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On October 15, 2023, a joint announcement was made in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office regarding the release of the “National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050).” This marks the first unified medium- and long-term development plan at the national level for the field of space science in China, with the goal of establishing the country as a powerhouse in space science.

The National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan outlines the objectives for the advancement of China’s space science, proposing five major scientific themes: “Extreme Universe,” “Spacetime Ripples,” “Sun-Earth Panorama,” “Habitable Planets,” and “Space Object Interaction.” In addition, it identifies 17 priority development directions and details a phased implementation plan for scientific tasks through three stages: up to 2027, 2028-2035, and 2036-2050. This comprehensive plan serves as a roadmap for the development of space science in China until 2050.

During a press conference held at the State Council Information Office, the joint release emphasized that the implementation of this plan is expected to accelerate groundbreaking advancements in fundamental space science research, aiding China in achieving significant global scientific achievements. It is also aimed at promoting generational leaps in space technology, facilitating high-quality development in space applications, and fostering cooperation in the outer space domain for the benefit of humanity.

The National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science is designed to advance the fields of space science, technology, and applications in a holistic manner, functioning as a guiding framework for current and future deployments of space science missions and research in China.

The formulation of the plan involved the collective expertise of numerous scholars and experts from across the nation. Under the guidance of relevant departments such as the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Space Administration, and the Ministry of Finance, the Chinese Academy of Sciences took the lead in organizing over 500 experts, including more than 50 academicians from research institutes, universities, and industry sectors, to contribute to the planning process. This effort, which included extensive consultations and feedback from various stakeholders, took more than two years to complete.

About 200,000 Americans live in the UK, and Democrats Abroad members are campaigning hard to get them to vote
Ben QuinnSun 13 Oct 2024 08.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 13 Oct 2024 16.01 EDTShareOn a chilly afternoon in central London, the battle for the US presidential election is being waged with no less fervour than if the campaigners were on the other side of the Atlantic.
Surrounded by posters for the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, volunteers at an office organised by Democrats Abroad have been hitting the phones, calling Americans living abroad, including wavering Republicans, to urge them to register to vote.
The event was just one that took place on a Day of Action at locations around the UK, estimated to be home to as many as 200,000 Americans.
By evening, the London activists had a surprise visit from Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the House of Representatives, who had originally been billed to join a zoom rally which was joined by other chapters based in locations ranging from Scotland to English university cities.
“Many of us have been living abroad for years, even decades, but we care deeply about what’s at stake back home and we also want it to be a place that we still recognise when we return, whether that’s a country where democracy has been preserved or even one that is still safe when it comes to the rights of women, our sisters and our daughters,” said Kristin Wolfe, Chair of Democrats Abroad UK and a resident in London since 2007.
The potential role of overseas Americans voters – who do not appear in national polls – should not be underestimated. In 2020 their votes made all the difference when it came to delivering the key swing states of Arizona and Georgia to Joe Biden.
With the race so tight and the stakes this high – Wolfe’s voice cracks as she insists that US democracy is imperilled in a way not seen since the American civil war – Harris supporters in the UK have raised their game.
At bus shelters in parts of London with higher concentrations of Americans you’ll find adverts placed strategically by the group. For the first time too, digital advertising aimed at the community is being deployed on Google.
There are also efforts to reach out and encourage voter registration face to face, such as at freshers’ fairs in Oxford. On other recent weekend afternoons, activists set up open-air tables in Hyde Park and at Marylebone Farmer’s Market in London to catch any passing Americans.
Among curious passersby who stopped at the market table was the British pop star, Harry Styles, although the singer is not known to have a US passport.
That said, Democrats in the UK have suddenly found a local celebrity of their own in the form of Matt Klaber, who was a student at the high school where Tim Walz once taught and who recently spoke in London at a “re-watch” of the vice-presidential debate.
Klaber – a London-based software engineer and Democratic activist – also played a role in Walz’s own political “origin story” when he took students to see a George W Bush campaign rally in 2004, only for some of them to be turned away by organisers who believed they were Democrats. The experience led Walz to seek public office.
One of those students was Klaber, who insists that Walz’s wholesome public persona is exactly true to the one he and others have long known in person.
“My earliest recollection of Tim is of being in the school library and seeing him rush out with his jacket and briefcase because he was being activated as a national guardsman who was going to help lead the response to some flooding,” he says.
“The whole campaign metaphor of being a coach might have been a bit foreign to me as I wasn’t necessarily into sports, but actually they’ve nailed it. He is everybody’s coach, whether it’s what he was doing when he was a teacher, what he did in 2004 when there was the incident at the rally, or what he’s doing now by stepping up.”
Efforts by Democrats Abroad UK to mobilise US voters in the UK and elsewhere are taking on a new urgency as registration deadlines loom for states including Wisconsin (16 October) and Pennsylvania (21 October).
So too are efforts to counter misinformation in the form of misleading claims by Donald Trump that Democrats were somehow preparing to “cheat” and that ballots were being sent overseas without proper checks.
“That’s just so blatantly false because the truth is that processes of the most rigorous kind are in place,” said Wolfe, who accuses Trump of seeking to intentionally confuse and mislead because he is concerned about the potential impact of overseas voters.

The historic port city of Ningbo, where the sea remains calm and peaceful, recently hosted the third stop of the “Mao Pu Herbal Tour” on October 19, following successful events in Nanchang and Changsha. This gathering marked the beginning of a health-oriented celebration centered on herbal liquor.

Ningbo boasts a rich and ancient cultural heritage, particularly in its deep-rooted wine culture. Archaeological findings from the Hemudu site suggest that pottery used for brewing and storing alcohol dates back approximately 7,000 years. During the flourishing Tang Dynasty, poems celebrating wine were widely circulated, reflecting the local vibrancy of the liquor industry at the time.

Carrying on the legacy of herbal culture while innovating with herbal technology, Mao Pu has joined forces with Ningbo to honor a tradition of herbal health drinks that spans over a millennium.

The theme of “Herbal Technology, a Healthy Future” drove the Mao Pu Herbal Tour to explore innovative herbal liquor development further, encouraging industry shifts towards health-oriented practices. Experts, such as Li Jinsong from the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wang Guoyao, a senior physician at Ningbo University First Affiliated Hospital, participated in the Ningbo event to discuss the innovative technology and health benefits of herbal liquor.

As our lives increasingly emphasize health-driven choices, the community is captivated by the symbolism of herbs as representations of nature and wellness. In response to this trend, Mao Pu Herbal Liquor has emerged as a popular choice.

During the Ningbo event, attendees not only savored Mao Pu’s unique herbal vintage liquor, distinguished by its characteristic “herbal purity vintage,” but they also engaged with a specially designed immersive experience that educated them about the differences between herbal and traditional liquors. This allowed participants to witness Mao Pu’s research capacities and commitment to health.

Tian Ligang, General Manager of the Herbal Liquor Division at Jinpai Company, shared insights with guests on the company’s long-standing advocacy for healthy drinking and the significance of the Herbal Tour.

The forum segment featured discussions led by host Xu Haoran and industry experts delving deep into the health secrets woven within herbal liquor.

Lin Wei, Director of the Jinpai Research Institute, revealed intriguing insights into the technological and health advancements involved in merging herbal elements with liquor. He explained that Jinpai began developing herbal liquors in the early 21st century to reduce the drinking burden on the Chinese population. By integrating plants with medicinal and culinary uses into their products, and collaborating with domestic and international research institutes for formula optimization and clinical validation, they successfully created Mao Pu Herbal Liquor. The resulting product facilitates a quick metabolism and lessens alcohol’s burden on drinkers, backed by experimental support.

Emphasizing the importance of food and medicine sharing similar roots, Li Jinsong affirmed the continual pursuit of health by the Chinese people, stating, “These ‘dual-purpose’ ingredients should be more frequently incorporated into liquor. Mao Pu stands out for its innovative combination of traditional culture and the concept of food-medicine synergy.”

Wang Guoyao, representing Western medicine, added his perspective, highlighting how herbal liquor achieves a new balance between enjoyment and health. He cautioned that while moderate drinking poses minimal risk, excessive consumption can burden the liver, noting the innovative integration of herbal elements as a significant advancement. He stressed, “Drinking in moderation and choosing high-quality liquor is essential for healthy drinking.”

As for the future, Mao Pu, as a pioneer in the herbal liquor category, has actively collaborated with industry experts and researchers to infuse the health essence of traditional herbs into liquor. With a significant patent granted in 2010 for a liver-protective liquor and another in 2012 for a buckwheat liquor with lipid-lowering capabilities, Mao Pu differentiates itself from traditional liquors by easing the drinking experience.

Following the Ningbo event, the Herbal Tour will continue to Shenzhen and Wuhan. Mao Pu remains committed to promoting the message of health in drinking, carrying forward the banner of “Herbal Technology, a Healthy Future.” They embrace the mission of preserving herbal culture while innovating in herbal technology, aiming to provide healthful and enjoyable drinking experiences to a wider audience.

At a recent health fair hosted by the UCLA Asian Pacific Health Corps (APHC) in collaboration with the Monterey Park city government, order and enthusiasm filled the venue. Student volunteers actively registered attendees, guided them through various health screenings, and helped interpret their health reports. This free event took place on October 19 and was designed to serve the diverse health needs of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community in the Los Angeles area.

APHC, a student organization run by undergraduates at UCLA, holds multiple health fairs each year across Los Angeles. These events are open to people of all ages within the API community and do not require insurance for participation. Moreover, translation services are provided to ensure accessibility. This year’s health fair took place at the Langley Senior Service Center as part of the partnership with the local government.

Angelina Yuan, co-director of the health fair for APHC, explained that its members are primarily pre-med students aspiring to enter the healthcare field. This marks the 11th consecutive year that the organization has hosted its health fair at the Langley Senior Service Center. The event not only features a range of basic health screenings but also includes professional screening services provided by external healthcare professionals.

Participants enjoyed a variety of free screenings, such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage checks, blood pressure monitoring, vision tests, and lung function assessments (Peak Flow). They also had access to dental screenings, mammograms, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, flu vaccinations, and diabetic foot examinations, supplemented by consultations with doctors on-site.

Looking ahead, Angelina noted that APHC plans to hold six health fairs throughout the academic year. Upcoming events are scheduled for November 16 in Chinatown, February 1, 2025, at the Carson Event Center, March 1 in Rosemead, and April 26 in Koreatown (subject to confirmation), before returning to Monterey Park on May 24.

Through these ongoing health fairs, APHC aims to attract more community members, raise health awareness, and enhance screening rates among residents. “We hope to engage even more people in the future so that these health services can benefit a larger segment of our community,” said Angelina Yuan.

The Iranian photographer reveals the dangers posed to fishermen and farmers by the polluted water in which he used to swim
Tim AdamsSun 13 Oct 2024 02.00 EDTLast modified on Tue 15 Oct 2024 05.10 EDTShareThe world’s largest enclosed body of water, the Caspian Sea, is surrounded by jeopardies. Declining water levels from global heating have been exacerbated by increasing levels of extraction from the Volga and the Ural, the Russian rivers that flow into it. Satellite photographs show the sea shrinking at a dramatic rate. And each year increasing levels of pollutants from the five coastal states that border the Caspian contaminate it with spills from growing numbers of oil and gas fields, and with industrial and domestic waste from expanding coastal towns and cities, a magnet for internal migration.
The Iranian photographer Khashayar Javanmardi grew up on the shores of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran and used to count the hours at school before he could return to swim in it. He has spent the past few years, however, documenting the environmental decline along its coastline.
Foul smells and survival along the Caspian Sea – in picturesRead moreThe project has become a book, Caspian: A Southern Reflection, which depicts the scale of the environmental change and the challenges to lives of local inhabitants, fishermen and farmers, whose existence becomes ever more precarious. Javanmardi took this picture in Gilan province in the far north-west of Iran. Morteza, pictured under a new flyover at the water’s edge, is 23 years old and has worked as a shepherd since he left school. He tried to explain his relationship with the Caspian to Javanmardi. “This sea is more than my parents,” he said. “When I’m unhappy or I need to talk to someone I come here and talk to the sea. I miss the sea if I don’t see it for a week. The Caspian was kinder in the past, but now she is angry with us. She is angry because we didn’t appreciate her.”
Caspian: A Southern Reflection is published by Loose Joints (£44)

After Liu Simu, a prominent Asian actor, questioned the cultural representation of a new Bobba tea brand launched by a Quebec-based company, the discussion surrounding cultural appropriation ignited significant debate. In response, the company issued an apology and announced plans to reevaluate its “branding, packaging, and marketing strategies” to ensure they respect and accurately represent its relationship with Taiwanese partners and the cultural roots of bubble tea.

In the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s reality show “Dragons’ Den,” Indian-Canadian investor Manjit Minhas had pledged an investment of CAD 1 million (approximately USD 720,000) in exchange for an 18% equity stake in the Bobba tea venture. However, faced with a mounting wave of criticism online, she released a statement clarifying that after further reflection, investigation, and feedback, she decided not to proceed with the investment.

Liu Simu, renowned for his role as a Marvel superhero in “Shang-Chi,” has never hidden his love for bubble tea and appeared as a guest on the latest season of “Dragons’ Den.” Upon noticing that the Quebec-based Bobba brand’s packaging showed no Asian or Taiwanese representation, Liu took issue with the business approach. The entrepreneurs, while trying to attract investments, jokingly remarked about consumers waiting in long lines uncertain of what goes into their bubble tea, prompting Liu to defend bubble tea’s Taiwanese origins and seriously question the company’s methods, labeling them as “cultural appropriation.”

This episode has stirred considerable discussion across major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with many users praising Liu for his stand and aligning with his viewpoint. In contrast, the social media accounts of the Bobba brand and Manjit Minhas have been inundated with criticism, including harsh insults and harassment. As a result, Minhas has disabled comments on her accounts, while the brand’s founders, Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, reported receiving hate messages and even death threats.

In light of the backlash, Liu Simu issued a statement reaffirming his position, expressing gratitude for the support he received, and urging the public to approach entrepreneurs with empathy rather than threats or harassment.

The Bobba tea company, in a lengthy six-page apology statement, expressed deep regret for the harm caused by their language and actions during the show, stating, “We never intended to disrespect or harm the community that created and popularized bubble tea, but we take full responsibility for the repercussions of our actions.”

On October 16, reporters learned from the Guangzhou Railway Group that since August 20, the Guangzhou Railway Logistics Center has been customizing a comprehensive “door-to-door” logistics transportation service based on corporate logistics demands. To date, they have launched a total of 1,080 full-scheduled trains designed for logistics packages.

In an interview, Ning Zan, the deputy director of the Guangzhou Railway Logistics Center, shared that the group has been continually innovating to develop a pioneering transportation model in the country. This model, which emphasizes “tailored solutions, scheduled departures, and daily operations—even one train can be dispatched,” offers clients a complete range of services, significantly reducing both time and logistics costs for businesses.

At the Hongsheng Technology Smart Cloud Warehouse in Guangzhou, goods are being systematically loaded into 40-foot containers marked with the “China Railway” insignia. This marks the 80th container directly loaded since the company signed a logistics package service agreement.

Wu Xiaogui, the legal representative of Xiangqing Supply Chain Company, expressed enthusiasm about the advantages of this total package train service. “It’s hard to imagine that we could have a railway freight train operating daily—like sending a package! The convenience is remarkable,” he noted. Wu added that the “Railway 95306” app allows them to place transportation requests directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries, and the “door-to-door” model alleviates worries about managing short-distance pickups at both ends.

“The railway’s extensive network has resolved the issues associated with short-haul trucking for us. Each container saves me over 1,000 yuan in transportation costs. This is a very cost-effective partnership, and I anticipate that we will continue to work together in the long term,” Wu concluded with a smile.

As the sun began to set, the stage of the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre came alive with the performance of the Sichuan opera piece “Bei Mang Mountain.” After the song concluded, two more performers took the stage to showcase the classic art of face-changing, captivating the audience of foreign attendees who applauded and cheered enthusiastically.

On October 9th, the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Chongqing organized a special event titled “Foreigners in Chongqing Meet the People’s Congress.” This event welcomed around 30 distinguished guests, including foreign consular officials, leaders from foreign business associations and enterprises based in Chongqing, foreign journalists, teachers, and students.

During the evening at the Sichuan Opera Theatre, attendees listened intently as discussions revolved around the collaborative legislative measures aimed at preserving and promoting Sichuan opera. The conversation delved into critical questions about the art form’s future, including “who will perform it,” “what will be performed,” and “who will be the audience.”

The Consul General of Hungary in Chongqing, Mr. Baile, expressed his views, stating that China’s practice of comprehensive people’s democracy provides valuable insights for other nations, especially those with diverse social cultures and multiple ethnic groups.

Interviewed on the sidelines of the event, the Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, Mr. Shiqifan, shared his keen interest in how Chongqing is attracting investment and fostering cooperation across various fields. He highlighted that for foreigners living in Chongqing, particularly Europeans like himself, events like these offer a better understanding of the workings of the People’s Congress and strengthen their deeper insights into China.

Chen Wei, a student from Rwanda at Chongqing University, also reflected on his experience. Having lived in China for eight years, this was his first immersive encounter with Sichuan opera. He described it not just as a performance art but as a symbol of Chongqing’s rich cultural heritage, noting, “As Chongqing rapidly develops, it still cherishes its traditional culture.”

On October 10, North Korean soldiers were seen stationed at a watchtower along the heavily fortified border with South Korea in Paju City. Following North Korea’s announcement on October 9 that it had “completely severed” all road and rail connections with South Korea, the South Korean military reported on October 14 that North Korea appears prepared to detonate explosives on the Gyeongui Line and Eastern Coastal Line, which link the two Koreas.

During a routine press briefing, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Lee Seong-jun, stated, “The demolition operations could take place as early as today.” He also issued a stern warning, saying, “If North Korea takes any provocative action, South Korea will respond decisively in self-defense.”

The Gyeongui Line connects the western border city of Paju in South Korea to Kaesong in North Korea, while the Eastern Coastal Line runs along the east coast.

Since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un proposed the “two Koreas theory” last year, North Korea has been undertaking “fortification projects” along the border. In January, they laid landmines along the Gyeongui and Eastern Coastal roads, while in April, they removed streetlights and mobilized a significant military presence, erecting barriers presumed to be anti-tank obstacles in the northern part of the Demilitarized Zone and again laying landmines. In June and July, they dismantled the rail tracks on both the Eastern Coastal Line and Gyeongui Line.

According to a report from the Korean Central News Agency on October 13, North Korea’s General Staff issued operational readiness instructions on October 12, ordering artillery units near the border, as well as other forces tasked with critical firepower missions, to maintain a “full shooting readiness posture.”

In a recent development, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, has reduced its stake in U.S. Bancorp to below 10%, marking an end to a $10 billion sell-off that the company undertook over the past three months.

Between August 8 and 10, Berkshire further diminished its holdings by selling 9.5 million shares, generating approximately $382 million in profit from these transactions.

With this latest round of sell-offs, Berkshire’s ownership in U.S. Bancorp has fallen to 9.99%. This drop below the 10% threshold is significant, as it exempts the firm from the obligation to update its ownership reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under federal securities laws.

Unless Buffett or Berkshire chooses to publicly clarify their stance on U.S. Bancorp, investors will have to wait until the next 13F filing to get insights into any changes in their holdings.

As of now, neither Buffett nor Berkshire has disclosed the reasons behind the sell-off. However, Berkshire remains the largest shareholder in the bank, holding more than 775 million shares valued at approximately $31 billion.

Berkshire began selling its U.S. Bancorp shares three months ago, offloading a total of 257 million shares over the past 13 weeks, which resulted in a profit of $9.98 billion.

Since Buffett started selling U.S. Bancorp stocks, the bank’s share price has declined by over 9%. Despite this, U.S. Bancorp’s stock has still increased by more than 18% year-to-date, though it lags behind competitors like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup.

U.S. Bancorp is set to announce its third-quarter earnings ahead of the market open on the 15th, with analysts projecting a drop in earnings compared to both last year and the previous quarter.

As of June this year, U.S. Bancorp accounted for 15% of Berkshire’s investment portfolio, ranking third behind Apple and American Express.