As the rental market heats up in popular neighborhoods, many renters are finding themselves caught in intense bidding wars. Housing advocates have welcomed new proposed laws aimed at abolishing this practice in England but emphasize that more comprehensive strategies are needed to tackle the soaring rental prices.

Jason Phillips, who lived in his apartment in Crouch End, North London, for ten years, faced a tough situation when his landlady decided to sell. He spent over a year searching for a new rental in the same area, going to around 40 property viewings. Despite earning a stable income as a business analyst, he repeatedly lost out to competing applicants. In one particularly frustrating instance, a two-bedroom apartment listed at £1,800 per month quickly went for £2,500 after another prospective tenant offered £700 above the asking price.

“It’s frustrating,” Jason shared. “It became not just unaffordable for me, but if I had known that was the typical price, I probably wouldn’t have even considered viewing it at all.”

With a dozen potential tenants vying for many properties, Jason noted that several estate agents suggested he offer more than the listed price to improve his chances. Ultimately, at 60 years old, he decided to move to Stevenage, Hertfordshire, where he found it easier to secure housing within his budget, which also brought him closer to work.

“I had built strong relationships with my neighbors and made a lot of friends there,” he recalled. “I miss Crouch End dearly and would love to come back.”

In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the government has unveiled plans to eliminate bidding wars as part of a far-reaching Renters’ Rights Bill announced this Wednesday. If this legislation passes, it will require landlords and letting agents to visibly display asking rents for their properties and will prohibit them from soliciting or accepting any bids above that amount.

This proposed approach is more stringent than previous Labour proposals when they were in opposition, which suggested limiting landlords and agents from encouraging higher bids but would still have allowed tenants to make offers above asking prices.

Conor O’Shea from the campaign group Generation Rent expressed approval that the government has taken cues from countries like Australia, where measures to address bidding wars have already been implemented, opting for a “total ban.” He emphasized that allowing “voluntary” bids could result in tenants feeling pressured to exceed the asking price, leading to potential exploitation.

Pregnant women often experience emotional challenges due to fluctuating hormones and significant changes in their physical and external environments. These factors can make it difficult for them to manage their emotions, leading to overwhelming stress and, in some cases, postpartum depression for new mothers. To address this issue, El Camino Health is launching a Chinese-language mental health seminar. On July 27, marriage and family therapist Dr. Zhi-Mei Chen will present on “Emotional Management During Pregnancy,” aimed at helping expectant mothers and their friends and family understand the emotional hurdles associated with pregnancy and the pressures women face.

Dr. Chen holds dual Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology, with over 25 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist. She notes that within the Chinese community, there’s a scarcity of discussions surrounding pregnancy-related anxiety, with a greater focus on postpartum recovery rituals. This often leads to a lack of awareness regarding the psychological adjustments women need to make from pre-pregnancy through postpartum periods.

For Asian women giving birth in the U.S., even those who have lived here for years, the environment can still feel unfamiliar. Despite having good language skills, they face pressures related to various healthcare information during their pregnancies.

Dr. Chen emphasizes that pregnancy brings significant physical and role changes, making it crucial to explore mental health aspects such as depression and anxiety. In her practice, she has seen cases of postpartum depression where women describe feeling foggy and unable to recall details.

She also points out that some mothers put unrealistic expectations on themselves during parenting, causing them to lose sight of their own identities and ideals. “Some mothers believe they need to be perfect, but nobody is perfect because we are all human and capable of making mistakes,” Dr. Chen explains. She advocates for adopting a more reasonable parenting approach, suggesting that fostering empathy in children is more important.

The online seminar will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on July 27. Registration is free and available at http://tinyurl.com/msmx55n9. During the session, Dr. Chen will discuss the physiological and psychological changes that accompany pregnancy, coping mechanisms for stress, shifts in family dynamics, the potential trauma of childbirth, and how to guide pregnant women in seeking external support.

A Chinese-American woman living in California has found herself in legal trouble after attempting to take her young daughter across the Niagara Falls border into Canada, with plans to return to China. Authorities intervened when it became clear that she lacked legal custody of the child.

According to prosecutors in California, the 12-year-old girl is the biological daughter of 55-year-old Mei Tian. However, following a divorce, the child’s father is the sole legal guardian, indicating that Tian no longer holds custody rights. At the time of her arrest, the Riverside County District Attorney’s office was already looking into allegations of her abducting her daughter. Reports indicate that she had been granted visitation rights in early August but was required to return her daughter to her father by August 11. Instead, she and the child went missing.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York has shared that on the night of September 27, Tian used an Uber to transport her daughter to the Rainbow Bridge Port in Niagara Falls, aiming to enter Canada. During the crossing, she presented a document that she claimed was signed by her daughter’s father, giving permission for the trip. However, Canadian border officials found the signature to be forged and denied them entry.

Upon their return to the U.S., customs officials uncovered Tian’s prior legal issues during a routine check. The indictment details that several police reports had been filed regarding the “disappearance” of Tian and her daughter, and records from California indicated that both had previously been blocked from leaving the United States. Following their disappearance in August, they were specifically prohibited from exiting Orange County without permission.

Preliminary investigations showed that Tian was traveling with multiple pieces of luggage and several travel documents, including U.S. and Chinese passports, an expired and canceled Chinese passport, her daughter’s birth certificate from Orange County, and a handwritten authority document that Canadian officials deemed forged. Reports suggest that Tian intended to enter Canada with her daughter before returning to China.

Now, Tian faces charges of international parental kidnapping and providing false statements to Customs and Border Protection officers. If convicted, she could face up to eight years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Chinese-American attorney Chen Chuang remarked that incidents like this are not unusual in divorce disputes in the U.S. He highlighted the stark differences between child protection laws in the U.S. and those in China, noting the stricter regulations and penalties for violations. Chen urged individuals involved in divorce proceedings to understand these legal boundaries to avoid potential pitfalls.

In a recent interview, an expert addressed a widespread misconception about shrimp discoloration. “The blackening of shrimp doesn’t always mean it’s toxic,” they clarified. “This change in color is often caused by natural oxidation or prolonged storage.” They explained that when shrimp die, enzymes within their bodies start breaking down melanin cells, which can result in the darkening of the shell or head.

The expert also highlighted the importance of proper storage, stating, “If shrimp are stored incorrectly or for too long, they can spoil.” They pointed out that spoiled shrimp exhibit more than just discoloration; additional signs include unpleasant odors and a mushy texture. “At that point, they are definitely not safe to eat,” they emphasized.

On September 30, the Daguan Art Museum in Yantai Mountain, Fuzhou, unveiled a fascinating exhibition titled “Digital Artisans: A 3D Digital Museum of Ancient Ceramics Culture from Fujian and Taiwan.” This unique showcase utilizes cutting-edge technology, including online platforms, virtual reality exhibition spaces, and digital museums, enabling visitors to interact with digital representations of ancient ceramics in innovative ways—allowing them to rotate, zoom in, and even “touch” these digital artifacts. This immersive experience not only highlights the intricate craftsmanship of ceramics from the Song and Yuan dynasties but also invites audiences to explore the rich historical and cultural narratives embedded within them, showcasing the distinctive charm and deep heritage of ceramics from Fujian and Taiwan.

Fujian and Taiwan have long been vital hubs along the Maritime Silk Road, with the ancient ceramics from the Song and Yuan periods serving as brilliant markers of this storied past. Thanks to modern digital technology, the exhibition brings high-precision digital restorations of regional folk treasures to life, offering a vibrant representation of this ancient art form. This effort revitalizes a millennia-old cultural history, providing an engaging platform that allows visitors to connect with the unique flavors and profound meanings of traditional Chinese culture.

Among the curators of this exhibition is Zheng Zeling, an associate professor from the School of Art and Design at Fuzhou University of Foreign Trade. She emphasized that in our digital age, the exhibition acts as a bridge linking traditional ancient ceramic art with modern technology. It offers a fresh perspective on the ceramics of the Song and Yuan periods from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and extends Chinese culture to international audiences, inviting them to appreciate the beauty of this rich heritage.

Throughout the exhibition’s run, which lasts until November 15, experts, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from both sides of the Taiwan Strait will engage in discussions regarding the historical, artistic, and cultural significance of ancient ceramics. These dialogues aim to deepen participants’ understanding of Fujian and Taiwan’s Maritime Silk Culture, while encouraging broader interest and active involvement in the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage.

This exhibition promises to deliver a captivating visual experience that transcends time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the enduring allure of ancient ceramics.

In 2024, “going global” has emerged as a critical focus for various industries across China. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China’s cross-border e-commerce import and export value reached 12.2 trillion yuan in the first half of this year, marking a year-on-year growth of 10.5%.

This growth in cross-border trade is set against a backdrop of significant transformation over the past 75 years. Chinese enterprises and their industrial supply chains have evolved dramatically, shifting from a scarcity of basic goods and technology to a flourishing landscape of both traditional foreign trade and cross-border e-commerce.

“Many unexpected companies and sectors, including Chinese biopharmaceutical firms, are starting conversations about going global,” noted Wu Ying, CEO and General Manager of Yidian Tianxia, during our interview. He highlighted that well-established brands, such as bicycle manufacturers and domestic car producers, are also accelerating their efforts to tap into international markets by actively participating in cross-border e-commerce platforms.

As more Chinese companies embark on their global journeys, they are becoming increasingly aware of how global perceptions of “Made in China” products are evolving. They are navigating both the opportunities and challenges presented by this new era of maritime exploration.

**Domestic Automobile Brands In Cross-Border E-Commerce**

“Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor is anticipating over 50% growth in our export business for this year,” stated Lin Changbo, General Manager of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor. Having started its export operations in 1990, the company has built an impressive marketing network that spans over 80 countries and includes 200 distribution channels, achieving notable success in regions like ASEAN and the European Union.

Lin’s insights reflect 70 years of evolution for Dongfeng. He shared that the company originated from the Liuzhou Agricultural Machinery Plant, founded in 1954. Until 1969, the plant faced skepticism about its manufacturing capabilities, with workers manually shaping hot steel plates to produce Guangxi’s first heavy-duty truck on April 2, 1969.

The company’s first car was exported to Nigeria in 1990, followed by 30 vehicles sent to Vietnam in 1994. It wasn’t until the 2000s that they established a dedicated import-export department, successfully exporting over 1,000 vehicles in 2007.

However, the journey of exporting Chinese cars has not been without its hurdles. Chen Baohua, Assistant General Manager for Imports and Exports at Dongfeng Liuzhou, recounted the challenges faced by domestic companies seeking international clients before 2010, often encountering significant rejections. His initial outreach to businesses in the UAE required extensive research and resulted in high rejection rates, with few successful meetings.

Over the past decade, advancements in technology and design have enabled Chinese cars to align more closely with international standards. The 2022 Beijing Auto Show was a pivotal moment for Chen, as foreign dealers praised the designs and capabilities of domestic vehicles, declaring that “Chinese cars are shedding the low-quality, low-cost tag.”

The pandemic further propelled the desire for Chinese automakers to “go out.” Lin revealed that since 2019, Dongfeng Liuzhou has concentrated on B2B vehicle exports through platforms like Alibaba International, alongside establishing a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Over the three years of the pandemic, they successfully reached over 100 countries through cross-border e-commerce, resulting in direct sales in over 30 countries and stable repeat purchases in 12.

In recent years, improvements in product quality, along with the expansion of overseas factories and marketing channels, have facilitated stronger connections between Chinese manufacturers and international dealers. By 2023, Dongfeng Liuzhou experienced an influx of proactive outreach from overseas clients, leading to weekly visits from international customers.

Entering cross-border e-commerce platforms has not only streamlined direct transactions for Dongfeng Liuzhou but also opened up significant opportunities for product showcases, advertising, and promotions. With an average of over 2,000 inquiries per month from online platforms, Lin emphasized that “even in a post-pandemic world, these digital tools remain crucial for optimizing offline business efficiency.”

**New Challenges Amid a Growing Trend**

The rise of cross-border e-commerce has coincided with an increasing number of Chinese products entering global markets. Dongfeng Liuzhou is not alone in this trend; in September, four electric vehicles from BAIC Group were exported to Turkey, marking a significant milestone as the first batch of vehicles from Chongqing exported via cross-border e-commerce. Established brands like Bai Mao and Phoenix bicycles have also capitalized on live streaming sales through these platforms in recent years.

A McKinsey report categorizes the evolution of Chinese enterprises going global into five stages: from the entry into the WTO and the early globalization efforts of 2001 to 2010, the surge in acquisitions from 2011 to 2018, the boom in e-commerce and global distribution established between 2019 and 2021, and now, from 2022 to 2023, the emergence of small and medium-sized enterprises leveraging internet tools to access international markets.

Throughout this journey, the approach for Chinese companies has shifted from mere exportation to comprehensive strategic development. This transformation has led to many opportunities while enhancing their capabilities in global logistics, cross-border payments, brand cultivation, and talent development.

In the early days of cross-border trade, payment service providers primarily catered to foreign businesses, often lacking an understanding of China’s unique business landscape. Fees on cross-border transactions could consume a significant portion of profits. Lu Shuai, co-founder of Hangzhou-based cross-border payment company PingPong, discussed the challenges of creating a payment service network tailored for Chinese SMEs, emphasizing their use of digital technology to reduce transaction costs to around 1%.

“Even a small transaction of $10 requires compliance across multiple countries, involving various financial institutions,” Lu pointed out. As the number of Chinese companies seeking international markets grows, the capabilities of cross-border payment firms are being put to the test in terms of digitalization and global compliance.

The push to “go global” is not only expanding the capabilities of Chinese businesses but also fostering the development of global marketing and foreign trade talent. “Since we started using Alibaba International, we receive inquiries from around the world daily, giving new employees the chance to interact with international clients and enhance their business skills. Our fastest sale was closed just 41 days after hiring, a remarkable feat compared to traditional foreign trade,” shared a manager from Phoenix bicycles.

Despite the overarching excitement, Wu Ying stresses that succeeding in the global market comes with significant hurdles. He highlights the importance of competitiveness and acknowledges the challenges Chinese companies face. As the enthusiasm for “going global” grows, Wu anticipates that branding will become a central theme for Chinese enterprises.

“To retain customers and encourage repeat purchases, companies must focus on brand building. As we delve deeper into international markets, significant investment in branding is essential, requiring a nuanced operational approach that diverges from conventional strategies,” Wu explained. “In the wake of going global, Chinese firms must meticulously address overseas customer insights, product packaging, website design, customer service, after-sales support, and fostering user retention.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced today via the messaging platform Telegram that Ukraine’s allies will convene for a regular meeting on October 12 in Ramstein, Germany. During this gathering, Ukraine plans to present its “Victory Plan.”

In his message, Zelenskyy expressed, “We will submit the Victory Plan, which outlines clear and specific steps for a just resolution to the war with Russia.”

As Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion for nearly a thousand days, Kyiv has proposed a peace plan in recent months.

While the details of the plan have not yet been disclosed, Zelenskyy briefed U.S. President Joe Biden as well as the two leading candidates for the U.S. presidency, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, during his visit to Washington last month.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department indicated that the plan includes “some effective measures,” and the U.S. would engage in discussions with Ukraine regarding it.

However, the Wall Street Journal reported insights from unnamed U.S. officials suggesting that the plan may merely be a rebranding of Ukraine’s requests for more weapons and lifting restrictions on long-range missile usage, lacking a comprehensive strategy.

On October 1, 2024, the Belgian Youth Song Contest took place at the Confucius Institute in Brussels. Thirteen talented contestants took the stage, using the universal language of music to foster understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Belgian communities, all while celebrating the annual Confucius Institute Day.

During the competition, participants were categorized into two groups: children and youth. Corine Zhang, a young girl from Brussels, captured first place in the children’s category. Meanwhile, Slootmans Yana of the Antwerp Chinese Association School won the top prize along with the Best Popularity Award in the youth category.

Fu Rong, the Chinese director of the Brussels Confucius Institute, expressed his belief that music serves as a “language without borders.” He highlighted that the contest aimed to inspire Belgian youth to learn Chinese and to reinforce the bonds of understanding and camaraderie between the two nations through music.

The event didn’t just focus on the song competition; it also coincided with the celebration of Confucius Institute Day. To honor this occasion, the Brussels Confucius Institute organized various cultural activities, including calligraphy, ink blowing, and paper-cutting demonstrations. Attendees were invited to savor traditional Mid-Autumn pastries and immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chinese festivals, celebrating the significance of family reunions.

Confucius Institute Day was initiated on September 27, 2014, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute. Since then, institutes and classrooms in over 100 countries have hosted open-day events around this date each year to promote and celebrate Chinese culture.

**Interview with Daniel Foxx: Insights on His New Book and the Comedy Scene**

**Liam Pape:** Daniel, what inspired you to get into comedy?

**Daniel Foxx:** I’ve always had a hidden passion for comedy, but everything changed when my university put on a talent show and needed a host. I stepped up and decided to try my luck at an open mic night called Comedy Virgins to get some practice. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned; instead of delivering jokes, I ended up sharing a long, somewhat amusing story. I was so intrigued by the failure that I spent a week studying stand-up specials, dissecting how comedians constructed their material. When I returned to that open mic, I actually won a little plastic trophy!

**Liam Pape:** Which comedians inspired you when you were starting out?

**Daniel Foxx:** Alan Carr was a huge influence on me during my teenage years—I must have watched his DVDs a hundred times. After moving to London, I really fell in love with the quirky indie comedy scene at a venue called The Invisible Dot. I was blown away by amazing talents like Mae Martin and Tim Key, as well as the sketch group Daphne, which included Phil Wang. I thought it was the epitome of cool and glamorous.

**Liam Pape:** Where do you usually find your material?

**Daniel Foxx:** A lot of my material comes from conversations with friends. If something makes them laugh, I think, “That might work,” and I discreetly jot it down in my phone. Every comedian has overflowing notes apps filled with joke ideas, and honestly, if mine were ever deleted, I might just pack it in and become a dog walker. Ironically, some of my best ideas actually come to me while I’m out walking my dog.

**Liam Pape:** What’s the best heckle you’ve ever received?

**Daniel Foxx:** I remember a gig that was going terribly when a woman in the front row said, in the kindest tone, “Keep going, honey!” It was so genuine that it made me want to resent her a little.

**Liam Pape:** Can you share a performance that turned into a funny memory despite going poorly?

**Daniel Foxx:** Absolutely! There was one gig where a future A-list celebrity was being incredibly disruptive—running around, shouting, and attempting to grab the mic from the comics. Security had to escort him out. Later that night, another well-known comedian had a meltdown on stage, cursing at the audience and other performers. As someone who thrives on drama, I found it absolutely hilarious.

**Liam Pape:** Do you have any pre-show rituals?

**Daniel Foxx:** Just brushing my teeth! I like to feel fresh and minty before stepping on stage. If I could, I’d also get a haircut and a full colonic before every gig.

**Liam Pape:** What’s one of your all-time favorite performances?

**Daniel Foxx:** Last Halloween was unforgettable—I did a show with friends that was the most fun I’ve ever had. I dressed up as Jennifer Coolidge from *The White Lotus*, and one of the other performers came dressed as me. The audience really got into the spirit with their costumes, and we decked out the venue with spider webs, pumpkins, and bowls of candy. I love when comedy becomes more than just a performance; it turns into a celebration.

**Liam Pape:** You recently released a book titled *Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children*. How did that come about?

**Daniel Foxx:** It started as a series of sketches I shared online. Living in northeast London, near some very affluent schools, I would overhear the most outrageous conversations from local “yummy mummies” and “delicious daddies” while I was at cafes. I would jot down quotes like, “The nanny forgot to pick up Quenelle from her sound bath!” The material was practically begging to be written.

It’s a bit surreal to think those initial sketches have now turned into a book. I’m thrilled with how it turned out. The series gained a fantastic following, and by chance, I found a great publisher and an amazing illustrator, Axana Zasorina.

**Liam Pape:** Have you encountered any pushback from fellow comedians over the opportunities that arise from your significant online following?

**Daniel Foxx:** Not really! There’s a growing movement among comedians exploring various ways to create content online, letting them produce what they want without needing a big production company’s approval. It’s exciting to witness the diversity of creative work out there.

I do feel a slight cringe when I’m labeled as a “TikTok comedian.” I’ve been doing stand-up long before I started portraying a middle-class mother online, but it doesn’t bother me too much. Engaging with audiences on social media who share my sense of humor has been one of the best experiences of my life.

*Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children by Daniel Foxx is published by Monoray (£14.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy from guardianbookshop.com.*

Kamala Harris’s team has been actively harnessing internet pop culture to engage a significant number of young supporters. Why has the Vice President recently been frequently associated with “Coconut Tree”? What connection does the cultural symbol “Brat,” which has been a hot topic among youth this summer, have with Harris? Check out a quick video from World News that breaks it all down.

(Produced by He Zhuoxian. Subscribe to World News on YouTube for more news and videos.)

Stay updated with global headlines by tuning into Quick World News every day.