U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to swiftly resolve the escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as the two nations engage in critical peace talks in Istanbul. The discussions, now in their second day, aim to solidify a fragile ceasefire brokered earlier this month in Doha into a lasting framework for peace and border security. The recent clashes between the neighboring countries have been the deadliest in years, exacerbating regional instability and raising concerns about the resurgence of militant groups like al-Qaida. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of ignoring cross-border militant activities, a claim vehemently denied by the Taliban-led Afghan government. Trump, speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, expressed confidence in his ability to mediate the conflict, praising Pakistani leaders as ‘great people.’ Meanwhile, Taliban-controlled media reported progress in the talks, with Afghanistan proposing measures to prevent Pakistani territorial violations and establish a monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire. Pakistan has yet to comment publicly on the latest developments, but Trump’s intervention is expected to bolster efforts for closer ties between Islamabad and Washington.
作者： admin
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China confirms identities of 8 volunteer soldiers killed in Korean War
In a significant development, China’s Ministry of Veterans Affairs has successfully identified the remains of eight Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War (1950-1953). Utilizing cutting-edge DNA technology, the ministry confirmed the identities of these martyrs, whose remains were repatriated from the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2020 and 2021. Since 2014, a total of 1,011 CPV soldiers’ remains have been returned to China, with 36 identities now confirmed and their families located. This achievement underscores China’s intensified efforts in recent years to honor its fallen heroes, including the establishment of a specialized DNA laboratory to enhance the national database for martyrs and their families. The initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to preserving historical memory and providing closure to the families of those who sacrificed their lives during the conflict.
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Postdoctoral innovation and entrepreneurship competition kicks off in Quanzhou
The 3rd China Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition officially commenced in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, on October 25, 2025. This prestigious event, which runs until October 27, has attracted significant attention for its role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among postdoctoral researchers. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, one of the organizers, the competition saw an overwhelming response, with 36,000 participants from 8,006 postdoctoral programs registering for the preliminary rounds. Among these, 46 teams and 1,743 groundbreaking ideas in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and energy conservation advanced to the finals. Li Jinsheng, Secretary-General of the competition’s organizing committee, highlighted the nation’s remarkable progress in nurturing postdoctoral talent. He noted that the number of postdoctoral researchers has surged from 12,000 in 2012 to 42,000 in 2024, reflecting an annual growth rate of 10.8%. Currently, there are approximately 135,000 postdoctoral researchers actively contributing to research stations across the country. Li emphasized that the postdoctoral program has become a cornerstone for cultivating young scientific and technological talent, significantly advancing China’s education, technology, and talent development. The competition, first held in Guangdong in 2021 and later in Shandong in 2023, has played a pivotal role in transforming innovative ideas into practical applications, thereby bolstering the nation’s progress.
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Trump in Malaysia: Dancing and a ‘peace deal’
During his recent visit to Malaysia, U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a unique blend of diplomacy and cultural exchange. The highlight of his trip was a ceremonial dance performance, where Trump participated alongside Malaysian officials, showcasing a rare moment of cross-cultural camaraderie. This event was not merely symbolic; it underscored the strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Malaysia. Additionally, Trump announced a tentative ‘peace deal’ aimed at fostering regional stability. While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, it is expected to address key geopolitical challenges in Southeast Asia. The visit also included high-level discussions on trade, security, and counterterrorism, reflecting the multifaceted nature of U.S.-Malaysia relations. Trump’s presence in Malaysia, marked by both formal negotiations and informal interactions, signals a renewed commitment to deepening partnerships in the region.
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Kurdish rebel group PKK says it is withdrawing its fighters from Turkey to Iraq
In a significant development toward peace, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant Kurdish group, declared on Sunday its decision to withdraw its fighters from Turkey to Iraq. The announcement, made in northern Iraq, marks a pivotal step in the ongoing peace process between the PKK and Turkey. This move follows a symbolic ceremony months earlier where PKK fighters began laying down their weapons, signaling a commitment to de-escalation. The PKK, which has been engaged in a decades-long insurgency against Turkey since the 1980s, has been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths. The group’s statement, issued by Sabri Ok, emphasized the withdrawal of all forces to the Medya Defense Area in northern Iraq, a term frequently used by the PKK to describe its strongholds. The decision was made with the approval of Abdullah Ocalan, the group’s imprisoned leader, who has long advocated for peace. The statement also called for legal and political concessions to ensure the successful implementation of the peace process. Ocalan, imprisoned since 1999, had urged the PKK in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm, a move the group agreed to in May. Initially, the PKK’s insurgency aimed to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey, but its objectives later shifted to advocating for Kurdish autonomy and rights within Turkey. Despite the PKK’s efforts toward peace, it remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
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Russia targets Kyiv with drones, killing 3 and wounding 29
In a devastating escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a barrage of drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuring at least 29 others, including seven children. This marked the second consecutive night of attacks targeting the city, underscoring the intensifying conflict. Among the victims were a 19-year-old woman and her 46-year-old mother, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko. The assault caused significant damage, igniting fires in two residential buildings in the Desnianskyi district. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from a nine-story and a 16-story building affected by the blazes. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces deployed 101 drones overnight, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting and neutralizing 90 of them. However, five strike drones managed to hit four locations, while debris from downed drones caused additional damage in five other areas. The attack followed a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Saturday, which claimed four lives, including two in Kyiv. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his urgent appeal for advanced Western air defense systems to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from relentless Russian aggression.
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The musician with 14 aliases and millions of listeners
Liam McCay, a 20-year-old musician from County Donegal, Ireland, has transformed from a part-time restaurant worker to a globally recognized artist with millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms. Known primarily by his alias Sign Crushes Motorist, McCay has released music under 14 different names, each representing a unique creative endeavor. His journey began in his childhood bedroom, where he crafted songs under the name Moon Water while still in school. Over time, he expanded his repertoire, exploring genres like slowcore, acoustic, and even rap. Despite his success, McCay initially kept his music a secret, sharing it only on online forums and servers for new musicians. By 2023, several of his tracks had gained significant traction, with one peaking at number three on Billboard’s now-defunct TikTok Top 50 chart. After completing his school exams, McCay briefly pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Belfast but ultimately decided to focus on music full-time following a series of collaborations with other artists in the US. Now based in Los Angeles, McCay continues to release music independently, recently dropping an album under the name Dead Calm. While industry professionals have advised him to consolidate his work under a single alias, McCay remains committed to his diverse creative identities, believing it adds an element of discovery for his fans.
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The $100 million Louvre theft could make France’s stolen Crown Jewels as famous as the Mona Lisa
The recent robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris has thrust France’s Crown Jewels into the global spotlight, an outcome no marketing campaign could achieve. While the nation mourns the breach of its national heritage, the crime has paradoxically elevated the stolen artifacts to celebrity status, reminiscent of how the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 transformed it into the world’s most famous artwork. The heist has captivated global media, with nightly newscasts from the U.S. to Asia broadcasting images of the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery and the missing jewels to millions. This surge of attention rivals, or even surpasses, the frenzy following Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 2018 music video filmed at the museum. Among the treasures that escaped the thieves’ grasp is Empress Eugénie’s emerald-set crown, which may now become the gallery’s most talked-about relic. The Louvre reopened to maximum crowds just days after the robbery, despite the ongoing investigation and heightened security concerns. For France, the loss is not merely financial but a tear in the fabric of its national history. The jewels, which represent the transition from monarchy to modern France, are seen as chapters of the country’s past. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the theft as an “immeasurable” heritage loss, while Louvre director Laurence des Cars acknowledged “a terrible failure” in security. The heist has drawn visitors to the museum, many of whom come to see the site of the crime rather than the missing artifacts. Curators warn that recutting or melting the jewels would be a second violence, as their authenticity lies in their unbroken history. Whether this loss will lead to legend remains the Louvre’s uneasy future.
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Harris reflects on why she did not ask Biden to quit sooner
In a candid interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed deep introspection over her decision not to urge President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Harris, who stepped in as the Democratic nominee after Biden’s exit but ultimately lost to Donald Trump, revealed her lingering doubts in her new book, *107 Days*. She questioned whether her silence was an act of grace or recklessness, particularly given her concerns about Biden’s ability to endure the grueling demands of a presidential campaign. Harris emphasized that her reservations were not about Biden’s capacity to govern but rather his stamina for the campaign trail, especially against a formidable opponent like Trump. She also acknowledged the delicate position she was in, fearing that raising the issue might be perceived as self-serving. The broader debate about whether Biden’s inner circle should have challenged his decision to run has sparked significant discussion, with some alleging that his physical decline was concealed from the public. Biden’s aides have denied these claims, asserting that while he aged visibly, there was no evidence of mental incapacity. Harris, now promoting her book in the UK, hinted at a potential future presidential run, stating she is ‘not done’ with public service.
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Biggest-ever PLA purge: Do anti-Xi coup plots or fears explain it?
In a historic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping has initiated a sweeping purge within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), marking one of the most significant military shake-ups in the 76-year history of the People’s Republic of China. The purge, led by newly appointed PLA Vice Chairman Zhang Weisheng, has targeted high-ranking officials, including former Vice Chairman He Weidong, who was closely associated with Xi during his tenure in Fujian. Notably, no new PLA members were promoted to the Central Committee, signaling a potential demotion of the military’s political influence. The fate of Zhang Youxia, the first PLA vice chairman and a Politburo member, remains uncertain, though he is likely sidelined. This restructuring raises questions about the PLA’s role in China’s Taiwan strategy, with Xi possibly favoring a hybrid approach over direct military action. The purge’s origins trace back to the 2023 Chinese balloon incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in the PLA’s command structure. Over the past three years, Xi has systematically removed key defense officials, including Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, consolidating his control. The purge’s scale and duration suggest Xi’s intent to curb the PLA’s political clout, historically a kingmaker in Chinese politics. While the official justification is corruption, rumors of a potential coup attempt against Xi have fueled speculation. The move underscores Xi’s growing dominance, even as global tensions rise, and hints at a shift in the party-military dynamic, with the PLA’s influence potentially waning in favor of other party structures.