The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Friday on a resolution endorsing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, marking a significant shift in the decades-long conflict. The resolution, if passed, would represent the strongest international backing yet for Morocco’s claim, supported by most European Union members and a growing number of African allies. It notably omits references to a U.N.-backed referendum on self-determination, a stance supported by Algeria, Russia, and China, instead proposing ‘genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty’ as the most viable solution. The resolution also seeks to renew the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, a mission that has been in place for over three decades. Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich coastal desert the size of Colorado, has been a contentious territory since Spain relinquished control in 1975. Both Morocco and the Polisario Front, a pro-independence group based in Algerian refugee camps, lay claim to the region. The Polisario Front has rejected the resolution, vowing to continue its fight for self-determination. The U.N. resolution calls for all parties to seize this ‘unprecedented opportunity for lasting peace’ and requests Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to review the peacekeeping mission’s mandate within six months. The conflict remains a central issue in North African diplomacy, with Morocco viewing support for its autonomy plan as a key indicator of international alliances. The resolution comes amid U.S. efforts to reassess funding for U.N. programs, including peacekeeping, as part of a broader strategy to align U.N. operations with American interests.
作者： admin
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Xi meets Thai PM
On Friday, October 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping of China engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The encounter took place on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. This meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between China and Thailand, two key players in the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions are expected to have focused on enhancing economic cooperation, regional stability, and mutual interests in the context of the APEC framework. Such high-level engagements are pivotal in fostering stronger ties and addressing shared challenges in the region.
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Watch: BBC is on the ground in hard hit Santa Cruz, Jamaica
The BBC’s Nada Tawfik provides an on-the-ground report from Santa Cruz, Jamaica, a region severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The report highlights the critical role of the Jamaican Red Cross in spearheading recovery initiatives. The organization is mobilizing resources and personnel to assist affected communities, focusing on providing essential supplies, medical aid, and shelter. The hurricane has left widespread devastation, with damaged infrastructure and displaced residents. The BBC’s coverage underscores the urgency of the situation and the collaborative efforts between local authorities and international aid organizations to restore normalcy. This report sheds light on the resilience of the Jamaican people and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives post-disaster.
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Russia deploys 170,000 troops for push in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Zelenskyy says
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has deployed approximately 170,000 troops to Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, focusing its efforts on capturing the strategic stronghold of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation in Pokrovsk as “difficult” during a media briefing in Kyiv on Friday. While acknowledging that some Russian units have infiltrated the city, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian forces are systematically eliminating them to preserve personnel. This comes amid Russia’s broader push for a battlefield victory, despite slow and costly progress in terms of troops and equipment. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently claimed significant advances, though these assertions remain unverified. Meanwhile, Ukraine has retaliated by targeting Russian oil facilities, disrupting military logistics and domestic markets. Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service, reported over 160 successful long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure this year, leading to a 20% drop in domestic oil products and temporarily halting 37% of Russia’s refining capacity. Additionally, Ukraine has destroyed nearly half of Russia’s advanced Pantsir air defense systems and one of its hypersonic missiles, the Oreshnik, which Putin had previously touted as invulnerable. On the humanitarian front, Russian drone strikes have caused significant civilian casualties, with a 30% increase reported this year. The UN has expressed concern over Russia’s near-daily attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. Despite international peace efforts, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with funding for humanitarian operations dwindling from $4 billion in 2022 to $1.1 billion this year.
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French PhD student at UCAS 2025: Cross-culture encounter awaits
Alban Schmoll, a French PhD student, is set to begin an exciting academic journey at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in 2025. Speaking at the university’s opening ceremony in Beijing, Schmoll shared his enthusiasm for joining a diverse and dynamic academic community. He expressed eagerness to engage with peers from various cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the value of cross-cultural learning and personal growth. The event marked the start of a new chapter for Schmoll, who is poised to contribute to and benefit from the rich academic environment at UCAS. His story highlights the increasing global appeal of Chinese educational institutions and the importance of fostering international collaboration in higher education.
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Dutch press agency calls election for centrist D66 party
In a closely contested Dutch national election, the centrist D66 party has narrowly surpassed Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), according to a projection by the national news agency ANP. The prediction, based on nearly all counted ballots and an analysis of remaining votes—primarily from overseas Dutch nationals—suggests D66 leader Rob Jetten is poised to become the Netherlands’ next prime minister. At 38, Jetten would be the country’s youngest and first openly gay leader. He emphasized that the results reflect voters’ desire to move beyond “political nonsense.”
The two parties are currently tied at 26 seats, with the possibility of D66 gaining a slight edge to 27 as remaining votes are tallied. However, mainstream parties, including D66, have ruled out forming a coalition with the PVV, citing Wilders’ role in destabilizing the previous coalition over migration policies. Political scientist Henk van der Kolk noted that the seat count is largely irrelevant, as the focus shifts to forming a centrist coalition involving D66, the Labor Party, Green Left, the Christian Democrats, and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy.
With the Dutch political landscape highly fragmented, coalition negotiations are expected to span weeks or even months. The election underscores the challenges of governance in a polarized environment, with centrist forces seeking to counter the influence of far-right populism.
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Tianjin inks $80m deal to introduce China’s industrial expertise to Middle East
Tianjin’s Binhai New Area has forged an $80 million investment partnership with Saudi Arabia’s global investment firm, ewpartners, aiming to export China’s advanced industrial systems and supply chain capabilities to bolster Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector. The agreement was formalized during the 9th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, with key officials from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jada Fund of Funds in attendance. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a national strategy focused on economic diversification and industrial transformation, while also supporting ewpartners Fund II, which targets digital, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and consumer sectors. For China, this marks a significant milestone in Tianjin’s industrial expertise ‘going global’ and reinforces the Belt and Road Initiative. Binhai New Area, with a GDP of $108 billion and hosting over 240 Fortune Global 500 companies, is a hub for petrochemicals, electronics, new energy, smart manufacturing, and the digital economy. Its world-class ports serve as a vital link between Asian and Middle Eastern industrial clusters. Wu Di, vice-chairman of the administrative commission of Tianjin Binhai Hi-tech Industrial Development Area, expressed optimism about leveraging Tianjin’s strengths in smart manufacturing, technology, and port logistics to deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The initiative aims to integrate Binhai’s expertise in new energy and industrial logistics with ewpartners’ regional network to accelerate technology transfer and industrial upgrades in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. Bandr Mohammed Alhomaly, CEO of Jada Fund of Funds, highlighted the shared commitment to Vision 2030 and building a robust private capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Jerry Li, co-founder and managing partner of ewpartners, emphasized that the partnership goes beyond capital, focusing on connecting industries and innovation capabilities to drive high-quality regional development.
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CCG conducts law-enforcement patrols around Huangyan Island
The China Coast Guard (CCG) has escalated its law-enforcement activities in the territorial waters and adjacent areas surrounding Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. According to an official statement released on Friday, the CCG has been conducting rigorous patrols since early October to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. These operations include tracking, monitoring, issuing radio warnings, and expelling vessels and aircraft engaged in illegal activities or provocations. The intensified patrols aim to strengthen management and control over the region, reaffirming China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The move underscores China’s proactive stance in maintaining stability and security in the South China Sea, a strategically significant area.
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Andrew, the civilian formerly known as ‘prince,’ faces an uncertain future
In a historic move that underscores the British monarchy’s commitment to preserving its integrity, Prince Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles and evicted from his luxurious residence at Windsor Castle. This unprecedented decision by King Charles III comes as a direct response to Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which has severely tarnished his reputation and raised questions about his judgment. The once-prominent royal will now relocate to a modest private home on the Sandringham estate, marking a stark contrast to his former opulent lifestyle. This transition not only symbolizes Andrew’s fall from grace but also highlights the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from scandal. Experts describe this as a humiliating yet necessary step to protect the royal family’s public image. Despite these changes, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, though his chances of ever ascending are deemed ‘entirely unrealistic.’ Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, must also find new accommodations, while their daughters retain their titles as granddaughters of the late Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles has extended financial support to his brother, ensuring he is provided for despite his inability to contribute to royal duties. This saga underscores the delicate balance between familial loyalty and the monarchy’s public accountability.
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Birders going ‘cuckoo’ after unexpected sighting in New York City area
A rare sighting of a common cuckoo on Long Island, New York, has ignited a wave of excitement among bird enthusiasts across the region. This species, typically native to areas spanning from Europe to Japan and wintering in Africa, was unexpectedly spotted in Riverhead, a town approximately 75 miles from New York City. The discovery was made by a golfer who captured a photo and shared it with his nephew, an avid birder. The image eventually reached the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, where the bird was confirmed as a common cuckoo—a species rarely seen in the eastern United States and Canada. Since the initial sighting, the bird has been observed over 200 times, with enthusiasts documenting their encounters on platforms like ebird.org and social media. Many birdwatchers from across the U.S. have traveled to the area in hopes of catching a glimpse of the rare visitor. Experts believe the bird, identified as a juvenile, may have been migrating for the winter but veered off course. Jay McGowan, a curator at the Cornell Lab’s Macaulay Library, emphasized the significance of the sighting, noting it as a major event for birding in New York. He advised observers to maintain a respectful distance while enjoying the rare opportunity to witness a species typically found only in Europe or Asia.