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On October 20, China News reported via the “China Railway” WeChat account that in the third quarter, railway cargo transportation experienced a significant quality and quantity improvement. The national railway transported a total of 1.004 billion tons of goods, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.8% and setting a historical record for quarterly cargo volume. The development of a modern railway logistics system has achieved notable results.

In the third quarter, the China National Railway Group implemented the directives of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council regarding adjustments to transportation structure and the reduction of logistics costs across society. Leveraging the advantages of a unified national railway network and centralized dispatching, the group continued to deepen market-oriented reforms in railway freight, accelerate the construction of a modern railway logistics system, and enhance the quality and efficiency of freight services. This proactive approach supports the high-quality development of the real economy, providing robust transportation support to solidify and enhance the economic recovery.

Firstly, freight capacity has been effectively expanded. The organization of cargo transport has been optimized, with coordinated use of lines, stations, locomotives, rolling stock, and freight yards to continuously increase freight capacity. The average daily loading for the national railway reached 182,000 cars, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.1%. Major energy transport corridors, such as the Datong-Qinhuangdao, Hohhot-Jiayuguan, and Lanxin railways, have been fully utilized for substantial train operations. In the third quarter, the national railway transported 520 million tons of coal, a 3.5% increase year-on-year, including 21.59 million tons of coal transported from Xinjiang, which saw a remarkable 38% growth, effectively meeting the coal transportation needs of key enterprises. Careful arrangements for transporting essential goods were made, with preferential capacity allocations and dedicated green channels to ensure timely delivery.

Secondly, express freight trains were operated efficiently. The development of multimodal transport was actively pursued to closely connect with market demands, resulting in high-quality operations of express freight trains. A national logistics circle for fast goods delivery within one to three days has been established, and products combining “trains + road transport” and “trains + ships” have reached all provincial capital cities and major ports. The exploration of a streamlined “one order system” for rail-sea express trains has significantly improved transportation efficiency. In the third quarter, the national railway dispatched 9.58 million TEUs, achieving a 17.3% increase compared to the previous year.

Thirdly, the level of freight service has seen effective enhancements. There has been strong support for local governments and enterprises to construct dedicated railway lines, accompanied by streamlined procedures and improved efficiencies that reduce costs and promote the shift from highway to rail transport. Logistics financial services like freight loans, letter of credit settlements, and financing with railway documents have been actively promoted to alleviate financing difficulties for small and micro enterprises. This has led to serving 546 clients and a total credit financing of 15.46 billion yuan. The digital transformation of railway freight is underway, with enhancements to the 95306 platform, allowing full-process online and centralized handling of freight business, thereby improving customer experience. Currently, the proportion of electronic railway bills stands at over 97%.

Lastly, market-oriented reforms in freight transportation have continued to deepen. The new system of modern logistics organizations has effectively integrated logistics resources throughout the process, promoting comprehensive logistics packaging and contract-based transportation tailored to enterprises’ needs. So far this year, national railway companies have signed 465 logistics service contracts, with a total contracted volume of 485 million tons. The implementation of national price policies has facilitated market-oriented reforms in railway freight pricing, employing pricing adjustment strategies based on direction, season, category, and capacity, resulting in approximately 42.34 billion yuan in benefits passed on to social enterprises this year.

On October 18, the Henan Provincial Publicity Department held a press conference to discuss the innovative development and transformation of Jiaozuo, a coal city in central China. Known for its long history of coal mining, Jiaozuo is one of China’s first resource-exhausted cities, but it is now embracing a transformation through innovation, aiming to become an ecological and livable model city.

During the conference, Jiaozuo’s Party Secretary, Li Yibo, highlighted the city’s commitment to innovation-led growth. In 2023, the city’s overall R&D investment intensity reached 2.82%, with a staggering 53.2% increase in R&D expenditures among large-scale industrial enterprises, ranking first in the province. The city is focusing on enhancing the technological innovation levels within three trillion-yuan industrial clusters: new materials, green food, and high-end equipment, including automotive components.

For instance, the company Dongfang Hexafluoride recently developed lithium hexafluorophosphate, achieving domestic substitution and breaking foreign monopolies. Meanwhile, Jiaozuo Jingrui Optoelectronics has developed cadmium telluride crystals that are instrumental in the Chang’e 6 lunar mission. Currently, the city’s new energy battery material industry has surpassed a scale of 50 billion yuan, and its energy storage manufacturing sector for new energy vehicles has been recognized as a national innovative industrial cluster, making the lithium-ion battery materials sector one of the first strategic emerging industry clusters in the province.

As an old industrial base, Jiaozuo is nurturing and enhancing its industrial capabilities through a chain-cluster approach. High-tech industries now account for 56.5% of the added value of large-scale industries, a significant shift from the traditional coal industry, which has seen its share in industrial output drop from 81.7% to 4.44%.

In the realm of green food, Jiaozuo has made impressive strides in the seasoning sector. Wenxian County, known as the “Capital of Instant Seasonings,” is spearheading two major product systems: “one sweet” featuring trendy tea beverages under the leadership of a local company, Grand International, which focuses on a variety of raw materials including sugar, milk, tea, coffee, fruit, and grains. The county produces 1.3 million tons annually to meet global demand. The “one salty” sector, primarily comprising seasonings, produces 600,000 tons yearly, supplying R&D services to over 3,000 national brands and supporting popular foods like snail noodles, hot and sour noodles, and various rice dishes.

Beyond industry, Jiaozuo has tapped into its rich cultural and tourism resources, such as Tai Chi, the stunning landscape of Yuntai Mountain, and the Yellow River culture. The city has launched a series of cultural tourism products, promoting integrated development with health and wellness, agriculture, and industry. Tourism has become a vibrant aspect of Jiaozuo’s identity.

Li Yibo pointed out, “We have three 5A tourist attractions—Yuntai Mountain, Qingtian River, and Shennong Mountain—along with the intangible cultural heritage of Tai Chi and the ‘Top View of the Yellow River’, Jiayun Pavilion.” During the recent National Day holiday, Jiaozuo welcomed 6.86 million tourists, generating a total revenue of 4.135 billion yuan, marking increases of 13.21% and 12.56% year-on-year, respectively.

Today, green has become the underlying color of Jiaozuo as it strives to transform from a coal city to a greener urban environment. Recognized as a national forest city, Jiaozuo is situated between the two ecological belts of the Taihang Mountains and the Yellow River. It is also the only city through which the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project passes. The city boasts a forest coverage rate of 35.2% and a green coverage rate of 45.81%, while its GDP energy consumption intensity has decreased by 10.4% over the past three years. By synergistically promoting carbon reduction, pollution control, green expansion, and economic growth, Jiaozuo is actively undertaking ecological restoration efforts, leading to clearer skies, greener landscapes, cleaner waters, and a more livable environment.

The G7 Defense Ministers’ meeting took place on October 19 in Naples, Italy, marking the first such gathering since the group’s establishment in 1975. The joint statement from the meeting expressed concern over recent military exercises conducted by the Chinese military in the vicinity of Taiwan. Key topics addressed in the statement included support for Ukraine, issues in the Middle East and Africa, and defense readiness, with specific mention of the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for international security and prosperity.

While the G7 reaffirmed its commitment to the established one-China policy, it called for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. The statement also highlighted serious concerns regarding the situations in the East and South China Seas, reaffirming strong opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion, including in maritime and air domains.

Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, the G7 reiterated its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the principles of rule of law and peaceful dispute resolution without resorting to the use of force or threats. The ministers noted that the Indo-Pacific is central to global growth, geopolitical developments, and military balance.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japan’s newly appointed Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the meeting. Both reaffirmed the significance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and expressed a shared sense of urgency concerning military activities by China and Russia around Japan. They agreed to accelerate discussions on strengthening collaboration between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

According to reports from Kyodo News, Austin emphasized that the U.S. commitment to extend deterrence to Japan, including through nuclear capabilities, remains unwavering.

The third Local Pig Resource Protection and Development Forum opened on October 19 in Foshan, Guangdong, and will run for three days. Experts and scholars gathered in Guangdong to share advanced models and innovative technologies in local pig farming, aiming to facilitate the transformation and upgrading of the local pig industry.

Local pig breeds represent a vital genetic resource for the nation. As demand for high-quality pork products continues to grow, harnessing the advantages of local pig breeds to enhance pork quality is crucial for advancing the livestock industry.

“How to protect and utilize these rich and valuable genetic resources effectively is a key challenge facing local pig industry research,” said Li Kui, chief scientist at the Agricultural Genome Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). He emphasized that the livestock sector is a significant component of the national economy, with the pig industry being a cornerstone of livestock production.

Quality breeds are essential for ensuring the healthy development of the livestock industry and are key to enhancing its core competitiveness. Li Jianmeng, Director of the Innovation Development Division of the Seed Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, noted that efforts should focus on continuing the implementation of livestock genetic improvement plans. This includes breakthroughs in core technologies for breeding and support for significant biological breeding projects to enhance the production performance levels of breeding livestock. Furthermore, he advocated for continued support of research and educational institutions and pig enterprises in utilizing new technologies, methods, and genetic resources, while exploring the beneficial characteristics of local breeds in terms of meat quality, flavor, medicinal use, and cultural significance, thereby better meeting diverse consumer demands. Strengthening international cooperation in the pig breeding industry is also vital to showcase and promote the unique advantages and brand value of local pig breeds, enhancing their recognition and influence in global markets.

The forum features 16 thematic reports analyzing the current status and development trends of the local pig industry and examining market demands and consumer trends regarding local pig products.

The protection and development of local pig resources require a collective effort from society, involving collaboration between government, research institutions, and enterprises to overcome technical challenges and accelerate the application of technological achievements. Peng Wenjun, Director of the Technology Transfer Bureau at CAAS, emphasized that the growth of the pig industry is intrinsically linked to technological innovation and the effective transfer of research outcomes. Acting as the “national team” for agricultural research, CAAS’s technology transfer bureau is organizing a pig industry team to integrate the strengths of related teams throughout the academy, tasked with driving technological innovation and promoting high-quality development in the pig industry.

In the realm of livestock breeding, CAAS has established an efficient molecular breeding technology system and developed several new livestock breeds with independent intellectual property rights. Among them, the “Guangming No. 2,” “Huaxi Cattle,” and “Lansi Pig” breeding systems have passed national variety approvals. Additionally, the “Whale-Peng No. 1” pig breed, developed by the Tang Zhonglin team at the Agricultural Genome Research Institute of CAAS and the Foshan Kunpeng Modern Agricultural Research Institute, has entered its fourth generation of selection.

This morning, October 14, 2023, dense fog has enveloped significant areas in North China and the Huang-Huai region, marking the most extensive fog event since the beginning of autumn. Multiple locations across Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi are experiencing visibility issues of less than 100 meters. It’s expected that the fog will persist into the morning hours but will begin to dissipate or weaken from north to south later tonight as cold air moves in.

The fog was particularly thick this morning, with monitoring data revealing that by 8 AM, areas such as Beijing’s Fojia Peak, alongside locations in Hebei like Xuankua, Xianghe, Bazhou, Wen’an, and others, reported extremely low visibility. Additionally, parts of Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, and even regions in Shaanxi and Hubei faced similar conditions, where fog combined with haze further deteriorated air quality.

The dense fog has resulted in the closure of several highways. According to reports from CCTV News, all eight major highway entrances surrounding Shijiazhuang are shut, and for highways around Beijing, only the Jing Zhang, Jing Xin, and Da Guang Lan Ping routes are open; the rest are closed due to fog.

This morning, the National Meteorological Center issued a yellow fog warning, forecasting further fog in central and southern Hebei, western Beijing and Tianjin, and parts of western Shandong, northeastern and southern Henan, with some areas experiencing visibility below 500 meters, and even severe conditions with visibility dropping below 200 meters in certain spots. Light to moderate haze was also reported in various regions.

Autumn and winter typically bring an increase in fog events in inland China, primarily due to radiation fog. With longer nights and cooler temperatures during these seasons, the ground cools, causing water vapor in the atmosphere to condense and form fog.

Fog is one of the weather conditions that significantly impacts transportation, often leading to highway closures and flight delays. According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Security, around 10% of traffic accidents in China annually are directly linked to fog and other severe weather conditions. So, what can drivers do to ensure safety during foggy conditions?

Firstly, drivers should reduce their speed gently and avoid sudden braking to prevent rear-end collisions. Fog lights, low beams, side lights, and hazard lights should be activated, while high beams should be avoided. Additionally, using the horn frequently can signal other drivers, and it’s crucial to understand the lane rules: for two-lane roads, stay in the inner lane; for three-lane roads, the middle lane is ideal. If visibility is severely compromised, finding the nearest exit is advisable. If that’s not an option, pulling over to the emergency stop lane and turning on the fog lights, sidelights, and taillights while positioning warning signs at least 150 meters away from the vehicle is essential. Passengers should vacate the car and seek safety behind the guardrail.

Beyond its impact on transportation, fog also poses health risks. Pollutants can combine with moisture in the air, creating conditions where these harmful substances remain concentrated at breathing heights, with their toxicity potentially increasing. Therefore, during foggy conditions, the public is advised to limit outdoor activities to safeguard their health.

Starting tonight, the arrival of cold air will gradually reduce or eliminate the fog and haze from north to south. However, this cold front is expected to bring significant temperature drops to northeastern regions, causing cities like Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang to plummet from highs above 20°C today to around 10°C tomorrow, with nighttime temperatures potentially dropping below freezing. Residents in these areas should adjust their clothing accordingly to avoid catching a cold.

In an era dominated by influencers and flashy social media content, an unexpected star has emerged from the Chinese community—a charming octogenarian known as Uncle Big Lau, or Liu Xihuang. With his earnest videos filmed in Cantonese, he aims to revitalize Chinatown and its traditional culinary scene without the extravagant production typical of younger content creators.

Uncle Big Lau has garnered a reputation as the “most trusted food critic” in Chinatown. Starting two years ago, he began posting videos across various social media platforms, showcasing different restaurants in local Chinese communities. While his approach is refreshingly straightforward compared to the glitz of many contemporary creators, his authentic storytelling and genuine love for traditional dishes resonate deeply with audiences. His videos feature him narrating in Cantonese, complete with English subtitles, creating a bridge between cultures.

With over 50,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, Uncle Big Lau explores eateries in Chinatown, Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue, and Flushing, trying out classic dishes and chatting with restaurant owners while flashing his trademark thumbs-up.

Originally from Taishan, Guangdong, Liu Xihuang immigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong in 1967 at the age of 25. After navigating language barriers and dodging military service, he started his career as a factory worker and then transitioned into the food service industry. With a wealth of experience under his belt from roles ranging from server to restaurant manager, he eventually opened a restaurant in Flushing with relatives before returning to work for other establishments in Chinatown.

Reflecting on the opportunities of his early days, he also dabbled in the beverage business in Florida and later co-owned the Golden Phoenix nightclub in Chinatown. Liu fondly recalls the challenges of that time, citing his contacts in both legitimate and less-than-legitimate circles as instrumental to his success. He even served as a volunteer police officer with the 5th precinct in Chinatown.

During the pandemic, while spending time at home, Liu was inspired by his daughter to seek out new endeavors. Although he doesn’t partake in activities like mahjong, he decided to leverage his extensive experience to help the struggling businesses in Chinatown recover economically.

His journey into online content creation began at the end of 2021. Initially, he filmed videos solo, but his daughter, Liu Yanshan, stepped in to help him, especially given his mobility issues. Despite his unfamiliarity with modern technology, Liu had a history of documenting his life through photography, often sending pictures back to family during his business days in Florida.

Today, he frequently runs into old friends on the streets of Chinatown, and his rising popularity means he’s often approached for photos. To maintain a polished image, he opts to wear a more formal shirt each day to reflect the respect he holds for the community. His contributions have caught the attention of food critics like Chua Lam in Hong Kong, indicating the growing impact of his work.

As his fanbase expands, several restaurant owners have reached out to Liu for collaboration, including renowned sauce company Lee Kum Kee. However, Liu has declined any monetization offers, emphasizing that his videos are driven by authenticity rather than profit. He’s willing to highlight the positives of a business but will not hesitate to be critical if necessary.

Liu believes that his age adds to his credibility with viewers. Aware that the Cantonese language is slowly fading, he hopes that by speaking in his native tongue, he can foster a deeper connection with his community. “I want to give back to the community where I grew up,” he states, underscoring his commitment to revitalizing Chinatown through his platform.

On October 17, a ceremony for the 2024 “Weichu Unity, Benefit for Overseas Chinese Together” initiative aimed at providing assistance to disadvantaged repatriates and their families took place at the Taoyuan Lake Square in Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province. This week-long event encompasses a variety of activities, including medical services, legal education on overseas Chinese rights, elderly care support, and health awareness lectures. Its goal is to deepen efforts in addressing challenges and fulfilling practical needs for repatriates and their families.

At the launch, Yao Yunlai, the Executive Deputy Director of the United Front Work Department of the Chuxiong Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China, expressed the hope that this initiative would enhance health awareness and disease prevention among repatriates and the wider community. He emphasized the importance of raising public awareness regarding the welfare of overseas Chinese and fostering a supportive social environment.

Medical experts from Chuxiong Prefecture and city were present at the event, offering various health services such as heart rate monitoring, blood pressure checks, health consultations, and disease diagnosis. Additionally, representatives from the overseas Chinese affairs sector and legal experts distributed informational brochures on overseas Chinese laws and provided free legal consultations.

“I appreciate the convenient and attentive medical services right at my doorstep, and I’ve learned a lot about health maintenance from this event,” said repatriate Feng Dihchun.

Another repatriate, Zeng Youcheng, shared his experience attending three legal education events. He remarked on the valuable information he gained from attorneys regarding policies available to repatriates, and he plans to share this knowledge with others in his community.

Chuxiong Prefecture aims to combine the focus on the welfare of the overseas Chinese community with safeguarding their rights through the “Warm Actions for Overseas Chinese” initiative, effectively enhancing the efficiency of overseas Chinese affairs and serving as a trusted ally for repatriates and overseas compatriots.

Located in the middle of the Yunnan Plateau, Chuxiong has continually sought new pathways in “uniting overseas Chinese hearts, gathering their wisdom, utilizing their strength, and protecting their rights.” The prefecture has also made strides in implementing community-based governance to better serve overseas Chinese, leading to increased happiness and satisfaction among them.

This initiative is jointly organized by the United Front Work Department of the Chuxiong Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Chuxiong Prefecture Overseas Chinese Federation, and the Chuxiong Prefecture Overseas Friendship Association, with support from the Chuxiong City United Front Work Department and Chuxiong City Overseas Chinese Federation.

On October 18, 2024, the Bu Tian White Hat Hacker Conference took place in Yangpu District, Shanghai. Secretary Xue Kan of the Yangpu District Committee and Vice Chairman Qi Xiangdong of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce were present to witness the signing of a strategic cooperation framework agreement. This agreement, between the Yangpu District People’s Government and relevant enterprises, aims to build a high-level digital security development barrier to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy.

Through this partnership, both parties will work together to establish a “Data Security Headquarters” and enhance collaboration across five key areas: foundational security systems for data elements, protection systems for digital economic infrastructure, secure operation and supervision of digital government, the development of a data security talent ecosystem, and safety in digital application scenarios. This initiative is expected to support the full release of data element value in Shanghai and across the country, helping to ensure the healthy development of the digital economy.

The conference also highlighted the ongoing theme in cybersecurity of offensive versus defensive strategies around vulnerabilities. The Bu Tian platform serves as a vulnerability response system that assists companies in detecting and fixing security flaws while also promoting the professionalization of white hat hackers. These ethical hackers operate using methods typically associated with “black hat” hackers but focus on strengthening security rather than exploiting weaknesses. The platform has become a crucial infrastructure for white hats to collaborate, identify vulnerabilities, and combat cyber threats. Celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, the Bu Tian platform has attracted 138,000 white hat hackers, who have collectively reported over 1.95 million vulnerabilities, providing safety services to 470,000 enterprises. Qi Xiangdong emphasized the platform’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with white hat forces and upholding the white hat ethos to create greater value in protecting cyberspace security.

In recent years, Yangpu District has capitalized on its regional advantages in technological innovation, leveraging collaborations with universities and enterprises to build comprehensive bases for national intelligent social governance and urban scenario innovation centers. The district aims to establish an innovation-driven modern industrial system led by the digital economy, positioning itself as a national pilot zone for the city’s digital economic innovation and development. Secretary Xue stated that cybersecurity is foundational for the growth of the digital economy, and Yangpu has created ample space for the development of the cybersecurity industry alongside its booming digital economy.

During the conference, awards were presented, including the Annual Most Valuable White Hat Award and the Outstanding Contribution White Hat Awards for Public Welfare and Exclusive SRCs. Notable speeches were made by experts including Wang Zhibo, Deputy Dean of the School of Cyber Space Security at Zhejiang University.

From interviews conducted during the event, it was revealed that Yangpu is home to over 7,000 digital economy enterprises, with the software and information service sector seeing a continuous double-digit growth for five years. In 2023, the sector generated a revenue of 260 billion yuan, marking an 18.7% increase, with expectations of maintaining similar growth in 2024.

Yangpu District is also actively exploring policy frameworks, standards, and mechanisms for intelligent social governance, collaborating with universities and enterprises to strengthen the district’s digital infrastructure. In September of this year, Yangpu’s case of “Digital Economy Industrial Cluster” was selected as a typical example of national urban digital transformation.

The Yangpu authorities expressed their commitment to leverage the advantages of a concentrated talent pool in scientific innovation, provide more platforms for communication and collaboration, and create more innovative application scenarios. Their goal is to unify the efforts of government, businesses, universities, and research institutes in contributing to the development of cybersecurity in both Shanghai and the broader nation.

On October 12, 2023, the 2024 International Canoe Federation “Hangzhou Super Cup” kicked off in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, featuring four competitive events: flatwater kayaking, slalom kayaking, kayak marathon, and canoe polo. This event is remarkable as it is the first of its kind globally to combine all four disciplines in one premier international competition.

The tournament spans three days and has attracted over 530 elite athletes from 36 countries and regions, including 13 Olympic champions. On the second day of competition, the flatwater kayaking men’s single kayak 500 meters races got underway. The Chinese canoeing team participated in full force, with Olympic champions Xu Shixiao, Sun Mengya, Liu Hao, and Ji Bowen racing in the singles category, alongside other prominent athletes like Xing Song, Shuai Changwen, Wang Congkang, Li Dongyan, Yu Shimeng, and Yin Mengdie.

Amidst the post-Olympic adjustment period, where many mainstay athletes are still on break or just returning to training, younger talents stepped up during this major tournament. In the women’s single kayak 500 meters event, rising star Jiang Xina clinched the gold medal with a time of 2:19.278, while Li Shuqing secured the silver medal.

In the women’s single canoe 500 meters final, Chinese athlete Wang Nan withstood pressure from Denmark’s Joan Jørgensen, the bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, and won gold with a remarkable time of 2:03.549. The Chinese canoeing team ultimately earned two gold medals and one silver in the flatwater single kayak 500 meters events.

Notably, one of the most exciting and competitive events, canoe polo, commenced on the same day. The tournament features 12 teams each for both men and women, showcasing almost all of the world’s top ten teams, including the currently ranked number one German team. After a day of fierce competition, the women’s semifinals saw Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain advance, while the men’s semifinals featured Spain, Germany, New Zealand, and the UK.

Additionally, the “Hangzhou Super Cup” introduced a special exhibition event on the same day — a mixed dragon boat race over 200 meters. This event featured voluntary participation from flatwater kayaking athletes from various countries. The fourth boat, led by Olympic champion Liu Hao, dominated the race, crossing the finish line first. “Winning time isn’t what’s important. What matters is leading our international friends to experience the ‘Chinese Dragon,’ enjoy the beautiful scenery of Fuyang, and have a great time,” Liu Hao remarked after the race.

German canoeing star Max Lemke, who has won three gold medals in canoeing at the Paris and Tokyo Olympics, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is my first time participating in a dragon boat event, and I found it very exciting, especially being with athletes from different countries. Plus, dragon boats are more stable than our kayaks, so I was happy to finish without getting drenched!”

During a recent media session, Zheng Qinwen reflected on her remarkable achievement of qualifying for the WTA Finals in just her third year on tour. “I truly feel proud to have made it to the WTA Finals. No matter what tournament I participate in, my goal is always to win,” she stated. “Moving forward, I’ll be focusing on a small training block to ensure both my body and mind are in optimal condition because it’s crucial for my competitiveness at the WTA Finals. I’m confident other players are doing the same.”

On October 16, during the Ningbo Open in Zhejiang, China, Zheng addressed her withdrawal from the tournament due to health issues, sharing her thoughts on the upcoming WTA Finals. Reports indicated that American player Coco Vandeweghe withdrew from both the Ningbo and Tokyo events, securing Zheng’s spot in the year-end championship as the final qualifier. This achievement makes her the second Chinese player after Li Na to earn a place in the WTA Finals.

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Zheng expressed her excitement. “I want to enjoy the WTA Finals because all the competitors are top-tier players who have performed incredibly well this year. I’m really looking forward to the matchups and hope everyone will be in their best form against me,” she shared.

Zheng emphasized the importance of continual self-improvement. “I also hope to manage my expectations and not put too much pressure on myself. I’ll take it one match at a time and see how I end up performing.”

Discussing her decision to withdraw from the Ningbo Open, Zheng conveyed her disappointment. “I feel very sorry for having to pull out. This event was part of my planned schedule, but competing at the China Open and Wuhan Open took a toll on me. During the Wuhan final, I already felt a strain in my left adductor muscle and had to rely on painkillers and cold medicine to compete. I was also feeling under the weather at that time, and I haven’t fully recovered. After discussing with my team, they prioritized my health and the risk of worsening my injury, leading to the decision to withdraw,” she explained.

Zheng hopes to participate in next year’s Ningbo Open and encourages fans to enjoy the upcoming matches. Looking back on the 2024 season, she expressed general satisfaction with her performance. “While I always believe I could have done better, it’s important to view my efforts at the China Open and Wuhan Open with the right perspective. Those tournaments ultimately helped me qualify for the WTA Finals. Post-Olympics, I managed to maintain a stable level of performance, which is a goal I’ve achieved,” she remarked.

On the day of the press conference, Zheng interacted with young players from the Ningbo Youth Tennis Team, drawing enthusiastic crowds. When asked about her training regimen, she replied, “The training duration varies based on the time of year. During winter training, it’s about four hours of tennis, two hours of fitness, and including warm-ups and therapy, it’s usually longer. Generally, we start around 9 AM and finish around 6 or 7 PM.”

Through her talent and hard work, Zheng’s inspiring story motivates countless young tennis enthusiasts. With impressive achievements like her runner-up finish at the Australian Open, quarter-finals at the US Open, semi-finals at the China Open, and gold in women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, she consistently breaks new ground for Chinese tennis on the world stage.

Looking ahead, when asked about her next goals, Zheng replied, “I will focus on performing well in my upcoming matches and not think too far ahead. For me, the ‘next goal’ feels distant. I prefer to take things slowly and concentrate on each day as it comes.”