Impressions on inaugural travel to North Korea's first resort

 Direct translation

North Korea's resort opens to the public for the first time but foreign tourists are upset

Editor: Fang Xun / Source: CTWAN / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0728/2253871.html / Image : Web Screenshot

North Korea's newly renovated resort in Wonsan Kalma recently opened to the public for the first time, welcoming a group of Russian tourists. However, this trip was far from a simple relaxing getaway. Several Russian tourists reported being "escorted" and monitored by authorities throughout their stay, and even suspected their phone messages were being tapped.

According to The Sun, the resort, located on the coast of Japan, features an artificial white sand beach and water sports facilities and reportedly can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors. Formerly used as a missile test range, it is now being redeveloped under the personal leadership of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, with the goal of creating an international seaside tourist destination. It has been likened to a North Korean version of Benidorm by foreign media.

The first group to enter the resort was a small tour group of 13 Russian tourists, who first arrived in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok before flying to Pyongyang. They had originally planned to take a domestic flight from Pyongyang to Wonsan, but their itinerary was abruptly changed to a train, carrying only 13 tourists.

Tourist Daria Zubkova shared her experience on social media, saying, "We were escorted everywhere, even on the beach." She described the escort as "sweet care" rather than blatant surveillance, but she also admitted that many of her companions expressed concern about possible eavesdropping. "The caretakers explained they were worried we might get lost or get into an accident. While there might be surveillance, we had nothing to hide."

Tour arrangements were also quite challenging. Upon arrival in Wonsan, the hotel we had originally booked had been occupied by officials and media accompanying Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, leaving tourists temporarily housed in a poorly maintained hotel. Furthermore, sending emails incurs a £1.65 fee, with the caveat that all messages are censored and sent from the hotel's public mailbox, potentially subject to surveillance by the secret police.

Travelers are required to bring their own sugar, tea, and coffee; fruit is not served at the resort. Despite the limited facilities and freedom, the food was praised by some tourists. Dalia said, "There was duck, rabbit, and all kinds of fish. They really tried to please us." Another tourist, Lyudmila, expressed her excitement about her first North Korean train ride and was deeply impressed by the impoverished rural scenes outside the window.

The basic cost of the trip is £1,360, most of which must be paid in cash.

Zelenskyy imposes sanctions on Singaporean, Chinese companies that support Russia military

 Direct translation

Zelensky announced on Sunday: Sanctions on Russian, Chinese and Iranian individuals and entities

Editor: Fang Xun / Source: RFI / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0728/2253914.html / Image : File photo of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy © Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he had approved the new sanctions decision of the National Security and Defense Committee of Ukraine, imposing sanctions on more than 90 companies that mine rare earths and critical metals for Russian equipment such as engines and drones. At the same time, the EU's existing 18 rounds of sanctions against Russia are being implemented simultaneously within Ukraine's jurisdiction.

Zelenskyy introduced through the social media platform X: "I have approved the new sanctions decision of the National Security and Defense Committee of Ukraine. First of all, European (EU) sanctions are implemented simultaneously within Ukraine's jurisdiction. So far, all 18 rounds of (EU sanctions against Russia) have been fully and simultaneously implemented in Ukraine. The restrictions of the 18th round of sanctions are now in effect, especially for institutions related to Russia's shadow tanker fleet." He also said through the "Telegram" platform that "the plan also applies to 53 individuals and legal entities-Russia, China, Iran and other countries (individuals and legal entities)".

Zelenskyy added, "Today's second sanctions decision is against Russian military production. More than 90 companies involved in the mining of rare earths and critical metals, which are essential for the production of electronic equipment, guidance systems, engines and drones, have been restricted. We are working to ensure that our sanctions are implemented in parallel with partner jurisdictions."

Zelenskyy said, "Maximum sanctions pressure is Russia's most effective argument for ending this war. They are feeling the impact of sanctions - not only at the level of the Russian federal budget, but also in the life and economy of Russian regions. Russia's decision to launch and prolong this war is a decision to destroy its own economic potential. Our joint actions with partners are really making this happen."

According to Ukrainian News Agency, Decree No. 554 signed by Zelensky imposes sanctions on citizens of eight countries including Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Iran and India, as well as 45 companies including Hong Kong, China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Singapore, Mauritius, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Belarus. In addition, Decree No. 555 signed by Zelensky imposes sanctions on 45 Russian citizens and 50 Russian companies.

✈️ XIAMEN AIRLINES SOLO FLIGHT EXPERIENCE REVIEW Fuzhou to Hongkong to Q...

Li Keqiang's last words made public for the first time

 Direct translation

Li Keqiang's last words made public for the first time, close friends kept his handwritten letter before his death

Report by : Li Yu / Editor : Zhongkang / Source : People's Daily /  https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0724/2252160.html / Image : File photo

In early June this year, after it was revealed that Li Keqiang, the former Chinese Premier who died in 2023, was murdered, various information about Li Keqiang's murder has attracted great attention.

Recently, Mr. Hu Liren, a Shanghai entrepreneur who now lives in the United States, said that he would use all his social resources to investigate and restore the truth of Li Keqiang's murder.

Today (23 July 2025), he revealed that three months after Li Keqiang's death, a close friend of Li Keqiang handed over an "Open Letter to the People of the Whole Country" written by Li Keqiang when he felt danger.

Hu Liren said that this letter will become an important clue to reveal the truth about Li Keqiang's abnormal death.

On 23 July 2025, Mr. Hu Liren revealed in his YouTube program that Li Keqiang had written a letter in his own hand before his death, ready to be released to the people of the whole country.

In the letter, Li Keqiang revealed a deep premonition of personal safety.

This shows that Li Keqiang was clearly aware of the approaching danger in the last stage of his life.

Hu Liren said that a close friend whom Li Keqiang trusted very much during his lifetime contacted him in early 2024, three months after Li Keqiang's death, and handed him the contents of this letter, and asked him to keep it properly.

When the time is right, this precious historical material will be made public to the public.

Li Keqiang's close friend is a friend Hu Liren met at work many years ago.

Although there is not much contact in normal times, there is always a deep trust.

Hu Liren said that in order to protect this important information provider and his family, his real name cannot be made public at present.

The full text of the letter is as follows: 

To the dear Chinese people, 

I would like to dedicate this letter to the unfinished ideal.

Dear Compatriots, 

When you read this letter, I may no longer be able to speak, explain, or leave a few words.

But I still want to take this moment to leave my unfinished beliefs and deep concerns in my heart.

I was born in an era of material scarcity and grew up in a period of social turmoil. I was able to change my destiny through reading and embark on the road of building the country. From local to central, I have been in politics for decades. I have been fortunate to experience China's transition from closed to open, from poverty to food and clothing, and I have also witnessed the hard work and struggle of hundreds of millions of families.

Every survey and every listening makes me deeply feel the hardships of people's lives and their inner tenacity on this land.

I always believe that the modernization of a country should not only be reflected in high-rise buildings and the leap of GDP figures, but also in whether the people really have a stable life, dignified employment, and development opportunities to realize their own value.

The fruits of modernization must eventually fall into the lives of every ordinary person.

Development must have warmth, reform must have a response, policies cannot be separated from public opinion, and should benefit people's livelihood.

During my tenure as Premier of the State Council, I advocated streamlining administration and delegating power, supporting the private economy, and emphasizing the decisive role of the market in resource allocation.

I always believe that China's development must rely on market mechanisms, legal guarantees and institutional innovation.

Instead of over-relying on administrative orders or human intervention.

Only by fully releasing the creativity of society can the potential of the country be truly stimulated.

I mentioned that 600 million Chinese people have a monthly income of less than 1,000 yuan.

This is not a cold data, but a reality that we must face.

We cannot avoid problems, nor can we avoid responsibilities.

A responsible government should be problem-oriented and people's livelihood as the foundation.

I also said that people are doing, and God is watching.

This is not only a kind word of exhortation, but also a kind of awe that I always have in my position.

The power in our hands comes from people, and we should serve the people and be supervised by the people.

I always remember the years when the whole people fought against the epidemic. It was a sudden test for the whole people.

Lockdown, isolation, anxiety and sacrifice have profoundly changed the life trajectory of thousands of households.

Epidemic prevention is necessary, but in the process of fighting the epidemic, we must also face the other side. Excessive lockdown may harm people's livelihood, and poor information can easily cause panic.

Suppressing expression will accumulate social unrest.

During that time, too many families suffered in silence, and too many real voices were not heard.

Looking back on the past, we should not only sum up experience, but also face lessons bravely.

A truly responsible government should take the initiative to listen to people's livelihood and correct deviations in crises, rather than let people remain silent in pain and voiceless in difficulties.

In recent years, the momentum of reform has weakened, market expectations for policies and development have fluctuated, and the voice of society has decreased.

These changes are worth our deep consideration. A healthy society should encourage telling the truth, accommodate different opinions, and resolve conflicts through institutionalized means.

If everything depends only on maintaining stability and control, the superficial calm will not last long.

I never deliberately blame the system, nor do I cling to historical judgments. I am more concerned about how to learn from the past and move towards the future.

I always believe that China's future belongs to every ordinary person who is down-to-earth and has dreams.

I hope you will not lose confidence. Please believe that openness is the only way to development and reform is the fundamental way to achieve fairness and justice.

We cannot go back to the past, we cannot close our horizons, and we must not let fear overwhelm reason.

Please insist on being a sober citizen. Even if you are in a hustle and bustle, you should not give up rational judgment. Even if your power is small, you should not lose your conscience.

I know that some people say that I have a mild personality and restrained expression, but I always believe that this country needs more builders who tell the truth and have responsibility to do practical things, not just people who shout slogans.

If my efforts, even if they only leave a little space in reform, keep a little mechanism in the market, and win a little tolerance in society, then I have never failed the responsibility on my shoulders.

But I still have regrets. In order to make your life more secure, the system more transparent, and speech more free, this is my apology and my unfinished responsibility.

Like a mayfly living in the world, it is just a number in the vast ocean. I am well aware of my own insignificance and limitations, but I am willing to entrust my life's thoughts and wishes to this land and people.

May every citizen of China in the future grow up in a more law-based, just and hopeful society.

May the people of this land speak out, make their own choices and live in peace.

I may return to silence, but you are still running in the world. May this letter be like a glimmer of light, illuminating the direction of each other's progress.

Sincerely,

Li Keqiang

Spring of 2023

Hu Liren also revealed that he had met Li Keqiang twice from 2003 to 2006 due to work reasons.

Once in Henan and once in Liaoning.

Hu Liren said that he participated in relevant local talks as an invited member of the domestic investment expert group.

In these two contacts, Li Keqiang left a deep impression on him.

When Li Keqiang suddenly passed away in an abnormal way, he always found it difficult to let go in his heart, and his sense of responsibility made him decide to pursue the truth.

Hu Liren said that after Li Keqiang's death, he has been continuing to pursue the truth through his various social relationships.

During the investigation process of more than a year, more and more clues gradually surfaced.

He also came into contact with some very critical insiders, letters and other important materials.

Hu Liren said that these materials will be disclosed to the public in the future so that all friends who care about this incident can understand the full picture of the truth.

(First published by People's Daily) △

See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXbIozDB4XQ

Ding Xuexiang won Xi Jinping's trust and may be Xi's successor

 Direct translation

Has the successor been decided? Ding Xuexiang won Xi Jinping's trust with this incident

Reporter : Qian Qiusui / Editor: Li Hua / Source: People's Daily / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0723/2251651.html

Recently, the rumored list of Xi Jinping's successors also included Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Although the outside world believes that his ability is average, how did Ding Xuexiang gain Xi Jinping's trust? Let's take a look at the story of Ding Xuexiang and Xi Jinping in Shanghai.

In 1998, the Ministry of Machinery Industry was abolished, and the Shanghai Institute of Materials was assigned to the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission system. The following year, 37-year-old Ding Xuexiang became a cadre of the Shanghai Embassy and served as the deputy director of the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission at the political bureau level. The political arena in Shanghai at that time was not calm. Huang Ju, the secretary of the municipal party committee, was Jiang's former secretary-general and a traditional bureaucrat. Mayor Xu Kuangdi was Zhu Rongji's favorite and a scientist. The two people had very different ideas. Xu Kuangdi admired Ding Xuexiang, who came from a scientific research unit, very much and pushed him to be the mayor of Zhabei District. Although it was a lower-level district in Shanghai, he also had experience in governing a local area and completed a work resume.

Soon, Xu Kuangdi reached retirement age. It is said that Huang Ju also reported Xu Kuangdi to Jiang. Jiang Zemin transferred Xu Kuangdi to the China Academy of Engineering as president, and let Huang Ju's younger brother Chen Liangyu take over as mayor. Fortunately, Xu Kuangdi's assistant Jiang Sixian was transferred to the Organization Department of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee. Ding Xuexiang was also recommended as the deputy director of the Organization Department and the director of the Personnel Bureau.

From this, we can see that although Ding Xuexiang was also born in Shanghai in his early years, he could not be regarded as Jiang's man at that time, nor could he be regarded as the mainstream faction of the Shanghai Gang, but a non-mainstream faction in the Shanghai officialdom. So he did not have the opportunity to take the classic promotion path from district mayor to district party secretary, and then to the leader. Not having been a district party secretary is also the most criticized part of his career.

Of course, Ding Xuexiang has a gentle personality, is relatively low-key, respects any leader, and works more seriously. The impression given to the outside world is that he is a scientific and technological cadre, so the factional color is not strong. Although Xu Guangdi valued him very much, Huang Ju and Chen Liangyu would not hate him, but they would not let Ding Xuexiang enter their core circle. During this period, he had more contact with Han Zheng, and Han Zheng also recognized him.

In 2006, Ding Xuexiang's career ushered in a new turning point. After the Chen Liangyu case broke out, Sun Luyi, director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, was also dismissed. After Mayor Han Zheng presided over the work of the Municipal Party Committee, he needed to transfer someone who did not belong to Chen Liangyu's faction to replace Sun Luyi. As a person outside Chen Liangyu's faction, Ding Xuexiang's opportunity came. He was transferred to the deputy secretary-general of the Municipal Party Committee and director of the General Office, and returned to his old office business.

In 2007, Xi Jinping suddenly transferred to the position of Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, bringing only Zhong Shaojun from Zhejiang. At that time, the political arena in Shanghai was in a situation of panic. Because the former secretary of the Municipal Party Committee was in trouble, almost all senior cadres in Shanghai had various degrees of contact with him. They anxiously awaited the trial of the new secretary. And Xi Jinping was unsure about the big Shanghai. He did not know the history of these cadres. As the director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, Ding Xuexiang was the first person Xi Jinping contacted during his time in Shanghai, and one of the people he contacted the most.

Xi Jinping could only look for people who understood Shanghai's political scene among his friends and seek their advice. He thought of Xu Kuangdi. After Xi Jinping began to serve as the Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee in 2003, he invited Xu Kuangdi, then the President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, to lead a team to inspect Zhejiang. He also specially invited Xu Kuangdi to give lectures to cadres throughout Zhejiang Province. Xu grew up in Hangzhou and has deep feelings for Zhejiang. As a scientist and politician, his explanations of many truths are easy to understand, which deeply conquered Xi Jinping, an elementary school liberal arts student. From that time on, Xi Jinping regarded Xu Kuangdi as his senior consultant and advisor.

Xu Kuangdi served as the mayor of Shanghai for many years and knew Shanghai very well. He gave Xi Jinping, the new Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, a lot of advice. Xu also recommended several people to Xi Jinping, one of whom was Ding Xuexiang, which was equivalent to helping Ding Xuexiang endorse in front of Xi Jinping.

The situation Xi Jinping faced when he first arrived in Shanghai was very similar to the situation Jiang Zemin faced when he arrived at the central government in 1989. Xi Jinping faced the situation after his predecessor Chen Liangyu's incident, and Jiang Zemin faced the situation after the fall of Zhao Ziyang. Xi Jinping has to face one mother-in-law, Jiang Zemin, while Jiang Zemin faces two mothers-in-law, Deng Xiaoping and Chen Yun. Xi Jinping faces Han Zheng, a local tyrant who is in charge of Shanghai's work and does not know who is his enemy, while Jiang Zemin faces Li Peng, a local tyrant who is in charge of the central work and does not know who is his enemy. They may be set up at any time.

Xi Jinping brought Zhong Shaojun to Shanghai. In this complicated situation, Xi Jinping met Ding Xuexiang, director of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee. Ding Xuexiang tried his best to help Xi Jinping familiarize himself with the situation in Shanghai, racked his brains to give advice to his new master, and helped him complete the most difficult transition stage.

Ding Xuexiang has two advantages. One is that he is familiar with the work of the General Office, and the other is that he once served as the deputy director of the Organization Department of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and the director of the Personnel Bureau. He is familiar with the situation of Shanghai cadres and can give Xi Jinping many personnel suggestions.

For Ding Xuexiang, the most urgent task is to assist Xi Jinping in convening the 9th Party Congress in Shanghai. This Party Congress is the most important task and test given to Xi Jinping by the Central Committee. It also plays a decisive role in stabilizing the Shanghai officialdom, which was in a state of panic after the Chen Liangyu case.

Xi Jinping came to Shanghai in March 2007, and the Party Congress was held in May. There were only two months to prepare, which was quite tight. This was also the big test that Ding Xuexiang faced, and it was the busiest two months in his life.

He assisted Xi Jinping in convening four seminars, and led the team to complete the drafting of the conference report and conference work in a race against time. He almost perfectly completed this almost impossible task and passed Xi Jinping's test of his ability. It was also at this conference that Ding Xuexiang became a member of the Standing Committee and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee. Not only did he complete the thrilling leap to the vice-ministerial level, he also officially became Xi Jinping's chief secretary and started a new life. Xi Jinping only stayed in office as Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee for seven months. In fact, he didn't have time to do anything big except holding the Party Congress.

At that time, it was half a year before the 17th National Congress, and the bigwigs were already planning the personnel layout for the next five years. Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong had already planned to recommend Xi Jinping as the crown prince. Therefore, Xi Jinping's performance in Shanghai is related to whether he can pass the test of the central leadership and whether he can be successfully elected as the crown prince at the 17th National Congress. The most critical thing is not what he actually did, but what kind of reputation and word of mouth he left to the outside world.

Ding Xuexiang quickly figured out the boss's needs and formulated a series of measures around this need.

The first is to create a person who is good at negotiation. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping, Ding Xuexiang took the lead in formulating the rules of procedure of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and the working rules of the Municipal Party Committee, with the aim of leaving the impression that he is good at democratic consultation to the outside world, in order to contrast with Chen Liangyu's arbitrary rule.

The second is to create a reputation for being good at listening and caring about people's livelihood. This comes from a basic assumption that as a big leader, the more people you directly contact, the more people will say good things about you. Therefore, Ding Xuexiang set every Thursday as Xi Jinping's research day, helped Xi Jinping formulate a large-scale research plan, and traveled all over Shanghai. Ding Xuexiang also demonstrated his strong coordination and execution capabilities. Whenever Xi Jinping puts forward an idea, Director Ding can always quickly find a landing plan.

The third is the typical example of party building. The difference between Shanghai and Zhejiang is that state-owned enterprises are relatively strong, and the proportion in cities is larger than that in rural areas. Therefore, Ding Xuexiang assisted Xi Jinping in focusing on party building in state-owned enterprises and communities, and made these two brands. Of course, this is the main job of the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department. The Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee is a big housekeeper and an important planner. As the Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, Ding Xuexiang is in charge of three virtual offices in addition to traditional departments such as the Municipal Party Committee Office and Research Office, namely the Office of the Municipal Party Committee's Financial and Economic Leading Group, the Office of the Municipal Party Committee's Decision-making Advisory Committee, and the Office of the Municipal Party Committee's Party Building Leading Group. These three offices have become Xi Jinping's think tanks and have provided a lot of reference opinions for the Municipal Party Committee's decision-making.

In 2007, the 17th National Congress was held, and Xi Jinping was elected as a member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee as expected. He officially became the next generation of the crown prince. After Xi Jinping arrived in Beijing, in order to avoid being criticized, he still only brought Zhong Shaojun, his personal secretary, without Ding Xuexiang.

Xi Jinping is very familiar with Chinese history and knows that the crown prince is actually a dangerous position. If he does well, he may succeed in ascending the throne, but if he does not do well, he may be ruined. Therefore, in the five years since the 17th National Congress, Xi Jinping has been suppressing his desire for performance and power, and rarely expressed his opinions to the outside world. When it comes to employing people, Xi Jinping rarely speaks for the promotion of people from his faction, even though he is a member of the Standing Committee in charge of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. Until he took a high position, especially the layout of the 20th National Congress, almost all of them were his own people.

StayGate Pictures : Plane-spotting site at the car park of Suvarnabhumi Airport

 Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

The A319neo production may be discontinued

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

The A319neo, the smallest member of Airbus’ A320neo family, may not be around for much longer. As airlines continue to move to larger, more efficient aircraft, Airbus is considering whether to phase out the model altogether.

Since its launch, the A319neo has had limited commercial success, with just 57 orders to date, many of which have come from a handful of Chinese carriers. While it still has a niche advantage in high-altitude operations, even this use case may soon be replaced by newer, more powerful A320neo versions.

The A319neo is increasingly being chosen by airlines due to changes in fleet strategy and evolving operating economics. As newer aircraft with higher capacity and greater fuel efficiency become the industry standard, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for small narrow-body aircraft like the A319neo to survive.

One of its main disadvantages is its higher cost per seat. While the A319neo has similar next-generation engine technology to its larger counterparts, its smaller size means that efficiency gains per passenger are diluted. Most airlines now prefer the A320neo or A321neo, which offer better economics and flexibility in their route networks without significantly increasing operational complexity.

“Although we know it is an important product, there are not many orders in the order book,” Marc Guinot, Airbus’ chief engineer for the A320 family, told Airliner World. “We may consider discontinuing the A319neo at some point, but to do so, we should first have an A320neo that performs very well at high-altitude airports.”

A319neo struggles to win orders

The A319neo, launched in 2010, has struggled to attract customer interest despite Airbus’ efforts to keep it as a viable option. According to Airbus, the narrow-body aircraft has received only 57 orders (of which about 32 have been delivered and are in service), making it the lowest-selling model in the entire A320neo family.

By comparison, the A320neo has received more than 4,000 orders, while the larger A321neo has more than 7,000. Almost half of the A319neo orders have come from Chinese airlines, including Tibet Airlines, China Southern Airlines, West Air and Air China, with the rest scattered among a number of corporate and government customers. This highlights the aircraft's specific operational advantages.

The A319neo is well suited to high-altitude airports such as Lhasa and Nyingchi, where thin air and short runways make performance a limiting factor. Its smaller size and takeoff capabilities are an advantage in these conditions, especially when carrying heavier cargo.