Latest news with #SpringFestival
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Actress Nashi accused of 'faking' records to take gaokao
BEIJING: Authorities in northern China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region have accused an actress of using falsified records to take the country's national college entrance exam, also known as gaokao, in 2008. The actress, identified in Chinese media as Nashi (pic), has garnered significant attention online, with the accusations levelled against her by authorities spreading widely on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo. Nashi gained popularity for her role as a female general in Creation of the Gods II, which was the third highest-grossing film at this year's Spring Festival. She also features on a TV series, The Litchi Road, which is currently airing. In a recent interview, Nashi stated that she graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy through a commissioned training program designed to develop specialised talent for ethnic and underdeveloped regions. Her subsequent pursuit of a master's degree in Norway, rather than returning to work in Inner Mongolia as required by the programme, sparked public questions on how she was able to break the agreement. A statement released on Saturday by Inner Mongolia's education department stated that a joint investigation found that Nashi had registered for the 2008 national college entrance exam as a graduating student from Hohhot No 8 Middle School. However, officials stated she had never attended the school and had no official student record there — a violation the department described as "suspected fraud in college application materials". According regional rules at the time, students were required to possess valid household registration and verified academic records to qualify for the gaokao. In 2008 Nashi was admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy through a government-sponsored programme. This initiative was launched in 2007 under an agreement between Inner Mongolia's cultural authorities and the academy. From 2008 to 2020, the program enrolled students with the understanding that graduates would return to Inner Mongolia to work in their respective fields. Participants, including Nashi, signed contracts agreeing to these conditions. In 2012, after completing her undergraduate studies, Nashi applied to retrieve her diploma and degree certificate to pursue a master's degree in Norway. The request was approved, and she did not return to fulfill her employment obligations in Inner Mongolia, according to the investigation. While her documents were legally returned following a review, the case has raised broader questions about the enforcement of such contracts and the oversight of special training programs funded or facilitated by public resources. Commentators online have characterised the incident as a warning about the potential abuse of the education system. Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing and vowed to hold relevant parties accountable in accordance with laws and regulations. They also pledged to review existing policies and strengthen oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future. - China Daily/ANN
AllAfrica
20-06-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
Chinese state-owned airlines join price war in national mission
Chinese state-owned airlines have joined an intensifying price war, although unwillingly, amid challenges including local passengers' weakening spending power and rising market competition. Air China, Southern Airlines and Eastern Airlines have been facing huge losses for five years since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in early 2020. Although China canceled all epidemic rules in early 2023, the three firms still recorded net losses in the past two years. They carried more passengers last year than in 2023, but had to lower air ticket prices due to rising competition from budget airlines and China State Railway Group, the country's high-speed train operator. The price war is intensifying this year. Many Chinese airlines now offer domestic round-trip tickets at about 200 to 300 yuan (US$28 to US$42), as it is a low season before the summer holidays. Round-trip tickets to remote cities are 80- 90% off, while those to key cities like Beijing are 40-50% off. Budget airlines such as Spring Airlines and Juneyao Air are growing fast in this price war. a unit of the People's Daily, reported in late May that Chinese airlines have started offering significant discounts to customers. For example, a ticket for a round trip between Chengdu and Kunming costs only 222 yuan, and between Chengdu and Haikou, it costs 237 yuan. Kunming and Haikou are famous for their natural attractions. A Chongqing-based writer said air tickets departing from Chengdu are about 70% off on average from the high season. He said a Beijing-Sanya round trip ticket is only 230 yuan, down from 2,000 yuan during the Spring Festival in late January. He said the competition intensifies as Chinese airlines keep opening new routes this year. Citing Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) data, Xinhua reported in March that 38 airlines will open 640 new domestic flight routes this year, connecting key cities such as Chongqing, Changsha and Tianjin with tourism cities in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. The CAAC also allowed 193 local and foreign airlines to add 22,946 new international passenger and cargo flights per week in 2025, or 33% more than in the same period last year. These new routes cover 78 foreign countries, 57 along the Belt and Road. 'Do you think the three state-owned airlines don't want to make a profit?' a Shandong-based columnist called Xiao Song says in an article. 'They have their difficulties.' 'Despite losing money, some routes had to be launched for political reasons, such as those to Xinjiang and Tibet, and those to African and South American countries,' he said. He added that budget airlines and state-owned airlines operate their businesses differently. For example: Spring Airlines targets low-cost tourists who travel to remote cities, while state-owned airlines mainly compete in key cities. Juneyao Airlines offers one-day trips for businesspeople at prices lower than those of the high-speed railway. Budget airlines mainly use Airbus A320, which can fly up to 12 hours per day, compared with state-owned airlines' 10 hours. State-owned airlines deploy domestically some of their long-range Boeing 787 planes, which burn more fuel than narrow-body aircraft. State-owned airlines operate less efficiently than private firms. He said these are reasons why budget airlines can make a profit and pay their pilots 15,000 yuan per 90 flight hours, while state-owned airlines lose money and can only offer their pilots 10,000 yuan. He said state-owned airlines now realize these problems and try to provide more low-cost packages. In 2024, the top seven Chinese airlines, including state-owned and private ones, recorded combined revenues of 587 billion yuan, up 13.6%. Spring Airlines was the most profitable, with a net profit of 2.27 billion yuan. In fact, Air China, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines successfully narrowed their net or before-tax losses last year from 2023. The number of passengers carried was 155 million (+23.8%) for Air China, 141 million (+21.6%) for Eastern Airlines, and 165 million (+16%) for Southern Airlines. According to the CAAC, the total number of flight passengers grew 5.8% to 246.8 million in the first four months of 2025 compared with last year. Currently, the central government does not intend to stop the price war or reduce competition in the airline industry. 'The decline in air ticket prices is good news for the tourism market as it can effectively boost the number of tourists and create growth for related industries such as hotels, catering, transportation and retail,' a Yunnan-based writer says in an article. She thinks the trend will also help diversify the tourism market, as new and small tourism sites can emerge. However, Hsieh Chin-ho, a Taiwanese commentator, said the falling prices of air tickets and hotels will worsen China's deflationary problem, which was caused by the burst of the country's property bubbles several years ago. Hsieh said China's consumer price index (CPI) decreased by 0.1% year-on-year in May, and its producer price index (PPI) dropped by 3.3% year-on-year, showing weak domestic consumption. He said a vicious cycle created by weakening consumption and falling property prices could further drag down the Chinese economy – resulting in a lost decade of slow or negative GDP growth, such as was experienced by Japan from the 1990s to the 2010s. Read: China's fast-growing high-speed railway network faces reality
The Star
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
China and Myanmar commemorate 75 years of ties with emphasis on bilateral cooperation, support
Dancers perform during a celebration for the Spring Festival. The event aimed to boost China-Myanmar cultural exchange at the China Cultural Centre in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan 24, 2025. - Xinhua YANGON: The 75th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties was marked with events in Yangon and Mandalay on Thursday (June 5), with a focus on bilateral cooperation and China's ongoing support for Myanmar. In Yangon, a commemorative event was organised to mark the anniversary alongside the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations. Meanwhile, a forum welcoming the diplomatic milestone took place in Mandalay. Hundreds of representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, businesses, think tanks and academic institutions from both China and Myanmar attended the Yangon event, highlighting the longstanding "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between the two countries. Myo Aung, chief minister of Mandalay region, said in his speech at the event in Mandalay that over the past 75 years, Myanmar and China have continuously deepened cooperation in various fields such as science and technology, culture, education, sports and health. He added that Myanmar actively supports the joint implementation of major projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor and the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline. U Tin Oo, chairman of the Myanmar-China Friendship Association, said at the event in Yangon that China's Belt and Road Initiative has strengthened global cooperation and promoted common development. He noted that the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism has played a vital role in fostering peace, stability and development in the region. Ma Jia, Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, also addressed the event in Yangon. She said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar in 1950, bilateral relations have withstood the test of international changes and have always developed steadily. The two sides have worked hand in hand, and the people are close to each other and have helped each other, said the ambassador, adding that she hoped non-governmental organisations of both countries will continue to promote the construction of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future. Gao Ping, Chinese consul general in Mandalay, delivered a speech at the event in Mandalay, saying that no matter how the international situation changes, China has always adhered to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. She added that China considers Myanmar as a good neighbour with blood ties, as a relative, and as a friend, and has always taken the well-being of the two peoples as the starting point and foothold for formulating policies toward Myanmar. - Xinhua
Mint
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Can anything get China's shoppers to spend?
Installing more lifts in multi-storey buildings, extending the hours of children's clinics during flu season, encouraging foreign direct investment in camping. These are some of the ideas sprinkled throughout China's 'special action plan" to boost consumption, which was published on March 16th, a Sunday, thus extending the hours of China's journalists. The plan was hotly anticipated. News of its imminent arrival helped lift China's main stockmarket index by over 2% on March 14th. Officials have long talked about shifting the economy towards consumption and away from investment and exports. Indeed, raising Chinese consumption is something of a white whale for global macroeconomics. But the aim has added urgency now, since other sources of demand are under threat. Investment is still depressed by China's unending property slump: new home starts fell by almost 30% in the first two months of this year, compared with a year earlier. Exports, which propped up growth last year, face steep American tariffs that could soon rise. Economists reckon that total consumption—including state spending on things like running schools and hospitals—will have to contribute over 60% of China's growth this year if the economy is to get close to the official growth target of 5%. Last year it contributed less than 45%. Shoppers have made a mildly encouraging start. Retail sales grew by 4%, before adjusting for inflation, in January and February compared with a year earlier, according to figures released on March 17th. That was far below the pre-pandemic trend, but still an improvement over December (see chart). During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, 187m people went to the movies. Many were drawn by the animated epic 'Ne Zha 2", about a plucky demon child who defies his unpromising destiny. China's households could do with some of his vim. Their confidence was hit by draconian covid-19 lockdowns and has never recovered. Households still save at a higher rate than pre-pandemic. And more of their saving goes to bank deposits and other financial assets, rather than new homes. The tendency to hoard has led to a bout of secular stagnation, according to Adam Wolfe of Absolute Strategy Research, a consultancy. Consumer prices fell by 0.1% in the first two months of 2025 against a year earlier. Eggs were 1% cheaper. In his annual speech to China's parliament on March 5th, Li Qiang, China's prime minister, listed 'vigorously" boosting consumption as the first of ten priorities. The state has doubled the size of a trade-in scheme that invites households to swap old appliances, cars and gadgets for new ones. It will also increase the subsidy for medical insurance and raise the basic pension collected by rural people and city folk who do not work from a paltry 123 yuan ($17) a month to a merely tight-fisted 143 yuan. All told, Mr Li announced extra fiscal stimulus worth 2% of GDP. Although that is better than nothing, it is not quite as much as had been hoped. The new plan provides no new fiscal numbers. But it does reveal more about the government's thinking. There are at least three ways to boost consumption: increase the money in people's pockets, reduce their tendency to save or redistribute from people most likely to hoard to those most likely to spend. Officials will try all three approaches. The plan calls for increases in minimum wages, which are set locally, and an expansion of workfare programmes. That should both increase household income and skew it towards people who live from pay cheque to pay cheque. The government also says it will increase financial aid to students and 'study" child-care subsidies. Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, this month announced it would provide handouts of 10,000 yuan a year for second children up to the age of five, and third children up to the age of ten. Other measures could lower households' saving rate. The government will subsidise consumer credit for careful borrowers. And it repeated promises to stabilise markets for housing and stocks. If that makes people feel more secure, they may spend more. Li Chunlin of China's planning agency said it was the first time that stabilising the stockmarket and property market had featured in a government plan to boost consumption. The plan also envisages giving workers more time to spend their money. It calls for companies to 'strictly implement" their policies on paid leave, allowing workers to take the holidays to which they are entitled. The Communist Party committees that operate within most companies will supposedly help police this initiative, ensuring workers take enough rest. The party of the hammer and sickle may be reconciling itself to the hammock and sickie. Then there is a mixture of the vague, the strange and the familiar. The plan talks about the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating consumption, without giving details. If the central government has its way, artists will need only one approval for a national tour rather than many approvals from local governments. Ministers have for years talked about helping rural folk make money from the land they occupy, which is owned communally by their village. The plan expresses the same broad aspiration. It also repeats a call to develop the low-altitude economy of drones, the silver economy for the elderly and the ice-and-snow economy for China's colder regions. All of these proposals previously appeared in a 20-point plan released last year to unlock consumption of services. The new plan extends to 30 points. But without more fiscal resources to back it up, it may be no more successful than its predecessors. The world's second-biggest economy overproduces many things. Consumption plans are no exception. For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in economics, finance and markets, sign up to Money Talks, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Record Turnout Reported at 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival
A record crowd flocked to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Spring Festival at Llanelwedd. The two-day event showcased the very best of rural Wales against the backdrop of perfect spring weather. This year's festival celebrated the RWAS's Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience from all walks of life. 'We couldn't have asked for better conditions,' said John Owen, president of the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon. 'The sunshine brought out record crowds and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout. It's been the perfect start to Caernarfon's year as feature county.' Geraint James, festival director, said: 'We've worked extremely hard to create an inclusive festival that balances agricultural heritage with family entertainment, and this year's attendance figures confirm we're moving in the right direction. 'The refreshed branding and expanded activities have attracted visitors from across Wales and beyond. What's particularly gratifying is seeing people from all backgrounds coming together – from farming families sharing their expertise to first-time visitors discovering rural Welsh culture and traditions. 'This festival truly bridges the gap between rural and urban communities.' RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: 'This year's Spring Festival has been an outstanding success. The relaxed, family friendly atmosphere that makes this event so special was evident throughout the weekend and we're extremely grateful for all the support we've received from our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers. 'Our attention now turns to the Royal Welsh Show and we hope to see everyone back on the showground in July.' Activities included Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys in the Country Life area, where visitors could meet and interact with the animals. The Panic Family's Circus Big Top gave visitors the chance to try their hand at circus skills. Children received special stamp cards upon arrival and explored the showground collecting stamps from various stands throughout the festival. Those who completed their cards received 'Spring Festival Expert' certificates. Separately, downloadable educational resources, created in partnership with Twinkl, focusing on native and rare breed livestock, provided additional learning opportunities for families. The festival welcomed hundreds of four-legged visitors alongside their owners. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section's Crufts qualifier attracted serious competitors, while the feature county ran a Fun Dog Show. 'As someone who's grown up attending agricultural shows, it's brilliant to see so many dogs and their owners enjoying the festival,' said Rhys Griffith, ambassador for Caernarfon and judge of the heavy horse classes. 'The festival has something for everyone – from impressive heavy horses to family pets competing in fun classes. That inclusive atmosphere is what makes this event so special.' The festival showcased more than 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, more than 250 goats and almost 800 horses, ponies and donkeys in competitions. New classes this year included Red Poll and Dexter cattle and Castle Moorit Sheep. The livestock and equine champions were: Supreme beef champion: Glebedale Toblerone, a Beef Shorthorn bull exhibited by Tim Bodily, Monmouth. Reserve: Shelsleys Kwagga exhibited by David Powell, Worcestershire. Dairy youngstock champion: Salfach Thor Caramel, an in-calf Jersey heifer exhibited by Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys, Carmarthenshire. Reserve: Nantgaredig Thor Poppy, also from Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys. Cattle young handler: Molly Edwards, Carmarthenshire. Cattle breed tradestand Award: Ancient Cattle of Wales. Supreme sheep champion: William Evans, Pembrokeshire with a Kerry Hill. Reserve: D. C. L. & C. J. Williams, Powys with a Hill Radnor. Sheep breed tradestand award: Welsh Mountain Sheep. Goats. Angora champion: Marchgwyn Evan exhibited by Stephen Prentice, Carmarthenshire. Reserve: Chrido Gigi exhibited by Chris Tyler. Fleece champion and reserve: Cwmysewrdy Agoras, Powys. Pygmy champion: Sunnymount Zebedee exhibited by Tim Bee, Monmouth. Reserve: Penrhiw Jazz exhibited by Jill Osborne, Gwent. Dairy goats supreme champion: Chatterbox Texas; reserve: Chatterbox Stargazer, both exhibited by Adrian Bull, Wiltshire. Equine supreme champion: Royal Craftsman exhibited by Jane Brace, Bridgend; reserve: Silverwoods, exhibited by Charlotte Elizabeth Arthur, Swansea. Full Equine and Livestock results can be found on the RWAS website
