On March 23, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Henry Michallat, led a delegation to Guangzhou to mark the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two cities. It was his first time in China and his first visit to Guangzhou, a trip aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing practical cooperation in education, culture, business, and beyond.

"The Israelis felt emboldened that no matter what they did, no matter what situation they put us in, they could go ahead and take this action and we would just have to react."

Layer upon layer, magnolia petals unfold in shades of pale pink and deep purple, serving as spring's most delicate brushstrokes. When the breeze passes, petals sway softly, and the whole of Guangzhou seems wrapped in tenderness.