作者: admin

  • Ex-police chief said Trump told him in 2006 ‘everyone’ knew of Epstein’s behaviour

    Ex-police chief said Trump told him in 2006 ‘everyone’ knew of Epstein’s behaviour

    Newly released FBI documents contain explosive allegations about Donald Trump’s early knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities. According to a 2019 FBI interview summary, the former Palm Beach police chief—identified as Michael Reiter—claimed Trump personally called him in July 2006 to commend the department’s investigation into the financier.

    The document reveals Trump allegedly told Reiter: “Thank goodness you’re stopping him, everyone has known he’s been doing this.” The then-businessman reportedly claimed he had already expelled Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club, describing him as “disgusting” and noting that “people in New York” were aware of his behavior.

    Trump specifically identified Ghislaine Maxwell as Epstein’s “operative,” labeling her “evil” and urging investigators to focus on her. The FBI summary further alleges Trump told Reiter he had witnessed Epstein with teenagers and consequently “got the hell out of there.”

    These revelations contradict Trump’s public statements. In 2019, when asked by reporters if he had suspicions about Epstein, Trump responded: “No, I had no idea. I hadn’t spoken to him in many, many years.” The White House has maintained that Trump severed ties with Epstein around 2004 after learning he attempted to “steal” Mar-a-Lago employees.

    The Justice Department has stated it is “not aware of any corroborating evidence” regarding the alleged call. White Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered a tempered response, noting the call “may or may not have happened” but asserting that if it did, it would corroborate Trump’s longstanding claim that he expelled Epstein from his property.

    The document release coincides with Ghislaine Maxwell’s recent virtual testimony before the US House Oversight Committee, where she repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment. Her lawyer suggested she would “speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump,” though Trump has stated he hasn’t considered pardoning her.

  • UAE launches National Zakat Platform to enhance transparency and social impact

    UAE launches National Zakat Platform to enhance transparency and social impact

    In a transformative move for philanthropic governance, the United Arab Emirates has inaugurated its National Zakat Platform, establishing a centralized digital ecosystem for religious donations. This pioneering initiative, launched under Federal Law No. 4 of 2025 with presidential endorsement, represents a paradigm shift in how zakat contributions are collected, distributed, and monitored nationwide.

    The platform emerged from collaborative development between government authorities, Islamic scholars, and charitable organizations, creating a unified gateway that ensures Sharia-compliant fund allocation through advanced data verification systems. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, emphasized that the system transcends mere digital collection by embedding institutional accountability, transparency mechanisms, and impact analytics into every transaction.

    Technical infrastructure incorporates real-time monitoring capabilities that track fund disbursement from donor to beneficiary, preventing misuse while prioritizing support for education, healthcare, debt relief, and empowerment projects within Emirati society. Official estimates suggest certain sectors alone could generate approximately Dh7.5 billion in zakat potential, highlighting the economic significance of structured management.

    Future development roadmaps include integration of artificial intelligence for optimized zakat calculation, predictive beneficiary targeting, and automated compliance checks. Ahmed Al Neyadi, Director General of the authority, clarified that the platform enhances rather than replaces existing charitable institutions by creating coordinated networks that amplify social impact.

    The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to institutionalizing humanitarian work through technological innovation, with success dependent on sustained collaboration between government entities, civil society organizations, and contributing citizens. This digital transformation establishes new global standards for religious philanthropy in the digital age, combining Islamic financial principles with cutting-edge governance technology.

  • Israel PM Netanyahu says will discuss ‘first and foremost’ Iran with Trump on US visit

    Israel PM Netanyahu says will discuss ‘first and foremost’ Iran with Trump on US visit

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has identified Iran’s nuclear negotiations as the principal agenda item for his forthcoming diplomatic engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump. The high-stakes meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in Washington, occurs against a backdrop of rapidly evolving Middle Eastern geopolitics.

    Speaking to journalists on Tuesday before his transatlantic flight, Netanyahu outlined his strategic priorities: “This visit will encompass multiple critical subjects including Gaza stabilization and regional security. However, the paramount concern remains the ongoing negotiations with Iran. I intend to present President Trump with Israel’s fundamental principles regarding these diplomatic proceedings.”

    The leaders’ summit follows a significant breakthrough in U.S.-Iran relations, with both nations conducting direct talks in Oman just days earlier. That preliminary dialogue concluded with President Trump confirming subsequent negotiation rounds would follow, signaling a potential thaw in historically frosty relations between the two nations.

    This diplomatic flurry represents a notable development given Iran’s consistent characterization of Israel as its primary regional adversary. Netanyahu’s urgent consultation with the American administration suggests deep-seated Israeli apprehensions about the direction and potential outcomes of renewed nuclear negotiations. The Israeli government has historically opposed any nuclear agreement that fails to comprehensively address its security concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities and regional military activities.

    The Washington meeting is expected to establish coordinated positions between the two allies before the next phase of U.S.-Iran negotiations commences. Diplomatic analysts suggest Netanyahu will advocate for stringent verification mechanisms and limitations on Iran’s ballistic missile program as non-negotiable components of any future agreement.

  • Doubling down on cooperation offers better payout for APEC economies: China Daily editorial

    Doubling down on cooperation offers better payout for APEC economies: China Daily editorial

    GUANGZHOU – The inaugural Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Senior Officials’ Meeting commenced Tuesday in Guangzhou, marking China’s return as APEC host after twelve years and initiating critical dialogue on regional economic integration amidst growing global protectionism.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a pivotal keynote address framing the Asia-Pacific region at a developmental crossroads with profound implications for worldwide economic stability. The assembly convened as global institutions project diminished growth trajectories, with IMF forecasts suggesting medium-term expansion hovering near 3% – substantially beneath historical averages.

    APEC’s statistical significance underscores the meeting’s global relevance: its 21 member economies collectively represent approximately 60% of worldwide GDP, 48% of international trade, and nearly 40% of the global population. World Bank data confirms the region has driven over half of planetary economic growth during the past three decades, elevating hundreds of millions from poverty.

    Minister Wang articulated a vision countering prevailing trends of economic fragmentation, emphasizing that coercive decoupling strategies and trade bullying already inflict measurable damage. UNCTAD modeling indicates prolonged economic segmentation could ultimately reduce global GDP by up to 7%, with developing economies suffering disproportionately. For the deeply interconnected Asia-Pacific, where intermediate goods constitute over 60% of intra-regional trade, the consequences would be particularly severe.

    The address reinforced China’s commitment to multilateralism through World Trade Organization frameworks and advancement of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific initiative – a proposal circulating since the mid-2000s. Wang stressed that decades-old supply networks, now undergoing geopolitical stress-testing, require preservation to avoid inflationary pressures, diminished productivity, and constrained innovation.

    Beyond commercial considerations, the foreign minister highlighted inclusive development imperatives. While extreme poverty in East Asia plummeted from 60% (1990) to under 2% presently – largely attributable to China’s unprecedented progress – significant disparities persist across and within economies. Equitable artificial intelligence benefits distribution, developing nation support, and green transformation investment emerged as essential priorities.

    China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) signals sustained dedication to high-quality opening-up policies, offering regional partners continued access to development dividends. The present moment demands reciprocal openness as geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds test international cooperation frameworks.

    Historical evidence suggests hegemonic approaches and zero-sum mentalities poorly serve prosperity objectives. APEC members now confront a definitive choice between collaborative benefit-sharing and fragmentation that leaves all parties diminished. The Guangzhou deliberations represent an opportunity to reaffirm the cooperative principles that have historically underpinned regional success.

  • Hong Kong’s stability safeguarded by law: China Daily editorial

    Hong Kong’s stability safeguarded by law: China Daily editorial

    A recently released white paper from China’s State Council Information Office has articulated the critical role of legal frameworks in preserving Hong Kong’s stability under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. The document, titled ‘Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems,’ emphasizes how the National Security Law has created essential legal protections against both external and internal threats to the special administrative region’s security.

    The comprehensive analysis details how the 2019 social unrest revealed significant vulnerabilities in Hong Kong’s previous national security provisions. In response, the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020 established a robust legal architecture capable of preventing and penalizing activities that jeopardize national security and public order. This legislative action coincided with the sentencing of media magnate Jimmy Lai to 20 years imprisonment for collusion with foreign forces, demonstrating the law’s enforcement mechanisms.

    According to the white paper, the legal measures have effectively neutralized destabilizing elements while protecting residents’ legitimate rights within a secure environment. The restoration of order has transformed Hong Kong back into one of the world’s safest urban centers, with the city experiencing renewed economic dynamism. Economic indicators substantiate this recovery, with Hong Kong achieving 3.5% growth in 2025 while maintaining its status as a premier global financial hub. The city now ranks third in the Global Financial Centres Index and fourth worldwide in talent competitiveness, leading all Asian jurisdictions.

    The document further emphasizes that national security preservation is inseparable from the successful implementation of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework. The legal framework has reinforced governance structures by ensuring that patriotic leaders committed to resident welfare administer Hong Kong. This alignment between central government oversight and local implementation has created a sustainable model for Hong Kong’s continued development and prosperity within China’s constitutional framework.

  • Taiwan’s frontline weapon deployment plan sparks strong criticism

    Taiwan’s frontline weapon deployment plan sparks strong criticism

    China’s Ministry of National Defense has delivered a forceful response to reported Taiwanese military movements, warning that any provocation by ‘Taiwan independence’ forces would lead to catastrophic consequences. Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin addressed media reports indicating Taiwan’s potential deployment of HIMARS artillery systems to Penghu and Dongyin islands, a strategic move that would extend strike capabilities to mainland coastal regions.

    The controversial deployment plan would position High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems within range of People’s Liberation Army installations in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. This development follows additional concerns regarding alleged discussions within Taiwan’s military authority about contemplating ‘preemptive strike’ options against mainland forces.

    Jiang characterized these considerations as ‘increasingly absurd and overconfident,’ emphasizing the stark power disparity between cross-strait military capabilities. The spokesperson underscored that the People’s Liberation Army maintains overwhelming defensive and responsive capacities, ensuring that any armed provocation would meet with devastating countermeasures.

    The statement represents the latest escalation in rhetorical tensions between Beijing and Taipei, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing sovereignty disputes. Chinese officials maintain that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of China’s territory and have consistently opposed any moves toward formal independence or military escalation.

  • Bid launched to extend Zimbabwe president’s term in office

    Bid launched to extend Zimbabwe president’s term in office

    Zimbabwe’s government has initiated a controversial constitutional overhaul that could permit President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. The cabinet-approved draft legislation proposes fundamental changes to presidential elections, shifting from direct public voting to parliamentary selection while extending term limits from five to seven years.

    The proposed constitutional amendments would establish a two-term maximum for presidents, potentially allowing the 83-year-old leader to extend his tenure beyond the scheduled 2028 expiration. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed that public consultations will precede parliamentary debate, though the ruling Zanu-PF party dominates both legislative chambers.

    Legal scholars anticipate challenges to the proposed changes, noting that constitutional modifications affecting term limits require national referendums under existing law. Additionally, legal provisions explicitly prohibit amendments that benefit incumbent officials.

    Mnangagwa, nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his political shrewdness, initially assumed power following the 2017 military coup that deposed long-time leader Robert Mugabe. His subsequent electoral victories in 2018 and 2023 faced substantial dispute from opposition groups and international observers.

    The current push for extended governance echoes historical patterns in Zimbabwean politics. In 2013, citizens overwhelmingly supported term limits through a national referendum during Mugabe’s prolonged rule, which began at independence in 1980.

    Mnangagwa’s political maneuvers have faced internal resistance, most notably from Blessed Geza, a respected independence war veteran and Zanu-PF central committee member. Before his recent death in South Africa, Geza had become a prominent critic, accusing Mnangagwa of nepotism and corruption while mobilizing social media followers against presidential extension efforts.

    The government maintains that the proposed changes aim to strengthen governance structures and ensure political stability, particularly for implementing Mnangagwa’s “Agenda 2030” development program. Despite public rejection of extension proposals, presidential supporters have increasingly championed the “2030 he will still be the leader” slogan at party rallies.

  • Under fire Trump commerce secretary confirms he visited Epstein’s island

    Under fire Trump commerce secretary confirms he visited Epstein’s island

    Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has publicly acknowledged visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2012, directly contradicting his previous congressional testimony that he had severed ties with the convicted sex offender years earlier. During Tuesday’s Capitol Hill hearing, Lutnick confirmed under oath that he, along with his wife, four children, and nannies, spent approximately one hour having lunch on Epstein’s island during a family vacation.

    The revelation emerged from recently unsealed Department of Justice documents containing correspondence about the December 23, 2012 visit—four years after Epstein’s conviction for child prostitution solicitation. This marked Lutnick’s first public admission of the encounter, though he maintained, ‘I don’t recall why we did it, but we did it.’

    Lawmakers from both parties have intensified calls for Lutnick’s resignation following the disclosure. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen challenged the secretary about the discrepancies in his accounts, stating, ‘The issue is not that you engaged in any wrongdoing… but that you totally misrepresented the extent of your relationship with him to the Congress, to the American people, and to the survivors.’

    Despite the controversy, the White House reiterated President Trump’s full support for Lutnick. The commerce secretary defended his limited association with Epstein, noting that among millions of released documents, only approximately ten emails connect him to the financier. He described their relationship as minimal, claiming only two additional meetings over a 14-year period following their alleged 2005 separation.

    Meanwhile, Epstein abuse survivors gathered separately on Capitol Hill to advocate for Virginia’s Law, legislation seeking to eliminate statutes of limitations for sexual abuse civil claims. The bill honors Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein survivor who died by suicide in 2025, with her family emphasizing that ‘time cannot erase harm.’

    The justice department’s document release, mandated by legislation co-sponsored by Representatives Ro Khanna (D) and Thomas Massie (R), continues to reveal new information. Both congressmen have identified additional improperly redacted names within the files, suggesting further disclosures may emerge.

  • World’s tallest and largest wind power tower crane unveiled in Hunan

    World’s tallest and largest wind power tower crane unveiled in Hunan

    In a landmark development for renewable energy infrastructure, Chinese manufacturing giant Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology has unveiled the world’s tallest and largest wind power tower crane in Changde, Hunan province. The monumental Model LW3600-240NB represents a quantum leap in heavy lifting technology specifically engineered for next-generation wind farm installations.

    This engineering marvel stands as a critical solution to the escalating technical challenges posed by contemporary wind turbine construction. As wind energy systems evolve toward greater height and capacity specifications, conventional lifting apparatus has proven inadequate. Zoomlion’s innovation directly addresses these limitations with unprecedented lifting capabilities and vertical reach.

    The crane’s deployment marks a transformative moment for renewable energy projects globally, potentially accelerating construction timelines while enhancing operational safety standards. Its design incorporates advanced stabilization systems and precision control mechanisms capable of handling massive turbine components at extreme elevations under variable environmental conditions.

    Hunan province, already established as a manufacturing hub for renewable energy technology, reinforces its strategic position in China’s green energy expansion through this technological achievement. The development aligns with national initiatives to dominate high-value renewable energy infrastructure markets while supporting international transition toward sustainable power generation.

    Industry analysts anticipate this breakthrough will significantly reduce installation costs for ultra-high-capacity wind farms, potentially reshaping economic calculations for future renewable energy investments worldwide. The crane’s operational debut is expected to occur within domestic wind farm projects before potentially expanding to international renewable energy initiatives.

  • This Week in Golf: LIV heads to Adelaide, Australia as LET returns to the Middle East

    This Week in Golf: LIV heads to Adelaide, Australia as LET returns to the Middle East

    The global golf landscape enters a dynamic phase this week with premier tournaments spanning three continents, featuring massive purses and elite competitors. All eyes are on Australia where LIV Golf makes its highly anticipated return to Adelaide for what many consider the breakaway tour’s premier event. The Grange Golf Club prepares to host an electrifying atmosphere as passionate Australian fans welcome home their national heroes.

    This homecoming carries special significance following last week’s Saudi Arabian triumph where 23-year-old sensation Elvis Smylie captured the individual title while Cam Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC secured team honors. The dual victory sets the stage for an emotional celebration as LIV Golf showcases its global appeal with a $30 million purse at stake.

    Meanwhile, the PGA Tour launches its first Signature Event of the season at the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am features a stacked $20 million competition headlined by defending champion Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman leads a formidable European contingent including Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and rising star Ludvig Åberg. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives with momentum after demonstrating remarkable resilience at the WM Phoenix Open, where he rebounded from an opening 73 with three consecutive sub-67 rounds to finish tied third.

    The Ladies European Tour returns to Riyadh Golf Club just days after it hosted LIV Golf’s Saudi event. The PIF Ladies International presents a $5 million purse, attracting the LET’s finest alongside several LPGA standouts in a 72-hole championship format.

    While the DP World Tour and Korn Ferry Tour observe brief pauses, Dubai-born professional Rayhan Thomas utilizes the break to regroup after missing last week’s cut. The 88th-ranked Korn Ferry competitor prepares for the tour’s upcoming South American swing through Argentina and Chile.

    Additional competition continues in South Africa where the HotelPlanner Tour stages the NTT DATA Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate with ZAR 7 million in prize money.