Latest news with #Zou
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
‘How do we love?': Young Chinese explore answers in classrooms
A student takes selfies with family members at a national college entrance examination site in Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province on June 9, 2025. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (July 19): In an era that increasingly values diverse life choices – whether embracing romance, exploring virtual love, or opting out altogether – one question still resonates with many, especially the young: How do we love and be loved in return? At Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), in central China's Hubei Province, that very question lingers in the minds of over a hundred students enrolled in one of the university's most popular electives: Psychology of Love. But this is no dating bootcamp. It's a form of emotional education, urgently needed as many young people feel ill-equipped to manage the emotional complexities of modern connection, particularly in a time of increasing academic, economic, and psychological pressure. For sophomore Zou Tao, who is navigating a long-distance relationship with his high school sweetheart, the class has offered something missing from his years of academic training: lessons on how to understand emotions and effective communication. 'My girlfriend sometimes gets upset at the worst moments,' Zou said. 'I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know why, or how to respond. This course helps.' Zou is part of a growing wave of young Chinese searching for more than just an answer to whether to love. They are asking how to build, understand, and sustain intimate relationships. Based on a nationwide survey of 32,282 college students, researchers at the Beijing-based Capital University of Economics and Business found that while 53.86 per cent had been in a romantic relationship, only 26.5 per cent were currently involved. Notably, about 25 per cent had neither dating experience nor interest in pursuing one. 'Many students are emotionally curious but deeply confused. They crave closeness yet fear vulnerability,' noted Zhang Xiaowen, who teaches Psychology of Love at WUT and draws on her dual roles as a psychology professor and long-time student counselor. Despite its title, Zhang's course focuses on fostering emotionally intelligent, healthy relationships – romantic or otherwise – through case studies and open in-class discussion. Students are encouraged to share their experiences and struggles in class and build friendships across genders, gaining new perspectives to move beyond self-centeredness. 'Of course, we are not here for dating tips from a textbook,' said Zou. He credits the course's interactive format with helping him clarify his thoughts, reduce relationship anxiety, and gradually find his emotional compass. Since its launch in 2012, Zhang's course has drawn overwhelming interest. Although capped at 130 students, over 1,500 attempt to enroll each semester, with some even sitting on the floor or standing in the back to attend. Across Chinese campuses, romance-themed electives are becoming unexpected hits. At Zhejiang Gongshang University, more than 1,600 students competed for 70 slots in a similar love psychology course. At Wuhan University, over 1,000 students signed up for a Positive Psychology course that only had 200 spaces. But not all such courses receive praise. At a Shanghai university, one love-related elective sparked backlash over what students perceived as outdated or gender-biased content. 'The last thing we want is to be preached at,' said a master's student surnamed Wen. 'We need tools to handle real-life emotional challenges, not romantic doctrine.' This sentiment underscores the importance of well-constructed, empathetic courses like WUT's Psychology of Love. Now listed as a national-level premium psychology course on China's massive open online course (MOOC) platform, it has reached well beyond the classroom, attracting over a million cumulative enrollments online. The popularity of love education runs alongside real societal concerns. Between 2013 and 2022, China's marriage registrations declined for nine consecutive years, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. After a brief rebound in 2023, the number dropped again in 2024. A 2025 survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) found that among 55,781 college students and 7,366 adults, those aged 18 to 24 showed lower levels of desire for romantic relationships, marriage, or parenthood. Cao Aihua, a sociology professor at Nankai University, noted that while many young people aren't opposed to love or marriage, they tend to prioritise academic and career development. 'They're pragmatic,' she said, 'and place greater value on personal feelings and fulfillment.' Zhang from WUT noted a critical shortfall in China's education system: 'We teach academic knowledge and professional skills, but we don't teach students how to be alone without feeling lonely, how to express emotions, or how to communicate in a relationship or family.' Chen Zhiyan, professor at the CAS Institute of Psychology, echoed that view. She suggests that topics related to marriage and family should be integrated into subjects like ethics, psychology, Chinese, and English throughout the entire education process, since 'all texts carry values and ideas'. But experts caution that classroom instruction alone isn't enough. 'The development of attitudes toward love and marriage is a complex, multifaceted process shaped by various influences,' said Zhang Jiangxing, director of the psychology center at Jinan University in Guangdong Province. Compared to family upbringing and societal factors, classroom education can play an important but limited supporting role, he argued. Still, even modest classroom interventions can make a difference. Student feedback suggests the message is getting through. One married learner taking the course of Psychology of Love on the MOOC platform wrote: 'I have been married for years, but this class made me realise how little I understood marriage. I have started listening more and arguing less.' Another posted, 'Love is beautiful. But the most important thing is learning how to love yourself.' For WUT student Zou, that insight rings true. He's still learning how to navigate the emotional landscape of young adulthood – but now with greater awareness. 'Dating is about finding someone you like and becoming a better version of yourself in the process,' he said. And marriage? Zou smiled. 'That's for the future. First, let's learn how to love.' – Xinhua China love romance Wuhan University of Technology Xinhua
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Kuki Body's Diktat To MLAs In Manipur Illegal, Can Be Charged, Says Thadou Inpi Manipur
Imphal/Guwahati: A key organisation of the indigenous distinct tribe Thadou in Manipur has condemned a Kuki tribes' body for issuing a diktat to "Kuki-Zo" MLAs not to participate in forming government in the border state, whenever it happens. The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), which says it is the main civil body representing the Thadou tribe, said the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) can neither dictate to nor force leaders from the Thadou, Hmar, Paite, Vaiphei, Zou, or any other Zo kindred tribes to do their bidding. According to Thadou Inpi Manipur's senior members, Kuki Inpi Manipur is not effective in Kangpokpi district, the turf of MLAs Nemcha Kipgen and Haokholet Kipgen. "Moreover, their [Kuki Inpi Manipur's] influence doesn't count over Zomi MLAs such as Vungzagin Valte and LM Khaute, Zou tribe MLA Chinlunthang, and Hmar MLA Ngursanglur Sanate. So, under Kuki Inpi Manipur, the only MLAs left are Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, Paolienlal Haokip, and Letzamang Haokip, all belonging to Any Kuki Tribes," a senior functionary of Thadou Inpi Manipur said. "Thadou people reside all over Manipur, vote and contest in local, state, and national elections for MDCs, MLAs, and MPs. Presently, among the 10 Zo MLAs supporting the 'SA demand in Manipur', three hold Thadou ST certificates - Nemcha Kipgen, Letpao Haokip, and Haokholet Kipgen," the Thadou Inpi Manipur said in a statement on Tuesday. "If any of them wish to identify as Kuki, they should obtain an AKT certificate... However, no force has any right to disturb, harm, or intimidate any Thadou ST certificate holding MLAs in exercising his/her constitutional obligations such as part of formation of a popular government, as they are not Kuki but Thadou," TIM said, referring to 'Any Kuki Tribes', or AKT. The Kuki Inpi Manipur can be charged with "criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, unlawful restraint, obstruction of public functionaries, and sedition if their acts threaten public order or constitutional governance... and undermine the sovereignty, integrity, or democratic processes of India," TIM said. The "Kuki-Zo" nomenclature refers exclusively to individuals who subscribe to the Any Kuki Tribes (AKT) Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, while in contrast Thadou is a distinct indigenous tribe with its own constitutional recognition with a population of 2.16 lakh as per the 2011 Census and enumerated in the Census of India since 1881, consistently holding the highest population among tribal communities and ranking as the second-largest community after the Meitei in Manipur, the Thadou Inpi Manipur said. "Neither Kuki-Zo subscribers nor Kuki Inpi Manipur hold any authority over the Thadou people or Thadou Inpi Manipur," TIM said. TIM said it was formerly called the Thadou National Council [established in 1984] and the Thadou Tribe Council, and has "never been part of Kuki Inpi Manipur since its formation in 1993 along with its units like KSO, KKL, etc. The Thadou Conclave Delhi 2015 Declaration No. 6 explicitly disowned Kuki Inpi and its units. KIM applies only to AKT certificate holders, not Thadou in Manipur." On Saturday last, the Kuki Inpi Manipur in a statement had said "no Kuki-Zo MLA shall participate or take part in any manner in the formation of a new popular government" in Manipur. "Under no circumstances shall the Kuki-Zo people compromise our ancestral land, culture, identity, and political, social and economic rights," the Kuki Inpi Manipur said. The KIM marked a copy of the statement to other allied organisations of the Kuki tribes and also the two umbrella groups, Kuki National Organisation and United People's Front, which represent 25 insurgent groups that signed the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre and the state government. Meitei leaders have alleged Kuki insurgent groups that signed the SoO agreement have been working to strengthen themselves over the years by taking advantage of the ceasefire, until a time came to engineer a violent attack for a separate land. While Kuki groups pointed at the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023 as the reason why they escalated their demand from an autonomous council to a separate administration, or a Union Territory with an assembly, Meitei leaders have pointed at decades-old evidence of Kuki groups working to form 'Kukiland' carved out of Manipur. The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) in a memorandum to Manipur's new Governor on January 15 said the Kuki tribes have been demanding a state "since 1946-47." In the years before May 2023, Kuki protests, gatherings and panel discussions have mentioned the demand for a separate area carved out of Manipur.
Yomiuri Shimbun
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
China's Zou Jiayi Named Next AIIB President
BEIJING, June 24 (Reuters) – China's finance ministry said on Tuesday the next president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank would be Zou Jiayi, a former Chinese vice finance minister who is expected to lead efforts to expand the lender's presence in major global financial centers. Zou will take office in January for a five-year term from Jin Liqun, the ministry said in a statement. AIIB's second president and first female leader, Zou inherits an organization that Jin – another former Chinese vice finance minister and one of the country's most influential financial officials, having previously also held positions at the Asian Development Bank and the country's sovereign wealth fund – shaped into a key facilitator of President Xi Jinping's sprawling 'Belt and Road' initiative. But during his second term, Jin faced allegations that the Chinese Communist Party exerted undue influence within the multilateral development bank, claims the AIIB said it had investigated and dismissed. Established by Xi in 2016 as a Chinese alternative to the World Bank and other Western-led multilateral lending institutions, the AIIB has 110 members worldwide, including India, Russia, Germany and Britain. Zou is tipped to push the Beijing-based lender into closer alignment with major development spenders such as the U.S. and Japan, development diplomats say. Bloomberg and Politico have reported that the AIIB also seeks to set up offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and London, in addition to its current satellite office in Abu Dhabi.
Mint
24-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Chinas former Vice Finance Minister Zou Jiayi is AIIBs new President
Beijing, China's former Vice Finance Minister Zou Jiayi was on Tuesday named as the next president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank here. The AIIB Board of Governors chair during the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors said Zou would succeed the Beijing-headquartered multilateral development bank's founding President Jin Liqun. According to the bank's official data, China is the largest shareholder of the AIIB, with 26.54 per cent voting shares. India is the second-largest shareholder with 7.58 per cent, followed by Russia with 5.9 per cent and Germany with 4.1 per cent. Former finance secretary and CEO of Aadhaar, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, one of the vice presidents of the bank, in an interview with PTI videos here, paid rich tributes to the leadership provided by Jin and said he united 110 countries to create the institution that served the global public good. Pandey said Jin's was an extraordinary contribution in a divided world. Zou's five-year term will begin on January 16, 2026, a day after Jin concludes his second five-year term. Zou has been instrumental in China's engagement with major international financial institutions, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Her experience spans organisations such as the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank and the New Development Bank. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing "infrastructure for tomorrow", with sustainability at its core. Having started operations in 2016, the AIIB has 110 approved members worldwide. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Star
22-06-2025
- The Star
Chinese student jailed for 24 years for raping women in UK and China
henhao Zou, a Chinese student who was found guilty by a London court of drugging and raping 10 women in Britain and China, as seen n in this handout picture released on March 5, 2025. -- Photo by Reuters LONDON (Reuters): A Chinese student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in Britain and China was jailed on Thursday for 24 years in a London court. Zhenhao Zou, 28, who lived in south London, used online platforms and dating apps to meet women, inviting them to his home under the pretext of having drinks or studying before he drugged them. He then filmed himself raping and sexually assaulting the women while they were unconscious, keeping some of their jewellery and clothing afterwards. Zou was found guilty in March of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape, after a trial at Inner London Crown Court. At Thursday's sentencing he was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 24 years, minus time he had already spent in custody. Judge Rosina Cottage said Zou was "a highly manipulative and intelligent young man who gave no thought at all of the wishes and feelings of the women" he attacked. Detective Inspector Richard MacKenzie from London's Metropolitan Police said outside court: "The sheer scale of his offending, which spanned two countries, makes him one of the most prolific predators we have ever seen." The police previously said detectives believe there may be more than 50 other women who may have been victims of Zou and have not yet been identified. Originally from Dongguan in Guangdong Province, the student is thought to have moved to the United Kingdom in 2017 and began studying for a PhD at University College London in 2019. After a woman came forward to report Zou, police said they found drugs and hidden cameras in his home, while hundreds of videos and millions of messages on his laptops and phones showed that he had committed offences not just in Britain but in his homeland. -- Reporting by Sam Tobin/Reuters
