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On September 19, the 22nd “Connecting the World: Overseas Friendship Workshop” kicked off in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. This event, organized by the China Overseas Chinese Federation in collaboration with the Liaoning Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and Northeastern University, welcomed a diverse group of participants.

Cheng Xueyuan, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Chairman of the China Overseas Chinese Federation, attended the opening ceremony, where he delivered a keynote speech. His remarks were joined by insights from Sui Qing, a member of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department.

The workshop brought together 50 young leaders from the overseas Chinese community, representing 31 countries and regions. Over the course of the program, these participants engaged with courses designed to enhance cultural exchanges and effectively convey China’s story on the global stage. Activities included theoretical studies, discussion sessions, unique teaching experiences, and site visits to notable locations such as the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and Siasun Robot & Automation Co.

In his address, Cheng highlighted the significant contributions of returned overseas Chinese and their families to China’s economic development, fostering friendships between nations, promoting practical cooperation, and facilitating civilized dialogue. He encouraged attendees to utilize this opportunity to deepen their connections with China and to actively participate in, witness, and benefit from the country’s modernization efforts.

Sui also shared his aspirations for the workshop participants, urging them to showcase Liaoning’s latest achievements and its vibrant, livable environment to the international community. He called on them to broadly promote Liaoning and share its unique stories, contributing their innovative spirit and patriotic pride towards the province’s transformation into a prosperous future.

The “Connecting the World” initiative represents a significant branding effort by the China Overseas Chinese Federation, aiming to strengthen overseas ties while advancing national interests. Since its inception in 2018, the federation has successfully conducted 22 workshops in collaboration with local organizations.

After the ceremony, participants toured the exhibition titled “Dreaming Together with Our Shared Roots,” organized by the Liaoning Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Provincial Public Cultural Service Center, in honor of the 75th anniversary of New China’s founding.

On September 13, the State Council Information Office hosted a press conference centered around the theme of “Promoting High-Quality Development.” During the event, a reporter inquired, “The quality of drugs has a direct impact on public health and safety. We’ve noticed that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) is taking steps to enhance drug safety. Can you provide an update on the current progress and effectiveness of these measures? How does the NMPA plan to further strengthen its oversight of drug quality and safety?”

In response, Zhao Junning, Deputy Director of the NMPA, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to drug safety. He explained that the NMPA is committed to purifying the drug market and ensuring a positive safety environment. Since June 2023, the agency has initiated an 18-month campaign focused on boosting drug safety, with the goal of reinforcing safety standards and safeguarding public health.

Zhao elaborated on the agency’s priorities, detailing their proactive measures in addressing potential risks. This includes closely monitoring critical products, essential processes, key regions, and specific companies. The NMPA is carrying out targeted inspections across various domains, such as drug sales and usage, specialized drugs, and oversight of medical device manufacturers. Through comprehensive risk assessments and management, the NMPA is enhancing its abilities in risk warning, identification, and resolution.

Additionally, Zhao stressed the NMPA’s stringent approach to tackling significant cases and criminal activities. The agency employs strategies like publicizing typical cases and releasing lists of entities that have committed serious violations, ensuring accountability through individual penalties. This collaborative strategy incorporates joint penalties, industry bans, and strict enforcement measures to sustain drug safety.

To enhance their regulatory framework, Zhao mentioned ongoing improvements to institutional mechanisms. He pointed out that local management responsibilities are being strengthened, along with departmental oversight and corporate accountability, promoting a cohesive effort for drug safety. The NMPA has also teamed up with the State Administration for Market Regulation to provide guidelines that enhance collaborative supervision of drugs across various government levels. Additionally, they are working alongside the Ministry of Public Security to develop effective guidelines for addressing criminal activities related to drugs.

In conclusion, Zhao asserted that the NMPA will continue to prioritize its main initiatives aimed at improving drug safety, intensifying efforts to address major cases, and imposing strict penalties for violations. The agency is determined to strengthen risk assessment processes and further solidify the foundational standards for drug safety.

The winner of Fat Bear Week has been announced, and this year’s champion is 128 Grazer, a brown bear with a history of excellence in the competition. Having claimed the title last year, Grazer’s victory this time carries a bittersweet note, as her cub was recently lost to her rival, 32 Chunk.

This exciting competition, now a decade-old tradition, invites viewers to engage with live cameras at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, allowing people to witness the bears as they feast on salmon in preparation for winter.

In a recent post on X, Explore.org, the organization behind the event, highlighted Grazer as “the first working mom to ever be crowned champion,” marking a significant milestone for a bear known for her resilient spirit.

Earlier this year, tragedy struck for Grazer when two of her cubs were swept over a waterfall, falling victim to 32 Chunk, the dominant male bear in the area. One of the cubs later succumbed to its injuries. Despite these heart-wrenching challenges, Grazer demonstrated incredible strength and determination during the Fat Bear Week competition, ultimately receiving over 71,000 votes—more than double that of Chunk.

At 20 years old, Grazer is raising her third litter, and her profile describes her as a highly defensive mother bear. It notes that “her fearless nature is respected by other bears who often choose to give her space instead of risking a confrontation,” elevating her status within the bear hierarchy, second only to the largest males.

However, this year’s Fat Bear Week began on a somber note, as the competition was delayed by a day following the on-camera death of a female bear at the hands of a male.

Every year, twelve bears are selected for the Fat Bear Week competition, allowing fans from all around the world to cast their votes online. In 2023, Grazer emerged victorious once again, amidst nearly 1.4 million votes from over 100 countries, as reported by the Katmai Conservancy and Explore.org.

From September 6 to 8, the 16th National Academic Annual Conference of the Chinese Sleep Research Society took place in Wuhan, Hubei Province, attracting nearly 10,000 experts, scholars, and medical professionals from China and beyond. The conference provided a platform to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and future trends in sleep medicine.

A key focus was the growing concern over sleep deprivation among adolescents, with numerous experts engaging in case discussions and specialized presentations.

The recently published “2024 White Paper on Sleep Health of Chinese Residents,” by the Chinese Sleep Research Society, reveals troubling insights. Respondents, comprising students, office workers, and retirees, frequently reported poor sleep quality and low overall sleep scores. Alarmingly, young people, especially those born after 2000, are primarily responsible for late-night wakefulness, with an average bedtime of 12:33 AM. Furthermore, the student demographic averages less than 8 hours of sleep each night.

Huang Zhili, Chairman of the Chinese Sleep Research Society and a well-respected professor at Fudan University, explained that different age groups require varying amounts of sleep. “Preschool children need over 13 hours, elementary school students require about 10 hours, middle schoolers should get 9 hours, high school students are recommended 8 hours, and adults need at least 7 hours,” he stated. He added, “While sleeping too much isn’t ideal, the consequences of inadequate sleep are far more serious.”

Experts at the conference examined potential causes of adolescents’ inadequate sleep. Some attribute slight improvements to recent educational policies aimed at relieving students from excessive extracurricular training. Extended break times in certain areas also provide some respite for students. However, the persistent academic pressure continues to affect their sleep. As students progress through their education, the intensity of their workload increases, pushing them to sleep later and wake earlier, which ultimately reduces their total sleep duration.

Academician Lu Lin, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of Peking University Sixth Hospital, has conducted extensive surveys involving 40,000 participants. He believes that adolescents suffer from sleep deprivation because “they spend too much time on homework and electronic devices.”

The white paper highlights striking statistics: only 29% of students go to bed before midnight, while 52% sleep between midnight and 2 AM, and a staggering 19% stay awake past 2 AM.

Sharing his observations, Professor Xiong Nian from Huazhong University of Science and Technology’s Tongji Medical College emphasized the importance of sleep for mental recovery, immune function, memory, and growth. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation among young people has become a societal issue.

Experts noted a trend where many young individuals engage in “revenge gaming” or binge-watch shows late at night as a way to reclaim personal time lost during the day. For busy students, nighttime often becomes the only free time available, turning their bedrooms into vibrant “cities that never sleep.” The bright screens of smartphones disrupt melatonin production, significantly impacting their sleep cycles.

Professor Huang warned that severe sleep disorders can lead to physical health issues and substantially affect mental well-being. Alarmingly, anxiety and depression rates among children and teenagers have surged, closely linked to academic, social, and family pressures.

Lu Lin highlighted the urgent need for a shift in societal attitudes towards sleep within the education system. He advocates for reduced screen time, increased physical activity, and improved peer interactions to foster healthy growth. “If young people can’t grow up healthy and happy, then their education and success will be like a tree without roots and a river without a source,” he remarked.

Another significant issue discussed was snoring and sleep apnea. Professor Wang Tao from Huazhong University of Science and Technology pointed out that about 33% of the post-90s and post-00s demographics are at high risk for sleep apnea, with an additional 67% at lower risk.

“Many are aware that snoring often correlates with obesity, which is a major contributing factor,” Wang stated. He disclosed that nearly one-fifth of adolescents in China are overweight or obese, and the adult obesity rate is approximately twice that.

Wang recommended that those who snore due to excessive weight should focus on managing their weight and increasing physical activity, as weight loss can significantly alleviate snoring severity. “If someone experiences breathing pauses during sleep and wakes up suddenly, or if a family member has to shake them awake, that’s a strong indication of sleep apnea, and further assessment should be considered.”

For young individuals in school or work, making the most of their lunch breaks is essential for improving sleep quality. Professor Huang suggests limiting naps to under 30 minutes, as longer naps can negatively affect nighttime sleep and afternoon productivity, potentially increasing dementia risk.

With hectic daytime schedules, more young people are turning to “nighttime workouts” to improve their sleep. Although local gyms and parks are bustling in the evenings, unstructured exercise routines can disrupt rather than enhance sleep.

Professor Xiong advises on the proper timing and intensity of workouts: “It’s generally recommended to engage in moderate aerobic exercise before dinner, as intense workouts too late at night can actually degrade sleep quality. If your exercise routine is impacting your energy levels the next day, it’s time to reassess it.”

A highlight of the conference was the release of the second edition of the “Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Insomnia Disorders in China,” presented by chief editor Professor Zhang Bin from Southern Medical University. He noted that the updated edition revises the classification and diagnostic criteria for insomnia while enhancing clinical treatment guidelines, elevating the overall standards of sleep medicine in the country.

**Interview with a Visionary on People-Centric Development in New China**

As we celebrate 75 remarkable years since the founding of New China, the commitment to meeting the people’s aspirations for a better life is as strong as ever. How do you perceive the significance of this enduring value in the governance of the nation?

**Interviewee:** Over the decades, prioritizing the people has been our foundational principle. It’s not merely a policy; it’s both our starting point and our ultimate goal in modernization. The deep-seated belief that “the people come first” has been a guiding light on our path to prosperity.

Can you provide a specific example that highlights this transformation in the lives of everyday citizens?

**Interviewee:** Certainly! Consider the neighboring villages in the Dehang Grand Canyon, located in Hunan’s Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. One village is called “Family,” and the other “Happiness.” For a long time, they struggled due to lack of connectivity. However, with the opening of the Xiaozhai Bridge, this gap was bridged, leading villagers to seize the opportunity to develop cultural tourism. Local agricultural products are now reaching markets far and wide. Both villages successfully eradicated poverty, greatly improving residents’ livelihoods.

That’s truly inspiring! How does infrastructure development impact the daily lives of people across various regions?

**Interviewee:** Infrastructure is crucial for enhancing connectivity and access. For example, in Wuhan, the J202 bus route has become a “vegetable basket” line that enables over a hundred farmers each day to bring their produce to the city. This reflects not only logistical improvements but also our dedication to meeting farmers’ needs and promoting urban-rural integration.

You mentioned President Xi Jinping’s powerful statement that the people’s pursuit of a better life is our core objective. How has this vision evolved over the years?

**Interviewee:** The aspirations of our population have been our guiding force. Reflecting on the early days of New China in 1949, we faced incredible challenges. Today, with over 950 million 5G mobile subscribers and an average urban resident enjoying over 40 square meters of living space, our progress is remarkable. The desires that were once simple have become tangible realities for our citizens.

What does it mean to create a nation centered around its people after 75 years of development?

**Interviewee:** It signifies acknowledging that our achievements are rooted in the hard work and dedication of our people. From constructing the Hongqi Canal in Linzhou to pioneering reforms initiated by farmers in Fengyang, each story reminds us that the true heroes of our nation are its citizens.

How are contemporary policies being aligned with the changing needs of the populace?

**Interviewee:** Our approach is increasingly holistic. We must ensure that development benefits every member of society by focusing on key areas like employment, education, healthcare, housing, and environmental sustainability. Addressing the urgent needs of our people is paramount, and we’re dedicated to translating these needs into actionable policies.

Looking ahead, what do you envision for the next phase of development in China?

**Interviewee:** I envision a society where every citizen feels empowered in their aspirations and where the promise of modernization is equitably shared. As someone recently reflected during our 75th anniversary, “My hometown is thriving.” This sentiment captures our goal beautifully: to continuously improve our people’s living standards, ensuring that the benefits of our progress reach every corner of society. This is at the heart of our mission.

On September 21, 2023, a recent report from Jiangxi Province shed light on Xiangjiang County’s ambition to stand out as a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry. With 177 biopharmaceutical companies and more than 170 high-level professionals in the sector, the county achieved an impressive revenue of 15.14 billion yuan this year, a 2.5-fold increase since 2016.

Faced with growing competition in this expanding market, local authorities are taking innovative steps to enhance the oversight of grassroots People’s Congress representatives, focusing on specialized fields to inject fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the industry.

During a recent interview with representatives from the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress, conducted as part of a larger event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the People’s Congress, we visited the Xiangjiang Biopharmaceutical Comprehensive Testing Center. This facility features cutting-edge testing equipment designed to support local businesses.

“This is the first comprehensive biopharmaceutical testing center at the county level in Jiangxi Province,” explained Wang Xigen, the Party Secretary of the Xiangjiang County Market Supervision Administration. He emphasized the historical challenges biopharmaceutical companies faced locally, such as lengthy wait times and high costs for testing. Recently, numerous representatives have echoed concerns about the need to accelerate the development of the county’s biopharmaceutical industry.

“We’ve received feedback from dozens of companies about the hardships they encounter in testing during our visits at the end of 2023,” shared Luo Jun, a representative from the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress and an internal medicine physician at Xiangjiang County People’s Hospital. While the testing center was already under construction, it still required provincial approval for certification.

At a Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress meeting earlier this year, Luo proposed support for Xiangjiang County’s “three centers, four platforms” model for biopharmaceutical development. By May, the Xiangjiang Biopharmaceutical Comprehensive Testing Center officially began trial operations, showcasing tangible benefits from these legislative efforts.

Pang Hui, the head of Jiangxi Zhongke Baishi Pharmaceutical Co., offered his insights on the impact of the new testing facility. “Previously, we often had to send our products to Guangzhou for testing, incurring travel and testing expenses that could total several thousand yuan per trip—adding up to over a hundred thousand yuan annually. Now, we can access quality testing services locally, which significantly enhances our ability to apply for permits and seize market opportunities.”

The testing center has reportedly invested over 20 million yuan and includes testing zones for food, cosmetics, and medical devices. It has been authorized to offer a total of 158 testing services for cosmetics and 339 for food products, completing 25 batches of product testing for ten companies. This has led to a reduction in testing cycles by an average of 50% and a cost decrease of 20%.

Additional strategies include reviewing government reports on the high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical industry, forming joint research teams with representatives and government agencies for on-site investigations, and organizing focus meetings to address key supervisory recommendations. Over recent years, the biopharmaceutical sector has become a key focus for the Xiangjiang County People’s Congress, influencing government strategies and policies for the industry.

“We will continue to harness the role of the People’s Congress in fostering the growth of our primary biopharmaceutical industry by encouraging relevant departments to meet their responsibilities, gathering insights from representatives, and actively providing strategic recommendations to further advance the industry’s development,” concluded Yang Wenzhi, Chairman of the Xiangjiang County People’s Congress.

**Interviewer:** We have Juliet Akoje with us, reporting from Abuja. Recently, the House of Representatives has decided to investigate the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit scheme initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Can you elaborate on this development?

**Juliet Akoje:** Absolutely. The House has made a resolution to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the scheme. They have tasked the Committee on Works to examine the eligibility and selection processes for beneficiaries. This involves scrutinizing the criteria established by the management committee to ensure that the participating companies align with the scheme’s objectives.

**Interviewer:** What particular areas will the committee focus on regarding the impact of this scheme on road infrastructure in Nigeria?

**Juliet Akoje:** The committee’s role is to assess the actual impact of the scheme on road infrastructure development in Nigeria. They aim to identify the challenges and limitations faced by the participating companies while also recommending possible solutions. Furthermore, they will evaluate the mechanisms for transparency and accountability to ensure the effective functioning of the scheme.

**Interviewer:** This resolution follows a motion presented during a recent plenary session. What spurred this immediate action?

**Juliet Akoje:** That’s correct. The motion, introduced by Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu, emphasized the urgent need for accountability regarding public funds and raised questions about the scheme’s effectiveness. Hon. Aliyu pointed out that the scheme was established under Executive Order No. 007 in 2019, highlighting the federal government’s assertion at that time that Nigeria would require N348 trillion over the next decade to bridge its infrastructure gap.

**Interviewer:** Can you explain the purpose of this Tax Credit Scheme as per Hon. Aliyu’s remarks?

**Juliet Akoje:** Certainly. Hon. Aliyu described the Tax Credit Scheme as a way to encourage private sector investment in road infrastructure development in Nigeria. It allows companies to recover costs incurred for constructing or refurbishing eligible roads as tax credits against their future Companies Income Tax (CIT) obligations.

**Interviewer:** It’s been five years since the scheme was implemented. What concerns did Hon. Aliyu raise regarding its effectiveness?

**Juliet Akoje:** Hon. Aliyu expressed important concerns about the scheme’s effectiveness, particularly in terms of project viability and cost efficiency. He noted that the selection process for beneficiary companies lacks transparency and clear eligibility criteria. He also highlighted the scarcity of information about the project evaluation and approval process, indicating that the way tax credits are being utilized may not align with the scheme’s original goals, thus compromising its potential impact on the nation’s road infrastructure.

Francisco Lindor showcased his star power in a pivotal moment for the New York Mets, hitting a dramatic grand slam that led the team to a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. This win secured the Mets’ place in the National League Championship Series, marking their return since 2015, and they’ll face the winner of the series between the Padres and the Dodgers.

The Phillies initially took the lead in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a mistake from the Mets in a must-win situation. However, the excitement shifted dramatically in the sixth inning when Lindor stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. Facing reliever Carlos Estevez, he sent a blazing 99.4 mph fastball into the stands beyond center field.

Lindor’s home run had an exit velocity of 109.5 mph and traveled 398 feet, igniting the 44,103 fans at Citi Field into a frenzy. With this hit, he joined Edgardo Alfonzo as one of only two Mets players to hit a grand slam in postseason history.

It’s worth noting that Lindor previously made his mark in the playoffs back in 2017 when he was with the Guardians, hitting a grand slam against the Yankees during the American League Division Series. With two career postseason grand slams, he has now tied the MLB record, joining the ranks of players like Shane Victorino and Jim Thome.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches in 2024, Tang Bin is making a sentimental journey back to his hometown of Qidong in Hunan Province. For nearly three decades, he has made Phnom Penh, Cambodia his home, yet the bonds to his roots remain strong, prompting him to return three to four times a year for family visits.

At 54, Tang’s journey began when he left home after his first year of high school. In 1987, he relocated to Dongguan, Guangdong, where he started his career in a garment factory. He quickly advanced to the position of cutting supervisor but sought further training. After investing four months in a fashion school, he ascended to factory manager by 1996. His journey took another turn when he was appointed as the factory manager of a new facility in Cambodia in August 1997.

Fast forward to 2013, the factory’s previous owner retired, leading Tang to take over the business. “Our business model focuses on importing raw materials from places like Fujian and Guangdong, processing them in Cambodia, and exporting the finished products to markets in the United States, Europe, and Canada,” he shares. Currently, his factory employs over 2,200 people and generates an impressive annual revenue of around $50 million.

Tang is not only recognized for his successful business acumen but also for his kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand. In his free time, he engages actively with the Cambodian Hunan Chamber of Commerce, holding various leadership roles and currently serving as honorary president. He organizes community events like table tennis and basketball tournaments to strengthen ties within the Chinese community in Cambodia. His philanthropic efforts are noteworthy; during a significant flood in Qidong a few years back, he and a fellow vice president initiated a fundraising campaign that quickly raised over 40,000 yuan. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded initiatives to collect funds and supplies for relief efforts in Qidong, contributing more than 300,000 yuan.

As a long-term expatriate, Tang aims to support his fellow Chinese community members, establishing a vast network of contacts and building trust among them. “I recall a time when a villager from Hengyang reached out to me about a delayed salary. I was able to resolve the issue through the chamber,” he reminisces.

With China’s ongoing growth and the strengthening Sino-Cambodian relations, Tang envisions expanding business opportunities and collaborations for entrepreneurs in Cambodia. “I look forward to fostering more business connections with companies from Hunan,” he expresses, highlighting that the chamber currently includes around 150 member companies, working together to improve inter-company cooperation and communication with local officials.

“Hengyang is beautiful, with stunning scenery and delicious food. I love sharing our local cuisine and attractions with my friends overseas, from the breathtaking Mount Heng to the historic Shigu Academy. We have amazing local specialties like Hengyang fish noodles, Hengtong rural dishes, rice noodles with meat, and spicy boiled fish,” Tang adds enthusiastically. He’s particularly proud that Hengyang recently hosted the Third Tourism Development Conference of Hunan Province, believing it will significantly boost the region’s cultural and tourism sectors.

“While I have built a fulfilling life in Cambodia, my connection to my hometown remains unbreakable,” Tang confides. His son is currently studying management in Cambodia under his guidance, and Tang is eager for the day he can pass the business torch to him.

Looking ahead, Tang plans to retire in Hengyang, where he aims to contribute further to local development. “My family has set up a trade company in Hengyang focusing on household goods, with the goal of promoting quality domestic products in Cambodia and beyond,” he concludes.

At 66 years old, pop icon Madonna took to social media to express her deep grief over the recent passing of her brother, Christopher, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 63. Christopher was not just her brother; he was also a pivotal figure in Madonna’s career, serving as her choreographer and concert artistic director. In 2008, he released a memoir titled “Life with My Sister Madonna,” which, while revealing, created some tension in their relationship.

Despite this strain, Madonna remained a strong supporter of Christopher, especially after he publicly came out. However, their relationship saw challenges following the revelations in his book that upset Madonna.

In an emotional Instagram tribute, she reflected on their bond, saying, “We didn’t talk for a while, but after he became ill, we found each other again. He was surrounded by love in his battle with cancer.” She expressed relief that he is free from pain, adding, “There will never be anyone as wonderful as him. I know he’s dancing somewhere.”