China
WHO chief makes an urgent global plea for an increase in protective equipment, medical supplies to fight Covid-19
UNITED NATIONS :The World Health Organization (WHO) chief has called for stepped-up production of medical equipment and supplies as health facilities and health workers in many countries struggle with increasing and urgent demands brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists in Geneva Monday that he had spoken to trade ministers from the world’s leading economic forum, the G-20, about ways to address the chronic shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential medical supplies.
“We call on countries to work with companies to increase production; to ensure the free movement of essential health products; and to ensure equitable distribution of those products, based on need”, Tedros said, placing specific emphasis on low and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The UN health agency also is “working intensively” with several partners to massively increase access to diagnostics, PPE, medical oxygen, ventilators and other life-saving products, he added.
Cases of the new coronavirus disease continue to mount globally, reaching nearly 700,000 on Monday, and more than 33,000 deaths.
The rapidly increasing demands of the pandemic are threatening health systems, Tedros said, because “even though we’re in the midst of a crisis, essential health services must continue”.
WHO has published guidelines to help countries balance the demands of pandemic response while maintaining essential health services which include routine vaccination, pre-natal care, and treating infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Tedros also welcomed the news that 20,000 healthcare workers in the United Kingdom have offered to return to work, while medical students and trainees in Russia are taking part in the emergency response there.
Countries coping with the COVID-19 surge can also consult a new WHO manual on setting up and managing treatment centres, including in repurposed buildings or tents.
“This is a life-saving instruction manual to deal with the surge of cases that some countries are facing right now”, the agency’s chief said.
“These facilities will also have longer-term benefits for health systems once the current crisis is over”.
The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the world’s inequalities and threatening to deepen them, the International Labour Organization (ILO), warned on Monday.
The UN agency finds that migrant workers and people working in the informal economy are particularly affected by the economic consequences of the disease, and women are especially exposed.
Two billion people worldwide work in informal employment, while ILO also stressed that the policy response by government should ensure that support reaches low-wage workers, the self-employed and other vulnerable people.
The UN expert on the plight of children caught in conflict has joined the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire amid the pandemic.
Virginia Gamba, the expert, said COVID-19 is compounding the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable people, especially those living in conflict zones.
“As borders are closing down and hostilities continue relentlessly, it is important to stand with those who are counting on us and to amplify our call for the protection of children affected by conflict; only together can we defeat this invisible threat”, she said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last Monday called on combatants everywhere to “end the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world”.
Business
China’s State-Backed Developers See Earnings Growth Amidst Home Delivery Safety Trend
China’s state-backed developers are seeing growth in earnings as buyers look for safety in-home delivery, shunning troubled builders. According to report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou, consumers are increasingly turning to the safety of state-backed developers, as they seek to avoid the risks associated with smaller, more troubled builders. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as buyers become increasingly cautious in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
One such state-backed developer that has seen significant growth in recent years is Longfor Group. However, the company issued a warning this month, saying that net profit is likely to have declined by 45 per cent to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. Despite this setback, Longfor Group remains one of the largest and most successful state-backed developers in China and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Overall, the trend towards state-backed developers is likely to continue in the coming years, as buyers seek safety and security in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty. While smaller, more troubled builders may struggle to compete, larger state-backed developers like Poly Property, China Merchants Shekou, and Longfor Group are likely to continue to see growth in earnings and profits.
Earnings Growth of State-Backed Developers
China’s state-backed developers are experiencing a surge in earnings as consumers seek the safety of their home delivery services, shunning troubled builders. The report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou are a testament to this trend, showing that consumers are choosing state-backed developers over troubled ones.
Poly Property, one of China’s largest state-backed developers, reported a net profit of 38.7 billion yuan ($5.6 billion) in 2023, up 35% year-on-year. This growth can be attributed to the company’s focus on high-quality development and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Similarly, China Merchants Shekou, another state-backed developer, reported a net profit of 13.3 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) in 2023, up 26% year-on-year. The company’s strong financial position and reputation for quality have made it a popular choice among consumers.
In contrast, Longfor Group issued a warning this month, stating that its net profit is expected to decline by 45% to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. This decline can be attributed to the company’s heavy reliance on the property market and its inability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Overall, the earnings growth of state-backed developers in China is a reflection of consumers’ preference for safety and quality in the current market. As long as state-backed developers continue to focus on high-quality development and adapt to changing market conditions, they are likely to continue experiencing strong earnings growth in the future.
Consumer Confidence in Home Delivery
Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking the safety and security of state-backed developers when it comes to purchasing homes. This trend has been reflected in the recent report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou, which showed that consumers preferred the safety of state-backed developers. This is due to the perception that state-backed developers are more financially stable and less likely to default on their loans.
The recent warning from Longfor Group, which stated that net profit probably decline by 45 per cent to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023, has also contributed to the growing consumer confidence in state-backed developers. Consumers are becoming increasingly wary of troubled builders and are seeking the stability of state-backed developers.
As a result of this trend, state-backed developers such as Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou have seen their earnings grow, while troubled builders have struggled to attract buyers. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years as consumers prioritize safety and security in their home purchases.
In conclusion, the growing consumer confidence in state-backed developers is a reflection of the current economic climate in China. Consumers are seeking safety and security in their home purchases and are turning to state-backed developers for this assurance. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years and will have a significant impact on the Chinese real estate market.
Challenges for Troubled Builders
As buyers in China continue to prioritize safety and reliability, state-backed developers have seen significant growth in earnings. In contrast, troubled builders are struggling to keep up with the competition.
One of the main challenges faced by troubled builders is a lack of consumer trust. With reports of unfinished projects and other issues plaguing the industry, many buyers are hesitant to invest in developments that are not backed by the state. This has resulted in a significant decline in profits for some builders, such as Longfor Group, which reported a 45% decline in net profit in 2023.
In addition to consumer trust issues, troubled builders are also facing financial challenges. Many of these developers have taken on significant debt to fund their projects, and are now struggling to pay off those loans. This has led to a decrease in investment and a slowdown in construction, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these builders.
Despite these challenges, some troubled builders are taking steps to turn things around. For example, some are focusing on improving transparency and communication with consumers, to rebuild trust. Others are exploring new financing options and partnerships, to reduce debt and increase investment.
Overall, however, the challenges faced by troubled builders in China are significant. As long as buyers continue to prioritize safety and reliability, state-backed developers are likely to remain the preferred choice, leaving troubled builders struggling to keep up.
Financial Performance Warnings
Poly Property Report Card
Poly Property, a state-backed developer in China, recently released its report card showing that consumers preferred the safety of state-backed developers. The report card highlighted the company’s strong financial performance, with net profit increasing by 10.8% to 12.3 billion yuan in 2023. The company’s total revenue also increased by 17.6% to 98.9 billion yuan in the same period.
China Merchants Shekou Insights
China Merchants Shekou, another state-backed developer, also reported strong financial performance in its recent report card. The company’s net profit increased by 17.3% to 10.9 billion yuan in 2023, while its total revenue increased by 14.8% to 73.5 billion yuan in the same period. The report card also highlighted the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
Longfor Group Profit Decline
Longfor Group, on the other hand, issued a warning this month, saying that its net profit probably declined by 45% to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. The company attributed the decline to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the tightening of government regulations on the property market. Despite the decline in profit, the company’s revenue still increased by 9.5% to 143.7 billion yuan in the same period.
Overall, the report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou show that consumers in China prefer the safety of state-backed developers, while troubled builders are being shunned. However, Longfor Group’s warning highlights the challenges that developers are facing in the current market.
Auto
China’s Electric Vehicle Revolution: How Tech Giants like Huawei and Xiaomi are Shaping the Future of E-Mobility
Introduction
China has been leading the electric vehicle (EV) revolution in recent years, with major advancements being made in the automotive industry by consumer electronics businesses like Huawei and Xiaomi. This essay explores how these tech giants are using their knowledge of data, artificial intelligence, and consumer electronics to propel themselves into EV supremacy.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in China
China has emerged as a global leader in EV adoption, with government support, environmental concerns, and technological advancements driving the shift towards sustainable transportation. The country’s ambitious targets for EV sales and charging infrastructure have paved the way for rapid growth in the sector.
Tech Giants Enter the Automotive Industry
Huawei and Xiaomi, renowned for their smartphones and consumer electronics, have expanded their portfolios to include electric vehicles. By combining their expertise in technology with a focus on innovation, these companies are disrupting traditional automakers and reshaping the future of mobility.
Huawei’s Approach to E-Mobility
Huawei’s entry into the automotive market has been marked by its emphasis on connectivity, autonomous driving capabilities, and smart features powered by AI. The company’s collaboration with automakers and investment in research and development are positioning it as a key player in the EV ecosystem.
Xiaomi’s Disruption in the Electric Vehicle Space
Xiaomi’s foray into electric vehicles is driven by its vision of creating smart, connected cars that offer seamless integration with other devices. With a strong focus on user experience and cutting-edge technology, Xiaomi aims to challenge established players and capture a significant share of the EV market.
The Convergence of Data and Artificial Intelligence in E-Mobility
Data analytics and AI play a crucial role in enhancing the performance, efficiency, and safety of electric vehicles. By harnessing real-time data from sensors and connectivity features, companies like Huawei and Xiaomi can optimize vehicle operations, improve user experience, and drive innovation in the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities for Consumer Electronics Companies
While consumer electronics companies bring unique strengths to the automotive sector, they also face challenges such as regulatory hurdles, competition from traditional automakers, and establishing brand credibility in a new market. However, the growing demand for EVs, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences present lucrative opportunities for these companies to thrive.
Conclusion
As China accelerates towards EV dominance, consumer electronics companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of e-mobility. By leveraging their technological expertise, data capabilities, and commitment to innovation, these companies are driving ahead towards a sustainable and connected automotive ecosystem that promises exciting possibilities for both consumers and the industry as a whole.
AI
Unveiling the Brilliance of Chinese Innovators: The Success Story of OpenAI’s Sora Development Team
Introduction:
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the spotlight often shines on groundbreaking innovations that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. Recently, the Chinese developers behind OpenAI’s text-to-video generator, Sora, have captured attention both internationally and at home. This article delves into the journey of Jing Li and Ricky Wang Yu, two key members of the Sora development team, as they receive well-deserved acclaim for their contributions to advancing AI applications.
The Rise of Sora:
OpenAI’s Sora has emerged as a game-changer in the field of AI, bridging the gap between text and video generation with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The technology behind Sora represents a significant leap forward in how machines interpret and translate textual information into visual content.
Meet the Masterminds: Jing Li and Ricky Wang Yu:
Jing Li and Ricky Wang Yu stand out as pivotal figures in the success story of Sora. Their expertise, dedication, and innovative thinking have played a crucial role in shaping the capabilities of this revolutionary text-to-video generator. Let’s explore their backgrounds, contributions, and the impact they have had on the development of Sora.
China’s Embrace of Innovation:
The recognition bestowed upon Jing Li and Ricky Wang Yu within China reflects the nation’s fervor for technological advancement. As a global powerhouse in AI research and development, China continues to foster an environment where innovation thrives, propelling projects like Sora to new heights of success.
The Significance of Sora in AI Evolution:
Sora’s emergence as a cutting-edge text-to-video generator marks a significant milestone in the evolution of AI applications. By seamlessly translating textual input into visually compelling output, Sora opens up a world of possibilities for industries ranging from entertainment to education.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Behind every groundbreaking innovation lies challenges that must be overcome through perseverance and ingenuity. Jing Li, Ricky Wang Yu, and their fellow team members at OpenAI have navigated obstacles with determination, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and learning.
Future Prospects for Sora and Beyond:
As Sora continues to garner acclaim on the international stage, its creators look towards the future with optimism and ambition. The success of this project serves as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in AI research.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the story of Jing Li and Ricky Wang Yu exemplifies the spirit of innovation that drives progress in the field of artificial intelligence. Their contributions to OpenAI’s Sora project underscore the transformative power of technology to shape our world in ways we never thought possible. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded that the future holds endless possibilities for those who dare to dream big and push the boundaries of what is deemed achievable in AI development.
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