In a devastating maritime disaster, at least 70 migrants lost their lives when a boat capsized off the coast of West Africa, according to a statement released by Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry on Friday. The vessel, believed to have departed from Gambia and carrying predominantly Gambian and Senegalese nationals, sank near Mauritania early Wednesday. Another 30 individuals are feared dead, bringing the potential death toll to over 100. The boat was reportedly carrying around 150 passengers, with only 16 survivors rescued so far. Mauritanian authorities have recovered 70 bodies, while witness accounts suggest the tragedy may have claimed even more lives. This incident marks one of the deadliest accidents along the perilous migration route from West Africa to Europe. The Atlantic migration route, particularly the journey from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, is notorious for its dangers. Last year, over 46,000 irregular migrants reached the Canary Islands, a record number, according to the European Union. However, more than 10,000 died attempting the journey, a 58% increase from 2023, as reported by the rights group Caminando Fronteras. Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry has urged its citizens to avoid such hazardous voyages, which continue to claim countless lives. Mauritania remains a critical transit point for undocumented migrants from across Africa, many of whom risk their lives on overcrowded and unsafe vessels in pursuit of a better future in Europe. The tragedy underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for safer migration pathways.
作者： admin
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China-Israel relations in subtle but certain drift
The once-thriving diplomatic and economic partnership between China and Israel is facing unprecedented strain as escalating tensions between the United States and China force Israel into a delicate balancing act. What began as a pragmatic alliance centered on technological collaboration and trade has evolved into a complex geopolitical puzzle, with Israel caught between its most vital ally and one of its largest economic partners. Over the past three decades, China and Israel cultivated robust ties in technology, trade, and diplomacy, with Chinese investments fueling Israeli tech startups and bilateral trade flourishing in sectors like semiconductors and agricultural innovation. However, recent geopolitical shifts have disrupted this dynamic, creating unforeseen challenges for both nations. The turning point came after Hamas’s October 2023 attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response. China, previously neutral, adopted a pro-Palestinian stance, condemning Israeli actions and supporting UN resolutions critical of Israel’s policies. This marked a significant departure from its earlier balanced approach. The US-China rivalry has further complicated matters, particularly in the technology sector. Washington has pressured Israel to restrict technology transfers to China, especially in sensitive areas like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. This pressure has yielded tangible results, with Israeli semiconductor exports to China halving from $21 million in 2020 to $11 million in 2022. Israeli companies have been forced to reevaluate their Chinese partnerships, with some deals canceled under American scrutiny. Despite these challenges, economic ties between China and Israel remain resilient, with bilateral trade reaching $16.3 billion in 2024. However, this interdependence also exposes vulnerabilities. China’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil, particularly from Iran, complicates its relationship with Israel, given Iran’s adversarial stance. The October 2023 conflict also reshaped Chinese perceptions of Israel, with Beijing increasingly critical of Israeli military actions. This shift has eroded trust, as evidenced by 2024 polls showing a majority of Israelis now view China as unfriendly. The crisis underscores broader strategic realignments in the Middle East, where the US and China vie for influence. While the US remains Israel’s primary security guarantor, China’s alignment with Iran and Palestine has limited its role as a regional mediator. US concerns over Chinese access to Israeli technology have intensified, leading to enhanced investment screening and restricted cooperation. The future of China-Israel relations hinges on several factors, including the trajectory of US-China competition, regional stability, and global technology governance. Israel must navigate these pressures while balancing its economic interests and security concerns. This evolving relationship serves as a microcosm of how great power competition impacts smaller states, offering insights into the challenges of navigating a multipolar world.
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New Oceania soccer competition hopes to raise level of the sport in the Pacific region
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating the region’s soccer prowess on the global stage. The newly announced OFC Professional League, set to debut in January, will feature eight elite clubs from across the western Pacific. This historic league marks the first professional competition specifically tailored for the Oceania region, offering a structured pathway for players, coaches, referees, and administrators to refine their skills and enhance competitiveness. Among the selected clubs are Auckland FC and Christchurch United from New Zealand, Bula Boys from Fiji, Solomon Kings from the Solomon Islands, Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu FC, Tahiti United, and South Melbourne from Australia. Despite Australia’s departure from the OFC in 2006 to join the Asian Football Confederation, South Melbourne’s inclusion underscores the league’s cross-border appeal. The OFC Professional League aims to address the challenges posed by the region’s scattered populations and limited infrastructure, which have historically hindered international success. League manager Stuart Larman emphasized the league’s potential to provide high-level competition, with each club guaranteed at least 17 matches per season. This increased exposure is expected to better prepare OFC representatives for FIFA tournaments, including the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The league’s stringent licensing requirements will also drive improvements in governance, infrastructure, and sporting standards, fostering a more professional environment. Former FIFA and AFC executive James Kitching highlighted the potential for this cross-border model to inspire similar initiatives worldwide, reflecting FIFA’s evolving approach to league structures. The OFC Professional League will be officially launched in Auckland at the end of October, heralding a new era for soccer in Oceania.
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Manhunt in Australian bush brings long-dismissed conspiracy theorists to the fore
The tranquil town of Porepunkah, nestled in the Australian Alps, has been thrust into chaos as a massive manhunt unfolds for a heavily armed fugitive accused of fatally shooting two police officers. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has shattered the peace of this close-knit community of 1,000 residents, known for its wineries and serene bushwalking trails.
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Sudan’s RSF traps el-Fasher inside network of earth walls
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have erected a network of earth walls, known as berms, around the city of el-Fasher, effectively trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians. This siege, ongoing for over 500 days, has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the region. According to a report by the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), over 31 kilometers of berms have been constructed since May 2024, encircling the capital of North Darfur. While hundreds of thousands have fled, approximately 750,000 civilians remain trapped, with 260,000, including 130,000 children, stranded in the Abu Shouk displacement camp. Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the HRL, noted that civilian movement has dwindled, with many either deceased, attempting to escape, or hiding in bomb shelters. The RSF’s actions have created what the HRL describes as a ‘literal kill box,’ preventing the entry of essential supplies like food and medicine and blocking escape routes. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has led to over 1,100 verified human rights violations in el-Fasher alone, including the killing and maiming of more than 1,000 children. The RSF, accused of genocide by the US government and international human rights groups, controls much of western Sudan, with el-Fasher being a notable exception. The international community’s inaction has been criticized, with calls for the UAE, a key RSF supporter, to end the siege and allow humanitarian aid. Despite denials, evidence suggests the UAE’s involvement in supplying the RSF. The SAF’s 6th Division remains confined to a garrison surrounded by mines, while the Joint Forces maintain mobility. The siege of el-Fasher highlights a broader failure to protect civilians from atrocities, reminiscent of the Janjaweed militias’ actions in Darfur two decades ago.
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China’s EV takeover driving global supply chain revolution
China’s meteoric rise in the electric vehicle (EV) industry is no longer a domestic narrative but a global phenomenon reshaping automotive and energy supply chains. A decade ago, Chinese automakers were seen as imitators; today, they are industry leaders. BYD has surpassed Tesla in global EV sales, while companies like Nio, Li Auto, Geely, and SAIC are capturing significant market shares. Battery giant CATL has become indispensable, powering both Chinese and international brands. This transformation, initially driven by government support, has evolved into structural dominance, compelling the world to react. In 2023, China overtook Japan as the world’s largest vehicle exporter, shipping 5.2 million cars—a 70% increase from the previous year. Domestically, 31.4 million vehicles were sold, with EVs accounting for over 40% of production. Analysts predict that by 2030, China could produce 36 million cars annually, representing 40% of global output. This ascent is fueled by scale, cost control, and over $230 billion in state-backed subsidies, infrastructure, and research investments. China’s supply chain integration, lower labor costs, and vast battery ecosystem provide an unassailable advantage. The implications are profound: global auto incumbents face margin pressures, EV-linked commodities are in high demand, and trade tensions are escalating as Western governments impose tariffs to protect their markets. Yet, protectionism can only slow, not halt, China’s advance. European showrooms are increasingly filled with competitively priced Chinese EVs, and Chinese brands are gaining traction in markets like the UK and Norway. Beyond autos, the EV surge is reshaping metals markets, energy utilities, and software platforms. China’s dominance mirrors its success in solar panels, drones, and steel, driven by deliberate industrial policy. For investors, this represents both opportunities and risks, as the global automotive and energy sectors undergo a once-in-a-generation transformation. China’s EV revolution is accelerating the energy transition, reducing oil demand, and straining electricity grids. The future of mobility, energy, and manufacturing is being written in China, and the world must adapt.
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Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt join film about Hind Rajab as executive producers
Renowned Hollywood actors Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt are lending their support as executive producers to an upcoming film titled ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania. The film, set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2024, chronicles the harrowing story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza in January 2024. The project incorporates actual audio recordings of Rajab pleading for help during a phone call with Red Crescent medics, capturing the tragic final moments of her life. An investigation by Forensic Architecture revealed that Israeli forces were aware of the presence of children in the vehicle and fired at least 335 bullets at it. Rajab initially survived the attack, which claimed the lives of her immediate family, but was killed before rescuers could reach her. The film has attracted a star-studded team of executive producers, including Oscar-winning director Jonathan Glazer, ‘Roma’ director Alfonso Cuarón, and actress Rooney Mara. Ben Hania, the director, expressed her emotional commitment to the project, stating, ‘I cannot accept a world where a child calls for help and no one comes. That pain, that failure, belongs to all of us.’ The film has sparked broader conversations about the entertainment industry’s response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with many criticizing Hollywood’s muted reaction to the violence. Glazer, who faced backlash for his Oscar acceptance speech in March 2024, condemned the misuse of the Holocaust to justify atrocities in Gaza, stating, ‘We stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict, for so many innocent people.’ The film aims to shed light on the consequences of dehumanization and amplify the voices of those affected by the conflict.
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Need a vacation? Imagine how US Open tennis players feel during their long season
As the U.S. Open progresses, top tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka are revealing the importance of taking breaks during the season to recharge. Sabalenka, the reigning U.S. Open champion, skipped the Montreal event in late July to unwind on the Greek island of Mykonos. ‘The season had been really intense, and I felt low on energy,’ Sabalenka explained. ‘I needed a little break to come back stronger.’ Her decision highlights a growing trend among tennis professionals who face a relentless calendar. Alex de Minaur, seeded No. 8 at the U.S. Open, echoed this sentiment, stating that without such breaks, the grind of the season feels never-ending. De Minaur and his fiancée, Katie Boulter, often take short vacations after Wimbledon to reset mentally for the latter half of the year. However, not all players can afford or desire such breaks. Some, like Adrian Mannarino, prefer to maintain their rhythm by competing continuously. Mannarino, who recently became the oldest man to break into the ATP top 20, believes in focusing on work now and saving vacations for retirement. The concept of in-season vacations is unique to tennis, as team sports like the NFL or NBA offer ample off-seasons for rest. Boulter, who struggled after skipping breaks, emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal well-being. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanovic, who lost to Coco Gauff in the first round, advocates for players to make their own choices about when to take breaks. ‘If I need a vacation, I take it,’ she said. As the tennis season continues, the debate over balancing competition and rest remains a hot topic among players.
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Nothing new in Israel’s killing of Palestinian journalists
In a devastating turn of events, five journalists were among the 22 individuals killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip on August 25, 2025. This incident has drawn global condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issuing a statement claiming Israel “values the work of journalists.” However, the grim statistics paint a starkly different picture. The death toll of journalists in Gaza has now reached 192 over nearly two years of conflict, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The CPJ has accused Israel of engaging in the “deadliest and most deliberate effort to kill and silence journalists” in its history. Palestinian journalists are reportedly being threatened, targeted, detained, and tortured by Israeli forces in retaliation for their work. This alarming trend is part of a broader historical context dating back to 1967, when Israel began its military occupation of Palestinian territories. Over the decades, Israel has systematically attempted to control and censor Palestinian journalism through legal and military measures, including the issuance of Military Order 101 in 1967, which criminalized political assembly and propagandistic publications. Despite these oppressive tactics, Palestinian journalism has persisted, with local publications flourishing in the 1980s, albeit under strict Israeli military censorship. Editors were forced to submit all content, including articles, photos, and even crossword puzzles, to Israeli censors for approval. Violations of these censorship rules often resulted in detention or deportation. The situation has escalated in recent years, with Israeli forces increasingly targeting journalists, often under the guise of combating terrorism. The international community has repeatedly called for Israel to allow independent media access to Gaza, but these requests have been consistently denied. As a result, Palestinian journalists remain the primary witnesses to the ongoing devastation in Gaza, often at great personal risk. The question now is whether the international community will hold Israel accountable for these egregious violations of press freedom and human rights.
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Post-truth stats: what if US economic data can no longer be trusted?
In an era increasingly defined by skepticism towards official narratives, the integrity of US economic data is now under unprecedented scrutiny. The recent actions of former President Donald Trump have cast a long shadow over the credibility of key economic indicators, raising concerns about the reliability of the nation’s statistical institutions.