Latest news with #LiMing
The Star
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Dragon boats unite cultures at China-Serbia Duanwu Festival in Belgrade
BELGRADE, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The "Nihao China" China-Serbia Duanwu International Dragon Boat Festival officially opened Saturday at Ada Ciganlija Lake in Belgrade, bringing together professional and amateur paddlers from across Europe for a two-day celebration of sport and cultural exchange. Jointly organized by the Serbian Dragon Boat Federation and the China Cultural Center in Belgrade, the event marks the second time the traditional Chinese Duanwu Festival -- also known as the Dragon Boat Festival -- has been celebrated on the waters of Ada Ciganlija. Races are held in both Standard and Small Boats under European Dragon Boat Federation (EDBF) regulations. Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming addressed the opening ceremony, calling the festival a "meaningful moment" in the long-standing friendship between the two nations. "With paddles in hand and dragon boats as our vessels, we build bridges of exchange and cooperation," said Li. "Through passion and perseverance, we demonstrate the unbreakable bond between our two peoples." Li highlighted the Duanwu Festival's more than 2,000-year history and its inscription in 2009 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He noted that dragon boat racing symbolizes teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of peace and development. For the first time, professional teams from China are participating in the races alongside overseas Chinese crews and employees of Chinese enterprises based in Serbia. The festival also features performances and exhibitions by cultural heritage artists from Quanzhou, showcasing lion dancing, Wuzu martial arts, traditional string puppetry, and classic Chinese foods including zongzi and sweet rice balls. "We hope that through today's event, everyone will be inspired by the competitive spirit of dragon boat racing, immersed in the customs of Chinese folklore, and captivated by the unique charm of Chinese culture," said Li. "May the friendship between the Chinese and Serbian peoples, like the dragon boats surging through the rapids, face challenges head-on and move forward hand in hand." Ada Ciganlija, a popular urban lake in central Belgrade, has hosted numerous international water sports competitions. Surrounded by a 7.9-kilometer promenade and over 60 restaurants and cafes, it provides a vibrant setting for both athletes and spectators.
Business Mayor
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
BYD's electric 'K-Car' spied, targets Japan's iconic mini-vehicle segment
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is preparing to challenge Japan's tightly held mini-vehicle market with a bold new contender: a fully electric kei car engineered specifically for Japanese roads. Recently leaked spy photos reveal a compact prototype that is being tested. It features hallmark design elements like sliding rear doors and a dual A-pillar layout, indicating strict adherence to Japan's kei car regulations. Toyota Pixis Mega Kei cars , short for keijidōsha (light automobiles), are a uniquely Japanese category of ultra-compact vehicles. By law, they must not exceed 3.4 meters in length, 1.48 meters in width, and 2 meters in height, with engine output capped at 64 horsepower. These vehicles receive tax and parking benefits, making them ideal for urban drivers. Despite incentive cuts in 2014—including a 50% hike in kei car taxes—these vehicles still account for roughly 35% of Japan's auto market. Suzuki Hustler BYD's kei car would be the first ground-up electric model in this category developed by a foreign automaker. While Smart once adapted its ForTwo and Hyundai's Inster came close, neither was designed solely for Japan's kei standards. In contrast, BYD has developed an all-new platform with Japan in mind. Daihatsu Mira Cocoa Reports from China suggest the vehicle will feature a 20 kWh battery delivering 180 km WLTC range, 100 kW fast charging, and an efficient heat pump HVAC system. With an expected price of 2.5 million yan (17,700 USD), it will compete directly with the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV—Japan's two leading electric kei cars. Both were launched in 2022 by the NMKV joint venture, featuring 20 kWh batteries and 47 kW motors. Read More Ford's first-quarter US auto sales rise 6.8% - WTAQ Mitsubishi EK Custom BYD plans to produce the model in China for export to Japan starting in late 2026 and aims for a 40% share of the electric kei market within a few years. Its push into this category follows modest success in Japan with the Dolphin and Seal EVs, which helped BYD reach over 2,200 vehicle sales in 2024. The company plans to expand its dealership network to 100 locations by 2025. Nissan Sakura Only Daihatsu, Honda, Suzuki, and the Nissan-Mitsubishi NMKV partnership build kei cars at scale, while Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru rely on rebadged models. BYD's entry would mark the first serious competition from outside Japan. Honda N-One Mugen 'Developing a proper kei car requires completely rethinking vehicle architecture,' said analyst Li Ming. 'BYD's move signals a deep commitment to the Japanese market.'
Arab Times
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
China to provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan in emergency humanitarian aid
BEIJING, March 29, (Xinhua): China has decided to provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan (approximately 13.9 million US dollars) in emergency humanitarian aid to support earthquake relief efforts, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency said on Saturday. At the request of the Myanmar government, China will also send two rescue teams and supply tents, blankets, first-aid kits, food and drinking water -- items that are urgently needed in affected areas, said spokesperson Li Ming. The first batch of supplies is scheduled for delivery on Monday, according to the agency. China will offer further assistance based on Myanmar's needs, it added. A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday. The information team of Myanmar's State Administration Council said 1,002 people have been killed, 2,376 were injured, and 30 remain missing.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China signals willingness to aid Ukraine's post-war reconstruction
China has delivered four batches of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's all-out war, Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said on March 18. China remains committed to being a "positive force for world peace and stability and a progressive force for global fairness and justice," Li reportedly said, addressing reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed hopes for China's involvement in restoring peace and supporting Ukraine's reconstruction. "We are ready to continue to provide assistance within our capacity according to the wishes of parties involved, which, of course, includes post-war reconstruction," he added. Beijing has positioned itself as a neutral party in the war, calling for diplomatic solutions while maintaining ties with Moscow. China has deepened its ties with Russia since the start of the Kremlin's full-scale war against Ukraine and has become Moscow's leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry. Western officials remain wary of Beijing's deepening ties with Moscow, with NATO labeling China a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war. Read also: China is more likely than the EU to replace Starlink on the Ukrainian battlefield We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China ready to assist Ukraine in post-war recovery
Li Ming, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency, has stated that China is ready to assist Ukraine in post-war recovery and continue providing other forms of aid. Source: China Daily Quote: "We are ready to continue to provide assistance within our capacity according to the wishes of parties involved, which of course includes post-war reconstruction." Details: Li Min added that China has already provided four batches of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war. He said that "China will continue to be a positive force for world peace and stability and a progressive force for global fairness and justice". Background: In February, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggested that Russia is attempting to portray China as aligning more closely with the Kremlin's stance on the war in Ukraine than Beijing is willing to openly acknowledge. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
