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Last time we spoke about the first Tientsin Incident. In September 1931, as tensions rose between China and Japan, Commander Zhang Xueliang enjoyed an opera in Beiping, unaware of the impending Mukden Incident. With senior commanders absent, Japanese forces quickly gained local support. Chiang Kai-shek ordered non-resistance, fearing conflict would ruin Northeast China. Meanwhile, Japanese officials plotted to install Puyi as a puppet emperor. Covert riots erupted in Tianjin, orchestrated by the Japanese, leaving the city in chaos as Zhang's forces struggled to maintain order against the well-armed attackers. In a tense standoff at Haiguang Temple, the Japanese military issued an ultimatum to Chinese security forces, citing threats to overseas Chinese. Wang Shuchang ordered a strategic withdrawal, but the Japanese escalated with artillery fire. Despite fierce resistance, the plainclothes attackers regrouped, leading to ongoing skirmishes. Amidst the chaos, Puyi was covertly extracted by Japanese forces, paving the way for the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo. Ultimately, Japan's aggression continued, deepening tensions in China.   #142 the Jinzhou Operation  Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. When the Mukden Incident occurred, Zhang Xueliang was in Beiping serving in his capacity as the commander of the North China garrison. On the night of September 18, he was at the opera enjoying a performance by the famous singer Mei Lanfang. His deputies were also away from Shenyang: Wan Fulin was in Beiping, and Zhang Zuoxiang was attending his father's funeral in Jinzhou. With the absence of the senior provincial commanders during the Incident, the Japanese quickly gained cooperation from the acting commanders. In Shenyang, Yu Zhishan, the commander of the Eastern Borders Garrison, and in Changchun, acting provincial forces commander Xi Xia, both swiftly aligned themselves with the Japanese. Although the Northeastern Army had approximately 130,000 troops in the region compared to a Japanese force of 40,000 to 50,000, Chiang Kai-shek urgently issued a non-resistance order to the Northeastern troops, which Zhang Xueliang confirmed. It was actually his stance prior to September 18th, as there had been other incidents such as the Wanbaoshan Incident whereupon Zhang Xueliang sent a secret telegram to his subordinates starting on July 6, "If we go to war with Japan at this time, we will surely be defeated. If we lose, Japan will demand that we cede territory and pay compensation, and Northeast China will be ruined. We should avoid conflict as soon as possible and deal with it in the name of justice." A month after this Chiang Kai-Shek sent a telegram to Zhang Xueliang on August 16th "No matter how the Japanese army seeks trouble in Northeast China in the future, we should not resist and avoid conflict. My brother, please do not act out of anger and disregard the country and the nation. I hope you will follow my instructions." As the tensions between China and Japan increased on September 6th Zhang Xueliang sent this telegram to his subordinates "It has been found that the Japanese diplomatic situation is becoming increasingly tense. We must deal with everything and strive for stability. No matter how the Japanese try to cause trouble, we must be tolerant and not resist them to avoid causing trouble. I hope you will send a secret telegram to all your subordinates to pay close attention to this matter." Thus the Manchurian commanders were already well versed in what their stance would be. Chiang Kai-shek's hesitation to engage in combat is understandable; he was concerned about factions opposing him in South China, the potential reformation of the alliance between Feng Yuxiang and Yan Xishan in North China, and the threat posed by the CCP in Jiangxi, leaving him unable to confront another adversary. Zhang Xueliang's situation was also not as advantageous as it might seem. Although he commanded nearly 250,000 men, only 100,000 to 130,000 were stationed in the Northeast, with the remainder in Hebei. Both Chiang Kai-Shek and Zhang Xueliang most likely believed the League of Nations or the Wakatsuki government in Tokyo would restrain the occupiers eventually, so they were biding their time. According to Nelson Johnson, the American Minister in China, Counselor Yano of the Japanese Legation in Beiping had informal discussions with Zhang, suggesting that Jinzhou would inevitably succumb to the Japanese and that “the Tokyo Foreign Office would gain prestige and be better able to shape events to China's advantage if the Chinese avoided a clash by withdrawing voluntarily.” It was also implied that some of Zhang's supporters might be reinstated in official roles in the new government in Shenyang. Johnson concluded, “Chang is believed to have been led to his present decision by these inducements, along with the bitter hostility toward him at Nanking and the lack of support from that quarter.” In essence, Zhang was effectively coerced into non-resistance by both sides. Certainly, in December 1931, with no hope for international intervention and the Nanjing government in turmoil following Chiang Kai-shek's temporary resignation, Zhang's options were severely limited. The Kwantung Army received clear instructions not to move beyond the South Manchurian railway zone, which hindered the plans of Lt. Colonel Ishiwara Kanji, the architect of the Manchurian invasion. After securing the region around the South Manchurian railway, Ishiwara focused his attention on Jinzhou. Following the fall of Mukden, Jinzhou became the administrative headquarters and civil government of Zhang Xueliang, making it a focal point for Chinese forces. Jinzhou is the southernmost part of Liaoning province, directly enroute to Shanhaiguan, the critical pass that separates Manchuria from China proper. It was the furthest point Zhang Xueliang could establish an HQ while still holding foot within Manchuria and thus became the defacto “last stand” or “guanwai” outside the Shanhaiguan pass for Zhang Xueliangs Northeastern army. Japanese sources indicate that Zhang Xueliang began covertly instructing local governments in Manchuria to comply with and pay taxes to Jinzhou. He also dispatched spies to Japanese-occupied territories and was conspiring to assassinate Japanese officials and those opposed to Chiang Kai-shek. Obviously Jinzhou had to be seized to control Liaoning and thus all of Manchuria. The Japanese first tried to bully Jinzhou into submission by bombing it. On October 8th, Ishiwara commanded five captured Chinese aircraft from the 10th Independent Air Squadron, flying from Mukden to conduct a raid on Jinzhou, claiming it was merely a reconnaissance mission. They flew over Jinzhou at approximately 1:40 PM and dropped 75 bombs weighing 25 kg each, targeting the barracks of the 28th Division, government buildings, and Zhang Xueliang's residence. Additionally, they took photographs of the Chinese defensive positions. The attack served two main purposes: to intimidate Zhang Xueliang and to send a message to Tokyo HQ. The bombing of Jinzhou caused an uproar in Tokyo and shocked the League of Nations, which had previously been indifferent to the situation. Consequently, Tokyo HQ felt compelled to retroactively approve the Kwantung attacks while simultaneously demanding an end to further actions. Rumors began to circulate that Ishiwara and his associate Itagaki aimed to establish an independent Manchuria as a base for a coup d'état against the Japanese government, intending to initiate a Showa Restoration. On October 18th, War Minister Minami Jiro sent a telegram to the Kwantung Army, ordering them to halt offensives in Manchuria and dispatched Colonel Imamura Hitoshi to ensure Ishiwara and Itagaki ceased their reckless operations. However, when Hitoshi met with the two men at a restaurant in Mukden, they dismissed him. In reality, Ishiwara and Itagaki's plans were in jeopardy, but in early November, they found a pretext for action after Ma Zhanshan's forces damaged the Nenjiang railway bridge. This hostility provided them with justification to invade Heilongjiang alongside their allies, led by General Zhang Haipeng. Following the occupation of the north, a new opportunity arose in the southwest. The "first Tientsin incident" erupted on November 9th, initiated by Colonel Doihara Kenji with assistance from some Anti-Chiang Kai-shek Chinese. A small contingent launched an attack on the peace preservation corps in Tientsin. Doihara devised this plan with the intention of creating chaos to kidnap the former Manchu emperor Puyi, allowing the Kwantung army to later install him as the ruler of a new Manchurian state. Although Doihara sought reinforcements from Tokyo HQ, his request was denied, prompting him to turn to the Kwantung army for support. They agreed to coordinate an attack on Tientsin but insisted that a pretext be established first. To execute this plan, they would need to capture Jinzhou initially. A second Tientsin incident occurred on November 26th, when Chinese soldiers attacked the Japanese barracks in Tientsin at 8:20 PM, marking another false flag operation orchestrated by Doihara. Upon hearing the news, General Honjo Shigeru chose to support the Tientsin army, which they believed was in peril. The 4th Mixed Brigade and the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Division, comprising 10,000 troops, advanced toward 13 armored vehicles stationed along the Peiping-Mukden railway. The Kwantung Army also requested assistance from the Korean Army, and Commander Hayashi organized a mixed brigade to cross the border. Of course in order to provide assistance at Tientsin meant heading through the Shanhaiguan pass and this meant going through Jinzhou. Tokyo General HQ was yet again thrown into consternation by the latest aggravation of the Manchurian crisis. Incensed by the Kwantung Army's “lack of sincerity in submitting to the discipline of Tokyo”. The force got within 30km of Jinzhou when War Minister General Jiro Minami ordered them to immediately withdraw to a line east of the Liao river. Ironically what actually made the Kwantung Army comply was not so much Tokyo's authority but rather the refusal or foot dragging of the Korea Army, who sent a message that they were unwilling to attack Jinzhou. The Kwantung army continued on getting into some skirmishes with Chinese defenders around the Taling River and Takushan as Tokyo HQ sent countless furious messages demanding they withdraw from the Jinzhou area and by the 28th they finally did. Facing the real possibility that the Jinzhou operation might devolve into a fiasco without reinforcements, Ishiwara relented, remarking at the time “Tokyo has collapsed before Jinzhou”. There was another factor at play as well. Some have speculated Ishiwara tossed his hand on the field initiative because he was playing for time, expecting the Japanese government to fall and the substitution of a new team at central army HQ, one perhaps more compliant to the aggressive Kwantung Army.    While the Japanese forces pulled back into the SMR zone, Prime Minister Wakatsuki Reijiro began negotiations with Chiang Kai-Shek's Nanjing government, through the League of Nations, suggesting the Jinzhou area be declared a neutral area. The Chinese initially refused, and while the Kwantung Army declared they would not attack, they still sent aircraft to circle Jinzhou. The Chinese, British, American, and French governments were willing to withdraw their troops from Jinzhou to Shanhaiguan if the Manchurian incident was resolved and Japan committed to not infringing upon the area.    Consequently, Tokyo's headquarters supported this approach and instructed the Kwantung Army to withdraw. Although Zhang Xueliang had assured that his forces would leave Jinzhou by December 7th, this did not occur. As a result, the Japanese began discussions to establish Jinzhou as a neutral zone. The Kwantung army intercepted two Chinese telegrams indicating Zhang Xueliang was strengthening the defenses at Jinzhou and that Nanjing was requesting he not pull his men out. The telegrams were sent to Tokyo HQ who agreed the Chinese were acting in a treacherous manner. The Japanese ambassador then told US Secretary Henry Stimson  “it would be very difficult to withhold the army from advancing again.” Stimson replied “ such actions would convince the American public that Japan's excuse for her incursions, namely that she was combating bandit attacks, was a ruse to destroy the last fragment of Chinese authority in Manchuria. It would be extremely difficult to ask China to withdraw her army from her own territory.” Thus began the Jinzhou Crisis.   On the same day the Japanese ambassador was meeting Stimson in Washington, the Nationalist minister of finance, T.V Soong sent a telegram to Zhang Xueliang advising “any Japanese attack on Jinzhou should be offered utmost resistance.” Also the American Minister in China, Nelson Johnson publicly expressed the view that Zhang Xueliang would resist at Jinzhou if attacked “if only to reassure the students and public in general, some of whom clamor for military action, despite the attitude of his old generals of the Fengtian clique who desire his resignation to enable them to sell out to the Japanese”.   It had become clear to all observers that the Japanese were intent on capturing Jinzhou, whether they were justified to do so or not. Their tactics of intimidation became even bolder as they began dropping air torpedoes on disused sections of railway track on December 10th, disrupting traffic along the Beiping-Shenyang rail route and hinting that the nearby populated areas might be next. Ishiwara's hopes came true on December 13th, whence Prime Minister Wakatsuki resigned on December 11th, having failed to control the Kwantung Army. A new cabinet was formed under Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai, whom resumed negotiations with Nanjing, but then on December 15th, Chiang Kai-Shek resigned as chairman of the Nanjing government, leading Sun Ke to lead a weak interim government. Preoccupied with its own survival, the Nanjing government had no time to deal with the Jinzhou crisis.   Meanwhile War Minister Minami and Chief of staff Kanaya who had tried to moderate the Kwantung Army's aggressive initiatives had been replaced by Araki Sadao, a significantly more aggressive leader who happened to be the leading figure of the Kodoha faction. His counterpart was Prince Kan'in. With these new appointments, the atmosphere in Tokyo general HQ had changed dramatically. The new team elected to change the framing of the situation, they were not performing offensives against Chinese forces, but rather “suppressing bandits”. On December 15th, Tokyo HQ telegraphed Mukden instructing the Kwantung Army to “synchronize an assault on Jinzhou with an attack upon bandits”. Tokyo HQ even agreed to send some reinforcements from Korea and Japan. The 20th IJA division, the 38th mixed brigade of the 19th division crossed the border from Korea and the 8th mixed brigade, 10th division came over from Japan. With this the Kwantung army had been bolstered to around 60,450men.    On December 17th, the Japanese launched attacks on what they referred to as "soldier bandits" in Fak'u and Ch'angtuhsien, which was actually a precursor to their assault on Jinzhou. The following day, December 18th, Japanese aircraft bombed Daonglio, resulting in the deaths of three Chinese civilians and causing widespread panic in the city. The Japanese actions were all the more effective when concentrated with the absolute paralysis that had gripped China. Sun Ke was too preoccupied with the survival of his own government and had neither the time nor resources to spare for Manchuria. In addition, Stimson's strong words in private to the Japanese ambassador belied the State Department's public attitude toward interference in the conflict. On December 21st Hawkling Yen, the Chinese charge in Washington met with Stanley Hornback, the chief of the department of Far Eastern Affairs. Yen told Hornback that a Japanese attack on Jinzhou was imminent and asked the US to “protest in anticipate of it”. Hornbeck refused, stating the State Department was “already publicly on record with regard to the matter”. No other Western power was ready to advocate any strong measures against the Japanese either.   On the 22nd, the Japanese HQ at Shenyang announced they would soon begin an anti-bandit advance west of the Liao River and would remove any who interfered with said operation. They also added that if any Chinese forces at Jinzhou withdrew they would be left unmolested. By December 26th, all preparations for the assault on Jinzhou were finalized. On December 28th, Honjo initiated an "anti-bandit" campaign west of the Liao River. While Honjo publicly claimed they were merely "clearing the country of bandits,”. As the Japanese forces and their collaborationist allies spread across the South Manchurian railway area to eliminate remaining pockets of resistance, the 12th Division, led by Lt. General Jiro Tamon advanced from Mukden toward Jinzhou, supported by numerous bomber squadrons. Japanese intelligence estimated that Zhang Xueliang had 84,000 troops defending the city, along with 58 artillery pieces and two distinct defensive lines. The first line, located 20 miles north of Jinzhou, consisted of trenches designed to impede the Japanese advance at the Taling River Bridge on the Peiping-Mukden Railway. The second line was a series of earthworks and fortifications completely surrounding Jinzhou. The temperature was -30 degrees, and the Imperial Japanese Army troops were dressed in white winter camouflage uniforms. IJA reconnaissance aircraft reported approximately 3,000 Honghuzi were waiting to ambush them in Panshan County. Tamon's forces quickly overcame the alleged Honghuzi in a series of small skirmishes and continued their march toward Goubangzi, 50 km north of Jinzhou. It should be noted, many question whether the Honghuzi were real or simply local Chinese the Japanese coerced into action to justify their advance. By December 31, the Japanese vanguard had reached within 15 km of Jinzhou, along the banks of the Talin River. Tamon paused to allow the rest of the 2nd Division to catch up. Subsequently, Tamon's troops began setting up an intricate system of microphones to broadcast the sounds of the impending battle to Tokyo. This tactic appeared to be an attempt to demoralize the defenders, which proved effective as Zhang Xueliang's forces began to withdraw. On December 30, Zhang Xueliang had issued the order to retreat from Jinzhou. Two days later, the American Minister in China, Nelson Johnson, reported the following scene: “Jinzhou Railway station resembles beehive, every possible car being pressed into service and loaded with troops, animals, baggage, to last inch space.” The last Chinese troop train departed Jingzhou at 11 am on January 1st carrying away the final remnants of Zhang Xueliang's authority in Manchuria. The assault on Jinzhou occurred at a particularly inopportune moment for China. Chiang Kai-shek was temporarily out of office, lacking the full support of the Nanjing government and many generals. It is likely that Chiang Kai-shek understood that Zhang Xueliang's forces in Jinzhou would be significantly outmatched and could be annihilated. His priority was to prevent the situation from escalating into an official war, allowing him to strengthen China's military capabilities for a counteroffensive. Following the fall of Jinzhou, the northern China army retreated south of the Great Wall into Hebei Province. The Japanese then occupied Shanhaiguan, securing complete control over southern Manchuria. Despite the fall of Jinzhou there was still one last holdout in Manchuria. After Ma Zhanshan was driven out of Qiqihar by the Japanese, he led his troops northeast to establish a new HQ in Hailun where he was still technically ruling Heilongjiang province. Ma Zhanshan had gained international recognition as a resistance hero following his ill-fated battle at Qiqihar. The Kwantung Army took note of his fame and adjusted their strategies accordingly. Komai Tokuzo, the head of the Kwantung Board of Control, suggested that bringing Ma Zhanshan into their ranks would provide a significant propaganda advantage. To persuade him to negotiate with the Kwantung Army, they sent a local factory owner, Han Yunje. On December 7th, Colonel Itagaki Seishiro met with Ma Zhanshan in Hailun. Itagaki expressed that the Japanese aimed for two objectives: peace in East Asia and full cooperation between the Chinese and Japanese. He also mentioned that the officers of the Kwantung Army were impressed by Ma's remarkable bravery and were willing to grant him military command over Heilongjiang, provided they reached an agreement. In response, Ma Zhanshan stated that his forces had acted solely in self-defense and that he was bound by the orders of the Nanjing government. Itagaki then suggested Ma Zhanshan might be appointed military commander of the province under the provincial governor in Qiqihar, Zhang Jinghui. To this Ma Zhanshan replied “as Hailun is not very far from Harbin, he could consult with General Zhang Jinghui over the telephone or pay a call on the latter in person, and that a second trip to Hailun by the Japanese representative would not be necessary.” Despite Ma's position, Itagaki felt satisfied with the meeting, believing that Ma Zhanshan might align with them. However, he was constrained by anti-Japanese colleagues like his chief of staff Xie Ke and battalion commander Tang Fengjia. The situation shifted significantly for Ma Zhanshan when Zhang Xueliang withdrew his forces from Jinzhou. On December 7th, Itagaki and Ma met once more, during which Ma expressed his desire to serve as both the military leader and governor of Heilongjiang. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, Ma Zhanshan was secretly in discussions with another resistance leader, General Ding Chao. When Ma Zhanshan initiated his resistance against the Japanese, Ding Chao decided to take similar action in the northern city of Harbin. Harbin serves as the gateway to Northeast China and is the political, economic, and cultural hub of North Manchuria. It functions not only as the center of the Sino-Soviet co-managed Middle East Railway but also as an international marketplace where Chinese and foreigners coexist. The city houses the Special Administrative Region of the Three Eastern Provinces (with Daoli under this region and Daowai belonging to Jilin Province). Following the Mukden Incident, the Japanese army considered attacking Harbin; however, concerns about potential Soviet interference led to the plan being halted by Army Minister Minami Jiro. Harbin had largely remained peaceful, and the Japanese maintained control by appointing the puppet General Xi Qia as the governor of Kirin province. Together with Li Du, Xing Zhangqing, Zhao Yi, and Feng Zhanhai, Ding Chao formed the Kirin self-defense army to thwart the takeover of Harbin and Kirin province. Ma Zhanshan supported Ding Chao, and both generals kept in touch with Zhang Xueliang and Chiang Kai-shek, who could only offer limited support. In November of the same year, the Jilin Provincial Anti-Japanese Government, chaired by Cheng Yun, was established in Bin County. Feng Zhanhai, the head of the guard regiment at the Northeast Frontier Defense Army's deputy commander-in-chief office in Jilin, refused to surrender to the Japanese forces. He rallied over 3,000 members of his regiment to resist the Japanese and rebel forces. They marched from Yongji County in Jilin Province to Shulan County, where they joined forces with the national salvation armies led by Gong Changhai and Yao Bingqian, which were based on green forest armed groups, to create the Jilin Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army, with Feng as the commander. On November 12, the Jilin Provincial Provisional Government was established in Bin County . Feng Zhanhai was appointed as the garrison commander and commander of the 1st Brigade. The units led by Gong and Yao were reorganized into cavalry brigades under Feng's command. This series of anti-Japanese actions significantly boosted the fighting spirit of the people in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces. To launch an attack on Harbin, the Japanese Kwantung Army first needed to "punish" the anti-Japanese armed forces by force. To eliminate Feng's anti-Japanese forces, the Japanese puppet authorities dispatched Yu Shencheng, the commander of the Jilin "bandit suppression" unit, to lead the puppet army in an offensive aimed at seizing Harbin as a base to control the Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces. Feng Zhanhai's troops strategically abandoned Shulan City to lure the enemy deeper into the area. The puppet army fell into a trap and launched a major assault on Yao Bingqian's brigade stationed in Shuiquliu, which fiercely resisted the attack. On the same day, Gong Changhai's brigade maneuvered around to the rear of the puppet army for a surprise attack, while Yao's brigade counterattacked from the front. The puppet army's Ma Xilin brigade retreated, unable to be halted by the Japanese supervisory team. At this point, Feng Zhanhai led another brigade into the fray, pursuing Ma's brigade. After another seven hours of intense fighting, Shulan was retaken. In this battle, the garrison inflicted nearly 1,000 casualties on Japanese and puppet troops, captured hundreds, and saw many puppet soldiers defect. The battles of Shuiqu and Shulan were thus victorious. On the 16th, Yu Shencheng's puppet forces were defeated by the 25th Brigade of the Northeast Army in Yushu. Due to the precarious situation in Shulan, Feng Zhanhai had no choice but to abandon Shulan City and retreat his troops north of Wuchang. On the 19th, seeking urgently needed funds for his troops, Feng Zhanhai led a battalion from Acheng to Lalinkang, where they were surrounded by a significant number of Japanese and puppet troops. The following day, with the help of reinforcements, they managed to repel the Japanese and puppet forces. However, the troops suffered over 200 casualties and were compelled to leave Lalinkang and return to Acheng. On the 25th, Feng and Li moved their forces to the eastern suburbs of Harbin, with the 22nd, 26th, and 28th Brigades announcing their support in succession.On the morning of the 26th, Feng and Li entered the city from four directions, forcibly disarming five police brigades and seizing more than 3,000 firearms along with a number of heavy weapons. They stationed the 26th and 28th Brigades and one regiment in the Shanghao area, while Feng Zhanhai's four brigades and two detachments were positioned in the Sankeshu and Nangang areas. The 22nd Brigade was assigned to Shuangchengbao, preparing to defend against a Japanese assault.  Meanwhile the Japanese were still trying to win over Ma Zhanshan. This prompted our old friend Doihara to ask Xi Qia to advance his new “Jilin Army” to Harbin and then to Hailun. However in their way was the Jilin Self-Defense force of General Ding Chao and General Li Du had deployed his forces between Xi Qia and Harbin. On the 24th, representatives from Li Du and Ding Chao participated in a meeting with Ma Zhanshan's officers, convincing them to attempt to retake Qiqihar and defend Harbin for the resistance. When Xiqia's "New Jilin Army" finally advanced to Shuangcheng on the 25th, Zhang Xueliang instructed Ma Zhanshan and Ding Chao to abandon negotiations and begin fighting on the morning of the 26th. Kenji Doihara ultimately failed to intimidate the Chinese further, as his ally Xicha's troops encountered stiff resistance from Ding Chao's troops. Later that afternoon, Japanese aircraft dropped leaflets over Harbin, openly demanding that the anti-Japanese forces withdraw from the city immediately. The Japanese Consulate in Harbin also issued a notice to various foreign consulates, stating that the Japanese army would enter Harbin at 3:00 PM on the 28th. As the New Jilin army advanced towards Shuangcheng, this signaled to the Chinese resistance fighters that an attack was imminent. Zhang Xueliang instructed Generals Ma Zhanshan and Ding Chao to halt negotiations and prepare to make a stand. By late January, the Kirin Self-Defense Corps had grown to 30,000 members, organized into six brigades. Ding Chao fortified defensive positions between General Xi Qia's advancing troops and Harbin. Xi Qia was caught off guard by the well-organized resistance forces, resulting in heavy losses for his army, which was unable to break through. In desperation, Xi Qia sought assistance from the Kwantung Army, but they needed a justification to intervene. Once again, Colonel Doihara Kenji orchestrated a false flag operation. He incited a riot in Harbin that resulted in the deaths of one Japanese individual and three Koreans. Using the pretext that Japanese citizens were in danger, the 2nd Division under Lt. General Jiro Tamon began its advance toward Harbin from Jinzhou on the 28th. However, severe winter weather delayed their transportation. To complicate matters further, the Soviets denied Japanese trains access to Harbin via their section of the Chinese Eastern Railway, citing a breach of neutrality. The entire Manchurian incident had escalated tensions between the USSR and Japan. When they invaded Heilongjiang, there were genuine concerns about potential Soviet intervention, especially with their presence in Harbin. However, at the last moment, the Soviets agreed to allow transit on January 30th. Back on the 26, 1932, Feng Zhanhai and Li Du, the commander of the Yilan garrison, entered Harbin. Early on the 27th, Yu Shencheng, the commander of the puppet Jilin "bandit suppression," ordered two brigades to attack the Shanghao, Sankeshu, and Nangang areas. Japanese aircraft bombed the Sankeshu and Nangang regions. The two brigades tasked with defending the area fought valiantly, resulting in intense combat. Soon after, Feng Zhanhai and his reserve team joined the fray, launching a political offensive alongside their fierce attacks. The puppet army struggled to hold its ground and retreated to Lalincang. The defending troops in Shanghao fought tenaciously, inflicting heavy casualties on both Japanese and puppet forces, shooting down one plane, and attempting to persuade puppet army commander Tian Desheng to lead a revolt. By evening, the puppet army had been driven back. On the morning of the 28th, the anti-Japanese forces advanced to the Jile Temple and Confucian Temple, capturing advantageous positions near Xinfatun with artillery support. The cavalry brigade flanked the puppet army and launched a vigorous assault, leading to the collapse and retreat of the puppet forces towards Acheng. Gong Changhai led the cavalry in pursuit for 15 kilometers, capturing a significant number of puppet troops. After two days of fierce fighting on the 27th and 28th, the initial invasion of Harbin by Japanese and puppet troops was successfully repelled. Due to the defeat of Yu Shencheng and other puppet forces, the Japanese Kwantung Army launched a direct assault on Harbin on the morning of the28th, under the pretext of "protecting overseas Chinese." They ordered Hasebe, commander of the 3rd Brigade of the Kwantung Army, to lead the 4th Regiment, an artillery battalion, and two tanks on a train from Changchun to Harbin for combat. On the29th, another combat order was issued: the 2nd Division was to assemble in Changchun and then be transported to Harbin by truck. Part of the 4th Mixed Brigade was also moved from Qiqihar to Anda and Zhaodong by truck to support the 2nd Division from the north of Harbin. The 1st, 3rd, 8th, and 9th Squadrons of the Kwantung Army Flying Team were tasked with covering the assembly, advance, and attack of the 2nd Division. Hasebe's 4th Regiment departed from Changchun by train, but due to extensive damage to the railway caused by the Northeast Army, their train was attacked by the Northeast Army at dawn on the 29th as it reached the Laoshaogou area on the south bank of the Songhua River. The Japanese forces quickly shifted to an offensive strategy and, despite ongoing resistance, managed to reach Shitouchengzi Village north of the Sancha River that night. On the night of January 29, Zhao Yi's brigade received word of the Japanese assault on Harbin and immediately prepared for battle. At dawn on January 30, Brigade Commander Zhao Yi led six battalions in a light advance, launching a surprise attack on Shilipu, where they decisively defeated the puppet army's Liu Baolin Brigade, capturing over 700 soldiers and seizing more than 600 weapons. They then returned to Shuangchengbao to prepare for the annihilation of the advancing Japanese forces. Around 8:00 PM, the 3rd Brigade of the Japanese Army, along with the Changgu Detachment and two military vehicles, arrived at Shuangcheng Station, intending to camp there and attack Harbin the following day. Zhao Yi's troops set up an ambush in the area. As the Japanese forces disembarked and assembled to plan their attack on Harbin, the ambushing troops took advantage of their unpreparedness, launching a surprise attack from three sides. They unleashed heavy firepower, forcing the enemy back onto the platform before engaging in close combat with bayonets and grenades. The Japanese were caught off guard and suffered significant casualties. The next day, the Japanese dispatched reinforcements from Changchun, supported by aircraft, artillery, and tanks, to assault Shuangchengbao. Brigade Zhao found himself trapped in the isolated city, suffering over 600 casualties, including the regiment commander, and was ultimately forced to abandon Shuangchengbao and retreat to Harbin. With Shuangcheng captured, Harbin was left vulnerable. The Self-Defense Army stationed the majority of its troops in the southern, southeastern, and southwestern regions of Harbin, including Guxiangyuetun, Bingyuan Street, Old Harbin City, and Lalatun. On the same day, several commanders convened: Li Du, the garrison commander of Yilan and leader of the 24th Brigade; Feng Zhanhai, commander of the Jilin Provincial Security Army; Xing Zhanqing, commander of the 26th Brigade; Zhao Yi, commander of the 22nd Brigade; Ding Chao, acting commander of the Railway Protection Army and leader of the 28th Brigade; and Wang Zhiyou, director of the Jilin Police Department. They agreed to establish the Jilin Provincial Self-Defense Army, appointing Li Du as commander, Feng Zhanhai as deputy commander, and Wang Zhiyou as the commander-in-chief of the front line. They decided to utilize the 22nd, 24th, 26th, and 28th Brigades for the defense of Harbin, while Feng Zhanhai would lead the 1st Brigade and other units in a flanking maneuver against Jilin and Changchun to thwart the Japanese advance. On February 3, 1932, various units of the Japanese 2nd Division arrived in the Weitanggou River area. Under the command of Duomen, the division initiated an assault on the Self-Defense Army's outposts located outside Harbin. The 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Division, alongside Yu Shencheng, the commander of the pseudo-Jilin "bandit suppression" forces, led an attack with five brigades as the right flank against Chinese defenders in the Qinjiagang, Nangang, and Shanghao regions. Meanwhile, the 15th Infantry Brigade of the Japanese Army formed the left flank, targeting Guxiangtun via Balibao along the Songhua River. Following the conflict, all outposts of the Self-Defense Army were lost, forcing them to retreat to their primary positions. On the morning of February 4th, the Japanese forces launched a full-scale attack, engaging the Self-Defense Army in battle. By afternoon, the Japanese had positioned themselves on both sides of the railway, south of Guxiang Yuetun, Yongfatun, and Yangmajia. The 3rd Brigade was stationed east of the railway, while the 15th Brigade took position to the west. After a preparatory artillery barrage, the Japanese forces commenced their assault. The Jilin Self-Defense Army defended tenaciously, utilizing fortifications and village structures, and concentrated their artillery fire on the advancing enemy, inflicting significant casualties.   Despite their efforts, the Japanese attack was initially repelled, prompting them to adopt a defensive stance. By 16:00, the area from Yangmajia to Yongfatun had fallen to the Japanese. The Self-Defense Army continued to resist fiercely, but the Japanese intensified their assaults. The left flank launched a vigorous attack on Guxiangtun. The 28th Brigade of the Self-Defense Army, defending this area, utilized civilian structures and walls for their defense. However, brigade commander Wang Ruihua fled under pressure, leading to a loss of command and forcing the troops to abandon their positions and retreat into the city. Simultaneously, the Japanese right flank aggressively targeted the defense of the 26th Brigade of the Self-Defense Army. Despite the desperate efforts of brigade commander Xing Zhanqing and his troops, they were ultimately compelled to retreat to the river dam at Shiliudao Street due to inferior equipment. Around this time, the western and southern defense lines under Wang Zhiyou's command began to fall one after another. In this critical situation, Commander-in-Chief Li Du personally went to the front lines to organize the troops and establish a third defensive line on the city's edge. They fought until nightfall, successfully halting the Japanese advance. At dawn on February 5th the Self-Defense Army initiated a counteroffensive. The artillery first conducted preparatory fire, targeting the positions of the Japanese 3rd Brigade located east of the railway. Following this, the infantry launched their attack. The Japanese troops on the front lines found themselves in a precarious situation. In response, Jiro Tamon, the commander of the 2nd Division, urgently ordered artillery to intercept the Self-Defense Army's counterattack and deployed the tank and reserve units to assist. Four squadrons from the air force took off from a temporary forward airfield in Shuangcheng, alternating between bombing and strafing to support the ground troops. The battle was intensely fierce, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Lacking air support and facing significant threats from Japanese aircraft, the Self-Defense Army retreated to the area east of Harbin by the afternoon of the 5th. The Japanese forces then entered Harbin, leading to its immediate capture. On the 6th, the remaining self-defense forces learned of Harbin's fall and decided to abandon their original plan for a surprise attack against the Japanese army. Instead, they returned to Binxian and Fangzheng. During their retreat, they gathered some stragglers who had fled from Harbin and proceeded to Fangzheng County to regroup with Li Du. General Ding Chao's forces were compelled to retreat northeast along the Sungari River, while Japanese aircraft attacked them from above. After a grueling 17-hour battle, Ding Chao's army ultimately faced defeat. Following this loss, Ma Zhanshan made the decision to defect. On February 16, General Honjo held a conference for the Northeast Political Affairs Committee in Mukden, attended by senior Chinese officials of the new regime, including Zhang Jinghui, Ma Zhanshan, Zang Shiyi, Xi Qia, and others. The conference aimed to assign delegates to roles in the soon-to-be-established “Manchukuo.” On February 14, Ma Zhanshan was appointed governor of Heilongjiang province and received gold worth one million dollars. On February 27th, Ding Chao proposed a ceasefire, marking the official end of Chinese resistance in Manchuria. On March 1st, Puyi would be installed as the ruler of the new state of Manchukuo. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. With the fall of Jinzhou, Zhang Xueliang had effectively been kicked out of Manchuria. With the loss of Harbin, came the loss of any significant resistance to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. Japan had conquered the northeast and now would enthrone the last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty forming the puppet state of Manchukuo. 

We start with this week’s China propaganda update (2:27), followed by a look at a 112 y/o letter from Borden in Cairo (34:05). Next, we look at how to Pray for China this week (39:19) followed by an insane team schedule that I unearthed from exactly 12 years ago in NW China (46:06). Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). If you enjoy this podcast, follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also email any questions or comments to contact @ PrayforChina dot us. And don’t forget to check out all the things we are doing at PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10:2! China/Russia vs Ukraine/USA: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329289.shtml The “Real China” Breaks Through: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329281.shtml Death Sentence for Child Trafficker: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329258.shtml China: US Violates Human Rights: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1329294.shtml Borden’s Arab Homestay: https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/arab-homestay Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) Mar 1 (Sat) - Pray for Tongling in Anhui Province, which is paired with Iowa for prayer: www.PrayforChina.us Anhui Podcast: Beheaded https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/31 Mar 2 (Sun) - Pray for Siming District in Xiamen Prefecture of SE China's Fujian Province, which is paired with South Carolina for prayer: www.PrayforChina.us Fujian podcast and more info…https://prayforchina.us/index.php/fujian/ Mar 3 (Mon) - Pray for Chengguan (“CityGate”) District, the urban core of Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, which is paired for prayer with its sister state of Oklahoma: www.Pray4Gansu.com Here's my Gansu podcast (and more)... https://prayforchina.us/index.php/gansu/ Mar 4 (Tue) - Pray for Shijingshan District in the suburbs of west-central Beijing, which is paired with Washington DC (and MD) for prayer: prayforchina.us/index.php/maryland/ My Tiananmen Crosspolitic interview: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/videos/30786 Mar 5 (Wed) - Pray for Kaili City, the most populated in Qiandongnan Prefecture in Guizhou Province, which is paired with Missouri for prayer: www.prayforchina.us/states/missouri.html Here's the Guizhou podcast (and more)... https://prayforchina.us/index.php/guizhou/ Mar 6 (Thu) - Pray for landlocked Nada Town, the largest in Danzhou Prefecture on Hainan Island, which is paired with Hawaii for prayer: www.PrayforChina.us Here's the Hainan pod: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/podcasts/30293/episodes/37 Mar 7 (Fri) - Pray for Yongnian District in Handan City, in southern Hebei Province. “Huh-bay” is paired with both Wisconsin and Michigan for prayer: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/michigan/ Here's my Hebei pod: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/podcasts/30293/episodes/39 Mar 8 (Sat) - Pray for Nangang District, the most populated in Harbin City, the capital of Heilongjiang, which is paired with MN and the UP of MI for prayer: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/michigan/ My Heilongjiang podcast: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/podcasts/30293/episodes/20 Listen to hear the "Insane Adventures" I share at the end of today's podcast...

We start with this week’s China propaganda update (2:27), followed by a look at a 112 y/o letter from Borden in Cairo (34:05). Next, we look at how to Pray for China this week (39:19) followed by an insane team schedule that I unearthed from exactly 12 years ago in NW China (46:06). Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). If you enjoy this podcast, follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also email any questions or comments to contact @ PrayforChina dot us. And don’t forget to check out all the things we are doing at PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10:2! China/Russia vs Ukraine/USA: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329289.shtml The “Real China” Breaks Through: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329281.shtml Death Sentence for Child Trafficker: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329258.shtml China: US Violates Human Rights: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1329294.shtml Borden’s Arab Homestay: https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/arab-homestay Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) Mar 1 (Sat) - Pray for Tongling in Anhui Province, which is paired with Iowa for prayer: www.PrayforChina.us Anhui Podcast: Beheaded https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/31 Mar 2 (Sun) - Pray for Siming District in Xiamen Prefecture of SE China's Fujian Province, which is paired with South Carolina for prayer: www.PrayforChina.us Fujian podcast and more info…https://prayforchina.us/index.php/fujian/ Mar 3 (Mon) - Pray for Chengguan (“CityGate”) District, the urban core of Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, which is paired for prayer with its sister state of Oklahoma: www.Pray4Gansu.com Here's my Gansu podcast (and more)... https://prayforchina.us/index.php/gansu/ Mar 4 (Tue) - Pray for Shijingshan District in the suburbs of west-central Beijing, which is paired with Washington DC (and MD) for prayer: prayforchina.us/index.php/maryland/ My Tiananmen Crosspolitic interview: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/videos/30786 Mar 5 (Wed) - Pray for Kaili City, the most populated in Qiandongnan Prefecture in Guizhou Province, which is paired with Missouri for prayer: www.prayforchina.us/states/missouri.html Here's the Guizhou podcast (and more)... https://prayforchina.us/index.php/guizhou/ Mar 6 (Thu) - Pray for landlocked Nada Town, the largest in Danzhou Prefecture on Hainan Island, which is paired with Hawaii for prayer: www.PrayforChina.us Here's the Hainan pod: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/podcasts/30293/episodes/37 Mar 7 (Fri) - Pray for Yongnian District in Handan City, in southern Hebei Province. “Huh-bay” is paired with both Wisconsin and Michigan for prayer: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/michigan/ Here's my Hebei pod: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/podcasts/30293/episodes/39 Mar 8 (Sat) - Pray for Nangang District, the most populated in Harbin City, the capital of Heilongjiang, which is paired with MN and the UP of MI for prayer: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/michigan/ My Heilongjiang podcast: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/the-pub/podcasts/30293/episodes/20 Listen to hear the "Insane Adventures" I share at the end of today's podcast...

A woman in Hebei Province began practicing Falun Dafa in 2023 and was picked up by the police and her home was ransacked. Though she was given a light sentence of only five days, she felt in her heart she should not comply with the persecution. Through two months of challenging cultivation, Fa study, and […]

A 62 year old practitioner from Hebei Province shares her thoughts and experiences of having gone through a difficult year of cultivation, stepping aside from a coordinator role to focus on study and becoming more stable, coming through illness symptoms as she looked within to find her attachments, and even refusing to speak for 6 […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province obtained the Fa and felt a great joy for having discovered this priceless teaching. Here she shares how she always puts the principles of Dafa first in everything she does, from buying a house for her family, to setting up practice and study sites, and printing Dafa books and materials […]

A woman from Hebei Province, who had been fooled by the anti-Falun Dafa propaganda by the CCP, resisted practicing Falun Gong until a friend suggested she try it to perhaps find relief from her many aliments. As soon as she approached Dafa with an open mind her entire life changed. In addition to having her […]

A married couple in Hebei Province prioritize Fa study and work as a team to clarify the truth to their neighbors far and wide. Here are some of their experiences in making great sacrifices for others, in completely denying an attempt to arrest them, and exposing an evil party member who is determined to persecute […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province was suddenly struck with severe physical challenges after 30 years of cultivation. With her legs trembling and her hands unable to function properly she could not leave her apartment. Determined to find the root of the tribulation she steadfastly studied the Fa and uncovered long held attachments that had to […]

A woman in Hebei Province had undergone extreme medical therapies for cancer, and was living in constant pain and waiting to die when she learned of Falun Dafa. Now, 10 years later, she has come along way in her journey to become a Falun Dafa practitioner. This and other stories from the Minghui website. Original […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province obtained the Fa in 1996, but stumbled in her cultivation when, under pressure from the CCP, she agreed to sign a statement promising to give up Falun Dafa. In this sharing she relays some of the visions she had in dreams, and in with her third eye a a child, […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province comes to understand difficult family tribulations as karmic debts to be repaid, and advances in her cultivation by putting aside her feelings of resentment and seeking to become a more selfless person. In doing so, the situation improves, and her husband becomes a practitioner. Original Articles: To provide feedback on […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province held resentment against her husband for many years. She was annoyed by his refusal to help out, and felt she carried the burden of their marriage. She was then able to see that she had harmed him in a previous life, and this was her opportunity to pay the debt […]

The Chinese and French foreign ministers have met in Beijing to discuss ways of enhancing ties, including in trade, green development, and artificial intelligence(01:11). China is marking the seventh anniversary of the innovative and world-class Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province(08:14). The Turkish president has said his ruling coalition will have to reflect on its shortcomings following disappointing results in local elections(16:53).

A woman in Hebei Province who had just begun learning about Falun Dafa was arrested in 2002 and sentenced to three years forced labor, but she held firm and would not agree to the CCP's demands, nor betray practitioners. She later became diligent in her practice and learned to memorize the Fa, and help clarify […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province shares her experiences of having left the local Fa study group, and then being prompted to return to diligent cultivation by her son's behavior. She began to see her own shortcomings reflected in his actions, and when she improved, the situation around her did as well. This and other stories […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province shares her experiences in cultivating Falun Dafa for 26 years, including being relieved of a lifelong issue with severe headaches, and the positive effect of Falun Dafa on her two children. This and other stories from the Minghui website. Original Articles:1. My Children and I Are Blessed Because We Follow […]

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 12-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,478 on turnover of $2.2 billion N-T. The market continued to lose ground and turnover slipped once again on Wednesday as investors awaited the release of U-S consumer price index data for December later this week, as turnover slipped once again. Analysts say this week's continuing downward trend and low turnover also reflect how this weekend's presidential and legislative elections are weighing on market sentiment. Over 50 Listed as Suspects in Alleged Subsidized China Trip Case The Yilan District Prosecutors' Office says 53 people have been listed as suspects in an ongoing investigation into violations of the anti-infiltration (反滲透) and election laws. They were listed as suspects after being questioned and include several village and neighborhood chiefs. All of them allegedly traveled to China on trips subsidized by the Chinese government in December of last year. According to the prosecutors' office, they were invited by Chinese officials in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province and Hebei Province and traveled on schedules arranged by officials from China's Taiwan Affairs Office. The suspects were were allegedly asked to state that they "support the parties that boost cross-strait relations," and "oppose Taiwan independence" during the trips and some reportedly joined Chinese officials in chanting pro-unification slogans. Japan Begins Building US Military Base on Okinawa Japan's government is beginning construction (建造) on a new US military base in the country's Okinawa islands, overriding the objections of local officials. Tokyo approved landfill works to relocate the Futenma airbase to the Henoko region by proxy after Okinawa's government refused to green-light the project, saying it will destroy local ecosystems and attract war. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. Somalia AlShabab Fighters Attack UN Helicopter Officials in Somalia say fighters with al-Qaida's East Africa affiliate al-Shabab have attacked a United Nations helicopter that made an emergency landing in territory controlled by the extremists, killing one passenger and abducting (綁架) five others. One official told the Associated Press that the helicopter landed due to engine failure. He said six foreigners and one Somali national were on board and one was shot dead while trying to escape. One was missing. The United Nations confirmed the incident but didn't give details for the safety of those on board. Al-Shabab has not immediately claimed responsibility. Greece PM to Submit Legislation for SameSex Marriage Greece's center-right prime minister says his government will soon submit legislation allowing civil marriage for same-sex couples. That's despite reservations from some of his party's own lawmakers and the country's powerful church. But Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says the proposed (提出的) law will not extend the right to parenthood through surrogate mothers to same-sex couples — an issue that has divided Greek society. Mitsotakis said Wednesday he is confident the law can be approved in parliament with cross-party support, even though he won't force those of his lawmakers who are against it to back it. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 新鮮事、新奇事、新故事《一銀陪你聊“新”事》 第一銀行打造公股銀行首創ESG Podcast頻道上線啦 由知名主持人阿Ken與多位名人來賓進行對談 邀請您一起落實永續發展 讓永續未來不再只是想像 各大收聽平台搜尋：ㄧ銀陪你聊新事 https://bit.ly/3vBtNYj

A practitioner in Hebei Province was knocked off the roof of his home while being harassed by the police. Declining medical treatment, and returning home shortly after the incident, he practices the exercises, studies the Fa, and has faith in Master and soon recovers from life threatening injuries. This and other stories from the Minghui […]

Vowing to never “slack off,” a practitioner in Hebei Province clarifies the truth of the persecution of Falun Dafa and helps many people quit the CCP, face to face, undeterred by COVID outbreaks or gale-force winds. Original Article:1. [China Fahui] Never Slack Off To provide feedback on this podcast, please email us at feedback@minghuiradio.org

A man in Hebei Province lived a very bitter life; riddled with illnesses and losing all of his family members to cancer, when he is also diagnosed with lung cancer he sought alternative treatment and discovered Falun Dafa. Learning the exercises and studying Zhuan Falun on his own, he becomes healthy for the first time […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province shares how they adapted ways of clarifying the truth during COVID lock downs in China; In the process of carefully working with the son of a detained practitioner, she learned to not pursue outcomes, but use the opportunity to tell people about Falun Dafa and the persecution. Original Article:1. Cooperating […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province involved in printing truth clarification materials is arrested, and slowly enlightens to how to treat both the police, and the practitioner who informed on her, with deep compassion. Original Article:1. Cultivating to Be Truly Altruistic

Ten people have died and 18 remain missing after heavy rain in recent days battered the city of Baoding in north China's Hebei Province. Rescue and relief efforts continue.

Andrew and Bill begin with the heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years in Beijing this week. Topics include: Best wishes to all those affected by the floods, the astounding scale of these storms and resulting damage, citizens angry after local officials allegedly divert floods to protect Xiong'an, and the CPC playbook that will likely restrict information and hide the full extent of the tragedy. From there: Changes atop the PLA Rocket Force raise questions about espionage, the PLA nuclear program, and a years-long anti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping that may not be over. From there: Follow-up to last week's Intel discussion, officials concerned about Chinese malware in America's military and civilian infrastructure, and a question about the American media and strategic alternatives to dialogue. At the end: The potential security pact between South Korea and Japan, the history and contemporary reality of the Beidaihe Meetings, and a reminder that the podcast will be off until the week of August 21st.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to overturn the 2020 election result. Protesters have taken to the streets of Niger in a peaceful demonstration, calling for an end to sanctions imposed by West African states. Beijing has begun counting the costs from this week's devastating floods, while neighboring Hebei Province is still battling surging waters.

North China's Hebei Province has relocated over 1.2 million people due to heavy rainfall over the past few days. So far, Hebei has dispatched more than 4,700 teams to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

The Chinese government has earmarked 100 million yuan, or about 14 million U.S. dollars, to support post-disaster reconstruction in Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province.

A new expressway between Beijing and Xiong'an New Area in Hebei Province has opened to traffic.

Ten years ago, the people to start up new businesses. Large amounts of enterprises emerged in the market. No matter new graduates or experienced entrepreneurs, launching a brand-new business became a trend. Active VC and strong support from the government both boost the start-up business.Time came to the beginning of 2020 when the pandemic impacted globally, A wave of shocked primarily the private enterprises and small businesses. Mr. Tao GUO was one of them who experienced both the shutdown and survival.We interviewed Mr. Tao GUO, a representative of private entrepreneurs, who has more than ten years experience in business creation in China. Tao GUO created the first Chinese diversified bookstore, YANJIYOU, in 2012, and he then explored the live house market in 2017. He joined the chain live house brand, Music House, and led the company to a new episode with reconstruction of the business model and initiated merging and integrating subsidiaries to strengthen the brand and market position.During Tao GUO's term of office as the first selected Chairman of YANJIYOU, the business model has been proved successfully with acquiring two rounds of VC funds during his term of office. From 2012 to 2019, YANJIYOU opened more than 60 stores nationwide, with an area of operation of more than 100,000 square meters. However, since the pandemic started at the beginning of 2020, YANJIYOU has closed down most of its stores with less than 10 stores remaining. Tao explained, YANJIYOU provided a new style service，which replied to off-line customer crowds. YANJIYOU is more than a bookstore, it also has coffee, creative cultural products, exhibition of art and music performance, etc. YANJIYOU declined in the pandemic.Mr. Tao GUO took the role of Chairman of the Board for Shanghai ErShe Brand Management Co., Ltd in early 2020 when the time pandemic raging globally. Shanghai ErShe owns the nationally famous live house brand “Music House”. Different from YANJIYOU, the live bar seems irresistible for customers. There are always a lot of people coming to bars for night recreation. “Music and liquor, always cheer up spirit.” expressed by Tao GUO humorously. Music House owns 15 stores nationwide, distributed from west to east, located in Shanghai, Chengdu, Tianjin, Harbin, Urumchi. Benefited from its large scale of distribution, Music House survives.“Everyone hopes the pandemic ends soon in China.”Said Mr. Tao GUO.Company: Hebei Ruisong Technology Co., LtdContact Person: Ms. DongEmail: 896133626@qq.comWebsite: NoneTelephone: +86 15032639533City: Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, ChinaDisclosureThis press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

In today's Breakfast Brief, we discuss China's lockdown of several cities surrounding beijing ahead of a key ruling Communist Party meeting this year. Also, market participants may want to see a significant upside surprise in China's upcoming PMI for some renewed market confidence, otherwise it will likely point to a lower-for-longer economic picture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shi Emperor ofLater Zhou Dynasty Chai Rong died on July 27, 959.Chai Rong was born on October 27, 921 anddied on July 27, 959. Chai Rong's surname was Chai. Later, because his adoptivefather Guo Wei's surname was Guo, Chai Rong changed his surname to Guo, andlater he changed his surname back to Chai. He was an outstanding politician inthe Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Under his rule, the Later ZhouDynasty had a period of rejuvenation.Chai Rong was born on October 27, 921 inChaijiazhuang, Yaoshan, Xingzhou, which is now a place in Longyao County,Xingtai, Hebei Province, China. Chai Rong's grandfather and father were famouslocal rich people. The Chai family had a lot of money. However, when Chai Rongwas a teenager, his family became poor, so he had to defect to his uncle GuoWei.Chai Rong helped Guo Wei deal with allkinds of affairs, so he was deeply liked by Guo Wei. At that time, Guo Wei'sfamily was not very rich, and Guo was sonless, so Guo took Chai Rong as hisadopted son. In order to help his family earn more money, Chai Rong did a teabusiness with a rich businessman. During this period, Chai Rong learned to rideand shoot, and studied history books and Huang Lao's theories in his sparetime, which was a gain.Time flied, and Chai Rong was an adult. Asan adult, he gave up his business and joined the army with his adoptive fatherGuo Wei. Soon after, the Later Han Dynasty was established, and Guo Wei andChai Rong were promoted.Unexpectedly, the Later Han emperor thoughtthat Guo Wei wanted to rebel, so he wanted to kill all Guo's relatives. Guo Weiand Chai Rong took a lot of effort to escape. The two immediately rebelledunder the name of "clear the emperor's side". In the end, Guo Wei andhis son won and established the Later Zhou Dynasty.Guo Wei became the founding emperor of theLater Zhou Dynasty. He tried his best to cure it, but unfortunately he died ofillness. Chai Rong became the second emperor of the following week. At thebeginning of Chai Rong's accession to the throne, he was strong and ambitious,determined to do a great cause in accordance with his adoptive father's lastwishes. He conquered You and Yan Kingdoms in the north, the Southern Tang Kingdomin the south, and Western Shu in the west, effectively deterring theseseparatist forces and consolidated the rule of the Later Zhou Dynasty.In addition, he was also a wise monarch.During Chai Rong's reign, the people lived and worked in peace and contentment,the population increased, grain output greatly increased, and the national strengthof the Later Zhou Dynasty was greatly strengthened!Unfortunately, Chai Rong died at the age of38. It's a pity that a generation of wise emperor passed away!

“A Disabled Person's Journey of Falun Dafa Cultivation,” by a Falun Dafa practitioner in Hebei Province, China. An experience sharing article from the Eighteenth China Fahui on the Minghui website.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Beijing. Three reporters bring the latest developments on the ground from Beijing, Yanqing district and Zhangjiakou of Hebei Province. The president of World Anti-Doping Agency says a new Dried Blood Spot test is set for its first official use at the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Paralympics.

Yanqing District in Beijing and co-host city Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province hosted day-two of the torch relay for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

"Xi" (Dr. Jessica Kendall, PhD) and "Nan" (me) together again!  The first ever bag  of chips in what ended up being a collection of chips bags gathered from shops, grocery stores, gas stations and (in this case) an abandoned gift shop in a train station in the small town of Wuqiao in Hebei Province,  PRC. Wuqiao is known as the Birthplace of Chinese Acrobatics and home to Wuqiao Acrobatics World Theme Park.Xi is an acrobatic trainer and director,  anthropologist/academic, and single mother of 3 gorgeous and amazing humans in Montréal, Canada. Subscribe to Memory Chips podcast on any of your podcast platforms! https://pod.link/1588265708

Hello everyone!China has long been a blindspot for me and I decided to educate myself more about its growing and undeniable importance. China is at a critical moment in its history and current events might have long term consequences on the country's future.From the Evergrande real estate crisis, Xi Jinping's current crackdown on capitalism to an acceleration of climate change-related events (dramatic summer floods), China's urban development model is under the spotlight. The conflict between marketization and state control has never been so strong in the country.How do these tensions translate in the urban environment? Where is urban China going? Will China manage to escape the “middle-income trap”? How could iconic initiatives such as the BRI accelerate the diffusion of China's urban model? I reached out to Andrew Stokols, an urban planner and researcher, currently PhD researcher at MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning. His research explores the intersection of urban planning and infrastructure, state power and geopolitics and mostly focuses on East and Southeast Asia. Previously, Andrew has been involved in various research projects, in China, Singapore and the US, investigating the different facets of global urbanization, particularly in China and Asia. Together, we discuss the different phases behind China's urbanization and how President Xi Jinping is currently making the state more central in all aspects of life in China. We take the example of a new planned city, called Xiong'An New Area, about 100 km south of Beijing in the Hebei Province. The development of Xiong'an has several goals, chief among them to relieve pressure on Beijing by relocating “non-capital functions” and to stimulate new innovative industries. It has been labeled as a “1000-year project of national importance” and it is supposed to be China's version of “city of the future”, promoted as an engine for innovation growth.

Photo: Kalgan, 1868 Kalgan, the name by which the city of Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, is most known to Westerners, is a city with close to 2,000 years of history as a frontier town on the Russo-Chinese border. @Batchelorshow Xi asks Putin for help to keep the lights on. H. J. Mackinder, International Relations. #FriendsofHistoryDebatingSociety https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/world-economy/xi-jinpings-power-plays-collapse-chinas-electricity-grid/news-story/8dcefd6400a409d656a7ca1d5df118cf

Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited the Saihanba forest farm in Hebei Province.

 Zhang Xifeng, a 17-year-old student at Hengshui High School of Hebei Province, went viral. In his speech on Anhui TV program Super Speaker, Zhang compared himself to a humble “country pig” and shared his ambition to “grab a city cabbage.” While he did not specify what “city cabbage” is, for a young man from a small town, the metaphor likely refers to a well-paid job and a wife from a middle-class family in a larger city.  The Hengshui High School he recently graduated from is known for high rate of admission to China's top universities.    The “country pig chasing city cabbage” speech saw both praise and criticism online. Some said they understood and appreciated the boy's ambitions to rise in the ranks of society through hard work, while others expressed concerns that his attitude tacitly glorifies achieving one's goals by any means necessary, comparing him to Julien Sorel, the ferociously ambitious protagonist in Stendhal's 1830 novel “The Red and the Black”.China has a very long tradition of attaching great importance to academic success. But is climbing the social ladder the only purpose and indicator of academic success in ancient Chinese society?

“Steadfastly Following Master and Spreading the Fa in Remote Mountain Villages,” by a Falun Dafa practitioner in Hebei Province, China. An experience sharing article from the Seventeenth China Fahui on the Minghui website.

Construction of the first batch of 1,500 rooms for centralized medical observation has been completed in five days in a city in north China's Hebei Province.

China has seen a boom in satellite manufacturing over the past 6-7 years, with the rise in the commercial space sector more broadly leading to more than 15 commercial satellite manufacturers of widely varying scale and sophistication. Many of these satellite manufacturers are hoping to address demand from China’s April 2020 inclusion of “Satellite Internet” into the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)’s list of “New Infrastructures”, with this demand likely to include a Chinese LEO broadband constellation of some >10,000 satellites. While China’s biggest and most sophisticated satellite manufacturers remain state-owned CASC subsidiaries (CAST and SAST), several of the emergent commercial satellite manufacturers have reached, or will likely reach within 2021, the point of manufacturing dozens to ~100 satellites per year of ~50-100kg. Of the commercial satellite manufacturers, the most advanced are likely Mino Space, Commsat, Spacety, and Galaxy Space, with the possible inclusion of Guodian Gaoke. While each of these companies has taken a somewhat different angle towards the satellite internet value chain, it is likely that none will deploy their own dedicated broadband constellation, and rather, each may find some business for dozens or hundreds of satellites as part of China’s future broadband constellation(s). In the case of Commsat, the company has pivoted towards dedicated satellite manufacturing and user terminals, with the company no longer planning its own constellation. The Dongfang Hour was lucky enough to recently sit down with Dong Lu, Director of Strategic Development at Commsat. Our conversation covered a lot of ground, including discussion of:Commsat and its development history, future development vision, and target marketChina’s evolving satellite internet sectorSimilarities and differences between China’s traditional space sector (largely state-owned enterprises) and commercial space companies Similarities and differences between the Chinese and European space industries, and how this relationship has evolved over timeSome Key TakeawaysCommsat has a variety of activities, and they have these activities spread over a wide area. For example, the company has recently opened facilities in Yibin, Sichuan Province, and Tangshan, Hebei Province. Yibin was chosen due to its proximity to Chengdu, a major city in Southwest China that has a significant electronics industrial base and many excellent electronical engineering programs at local universities. The Yibin factory will focus on the electronical components of the satellite. Tangshan was chosen due to its proximity to Beijing, and will be focusing on developing the satellite busses. Both local governments have provided some incentives.Dong Lu also provided some interest insights on the evolution of the relationship between China and Europe in the space sector. Having studied in Europe for his Master’s and Doctorate degree, Dong Lu noted that there has always been significant activity between China and Europe in the space sector, but that this has changed in recent years, with a broader variety of European companies coming to address the Chinese market, and with bigger projects being done by China with Europe as a smaller partner.Another clear takeaway was the pride that Dong Lu showed in the growth of the Chinese space sector, and the evolution of the Chinese space program. As someone who graduated from undergrad in 2005, Dong Lu has seen China’s space sector exceed even his wildest expectations from 10 or 15 years ago, and the sense of pride and happiness was both justified and impressive to see. Overall, an excellent discussion with one of the most interesting characters in the Chinese space sector. We found it highly insightful, and we hope that you do too! If you like it, feel free to share, like, or follow.

Julia Chatterley is live from New York. Here are the top business news stories today! Banking block! Deutsche Bank is latest firm to refuse business deals with Donald Trump. China’s stringent system - 40 new cases of Covid sends China's Hebei province into lockdown. It’s Tuesday, let’s make a move.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

10 medical teams have been sent to Hebei Province to help with nucleic acid testing in the cities of Shijiazhuang and Xingtai.

North China's Hebei Province has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past few days. Its capital city, Shijiazhuang, has moved to close off road traffic and suspended in-person classes in schools and kindergartens. Citywide nucleic acid testing is underway and is expected to be completed in three days.

China is bucking a global trend and its economy is growing again. We hear from Wuhan and Shanghai, where restrictions have been lifted and companies are back in business. But the scars left by Covid-19 are still evident. We’ll also ask how ready China is for the challenges of 2021. The world’s second biggest economy is spending huge amounts on green technologies and clean power. Presenter Fergus Nicoll talks to Dr Sha Yu, Co-Director of the China Programme at the University of Maryland’s Centre for Global Sustainability, and Stefan Gsänger, Secretary-General of the World Wind Energy Association. Fergus is also joined by Yuan Yang, deputy Beijing bureau chief at the Financial Times and independent economist Andy Xie in Shanghai. (Picture: A worker in North China's Hebei Province, Dec. 17, 2020. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

-Canada: Falun Dafa Practitioners Call on MPs to Sanction Corrupt CCP Officials and Perpetrators of Persecution -Germany: Introducing Falun Gong and Raising Awareness of Persecution in Nine Cities -Taiwan: Tian Guo Marching Band Commended and Awarded During Volunteer Day Celebration -Zunhua City, Hebei Province: 12 Falun Gong Practitioners Sentenced from 2 to 8 Years -New Zealand: Falun Dafa Practitioners Bring Diversity to Four Christmas Parades Throughout Auckland -Tianti Bookstore in Hong Kong Attracts People Interested in Learning Falun Dafa

“Fa Study, Genuine Cultivation, and Enlightenment,” by a Falun Dafa practitioner in Hebei Province, China. An experience sharing article from the Minghui website.

This episode of the Sinica Podcast, recorded in June 2017, is running as a bonus this week. The arrest of Stephen Bannon yesterday on August 20, 2020, has brought renewed media attention to Guō Wénguì 郭文贵, a business associate of Bannon’s who is wanted by the Chinese government. The Wall Street Journal has recently reported that the federal authorities are examining the pair’s business dealings. Alexandra Stevenson and Mike Forsythe, journalists for the New York Times, joined Kaiser and Jeremy in 2017 to share their thoughts on Guo’s uncertain personal history and his quest to shine a light on the murky world of Chinese elite politics. The original description of the podcast, including many useful references of the people in Guo’s complicated backstory, is reproduced below:The life and times of Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui 郭文贵 reads much like an epic play, so it is fitting that we have included with this podcast a dramatis personæ to explain the many characters in Guo’s story. Scroll to the bottom, below the recommendations, to follow along with them in order of appearance.New York Times journalists Mike Forsythe and Alexandra Stevenson have spent over a dozen hours with the turbulent tycoon at the New York City penthouse overlooking Central Park where he resides in exile, listening to his stories and carefully investigating his most scandalous claims. Mike has for years been a leading reporter on the intersection of money and power in elite Chinese politics, first at Bloomberg and then at the Times. Alex, as a reporter at the Financial Times and now the New York Times, has focused on covering hedge funds, emerging markets, and the world of finance.Are Guo’s myriad corruption allegations, which go as high as China’s anti-corruption chief, Wang Qishan 王岐山, credible? Is even Guo’s own life history verifiable? Who is he really, and why is he on this quest to unveil the shadowy world of Chinese elite politics? Mike and Alex don’t have all the answers, but they are two of the best people in the world to shed light on what is profound and what is puffery in Guo’s version of events.The life and times of Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui 郭文贵 reads much like an epic play, so it is fitting that we have included with this podcast a dramatis personæ to explain the many characters in Guo’s story. Scroll to the bottom, below the recommendations, to follow along with them in order of appearance.New York Times journalists Mike Forsythe and Alexandra Stevenson have spent over a dozen hours with the turbulent tycoon at the New York City penthouse overlooking Central Park where he resides in exile, listening to his stories and carefully investigating his most scandalous claims. Mike has for years been a leading reporter on the intersection of money and power in elite Chinese politics, first at Bloomberg and then at the Times. Alex, as a reporter at the Financial Times and now the New York Times, has focused on covering hedge funds, emerging markets, and the world of finance.Are Guo’s myriad corruption allegations, which go as high as China’s anti-corruption chief, Wang Qishan 王岐山, credible? Is even Guo’s own life history verifiable? Who is he really, and why is he on this quest to unveil the shadowy world of Chinese elite politics? Mike and Alex don’t have all the answers, but they are two of the best people in the world to shed light on what is profound and what is puffery in Guo’s version of events.Dramatis personæ:To read more on Guo Wengui himself, see our narrative explainer and a compilation of more recent news on Guo from SupChina and beyond.In order of mention in the podcast:1. Yue Qingzhi 岳庆芝, Guo Wengui’s wife, lives in New York, according to Guo. Yet she has not been seen in public nor by Mike and Alex, even though they have spent entire days at Guo’s penthouse. 2. Wang Qishan 王岐山, the leader of Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).3. Li Keqiang 李克强, the current premier of China’s State Council, formerly a Party secretary in Henan Province where Guo claims to have met him.4. Wu Yi 吴仪 served in top ministerial positions negotiating trade and managing public health in the early 21st century. Guo claims to have developed a relationship with her back in Henan.5. Wu Guanzheng 吴官正 served as secretary for CCDI from 2002 to 2007.6. Ma Jian 马建, the now-jailed close associate of Guo who served as vice minister of State Security from 2006 to 2015.7. Liu Zhihua 刘志华, the former vice mayor of Beijing who was dismissed in 2006. Liu received a suspended death sentence for taking bribes of over 6 million yuan ($885,000) in October 2008.8. He Guoqiang 贺国强, the predecessor to Wang Qishan as secretary of the CCDI. Guo alleges that his son He Jintao 贺锦涛 had a financial stake in Founder Securities at the time Guo tried to muscle his way into the company (the Times has confirmed this).9. HNA Group, formerly Hainan Airlines, a politically connected business conglomerate that burst onto the public scene in 2016, scooping up foreign companies left and right.10. Hu Shuli 胡舒立, the editor-in-chief of business news and investigative outlet Caixin (disclosure: Caixin partners with SupChina on the Business Brief podcast).11. Li You 李友, Guo’s former business partner. In 2016, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and fined 750 million yuan ($110 million) for insider trading.12. Yao Mingshan 姚明珊, the wife of Wang Qishan.13. Meng Jianzhu 孟建柱, the current secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, which controls the police and security services.14. Xiao Jianhua 肖建华, another billionaire tycoon who had experience dealing at the top levels of the Chinese government. Xiao was apparently abducted by Chinese authorities in Hong Kong in late January 2017 and has not been seen in public since then.15. Zhang Yue 张越, a former provincial Party secretary in Hebei Province.16. Meng Huiqing 孟会青, a now-jailed former CCDI official.17. Fu Zhenghua 傅政华, the deputy minister of Public Security.18. Yao Qing 姚庆, grandson of revolutionary and former vice premier Yao Yilin 姚依林, and nephew-in-law of Wang Qishan.19. Guo’s two children, his son, Mileson Kwok 郭强 (Guo’s English name is Miles!), and his daughter, Guo Mei 郭美, whom Guo claims went to New York University with Ma Jian’s daughter.20. A “dissident-minder from Guobao” (Ministry of Public Security 国保 guó bǎo), identified later in the podcast as Sun Lijun 孙立军, one of two people Guo claims to have met with in Washington, D.C., in late May 2017.21. Amanda Bennett, the director of Voice of America (VOA), which aired an interview with Guo on April 19 that Guo and some VOA journalists complained was cut short.

For more delicious news, go to www.GoodNewsGoodPlanet.com, and scroll to bottom for more ways to find the feel good stuff!* AN ARMY OF TREES While a beautiful and mysterious country, China is also known for the blanket of smog that overcomes its cities on a regular basis. Its air pollution alone is attributed to causing over a million premature deaths per year. In an effort to combat their high levels of air pollution and reduce their carbon footprint, the People’s Liberation Army has deployed over 60,000 soldiers to plant trees and create new forests. China plans to grow over 32,400 square miles of forest, which is equivalent to the size of Utah. The goal is to increase their forestation rates from 21.7% to 23% by the end of the decade, and up to 26% by the end of 2035. A majority of the soldiers will work in the heavily polluted Hebei Province, where there are three new forests planned. Hebei is well known for producing the fumes and smog that often blanket Beijing and Northern China. In addition to planting trees, China has also worked to lessen its dependency on coal in recent years, and is looking towards renewable energy sources, by making considerably large investments in the research and implementation of solar and wind technologies. China is also an emerging world leader in the development of electric cars. Zhang Jianlong, head of China’s State Forestry Administration, says "Companies, organizations and talent that specialize in greening work, are all welcome to join in the country's massive greening campaign." He also went on to say that "Cooperation between government and social capital will be put on the priority list.” This new Chinese green army is setting an extraordinary example of the positive actions that can be accomplished with military might, by fighting for the planet, peacefully and with a loving consciousness to our Mother Earth. #### *Hungry for more of the Good Stuff? Search "Good News Good Planet" on YouTube, Instagram, Patreon, Alexa and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Cathryn Shilling: Exploring the Relationship Between Fabric and the Human Form For many years, Cathryn Shilling has been fascinated by kinesics or the study of body language by which humans subconsciously transmit and receive non-verbal communication. These physical expressions may reveal our true feelings by signaling the difference between what we say and what we mean. Body posture and the position of a person in relation to others is an important indicator of feelings, attitudes and moods. Shilling’s most recent body of work, Cloaked, further explores the relationship between fabric and the human form. “Clothing conveys so many things. Not only does it provide protection against the elements, it also broadcasts our position and identity within society, as well as reflects our mood and emotional state.” Shilling’s sculpture investigates these themes as well as the numerous associated misconceptions and judgments we are all guilty of making. An internationally renowned glass artist living and working in London, Shilling began her career as a graphic designer, graduating from Central School of Art and Design in London, and working as a designer until her family’s move to the US in 2001. Prompted to pursue a new and exciting creative direction, the artist studied the art and craft of stained glass in Connecticut. Upon her return to London in 2004, she switched her focus to kiln formed glass and also became a student of blown glass at Peter Layton’s London Glassblowing Studio. In 2009 she established a studio near her home, and the following year became curator at London Glassblowing.  Shilling’s work has been collected and widely exhibited internationally, including: Ireland Glass Biennale 2019 at Dublin Castle; The 3rd Session of China·Hejian Craft Glass Design & Creation Exhibition and Competition, Ming Shangde Glass Museum, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, China, 2019; TACTILE at Glazenhuis, Lommel, Belgium; New Acquisitions, 2017 at Glasmuseum Lette, Coesfield, Germany; Peter Bremers & Cathryn Shilling: A Two Person Exhibition at Schiepers Gallery in Belgium; The CGS Jubileum 20th Anniversary Exhibition at Etienne Gallery, Oisterwijk, Netherlands; The Taos Art Glass Invitational New Mexico, USA; BODYTALK at the Glasmuseet, Ebletoft, Denmark; COLLECT at the Saatchi Gallery with London Glassblowing and Vessel Gallery; East-West Artists Exhibitions in Kyoto, Japan and London; Hot Glass at Contemporary Applied Arts, London; Collective Genius at Vessel Gallery, London.  Exhibitions also include the British Glass Biennale in 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, when her collaboration with Anthony Scala won the Craft & Design Award, and 2019. Shilling has twice exhibited as a finalist in the Emerge juried kiln glass exhibition at Bullseye Projects, Portland, Oregon. In 2013, the artist took home the international Warm Glass Artists Prize and has twice been nominated for the SUWA Garasuno-Sato Glass Prize and several times for the Arts & Crafts Design Award. In 2015 she was ranked number 4 in the Glassation list of “The Most Game Changing Female Glass Artists” and number 25 in the Graphic Design Hub’s list of “The 30 Most Amazing Glass Artists Alive Today.” The artist’s work was represented in the Corning Museum of Glass’ New Glass Review 33, and in 2018 she was Artist in Residence at North Lands Creative, Lybster, Scotland.  In 2019, Shilling celebrated 10 years of professional practice with a solo show, Hidden Gestures, at Vessel Gallery, London. Her piece Diorama – Moonlight was recently acquired for the Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, by Habatat Galleries Detroit. “I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this amazing collection.” Her work, The Intangibility of Sorrow, can be seen in the Contemporary Glass Society’s latest online exhibition, Reverie.  Like so many artists, Shilling’s forward momentum was halted abruptly by the Corona Virus pandemic. Many of her scheduled exhibitions and events, such as giving a talk and exhibiting at the Art Workers’ Guild during London Craft Week, will be rescheduled for the fall. Some, like her demo with glassblower Louis Thompson at the 2020 Glass Art Society Conference in Smaland, Sweden, have been cancelled altogether.   “It is rather depressing because just about everything has been cancelled or postponed. I had been looking forward to glass exhibitions taking me and my work to Sweden, Venice and New York as well as speaking at the Contemporary Glass Society Conference in Wales. All these plans have had to be shelved. However, this is all pretty insignificant when you look at the bigger picture. I am lucky enough to be able to keep making, and this gives me enormous satisfaction. I am also finding it good to have the time now to really think about my practice and try out some of the ideas that I haven’t been able to explore with so many deadlines looming. I am hopeful that 2021 will be as fabulous for me as 2020 was going to be!” Please check all venues for the latest updates. 2020 Exhibitions: Sculpture at Kingham Lodge, May 8 – 17, Kingham, Oxfordshire Sculpture at Doddington Hall & Gardens, July 25 – September 6, Doddington, Lincolnshire The Devil’s In The Detail, a two-person show with Anthony Scala, October 23 – November 7, London Glassblowing, London Glass Is Biotiful, date to be confirmed, Biot, France Homo Faber 2020, September 10 – October 11, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, Italy From Many, One 1, October 1 – November 6, Culture Object, New York, USA    

Back in 2014, we met Elik Fromchenko. During the day he works at an auto magazine, but - just like Clark Kent - he has a secret superpower: Elik is a world-class whistler. And, in an adventure that could only happen to an Israeli backpacker, he found himself in an ambassadorial role in Hebei Province, China. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or Tablet Magazine.

Climate change on the planet. The eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, the earth's crust fissures in New Zealand, earthquake in California (USA), Iceland and Romania. The most devastating earthquake of the 20th century in China. How does the melting of glaciers affect the level of volcanic activity? Weakening of the Earth's magnetic field by 15%. (The Northern Lights is a harbinger of the Earth's magnetic field weakening.) What does history teach us? See in the breaking news issue "Kilauea Volcano. What is really happening in Hawaii? Volcanoes Awakening Across the Planet. It is coming". - Hawaiian Islands: According to scientists, the danger of an explosion of the Kilauea volcano is fraught with the destruction of the island. The situation in Hawaii is a seismic warning for California. What is going on in Hawaii now? - Ramapo fault, the release of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, a harbinger of a catastrophic earthquake. - China: what does history teach us? July 28, 1976 in China in Hebei Province, there was the most devastating earthquake of the 20th century. - New Zealand: an earthquake of 5.8; 6.2 magnitude and the formation of a 200-meters long crack, harbingers of an upcoming devastating earthquake. - Hawaiian Islands: According to scientists, the danger of an explosion of the Kilauea volcano is fraught with the destruction of the island. The situation in Hawaii is a seismic warning for California. What is going on in Hawaii now? - Ramapo fault, the release of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, a harbinger of a catastrophic earthquake. - China: what does history teach us? July 28, 1976 in China in Hebei Province, there was the most devastating earthquake of the 20th century. - New Zealand: an earthquake of 5.8; 6.2 magnitude and the formation of a 200- meters long crack, harbingers of an upcoming devastating earthquake. - Brazil: South America, Nevados de Chillán volcano eruption. - Earthquakes in the Philippines, in New Zealand, on the island of Tonga, Southern Kuriles and California. Earthquake in Romania. Why are deep earthquakes dangerous Our world is already changing, people are suffering from climate disasters. Only by uniting will we be able to overcome with dignity difficulties related to the increasing climatic changes on Earth. We wish you Love, Peace, Light and Good. Watch the program on the link to ALLATRA TV https://allatra.tv/en/video/kilauea-volcano-what-is-really-happening-in-hawaii For additional information, please watch a unique programme: "Се грядёт. It is coming" as well as read the Report “About problems and consequences of global climate change on Earth. Effective ways of solving these problems”

“Using Cell Phones to Clarify the Truth and Save More Sentient Beings,” by a Falun Gong practitioner in Hebei Province, China. An experience sharing article from the Twelfth China Fahui on the Minghui website.

Making a feature film can be a long and painful process — especially when you’re shooting an indie film in below-freezing conditions 16 hours per day for 14 days. But that is exactly what the creative team behind The Last Sunrise 最后的日出 was able to do, and along the way, they generated useful insight into China’s science-fiction movie scene and the realities of filmmaking in China on a shoestring budget. Featuring: Wen Ren: Director | 任文 ：导演 Wen’s IMDB | Wen’s Instagram | Wen’s Vimeo  Elly Li: Producer, Co-writer | 李昳青：制片人，编剧 Elly’s IMDB  And, as usual, your host, Aladin Farré. Aladin’s LinkedIn | Aladin’s Twitter Four main takeaways from this week’s episode:     从这期访谈中，我们总结出四个主要观点： 1) Chinese science-fiction productions tend to be optimistic about the future. While Western science-fiction productions are dominated by dystopian tropes, in contrast, Chinese sci-fi tends to paint a far more benign portrait of how science will usher in a better future. Of course, state regulations that govern cultural production in China have something to do with this, but gifted creators can often find workarounds to these restrictions. 2) In China, getting started in the film industry is like founding a startup. The main goal of most filmmakers is to make a good-quality film and, if at all possible, to pay the filmmaking team along the way. There is no shortcut to a successful career in making feature films; making a high-quality movie is the end result of years of experience in the industry. Big payoffs do not happen by accident. Just like any other entrepreneur, filmmakers need to make good products before they can hope to earn serious revenue, and this means working on as many projects as possible. In China as in many other markets, the jump from making low-budget films online to big-budget films intended for cinematic release is a large one, and not everyone makes it. 3) Chinese internet distributors usually pay a flat fee and keep audience numbers secret. If an internet platform agrees to distribute a film, the producer will receive a flat fee and will need to budget the film accordingly. There is no incentive or bonuses for films that reach a large audience on an internet platform. The general public will likely never learn how many people have actually watched the movie, just as with Netflix in the West. Platforms like Youku do provide an indicator of popularity 热度 and share it with the creators after some time. However, the popularity of any given film peaks only briefly before audiences move on. In the case of The Last Sunrise, for example, the movie was the second-most widely viewed movie on Youku for a few weeks before plunging down to number #799 three months later. 4) There are a few key secrets to shooting a film in 14 days. Do a lot of advance planning to avoid wasting time. Surround yourself with a team who can work long hours and understand your creative vision. Select only a few locations, and shoot indoors as much as possible. For The Last Sunrise , for example, the team limited filming locations to only three places: Beijing 北京,  Zhangbei 张北 in Hebei Province, and Ordos 鄂尔多斯 in Inner Mongolia. As you pitch the project, be prepared to propose a variety of budgets and lengths to appeal to different types of investors. Recommended watching and reading: The Last Sunrise 最后的日出 (2019): Youku (VIP account needed) | Facebook page Train to Busan (2016): Wikipedia page Black Coal, Thin Ice 白日焰火 (2014): Wikipedia page  The Wandering Earth 流浪地球 (2019): Wikipedia page South Korean director Kim Ki-duk: Wikipedia page  Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda : Wikipedia page Zhang Yimou’s opinion piece in the New York Times, “What Hollywood looks like from China.” Answers to the episode quiz: Lu Xun 鲁迅 was the famous Chinese author who translated several science-fiction books over a century ago. Amazon Prime bought the rights to the book The Three-Body Problem 三体, by Liu Cixin 刘慈欣. The full series has yet to be released.  The year 2003 was when the first Chinese astronaut, or taikonaut, Yang Liwei 杨利伟, went to space.

Welcome to the 81st installment of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, a weekly podcast that brings you the most important business stories of the week from China's top source for business and financial news. Produced by Kaiser Kuo of our Sinica Podcast, it features a business news roundup, plus conversations with Caixin reporters and editors. This week: We report that high-level U.S. officials are visiting Beijing this week for yet another round of trade talks. Meanwhile, China's Vice Premier, Liu He 刘鹤, is set to visit Washington in a few weeks. We discuss an explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China, which has killed at least 64 people and seriously injured nearly a hundred. We discuss the development of the so-called Jing-Jin-Ji 京津冀 cluster, a planned city cluster that will integrate Beijing, nearby Tianjin, and Hebei Province. Its progress is lagging behind other major city integration projects, a new government report has found. We hear the news that electric car-maker Tesla is suing a former engineer who left the company to join a rival Chinese startup, accusing him of stealing trade secrets, including source code. We learn that a police officer is currently being tried in Hunan province for taking more than $6 million in bribes over seven years in order to change individuals' driving records. We note that Hong Kong residents have been cleared to open mainland accounts at Bank of China's Hong Kong branches under a pilot program without having to visit the mainland. We chat about Liu Guiping 刘桂平, the new president of China Construction Bank, China's second-largest bank by assets. In addition, we talk with Tanner Brown, breaking news editor for Caixin Global and co-producer of this program, about a mysterious opulent villa built illegally in the middle of a national park in China.

Dinosaur of the day Zuniceratops, a ceratopsian that was discovered in New Mexico by an 8 year-old. Interview with Jingmai O'Connor, professor at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences who recently described the first ever fossilized dinosaur lung remains. In dinosaur news this week: A 130 million year old fossil from Hebei Province in China has been found The “Baofenglong fossil” recently went on display at Chongqing Yongchuan Museum Town Hall in China. An 80% complete 49 ft (15 m) long herbivore Residents near the Tumbler Ridge Museum voted to fund the museum with added attractions and services Most sauropod fossils are from adults. Dwarf sauropods have a younger distribution, but still mostly adults Several models of Yi qi extra wrist bone were proposed to find an orientation that may have worked with its patagial membranes Flight evolution can be categorized into 4 evolutionary phases: characters unrelated to flight, exapted traits, direct selection, and traits for longer flight duration Pterosaurs and maniraptorans couldn’t assume a bat-like pose Microraptor & Rahonavis could glide, Changyuraptor used it's tail for pitch control, but troodontids were too big (relative to their wings) to get off the ground Ichthyornis has a skull half way between Archaeopteryx and modern birds "Birds are the only group of animals that rival mammals in terms of brain size" Sauropod trackway “gauge” might not mean much A synchrotron of coprolite from an early dinosaur like Silesaurus opelensis showed lots of beetle remains including wings & beetle tibia Based on carbon-13 isotopes in Deinonychus and Tenontosaurus it appears that raptors were not pack hunters Thanks to guinea fowl walking through soft mud we are closer than ever to recreate how dinosaurs made their tracks The pectoralis of Archaeopteryx was smaller than modern birds, but may have still been large enough to achieve brief flight A study of Psittacosaurus braincases shows that 2 year-old brains elongate significantly (midbrain & olfactory tract/bulbs especially) Ugrunaaluk was smaller than its massive cousins like Edmontosaurus, possibly because of dwarfism from living in the arctic reaching about 18-19ft long A new ceratopsian was found in Grand staircase Escalante National Monument This episode is brought to you in part by TRX Dinosaurs, which makes beautiful and realistic dinosaur sculptures, puppets, and animatronics. You can see some amazing examples and works in progress on Instagram @trxdinosaurs And by Permia, makers of the coolest prehistoric clothing and collectibles this side of the Holocene! Their scientifically accurate t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and figurines are available now. Get $5 off orders of $35 or more with the promo code IKNOWDINO To get access to lots of patron only content check out https://www.patreon.com/iknowdino For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Zuniceratops, more links from Jingmai O'Connor, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Zuniceratops-Episode-206/

My guest this episode is clean energy entrepreneur, investor and commentator, Assaad Razzouk. He is Group Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Sindicatum Sustainable Resources, a global clean energy investment firm headquartered in Singapore. Razzouk points out that the need for clean energy throughout Asia is not an abstract notion. There’s an urgency to the situation and everyone knows it. We don’t have to imagine it any more. It’s here. Pay a trip to China’s Hebei Province and witness an environmental calamity in the making. Shaking people out of their comfort zones and getting them to own a long-term solution is never easy. What China does – or doesn’t do – in other words has major repercussions for the rest of the region. Carbon has made a precipitous climb over 25 years, earning China the dubious title of world’s biggest polluter. Annually it emits 10.4 billion metric tons of the stuff, or about 30% of the world total. If that’s the price one pays to become the world’s largest manufacturing base, the Grim Reaper is on the move and looking for payback. More than six million Chinese die annually from pollution-related diseases and analysts predict that as the population ages, these numbers are bound to grow. Still there’s hope. China knows it has a problem and isn’t resting on its laurels when it comes to tackling pollution. Already it leads the world in solar and wind power and plans are in place to do more. There are also signs that carbon levels are peaking. Now it's game-on to reduce those levels on pace with California’s progress in recent years. To that end, California Governor Jerry Brown is looking to partner with China. Last year he signed a wave of cleantech cooperation agreements and today scores of technical and design exchanges are under way. But is it too little too late?

难道贫穷就真的poor？ 【#感谢贫穷# 女孩707分考入北大：虽然贫穷，但仍可做梦】Wang Xinyi, a high school student from Hebei Province, was admitted to Peking University with a score of 707 this year. She's gained popularity online after writing an article describing her experience of growing up poor, but working hard.Language focus 语言焦点·be admitted to 加入， 获准进入·gain popularity / become popular Eg：Applications gain popularity through user ratings, word of mouth and being free.应用程序通过用户评价，口碑，免费以获得欢迎。 贫穷的说法：·poverty-stricken area·poverty-hit area ·disadvantaged area ·underprivileged children 贫困儿童·the vulnerable 弱势群体Eg：Poverty is not a shame,but the being ashamed of it is．贫不足耻，耻贫乃耻。

垃圾是人们生产和生活消费的必然产物。近年来，中国城市和农村人们生活水平的提高对垃圾处理容量带来了巨大的挑战。垃圾处理系统就好比是家庭的卫生间，直接决定着我们的健康、卫生和生活质量。 从垃圾处理水平最高的国家和地区的经验来看，无论使用多么先进的技术来焚烧、填埋或者堆肥，源头的垃圾减量和有效回收才是处理垃圾问题的关键。我们的嘉宾陈立雯是一名一线的环保工作者，她从国外留学归来之后扎根在中国农村，帮助村民建立起了垃圾分类的生态管理系统。今天的节目中她会为大家分享她在南峪村实施垃圾分类项目的故事、感悟以及她对中国垃圾问题的洞见。如果您有兴趣进一步了解立雯的实地项目，您可以关注“东西异同”微信公众号。以下链接是CCTV新闻周刊对立雯项目的报道http://tv.cctv.com/2017/09/09/VIDEmAgmEInNAzkwABSZ3uzW170909.shtml Waste is an inevitable result of human consumption. In recent years, both municipal and rural waste management are challenged by the sheer volume of waste that is still rapidly growing. The waste disposal system directly affects the hygiene, health, and well-being of our lives. Based on international experiences, no matter how advanced the incineration, landfill, or composting technologies would be, it is crucial to manage the waste generation and recycling. Our guest today is CHEN Liwen, an environmental practitioner from China. After studying abroad, she returned to China and started her waste management project in Chinese villages, where she helped to build the sustainable waste management systems. In today’s podcast, Liwen will share her stories and insights based on her experience from the Nanyu village, Hebei Province of China. If you are interested in Liwen’s projects, please subscribe to her Wechat channel “东西异同” (in Chinese). Here is another report on Liwen’s project by CCTV (in Chinese). http://tv.cctv.com/2017/09/09/VIDEmAgmEInNAzkwABSZ3uzW170909.shtml 

The life and times of Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui 郭文贵 reads much like an epic play, so it is fitting that we have included with this podcast a dramatis personæ to explain the many characters in Guo’s story. Scroll to the bottom, below the recommendations, to follow along with them in order of appearance. New York Times journalists Mike Forsythe and Alexandra Stevenson have spent over a dozen hours with the turbulent tycoon at the New York City penthouse overlooking Central Park where he resides in exile, listening to his stories and carefully investigating his most scandalous claims. Mike has for years been a leading reporter on the intersection of money and power in elite Chinese politics, first at Bloomberg and then at the Times. Alex, as a reporter at the Financial Times and now the New York Times, has focused on covering hedge funds, emerging markets, and the world of finance. Are Guo’s myriad corruption allegations, which go as high as China’s anti-corruption chief, Wang Qishan 王岐山, credible? Is even Guo’s own life history verifiable? Who is he really, and why is he on this quest to unveil the shadowy world of Chinese elite politics? Mike and Alex don’t have all the answers, but they are two of the best people in the world to shed light on what is profound and what is puffery in Guo’s version of events. Recommendations: Jeremy: The Skeptics Society, a website that publishes articles to debunk pseudoscientific, health-related, and religious myths. Alex: Janesville: An American Story, by Amy Goldstein of the Washington Post. It tells how a town in Wisconsin had the General Motors plant leave in 2008, despite Obama’s promise that jobs would stay there. Mike: Betraying Big Brother, an upcoming book by his wife, Leta Hong Fincher, explains what happened to the Feminist Five and what their stories say about the rise of feminism and the control of women in China. Leta’s last book, Leftover Women: The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China, published in 2014, was on a similar subject. Kaiser: Beasts of No Nation, a Netflix special by Cary Fukunaga based on the book of the same title by Uzodinma Iweala. The story follows the life of a child soldier in an unnamed West African country.   Dramatis personæ: To read more on Guo Wengui himself, see our narrative explainer and a compilation of more recent news on Guo from SupChina and beyond. In order of mention in the podcast: Yue Qingzhi 岳庆芝, Guo Wengui’s wife, lives in New York, according to Guo. Yet she has not been seen in public nor by Mike and Alex, even though they have spent entire days at Guo’s penthouse.  Wang Qishan 王岐山, the leader of Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). Li Keqiang 李克强, the current premier of China’s State Council, formerly a Party secretary in Henan Province where Guo claims to have met him. Wu Yi 吴仪 served in top ministerial positions negotiating trade and managing public health in the early 21st century. Guo claims to have developed a relationship with her back in Henan. Wu Guanzheng 吴官正 served as secretary for CCDI from 2002 to 2007. Ma Jian 马建, the now-jailed close associate of Guo who served as vice minister of State Security from 2006 to 2015. Liu Zhihua 刘志华, the former vice mayor of Beijing who was dismissed in 2006. Liu received a suspended death sentence for taking bribes of over 6 million yuan ($885,000) in October 2008. He Guoqiang 贺国强, the predecessor to Wang Qishan as secretary of the CCDI. Guo alleges that his son He Jintao 贺锦涛 had a financial stake in Founder Securities at the time Guo tried to muscle his way into the company (the Times has confirmed this). HNA Group, formerly Hainan Airlines, a politically connected business conglomerate that burst onto the public scene in 2016, scooping up foreign companies left and right. Hu Shuli 胡舒立, the editor-in-chief of business news and investigative outlet Caixin (disclosure: Caixin partners with SupChina on the Business Brief podcast). Li You 李友, Guo’s former business partner. In 2016, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and fined 750 million yuan ($110 million) for insider trading.   Yao Mingshan 姚明珊, the wife of Wang Qishan. Meng Jianzhu 孟建柱, the current secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, which controls the police and security services.   Xiao Jianhua 肖建华, another billionaire tycoon who had experience dealing at the top levels of the Chinese government. Xiao was apparently abducted by Chinese authorities in Hong Kong in late January 2017 and has not been seen in public since then. Zhang Yue 张越, a former provincial Party secretary in Hebei Province. Meng Huiqing 孟会青, a now-jailed former CCDI official. Fu Zhenghua 傅政华, the deputy minister of Public Security. Yao Qing 姚庆, grandson of revolutionary and former vice premier Yao Yilin 姚依林, and nephew-in-law of Wang Qishan. Guo’s two children, his son, Mileson Kwok 郭强 (Guo’s English name is Miles!), and his daughter, Guo Mei 郭美, whom Guo claims went to New York University with Ma Jian’s daughter. A “dissident-minder from Guobao” (Ministry of Public Security 国保 guó bǎo), identified later in the podcast as Sun Lijun 孙立军, one of two people Guo claims to have met with in Washington, D.C., in late May 2017. Amanda Bennett, the director of Voice of America (VOA), which aired an interview with Guo on April 19 that Guo and some VOA journalists complained was cut short.

2017-06-26 Special EnglishThis is Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.China has established its highest military award, the Order of August 1. The selection process for the first batch of winners has begun.The award will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, and advancing the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.A list of 17 candidates nominated by the People's Liberation Army, the armed police force and public security force has been made public to receive comments both from the military and the general public.Chinese astronaut Jing Haipeng, commander of the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft, is among the 17 candidates.August 1 is the founding anniversary of the Chinese military, the People's Liberation Army. This is Special English.A two-day ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven nations has ended in the Italy, confirming the split between the United States and its six major allies on climate change.The U.S. refused to endorse the summit's final statement in the part concerning climate, following President Donald Trump's recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on cutting global carbon emissions.Only six countries in the G7, namely, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan, restated their pledge to implement the accord, which has been signed by 195 parties and ratified by 148 countries and regions so far.In point 7 of the 15-page final communique, they "reaffirm strong commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, which remains the global instrument for effectively and urgently tackling climate change, and adapting to its effects".The U.S. representative did not agree on the point. The communique says the United States will continue to engage with key international partners in a manner that is consistent with its domestic priorities.You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.Beijing has pledged to closely cooperate and fully support the development of the Xiongan New Area and encourage people to move there as needed.Officials from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei development group said the New Area, south of Beijing, will be the central location for non-capital functions.Therefore, Beijing will actively strengthen cooperation with the area on construction and services, accelerating the relocation of industries that suit the new super economic zone.Beijing will support whatever the New Area needs during its construction and development. Beijing will assist in the planning and policy cohesion in sectors including infrastructure construction, transportation integration and public service sharing.Beijing will also support innovative companies to set up in the area. China announced plans to establish the New Area in April this year as part of measures to integrate the region's development and cure "urban ills" including traffic congestion and air pollution.Located 100 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, the New Area mainly covers three counties in Hebei province.This is Special English.China will set up a community governance system led by grassroots Communist Party of China organizations by 2020.Local governments will play a guiding role in the community governance system which also features public participation.Governance capacity in both urban and rural communities will improve significantly by that time, as public services, management and security will be effectively ensured.A government document says that within another five to ten years, a more mature and comprehensive community governance system will offer strong support for the party at a grassroots level, while consolidating local governments.Issues including the basic role of autonomous organizations, the participation of social groups and the functions of communities are also included in the document.According to the document, on major issues relating to community public interests as well as those that matter to the residents' immediate interests, the community residents' role in the decision making and dispute resolution processes should be enhanced.Meanwhile, community services that are closely related to the residents' interests, including employment, social security, health, education, housing, public security as well as legal and arbitration services, should be made more widely available.You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.The Precise Service System of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite has been used in creating 317 smart cities in China.The system provides precise positioning services for household gas and heat, power grid, water supplies, drainage and smart transportation.Scientists say the satellite has a wide range of applications; and its precise positioning services should be developed practically. Its precise positioning services have been used in Beijing Gas Group to detect and locate gas leaks in pipelines.Scientists say that with the development of the internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence, there will be an increasing need for precise positioning in industries like unmanned vehicles, drones and robots.The value of the satellite's industrial chain could reach 240 billion yuan by 2020. This is Special English.The principle of minimum intervention was highlighted at a forum on the protection and restoration of the Great Wall.Cultural officials in Beijing have called for ensuring the principle of replacing bad practice, at the forum in north China's Hebei Province. The officials warned that too much restoration would damage preservation. They urged preventative protection.The Great Wall, a symbol of China, is actually not just one wall, but many interconnected walls built between the third century B.C. and the Ming Dynasty which ended in the mid-17th century.The existing sections are mainly the Ming Dynasty wall, which stretches over 8,800 kilometers. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.The United States' best-known farm in China, Kimberley Farms in Iowa, has received a group of leading think tank researchers from Beijing for the first time, after becoming an attraction for Chinese visitors since President Xi Jinping's visit five years ago. Almost 20 members of top Chinese think tanks, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Center for International Economic Exchanges, retraced the roads that Xi traveled in 2012 as a visiting vice-president. They ended the tour with a field trip to patches of the 1,600-hectare corn and soybean farm operated by Rick Kimberley in Maxwell, Iowa, around 60 kilometers northeast of the state capital Des Moines. The strong wind and scorching sun on the weekend seemed not to dent their enthusiasm for learning more about agricultural trade between China and the United States. They also learned how farming is done in a safe and sustainable way in one of the top food exporters to China. Kimberley said only three or four people work in the 1,600-hectare-farm, and these people are now helping China's Hebei province to develop a demonstration farm. The 1,200-hectare-project will use new technology that is being used in Iowa. An agreement on developing the project was signed at the end of May. This is Special English.More than two billion children and adults, or one third of the world's population, are now overweight or obese.In a new study, researchers assembled data from 195 countries and territories to model trends in overweight or obese and related health problems and deaths. The study showed that the prevalence of obesity has doubled since 1980 in more than 70 countries and has continuously increased in most other nations.Of the four million deaths attributed to excess body weight in 2015, almost 40 percent occurred among people whose body mass index, or BMI, fell below the threshold considered "obese".The paper was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Authors of the paper say the findings represent "a growing and disturbing global public health crisis".The results of the study are based on data from the most recent Global Burden of Disease study, a systematic, scientific effort to quantify the magnitude of health loss from all major diseases, injuries, and risk factors by age, sex, and population.It found excess weight affected 2 billion children and adults worldwide in 2015, including almost 108 million children and more than 600 million adults with BMI, or body mass indes, exceeding 30, the threshold for obesity.You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.Hotspots of established alien plant and animal species were found mainly in island and coastal mainland regions.A study is carried out by an international team, led by Dr. Wayne Dawson from the Durham University in the UK. The team analyzed existing data of eight groups of animals including amphibians, birds and plants across 190 islands and 420 mainland regions.The top three hotspots with the highest numbers of established alien species were the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island and the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia.High numbers of alien species in every one of the eight groups studied could be found in the Hawaiian Islands. They include guppies among fish, now globally widespread, and feral pigs among mammals.Florida in the U.S. is the top hotspot among coastal mainland regions, with the Burmese python, a well-known example of an invasive species among reptiles. The state is also home to a large number of less well-known non-native ant species.The study says the reason that islands and mainland coastal regions contain higher numbers of established alien plants and animals may be that these areas have major points of entry like ports.You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.A total of 243 precious items from Russia's Peterhof State Museum are being exhibited in southwest China's Sichuan Province.The items on display at the Chengdu Museum include oil paintings, porcelain, sculptures, clothes and furniture.The exhibition also features activities including a Russian fashion show and a Tetris game.The exhibition is among those the Chengdu Museum has held with countries along the ancient silk road to strengthen cultural exchange.A curator of the Russian museum said the display is expected to help people in Chengdu learn more about the history of Russia.The Peterhof State Museum is one of the most important museums that stores and displays cultural artifacts of the Russian Romanov Dynasty between 1613 and 1917. Peter the Great was the fourth tsar of the dynasty.The display is free to the public and will be open until the end of August. This is Special English.The birth of a giant panda cub at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo has been toasted in Japan.The 11-year-old Shin Shin, which means "truth", was removed from public viewing in mid-May after she began showing signs of pregnancy, including loss of appetite and increased lethargy.The Tokyo Governor has congratulated Shin Shin on her successful delivery.Shin Shin and her partner have been on loan from China since February 2011. They were ready for display shortly after the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, bringing some much-needed joy to Japanese fans.In 2012, Shin Shin had a cub, the first panda born at the zoo in 24 years. It was greeted with widespread excitement. But the cub died from pneumonia six days after birth.Shin Shin showed signs of pregnancy again in 2013, but it turned out to be a false alarm.Panda pregnancies are relatively rare in captivity and outside China.(全文见周六微信。)

This is Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.The United States Senate has voted 82-13 to approve the Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to be the new U.S. Ambassador to China.In a statement after the confirmation, Branstad said he looks forward to working with leaders of both countries for the mutual benefit of the rest of the world.He said that never in his wildest dreams did he think that a boy from a small farm in Leland, Iowa, would one day have the opportunity to represent his country on the world stage, working closely with one of the world&`&s most influential countries and one of America&`&s largest trading partners.Seventy-year-old Branstad is the longest-serving governor in the United States. He has nurtured a close relationship with China and has visited China multiple times.He served as the governor of Iowa from 1983 to 1999, and again since 2011. He was nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to China in December last year.During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Branstad said that if confirmed, he would work to "positively influence" the U.S.-China relationship.He said that as Governor of Iowa, he saw first-hand the importance of a positive and healthy trade relationship between the two countries.This is Special English.With housing prices and sales stagnating in China&`&s major cities following tough property controls, smaller cities are starting to join in.Property sales were restricted in several second and third-tier cities, as speculators shift their attention to these areas. Around 30 cities have introduced sales restrictions to different extents.In Baoding city in north China&`&s Hebei Province, certain properties are subject to a 10-year lock-up before they can be resold.In Jiaxing city in east China&`&s Zhejiang Province, non-residents will not be able to resell houses within two years of buying them.With such restrictions, speculators who use to borrow money to invest may have to reconsider, as it now takes much longer for the houses to generate returns and pay back the loans.Analysts say smaller cities have become the main battleground as China strives to contain housing price as they rises through restrictions on purchases and increased minimum down payments.In Beijing, the down payment ratio for second homes has raised to 60 percent in mid-March, a measure considered "unprecedented".You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. A new study has found that the rare but spectacular eruptions of super volcanoes can cause massive destruction and affect climate patterns on a global scale for decades.In addition, the super eruption sites may experience ongoing, albeit smaller eruptions for tens of thousands of years after.In the study published recently in the journal Nature Communications, Oregon State University researchers said they were able to link recent eruptions at Mt. Sinabung in northern Sumatra in Indonesia, to the last eruption on Earth of a super volcano 74,000 years ago at the Toba Caldera some 40 kilometers away.This is the first time that researchers have been able to pinpoint what happens following the eruption of a super volcano. To qualify as a super volcano, the eruption must reach at least magnitude 8, which means the measured deposits for that eruption are greater than 1,000 cubic kilometers.When Toba erupted, it emitted a volume of magma 28,000 times greater than that of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It was so massive, it is thought to have created a volcanic winter on Earth lasting years, and possibly triggering a bottleneck in human evolution.This is Special English.A study led by the University of Washington indicates that neighborhoods with greater poverty and disorganization may play a greater role in the problem of drinking in the availability of bars and stores that sell hard liquor.The findings were based on local neighborhood data and published online in the Journal of Urban Health. It suggests that while socioeconomics are more powerful environmental factors than even access to the substance itself, improving a neighborhood&`&s quality of life can yield a range of benefits.In examining the combination of multiple neighborhood factors on alcohol use, researchers turned to an ongoing study the university has followed for decades, by interviewing more than 500 of the adult participants.The researchers found that residents of neighborhoods primarily characterized by high poverty and disorganization tended to drink twice as much in a typical week as those in other types of neighborhoods. Binge-drinking, generally defined as more than four drinks at a time for women, five for men, occurred in these high-poverty, highly disorganized communities about four times as frequently as in other types of neighborhoods.These findings are consistent with previous research indicating that people in lower income neighborhoods may be at greater risk for alcohol-related problems.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Russian Security Council said Russia&`&s crucial information infrastructure suffered no severe damage caused by the global WannaCry melware attack thanks to an effective anti-cyberattack state system.Russia has been creating a system to detect, prevent and eliminate the consequences of computer attacks on the information resources of the Russian Federation. The program was previously approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a decree.The Security Council said Russia has managed to avoid serious damage due to the mentioned state system. The critical information infrastructure was ready to resist a massive spread of this virus.Russia&`&s critical information infrastructure includes the information systems in these sectors of defense, healthcare, energy, transport, communications, banking and finance.A massive number of organizations across the globe have been targeted by the WannaCry malware. Hackers used the Trojan encryptor to lock computers and demand a payment for the decryption. So far, the WabbaCry ransom ware attacked has spread to 150 countries, crippling hospitals, schools, governments and businesses.This is Special English.Nepal has hosted the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition for college students in Kathmandu, the nation's capital.This is the fourth Nepali edition of the global contest.This year&`&s competition was organized by the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University and the Chinese embassy in Nepal.According to the organizers, over 50 students had taken part in the initial round and 14 students were selected from three educational institutions in Nepal.Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong attended the ceremony to present awards to the winners. She said she was happy to see the increasing interest of Nepali students in Chinese language and culture.In the preliminary round of the competition, 14 college students went through rounds of tests and demonstrated their language skills.Two Bachelor students representing Kathmandu University were declared winners, who will travel to China to represent Nepal at the finals to be held later this year.The Chinese proficiency competition is held annually in different countries for non-Chinese students to encourage them to learn about China.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, has rolled out an app in which users can learn about the museum through building their own imperial residence.In this app, users choose a vacant site for their imperial palace and upgrade it by publishing and reading articles or completing tasks.The museum says the app makes news and information more accessible to the public. Users are no longer mere visitors, but also architects of the museum.The Forbidden City will release high-definition images of its cultural relics, making them available to more people worldwide.Established in 1925, the Palace Museum is located in the imperial palace of the consecutive dynasties from the 13th century to 1911. The complex&`&s architecture and imperial collections make it one of the most prestigious museums in the world. This is Special English.China will build more theme parks in the coming years.Tourism officials say that by 2020, China will encourage tourist areas to integrate with recreation facilities, theaters, and performing centers.Branded theme parks from overseas will be introduced into China, while domestic theme parks are also encouraged to expand overseas.A fantasy adventure indoor theme park opened to the public recently in Shanxi Province in north China. With laser technology and 3-D effects, the theme park aims to offer tourists immersive experiences.Entertainment companies are strongly encouraged to use hi-tech equipment.According to a development plan for the tourism industry, China will improve tourism infrastructure and public service facilities while pushing forward innovative development of theme parks. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. In the Chinese animation "The Tales of Effendi", a cute donkey from Kashgar in northwest China&`&s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region becomes famous as he carries his master around.In reality, donkeys don&`&t usually have such noteworthy lives. They mostly plod around carrying heavy loads and doing tedious chores. But in Kashgar&`&s Yopurga County, farmer Abdul Kerim has turned the braying beast of burden into a cash cow.Kerim says he had been doing various jobs to support his family since he was laid off ten years ago. Last year, he decided to go into the donkey business after hearing that donkey milk could be very profitable.Kerim and four of his neighbors poured almost all of their savings into setting up a cooperative last year. They bought 38 donkeys of a cross-breed between the region&`&s native donkeys and those from northwest China&`&s Shaanxi Province. They built stables and stockpiled bales of hay.After a year of hard work, the biggest donkey milk processing company in the region bought the cooperative&`&s first batch of milk for 28 yuan, roughly 4 U.S. dollars, per kilo.Donkey farms are now springing up in this previously impoverished area. Around 27,000 donkeys are being raised for their milk, which is expected to generate an annual revenue of 250 million yuan. This is Special English.20th Century Fox&`&s "Alien: Covenant" topped North American box office with an estimated 36 million U.S. dollars during its debut weekend, dethroning "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" with a narrow victory.Movie analysts say that featuring a terrific cast, this R-rated space adventure harkens back to the first "Alien" film that blew audience&`&s minds with its gritty dark intensity back in 1979.The sixth installment in the "Alien" franchise directed by Ridley Scott cost 97 million U.S. dollars to make and opened 29 percent behind the first prequel, "Prometheus", which debuted to over 51 million U.S. dollars in North America in August 2012.Disney and Marvel&`&s "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" moved to second place with an estimated 35 million U.S. dollars in North America after two weeks at the top of the charts. The Marvel&`&s superhero sequel has earned a whopping 733 million U.S. dollars globally.Warner Bros.&`& teen romance "Everything, Everything" opened in third place with an estimated 12 million U.S. dollars in its debut weekend. The PG-13 rated film is about a young woman with an illness that prevents her from leaving the protection of her sealed environment and who falls in love with the boy next door. The film is based on the bestselling book of the same name.（全文见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.The central government and local authorities will accelerate planning for the Xiong&`&an New Area.China&`&s top economic planner said that in addition, those governments will provide policy and financial support for key projects and budgeting.The National Development and Reform Commission said a master blueprint of the new area, as well as overall and detailed blueprints of the initial area are among the first plans to be mapped out.The commission will guide the Hebei provincial government and authorities as they draft the plans to ensure they meet the high standards of quality needed for the project.Apart from having world-class urban planning, the architecture in the new area will also showcase Chinese cultural characteristics.The central government will also give support to major transportation, ecology, water conservation, energy, and public service projects in the new area.China announced a historic decision to establish the Xiong&`&an New Area in Hebei province as part of measures to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The new area is similar to the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area. It is of national significance and "crucial for the millennium to come".This is Special English.China&`&s environmental watchdog has sent inspection teams to 7 cities to cope with a new round of severe smog. The inspection teams have been sent by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. They went to cities including Beijing and Tianjin, in northern China. Inspectors discovered factories fabricating pollutant data in some cities. A steel mill in a city was found to have shut down a pollutant detector. Those responsible have been detained by local police. The inspection team found that smog emergency plans have been poorly implemented in Tianjin. Several cement producers in another city were found to have continued operations when they should have been suspended. In Beijing, a ceramics producer and a paper maker cheated inspectors regarding the use of purifying equipment. A furniture plant in Hebei Province refused inspectors who were attempting to conduct inspections. A new round of air pollution continues in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with some cities issuing orange alerts, the second-highest in China&`&s four-tier warning system. China has been under growing pressure to address air pollution as smog frequently smothers the country.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.

2017-04-25 Special EnglishThis is Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.Chinese central authorities have released a detailed 10-year youth development plan, vowing better education, employment and healthcare for the nation's youth."Youth" in the context of the plan released by the Communist Party of China's Central Committee and the State Council refers to those aged from 14 to 35.The Middle-and Long-term Youth Development Plan covers the period between 2016 and 2025. It sets a general goal for establishing a "youth development policy system and work mechanism" by 2020 and improving the system by 2025.Specifically, the plan sets educational goals of an average 14 years of education for the newly added labor force and a gross higher education enrollment rate of over 50 percent within 10 years. It aims for 90 percent of the groups to meet physical standards and give them more accesses to mental and physical care.Authorities will strengthen educational campaigns targeting different ages within the group to champion patriotism and socialism with Chinese characteristics, making the "Chinese dream" a common goal for them. This is Special English.The preparatory committee of the Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province has said to control illegal land and housing purchase as well as construction.China has announced to establish the Xiong'an New Area, a landmark new economic zone near Beijing designed to integrate the capital with its surrounding areas.The announcement attracted investors to swarm into the area, and drove up housing prices.The committee warned all forms of illegal trade of properties are not protected by law, and vowed to crack down on illegal construction and trading of second-hand houses.The committee said it will strictly implement the central authorities' guidelines that say "homes are for living in, not for speculating with". You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. China's top quality watchdog said more than 40 percent of consumer goods exported to China last year through e-commerce platforms fell short of standards.Last year, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine conducted random quality inspections on 1,000 batches of the products. The items were consumer goods including toys, diapers, clothing and kitchenware. Four hundred items were found to be substandard, accounting for 41 percent of all sampled products.In addition to meeting quality standards, imported products must be correctly labeled in Chinese.The quality of consumer goods imported through the channels other than e-commerce proved to be higher, with only 29 percent falling short of standards.The authority organized two large-scale inspections last year, involving more than 5,300 batches of imported consumer goods, including air purifiers, car brake blocks, household electrical appliances and clothes. More than 1,500 were found to be substandard.Last year, quality supervision authorities across China handled 36,000 cases relating to violations of laws on quality standards, involving 2 billion yuan's, roughly 330 million U.S. dollars' worth of goods.Quality supervision authorities at all levels have been urged to intensify quality supervision and keep cracking down on law violations to improve the quality of products and protect consumer rights.This is Special English.China has started the construction of one of the world's largest and most sensitive cosmic-ray facilities. The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory will attempt to search for the origin of high energy cosmic rays. It aims to study the evolution of the universe and high energy celestial bodies, as well as to push forward the frontier of new physics. The observatory is located at 4,400 meters above sea level in an mountainous area in Southwest China's Sichuan province. The total investment is 1.2 billion yuan, roughly 180 million U.S. dollars.The construction of the project is set for completion in January 2021. It will be a key frontier project for cosmic ray research in the world.Cosmic rays are particles that originate in outer space and are accelerated to energies higher than those that can be achieved in even the largest man-made particle accelerators. The origin of the cosmic rays has remained a mystery since they were first spotted some 100 years ago. The observatory will be mankind's first attempt to hunt for the highest-energy Gamma ray, which is the burst of radiation thought to be produced alongside cosmic rays in the Galaxy. You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. The United Nations' intellectual property agency says China is showing "quite extraordinary" growth in international patent applications, putting Chinese applicants on track to outpace their U.S. counterparts within two to three years.Francis Gurry, director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, says China posted nearly 45-percent growth in such patent applications last year, saying "the country continues its journey from "Made in China" to "Created in China".Overall, the United States was first for the 39th straight year and accounted for nearly 56,600 applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, followed by Japan at over 45,200 and China at nearly 43,200.China's state-owned ZTE Corporation in Shenzhen, one of the world's biggest suppliers of network switching gear, was the No. 1 applicant last year, topping crosstown rival Huawei. U.S.-based Qualcomm.This is Special English.In Shaanxi province in southwest China, a farmer's rent-a-chicken business has helped hundreds of rural families cast off poverty. Zhang Chunpu's program is a free loan of chickens to farmers who then make money by selling the free-range eggs back to Zhang's cooperative businesses. Over the past decade, rent-a-chicken has helped more than 800 households in Yanchang County, who previously survived on an annual per capita income of less than 2,300 yuan, roughly 335 U.S. dollars. The idea came to Zhang by accident. In 2003, he saw profits from selling healthy eggs and acquired 6,000 chickens. It wasn't always easy. Zhang recalled the time that the chickens nearly ate up all the grass on the nearby mountain, as well as fought with each other and didn't lay eggs. He was nearly bankrupt, but he couldn't see the birds starve to death. He started giving the birds to the villagers. The birds he rents to farmers roam free in yards and on hillsides, eating pumpkins, cabbage and worms. Zhang's cooperative earns 0.1 yuan from each egg, while farmers can earn 0.15 yuan. However, the real profit comes from the chickens. Each farmer earns about 100 yuan per year per chicken, enabling them to get away from poverty.You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.A group of Swedish university students who raised 1.2 million euros, roughly 1.3 million U.S. dollars, in crowd funding for their startup to build electric cars has caught the attention of German industrial heavyweight Siemens.The two sides said they were starting a partnership that will see them create 50,000 lightweight city cars annually starting next year.The twin-seat vehicles, called L7e, have 15 kilowatt engines with a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour. They weigh 400 kilograms each and have a 150 kilometer range.The cars are made from sustainable composite materials and will be unveiled in late 2017. The first deliveries are scheduled for early 2019. The first high-end vehicle has a target price of 200,000 kronor, roughly 22,300 U.S. dollars. The price for an electric Smart Car in Sweden is at least 210,000 kronor, roughly 23,400 U.S. dollars.The vehicle's steering system resembles a Wii controller more than a traditional car's steering wheel.Lewis Horne, the CEO of the startup, called Uniti Sweden, says the deal gives his company "the opportunity to not only develop a sustainable car, but also manufacture it in a sustainable way at a large scale."This is Special English. Matt Garlock has trouble making out what his friends say in loud bars, but when he got a hearing test, the result was normal. Recent research may have found an explanation for problems like his, something called "hidden hearing loss".Scientists have been finding evidence that loud noise, from rock concerts, leaf blowers, power tools and the like, damages our hearing in a previously unexpected way. It may not be immediately noticeable, and it does not show in standard hearing tests.But over time, Harvard researcher M. Charles Liberman says, it can rob our ability to understand conversation in a noisy setting. It may also help explain why people have more trouble doing that as they age. And it may lead to persistent ringing in the ears.Liberman says the bottom line is "noise is more dangerous than we thought."His work has been done almost exclusively in animals. Nobody knows how much it explains hearing loss in people or how widespread it may be in the population. But he and others are already working on potential treatments.You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. The Gulf of Oman turns green twice a year, when an algae bloom the size of Mexico spreads across the Arabian Sea all the way to India.Scientists who study the algae say the microscopic organisms are thriving in new conditions brought about by climate change, and displacing the zooplankton that underpin the local food chain, threatening the entire marine ecosystem.A marine biologist at the Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, wrinkles his nose as the research vessel nears the bloom. He says "Sea stench", referring to the algae's ammonia secretions.He signals the boat to stop as it speeds up beneath a gigantic rock arch off the coast of Muscat, the capital of Oman, an arid sultanate on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The captain kills the engine and drops anchor into a slick of bright green muck surrounded by crystal-clear blue water.The swarms of microscopic creatures beneath the surface of the Gulf of Oman were all but invisible 30 years ago. Now they form giant, murky shapes that can be seen from satellites.Across the planet, blooms have wrecked local ecosystems. Algae can paralyze fish, clog their gills, and absorb enough oxygen to suffocate them. Whales, turtles, dolphins and manatees have died, poisoned by algal toxins, in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These toxins have infiltrated whole marine food chains and have, in rare cases, killed people.This is Special English.China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will build more kindergartens and hire more bilingual teachers to improve its three-year bilingual pre-school education.A total of 4,400 bilingual kindergartens will be built or expanded in 2017 across the region. And 10,000 bilingual teachers will be hired this year, 6,500 more compared with previous years.The education department announced that Xinjiang will also provide more training courses for bilingual teachers and encourage more college graduates to work as bilingual teachers.From 2011 to 2015, Xinjiang built 2,500 new bilingual kindergartens in rural areas, bringing the region's pre-school education penetration rate to 77 percent, or 480,000 pre-schoolers.With funds from the central government, Xinjiang plans to offer three years of bilingual pre-school education, instead of the current two years, in its rural areas in the next four years.This is the end of this edition of Special English. To freshen up your memory, I'm going to read one of the news items again at normal speed. Please listen carefully.This is the end of today's program. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing, and I hope you can join us every day, to learn English and learn about the world.

2017-04-18 Special EnglishThis is Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.China has seen its air quality worsen a little in the first quarter of this year, particularly in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province.The national environmental authority said that in the first three months, 70 percent of days in 340 cities tracked had good air quality. The figure is 1 percent higher than the same period last year. However, the concentration of PM2.5 increased 3 percent year-on-year. PM2.5 refers to the fine particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 microns that is hazardous to human health. PM2.5 is one of the six air pollutants that are monitored continuously. While the average air quality has deteriorated slightly nationwide, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region saw a major drop in air quality in the first quarter. PM2.5 concentration soared to 95 micrograms per cubic meter, a 27 percent increase year-on-year. The national air quality standard for PM2.5 is 35 micrograms per cubic meter or less. Six of the top ten most polluted cities were in Hebei Province, where heavy industry is an economic pillar. The provincial capital topped the list in the first quarter. This is Special English.Beijing residents could be rewarded with up to 500,000 yuan, roughly 72,000 US dollars, if they can provide useful information on spies or related activities.A government policy took effect recently. Under the policy, informants are eligible to be offered rewards ranging from 10,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan, depending on how useful the information is.Informants can pass information to authorities by calling a hotline, sending letters or visiting the bureau. Informants' privacy and information about spy-related messages will not be disclosed. Information providers can ask authorities for protection if they or their family are in danger due to the act of informing. The policy stipulates that informants will face punishments if they deliberately slander others or invent and spread false information. Beijing's Public Security Bureau says China saw rapid increases in international exchanges, as well as the number of people entering or exiting the country.Overseas espionage agencies and other hostile forces have also intensified their disruptive activities in China, including political infiltration and the stealing of intelligence. The bureau says Some Chinese individuals have also betrayed the nation to benefit their private interests.You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. China has announced it had completed controlled tests on its first hot-water drill, which is capable of drilling through 1,500 meters of ice and will be used for Antarctic research. This is the fourth test on the drill, which was conducted in Northeast China. The drill used pressurized hot water to melt and bore into the ice. The assessment panel said it is capable of drilling 1,500 meters into the ice shelf in Antarctica.The review panel said the drill will be invaluable to China's Antarctic scientific exploration.The panel agreed to further testing and said the equipment should be used during China's upcoming 34th Antarctic expedition in November. Once it passes the Antarctic test, China will be the third country in the world to have mastered hot water drilling deeper than 1,000 meters, following the United States and Australia. The drilling helps with the detection of ice shelves which are floating ice platforms between glaciers and the ocean surface. The freeze-thaw underneath ice shelves has an important effect on the continental ice sheets, and water masses and ocean currents. This is Special English.Strong downstream demand led to increasing sales of excavators in China last month.Data with China Construction Machinery Association showed that sales of excavators in March rose more than 55 percent year on year as the Chinese economy gained momentum. Analysts said April is expected to follow the same pattern.For the January to March period, sales almost doubled from a year earlier.Economists say excavator machinery is a barometer of new infrastructure, and its strong growth indicates that the economy could expand steadily in the first half of this year.Adding to a slew of upbeat data on the economy, surveys on the country's manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors showed the economy had staged a strong start.China's manufacturing sector in March stayed above the boom-bust mark for the eighth month in a row, and the non-manufacturing sector continued to expand, nearing a three-year record high.You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. A fund for assisting the medical treatment of patients with rare diseases has been initiated in Shanghai.The fund has starting money of 3 million yuan, roughly 440,000 U.S. dollars. It was jointly raised by rare disease prevention and treatment institutions in Shanghai and drug firms.The chairman of the Shanghai Rare Disease Prevention and Treatment Fund said the funding would encourage more effective prevention and medical treatment of rare diseases.He said the fund would help pool more financial support and company donations for rare disease patients.Globally, there are some 6,000 to 7,000 recognized rare diseases. Only a few of them have established medical treatment.Around 60 percent of rare disease patients are children, with 30 percent living less than five years.There has been no epidemiological survey of rare disease patients made in China.Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively check on the progress of rare diseases and even cure them.It could take years for doctors to diagnose a rare disease, while patients miss the best time for treatment and suffer from inflicted problems leading to mental difficulties, heart problems and atrophied muscles. You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has unveiled the 20 winners of the 7th edition of the company's Digital Talents program, offering French students two weeks of technological immersion in China.For the first time, 20 students have been selected to travel to Huawei's base in Shenzhen in July.Organizers say that this year, the candidates proposed their original and innovative solutions to social challenges in relation with digital transformation.Projects involved sectors including the environment, education, employment, health and energy resources.Huawei says it runs the program "to identify the digital talents of tomorrow".Chaired by the former housing minister of France, the jury included a think tank founder, Huawei communications director, newspaper editor-in-chief, the director of a science institute, and the general director of Paris' economic development agency. Members of the jury met on April 4 in Paris to choose the best 20 projects.The 20 selected projects deal with a range of issues, including connected glasses, recycling cigarette butts, cyber attacks, video games, and providing help for refugees. This is Special English.The School of Global Governance has been opened at Beijing Foreign Studies University, aiming to train more multilingual professionals with global vision and cross-cultural communication proficiency.The school aims to cultivate talents who are proficient in international rules and at least two working languages of the United Nations.It will carry out research on international organizations and provide intellectual support for China's participation in international affairs.The school is the first of its kind in China. It offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. It grew out of an education reform pilot program launched in 2010. Some former graduates have been employed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Pan American Health Organization, and United Nations Office at Geneva.You're listening to Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. In addition to 600 million yuan, roughly 87 million U.S. dollars, in box office sales in China so far, the Hollywood blockbuster "Beauty and the Beast" has given rise to countless hot-selling products.Beast-themed puppets and tea cups often sell out at Shanghai Disneyland, and the 30-plus types of dessert based on the movie have become top choices for movie fans at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel.Tina Dai, a merchandise team member at Shanghai Disney Resort, said the resort is planning to restock the ceramic teacups, based on one of the characters in the movie, which sell for 85 yuan each.Dai said the popularity of movie-based products shows consumers' keen interest in Disney characters and movie stories.While China is shifting its growth engine from the industrial to the service sector, U.S. companies are exploring new growth points.Statistics show China-U.S. service trade exceeded 100 million U.S. dollars last year.Global coffee chain Starbucks is among the beneficiaries of the huge Chinese market.The corporation's fiscal report showed comparable store sales increased 6 percent in China, 3 percentage points higher than global growth. Net quarterly revenues for the China/Asia Pacific segment grew 18 percent year on year to 770 million U.S. dollars.The robust sales growth is partly due to cooperation between Starbucks and Chinese Internet giant Tencent, which has offered mobile payment services for Chinese customers since December.The two companies have also rolled out a digital gift-giving service on WeChat, allowing WeChat users to send and receive Starbucks digital gifts and then cash them in at offline outlets.Starbucks is the first retail brand to use the digital gift-sharing service, supported by the social network's 850 million monthly active users.This is Special English.China has launched a universal network covering the data of elder care facilities across the country.The Civil Affairs Ministry said information recorded about these institutions in the network will include internal management, service quality, security management and staff profiles. The ministry said it has started a training program on how to use the new network. The first set of information will be entered by May 10. China's aging society is a major social issue. There are currently more than 220 million people over 60 years of age in the country, or 16 percent of the total population, and the numbers are growing. Authorities have said they will streamline the approval process for elder care institutions to address challenges brought by the aging population. This is the end of this edition of Special English. To freshen up your memory, I'm going to read one of the news items again at normal speed. Please listen carefully.This is the end of today's program. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing, and I hope you can join us every day, to learn English and learn about the world.

This is Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.China&`&s environmental inspectors have named and shamed more cities for poor air quality control as the fight against smog continues.Inspectors looked at 18 cities in north China&`&s Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province, using unannounced checks at night and undercover methods. The Ministry of Environmental Protection found that Handan city in Hebei Province continues to illegally operate coal-fired boilers. The boilers have been dismantled and further investigations are underway.In Cangzhou city in the same province, an oil pipe maker, a major source of emissions, was not included in the list of companies to halt production on heavily polluted days.A cement producer in Beijing used more electricity than usual in December when it should have suspended production. Two other cement firms were wrongly exempted from production suspensions. The environment ministry has criticized several other cities for not doing enough in curbing the use of "scattered coal". Scattered coal is burned by households or small factories for heating and is much dirtier than that used by thermal plants, which have the equipment to reduce emissions.China is intensifying efforts to fight pollution and environmental degradation after decades of growth left the country saddled with problems including smog and contaminated soil.This is Special English.The new strain of H7N9 bird flu virus confirmed earlier this month could become drug-resistant. A leading specialist in respiratory diseases warns that it might be resistant already.Human cases of the flu have been rising in China.Two human cases of the new strain were reported in Guangdong province. It shows resistance to a commonly used drug in the prevention and treatment of flu.Experts say although the two patients are resistant to the drug, it has been effective for most human H7N9 cases. This means that most H7N9 viruses have not mutated to the new strain.The experts said that although the new H7N9 strain shows resistance to the drug, the drug could still have an effect on the strain.Both patients have used the drug before, so it is not known whether the drug resistance is caused by previous use of the dug or by a mutation of the virus.Scientists say the possible drug-resistant nature of the new strain deserves more attention.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.China has issued a revised regulation on improving education for the disabled. The regulation was signed by Premier Li Keqiang and will take effect in May.The revision stressed stepping up efforts in developing compulsory, vocational, preschool and senior secondary education for the disabled.For compulsory education, disabled students should be enrolled in normal or special schools near to their home. Those who cannot attend school in person should have teachers visit or receive distance education. Disabled students in regular schools should be taught by teachers with experience in special education.The regulation says vocational education for the disabled should focus on skill cultivation and career guidance.It also stresses raising payment for special education workers, allocating proper funds for the education of disabled people in government budgets and offering subsidies to disabled students with financial difficulties.The initial regulation was enacted in 1994 to guarantee the rights to education for the disabled.This is Special English.International schools in China are posing new challenges for parents who spend huge sums but often find themselves unprepared for a range of issues.The Legal Daily reports that in top-tier cities including Beijing and Shanghai, many parents send their children to international schools to allow them early preparation for studying abroad. Admission has become more competitive amid China&`&s rising number of high income earners and some schools now assess parental participation in community activities before admitting a child.One recent report said international schools in China lack standards in tuition, vary greatly in educational quality, while school ownership is sometimes unclear.International schools in the country come in different forms and many follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum or that of the country they represent.As a new approach, some public high schools have also opened international classes to offer a quick transition abroad. They have become popular among parents, though native English speakers are in the minority as Chinese students comprise 90 percent of classes.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.China&`&s biggest manufacturer of carrier rockets will soon begin to develop the next-generation Long March 8 medium-lift carrier rocket to meet the demands of commercial launch services.Scientists say the Long March 8 will have a modular design and will use engines that have been used by the Long March 5 and Long March 7, both new rockets developed by China.Its core stage will be based on those used by the Long March 7 and Long March 3A, and it will have two solid-propelled boosters that are 2 meters in diameter.China will spend up to three years on its development and if everything goes well, its maiden flight will take place by the end of 2018.The Long March 8 will be capable of sending a payload of about 5 metric tons to a sun-synchronous orbit, or 3 tons to geosynchronous transfer orbit. In a sun-synchronous orbit, a satellite circles the Earth at the same rate that the Earth orbits the sun. With a geosynchronous orbit, the satellite matches the rotation of the Earth.Scientists say the use of the Long March 8 will extensively reduce the launch costs of low-and middle-orbit satellites, giving it bright prospects in the commercial launch market.This is Special English.China&`&s first high level biosafety laboratory has been accredited and will be fully operational soon.The Chinese Academy of Sciences say the certificate was issued by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment.The lab is based in Wuhan, the capital city of central China&`&s Hubei Province. It will be used to study class four pathogens, or P4, the most virulent viruses that pose a high risk of aerosol transmission.P4 is the highest biosafety level.The lab will help China prevent and control outbreaks of infectious diseases and aid research and development into antiviral drugs and vaccines.All the air from the lab will go through two advanced filters before being discharged, while solid and liquid waste will also be properly processed.The lab has undergone trial operations since its construction was completed at the end of 2014. Some of the core research teams have been trained in France and the United States.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.Chinese telecoms company ZTE has unveiled the Gigabit Phone, the world&`&s first smartphone with 5G technology, in Barcelona, the host city of the forthcoming Mobile World Congress in Spain.The phone has a download speed of up to 1 Gigabit per second. It is powered by a processor that represents an important step for 5G technology. The company said it marks an important cornerstone for the 5G mobile era.It said the phone will lead to a new world of mobile experience with 360-degree panoramic VR video, instant Cloud storage, entertainment upgrades and fast cache of ultra Hi-Fi music and films.ZTE is a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment, networking solutions and one of the world&`&s fastest growing smartphone manufacturers.This is the 13th time that ZTE has attended the Mobile World Congress, the world&`&s largest mobile industry event. This is Special English.The surface area of China&`&s largest inland saltwater lake has expanded over the past decade, as rainfall increases and temperatures rise.Qinghai Lake is located in northwest China&`&s Qinghai Province. A recent survey reveals that the surface area of lake reached 4,500 square kilometers last year. It marks an increase of 170 square kilometers from 12 years ago. The lake has been expanding since 2005 due to abundant precipitation in the surrounding areas and more snow melting due to warm weather.In 2008, Qinghai invested 2 billion yuan, roughly 230 million U.S. dollars, in grassland restoration and reforestation projects. The project aimed to prevent the desert area around the lake from expanding.Qinghai Lake plays an important role in the ecological security of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The lake had been shrinking since the 1950s, but the combined effects of conservation and changes to the regional climate turned things around in 2005. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.Wenchang is the location of China&`&s fourth satellite launch center in tropical Hainan province. The city will be built into an international aerospace center with a focus on developing six related industries. Wenchang is also China&`&s first coastal launch center which became operational last year. Located around 19 degrees north of the equator, the center is suitable for launching many types of satellites, large space station components, as well as lunar and interplanetary missions.A plan has been drafted to develop the launch center into a space industry base, in a bid to open it up to international, commercial launches.The city will focus on six related industries including heavy space equipment assembling, space science research, finance, space breeding, tourism and international training.The mayor of the city says the launch center has provided unprecedented opportunities for Wenchang to develop, and the city is making full use of its advantages to benefit the local economy and tourism.An official from the city government said Wenchang has started to support the development of its rural areas with space technology.This is Special English.A book aiming to serve as an introduction to the origins and evolution of Chinese culture has been published by China Social Sciences Press in Beijing.The book "Concise Reader of Chinese Culture" covers a number of different perspectives, ranging from Chinese values to Chinese aesthetics. It was published in response to President Xi Jinping&`&s call to promote the country&`&s traditional culture.A chief editor of China Social Sciences Press said the book condenses 5,000 years of history into round 200,000 words.As the 15th publication in the "Understanding China" series, the book will be translated into English, Russian and Spanish.Stephen C. Angle, professor of Philosophy and East Asian Studies at Wesleyan University, said it is of great importance that Chinese people understand China. This is Special English.A Chinese short film named "Distracted Driving" won the second prize of the 2017 Global Road Safety Film Festival.The film was produced by the Road Traffic Safety Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. It displayed the consequences of using smartphones while driving on the road.Every year 1.3 million people are killed and around 50 million injured in road traffic crashes, making it one of the most pressing health emergencies of our time.The festival brought together 230 films from countries across the globe. The winner of the grand prix prize went to "Reflections from Inside Dawn" produced by the NGO "We save lives" from the United States. That is the end of this edition of Special English. To freshen up your memory, I&`&m going to read one of the news items again at normal speed. Please listen carefully.(全文见周六微信。)

2017-03-06 Special EnglishThis is Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.Chinese president Xi Jinping has urged organizers to host an outstanding Winter Olympics in 2022 while calling for balanced development of winter sports.President Xi visited venues for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics recently. He listened to briefings on preparatory work and watched the training of winter sports teams.The president said the 2022 Beijing Olympics will be an iconic event and should be hosted in a sustainable, open-minded and frugal way with a lasting legacy.He said the games will provide a good opportunity to develop the country and boost national morale. He made these remarks during a meeting attended by members of the organizing committee and other departments.Xi also stressed the importance of post-event use of venues, saying the games must be free of corruption.Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. It won the rights in 2015 to co-host the 2022 Winter Olympics, with a city in neighboring Hebei Province. Beijing will become the first city in the world to have held both the winter and summer Games.This is Special English.A Russian supply spacecraft has successfully docked with the International Space Station.Russia&`&s Mission Control Center said its Progress space freighter has been mechanically captured by the International Space Station.The space ship will deliver around 2.5 tons of scientific equipment, fuel, food, water, medicine, a spacesuit and other supplies to astronauts at the space station.The freighter was launched following a faulty one in December, in which the Progress spacecraft burned up shortly after lift-off. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Chinese tech firm Hisense Group has launched its dual-display smartphone, the Hisense A2.The Android smartphone has a 5.5-inch AMOLED panel as its primary display, and a 5.2-inch E-ink screen on the rear side.The E-ink screen features sunlight visibility and low power consumption. It can display a static image without using any power.The handset has fingerprint sensors on both sides. It costs around 3,000 yuan, roughly 440 U.S. dollars.Hisense is based in Qingdao City in the eastern province of Shandong. The company is best known for its televisions. It has launched a series of smartphones including the King Kong model, which is a tough and durable handset with a shatter proof screen and thick rubber strips adorning the top and bottom.This is Special English.A group of Turkish scientists are on their way to Antarctica to set up the country&`&s first scientific research base there.A team of nine researches will conduct feasibility studies into the base.One of the researchers told the media that their target is to set up a research base to open their studies to Turkish scientists.During their 30 days expedition, the Turkish scientists will also focus on research into climate change and sea life.The researcher said all the countries in the world will one day go to Antarctica for salvation from the worst-case drought scenario, as the continent holds 70 percent of the world&`&s fresh water reserve.Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty which came into force in 1961 with 53 participant countries. Antarctica is allowed to be used for scientific research purposes only.Turkey is one of the 25 countries with an observer status under the treaty, and has no right to vote.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. An Alliance of Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation has been launched.The alliance is a response to the country&`&s call for mass entrepreneurship and innovation. It is hoped the initiative will further Shanghai&`&s already developing and exciting entrepreneurial scene.The alliance intends to unite the wide range of innovative forces acting in Shanghai. It aims to promote cooperation and sharing, as well as to advance innovation in the fields of technology, product development, and business.Another aim of the alliance is to enhance the connection between large enterprises and small and medium-sized ones. It is hoped this will be achieved through the sharing of capital and technology.This is Special English.More than 300 million people across the globe were living with depression in 2015, accounting for more than four percent of the world&`&s population.According to new global health estimates by the World Health Organization, depression is the largest single contributor to global disability.The global health estimates cover depression and other common mental disorders, providing details on the prevalence of depression and anxiety. It also looks at the health problems as a result of these disorders, at both global and regional levels.The number of people living with depression increased at a rate of 18 percent between 2005 and 2015. This was as a result of the over all growth of the global population, and an increase in the number of people surviving to ages at which depression is more common.Almost half of the total number of people living with depression are in South-East Asia and the West Pacific region.The World Health Organization said low levels of recognition and access to care for depression and anxiety lead to an estimated global economic loss of a trillion U.S. dollars every year.The World Health Organization launched a one-year campaign on depression on World Mental Health Day, on Oct. 10, last year. The overall goal of the campaign is to help more people with depression seek and get help. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.Former NBA basketball star Yao Ming has put reforming the domestic game&`&s management at the top of his agenda. Yao was newly appointed chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association. China&`&s only NBA Hall of Famer was chosen to head the country&`&s basketball governing body by the unanimous vote at the national congress of the China Basketball Association. Yao is the association&`&s first chief drawn from outside government ranks.Yao has been a backbone of Chinese basketball during his 14-year athletic career. He is tasked with pushing reform of every aspect of the game, including professional league operation, youth cultivation and national team development.Yao said the most urgent need is to reform the Chinese Basketball Association league&`&s management and operation, to attract more investment and attention, while enhancing its influence.Before the reshuffle, the Chinese Basketball Association had been run by officials promoted from within government ranks who retained all major decision-making powers, from athletic operation to commercial development.Now 36 years old, Yao bought his hometown club, the Shanghai Sharks, in 2009. He said his personal expectation is to help the national team regain its form at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.This is Special English. A musical adapted from Taiwan pop star Jay Chou&`&s directorial debut has landed in Shanghai after its premier before Beijing audiences in December.Produced by a top Broadway team, "The Secret" can be categorized as a jukebox musical, like the universally acclaimed Mamma Mia. The musical features over 20 popular songs by Jay Chou, which help to tell the story. The musical is based on the 2007 film. One highlight of the show is its nostalgic sentiment and the classic songs integral to the whole storyline.The musical marks the first time in Asia that a film has been deemed adaptable by a Broadway production team.Its success since its Beijing debut can be largely be attributed to the top-notch production crew, many of whom are Tony Award winners.Although the musical is produced by an international group, the story itself is identical to the plot of the original film, and is entirely Chinese in origin.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Indonesia will host a series of events to mark the anniversary of the Tambora volcano&`&s devastating eruption in 1815, as part of its effort to promote tourism in the country.The events will include festivals, sports and cultural activities being held in April and May .The project is titled Tambora Greets the World. It is the third in a row, following similar events held in the past two years.Various cultural activities will be held at tourist attractions in the country. People from home and abroad have been invited to participate in fun activities including mountaineering.A 10-kilometer Marathon and cycling have been planned in Aceh province in April. Domestic and foreign athletes are expected to take part in the events.The Tambora eruption occurred in April 1815, and was regarded as one of the most devastating eruptions in modern human history. Many parts of the world were covered by volcanic ash, resulting in extreme climate conditions. This is Special English.An animation series co-produced by China and Saudi Arabia has premiered in Saudi Arabia.The 26-episode series, Kong Xiaoxi and Hakim, features a Chinese boy and his friendship with a Saudi Arabian boy who is from a family of food connoisseurs. Kong helps Hakim&`&s family restaurant defeat local Western competitors by using traditional Chinese cooking methods.This is the first film and TV cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia. The series took three years to complete, presenting a comprehensive picture of Chinese cuisine, clothing, martial arts as well as Saudi Arabian culture and food. It will be broadcast in the two countries and other Arabian countries.According to Chinese producers, the plan for a second season is on the agenda. The second season will focus on Hakim&`&s experience of learning traditional martial arts in China.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. The remains of a fortification built 550 years ago have been found in central China&`&s Hunan province.The walls are similar to the Great Wall in norther China. It stretches 18 kilometers on hills, with 12 kilometers well-preserved in Huaihua city. Archaeologists say the walls might have been used to mark the boundaries between different settlements. They also found evidence of four military camps near the walls, as well as tombs, quarries and a training ground.The ruins are one of the largest military sites in the province. The finding will help with the study into the history of China&`&s unification process in ancient times. This is Special English.A woman from Turkey has broken a Guinness World Record with a 120-meter horizontal apnea dive under ice.Accompanied by her husband and coach, Derya Can completed swimming 120 meters in 1 minute 47 seconds under the 35-centimeter ice-coated Weissensee lake in Austria.With her dive, Can shattered French Aurore Asso&`&s record of 112 meters.In December, Can set her new record by performing a 111-meter dive in the variable weight with fins category in the southern province of Antalya, surpassing another Turkish female free diver&`&s record of 110 meters.She had also broken the world record in the variable weight apnea without fins category, by reaching a depth of 94 meters.This is Special English.Aliens landed at Milan&`&s fashion week with Annakiki by Chinese designer Anna Yang, who debuted in the Italian city with an out-of-this-world collection.Chinese designers are making serious headway in Milan, which is hosting newcomers.Yang was born into a tailor&`&s family and became keen on fashion at the age of 8. She later studied in South Korea and France before establishing her own label in 2012. She participated and displayed her designs at the London and Paris fashion weeks in 2014 and 2015 respectively.（全文见周六微信。）

2017-01-30 Special EnglishThis is Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.Five hundred clean energy buses have been put to use in Tianjin, a major industrial city in north China.These public buses were jointly produced by Tianjin Bus Group and car maker BYD which is based in Shenzhen in Guangdong Province. The electric buses can run at least 200 kilometers after a full charge, enough for a bus to finish its daily task.The Bus Group also opened a major charging station, capable of serving 80 buses at one time and a total of 450 buses in a day. This is the largest charging station in the area which also includes Beijing and Hebei Province.Tianjin has 3,200 clean energy public buses. Among them, 1,300 are powered by electricity.China pins its hope on clean energy to reduce its dependence on coal and gas, which has been linked to the winter smog in northern China. Tianjin is among the cities with the poorest air quality.Since 2010, Tianjin has built 200 charging stations and 3,000 charging positions to encourage the use of clean energy transport. This is Special English.Australia&`&s flag carrier Qantas Airways&`& fatality free record in the jet age means it is the world&`&s safest airline, for the fourth year running.AirlineRatings.com announced the flag carrier atop its Top 20 list recently, followed by Cathy Pacific, Middle-eastern giant Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines and local rival Virgin Australia, which are listed alphabetically.The website&`&s editor Geoffrey Thomas said that while those in the Top 20 are always leaders in safety, Qantas remains the leader in safety enhancements and operational excellence.Thomas said in a statement that over its 96-year history, Qantas has amassed an amazing record of firsts in safety and operations and is accepted as the world&`&s most experienced airline.Qantas has been the lead airline in virtually every major operational safety advancement over the past 60 years.Qantas was the leader in the Future Air Navigation System and the Flight Data Recorder developed by Australia&`&s chief scientific body to monitor the plane and crew performance. It also made advances in automatic landing and precision approaches in mountainous regions.The ratings website said Qantas was also the lead in real-time monitoring of its engines across its fleet using satellite communications, enabling problems to be detected before they become a major safety issue.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Following 28 years of talks between China and Russia, construction has finally begun on a highway bridge connecting China and Russia across the Heilongjiang River.Stretching some 1,300 meters, this is the first highway bridge between the two countries. A Chinese official says the bridge is an important part of the economic corridor linking China, Mongolia and Russia. The bridge will boost trade between China and Russia, as well as China&`&s investment in Russia.Economists expect that the bridge will benefit both Russia&`&s Far East and China&`&s initiative to revitalize the traditional industrial base of northeast China.With a total cost of 2.5 billion yuan, roughly 360 million U.S. dollars, the bridge is scheduled to open in 2019.This is Special English.China plans to further improve its space debris database and space debris monitoring facilities. That&`&s according to a recent white paper entitled "China&`&s Space Activities in 2016".The while paper said that in the next five years, China will improve the standardization system for space debris to further control near-earth objects and space climate.Efforts will be made to build a disaster early warning and prediction platform to raise the preventative capability.Research will be conducted on building facilities to monitor near-earth objects and to enable the country to monitor and catalog such objects. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. A study with critically ill, respirator-dependent patients showed that early in-bed cycling may help the patients recover more quickly during their stay in the hospital intensive care unit, or ICU.Canadian researchers say people may think that ICU patients are too sick for physical activity, but if patients start in-bed cycling two weeks into their ICU stay, they will be able to walk farther at hospital discharge.Lead researcher of the study Michelle Kho says their TryCYCLE study finds it safe and feasible to systematically start in-bed cycling within the first four days of mechanical ventilation and continue throughout a patient&`&s ICU stay.For over a year, Kho and her team conducted a study of 33 ICU patients at St. Joseph&`&s Healthcare Hamilton. The patients were 18 years of age or older, receiving mechanical ventilation, and walking independently prior to admission to the ICU.Kho said the study achievements even surprised the researchers, and the patients&`& abilities to cycle during critical illness exceeded their expectations. She adds that more research is needed to determine if this early cycling with critically ill patients improves their physical function.This is Special English.U.S. scientists have created a material that can independently heal the damage caused by mechanical wear, hence extending the service life of devices. The material is a transparent and soft rubber-like ionic conductor which can stretch 50 times its original length.Researchers at the University of California found that the self-healing process of the material can finish within 24 hours at room temperature after being cut. The newly-designed material combined a polar, stretchable polymer with a mobile, high-ionic-strength salt. In addition to solving the instability problem, the material can also improve the decaying performance of the materials within the machinery. The researchers stressed the advantages of using the material in electrically activate transparent artificial muscles. Scientists have begun exploring the potential applications in other fields including robotics and medical research.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.A new study shows that 20 conditions make up more than half of all health care spending in the United States. The study examined spending on diseases and injuries.U.S. researchers tracked the costs associated with 155 conditions between 1996 and 2013. They found that a total of 30 trillion U.S. dollars was spent by Americans in personal health care over the 18-year period. Of these conditions, diabetes was the most expensive, totaling 101 billion dollars in diagnoses and treatments in 2013, while heart disease was the second most expensive, costing 88 billion dollars the same year.The study shows that costs associated with diabetes have grown 36 times more compared to those for heart disease. Heart disease was the number-one cause of death for the study period.The two conditions typically affect individuals who are 65 years of age and older. Back pain is the third-most expensive condition, primarily striking adults of working age.The three top spending categories, along with hypertension and injuries from falls, comprised 18 percent of all personal health spending, totaling 430 billion dollars in 2013.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Chinese and German archaeologists have found images of what they believe to be Arabian horses in cliff paintings dating back 2,000 years in the Yinshan Mountains of north China&`&s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.The images of Arabian horses have been found in a dozen cliff paintings, which also contain images of other animals and humans. The images are believed to be the oldest found to date.The horses are depicted in the paintings, with armor, leather saddles and stirrups.The pictures were painted around 210 B.C., when the nomadic Huns were at war with a nomadic tribe from north China.More than 10,000 ancient cliff paintings have been found in the Yinshan Mountains.Experts say the pictures suggest that the Huns had trade links with people in western Asia and northern Africa at that time.Earlier archaeological excavations in Erdos in Inner Mongolia unearthed bronze and pottery figurines of Arabian horses. This is Special English."The Ancient One" is going home.One of the oldest and most complete skeletons found in North America will be given back to Native American tribes in Washington State for reburial.President Barack Obama has signed a bill with a provision requiring the ancient bones known as Kennewick Man to be returned to tribes within 90 days.Experts estimate the remains found in 1996 on federal land near the Columbia River are at least 8,400 years old. The discovery triggered a lengthy legal fight between tribes and scientists over whether the bones should be buried immediately or studied.In 2015, new genetic evidence determined the remains were related to modern Native Americans.The bill transfers the skeleton, which the tribes call "the Ancient One", from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the state archaeology department, which will give it to the tribes.The Yakama Nation is among the tribes that have pushed to rebury the bones in the manner their people have followed since ancient times. It took 20 years for the tribes to successfully fight for the return of the bones.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Australia&`&s Victorian iconic Great Ocean Road is set for a major upgrade after it was damaged by a number of natural disasters last year.The Victorian Government has announced that 38 million U.S. dollars will be spent on urgent repairs and safety upgrades to the 240-kilometer-long national heritage-listed road.The road runs along Victoria&`&s south-east coast, and was significantly damaged by bushfires at Wye River in December 2015 and January 2016, as well as a number of serious landslides in September caused by higher than average rainfall for the year.The upgrades for the popular tourist destination will be retainer walls, erosion prevention, rock fall netting, electronic traveler information signs, closed circuit television monitoring and real-time traffic counters.This is Special English.Eight out of 10 middle-aged people in England weigh too much, drink too much or don&`&t exercise enough.An analysis from Public Health England says modern life taking its toll on health.Public Health England has launched a campaign to reach out to 83 percent of men and women aged 40 to 60 who are either overweight or obese, exceed alcohol guidelines or are physically inactive.The aim of the campaign is to provide free support to help them live more healthily in 2017 and beyond.Modern life is harming the health of the nation with 77 percent of men and 63 percent of women in middle age, overweight or obese. Obesity in adults has shot up 16 percent in the last 20 years. A spokesman for Public Health England in London said many people also can&`&t identify what a healthy body looks like, suggesting obesity has become the new normal.The diabetes rate among this age group has doubled in this period in England.People were urged to consider the simple steps they could take to improve their health in the run up to the New Year, by taking an online quiz. The spokesman said people need to eat better, be more active, stop smoking and consider their drinking.This is Special English.（全文见周六微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.Almost 700 Chinese officials have been held accountable for their poor environmental protection records in ongoing environmental inspections.The central government dispatched seven teams in a second round of inspections to seven provincial-level regions including Beijing and Shanghai to review local government work in late November.These teams have looked into 2,000 cases, and imposed fines totaling 66 million yuan, roughly 10 million U.S. dollars, in 1,500 cases.A total of 3,000 officials in eight provincial-level areas were held accountable during the first round of inspections in 2016. Their offences included allowing construction in nature reserves and worsening pollution. Punishments included some being removed from their posts.China is fighting pollution and environmental degradation after decades of economic growth that have left the country saddled with problems including smog and contaminated soil.The central government has released a national plan on environmental improvements for the period spanning 2016 and 2020, with detailed tasks on air pollution, water and soil. This is Special English.North China&`&s latest bout of air pollution has been less serious than expected, thanks to counter measures adopted by local authorities.China&`&s top environmental watchdog said at least 23 cities in north China, including Beijing and Tianjin, have activated red alerts as the air began to turn hazy starting Friday, prompting local governments to impose car restrictions on roads and cut emissions for factories.The heavy smog came a bit later than previously forecast as efforts paid off, and pollutant density in the air has somewhat been reduced in the cities.The Ministry of Environmental Protection said that however, further observation is needed to confirm the actual effects of the measures, and air pollution is still likely to worsen as weather conditions continue to be unfavorable.The ministry has sent a dozen inspection teams to check whether local governments have taken appropriate measures to address heavy pollution and sanction illegal factory emissions.China has a four-tier warning system for severe weather, the red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. China&`&s 81 million science and technology workers will have their own festival to celebrate, and it&`&s going to be called the "Sci-Tech Workers&`& Day" which has been designated on May 30 each year.The State Council, China&`&s Cabinet, has designated the day to be celebrated starting in 2017.The date was chosen because May 30, 2016 was when the country&`&s top two science and technology conferences convened.During the events, the authority set the target for China to become a world science and technology powerhouse by the middle of this century.The "Sci-Tech Workers&`& Day" aims to encourage all workers in the sector to remember their mission and play their roles in innovation. This is Special English.The Ministry of Culture is making it compulsory for presenters of online streaming to register with their real names.The rules require operators of online streaming to identify presenters via interview or video calls. Their licenses will be issued by provincial-level cultural authorities.The regulation also states that operators should obtain a permit from the ministry before offering channels to presenters from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as from other countries.Operators must carry out real-time supervision of online streaming and keep records of all the content.A mechanism for handling emergencies should be established. Once an offender is found to have violated laws and regulations, the operator must suspend service, preserve relevant data, and report to the authorities.A blacklist will be created to strengthen management of online performances and ensure the sector&`&s healthy and orderly development.The regulation is scheduled to take effect on Jan.1. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. The First India-China Think Tank Forum has been held in New Delhi in India. The forum was jointly organized by the Institute of Chinese Studies, the Indian Council of World Affairs, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The forum is a bilateral platform established by a Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Chinese Ministry of External Affairs, the India government, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.Under the theme "Towards a Closer India-China Developmental Partnership", the forum carried out an in-depth discussion on various issues, including major country relations between India and China, as well as strengthening India-China strategic communication, and promoting economic ties.The forum saw participation from prominent strategic thinkers, economists, academics, and social scientists from both countries.The next India-China Think Tank Forum will be held in Beijing in 2017.This is Special English.North China&`&s Hebei Province has approved a set of measures aimed at tightening protection of the sections of the Great Wall lying within the province.The regulation stipulates the responsibilities of local governments in protecting the Great Wall within their jurisdiction. It also covers employment and management of protection workers, and social participation in protection.The regulation prohibits adding new stretches to the wall in the name of protection. It also elaborates acts considered harmful to historical sites and lists punitive measures.The Great Wall was built between the third century BC and the Ming Dynasty which ended in 1644. The existing sections of 8,800 kilometers were mostly built in the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall was recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1987.Hebei Province is home to a combined stretch of over 1,300 kilometers of the Ming-Dynasty wall, passing eight cities.Officials say the protection work is less than satisfactory as it faces severe natural damage and vandalism in the wake of underfunding and poor management.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.Hepatitis C patients in China will soon be able to access direct-acting antiviral treatments, which can thoroughly cure the liver infection.A senior liver disease specialist said several medicines are expected to get approval from the top drug authority and enter the Chinese market early in 2017. It will bring China&`&s hepatitis C treatment in line with international mainstream practices.Currently, most patients with the condition are on injection interferon therapy, which takes longer and may cause serious reactions for some recipients. By contrast, DAA medicines, are taken orally and can usually get rid of the virus and cure the disease in around 12 weeks. A patient surnamed Bai is one of those who cannot handle the major side effects from interferon treatment. To survive, he bought DAA drugs from overseas and was cured last year. DAA medicines have been readily available elsewhere worldwide for many years. But China, the country with the most patients, has no such drugs, largely due to "complex and lengthy drug registration processes". That&`&s according to the World Health Organization&`&s China Representative Bernhard Schwartlander. In April, the China Food and Drug Administration announced an acceleration of the registration for DAA. Bai said Chinese patients will be able to access world-class treatments at home. This is Special English.The U.S. state of Texas has launched what it calls the largest effort ever in the state to track brain injuries among young athletes.The University Interscholastic League, Texas&`& governing body for public high school sports, is partnering with the O&`& Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center for the project, from which they hope to gauge whether rules or equipment changes are improving player safety and what more can be done to protect athletes.Officials say that a state as large as Texas, which has more than 800,000 public high school athletes, would be a key step in developing a national database of brain injuries in youths. Already, the federal Center of Disease Control and Prevention is seeking federal funding for such a database.All 50 states in recent years have passed rules or laws to address concussions in young athletics from research to protocols for identifying concussions and setting rules for return to play. The CDC has estimated that up to 3.8 million concussions occur in sports and recreational activities each year, but some experts wonder if those numbers underestimate total brain injuries, as some individuals may not seek treatment for mild or moderate symptoms.The Texas program will track about two-dozen sports, from football to girls&`& soccer, recording what caused an injury, recovery time and other data.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. A DNA test has confirmed that the remains of a male found recently in a desert in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region belonged to a native of Sichuan province, who went missing more than 50 years ago. The test results were published by police in neighboring Qinghai province. The remains were found by a group of rock collectors near the Lop Nor basin at the junction of Xinjiang and Qinghai in November.Police officers found the remains and personal belongings of the deceased at the site including a newspaper. Police said high temperatures and a lack of rainfall was the reason why the belongings were intact. Among the items that were found are a newspaper that was published in 1960 and letters that suggest the remains were that of a man surnamed Li, who was reported missing in the 1960s. Police contacted Li&`&s wife, who is now 88-year-old. She remarried after Li was confirmed missing. The couple married in 1949, a year before he was enrolled in the army to fight the Korean War. He was wounded in the war and returned home in 1951. He left home five years later, saying he would find work outside the province, and lost contact with his family.Police said it is not known why he perished in the desert, adding that he might have also passed away in April 1961.This is Special English.Unable to find out who threw a yogurt bottle out of a window, the parents of a 2-year-old girl who was hurt by it sued 450 suspected homeowners. The local court in Chongqing ruled that all of them must split the compensation and each pay 360 yuan, roughly 51 U.S. dollars. All the homeowners who attended the court hearing accepted the ruling. On the evening of Sept 16, 2014, the girl was playing in the neighborhood where a yogurt bottle was thrown out of a window of a nearby building and it hit the girl&`&s head. The girl was knocked unconscious and was taken to the hospital. Her family spent more than 80,000 yuan on medical treatment for the girl&`&s skull fractures and related injuries. As the parents could not find who was responsible, they had to sue all homes from the second to the 33rd floors and asked for a total of 300,000 yuan in compensation.In recent years, news about objects falling from tall buildings and hitting passer-byers has drawn public attention. But most victims with minor injuries just let it go since it is so difficult to identify the person who threw the object. However, under Chinese civil law, victims in these kind of case can be compensated by all users of a building if nobody is found responsible. （全文见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.China&`&s first overseas land satellite ground receiving station has been put into trial operation.The China Remote Sensing Satellite North Polar Ground Station is above the Arctic Circle, half an hour&`&s drive from Kiruna, a major mining town in Sweden. Scientists say Kiruna is an ideal place for remote sensing satellite data reception. With this location and a high-performance antenna, China&`&s Earth observation satellites will acquire global data more efficiently, and respond to user application requirements including disaster monitoring more quickly and effective.China has ground stations in Beijing, Hainan province, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Yunnan province. The four ground stations receive satellite signals covering 70 percent of the Asian continent. Domestic stations can receive a signal from each satellite five times a day when they pass overhead, while the new station can receive signals up to 12 times a day. In addition, the new station can acquire satellite data in any part of the world within two hours. It is capable of receiving all-weather, all-time and multiple resolution satellite data, being an important complement to the four domestic stations. This is Special English.The Information Office of the State Council, China&`&s Cabinet, has launched an application with an online briefing area to provide the latest, most authoritative information about China and to offer better services for journalists from home and abroad. The app is available in Chinese and English. In addition to broadcast news conferences organized by the State Council Information Office, central departments, ministries and local governments, the app will provide updated information about the latest news events in China. The online briefing area provides services for users to book online or face-to face interviews with the office. The Information Office held 120 news conferences in 2016. By strengthening communication with the media and offering better services, the office says it will be more open in 2017 and play a bigger role in connecting China with the rest of the world. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.A rising number of government officials have been placed under investigation for alleged misuse and embezzlement of poverty relief funds.Between January and October, national prosecuting departments investigated 1,600 government officials relating to crimes involving poverty relief funds, a 94 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Officials say supervision loopholes and efforts to crackdown on such illegal activity have contributed to the sharp increase in the number of cases found in such crimes. Most of the suspects are grassroots officials, including directors and accountants at village and township level, who allegedly abused their power to withhold or embezzle funds, or fabricate documents to falsely claim such funds. One such case was uncovered in May, when a local village Party chief in Henan province was investigated for alleged graft. When serving as the village head, the suspect abused his power, using names of his family members to falsely claim subsidies for returning farmland to forests totaling 180,000 yuan, roughly 26,500 U.S. Dollars.This is Special English.More than 66 percent of children in southwest China&`&s Tibet Autonomous Region have received preschool education, more than double that of six years ago.According to the latest figures from the local education department, the gross kindergarten enrollment ratio rose to 66 percent in 2016 from 24 percent in 2010. A total of 97,000 children were attended 1,000 kindergartens in Tibet in 2016.All children in Tibet&`&s agricultural and pastoral areas or children in low-income urban families are entitled to free tuition and accommodation fees, plus a 3,200 yuan-, roughly 470 U.S. Dollar-, pre-school education subsidy each year.The educational authorities are also promoting preschool classes taught in both Mandarin and Tibetan for children in Tibet. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.Chinese scientists have developed a device which may instantly detect esophageal cancer by breath analysis.In a recent experiment, scientists with Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, used a device known as proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer to analyze breath samples of 29 cancer patients and 58 healthy volunteers.More tests are needed to confirm the findings.The current spectrometry takes only three minutes and the accuracy rate has reached 85 to 90 percent.In China, esophageal cancer kills 370,000 people a year. Both the prevalence and the death rate of the cancer in China are among the highest in the world. Common screening methods contain barium meals, computed tomography scans, endoscopy, and lab testing of biopsy samples. However, these invasive methods are not suitable for regular health exams or the very vulnerable.Non-invasive screening methods help in early detection and intervention, lowering the death rate. This is Special English.A total of 1,800 people died as a result of infectious diseases on the Chinese mainland in November.According to the National Health and Family Planning Commission, there were 600,000 cases of infectious diseases reported on the mainland in November.More than 280,000 cases were classified as Class B infectious diseases under China&`&s Law on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and they resulted in 1,800 deaths.Viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, and bacterial dysentery accounted for 93 percent of cases in this category.Category C diseases were responsible for close to 320,000 cases, and eight deaths. Foot and mouth disease, infectious diarrhea, and influenza were the most prevalent in this category, accounting for 94 percent of cases. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.Calendars have turned into luxuriously illustrated books which are highlights of China&`&s book scene at the end of the year.One of the most popular of such products is the Palace Museum Calendar, which has sold more than 1 million copies since it was first issued in 2010. The first printing of the 2017 version of 300,000 copies has sold out, and four more print runs are underway.For its 2017 calendar, the Palace Museum, or the Forbidden City, is offering a bilingual version in both English and Chinese.The Palace Museum said they did not expect people to buy the publications as collectibles. A 2010 version of the calendar of the Forbidden City is now worth 80 times its original price.The new 2017 calendar is inspired by Chinese zodiac animals and is illustrated with photos of relics from the Palace Museum&`&s collection of some 2 million antiques.The success of the Palace Museum Calendar has inspired more publishing entities to follow suit. A Plants and Animals Calendar and the One Way Street Calendar are among the best cellers in the new year&`&s market. This is Special English.A salt water well, believed to have been built during the Tang Dynasty 1,000 years ago, has been unearthed in north China&`&s Hebei Province.The salt well is the first to be discovered in a northern coastal area. The excavation is part of an ongoing project in Huanghua, a small city on the Bohai Sea coast.The well is 2-and-a-half meters in diameter. It was built with distinctive grooved bricks, which over time have come into contact with cinders and ash, and have turned black in color. Pieces of wooden and woven items were also found at the bottom of the well.Archaeologists believe that the well was constructed at a saltwater-rich offshore site, and the water from the well was used to produce salt.Other ruins have been discovered nearby including brine ditches, salt pans, brine pits, fire pits, and stoves, but their functions remain to be confirmed.One professor at Shandong University said this is the first Tang Dynasty salt well found in north China. And the ruins are evidence of advanced salt production featuring clear processing procedures.The findings have been welcomed by researchers of ancient salt-making techniques as well as those interested in Tang socioeconomic development.The 1,500-square-meter site is three kilometers from the ruins which are thought to be the northern tip of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.An 18th-century Chinese imperial seal was auctioned for 21 million euros, roughly 22 million U.S. Dollars, in Paris, establishing a new world record for this type of bid.During the bidding, potential buyers raised the seal&`&s price more than 20 times its estimated price.According to the auction house, the seal in red and beige nephrite jade was used by Emperor Qianlong, the second longest serving emperor in Chinese history.The emperor&`&s reign in China more than 200 years ago was one of the peak periods of the country&`&s prosperity, with a large population and a vast territory.The seal was decorated with nine dragons, a symbol of supreme authority. It was used to go with the signature of Qianlong&`&s calligraphy and paintings.The seal was reportedly acquired by a French naval doctor who traveled many times to China in the late 19th century, and has remained in his family ever since.The new owner of the imperial seal is an unnamed Chinese collector.This is Special English.An exhibition of traditional Chinese hand-painted fans is underway in Buenos Aires, representing the most important Chinese art show held in the Argentine capital in a decade.The show is entitled "Chinese style", and features 60 works selected from the China National Academy of Painting. China&`&s Ambassador to Argentina Yang Wanming attended the opening ceremony, together with officials from Argentina&`&s Ministry of Culture, and representatives from the China National Academy of Painting.The fan paintings range from landscapes to scenes of daily life, which are part of an artistic heritage dating back thousands of years in China.Fans are an essential element in China&`&s theatrical presentations. This type of art work used to be seen as a type of portable painting with images of landscapes, flora and fauna, or personalities.As the Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange, 2016 saw a significant number of Chinese art exhibitions, as well as stage performances and literature-related events, throughout the region."Chinese Style" will continue through until mid-March.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.The historic story of the Six-inch Lane, rendered in the opera "Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty" was warmly received at culture publicity week held at the Shanghai International Arts Festival lately.The Huangmei opera, a local form of opera from east China&`&s Anhui province, traditionally tells tragic love stories to win tears. However, "Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty" features state politics and a corruption crack-down in the Qing Dynasty.The story is set over 100 years ago. Two state officials happened to have their family mansions built very close to one another, sharing a passageway between their courtyards.One of the families planned to enlarge their yard and attempts to encroach on the narrow passageway. A dispute erupts between the two families, and they decide to take the case to court.（全文见周六微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.Almost 700 Chinese officials have been held accountable for their poor environmental protection records in ongoing environmental inspections.The central government dispatched seven teams in a second round of inspections to seven provincial-level regions including Beijing and Shanghai to review local government work in late November.These teams have looked into 2,000 cases, and imposed fines totaling 66 million yuan, roughly 10 million U.S. dollars, in 1,500 cases.A total of 3,000 officials in eight provincial-level areas were held accountable during the first round of inspections in 2016. Their offences included allowing construction in nature reserves and worsening pollution. Punishments included some being removed from their posts.China is fighting pollution and environmental degradation after decades of economic growth that have left the country saddled with problems including smog and contaminated soil.The central government has released a national plan on environmental improvements for the period spanning 2016 and 2020, with detailed tasks on air pollution, water and soil. This is Special English.North China&`&s latest bout of air pollution has been less serious than expected, thanks to counter measures adopted by local authorities.China&`&s top environmental watchdog said at least 23 cities in north China, including Beijing and Tianjin, have activated red alerts as the air began to turn hazy starting Friday, prompting local governments to impose car restrictions on roads and cut emissions for factories.The heavy smog came a bit later than previously forecast as efforts paid off, and pollutant density in the air has somewhat been reduced in the cities.The Ministry of Environmental Protection said that however, further observation is needed to confirm the actual effects of the measures, and air pollution is still likely to worsen as weather conditions continue to be unfavorable.The ministry has sent a dozen inspection teams to check whether local governments have taken appropriate measures to address heavy pollution and sanction illegal factory emissions.China has a four-tier warning system for severe weather, the red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. China&`&s 81 million science and technology workers will have their own festival to celebrate, and it&`&s going to be called the "Sci-Tech Workers&`& Day" which has been designated on May 30 each year.The State Council, China&`&s Cabinet, has designated the day to be celebrated starting in 2017.The date was chosen because May 30, 2016 was when the country&`&s top two science and technology conferences convened.During the events, the authority set the target for China to become a world science and technology powerhouse by the middle of this century.The "Sci-Tech Workers&`& Day" aims to encourage all workers in the sector to remember their mission and play their roles in innovation. This is Special English.The Ministry of Culture is making it compulsory for presenters of online streaming to register with their real names.The rules require operators of online streaming to identify presenters via interview or video calls. Their licenses will be issued by provincial-level cultural authorities.The regulation also states that operators should obtain a permit from the ministry before offering channels to presenters from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as from other countries.Operators must carry out real-time supervision of online streaming and keep records of all the content.A mechanism for handling emergencies should be established. Once an offender is found to have violated laws and regulations, the operator must suspend service, preserve relevant data, and report to the authorities.A blacklist will be created to strengthen management of online performances and ensure the sector&`&s healthy and orderly development.The regulation is scheduled to take effect on Jan.1. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. The First India-China Think Tank Forum has been held in New Delhi in India. The forum was jointly organized by the Institute of Chinese Studies, the Indian Council of World Affairs, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The forum is a bilateral platform established by a Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Chinese Ministry of External Affairs, the India government, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.Under the theme "Towards a Closer India-China Developmental Partnership", the forum carried out an in-depth discussion on various issues, including major country relations between India and China, as well as strengthening India-China strategic communication, and promoting economic ties.The forum saw participation from prominent strategic thinkers, economists, academics, and social scientists from both countries.The next India-China Think Tank Forum will be held in Beijing in 2017.This is Special English.North China&`&s Hebei Province has approved a set of measures aimed at tightening protection of the sections of the Great Wall lying within the province.The regulation stipulates the responsibilities of local governments in protecting the Great Wall within their jurisdiction. It also covers employment and management of protection workers, and social participation in protection.The regulation prohibits adding new stretches to the wall in the name of protection. It also elaborates acts considered harmful to historical sites and lists punitive measures.The Great Wall was built between the third century BC and the Ming Dynasty which ended in 1644. The existing sections of 8,800 kilometers were mostly built in the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall was recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1987.Hebei Province is home to a combined stretch of over 1,300 kilometers of the Ming-Dynasty wall, passing eight cities.Officials say the protection work is less than satisfactory as it faces severe natural damage and vandalism in the wake of underfunding and poor management.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.Hepatitis C patients in China will soon be able to access direct-acting antiviral treatments, which can thoroughly cure the liver infection.A senior liver disease specialist said several medicines are expected to get approval from the top drug authority and enter the Chinese market early in 2017. It will bring China&`&s hepatitis C treatment in line with international mainstream practices.Currently, most patients with the condition are on injection interferon therapy, which takes longer and may cause serious reactions for some recipients. By contrast, DAA medicines, are taken orally and can usually get rid of the virus and cure the disease in around 12 weeks. A patient surnamed Bai is one of those who cannot handle the major side effects from interferon treatment. To survive, he bought DAA drugs from overseas and was cured last year. DAA medicines have been readily available elsewhere worldwide for many years. But China, the country with the most patients, has no such drugs, largely due to "complex and lengthy drug registration processes". That&`&s according to the World Health Organization&`&s China Representative Bernhard Schwartlander. In April, the China Food and Drug Administration announced an acceleration of the registration for DAA. Bai said Chinese patients will be able to access world-class treatments at home. This is Special English.The U.S. state of Texas has launched what it calls the largest effort ever in the state to track brain injuries among young athletes.The University Interscholastic League, Texas&`& governing body for public high school sports, is partnering with the O&`& Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center for the project, from which they hope to gauge whether rules or equipment changes are improving player safety and what more can be done to protect athletes.Officials say that a state as large as Texas, which has more than 800,000 public high school athletes, would be a key step in developing a national database of brain injuries in youths. Already, the federal Center of Disease Control and Prevention is seeking federal funding for such a database.All 50 states in recent years have passed rules or laws to address concussions in young athletics from research to protocols for identifying concussions and setting rules for return to play. The CDC has estimated that up to 3.8 million concussions occur in sports and recreational activities each year, but some experts wonder if those numbers underestimate total brain injuries, as some individuals may not seek treatment for mild or moderate symptoms.The Texas program will track about two-dozen sports, from football to girls&`& soccer, recording what caused an injury, recovery time and other data.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. A DNA test has confirmed that the remains of a male found recently in a desert in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region belonged to a native of Sichuan province, who went missing more than 50 years ago. The test results were published by police in neighboring Qinghai province. The remains were found by a group of rock collectors near the Lop Nor basin at the junction of Xinjiang and Qinghai in November.Police officers found the remains and personal belongings of the deceased at the site including a newspaper. Police said high temperatures and a lack of rainfall was the reason why the belongings were intact. Among the items that were found are a newspaper that was published in 1960 and letters that suggest the remains were that of a man surnamed Li, who was reported missing in the 1960s. Police contacted Li&`&s wife, who is now 88-year-old. She remarried after Li was confirmed missing. The couple married in 1949, a year before he was enrolled in the army to fight the Korean War. He was wounded in the war and returned home in 1951. He left home five years later, saying he would find work outside the province, and lost contact with his family.Police said it is not known why he perished in the desert, adding that he might have also passed away in April 1961.This is Special English.Unable to find out who threw a yogurt bottle out of a window, the parents of a 2-year-old girl who was hurt by it sued 450 suspected homeowners. The local court in Chongqing ruled that all of them must split the compensation and each pay 360 yuan, roughly 51 U.S. dollars. All the homeowners who attended the court hearing accepted the ruling. On the evening of Sept 16, 2014, the girl was playing in the neighborhood where a yogurt bottle was thrown out of a window of a nearby building and it hit the girl&`&s head. The girl was knocked unconscious and was taken to the hospital. Her family spent more than 80,000 yuan on medical treatment for the girl&`&s skull fractures and related injuries. As the parents could not find who was responsible, they had to sue all homes from the second to the 33rd floors and asked for a total of 300,000 yuan in compensation.In recent years, news about objects falling from tall buildings and hitting passer-byers has drawn public attention. But most victims with minor injuries just let it go since it is so difficult to identify the person who threw the object. However, under Chinese civil law, victims in these kind of case can be compensated by all users of a building if nobody is found responsible. （全文见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.China has released a national plan on environmental improvements for the five years spanning 2016 and 2020, detailing tasks to cleanse polluted air, water and soil.The plan set the goals of a more environmentally friendly way of living, considerable reduction of major pollutants, effective control of environmental risks, and a sounder ecological system by 2020.To achieve those targets, the State Council has asked Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, as well as regions along the Yangtze River Economic Belt to draw up a bottom line, for ecological protection by the end of 2017. Meanwhile, other areas should come up with a red line before the end of 2018.Consumption of coal, which is a major source of pollution in China, will be strictly controlled.China&`&s environmental protection still lags behind its economic status, and decades of breakneck growth have left the country saddled with problems including smog and contaminated waterways and soil.Northern China has frequently been choked by winter smog, showing the war on pollution is an urgent and arduous task. This is Special English.A mysterious banging noise on the surface of a spacecraft that baffled a Chinese astronaut turned out not to be aliens, but the result of air pressure changes.Yang Liwei, China&`&s first astronaut, aroused public attention when he revealed in a television interview in late November that he heard an unexplained sound like "knocking an iron bucket with a wooden hammer" from outside his capsule during his maiden mission in 2003, leaving him very puzzled.When the famed astronaut attended an event at a school in the eastern city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province recently, the question of the mysterious noise was raised by students.Yang replied that according to what he learned, the knocking sound was a result of decreasing air pressure that caused changes in the structure of the spacecraft as it left Earth for space.He said air leaking out of the objects in the capsule could also cause the noise.Yang said he thinks it was normal, and it is necessary to carefully identify the cause.Yang&`&s explanation echoed with space scientist Liu Hong, who wrote an article for a popular Chinese science website, saying that she believes the sound comes from tiny deformations in the space capsule&`&s inner wall to changes in pressure.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. It is time to go skiing as authorities in Beijing aim to attract as many as 5 million residents to take up winter sports by 2020 as it prepares to host the upcoming winter Olympics.Beijing, along with the city of Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province, won the bid to co-host the 2022 Winter Olympics.The Beijing municipal government approved a five-year plan spanning 2016 and 2020 on public fitness, pledging "vigorous efforts" to introduce winter sports to the public. The sports include alpine skiing, speed skating, figure skating and curling.According to the plan, the government will use sports lottery revenue and other fiscal funds to build sporting venues, set up sports associations, and organize competitions and festivals.It will particularly attract student enthusiasts with winter camps, sports schools, recreation centers and clubs. The amount of investment and details of the project are not yet disclosed. This is Special English.China&`&s "24 solar terms" has been added to UNESCO&`&s world intangible cultural heritage list. The announcement was made in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, during the 11th session of UNESCO&`&s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritages. China&`&s "24 solar terms" is a knowledge system and social practice formed through observations of the sun&`&s annual motion, as well as cognition of the year&`&s changes in season and climate.The terms include Start of Spring, Awakening of Insects, Start of Summer, as well as Winter Solstice, Minor Cold and Major Cold.The collective terms are among the 37 requests for inscription on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is in its 10 years of service. It has inscribed 336 items onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. The island of Utopia, created 500 years ago, and the futuristic outer space, which seem far away from each other, came together at a conference in Beijing recently.The International Conference of Utopian and Science Fiction Studies has been held to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the publication of "Utopia".In 1516, English philosopher and writer Thomas More published his famous book "Utopia", depicting an almost perfect fictional society, and the term has been widely used and discussed since then.Among various anniversary activities around the world at this time of this year, the conference in Beijing commemorates the well-known novel in a special way by discussing it together with sci-fi works, with the participation of experts and scholars from China, the United States and Japan.While Utopia is always regarded as a political and philosophical concept, and science fiction normally focuses on technology, Kim Stanley Robinson, an American sci-fi author famous for his "Mars trilogy", said at the conference that the two are connected naturally.According to Robinson, Utopia was initially set on an isolated island, and such a background could not be used anymore after the world was completely explored, so the background had to be switched to the future.Guo Changbao, dean of the School of Chinese Language and Literature of Beijing Normal University, said the vast space inspired by Utopia would bring meaningful perspectives for Chinese science fiction and its studies.This is Special English.Taiwan investigators said they had solved the island&`&s biggest-ever drug-trafficking case and seized more than 200 kilograms of cocaine.The market value of the seized cocaine is estimated to exceed 2 billion new Taiwan dollars, roughly 62 million U.S. dollars. Investigators said they had also seized more than 50 kilograms of meth.Investigators received tip-offs that a Taipei company had, on multiple occasions, exported "large vehicle batteries" by sea or air to Australia at unreasonably high freight costs.On Dec. 1, they found around 51 kilograms of meth transported along with the company&`&s 11 exported vehicle batteries.Later they seized around 218 kilograms of cocaine transported with 30 similar batteries that the company imported from Brazil.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.Michael Phelps wants to dive into the Silicon Valley&`&s investment opportunities as he tries to make the transition from Olympic swimming star and product pitchman to entrepreneur.Phelps says he would love to get involved, whether it&`&s in a couple little startups here and there, take a little risk, have some fun and see where it goes. For now, Phelps isn&`&t providing any details about what he is going to do, though he says he has been getting advice from venture capitalists and other experienced investors in Silicon Valley startups.Getting into tech investing would be a new direction for Phelps, whose business experience to date consists mostly of his own line of swimwear and endorsement deals with the likes of Under Armour, Visa and Wheaties.These and other big brands have paid him an estimated 75 million dollars during his career. That&`&s far more than the 1.6 million dollars that he received from the U.S. Olympic Committee and Speedo for winning a record 28 medals, including 23 golds, in five Olympics. He&`&s still promoting products; he is currently doing commercials for computer chipmaker Intel in a campaign that began in October.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. A transgender student whose battle over the right to use a girls&`& bathroom has led to a landmark court ruling in Maine, and is being featured in a new HBO documentary."The Trans List" explores what it means to be a transgender in America.Nicole Maines is one of several individuals featured in the documentary.Maines says her entire family got behind her after she was bullied over a bathroom while in secondary school. The state supreme court ultimately ruled that her rights were violated.Maines now encourages young people to advocate for themselves. In her words, "slay your own dragon, you can do it". She is currently a student at the University of Maine.This is Special English.Buzz Aldrin said he was evacuated from the South Pole because he became short of breath and began showing signs of altitude sickness.The 86-year-old adventurer, who was the second man to walk on the moon, released details of his dramatic medical evacuation. He was continuing to recuperate in a hospital in Christchurch in New Zealand.Because of the thick ice, the South Pole sits at an elevation of 2,800 meters, or 9,300 feet.Aldrin, his son and his manager had been visiting the South Pole as tourists on a trip organized by the White Desert tour company. Aldrin said the trip began well, and that he&`&d been planning on spending time with scientists who were studying what it would be like to live on Mars because conditions in Antarctica are similar.After the group ventured further south, Aldrin started to feel a bit short of breath so the staff decided to check his vitals. After some examination, they noticed congestion in his lungs and that his oxygen levels were low, which indicated symptoms of altitude sickness.This is Special English.Infrared cameras have captured incredible scenes of wild Amur leopards and Siberian tigers this year after being installed at a national nature reserve in northeast China&`&s Heilongjiang Province.Amur leopards were spotted 17 times this year at a nature reserve, equaling the total number from 2012 to 2015.Siberian tigers were spotted five times, including twice when they were found roaming during the daytime.The nature reserve said more animal activities, especially in daytime, show the rare species have become more active thanks to human retreat.Siberian tigers were rarely found in the daytime for fear of human-related noise, including logging saws and vehicle engines at the reserve, which used to be a timber base.In 2011, the local forestry bureau banned logging and initiated a program to build a nature reserve for wild tigers. In 2014, the reserve was upgraded to the national level.Since the creation of the reserve, prey for carnivores, including boars and deer, have increased, which helped the big cat population rebound.At least four Siberian tigers and seven Amur leopards currently live at the reserve. The numbers change as the animals often roam back and forth across the China-Russia border.As one of the world&`&s most endangered species, the Amur leopard was put under top national protection in 1983. There are less than 70 left in the world. They are mostly found in Russia&`&s Far East, northeast China and the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. Around 500 Siberian tigers are believed to survive in the wild, in those same areas. This is the end of this edition of Special English. To freshen up your memory, I&`&m going to read one of the news items again at normal speed. Please listen carefully.This is the end of today&`&s program. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing, and I hope you can join us every day, to learn English and learn about the world.（全文见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news. China has experienced an increase in cases of online data leaks in the past few years due to the development of the "cyber black market". That&`&s according to a report by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences&`& Institute of Information. The report is entitled "The Annual Report on Development of Cyberspace Security in China". It says cases relating to information leaks have become more frequent since last year, including the high-profile case involving Gfan, China&`&s largest online platform for Android systems. In the case, data of the platform&`&s more than 23 million users, including their names, passwords and email addresses, were made public on the internet. An estimated 560,000 people were engaged in the industry in the first six months of this year. From June last year to June this year, economic losses resulting from text message spam, online scams and information leaks totaled 91 billion yuan, roughly 13 billion U.S. dollars. Such losses were attributed to the cyber black market, a commercial chain where participants including hackers and network operators gain profits illegally. The industry is a growing multi-billion-US dollar economy. Experts say the most effective way of addressing the problem is to pass legislation on protecting information and clarify governmental departments&`& obligation on law enforcement and supervision. This is Special English.Northeast China has seen a population loss of more than 1 million people in the last ten years. Among them, many are high income earners and well-educated who are seeking better jobs and lifestyles outside the region.The National Development and Reform Commission released the information to counter earlier reports that northeast China was losing a population of one million people each year. Northeast China refers to the three provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang. It had long been one of China&`&s industrial heartlands. But in recent decades, northeast China is seeing a slower economic growth, which is a major concern of the regional governments. Wage levels for college graduates are similarly uncompetitive due to a relatively poor economy. The average salary levels in the region are one of the lowest in the country. The National Development and Reform Commission says many talents in the region have turned to companies elsewhere in China which offer better terms and conditions of employment.But some commentators suggested that it is not all about money; and the system has long applied restrains to the development of individuals. A low birth rate has also in contributed to the downward trend in the population growth in northeast China. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei said he heard mysterious knocks during his trip in space.Yang recalled his experience in space during a recent interview with China Central Television. He said the unusual situation he was met with in space were non-causal knocks that appeared from time to time during his travel in the spaceship more than ten years ago.He explained the noise often suddenly appeared without any rhyme or reason. "It neither came from outside nor inside the spaceship, but it sounded like someone was knocking on the spaceship, as if someone was using a wooden hammer to hit an iron bucket." Those were Yang&`&s words when he was talking about how he was nervous at first, and how he moved close to the porthole to try to find out what the noise was. However, nothing out of the ordinary appeared on both the inside and outside of the spaceship.After returning to earth, he told technicians about the noise, and tried to imitate it with some instruments so as to solve the mystery. But upon reflection, Yang has said he has never heard the exact noise again.But the same noise was heard by astronauts onboard other spaceships including the Shenzhou 6 and Shenzhou 7 space crafts. In October 2003, Yang returned to earth in his re-entry module after a 21-hour trip in space. After his trip, Yang became the world&`&s 241st human being to visit outer space.This is Special English.Public facilities across Beijing will soon have their own QR codes so that the public can access the "identity information" and interact with the city management.From things like dustbins to street signs and even bus stop boards, all facilities in Beijing will have their own QR code displayed on them before 2018.Currently, 50 streets including Beijing&`&s central thoroughfare, the Chang&`&an Avenue, have major public facilities with QR codes on them. When scanned, the code opens an information page on the smart device. The information tells people whom to contact to report any damage to public facilities or whoever is responsible for maintenance and repair.People can also use the social-networking app WeChat to report any issues to the management or search for the nearest metro stations or public restrooms.This is Special English.China&`&s top economic planner has approved a plan to build an intercity railway network linking Beijing and neighboring city Tianjin as well as Hebei province. The blueprint targets the year 2020 as its initial phase. The whole system consists of nine rail lines with a total length of 1,100 kilometers. The National Development and Reform Commission estimated the total investment to be 250 billion yuan. That&`&s roughly 36 billion U.S. dollars. The network is a major infrastructure project of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integrated development plan. Three major lines will connect Beijing, Tianjin and the capital of Hebei Province with high-speed trains traveling at up to 350 kilometers per hour. The commuting time between any pair of the three cities will be cut down to less than an hour. Last year, China passed the Outline of Collaborative Development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province. The outline proposed removing some of Beijing&`&s noncapital functions to neighboring areas to control pollution and improve transport conditions. Experts say the new railway network will greatly boost real estate development in the area. The preparatory work of certain lines, including that from Beijing to Tangshan city, has already started.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.Plans are in the pipeline for an animated movie featuring the prehistoric Sanxingdui Ruins in southwest China&`&s Sichuan Province.The film, "The Golden Mask", tells the story of a golden mask found during the excavation of some mysterious ruins.The movie features fantasy, adventure and also time travel. It is said to be produced and screened on 3D and IMAX screens and will be released in 2019.With an investment of 20 million U.S. dollars, the movie has secured copyright certificates from China and the United States. The crew includes a director, an art designer and a composer from Hollywood.A spokesperson said in a recent news release that the movie aims to spread the mysterious culture that surrounds Sanxingdui Ruins.The ruins are located some 40 kilometers from Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan. They are believed to be remnants of the ancient Shu Kingdom that disappeared for unknown reasons some 3,000 years ago.Sprawling over an area of 12 square kilometers, the ruins are listed among China&`&s top 10 archaeological findings of the 20th century, and are seen as representing the origins of ancient Chinese civilization.This is Special English.Gripping tiny slices of sheer rock and hoisting himself up 3,000 feet with only his strength, Adam Ondra quietly inched his way up one of the world&`&s most challenging rock walls and into the record books.Ondra, a 23-year-old from the Czech Republic, took eight days to finish the free-climb up the Dawn Wall of the famed El Capitan in California&`&s Yosemite National Park.Ondra&`&s recent accomplishment was the second-ever free assent of the wall.Nearly two years ago, U.S. climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson were first to chart and conquer the route, a feat that took the pair 19 days.Jorgeson said it&`&s like being a proud parent, in a way, because he feels honored that Ondra was drawn to the challenge. He said that is the point: To raise the bar so someone else can do the same thing and stand on your shoulders.Unlike climbers who need more elaborate equipment, free-climbers use their strength and ability to grasp tiny cracks and lips in the granite rock with their fingertips and toes. They use ropes and harnesses only for safety to catch if they fall.Throughout the climb, Ondra took to social media to post about the cold, soaking rain and the pain from the granite wearing down the skin on his fingers. He also celebrated victories.He wrote on Instagram as he neared the top that it was hard to find the words to describe how he felt. One of his posts said that he had made it up the Wino Tower and had no more hard pitches to guard his way to the top. He said this made him feel that he could not ask for a better day.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Stone helmets, armor and animal remains are among the latest archaeological finds at Emperor Qinshihuang&`&s mausoleum in Xi&`&an in northwest China.The items have been found in the celebrated site, which is home to China&`&s iconic Terracotta Warriors.During a recent excavation, archaeologists have found out about the mausoleum&`&s general structure, which was previously unknown. A large number of new pits have been discovered. Among them, more than 400 were located within the mausoleum and dozens of small tombs were found near the site.Experts believe the stone helmets and armor were not for wearing, but their real functions remained unknown. The finds also include several thousand pieces of animal remains and other animal-related objects, making it the largest number of animal-related discoveries ever found in a single site.One of the most commonly seen animals unearthed at the site were horses. Horse images can be found on pottery and copper wares. Other animals include some very rare bird species and beasts.This is Special English.A total of 160 items originally received by public servants as business gifts went up for auction recently in central China&`&s Hubei Province.The gift items were turned in by staff from almost 30 government organs, public institutions and state-owned enterprises in the past two years in Wuhan, the provincial capital.China does not allow public servants to receive gifts. Those who take business gifts must hand them in and register them within one month. The auction was seen by many as showing the local government&`&s determination to fight corruption.Jewelry, paintings, watches and electronic devices were among the items for the auction. The initial bidding price of all items totaled almost 600,000 yuan, roughly 86,000 U.S. dollars.Around 200 people showed up at the event and almost the auctions were successful.（全文见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.China will increase the number of beds in obstetrics units and train more midwives to meet the rapidly growing demand for maternal services resulting from the universal second-child policy. China&`&s top health authority said in a guideline released recently that it will speed up training of obstetricians and midwives to produce 140,000 such professionals before 2020. The National Health and Family Planning Commission also urged local health authorities nationwide to add a total of 89,000 beds in obstetrics units in the next few years to help close the gap between supply and demand of maternal services. The guideline is intended to improve basic maternal healthcare services to ensure the universal second-child policy, implemented at the beginning of the year, is smoothly carried out. There is a severe shortage of obstetricians and midwives in China, with just 30 midwives for every 1 million pregnant women, far below most other countries.The birth rate has increased with the new second-child policy, especially in big cities, causing great strains on maternal resources and a shortage of medical professionals. Occupation rates of beds in obstetrics units at major hospitals in Beijing reached an average of 108 percent last year before the policy was implemented. The commission said this means that all beds were in use and temporary solutions were required to meet demands in such hospitals. This is Special English.A century-old railway station in Beijing has been put out of service due to the construction of an intercity railway linking Beijing and Zhangjiakou city in Hebei Province.The Qinghuayuan Railway Station, built in 1910, will be preserved as the station still retains some of its original features.Local residents near the station have come and taken photos of the site. Some bought a ticket as a keepsake.In addition, the Beijing North Railway Station has also suspended ticket sales to coordinate with the construction of the new intercity railway.According to the Beijing Railway Administration, information of the affected trains and stations will be released to the public as early as possible to minimize any potential inconvenience caused by the changes.The new intercity railway is expected to be finished in 2020 and to serve by 2022 for the Winter Olympic Games co-hosted by the two cities.The railway will allow a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour. It will take only 50 minutes to travel from one city to the other, a distance of approximately 170 kilometers. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. （完整文稿见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.China&`&s second lunar probe, Chang&`&e-2, has been a huge success and is now the smallest man-made asteroid in the solar system.According to a leading scientist of China&`&s lunar exploration project, the lunar probe, launched in 2010, has fulfilled its mission and made worthwhile achievements.The scientist said the lunar probe has completed and published a full seven-meter-resolution map of the Moon&`&s surface for the first time.It used X-ray observation data to fully map the Moon&`&s surface and calculate aluminum distribution on the Moon.Currently, the Chang&`&e-2 is the smallest man-made asteroid in the solar system. It has completed over 200 million kilometers flight and will continue to fly, returning somewhere closer to the earth around 2029.This is Special English.Children from across the world have extended birthday wishes to taikonaut Jing Haipeng, who is currently orbiting the earth in space lab Tiangong-2."Happy birthday Uncle Jing, &`&Tashi delek&`&," said a Tibetan primary school girl using the Tibetan greeting for good luck and best wishes. She also said that it was her dream to become an astronaut.Jing, commander of the Shenzhou-11 mission, turned 50 on Monday.Xinhua News Agency has collected more than 10,000 birthday wishes for Jing from children all around the world. The messages, pictures and videos were sent from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as from other countries including the United States and Sweden. Xinhua has sent some of the messages, pictures and videos to Jing.A pupil in Beijing said he felt lucky to be so close to an astronaut, and he was more than willing to send his birthday wishes to Uncle Jing.A student from a special education school in Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province sent her birthday message by sign language. Two days ago, she asked the astronauts in space whether they had seen aliens.Jing&`&s teammate in the mission, Chen Dong, replied that he hadn&`&t seen any aliens yet, but he did harbor a hope that he would see aliens and many other peculiar things.The two will continue to live in space for 30 days before returning to Earth.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. The Ministry of Education plans to sign more agreements on the mutual recognition of academic degrees with other countries.The ministry said that by 2020, such mutual recognition agreements will hopefully cover most countries of the world, particularly developed countries.An international education conference was held in Beijing recently. The annual event aims to promote study in a foreign country, and this year, it&`&s Ireland in particular. The authority said such mutual recognition agreements represented other countries&`& recognition of the quality of China&`&s higher education.Since 1988, China has inked such deals with 46 countries.This is Special English.Chinese students studying abroad have become younger in age.According to a report released in a national education portal site, graduate students plunged to 40 percent of total Chinese students studying in the United States last year, compared with 80 percent 10 years ago.The report in Education Online said that meanwhile, the number of Chinese high school students studying in the United States maintained double-digit growth, accounting for 52 percent of Chinese students in the United States.The report said the number of Chinese students for overseas study has increased steadily. Last year, 520,000 students studied overseas, and the number is expected to keep growing this year.The United States is the main destination for Chinese students studying abroad, hitting 320,000 so far this year.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. North China&`&s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has launched a program to attract medical graduates to work in rural areas to tackle an acute shortage of health care workers.The region is home to many people of Mongolian ethnicity as well as people from other ethnic minority groups who make their living through grazing and animal husbandry.Rural medical services are insufficient, although a program in effect since 2013 has provided an on-the-job training for 12,000 medical workers.A notice issued by the regional health department showed that only 9 percent of 20,000 health workers in service in rural areas are licensed medical practitioners.Under the newly implemented policies, vocational-school medical students willing to work in rural areas after graduation will receive tuition waivers for all three years of their schooling and be provided with subsidies for school accommodation.The regional government hopes the program will help channel 10,000 assistant medical practitioners into village clinics over the next five years.China is in desperate need of village doctors. But rural doctors are increasingly reluctant to stay at their job due to barriers including low pay, a lack of prestige and little room for advancement.This is Special English.China will offer more policy support to boost education services for its senior citizens.A newly released State Council plan said China should establish a comprehensive elderly education system by 2020, with diversified teaching approaches and content.Communities, nursing houses and other elderly care facilities are encouraged to offer a range of courses, and the government will provide full support, including financial subsidies and IT services.According to the plan&`&s target, more than 20 percent of the total elderly population will be able to regularly participate in various educational activities by 2020.As of the end of last year, people over 65 years old accounted for more than 10 percent of China&`&s total population. By 2020, the number of senior citizens will have reached 240 million, or 17 percent of the total population.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.Beijing is planning to list ice and snow sports as a compulsory course for primary and middle school students.Municipal authorities made the announcement at the International Winter Sports Exposition held in Beijing.The authority is hoping that the students can do at least one type of winter sport in the future.Beijing will push the development of youth ice-snow sports, making sure young students have at least one hour to practice the sports every week.The city is also looking to put ski resorts in the suburbs and ice rinks in six downtown districts.Until 2022, 16 new standard indoor and 50 outdoor rinks will be built, and commercial rinks are not included in this figure.Beijing has vigorously been pushing winter sports into school curriculums since this year. For example, rinks and ski simulators are used in several schools, and professional athletes are invited to teach children to skate.The government will also fund the sports to lower costs for registration and competitions, as ice and snow sports such as hockey are often unaffordable for families with average income.Beijing, accompanied by Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province, will be the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics, which will be China&`&s first winter Olympics.This is Special English.An orange fish swims along an underwater pipeline, searching for leaks. After finding the holes, it alerts workers on shore with a loud noise.That isn&`&t a trailer for the latest Disney cartoon, but a real-life demonstration at the 2016 World Robot Conference in Beijing.The mechanic is called SmartTuna. It is a robot developed to help fix leaking underwater pipelines.Sometimes it&`&s dangerous for humans to go down into the water, so people developed this robot. The demonstrators said the robot is precise, small and smart.More than 2,000 competitors from a dozen countries were in Beijing to show off and share ideas during the five-day conference.With an aging workforce and rising labor costs, China is determined to drive robot development. The output value of China&`&s homegrown robots last year stood at 1.6 billion yuan, roughly 240 million U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 55 percent.At the conference, Vice Premier Liu Yandong urged enhanced research and development of the industry. She said related policies should be improved, human resources should be developed and global communication should be enhanced.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. （全文见周日微信。）

This is Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news.The Tiangong II space laboratory has released its companion satellite, Banxing-2.The satellite weighs 47 kilograms and roughly the size of a desktop printer. The microsatellite has a series of visible light cameras, including a 25 megapixel camera and wide-angle imagers. Its mission is to take photographs of Tiangong II and the Shenzhou XI spacecraft, which docked with the lab a few days ago.The satellite has been nicknamed by China Central Television as a "Selfie Stick". It also has an infrared camera that is temperature-sensitive.A chief engineer of the satellite program said the companion satellite is like a private nurse for Tiangong II and Shenzhou XI. It monitors their conditions all the time, which is helpful in detecting any failures.With three solar panels, the satellite can also generate enough power to adjust its orbit to shoot pictures of the lab and the spacecraft.This is Special English.China is well prepared to launch the Chang&`&e-5 lunar probe next year to collect and bring back moon rock samples for scientific research.A chief scientist of China&`&s lunar exploration project said the launch of Chang&`&e-5 represents the third stage of China&`&s lunar exploration endeavor.The first stage of lunar expedition was achieved by sending Chang&`&e-1, a circumlunar satellite, in 2007. For the second stage, China landed its lunar probe Chang&`&e-3 on the surface of the moon in 2013.The scientist said the launch of Chang&`&e-5 will improve China&`&s space science technology. By analyzing the component of the samples to be collected by Chang&`&e-5, scientists will deepen their study into the formation and evolution of the moon.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.Chinese civil affairs authorities have pledged to provide seniors with better nursing services by mobilizing idle social resources.An official statement was issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and 10 other ministries. It asked authorities to transform abandoned factories, hospitals and other state-owned enterprises into nursing institutions for the elderly.The move aims to provide more nursing facilities and ensure that seniors are able to access nursing services as close to their homes as possible.The statement also called for enhanced reform to further streamline administrative approval and delegate more power to lower level governments. Applications to run such institutions should be approved in a timely manner.China&`&s population is aging. Last year, 220 million of the country&`&s 1.3 billion citizens were aged 60 or older. The number is expected to grow at an alarming rate over the next few decades.This is Special English.More than 500,000 people have registered to take China&`&s national civil-service examinations, only six days since registration began. As of October 20, the registration system had already verified 520,000 candidates to participate in the exam. The figure marks an increase of 87,000 over last year. The average number of applicants per position was almost 20 to 1.The position with the largest number of applicants is an opening under the China Democratic League Central Committee. A total of 2,000 applicants are competing over this one vacancy. Another 10,000 people are vying for places in the country&`&s 13 provincial tax administration bureaus.In contrast, 900 positions have not seen even a single applicant. The majority of these positions are arduous, base level jobs stationed in relatively remote rural areas. For example, a railway public security bureau in Hohhot in Inner Mongolia is looking to hire six people, but no one has yet registered for the positions. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, one of China&`&s most famous places of interest, has been closed for repairs that will last for 27 months. The double-decked bridge was opened in 1968 in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province. It received leaders from more than 100 countries and regions, and more than 600 foreign delegations from 1970 to 1993. It was China&`&s first home-produced and built road and rail truss bridge, and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest bridge with the dual functions of highway and railway. In 2014, it was listed as one of the Immovable Cultural Relics under State protection designated by the State Council, China&`&s Cabinet. The bridge carried around 100,000 vehicles every day, which greatly surpasses its designed capacity. The lane boards of the bridge have cracked in many places, and mortar bedding cushions have fallen apart. Metal fatigue is appearing on the steel.Since 2002, the bridge has been repaired a dozen times. It is the first time that the bridge has been completely closed for repairs because the related safety issues pose a risk to the railway on the lower deck and the vehicles on the upper deck. Relic protection experts have been invited to design a specialized plan to protect the bridge. This is Special English.Police in Shanghai have arrested 19 people suspected of repackaging more than 200 tons of expired New Zealand-made Fonterra milk powder to sell on the market.Food safety and police authorities announced that the suspects were operating under a Shanghai-registered trading firm. The suspects repackaged 270 tons of expired milk powder into smaller portions and sold them online or through retailers in several provinces for enticing lower prices.Police were alerted in March after they discovered the repackaged products in a raid on a retailer&`&s warehouse. In subsequent raids, police confiscated 110 tons of the expired milk powder from the company&`&s warehouse. The remaining 170 tons had been sold to retailers.Authorities say they were pursuing the dairy products in question and had ordered the closure of the retailers&`& online shops.So far, there are no reports of any health issues in people who have used the expired milk powder.Initial investigations show the group&`&s motive was to salvage losses from the unsold imported goods that went beyond their expiry date. This is Special English.Bird protection volunteers and local authorities in the northern city of Tianjin have cleared more than 10,000 meters of illegal mist nets and rescued more than 3,000 birds. The rescue efforts were carried out in the city&`&s east coast area during the national holiday week in October. Migratory birds make a stopover in Tianjin in the autumn when they fly back to their winter habitats in the south. Illegal netting has become a serious problem by poachers who catch the birds to sell in the animal market. A volunteer said they patrolled the coast and destroyed the nets. He said they conducted the search every year and this year&`&s was the most he had ever found. The nets are concealed in reed beds in the wetlands. Different kinds of birds, including some endangered species, were trapped, and many had been found dead in the nets.During the holiday week, 50 volunteers and staff members from Tianjin&`&s Binhai New Area patrolled the coast. A man has been arrested on suspicion of putting up a net to catch the birds.Almost all of the nets along Tianjin&`&s coast have now been cleared. Police also found a den selling birds in the border area of Tianjin and Hebei Province and seized 36,000 live birds. The birds have all been freed.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That&`&s mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues.A Chinese delegation has wrapped up its trip to Britain where they visited universities and a media house to boost exchanges in Tibetan culture.The delegation visited universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Westminster. Delegation members talked with researchers and students in the universities on issues including Tibet&`&s opening up and religious freedom.The delegation also visited the headquarters of the Daily Telegraph newspaper.The head of the delegation said he hopes to present the real Tibet to the Western world and clearing up misunderstandings through the visit.Dibyesh Anand, head of a department at the University of Westminster, said the visit of the delegation provides a different perspectives for his students to observe Tibet.He said Tibet has made huge achievements in its economic development over the past decades but also has challenges in governance.This is Special English.Italian relic experts will help their Chinese counterparts preserve fine wall paintings discovered at ancient tombs dated back more than 1,000 years in northwest China.According to an agreement signed recently, the Sino-Italian cooperation will last for three years and involves training, joint research, relic repair and protection.The document was signed between Rome&`&s High Institute for Conservation and Restoration and the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi&`&an in Shaanxi Province.Xi&`&an was the imperial seat of a dozen ancient Chinese dynasties and is home to some of the country&`&s richest cultural relics. The focus of the latest cooperation is tomb wall paintings of the Tang Dynasty, prime age in Chinese civilization with flourishing art cultures.Shaanxi History Museum houses 640 wall paintings of Tang tombs. Among them, 100 are considered top quality, offering historians good materials to study the Tang Dynasty arts, culture, religion, and social life.The museum hopes the Sino-Italian cooperation will provide vital experience for Chinese researchers to protect ancient wall paintings in general.China started to preserve the wall paintings as early as 1952, but some of the art pieces were difficult to retrieve due to the backward technology then.As the technology advanced in subsequent decades, the conservation efforts have made huge progress. But some tough issues remained, including the dismemberment and discoloration of certain objects. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Mark Griffiths in Beijing.（全文见周六微信。）

This is Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. Here is the news. Following the implementation in January of harsher rules against bribes and gifts, provincial governments are abolishing special accounts that have been misused by officials to hide ill-gotten gains. In August, the Guizhou government joined at least three other provinces in canceling a special bank account that officials had used to deposit money and remain under the radar of graft investigators. The first "clean governance accounts" were established in the 1990s to reduce corruption while protecting the privacy of officials. Over a dozen provincial-level governments had established such accounts. The provinces of Sichuan and Gansu, as well as the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, recently eliminated them. Usually, the accounts are managed by the local discipline inspection authorities and banks. The names of the depositor and the sum are not disclosed, and the money is turned over to the local treasury. Zhuang Deshui, a professor at Peking University, explained that the accounts were designed as an outlet for officials who are remorseful. However, some officials have misused the service. Many use the account as an umbrella or safe haven. For example, some corrupt officials only deposit bribes when they face an investigation. This is Special English. This year will witness 7.6 million students graduating from universities and colleges across China. This summer is also the first employment season after the universal two-child policy came into effect. As a result, female graduates are facing more severe competition and pressure in job hunting. Overt and covert gender discrimination floods recruitment notices. Examples of more explicit discrimination include "only male", "male preferred", "married mother preferred", "higher educational background for female candidates", "appearance and height required" and "obligations of no marriage and no reproduction in certain years". However, even covert discrimination can be quite obvious, such as when employers inquire about female applicants' marital status and thoughts on family planning, or stress that the position requires frequent overtime and is therefore more suitable for men. According to a 2014 survey conducted by the Women's Studies Institute of China, WSIC, 86 percent of female graduates in Beijing, Hebei and Shandong say they have experienced gender discrimination while job hunting. Marriage, childbearing and employment are all women's rights, and are protected by law, explained Ma Yan, a researcher with WSIC. However, Ma said, childbearing does increase costs to employers. For example, in the wake of the universal two-child policy, many local governments have extended mandated maternity from one month to three. You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. China has launched a new high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging satellite from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province. The Gaofen-3 satellite was launched off the back of a Long March 4C rocket. It was the 233rd flight mission by a Long March carrier rocket. This is China's first Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging satellite that is accurate to one meter in distance. It covers the globe with an all-weather, 24-hour observation service and will be used for disaster warning, weather forecasting, water resource assessments, and the protection of maritime rights. With 12 imaging modes, the high-definition observation satellite is capable of taking wide pictures of earth and photographing detailed scenarios of specific areas. Gaofen-3 is also China's first low orbit remote sensing satellite that has a lifespan of eight years. It is able to provide high-definition remote sensing data for its users over long periods of time. Since the inception of the Gaofen project in 2013, China has had an increasingly clear view of the planet. Launched in April 2013, Gaofen-1 can cover the globe in just four days. Gaofen-2 was sent into space in August 2014 and is accurate to 0.8 of a meter in full color and can collect multispectral images of objects 3 meters or longer in length. Gaofen-4, launched late last year, is China's first geosynchronous orbit high-definition optical imaging satellite and the world's most sophisticated. The Gaofen-3 and the Long March 4C rocket were developed by the China Academy of Space Technology and the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, under the guidance of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. This is Special English. China's military is likely to deploy the Type-96B tank as the pillar of its tank fleet, replacing most of its old models. Military observers say the excellent capabilities of the Type-96B qualified it to be the backbone of China's tank force. The Type-96B is the strongest variant of the Type-96 family and is truly an advanced, third-generation main battle tank. The army will use it to replace the old tanks including the Type-59 and Type-69 models. The latest developments came as the Type-96B delivered impressive performances in the Masters of Automobile and Tank Hardware competition, also known as the Tank Biathlon, held recently in Moscow. China sent several Type-96B tanks to take part in the tank competition, the most watched part of the Russia-hosted International Army Games. The eight-day individual part of the competition involved 54 teams from 17 countries, with the Chinese delegation scoring the highest. The Chinese military had more than 7,000 tanks in active service by the end of last year, and the majority of the armored force is still equipped with tanks made several decades ago. However, experts say it is unrealistic for the Chinese military to purchase and deploy the new tanks on a large scale due to their high price and limited production capacity. You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. A Chinese woman has received 1.7 million yuan, roughly 260,000 U.S dollars, for a wrongful murder conviction that put her behind bars for 13 years. The court in Yunnan Province ruled that Qian Renfeng's confession was made under duress and that she was not guilty of the murder charge she was convicted for in 2002. Qian was working at a nursery where a toddler died of food poisoning and two other children were hospitalized. Qian, who had prepared the children's meals that day, was forced into confessing that she had mixed rat poison into the food. It was on the basis of this forced confession that she was found guilty of murder. In 2013, procurators in the province reopened her case. The investigation took almost two years. Last year, the procurators ruled that there was a lack of evidence to support the conviction, and advised the provincial higher court to rehear the case. In December last year, the higher court quashed the sentence, ruling that it lacked sufficient evidence to determine guilt beyond reasonable doubt. She was exonerated and released. Qian had filed for up to 9 million yuan, roughly 1.5 million U.S. dollars, in damages. You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to newsplusradio.cn. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing us at mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. That's mansuyingyu@cri.com.cn. Now the news continues. The designer of the tall, lane-straddling bus Song Youzhou has said the bus can run smoothly despite doubts raised in some quarters. The bus, known as the Transit Elevated Bus, allows cars to pass beneath. The feasibility of the vehicle was questioned after a test run last month in Hebei Province. The bus is 22 meters long, 8 meters wide and 5 meters tall. It is designed with a passenger area high above the ground, with a capacity of 300 people. The legs of the bus reach over lanes of ordinary traffic, creating a sort of moving tunnel. Vehicles less than 2 meters high can pass beneath it. The bus was designed to relieve traffic pressure on roads. But media and internet users have questioned whether the bus will work as expected, because some vehicles are taller than two meters and the huge vehicle can face many challenges on the road. According to Song, more than 90 percent of the vehicles in cities are salon cars and SUVs which are within 2 meters in height. He said most of them can run under the bus, thus helping to improve the utilization rate of roads. This is Special English. Though tipping is not widely practiced on the Chinese mainland, some restaurants in the economic powerhouse of Shanghai are now facilitating rewards for waiters through scanning a QR code, usually for 3 to 5 yuan, roughly 45 to 75 US cents. Using a loudspeaker, a barbecue store in Shanghai suggests that customers are welcome to tip through online payment platforms including WeChat, in recognition of the good service they receive. At the entrance to another restaurant, an eye-catching poster pledges a 10 yuan coupon to those who have given tips of up to 3 yuan. Another store, which is part of a restaurant chain, also joined the trend in encouraging tipping, as a means to improve service. A restaurant worker said she received as many as 60 tips a day for her excellent service, which brings her 3,600 yuan extra a month. She said she felt a sense of self-worth through the tips. But one customer said she was embarrassed to give 4 yuan in cash to a waiter but was happy to scan a QR code to transfer the money via her cellphone. But there are also customers who are clearly not ready for the practice simply because tipping is not a must in China. You're listening to Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing. A college student from East China says her dream is to see more Chinese women succeed in their ambition to become entrepreneurs. Twenty-one-year-old Hong Xinyu was China's representative at the Girls-20 Summit in Beijing. She told the international gathering that her plan is to open a workshop to help women who are unable to go to college get training in management. Hong said Chinese women still don't have enough opportunities to achieve career success. One important reason is that many of them lack management ability and entrepreneurship. Twenty-four young women joined this year's Girls 20 summit. They were chosen for their experience, ambition and learning ability among more than 1,700 applicants from G20 member countries. The Girls20 was established in 2009. It is an organization based in Canada that is devoted to promoting greater female participation in the workforce around the world. The head of Girls 20, Farah Mohamed, said China stands out internationally for producing impressive examples of women who are in power, particularly in business. Eight of the world's top-10 richest self-made women are from China, compared with two from the United States. Zhou Qunfei, who heads touch-screen maker Lens Technology, stormed to the top of the list with her 8 billion U.S.-dollar fortune. This is Special English. （全文见周六微信。）