Shanghai continues to hold immense appeal for foreigners through its high-tech innovations which have brought about modern conveniences, with the city's architecture showcasing a strong appreciation for heritage and culture, said a Hungarian entrepreneur.
Steven Back is a Hungarian entrepreneur who has lived in China for nearly 20 years.
He said that China's modernization and innovation have made life very convenient, adding that Shanghai's historical imprint always reminds him of his homeland.
"The high-tech development and efficiency I found in Shanghai makes life very convenient here. At the same time, some historic parts of the city can even remind me of my homeland, which is one of the reasons I decided to settle here in Shanghai," he said.
In his vlog, Back and his Chinese friend Sean searched for unique Hungarian elements in Shanghai. They discovered that many of Shanghai's famous buildings were designed by Hungarian architect Laszlo Hudec.
"Our exploration brings us to a landmark that captures the spirit of Shanghai during Hudec's era - the Park Hotel. This towering beauty was actually one of the Hudec's masterpieces, standing as a symbol of Shanghai's golden age of architectural design and a testament to the city's early 20th century cosmopolitan flair," said Sean.
The buildings also serve as a bridge connecting the past and present, while also marking the precious friendship between China and Hungary.
"Each building tells a story, a narrative of mutual respect and shared growth. Walking through these streets among Hudec's creations, I feel a profound connection to both my Hungarian roots and my love for Shanghai. It's as if through his work, Hudec left a road map of cultural appreciation and exchange, one that guides us even today," said Back.
Hungarian entrepreneur drawn to Shanghai's cosmopolitan appeal, heritage
A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Lai Ching-te has sent "a dangerous signal" of seeking "Taiwan independence" and making provocations to undermine cross-Strait peace and stability in his speech upon assuming the role of Taiwan region's new leader on Monday.
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, described Lai's speech as one that stubbornly followed the "Taiwan independence" stance, wantonly advocated separatism, incited cross-Strait confrontation and sought independence by relying on foreign support and by force.
Chen said the mainstream public aspiration on the island is for peace and development, instead of war and recession, while Lai has ignored the public opinion, exposing his nature of being "a worker for Taiwan independence."
The current complex and grave situation across the Strait is rooted in the fact that the Democratic Progressive Party has stubbornly stuck to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence," rejected the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, and kept colluding with external forces to make provocations of seeking "Taiwan independence," Chen said.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, said Chen, stressing that "Taiwan independence" and peace across the Strait are incompatible as fire and water.
"We have firm determination to resolve the Taiwan question and realize national reunification; we have strong capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity; and we will take resolute actions to fight separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external interference," he said.
"We will never tolerate any 'Taiwan independence' separatist acts in any form," said Chen.
China must and will be reunified, Chen stressed. No matter how the situation on the island changes and who assumes the regional leader, it will not change the fact that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, or impede the historical trend of national reunification, he said.
"We will fully implement the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, unswervingly uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, work together with Taiwan compatriots to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and cross-Strait integrated development, and resolutely advance the reunification of the motherland," said Chen.
Mainland says Lai sends "dangerous signal" in speech as Taiwan's new leader
