Badgers are small mammals with flat, wedge-shaped bodies, broad feet with long claws and coarse hair that can be black, brown, gold or white. They are related to ferrets, minks, otters, weasels and wolverines. All of these animals are members of Mustelidae, the largest family in the order Carnivora. The classification of badgers is complex. According to Daniel Heath Justice, author of "Badger" (Reaktion Books, 2015), "Categories are under constant revision, rendering the taxonomic accuracy of any study … temporary at best."Justice acknowledges that there continues to be a debate about which animals should be considered "true badgers." "Scientists generally agree on three species: the Eurasian badger, the Asian hog badger and the North American badger." Including the honey badger in this group is controversial, he wrote, because it is genetically and genealogically distant from the others. However, the honey badger, also called the ratel, is generally still included among … [Read more...] about Facts About Badgers
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Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier
The talks were held on the occasion of Hue’s attendance at the 15th China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) and the 15th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (L) and Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng meets in Nanning on September 11 Deputy PM Hue spoke highly of the organisation of the 15th CABIS and CAEXPO in coincidence with the 15th anniversary of the ASEAN-China strategic partnership. He noted with satisfaction that relations between Vietnam and China have continued the positive development trend and made new strides with important common perceptions reached during visits and meetings between their leaders. China remains the biggest trade and tourism partner of Vietnam, and Vietnam also ranks first and eighth among ASEAN and global trade partners of China, respectively. While cooperation in agriculture, science-technology, culture, sports, tourism, education and health care has enjoyed good progress, … [Read more...] about Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier
Conference provides opportunity for new paradigm
The Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations taking place in Beijing from May 15 to 16 is using open dialogue to establish a fresh set of universal values founded on the core heritage and culture of very ancient civilizations. The Silk Road historically was the economic order for thousands of years. It was a technology shift, as high-sea sailing vessels and the industrialization of arms caused overland trading routes to fall into disuse. The outcome was economic might shifting to coastal regions. A system of colonization emerged, followed by a post-colonial era that sought to maintain the status quo. Today, another technology shift — high-speed rails, smart road systems, telecommunications and 5G wireless — are changing the economic paradigm and reviving overland trading routes. China calls it the “Belt and Road.” Another way of understanding it is a new Silk Road, or even a “Cyber Silk Road.” This spring, the Second Belt and Road Forum … [Read more...] about Conference provides opportunity for new paradigm