Month: October 2024

On October 14, the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives announced a dedicated fund to address the issue of tilapia overpopulation in the country.

In an interview, Panya, the Director of the Fisheries Department, shared that the ministry is implementing various measures to mitigate the impact of the tilapia excess on the nation’s economy, society, and environment.

Recently, the government allocated 4.9 million THB (approximately 1 million RMB) to support relevant fisheries community organizations, local enterprises, homemaker groups, and cooperatives. This funding aims to assist them in producing fermented fish to help manage the tilapia surplus.

The initiative will be rolled out in nine provinces particularly affected by the tilapia invasion, including Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Prachinburi, Lopburi, Chonburi, Rayong, and Nakhon Nayok. The funds will be used to purchase tilapia and necessary production supplies.

Panya explained that fermented fish is a popular food item in Thailand, which can be processed into various products such as flavored fish sauce, fermented fish powder, and block-form fermented fish. Currently, numerous brands of fermented fish products are exported to markets in ASEAN, the EU, the Middle East, China, and the United States, generating hundreds of billions of THB in revenue.

He emphasized that sourcing tilapia from affected areas for the production of fermented fish is a viable solution to the overpopulation problem, as it helps eliminate the surplus by increasing market demand.

Moreover, Panya highlighted that this plan not only seeks to alleviate the ecological impact of the tilapia overgrowth but also adds value to locally processed fishery products, thereby furthering the development of grassroots economies.

Friday night saw a fiery debate between congressional candidates Sam Liccardo and Evan Low in a televised showdown hosted by NBC Bay Area, Telemundo 48, and KQED. This event was a significant moment in the intensifying battle for the House seat in California’s 16th District, as both Democratic candidates have been openly criticizing each other for months through various media, online platforms, allies, and supporters.

During the one-hour debate, Liccardo and Low tackled a range of pressing issues, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas, immigration, homelessness, crime, and technology policies. Whenever the opportunity arose, both candidates took jabs at each other, highlighting their past achievements and endorsements in a bid to win over voters.

Liccardo accused Low of improper campaign practices, claiming he misused state campaign funds for federal elections. He pointed out that Low is currently under investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission for halting the disclosure of donors linked to a nonprofit associated with his California legislative task force on technology.

In response, Low repeatedly criticized Liccardo’s record on public safety, citing the departure of 500 police officers during his tenure. Liccardo defended himself by stating that San Jose actually gained 200 police officers after he took office as mayor.

Low countered by asserting that Liccardo still owes the city 300 police officers and mentioned that he has the backing of the police union, noting that his brother, a police officer, was among the audience. He also reminded viewers that Liccardo supported pension reforms and cuts to police staffing during his time in the San Jose City Council and as mayor.

Liccardo pointed out that Low’s support from the police union stems from his 2018 decision to block a police reform bill that would have made records of police misconduct publicly available. Low maintained that he stands by his decision.

“When officers commit crimes such as sexual assault, excessive force, or theft, the public has the right to know,” Liccardo asserted.

Both candidates expressed support for increasing immigration while also backing stronger border security. When asked if they would advocate changing President Biden’s immigration policies, Low quoted Vice President Kamala Harris with a firm “no,” while Liccardo critiqued the Biden administration for its slow response to the border crisis.

Low endorsed comprehensive immigration reform at the national level, mentioning the challenges faced by undocumented agricultural workers in Half Moon Bay. He emphasized the need for reform that addresses high-skilled workers as well.

The candidates exchanged barbs over housing and homelessness issues. Liccardo claimed Low has not done enough in the California legislature to address these challenges, while Low accused Liccardo of allowing homelessness to spiral out of control during his mayoral tenure.

Liccardo supports removing barriers to Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, while Low argued for stronger auditing and accountability of spending on homelessness services and insisted that cities need to be responsible for building sufficient affordable housing.

Low also criticized Liccardo for failing to meet California’s housing goal of 13,128 units during his mayoral term. “Low has shown zero leadership on homelessness,” Liccardo shot back.

The debate also touched on Proposition 36, a statewide measure aimed at increasing penalties for drug and retail theft crimes. Low opposed the measure, citing a reluctance to return to the era of mass incarceration. In contrast, Liccardo supported it, arguing that “arresting people doesn’t equate to incarcerating them.”

Given that California’s 16th District is heavily influenced by the tech sector, the two candidates found common ground in this area. Both expressed support for stronger online privacy protections, particularly for children, and advocated for safeguarding jobs threatened by automation.

“If we establish a private sector standard—the best standard—as a baseline for accountability, we can achieve a lot,” Liccardo stated.

This debate was initially scheduled for October 2 but was postponed due to Liccardo suffering from laryngitis.

The announcement of Japan’s 50th House of Representatives election yesterday marked the official kickoff of the 12-day campaign period, with major media outlets identifying 21 prominent candidates facing potential election crises. Among them is Koichi Hagiuda, a former chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s Policy Research Council and a close confidant of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In total, 1,344 candidates have registered to run for 465 seats in the elections, which will take place on the 27th. This includes both district representatives (289 seats) and proportional representatives (176 seats).

Notably, 46 candidates linked to the so-called “small fund incident” have registered. Of these, 34 received nominations from the LDP, while 12 officials from the old Abe faction, including Hagiuda, were left without party nominations and are running as independents.

These independent candidates cannot run in both district and proportional representation races, meaning that if they do not succeed in their districts, they will not have another chance. Should any of the non-nominated candidates win, the LDP plans to offer them recognition post-election.

Among the former officials standing as independents are Hagiuda, former Minister of Education Hirofumi Shimomura, former Minister of Economy and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura, and former Chairman of the Diet Affairs Committee Takeshi Takagi.

Taro Uesugi, who withdrew from the proportional representation race, is running as an independent in Fukushima’s 3rd district. Hiroshi Sekō, a former senator who left the LDP due to the small fund scandal, is contesting as an independent in Wakayama’s 2nd district.

The focus of this election revolves around whether the LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, can secure over half of the seats (233). Before the announcement, the LDP held 247 seats, while Komeito had 32, totaling 279.

According to reports by “Nikkan Gendai,” the LDP could lose as many as 58 seats, jeopardizing its majority. Conversely, political analyst Yoshimi Kobayashi estimates a potential loss of 40 to 50 seats, making it challenging to achieve a simple majority alone, but combining seats with Komeito could still enable that goal.

“Fuji Evening News” listed the 21 major candidates at risk of losing, which includes several members of the new Ishihara Cabinet that just launched in early October, such as Minister of Justice Hideki Makihara, Minister for National Security Manabu Sakai, Minister of Reconstruction Yoshihiro Ito, and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yoshihiro Osaki, alongside Hagiuda and others.

At 61, Hagiuda is contesting in Tokyo’s 24th district. Following the campaign’s official start, he began his outreach in front of the JR Hachioji station, aided by prominent LDP figures like former Minister of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Shinji Inoue and former Minister for Women’s Empowerment Haruko Arimura. Apart from the small fund incident, his connections to the former Unification Church have also sparked controversy.

Regarding the small fund scandal, Hagiuda expressed regret to voters, acknowledging the disappointment it caused. In response to the constitutional opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, fielding former senator Yoshifumi Arita in the district, Hagiuda urged voters to be discerning, questioning whether they truly want to elect someone who only comes to Hachioji to criticize.

Hagiuda noted that the small fund incident has undermined public trust in politics. While he recognizes the need for reform based on traditional practices, he emphasized the importance of discussion with constituents. However, he asserted that his office did not intentionally create a slush fund or misuse funds for personal gain.

“I am committed to serving Hachioji and have the determination to be buried in this land,” Hagiuda stated. “Unlike others who effortlessly venture here to run, we cannot leave our beloved Hachioji in the hands of such individuals.”

Hagiuda has an extensive political background, having served as a city councilor in Hachioji, a member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, and first elected to the House of Representatives in 2003. His past roles include Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister of Education and Science, Minister of Economy and Industry, and LDP Policy Research Council Chairman.

On the afternoon of October 15, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the village of Ao Jiao in Chen Cheng Town, Dongshan County, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. During his tour of the local dock, he examined dried seafood and fresh catches, while also learning about the area’s progress in rural revitalization. Remarkably, this was not his first visit; he had been here back in 2001 while working in Fujian. After 23 years, he expressed deep satisfaction with the transformative changes he observed in the village.

Reflecting on the visit, Xi noted, “Rural revitalization must emphasize our strengths and fully leverage the maritime resources.” He emphasized the bright future that lies ahead for rural areas in this new era, stating that farmers can expect to enjoy better lives. He concluded with warm wishes, saying, “May your lives continue to flourish.”

(Reported by: Zhang Xiaosong, Zhu Jichai; Photographers: Ju Peng, Xie Huanchi)

The Ministry of Civil Affairs announced today the selection of personal assistance online service platforms. Here’s a closer look at the selection process and requirements.

**Selection Principles**
Applications are welcome on a voluntary basis and must adhere to legal regulations, ensuring fairness and impartiality throughout the process.

**Eligibility Requirements**
To qualify as a designated personal assistance online service platform, applicants must meet the criteria outlined in Article 4 of the Management Measures for Personal Assistance Online Service Platforms.

**Required Application Materials**
Applicants should compile the following materials into a single document with a table of contents:
1. A declaration regarding the authenticity of the submitted materials;
2. The Personal Assistance Online Service Platform Application Form;
3. Documentation supporting the requirements set out in Article 4 of the Management Measures;
4. Explanations that align with Articles 8 through 21 of the Management Measures.

**Important Guidelines and Deadlines**
1. The deadline for submitting applications to the Ministry of Civil Affairs is October 31, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted.
2. All submitted materials must be genuine and valid. Any applicant found to have provided false information will be disqualified from the selection process.
3. The Ministry will establish an evaluation committee to determine the list of recommended personal assistance online service platforms, which will be publicly announced for five workdays.
4. Upon the completion of the announcement period, the Ministry will finalize and release the list of designated personal assistance online service platforms to the public.

**Contact Information**
For inquiries, please call: (010) 58123134
Mailing address for application materials: Department of Charity Promotion, Ministry of Civil Affairs, 6 Jianguomen South Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100721.

(Reported by CCTV’s Li Yumei; Edited by Wang Qin)

In recent years, China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry has seen remarkable growth. However, as the features of smart and connected vehicles expand, quality and safety risks have become significant concerns.

On October 17, the Fourth China Automotive Quality Technology Conference was held in Liuzhou, Guangxi, organized by the China Consumer Products Quality Safety Promotion Association and co-hosted by SAIC Motor Corporation and SAIC-GM-Wuling. Industry experts engaged in discussions centered on the theme of “Quality Management in the Era of Electrification and Intelligence.”

With the rapid advancement of new energy vehicles, the number of vehicle recalls has also been on the rise. According to data provided by Xiao Lingyun, head of the Defective Product Recall Technical Center at the State Administration for Market Regulation, a total of 3,023 automotive recalls affecting 112 million vehicles have been implemented as of the end of September this year. Notably, from January to September 2023 alone, 181 recalls were conducted, impacting approximately 9.184 million vehicles.

Zhang Qinrong, chairman of the China Consumer Products Quality Safety Promotion Association, highlighted that as the number of electric vehicles increases, there is a troubling upward trend in fire-related incidents stemming from issues with power batteries and electronic control systems.

“Car quality and safety are essential prerequisites for the healthy and sustainable development of the automotive industry,” said Zhang. He emphasized that ongoing advancements in automotive quality technology are vital for ensuring these safety standards.

There have already been numerous explorations in terms of policy and industry responses. Li Chunjiang, deputy director of the Certification and Supervision Department at the State Administration for Market Regulation, noted that the government is making quality enhancement in the automotive sector a priority. This includes continuous reforms to the mandatory product certification system and implementing dynamic management of the CCC certification catalog, which will see high-risk products, like electric vehicle charging stations, integrated into the certification management framework.

Wang Xiaoqiu, chairman of SAIC Motor Corporation, stated that while the company is rapidly advancing in innovative technologies such as solid-state batteries, advanced driving assistance systems, and smart chassis, it is also focused on improving software quality management by leveraging digital technologies to enhance its quality management system.

Looking ahead, how can automotive quality and safety be further enhanced? Zhang Qinrong believes that companies need to increase their investment in research and development, particularly in core areas such as battery technology and autonomous driving algorithms. He advocates for the development of core automotive technologies tailored to the Chinese market and consumer needs, aiming to achieve the goal of becoming a quality powerhouse through independent technological advancements.

Ensuring product quality and safety increasingly relies on the role of testing and inspection for automotive products. Zhang Ying, deputy director of the Accreditation and Testing Department at the State Administration for Market Regulation, pointed out the urgent need to address the lack of testing standards for smart connected vehicles. He emphasized the importance of expediting the formulation and improvement of testing standards relevant to electrification, intelligence, and connectivity, while driving innovation in decision-making technologies to enhance the research framework for smart vehicles.

Li Chunjiang added that market regulation authorities will actively promote high-end quality certification, increase the supply of quality products, and foster bilateral mutual recognition. They will also explore innovative international cooperation ideas for quality certification, focusing on strengthening the construction and collaboration of international automotive product standards.

On October 19, 2024, the China-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation and Dialogue Conference on Climate Change was held in Liaocheng, Shandong Province. During the event, experts and scholars engaged in discussions regarding the impacts of climate change on Pacific Island nations and the practical cooperation between China and these nations.

In his opening remarks, former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Gordon Darcy Lilo emphasized the significant threats posed by natural disasters such as tsunamis and floods to agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism in these regions, which endanger the livelihoods of their people. “Solar energy has tremendous potential to change the fate of Pacific Island countries. I hope to bring back more advanced technologies.” He also noted that two hydropower stations are currently under construction in his country in partnership with Chinese enterprises, which will help improve local electricity supply upon completion.

“Climate resilience is a crucial focus for us in addressing issues like coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events,” stated Regan Moses, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and National Resilience in Nauru. He shared that Nauru is currently relocating some communities to higher altitudes to create a greener, energy-efficient urban environment tailored to climate adaptation, envisioning sustainable “smart villages.” Within these smart villages, rainwater management systems are in place to withstand flooding, while smart transportation networks encourage residents to opt for walking, cycling, or electric vehicles, thereby reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

Lü Xinming, Deputy Director-General of the Climate Change Department at China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, highlighted the shared experiences of developing countries in grappling with climate change. “China has signed 53 South-South cooperation memorandums on climate change with 42 developing countries and has conducted 69 South-South training sessions on climate response, training nearly 2,600 officials and technicians from over 120 developing nations.”

The China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center, established in April 2022 in Liaocheng, has organized ten robust research teams over the past two years, hosting a series of high-level academic conferences and training programs related to climate change. According to Li Changping, Secretary of the Liaocheng Municipal Committee, the center has signed strategic cooperation agreements with several domestic and international organizations, providing intellectual support to the global community for addressing climate change and ocean governance.

Additionally, on this day, the Liaocheng Climate Change Cooperation Fund was launched, aimed at supporting collaborative efforts, academic exchanges, educational training, and related public welfare initiatives in climate change and low-carbon economic development within the China-Pacific Island region. The China-Pacific Island Countries Green Development Cooperation Alliance and the China-Pacific Island Countries Vocational Education Alliance were also inaugurated.

According to recent statistics, only 12% of households in California purchased earthquake insurance last year. A stark reminder of this risk is the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which caused significant damage in the Bay Area, including the collapse of the 880 highway.

Federal scientists have stated that there is a 20% likelihood of a stronger earthquake occurring in the Bay Area within the next 30 years compared to the Loma Prieta quake. Despite this knowledge, few residents are taking proactive measures to protect their homes from a potential major earthquake.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that even though California experiences earthquakes more frequently than other states, and tends to incur higher losses, only 1.5 million households had earthquake insurance in 2023, which accounts for a mere 12% of the state’s households.

It’s important to note that standard homeowners, condo, and rental insurance policies in California typically do not cover damages caused by earthquakes, including personal property loss and temporary lodging expenses. This means that if a major earthquake occurs, California residents will bear the entire financial burden of damages and costs themselves.

The low uptake of earthquake insurance in California is understandable, primarily due to high premiums and the rarity of significant earthquakes since 1989. As a result, many younger homeowners do not feel an acute sense of urgency about the risk of losing their homes to a major quake.

The California Earthquake Authority (CEA), the state’s largest earthquake insurance provider, has taken measures in recent years to reduce its payouts. Last year, the CEA lowered the maximum payout for personal property loss from $200,000 to $25,000 and eliminated the 5% or 10% deductible option for homes insured for over $1 million or older homes without foundation reinforcements built before 1980.

The CEA stated that these decisions were influenced by rising inflation rates and increasing reinsurance costs.

Historically, homeowner insurance covered damages from earthquakes, but currently, it only covers losses due to fire following an earthquake. This shift dates back to the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.7 and remains one of the most costly seismic events in U.S. history, ranking among the top ten natural disasters worldwide in terms of insurance loss.

While some insurance companies still offer earthquake insurance in the private market, representing about one-third of California’s earthquake policies, most residents purchase their coverage through the CEA. Data from the CEA indicates that their average premium is approximately $925, while private market policies average around $885.

However, when breaking down costs by specific coverage, the CEA’s premiums actually prove to be more affordable, having decreased over the past decade. The only recent increase was seen at the end of last year due to the rising costs of reinsurance and home reconstruction.

In the coming week, there are three key factors that investors should monitor regarding the U.S. stock market, as highlighted by Franklin Templeton Investments. First, speeches from Federal Reserve officials will be crucial. Investors should pay attention to their perspectives on the economy, labor market, inflation, and interest rates.

The second factor to watch is economic data. Next week will see the release of significant reports, including September retail sales, industrial production, building permits, and new housing starts.

The third critical element is corporate earnings reports. A total of 45 companies are set to release their earnings next week, including major names like Netflix, Essilor, Collins Aerospace, Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock, Procter & Gamble, American Express, American Airlines, United Airlines, Las Vegas Sands, Schlumberger, UnitedHealth, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, and Intuitive Surgical.

Additionally, the political landscape is heating up with the U.S. presidential election approaching. According to Real Clear Politics data from October 10, the probability of Kamala Harris winning has dropped to 44.7%, while Donald Trump has risen to 53.9%.

Looking at future corporate earnings, FactSet’s data as of October 4 indicates that S&P 500 companies are expected to see a 4.2% growth in the third quarter. Growth sectors like technology, healthcare, and communication services are projected to lead the charge with growth rates of 15.2%, 10.9%, and 10.5%, respectively. Conversely, materials and energy sectors are anticipated to struggle, with declines of 2.7% and 20.9%.

Notably, the Fed lowered interest rates by 50 basis points on September 18, officially kicking off a rate-cutting cycle. Franklin Templeton suggests that based on historical trends, this indicates a likelihood of a soft landing for the U.S. economy, which could support a bullish trend for the stock market in the medium to long term. During this rate-cutting period, high-quality bonds are also expected to perform well. Investors are encouraged to consider diversification and selective investments in income-oriented bond funds to participate in the market while minimizing volatility.

Sat 19 Oct 2024 19.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 19 Oct 2024 19.03 EDTShare Click here to access the print version.
Normal Sudoku rules apply, except the numbers in the cells contained within grey lines add up to the figures in the corner. No number can be repeated within each shape formed by grey lines.
Buy next week’s Observer Digital Edition to see the completed puzzle.