has devoted his life's work and love, continues to flourish and shine on the world stage.
The Chinese side stands ready to follow the guidance of the consensus reached by top leaders of both parties and countries, deepen practical cooperation with the Vietnamese side in various areas including maritime security, enhance strategic mutual trust between both militaries, promote constant development of bilateral relations and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said when meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam in Hanoi on Thursday.
China also cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, the two countries and the two militaries, according to China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday.
Lam welcomed Dong's participation in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, saying that Vietnam and China are socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Lam said Vietnam cherishes China's valuable support in the cause of national liberation, national independence and socialist construction in Vietnam, and takes developing friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy.
Lam expressed the hope that the two militaries will strengthen practical cooperation and inject new vitality to the development of bilateral relations, as reported by Xinhua.
Dong noted that China and Vietnam have entered a new era of building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
On Friday, Dong and his delegation attended a grand gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, according to the report.
Following a car ramming attack on a large crowd at a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, which left at least five people dead and over 200 injured, the suspect has been remanded in custody, according to BBC on Sunday.
German police said on Sunday that the motives of the suspects in the Magdeburg attack are still too vague to make a definitive assessment, and that there is no indication that the attack was motivated by religious extremism, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
Police also said the suspect had Islamophobic attitudes and was involved in right-wing extremist platforms, however it could not yet be concluded that the act was politically motivated, as reported by CCTV.
The judge ordered pre-trial detention for five counts of murder, multiple attempted murder and multiple counts of dangerous bodily harm, as reported by BBC.
Magdeburg Police said investigations are continuing and officers are appealing for witnesses to send in photos or video of the incident, according to the report.
The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist named Taleb A., has lived in Germany for nearly 20 years. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack, which remain unclear, according to Euro News.
A nine-year-old child and four adults were killed and around 200 others injured, 41 of them so badly that authorities fear the death toll could rise, as reported by Euro News on Sunday.
The Chinese embassy in Germany said it has not received reports of casualties among Chinese nationals as a driver killed at least five people when he rammed into a large crowd of revelers at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening local time.
The embassy also reminds Chinese nationals to increase their safety awareness, stay informed about local safety conditions, and avoid gatherings during the holiday season.
Also, a memorial service was held Saturday evening in the German city of Magdeburg to mourn the victims of the tragic attack. Condemning the act, Scholz described the incident as "a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality," according to the Xinhua News Agency.
According to the report by France 24, Taleb's X account is filled with tweets and retweets focusing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion while sharing congratulatory notes to Muslims who left the faith. He also described himself as a former Muslim. He was critical of German authorities, saying they had failed to do enough to combat the "Islamism of Europe."
German politics have long been torn over the flashpoint issues of immigration and security. Ex-chancellor Angela Merkel's welcome culture for refugees almost a decade ago fueled the rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant AfD, which now polls near 20 percent, according to France 24. And this Magdeburg attack has then sparked heated debate on the issue of immigration.
Following the attack, Alice Weidel, chair of Germany's anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, pointedly asked "When will this madness end?" while expressing her condolences for the victims of the attack, according to Politico.
At a memorial site for the victims, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla called on Interior Minister Nancy Faeser to take stronger action to ensure the safety of the German public, as reported by Euro News.
The situation highlights a longstanding contradiction in Germany's approach to immigration and its domestic planning for integration, particularly against the backdrop of a recent rise in domestic conflicts and disagreements related to immigration issues, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Sunday.
This is not the first time that German has similar incidents, Cui said. The incident echoes a tragic attack on December 19, 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police, according to the Xinhua.
The gradual rise of the AfD party in Germany also reflects a division in public opinion regarding immigration within German society, with significant portion of the German population that supports the AfD endorses the party's call for stricter restrictions on migrants, Cui added.
While the economy is the primary concern for most Germans, affecting individuals regardless of ethnicity or background, the issue of immigration—often linked to safety concerns—follows closely behind, Cui noted.
Bathhouses have become popular venues for socializing and relaxation, emerging as new pastime venues for the younger generation in urban China, according to a report from Southern Weekly on Tuesday.
According to the report, traditional bathhouse services primarily include bathing and showering options, ranging from basic showers to saunas, all designed to help individuals unwind and alleviate physical and psychological fatigue.
In addition to the traditional offerings, many bathhouses have expanded their services to include dining options such as snacks, light meals, refreshments, and buffets. A blogger highlighted a bathhouse in Shanghai that features a diverse selection of seafood, including shrimp, crab, salmon and other dishes, the Southern Weekly reported.
Moreover, the upgraded bathhouses not only offer satisfying bathing and dining experiences, but guests can also enjoy watching movies, with services continually being enhanced.
Also, searches for "bathhouse" on China's online lifestyle platform Meituan have surged by 40 percent, recent data reveals, as reported by the Southern Weekly.
The reason bathhouses, once seen as a pastime for middle-aged individuals, have become appealing to younger audiences today is that they cater to the need for relaxation among young people.
From traditional Chinese medicine health care to special experiences combining elements of current trends, bathhouses may also become an important carrier of new consumer culture, according to the report.
China's central bank on Sunday adjusted the pricing mechanism for mortgage rates, as the country aims to lower the financial burden on property owners. In accordance with the central bank's guidance, China's "big four" commercial banks issued statements confirming that they will adjust the interest rates on existing personal housing loans.
As part of a broader effort to stabilize the real estate sector, the policy adjustment will also help to boost consumption, adding to the optimistic sentiment in the market, analysts said.
The People’s Bank of China (PBC) announced on Sunday a significant reduction in mortgage rates for existing home loans, with an average estimated reduction of 0.5 percentage points, CCTV reported.
The adjustment aims to align the rates of existing loans with the national average for newly issued mortgages, thereby easing the interest burden on borrowers, the PBC said.
Commercial banks are required to carry out the adjustments for eligible existing mortgages by October 31, the PBC said.
Following the announcement from the central bank, China's "big four" commercial banks issued statements confirming that they will adjust the interest rates on existing personal housing loans in accordance with the central bank’s guidance.
“The adjustment of the existing mortgage interest rates has a very positive guiding effect. The reduction in monthly payments should have a positive impact in boosting consumer confidence,” Yan Yuejin, research director at Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute, told the Global Times on Sunday.
Additionally, commercial personal housing loans will no longer differentiate between first-time and second-time home purchases. The minimum down payment requirement is now set at no less than 15 percent, the PBC said.
First-tier cities including Shanghai, and Guangzhou and Shenzhen in South China’s Guangdong Province all eased their property policies on Sunday.
Shenzhen announced that the minimum down payment ratio for commercial personal housing loans for first-time homebuyers will be adjusted to 15 percent.
Shanghai introduced seven new policies aimed at stabilizing the real estate market, effective from October 1, 2024.
Highlights among the measures include easing purchasing restrictions for non-resident families and individuals. Specifically, the requirement for continuous payment of social insurance or personal income tax has been adjusted to a minimum of one year prior to the purchase date for those buying homes outside the city’s outer ring.
Furthermore, the minimum down payment ratio for commercial personal housing loans for purchasing first homes in Shanghai has been set at no less than 15 percent, while for second homes it has been adjusted to a minimum of 25 percent.
Guangzhou also issued a notice on Sunday saying that all purchase restrictions for local families buying housing in Guangzhou will be lifted, CCTV reported.
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Thursday to analyze the country’s current economic situation and make further plans for economic work.
Regarding the real estate market, efforts must be made to address public concerns, adjust housing purchase restrictions, reduce existing mortgage rates, improve land, fiscal and taxation, financial and other policies, and promote the formation of a new model of real estate development, the meeting concluded.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said in a meeting on Sunday that it will support cities, especially first-tier cities, in effectively utilizing their independent real estate market regulation, and will adjust housing purchase restrictions based on local conditions.
It is expected that the pace of adjustments in housing policies across the country will accelerate. These new measures are expected to foster a positive trajectory for the real estate market, laying a solid foundation for continued development, Yan said.
China has long been committed to addressing global climate change and promoting sustainable development through technological innovation and international cooperation. Recently, the Global Times reporter Shan Jie (GT) interviewed Guo Huadong (Guo), an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Director-General of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), to discuss the role of big Earth data in helping Small Island Developing States (SIDS) achieve sustainable development and improve their disaster response capabilities. GT: How do you view the role of big Earth data in helping SIDS to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance disaster response capabilities? What kind of support can the CBAS provide to these countries?
Guo: We have been done a lot of work in the field of big data technology, and it is widely recognized that big data plays a crucial role in helping SIDS achieve their sustainable development goals and address the challenges of natural disasters.
Moreover, resources are also changing. Through big Earth data, we integrate various data sources, including satellite remote sensing, meteorology, and ecology, to offer a comprehensive, timely, and accurate means of monitoring and analyzing ecological environments and natural disasters. This plays a significant role in facilitating sustainable development goals.
The challenges faced by SIDS make big data especially important. Our research center can contribute significantly in several ways. First, these countries lack data in their development processes, whereas our center has abundant big Earth data resources. Second, these countries also lack methodologies, but we have established a scientific big data platform and identified that our satellite data resources have significant advantages in terms of technological tools and model development. Third, these countries lack the relevant talent, and we can provide training.
Our center has five major missions, with the fourth and fifth missions focusing on training talent in developing countries. The Small Island Developing States Capacity Building Workshop on Utilizing big Earth data for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is one such example of our specific efforts in this regard.
In conclusion, big Earth data provides strong support for SIDS in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. We are committed to continuing to drive technological innovation and capacity building in this area, supporting these nations achieve safer and greener development.
GT: In September, you and your team released a series of data products for SIDS covering marine and land heatwaves, coral bleaching thermal stress, and etc. What new products will be released in the future?
Guo: Climate change has triggered a series of disasters, which are key global concerns and have a significant impact on sustainable development. Our big Earth data research focuses on greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane emissions, as well as the carbon sequestration capacity of natural ecosystems. In terms of natural disasters, we monitor global floods, droughts, heatwaves, and other disaster types, and analyze the impact of these disasters on populations and economies using spatial information. The released global mangrove remote sensing product has already played a role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.
To address global climate change and disaster challenges, we have made contributions in greenhouse gas emissions and natural disaster monitoring. For example, despite the increasing trend of global meteorological droughts, severe drought impacts have decreased due to human irrigation efforts, which shows the vital role of irrigation in mitigating drought. Looking ahead, climate change will continue to pose a long-term threat to humanity.
Recently, we collaborated with scholars worldwide and published an article in Innovation from the perspective of global governance, proposing a synergy between climate change responses and sustainable development goals, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. GT: You have witnessed the development of China's remote sensing technology alongside the nation. Could you share your observations and insights?
Guo: The development of remote sensing has been synchronized with China's reform and opening-up. China's reform began in 1978, the same year we started large-scale airborne remote sensing experiments, such as the Tengchong Airborne Remote Sensing Experiment, which used domestically developed payloads to observe resources in Tengchong, Southwest China's Yunnan Province. This experiment marked the beginning of China's remote sensing history.
After that, our remote sensing communities conducted environmental remote sensing in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in North China, followed by remote sensing for site selection for the Ertan Hydropower Station in Southwest China's Sichuan.
We refer to these three projects as the "three major battles," which officially opened the chapter of China's remote sensing history.
At the same time, China's reform and opening-up also unfolded. Therefore, I have always believed that remote sensing has progressed in tandem with China's reform and opening-up. Over the last 46 years, China's remote sensing technology has made significant advances. In satellite remote sensing, China has developed meteorological satellites, ocean satellites, resource satellites, and environmental satellites, and even sustainable development satellite and other scientific satellite systems, with commercial satellites developing rapidly as well. The progress is not only in spaceborne remote sensing but also in airborne remote sensing and remote sensing data processing software.
These remote sensing technologies have been applied extensively in resources, environment, energy, and other fields, achieving significant progress. China has become one of the global leaders in remote sensing technology, which has played a crucial role in monitoring resources and the environment, supporting national economic construction, social development, and national security.
International cooperation has also been integral to the development of remote sensing. In 2016, I initiated the Digital Belt and Road program(DBAR), aimed at leveraging digital technology to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. Initially, 28 countries participated, and it has now expanded to 59 countries with nine international excellence centers. Remote sensing has played a vital role in advancing global cooperation and development.
I also launched the "ABCC Plan," a comparative study of climate change remote sensing involving Australia, Brazil, China, and Canada. The aim of this plan is to utilize these countries' remote sensing capabilities to analyze and compare the impacts of global climate change.
GT: After years of working with remote sensing satellites as your "eyes" to observe the Earth, how do you view the improvement of China's ecological environment?
Guo: The improvements are clear. We often refer to remote sensing satellites as the "eyes in the sky," which offer a broader perspective than our human eyes. Remote sensing technology can observe objects across the full spectrum of electromagnetic waves, enabling effective observations even at night. For example, remote sensing satellites can detect not only the presence of water, but also analyze its transparency. High-resolution satellites can even accurately determine how many solar panels and wind turbines are installed in China.
Every year from 2019, we write a report entitled Big Earth Data in Support of Sustainable Development Goals. These reports provide detailed assessments of progress toward sustainable development goals through big data analysis. For example, in 2023, we found that China had achieved more than half of the total environment-related sustainable development goals ahead of schedule, with over 52 among 92 indicators showing significant improvement. This is especially impressive given the global context of climate change, the pandemic, and economic slowdowns. GT: What role do you think digital Earth plays in global sustainable development? What are the main challenges in its practical application and promotion?
Guo: The concept of digital Earth was proposed at the first International Symposium on Digital Earth in 1999. When a journalist asked me how I would describe digital Earth, I replied: "Digital Earth is about putting the Earth into a computer." Digital Earth gives us a comprehensive view of the Earth. As the concept of big data has evolved, digital Earth has entered the era of big data.
Big data offers a new paradigm for digital Earth. Its primary task is to use various algorithms and tools to extract knowledge from diverse, massive, and complex Earth data, develop relevant theories, and explain the mechanisms of social and physical systems to ensure the protection and sustainable development of the Earth. This is critical for achieving global sustainable development goals.
The challenges mainly lie in several areas: First, we need to strengthen research on theories, technologies, and methodologies to drive science and technology development through data. Second, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and deep learning, data processing technologies must continuously innovate. Furthermore, it is essential to make our scientific platforms and data model resources accessible globally, especially for developing countries. In the future, we will build think tanks that leverage global resources to accelerate the realization of sustainable development goals.
GT: How does CBAS contribute to national and international sustainable development progress?
Guo: Since its inception, the center has achieved numerous accomplishments. We successfully launched China's first sustainable development science satellite, equipped with thermal infrared, glimmer, and multi-band imagers. The satellite data has been well utilized, with users from 104 countries worldwide downloading our data through SDGSAT-1 Open Science program, continuously promoting global data sharing.
Our data is already being used by several United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Additionally, our reports on Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals arereleased by state leaders at international events. For instance, the 2019 report was one of four official documents submitted by China's delegation to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The center has made significant contributions to international cooperation as well. We have signed memoranda of understanding with various UN agencies, such as UNEP and FAO. The center's SDGSAT-1 has been highly recognized by the central government and is listed as one of China's seven major actions to implement the 2030 Agenda.
We have also initiated the Internaional Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development, Goals (FBAS) which has now been held for four years and has become a high-level think tank in the field of sustainable development around the world. The center has established a global cooperation network, attracting eight international institutions and six domestic partners. We also formed a Fellowship program comprising internationally renowned scholars, including former presidents of the UN General Assembly and former directors-general of UNESCO, which has greatly enhanced the center's international influence.
In 2023, Csaba Krösi, the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, visited the center and said he saw the most advanced technologies and achievements, and found like-minded partners. He said that his dream had come true that day, which was a great recognition of our work.
GT: What is the state of global data sharing? Are there still barriers?
Guo: In terms of data sharing, we have always believed that if data cannot be effectively shared, the potential of big data cannot be realized. Therefore, since the center's inception, we have attached great importance to data sharing. Our first sustainable development satellite has achieved global open sharing, and 104 countries are now using our data.
I want to emphasize that while our satellite investment is not large, it has already provided significant data support to many countries. For instance, out of the 193 UN member states, 104 have used our data. More than 100 research papers have been published using our data, which is also a recognition of the scientific value of our work.
Moreover, based on these data, we have released several reports for the United Nations and signed cooperation agreements with several international organizations to promote global data sharing and application.
GT: What replicable and scalable experiences can be drawn from the SIDS training program?
Guo: Although the number of SIDS is limited, they face common challenges, especially the threats posed by climate change and rising sea levels. The United Nations places great importance on these countries. In facing these challenges, they have a strong need for data and technical support.
We provide data support and technical training for small island countries. For instance, we promise to offer the data they need and help them compile relevant reports. Through the training workshops, they have learned how to access and analyze big Earth data, enhancing their capacity to respond to climate change and disasters. This training model can be extended to other developing countries.
Overall, the experiences from the SIDS training program can serve as valuable references for other developing nations, helping them address climate change and achieve sustainable development through data-driven solutions, capacity building, and international cooperation.
A launch ceremony for two new law enforcement vessels, namely the new command vessel No. 53108 and the high-speed patrol law enforcement vessel No. 53117, was held recently by the Yunnan provincial public security department's water patrol headquarters in Menghan town of Jinghong, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, marking the official completion of the fourth generation of law enforcement vessels for the Mekong River joint patrols and law enforcement missions by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.
Compared with the existing law enforcement vessels, the performance of these two vessels, and their functions have been enhanced and expanded, Xinhua reported. Once commissioned, they will provide enhanced support for the joint patrols and law enforcement missions of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand along the Mekong River.
According to Xinhua, to meet the requirements of joint Mekong River patrols and law enforcement missions for the new era and considering the hydrographic characteristics of the Lancang-Mekong waterway, the Yunnan authorities took the lead in designing and supervising the construction of these two vessels.
Construction of the two vessels began on April 1, 2024. According to the mooring test plan, the two vessels will sequentially undergo performance tests for various equipment, and will be commissioned for deployment accordingly.
The latest Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand concluded on June 21, 2024, which covered over 630 kilometers and involved 130 law enforcement personnel.
The Mekong River, also known as the Lancang River in China, is an important waterway for cross-border transportation. Since December 2011, the four countries have been conducting cooperative river patrols, according to Xinhua.
On September 20, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company successfully completed a 10kV power generation operation and live-line work on a tension-proof lead wire in the Medical and High-Tech Zone of Taizhou city, Jiangsu Province, through a medium- and low-voltage coordinated operation without power interruption, using a "live-line-led, power generation-supported" maintenance method. This ensured continuous power supply to nine public transformers along the line and facilitated the smooth implementation of the underground wiring project for the North Yangtze River High-Speed Railway.
It has been reported that the North Yangtze River High-Speed Railway, also known as the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei High-Speed Railway is a key line of the Yangtze River corridor, one of the main routes in China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railway network. It is also an important part of the coastal and Beijing-Shanghai auxiliary routes. The railway-related road projects in downtown Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, are crucial supporting facilities for leveraging the economic impact of the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei high-speed railway along the Yangtze River. They are significant for accelerating the construction of the urban development framework, improving the regional road network structure, and reserving space for the city's future development.
To ensure the relocation and modification project, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company promptly sent its key personnel to the site, conducted site surveys, and discussed plans with multiple parties. Taking into account the actual situation, including historical line load data, load forecasting results, and the current road conditions, the company ultimately decided to adopt a "transfer + live-line + power generation" approach to minimize the impact on the power supply during the construction period.
State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company also took preemptive measures such as converting load-bearing straight poles into tension poles and installing on-pole switches, to prepare for live-line work and power generation operations. On the day of construction, one medium-voltage generator truck and three low-voltage generators were mobilized to the site. Through a coordinated medium- and low-voltage power generation approach, the normal operation of nine transformers was thus ensured.
