In light of recent violent incidents, Chen Wenqing, China's top security official, has called for all-out efforts to ensure safety during the upcoming New Year and Spring Festival celebrations, which will take place on January 29, 2025. He emphasized the necessity for increased street patrols and a commitment to judicial fairness in response to recent mass attacks, including a tragic SUV attack in Zhuhai on November 11 that resulted in 35 deaths and 43 injuries, as well as a knife attack in Jiangsu that claimed 8 lives [4b6fc3d1].
Chen's remarks come amidst a backdrop of heightened security concerns, prompting him to advocate for standardized county-level governance centers to facilitate easier dispute resolution. He underscored the importance of swift punishment for violent crimes and addressing underlying social issues to prevent further escalation [4b6fc3d1].
These developments are part of a broader narrative in China, where President Xi Jinping recently sent a congratulatory letter to the 2024 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, emphasizing international dialogue and cooperation [1e9a860c]. However, the geopolitical landscape remains tense, particularly following China's sanctions on 13 U.S. military companies in response to a $385 million arms sale to Taiwan [1e9a860c].
On a positive note, the China-Europe freight train X8083 recently completed its 100,000th trip to Duisburg, Germany, reflecting the success of China's Belt and Road Initiative [1e9a860c]. Additionally, the China-Laos Railway celebrated its third anniversary, having transported 350,000 metric tons of goods, further enhancing regional connectivity [1e9a860c].
Culturally, UNESCO recognized the Spring Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2024, highlighting its significance in preserving cultural heritage [1e9a860c]. Meanwhile, the literary community mourned the passing of renowned romance writer Chiung Yao at the age of 86 [1e9a860c].
In scientific advancements, Chinese researchers completed the most accurate genome of the Tibetan antelope, contributing to biodiversity knowledge [1e9a860c]. Moreover, on December 5, China successfully launched 18 communication satellites, enhancing its space technology capabilities [1e9a860c].
In a lighter cultural initiative, Hong Kong unveiled 2,500 panda sculptures as part of a public art project aimed at promoting environmental awareness [1e9a860c]. However, safety concerns were highlighted by a construction site collapse in Shenzhen on December 5, which left 13 workers missing [1e9a860c].
As China prepares for the festive season, the focus on security and public safety underscores the government's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for its citizens amid ongoing challenges.