In a significant move to secure the global supply chain of critical materials, the European Union (EU) and China have reached an agreement to stabilize the trade of rare earth materials and products. These elements are indispensable for high-tech and military applications, making their steady flow crucial for both economies. The agreement follows a series of discussions between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Brussels last Friday. The talks centered on China’s export controls on rare earths, implemented in April and October, and the EU’s regulations on semiconductor sales. Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the European Commission, highlighted the EU’s reliance on China for rare earth materials, which are essential for manufacturing magnets used in automobiles and household appliances. The EU welcomed China’s recent 12-month suspension of rare earth export controls and emphasized the need for a stable trade system. Both parties are collaborating on an export licensing mechanism to ensure a consistent supply of these critical minerals. Šefčovič noted that Brussels and Beijing are committed to further discussions on trade measures, aiming to enhance the implementation of export control policies. With China being the EU’s second-largest trading partner, bilateral trade remains a cornerstone of the global economy, valued at approximately 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) daily. The agreement underscores the shared interest of both regions in maintaining stable trade relations and advancing mutual climate goals.
作者： admin
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Nearly 2,100 Indian Sikhs arrive in Pakistan for annual religious festivities
In a significant gesture of goodwill, more than 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India crossed into eastern Pakistan on Tuesday to participate in the annual commemoration of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This marks the first people-to-people interaction between the two nations since a brief but intense conflict in May. The Wagah border crossing, which had been closed for months due to heightened tensions, was reopened by Pakistani authorities specifically to facilitate this pilgrimage. Government official Nasir Mushtaq emphasized that the decision to grant visas and reopen the border underscores Pakistan’s respect for religious minorities and its commitment to fostering cultural ties, despite ongoing political disputes with India. The pilgrims arrived in Lahore before proceeding to Nankana Sahib in Punjab, the site of Guru Nanak’s shrine. Sikhs constitute a small minority in predominantly Muslim Pakistan, making this event particularly noteworthy. The relationship between India and Pakistan has been fraught with hostility, especially after India accused Pakistan of supporting militants responsible for a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April, which claimed 26 lives. Pakistan denied the allegations and called for an international investigation. Following the incident, diplomatic relations deteriorated, border crossings were sealed, and both nations engaged in cross-border military strikes. The conflict was temporarily halted after U.S. President Donald Trump mediated a ceasefire, but full diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people ties remain unresolved.
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US sanctions North Korean bankers accused of laundering stolen cryptocurrency
In a significant move to curb illicit financial activities, the United States announced on Tuesday a series of sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in laundering money from cybercrime schemes, which allegedly fund North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revealed that North Korean state-sponsored hackers have siphoned over $3 billion in digital assets over the past three years, a sum unparalleled by any other foreign actor. This revelation was further supported by a comprehensive 138-page international report published last month. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, John K. Hurley, emphasized that these cybercriminal activities are directly linked to financing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. The sanctioned network includes banking representatives, financial institutions, and shell companies spread across North Korea, China, Russia, and other regions, which facilitate money laundering through IT worker fraud, cryptocurrency heists, and sanctions evasion. Among those targeted are eight individuals and two firms, including North Korean bankers Jang Kuk Chol and Ho Jong Son, accused of managing funds, including $5.3 million in cryptocurrency, for the sanctioned First Credit Bank. The Treasury Department had previously warned U.S. firms in 2022 about hiring highly skilled North Koreans who disguise their identities to infiltrate financial networks, often posing as remote IT workers.
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UAE strengthens renewable energy drive ahead of Adipec 2025
As the world prepares for Adipec 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is intensifying its renewable energy initiatives, transforming its national ambitions into actionable strategies. The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, launched in 2017, aims to triple the contribution of renewables to its energy mix by 2030, a critical step in reducing carbon emissions and diversifying energy sources in a fossil fuel-dependent global economy. This strategy is underpinned by significant investments, international collaborations, and cutting-edge digital innovations. Key projects like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai and Masdar’s global renewable energy investments highlight the UAE’s commitment to clean energy. These initiatives not only address climate concerns but also position the UAE as a competitive player in the sustainable energy market. Adipec 2025 will serve as a platform to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and energy, with AI-powered systems projected to unlock $1.3 trillion in global economic value by 2030. The conference will also focus on hydrogen energy, policy frameworks, and infrastructure investments, showcasing the UAE’s integrated approach to energy transition. As the UAE progresses toward its Net Zero by 2050 target, Adipec 2025 will evaluate the nation’s advancements and the global readiness to embrace a renewable-driven future.
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Curfew lifted in Tanzania’s main city after election unrest
Tanzania’s political landscape remains tense as President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in on Monday following a contentious election marred by violence and allegations of electoral malpractice. The election, which saw Hassan declared the winner with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, has been criticized by regional observers for failing to meet democratic standards. The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) highlighted significant shortcomings in the electoral process. The unrest led to a nationwide internet shutdown, closure of schools and businesses, and a curfew in Dar es Salaam, which was lifted on Monday as life began to return to normal. However, the aftermath of the protests continues to haunt the nation, with families searching for missing loved ones and mourning those killed in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Opposition leaders Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina were barred from contesting the election, further fueling allegations of a rigged process. Reports from human rights organizations and diplomatic sources suggest that hundreds of people may have died in the violence, though the government has not released official casualty figures. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the use of excessive force by authorities, urging accountability for those responsible. President Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, acknowledged the loss of lives and property damage during her inauguration but attributed some of the unrest to foreign nationals. Despite initial hopes for political reform under her leadership, the narrowing of political freedoms has raised concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory.
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Vietnam flood death toll hits 40 as Typhoon Kalmaegi looms
Central Vietnam is grappling with the devastating aftermath of relentless torrential rains, which have claimed 40 lives and left six people missing. The catastrophic flooding has transformed streets into waterways, breached riverbanks, and submerged some of the nation’s most cherished historical landmarks. In a particularly severe 24-hour period, rainfall reached an unprecedented 1.7 meters (5 feet 6 inches), setting a national record. The provinces of Hue, Da Nang, Lam Dong, and Quang Tri have borne the brunt of the disaster. The region now faces an additional threat as Typhoon Kalmaegi, currently battering the Philippines, is expected to make landfall in Vietnam by Friday. With wind speeds potentially reaching 166 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), the typhoon could exacerbate the already dire situation. The floods have destroyed over 10,000 hectares of crops, killed more than 68,000 livestock, and inundated nearly 80,000 homes. Remote areas remain cut off due to landslides, further complicating relief efforts. Vietnam, which typically experiences ten typhoons or tropical storms annually, is witnessing its 13th such event in 2025, underscoring the intensifying impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns.
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Son who sued parents must stay at Ghana boarding school, judge rules
A 14-year-old British boy, who was sent to a boarding school in Ghana by his parents, has been ordered by a High Court judge to remain there until he completes his GCSEs. The boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. However, court documents reveal that his parents decided to relocate him due to concerns about his behavior in London, including school absences, possession of unexplained money, and carrying a knife. The boy denies any involvement in gang activity or carrying a weapon.
In February, the boy, feeling unhappy and homesick, sought publicly funded legal representation and filed a case against his parents in the High Court in London. His initial attempt to return to the UK was denied when a judge ruled that he would face greater harm if he returned. However, in June, he won a Court of Appeal bid to have the case rehearted after Sir Andrew McFarlane, the most senior judge in the Family Division, identified confusion in the previous decision.
On Tuesday, the High Court delivered its final judgment, ruling against the boy’s wishes. Judge Mrs Justice Theis emphasized the ongoing disruptions to his education and family life as key factors in the decision. She acknowledged the boy’s distress but highlighted his potential to succeed with the support of his family. The boy, who holds dual British and Ghanaian citizenship, remains in school in Ghana, preparing for his GCSEs.
The boy’s solicitor, James Netto of the International Family Law Group, stated that the boy ‘welcomes’ the judge’s decision to establish a clear roadmap for his return to the UK. Netto described the case as ‘extremely difficult’ and noted that the boy never wanted to take legal action against his parents but felt he had no other choice. The boy’s mother expressed her fears about his safety if he were to return to the UK prematurely, stating that she would be unable to care for him adequately.
Judge Theis outlined a ‘road map’ for the boy’s return, which includes participation in family therapy funded by their local authority. The final decision on his return will be reviewed closer to the completion of his GCSEs.
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Astronauts barbecue chicken wings, steaks in China’s space station
In a groundbreaking culinary feat aboard China’s space station, astronauts have successfully prepared and enjoyed freshly cooked chicken wings and steaks using a state-of-the-art space oven delivered by the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft. A viral video captured the moment when crew member Wu Fei, a space engineer, marinated chicken wings, skewered them, and baked them to perfection in the specially designed oven. The result? A plate of sizzling New Orleans-style chicken wings, a first in space gastronomy. Alongside this, Wang Jie, another astronaut from the Shenzhou XX crew, collaborated with Wu to prepare black pepper steaks, showcasing their Inner Mongolian heritage, renowned for its high-quality beef. The six astronauts shared the meal, their faces radiating joy and satisfaction. The Shenzhou XXI mission, launched recently, has introduced significant advancements in the space station’s life support systems. The upgraded oven features precise temperature control, residue collection, high-temperature catalysis, and multi-layer filtration, ensuring smoke-free baking and compliance with the station’s emission standards. Rigorous testing has confirmed its reliability for up to 500 cycles. This innovation is part of a broader effort to enhance the astronauts’ dietary experience, with the mission expanding the food variety to over 190 items and extending the menu cycle to 10 days. Fresh vegetables, nuts, cakes, and meats are now part of the orbital menu. Liu Weibo from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center emphasized the psychological benefits of such culinary activities, noting that enjoying aromatic meals can significantly boost the astronauts’ morale during their months-long stay in the confined space station. Additionally, the space station’s vegetable garden has seen remarkable progress, with 10 batches of seven plant species, including lettuce and cherry tomatoes, successfully cultivated, providing 4.5 kg of fresh produce. This achievement marks a significant step in sustainable space agriculture, ensuring a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables for the crew. The Shenzhou XX crew is scheduled to return to Earth soon, concluding their mission with a taste of home-cooked space cuisine.
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China’s ‘mice astronauts’ and their challenging journey to space
In a pioneering venture into space life sciences, China has successfully launched four mice into orbit aboard its space station, marking a significant milestone in the study of biological responses to microgravity. The rodents, affectionately dubbed ‘mice astronauts,’ are part of an experiment designed to explore the physiological and behavioral adaptations of living organisms in space.
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Free entry announced as Al Ain’s oases light up for Manar Abu Dhabi
Al Ain’s historic oases, Al Jimi and Al Qattara, have been transformed into mesmerizing night-time art destinations as Manar Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, made its debut in the city on November 1, 2025. This marks the first time the initiative has illuminated sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offering a unique blend of art, heritage, and technology. Curated under the theme ‘The Light Compass,’ the exhibition features light-based installations by six Emirati and international artists: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar, and Christian Brinkmann. Their works guide visitors through an immersive experience of sound, light, and space beneath the ancient palm trees. The opening weekend coincided with Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, adding to the cultural richness of the event. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage pop-ups, guided tours, and photography workshops, making it a holistic cultural experience. Manar Abu Dhabi runs daily from 5:30 PM to 12 AM until January 4, 2026, with free entry and optional guided tours available for Dh50 per person.