A family from Taiwan is fully engaging in the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in the city of Fuzhou in east China's Fujian Province which is situated opposite the island of Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, reflecting the cultural and emotional ties connecting both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Kang Yung-ming, a former rugby coach from Taiwan, and his family members have recently relocated to Fuzhou, seeking new professional opportunities as well as trying to immerse themselves in local cultural life.
"In fact, a key spirit we want to convey through rugby is 'All for one and one for all'，as rugby requires an individual to lead and inspire the entire team to advance forward," Kang said. With this belief as his support, Kang said he is confident that no barrier is insurmountable.
For Kang and his family, this year marks their inaugural Mid-Autumn Festival on the Chinese mainland, which has been enriched by a variety of local events, including galas, cultural performances, and traditional dances.
However, these festivities present a stark contrast to the more informal celebrations they were accustomed to in Taiwan. One of the most noticeable differences is that people in Taiwan typically enjoy barbecue during Mid-Autumn Festival.
"I'm not sure when it started, but it seems like every household now has barbecue. It could be having a barbecue with family at home or attending outdoor barbecue parties," said Wang Yi-wen, Kang Yung-ming's wife.
According to Wang, Fuzhou's festivities offer a more structured and immersive experience, featuring elaborate events and performances that enhance the festive atmosphere.
Driven by a desire for professional development and a deeper cultural engagement, Kang and all his family members have been pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the local community and the opportunity to participate in traditional customs within a new context.
"I believe we share the same roots and celebrate the same Mid-Autumn Festival. Therefore, we should move beyond ideological differences and focus on finding ways to achieve common prosperity together," he concluded.
Taiwan family embraces Mid-Autumn Festival in mainland city, celebrates cultural unity
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
