Latest news with #Jilin
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
AI-generated video of glass bridge breaking misleads online
"A viral glass tourist bridge in China cracked and collapsed," read Indonesian-language sticker text over a video shared on Instagram on May 20, 2025. The clip appears to show people crossing a glass platform against a cliff face, which breaks and falls into the ravine below. The clip, which also spread on Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok and Facebook, garnered more than two million views. Comments from some users indicate they believed the footage was real. "The load was too much," one user commented. "Terrifying, isn't it?" wrote another. China is believed to have more than 2,000 glass bridges and platforms at various tourist sites across the country (archived link). However, the last reported safety incident at a glass bridge in China was in May 2021 -- a man was left dangling at a tourist spot in northeastern Jilin province when the glass panels were damaged by high winds, according to a report by state news media Xinhua (archived link). A close inspection of the clip also shows inconsistencies typical of AI-generated videos. These include people appearing to melt into the cliff before reappearing in different coloured clothes, while two of the people appear to combine into one person after the bridge collapses. One section of the glass guardrail also disappears immediately after the bridge breaks. Despite the rapid progress of generative AI, errors still appear in AI-generated content. These flaws are often the clearest signs of a fabricated image. Jacobo Castellanos, coordinator for human rights organisation WITNESS, which developed a Deepfakes Rapid Response Force said "it's clear that the video in question is AI-generated" (archived link). "Several signs point to its synthetic nature, including people morphing or disappearing, as well as various unnatural movements and transitions that are characteristic of the current capacity of generative video tools," he said. AFP has fact-checked AI-generated images before here.
Globe and Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
2025 Jilin City Marathon Kicks Off, Celebrating Athletic Spirit and Community Engagement with Exciting Events
On May 18, the 2025 Hogood Coffee Jilin City Marathon officially started at People's Square. The 42.195-kilometer course weaves together the ecological tapestry of "One River, Two Banks," as 30,000 runners measure the poetic landscapes of this northern river city with their footsteps. At 7:30 AM, leaders and guests attending the opening ceremony jointly fired the starting gun for the first wave of runners. This year's event introduced a staggered starting system, enhancing safety and competitive experience through precise zoning and timed starts. All participants were scientifically divided into six assembly areas based on their registered events and historical performance, launching in three waves. Twenty minutes after the first wave of marathon runners from zones S, A, and B started, half marathon runners from zones C and D began their race at 7:50 AM with the second starting gun. The third wave for mini runners in zone E sounded at 8:15 AM. Desheng Gate is the starting point of the Jilin City Marathon route. This ancient city gate has witnessed the departure of warriors in the past and symbolizes the victorious return of competitors. When the starting gun fires, the footsteps of the athletes resonate with the historical and cultural essence of Jilin City. Coincidentally, the event took place on International Museum Day, with the marathon route forming a dynamic map for exploring the "City of Museums." Along the way, runners can retrace the steps of the Kangxi Emperor at Ying'en Gate, visit the residence of Zhang Zuoxiang, a symbol of national resistance, explore the Museum of Ginseng, which nurtures the local essence, and see the Manchu Museum and Jilin Confucius Temple, as well as the Jilin System Museum and Zhang Lianshan's residence, among other museums and historical sites scattered throughout the city. Runners will experience the ancient charm of Xituanshan Culture, immersing themselves in a city with over 2,200 years of history, accompanied by the melodious tones of "Peking Opera's Second Hometown." They will run along the banks of the Songhua River, where green willows sway, cross various bridges spanning the river, and enjoy the picturesque early summer scenery, feeling the vitality of the city as the sun rises and sets. The entire city comes alive for the Jilin City Marathon. Natural landscapes, cultural relics, and warm-hearted citizens together depict the hospitable and enterprising spirit of this northern river city. The Jilin City Marathon is technically certified by the Chinese Athletics Association and is hosted by the municipal government and provincial sports bureau, with the municipal sports bureau and sports federation organizing the event. The marathon features the classic scenic loop around the Songhua River and includes three events: the marathon (42.195 kilometers), half marathon (21.0975 kilometers), and mini run (5 kilometers). In addition to inviting athletes ranked in the world's top 100, 29 elite international athletes are also participating. The participation of high-level domestic and international athletes made the competition particularly fierce and ignited passion throughout the journey. After more than two hours of intense competition, the top three finishers in the men's full marathon crossed the finish line consecutively. Kenyan athlete Ezra Kipketer Tanui claimed the championship, while Ethiopian runners Bare Zeku Aserfa and Tadu Abate Demek took the second and third places, respectively. In the women's full marathon, the champion was Ethiopian athlete Afila Geffei Berha, with fellow Ethiopian runners Chernet Misgano Takle and Mal Diababa Husa finishing second and third. Among the Chinese participants, the top three in the men's group were Guan Yousheng, Wang Jiahao, and Wang Hongwei, while the women's group was led by Zhu Qing, Huang Fei, and Yao Yuzhou. In the men's half marathon, all three top finishers were Chinese: Wang Mingcheng, Yang Xiaoqian, and Zhou Shibo. The women's half marathon also saw all top three finishers from China: Tang Xiaofen, Yin Xiaoyu, and Li Jingjue. The inaugural Jilin City Marathon was rated as a bronze event by the Chinese Athletics Association, and the subsequent two editions were rated as gold events and classified as A1 events. The fourth Jilin City Marathon received certification as an international bronze label event from World Athletics and later advanced to elite label status. After seven years of development, the Jilin City Marathon has once again ascended. This year, the marathon was recognized as an International Gold Label event and an A1 certified event by the Chinese Athletics Association, setting new standards for international competition. In addition to innovating the starting process, this year's Jilin City Marathon utilized advanced technology, adopting a 'digital event system' to assist in precise course mapping and visualization. The '3D real-scene digital course' allows runners to intuitively understand the route. The newly upgraded Watcher System 4.0 supports real-time sharing of athlete locations, enabling friends and family to track participants' positions and progress, creating an innovative 'cloud running' experience. Online, a popularity leaderboard and interactive features enhance engagement, while offline, a Watcher viewing area equipped with a live broadcast screen connects the online community with the offline event space, allowing every participant to deeply immerse themselves in the event atmosphere. This year's Jilin City Marathon also improved the finish dispersal flow, increasing the finish channels for the marathon to six and for the half marathon to eight, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant experience for all finishers. On the field, there are also "watchers" such as medical staff moving between healthcare stations and competition teams, enthusiastic volunteers ensuring the event runs smoothly with attentive service, public security and security personnel maintaining order, media workers delivering real-time updates and capturing highlights, and official pacers supporting more people in completing challenges and achieving their dreams. The selfless dedication and heartfelt protection from all parties have become a strong assurance for the successful presentation of the Jilin City Marathon. Closely linked with the marathon event, Jilin City has planned and implemented a series of cultural, sports, and commercial activities before, during, and after the race, showcasing the unique charm of "Jilin City Marathon +." Media Contact Company Name: Jilin City Marathon Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Country: China Website:
South China Morning Post
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz recall nearly 70,000 vehicles in China over safety concerns
Carmakers including BMW Toyota and Mercedes-Benz are recalling a total of 69,793 vehicles in China due to potential safety risks, according to the market regulator, as authorities heighten safety oversight in the industry following a recent fatal crash involving a Xiaomi electric vehicle (EV). Advertisement From June 25, BMW's China unit would recall 26,766 domestically produced vehicles and 80 imported cars due to a defect in the power connector that could pose a fire hazard, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said in a post on its website on Friday. FAW Toyota, the Japanese carmaker's joint venture in China, would recall 10,892 vehicles, including 93 imported cars, beginning Friday, the SAMR said in a separate post. It cited issues with loose suspension bolts that could affect vehicle stability while driving. Also on Friday, Mercedes-Benz would start recalling 31,874 vehicles, including four imported units, to address fire hazards and installation issues with the air-conditioning condensate drain line, the SAMR said. British brand Genesis will recall 181 imported vehicles because of problems with the dashboard. Chinese workers assemble Toyota vehicles at a plant in Changchun, northeast Jilin province. Photo: Costfoto/Future Publishing via Getty Images The latest recall is nearly 10 times larger than last month, when 11 car brands recalled 7,200 vehicles. It follows a series of measures by Beijing aimed at improving car safety, which was a dominant theme during China's largest car show that took place in Shanghai last month.
