Search Results (171)

This paper investigates religious encounters between Chinese and Senegalese Muslims in the relatively new Chinatown of Dakar. Chinese Muslims from Kaifeng City, Henan Province first arrived in Senegal in the 1990s following the Henan provincial state-owned construction company. They started a wholesale business mainly of clothing and shoes and brought their relatives and family members to Dakar. However, scholars studying the Chinese community in Dakar have largely ignored their Muslim identity and its significance. Moving beyond the conventional focus on tensions between Muslim and Chinese identities in the study of overseas Chinese Muslims, this paper turns to religious encounters in everyday life. Based on field research and interviews both in Dakar and Henan, this paper argues that for these Chinese Muslim businesspersons in Dakar, Islam as a shared religious identity sometimes provides opportunities to connect with their fellow Muslims in a foreign country. However, differences in religious practices can also lead to misconceptions between them and other Senegalese Muslims. This paper thus contributes to Islamic studies and the study of global China, particularly in relation to overseas Chinese Muslims, China–Africa encounters, and global Chinatowns. Full article

This study investigates the value identification and assessment of architectural heritage in Fujian Overseas Chinese New Village. As representative 20th-century settlements of returned overseas Chinese, these villages demonstrate distinctive architectural integration of Southeast Asian and Minnan architectural traditions while preserving historical memories of diasporic communities, though systematic evaluation remains lacking. An innovative multidimensional assessment framework combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was developed, with spatial analysis and value evaluation conducted on 247 representative structures employing Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), Delphi method, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Three primary findings emerged: (1) Spatial distribution patterns revealed core-periphery clustering characteristics, with Xiamen and Zhangzhou forming high-density cores (23.5% concentration ratio) showing KDE values of 4.138–4.976, reflecting historical migration networks and policy-driven site selection logic. (2) Heritage values were categorized into seven dimensions, with historical significance (0.2904), artistic merit (0.1602), and functional utility (0.1638) identified as primary value drivers. (3) A four-tier evaluation system quantified heritage significance through weighted indices, demonstrating 53.89% dominance of intrinsic value components, with historical and cultural factors contributing 29.04% and 18.52% respectively. Assessment outcomes indicated 23.5% of structures scoring above 80 points, particularly highlighting Xiamen’s comprehensive preservation value. This research advances traditional conservation paradigms through its pioneering “value identification–quantitative assessment–conservation and utilization” closed-loop model, providing methodological innovation applicable to similar Overseas Chinese communities. The developed framework fills critical research gaps in the systematic evaluation of Southern Min diaspora architecture while establishing quantitative parameters for decision-making synergy between cultural preservation and urban–rural development. By transcending conventional single-dimensional approaches, this study offers replicable analytical tools for differentiated conservation strategies and policy formulation. Full article

To understand the mechanisms underlying species assemblage along salt gradients in intertidal zones, we measured the xylem hydraulic vulnerability curves (HVCs), leaf water potential (ψ), stomatal conductance (g_s), specific leaf area (SLA), and wood density (WD) for six mangrove species of Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Aegiceras corniculatum, Kandelia obovata, Sonneratia apetala, and Sonneratia caseolaris. We found the following: (1) A. marina and B. gymnorhiza had the most negative P₅₀ (water potential at which 50% of hydraulic conductivity was lost), while S. caseolaris and S. apetala had the least negative P₅₀, indicating different resistance to embolism in xylem; (2) P₅₀ and P₈₈ (water potential at which 88% of hydraulic conductivity was lost) declined with increasing salinity from the onshore to offshore species, as their water regulation strategy meanwhile transitioned from isohydry to anisohydry; (3) B. gymnorhiza had smaller SLA but larger hydraulic safety margin (HSM), implying potentially higher capacity of water retention in leaves and lower risk of hydraulic failure in xylem. These results suggest that hydraulic traits play an important role in shaping the salt-driven niche segregation of mangroves along intertidal zones. Our research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the hydraulic physiology of mangroves in salt adaption and may facilitate a general modeling framework for examining and predicting mangrove resilience to a changing climate. Full article

Chinese Qilou Architecture Heritage (CQAH) serves commercial and residential functions, integrates Southeast Asian and local Chinese architectural features, and is a unique testimony to modern commerce and culture of the overseas Chinese hometown. Since the 1990s, the academic community has conducted extensive research on CQAH. This paper utilizes CiteSpace 6.4.R1 as the research tool and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as the core database, with “Qilou” as the core keyword and “Chinese Qilou Architecture” and “Qilou District” as the research themes. After a rigorous data collection procedure, 491 documents were obtained and subjected to visual analysis. The results show that research on CQAH is most prevalent in the field of architectural science and engineering, primarily focusing on four key issues: the distribution area and historical origin of Qilou, differences in regional characteristics of Qilou architecture, conservation and renewal of the Qilou historic district in urban development, and cultural inheritance and spatial activation. The research can be divided into four stages: exploration of basic features and historical background, exploration of architectural origins and development motives, cultural heritage protection and adaptive use, diversified perspectives, and multidisciplinary integration. Correspondingly, this paper also proposes four priority research directions for the future. This study provides theoretical support and practical reference for the conservation of CQAH and offers new methods and perspectives for the study of the future sustainable development of Qilou. Full article

China’s corporate venture capital (CVC) overseas investment began in the late 20th century and has expanded significantly over the years. By 2021, more than 265 Chinese institutions and companies had engaged in cross-border investments, contributing over USD 100 billion. These investments present a unique opportunity to examine the reverse technology spillover effect on China’s technological development. Using a Difference-in-Differences model and regression analysis, we investigate whether China’s CVC overseas investments drive technological progress. Our findings reveal three key insights: (1) these investments have a positive impact on China’s technological advancement, (2) the effect is stronger when the host country has a higher level of technology, and (3) larger investment amounts amplify the impact. This research not only highlights the transformative potential of cross-border CVC investments but also demonstrates how enterprises can leverage reverse innovation spillovers to accelerate China’s technological progress. Additionally, we introduce a novel approach to studying this phenomenon, contributing to the existing scholarship on global innovation dynamics. Full article

In recent years, several studies across a variety of target languages (e.g., Chinese, French, and Spanish) have demonstrated that students who study abroad acquire target-like patterns of variation. In Spanish-speaking contexts, recent research has moved beyond investigating the acquisition of features specific to Spain to examine that of features used in immersion contexts such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina. Nevertheless, many of these studies either rely on quantitative variationist analysis or implement qualitative analysis of one or two target dialectal features. In addition, learner omission and expression of pronominal subjects in these contexts have been largely underexplored. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study not only quantitatively examines learners’ production of several features of Buenos Aires Spanish, including sheísmo/zheísmo, /s/-weakening, voseo, and subject pronoun expression, but it also qualitatively relates the production of these features to learners’ experiences during a five-month semester in Argentina. It aims to answer the following research questions: When and to what degree do three English-speaking students studying abroad for five months in Buenos Aires, Argentina acquire target-like production of [ʃ] and/or [ʒ], s-weakening, vos, and subject pronoun expression? How do participants’ experiences, communities of practice, investments, identities, and imagined communities relate to this production? Speech data were gathered prior to, at the midpoint, and at the end of the semester by means of sociolinguistic interviews and elicitation tasks. To further understand the connection between these learners’ use of the target features and their overseas experiences, we explored the case studies of three learners of Spanish of differing proficiency levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) using qualitative data collected during semi-structured interviews at each interview time. The results suggest that all three learners increased their production of the prestigious, salient dialectal features of sheísmo/zheísmo and vos during the sojourn and that the amount of increase was greater at each proficiency level. While the beginning and intermediate learners did not move toward target-like norms in their use of the often-stigmatized, less salient, variable features of /s/-weakening and subject pronoun expression, the advanced learner did. As such, stigma, salience, and variability, as well as proficiency level, may play a role in the acquisition of variable features. Learners’ investment in the target language and participation in local communities of practice increased at each proficiency level as well, and learners’ imagined communities beyond their study abroad experiences were related to their identity construction and linguistic choices abroad. Full article

Neglecting ecosystem services has impeded sustainable urban–rural development, particularly in terms of the efficient flow of water supply services between urban and rural areas. This study focuses on the Fenhe River Basin, evaluating water supply and demand at the sub-basin, as well as county levels. Using the InVEST model to analyze basin-level geographic, meteorological, hydrological, and socio-economic data, the study reveals significant spatial and temporal mismatches between water supply and demand from 2010 to 2020. Through the calculated ecosystem services supply and demand ratio (0.3731 in 2010, −0.1555 in 2015, and −0.1063 in 2020), it is found although both supply and demand increased over the period, persistent deficits emerged, with water supply concentrated in upstream areas and demand primarily in downstream regions. The improved network connectivity by 2020, supported by water-saving policies and technological advancements, partially alleviated earlier imbalances. This research contributes a multi-scale framework to analyze ecosystem service flows and compensation mechanisms across grid, sub-basin, and county scales. Overall, the study underscores that research into ecological compensation plays a crucial role in enabling efficient resource flow, enhancing governance systems, and fostering an ecologically friendly urban–rural development model. Full article

As the epidemic affected everyone across the world, the solution to the epidemic was developed globally. Many applications adopt Internet of Things (IoT) technology to detect epidemics, and effective monitoring systems are developed to monitor air pollution, personal transmission, early detection of serious cases, and remote assessment. However, care facilities in an aging society require effective disinfection and sterilization to prevent viral transmission. We integrated the interactive and real-time features of the Internet of Things (IoT) to design and build an intelligent self-propelled sterilization robot for sterilization. Intelligent sterilization and disinfection planning and task allocation mechanisms were designed for sterilization in clinics. For healthcare facilities, the developed robot can reduce the burden on healthcare professionals, help to manage the disinfection and sterilization process, and ensure patient safety. At the same time, robots promote the development of epidemic prevention industries and prepares for future attacks from harmful air pollutants or new infections. Full article

Based on the information of China’s bilateral energy diplomacy with 43 countries from 2000 to 2023, this study analyzes the impact of different diplomatic forms on China’s crude oil trade. A fixed-effects model is reconstructed to analyze the impact of various aspects of energy diplomacy on China’s crude oil trade based on panel data. These aspects include diplomacy frequency, frequency of visits, first or regular visits by heads of state, changes in diplomatic relationship levels, whether oil or energy is involved in joint public statements, and the nature of diplomacy (bilateral or multilateral). This study provides a reference for strategic decision-making in China’s energy diplomacy and indicates that frequent meetings of heads of state and proactive “going out” strategies in energy diplomacy significantly promote crude oil trade cooperation between two countries and ensure national energy security. Bilateral energy diplomacy is more effective in fostering crude oil trade cooperation with resource countries compared to multilateral diplomacy, with particularly notable effects in neighboring countries and those that belong to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Chinese government could increase the frequency of energy diplomacy, appropriately increase the frequency of overseas visits, and be more proactive in “going out” for energy diplomacy. There should be a greater focus on bilateral energy diplomacy with key resource countries, including neighboring countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as BRI countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Indonesia. It is also crucial to enhance the discourse power and influence of China in the global energy governance system. If the outcome documents of diplomatic activities involve crude oil or energy cooperation, they may invite competition from other resource countries or intervention from external forces. It is recommended that the principle of “do more, say less” is upheld. Any sensitive or controversial topics that would cause external interferences should be avoided, and not be included or actively mentioned. Based on practical cooperation with potential partner countries, the entire industry chain of energy investment, trade, technical services, and engineering equipment will be strengthened. Full article

With the goal of promoting Chinese enterprises’ green development in overseas markets, China issued the Guidance on Promoting Green Belt and Road in 2017. The Guidance is the world’s first government document specifically designed to provide green finance support for domestic enterprises in overseas markets. Based on data on heavily polluting enterprises listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets from 2008 to 2021, this paper applies a Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach to explore the impact of this document on Chinese transnational enterprises’ environmental performance. Our empirical results reveal that government’s green finance support significantly improves Chinese transnational enterprises’ environmental performance by financing their overseas projects. Such effects are heterogeneous in enterprises with different natures, management levels, and profitability. From mechanism checks, we discovered that the Guidance impacts Chinese transnational enterprises’ green behaviors through both financial and institutional channels. Our study proposes corresponding policy suggestions and offers government policymakers insights into designing effective financial support for its enterprises’ green development in the global market. Full article

Spatial distribution is a critical factor influencing the success or failure of hotel management. This study examines the spatial distribution patterns of foreign star-rated hotels in China from 2000 to 2015 based on 27 typical city cases, using global and local spatial autocorrelation methods within GIS spatial analysis. The research explores the evolution of these patterns, analyzes key characteristics, and combines these insights with a stepwise regression method. Pearson correlation analysis is used to identify factors that influence the evolution of the spatial pattern. This study reveals that, first, the Z-value of global spatial autocorrelation of foreign star-rated hotels in China decreases from 2.38 to 1.63, indicating that the spatial distribution of foreign star-rated hotels in China has shifted from imbalanced to balanced, transitioning from economically developed regions such as areas with overseas Chinese populations, provincial capitals, and municipalities directly under central government control, toward tourist cities. Second, star-rated hotels hold a critical position within the spatial pattern, highlighting their central role in shaping the hospitality landscape. Third, the spatial distribution of foreign star-rated hotels is primarily influenced by the number of inbound tourists, followed by the presence of scenic spots rated 4A and above. The influence of other factors is found to be less significant. Fourth, the correlation coefficient between tourism demand and foreign star-rated hotels increased by 0.004, whereas the correlation coefficient between tourism supply and foreign star-rated hotels decreased by 0.036, indicating that market factors are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the evolution of foreign star-rated hotels in China, reflecting broader market dynamics. This study provides practical guidance for local Chinese hotels facing competition from foreign-funded establishments and offers theoretical insight into the strategic implementation of transnational operations. It points out the expansion direction of local Chinese hotels across different developmental stages. Full article

The Sapotaceae family comprises 65–70 genera and over 1250 species, holding significant ecological and economic value. Although previous studies have made some progress in the phylogenetic relationships and classification of Sapotaceae, many issues remain unresolved and require further in-depth research. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genomes of 21 plants from 11 genera of Sapotaceae, conducted a comparative genomic analysis, and performed a phylogenetic analysis by incorporating 16 previously published chloroplast genomes of Sapotaceae. The results showed that the chloroplast genome sizes in 21 plants of Sapotaceae range between 157,920 bp and 160,130 bp, exhibiting the typical quadripartite structure. Each genome contains 84–85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes, while the ndhF gene is absent in Pouteria campechiana and Pouteria sapota. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis showed that isoleucine (Ile) is the most commonly used, while the codon for methionine (Met) is the least utilized. Additionally, five highly variable regions (petA-psbJ, psbI-trnS-GGA, rpl2_2-psbA, rps19-rpl2_2, and ycf4-cemA) and two coding sequences, ycf1 and matK, were identified as candidate molecular markers for species differentiation and a phylogenetic analysis within the Sapotaceae family. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using complete chloroplast genome sequences and analyzed using ML and BI methods, which revealed that the Sapotaceae family is divided into three distinct clades, each receiving strong statistical support (BS = 100, PP = 1). The intergeneric analysis revealed that Madhuca and Palaquium are sister groups (BS = 91, PP = 1), as are Gambeya and Chrysophyllum (BS = 91, PP = 1). Pouteria and Chrysophyllum are among the larger groups in the Sapotaceae family but the traditional classification boundaries of these genera are unstable and unfeasible, as the current genus boundaries fail to support their natural evolutionary relationships. In the phylogenetic tree, Eberhardtia aurata is placed on a separate branch. The morphological classification system shows that E. aurata has rust-colored pubescence on its branches, abaxial leaf surfaces, petioles, and other areas, which clearly distinguishes it from other genera. This study provides valuable insights into advancing phylogenetic research, population genetics, molecular breeding, and conservation strategies by comparing chloroplast genome structures and characteristics and constructing phylogenetic trees. Full article

Climate change and environmental pollution pose urgent global challenges that critically affect economic and social development. Corporate green innovation has emerged as a pivotal driver of coordinated environmental and economic progress. However, the existing research has predominantly focused on the effects of media coverage pertaining to corporations themselves in regard to corporate decisions, providing limited insight into the effects of media coverage on environmental protection. Thus, this study aims to investigate the governance effect of the media and its influence on corporate green innovation. Utilizing fixed-effect models, which involves analyzing data from various secondary sources, this study focused on Chinese manufacturing companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2008 to 2019. The results revealed that media coverage of environmental protection had a positive impact on corporate green innovation. In addition, this study found that industry turbulence enhanced the connection between media coverage of environmental protection and green innovation, whereas factor market development and managers’ overseas experience weakened this relationship. Recognizing the role that the media plays in promoting green innovation can empower companies to effectively address environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. Full article

Company boards play a critical role in ESG leadership by shaping strategy, ensuring accountability, and driving sustainability practices. However, ineffective board structures can hinder ESG goals, making the identification of board attributes that enhance ESG outcomes essential. Using data from 1931 A-share listed companies between 2009 and 2022, this study investigates how board characteristics, such as independence, independent directors’ overseas experience, board size, and gender diversity, affect environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The analysis reveals that the combined influence of board characteristics positively impacts ESG outcomes. Among individual attributes, board independence and independent directors with overseas education backgrounds significantly enhance ESG ratings, emphasizing the value of independent oversight and global perspectives. In contrast, board size and gender diversity show no significant impact, suggesting that simply increasing board size or representation does not necessarily improve ESG performance. Unlike prior studies focusing on isolated board characteristics, this research comprehensively analyzes how various attributes influence ESG outcomes. This study fills a critical gap in the ESG literature by addressing these complex dynamics. It offers actionable insights for policymakers and corporate governance reformers to improve business practices’ accountability, transparency, and sustainability. Full article

Throughout most of Chinese history, leaders viewed the migration and movement of their subjects beyond state borders as a symptom of poor governance. As a result, record keepers generally avoided addressing the topic of Chinese people traveling or residing overseas. There is, however, an exceptional moment in Chinese history that provides valuable insight into the early establishment of Chinese communities abroad. Facing political pressure after signing a humiliating peace treaty with foreign adversaries in 1005, the Song dynasty emperor Zhenzong (968–1022, r. 997–1022) utilized unconventional forms of religious diplomacy and revived ancient rites to shore up support for his rule. The Feng and Shan rites were the highest level of sacrifice that an emperor could undertake, and they were only carried out by several emperors prior to Zhenzong’s reign. One of the requirements of this complex ritual was for the sovereign to attract foreign peoples from afar by his virtuous character, and so Zhenzong’s reign witnessed major initiatives to attract foreign envoys from states such as Srivijaya (Sumatra), Dai Viet (northern Vietnam), Japan, and India. Zhenzong’s reign also incorporated forms of diplomacy that originated in South and Southeast Asia, namely, the construction of temples in foreign states to enhance his spiritual authority. This essay will demonstrate that Emperor Zhenzong relied on Chinese merchants residing overseas to work with foreign leaders to coordinate the participation of foreign emissaries in such forms of temple diplomacy and in the Feng and Shan sacrifices. The significance of these events brought the activities of Chinese people trading and residing overseas to the attention of the Song court and its chroniclers, and as a result, we are left with the earliest indications of Chinese communities abroad in official Chinese histories. Full article