Young people from Taiwan gathered in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, emphasizing the importance of understanding history and fostering a strong sense of national identity. The event, held at the Taiwan Guild Hall, was organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, China Daily’s national news channel, the Beijing Taiwan Compatriots Association, and the association for relatives of patriots who resisted Japanese occupation. Four youth representatives shared personal stories and reflections on Taiwan’s historical ties to the mainland. Lo Chih-ying, 23, from Changhua county, traced her family roots back to Fujian province, highlighting the enduring connection between Taiwan and the mainland. Lu Ying-chu, 21, from Taipei, recounted the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which ceded Taiwan to Japan, and her great-grandfather’s resilience during the occupation. Lin Ching-mao, 26, from Changhua, honored the resistance against Japanese rule, while Lin Kuan-ting, from Taipei, stressed the belief that a strong motherland will resolve the Taiwan question. The event also featured the documentary ‘Stories across the Strait,’ which deepened participants’ understanding of Taiwan’s history. Li Zhenguang, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, underscored the significance of remembering this history for the future of the Chinese nation.
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Nation’s green initiatives a catalyst for global change
China has emerged as a global leader in green development, leveraging its advancements in renewable energy and new energy vehicles (NEVs) to inspire and support global climate action. Through initiatives like South-South cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, China is sharing its technological innovations and expertise to assist developing nations in their green transitions. At a recent press conference, Li Gao, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment, highlighted China’s achievements, including surpassing its 2030 target for wind and solar power capacity, which now stands at 1,700 gigawatts. Additionally, China has implemented a comprehensive action plan to control methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and has expanded its carbon trading market to cover over 60% of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. The nation’s commitment to green innovation is further underscored by its dominance in the NEV sector, accounting for 70% of global power battery production and leading in green technology patents. Experts like Chai Qimin and Wu Rui emphasize China’s concrete actions in low-carbon transportation, from passenger vehicles to heavy-duty machinery, showcasing its dedication to a sustainable future.
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Dozens killed in Nigeria fuel tanker explosion
A devastating oil tanker explosion in Nigeria’s Niger state has claimed dozens of lives, underscoring a recurring and preventable tragedy in the region. The incident occurred when a tanker carrying petroleum products skidded off the poorly maintained Bida-Agaie road, spilling fuel. Villagers, ignoring repeated warnings, rushed to collect the spilled fuel, only to be engulfed in a massive explosion that killed approximately 30 people and injured at least 40 others. The intense blaze left many victims unrecognizable, with the injured rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), provided conflicting casualty figures, highlighting the chaos surrounding the incident. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences, lamenting the persistent disregard for safety despite ongoing awareness campaigns. This tragedy is the latest in a series of similar incidents in Nigeria, where poor road conditions and the dangerous practice of scooping spilled fuel continue to claim lives. Last year, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa state killed 153 people, while another in Niger state earlier this year resulted in 86 deaths. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure and public safety measures to prevent future catastrophes.
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Taiwan reports its first case of African swine fever and culls scores of pigs
Taiwan has reported its first-ever cases of African swine fever, prompting immediate action from authorities to contain the outbreak. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that samples from dead pigs at a farm in Taichung, a coastal city, tested positive for the virus. In response, 195 pigs were culled as a preventive measure, and a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) control zone was established around the affected farm. The area underwent thorough cleaning and disinfection to mitigate further risks. Additionally, a five-day island-wide ban on the movement and slaughter of pigs was enforced starting Wednesday noon. Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih emphasized the urgency of implementing stringent measures, stating that while virus isolation takes two weeks, immediate action was necessary to control the suspected outbreak. Taiwan plans to isolate the virus strain before officially reporting it to the World Organization for Animal Health. Chen highlighted that the virus likely entered Taiwan through illegally imported pork products, which could have reached pig farms via food waste systems. This incident marks a significant concern for Taiwan, which has strict regulations prohibiting the import of uninspected meat products, with fines up to 1 million Taiwan dollars (approximately $32,500). African swine fever, which is fatal to pigs but does not affect humans or other animals, has previously caused widespread culling in Asia, including millions of pigs in China and Vietnam in 2019. Currently, South Korea is the only Asian country with an ongoing confirmed outbreak, while 12 European countries are also grappling with the virus.
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Australian man charged with stealing Labubus worth $5,000
An Australian man has been formally charged following allegations of stealing dozens of Labubu dolls, valued at approximately A$9,000 (US$5,800, £4,400). Victoria Police conducted a raid on a Melbourne property on Tuesday, confiscating 43 of the highly sought-after dolls, some of which were limited editions worth up to A$500 each. According to detectives, the collectibles were stolen during four separate incidents at a shopping center since July. Labubu, an elf-like creation by Chinese manufacturer Pop Mart, features plush bodies, vinyl faces, pointed ears, and a mischievous grin displaying exactly nine teeth. These dolls have surged in global popularity, often causing long queues outside stores and generating significant revenue for the company. In a press release titled ‘These Labubu are not for you,’ Victoria Police confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect faces four counts of burglary and two counts of theft. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in May 2024. Since their launch in 2019, Labubu dolls have propelled Pop Mart into a global retail powerhouse, with over 2,000 vending machines and stores worldwide. Their international success has been bolstered by endorsements from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink. However, Pop Mart’s stock has recently declined amid concerns raised by JPMorgan, which questioned the company’s valuation and its ability to maintain its current level of global popularity.
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Trump reiterates India will cut Russian oil after Modi call
US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him during a recent phone call that India would significantly reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil. Trump made the statement during the White House Diwali celebrations on Tuesday, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. He added that Modi shares the desire to see an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has committed to cutting back on Russian oil imports. However, Modi’s social media post acknowledging Trump’s Diwali greetings did not mention any agreement on oil purchases, and the Indian foreign ministry has yet to confirm the details of the conversation. This follows Trump’s earlier claims last week, which were met with skepticism by Indian officials. India has been one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow following the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Delhi has defended its imports, citing the need for affordable energy to ensure domestic energy security. The US has criticized India’s reliance on Russian oil, accusing it of indirectly funding the war. In response, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. Despite these tensions, recent trade negotiations between the US and India have shown signs of progress, with reports suggesting a potential agreement to gradually reduce India’s Russian oil imports. The Indian government has acknowledged ongoing discussions with the US, emphasizing mutual interest in deepening energy cooperation. As both nations navigate these high-stakes talks, the outcome could significantly impact their economic and diplomatic ties.
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At least 63 people killed in a crash of buses and other vehicles in western Uganda
A devastating road accident in western Uganda has left at least 63 people dead and several others injured, marking one of the most severe traffic disasters in the country in recent years. The tragic incident occurred early Wednesday on the highway to Gulu, a major city in northern Uganda, near the town of Kiryandongo. According to police reports, two buses traveling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles and collided head-on. The crash happened after midnight, a time when fewer bystanders are present to assist victims, exacerbating the tragedy. Irene Nakasiita, a Red Cross spokeswoman, described the scene as gruesome, with victims suffering from severe injuries, including broken limbs and heavy bleeding. Most of the injured are now receiving treatment at a nearby government hospital. Uganda has seen a worrying increase in road fatalities, with 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024, up from 4,806 in 2023 and 4,534 in 2022. Police attribute 44.5% of crashes to reckless overtaking and speeding. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid dangerous driving practices to prevent further tragedies.
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Thunder begin title defence with overtime win
In a nail-biting season opener, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his MVP prowess, securing a dramatic 125-124 victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Houston Rockets in double overtime. The reigning NBA champions began their title defense in spectacular fashion, with Gilgeous-Alexander delivering the decisive free throws with just 2.3 seconds left on the clock, capping off a 35-point performance. Houston’s Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points, including a career-high five three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s resilience. Chet Holmgren also played a pivotal role, contributing 28 points to the Thunder’s hard-fought win. Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s grit and defensive effort, stating, ‘We know that when we do it (on defense), we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on.’ The victory was celebrated with the raising of Oklahoma City’s championship banner and the presentation of championship rings, marking their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers next, while the Rockets take on the Detroit Pistons. In other NBA action, Luka Doncic’s impressive 43-point, 12-rebound, and 9-assist performance couldn’t save the Los Angeles Lakers from a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors, who were led by Jimmy Butler’s 31 points and Stephen Curry’s 23. The Lakers were notably without LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica.
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US stocks drift near their records as gold’s price falls again
Wall Street experienced a relatively calm trading session on Wednesday, with major indices hovering close to their all-time highs. The S&P 500 dipped slightly by 0.1%, remaining just below its recent peak, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 65 points, or 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite also saw a modest decline of 0.3% as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Bank stocks showed resilience following stronger-than-expected earnings reports from Capital One Financial and Western Alliance Bancorp. The latter’s positive performance was particularly noteworthy, as it helped restore some confidence in the banking sector after recent concerns over potential bad loans. In the tech sector, Intuitive Surgical surged 16.5% after reporting robust quarterly profits, while GE Vernova added 0.5%. However, not all companies fared well. Netflix’s stock plummeted 8.3% after its latest earnings fell short of expectations, and AT&T dropped 4.5% after matching analysts’ forecasts. Texas Instruments also faced a 7.7% decline due to underwhelming results. On the other hand, Beyond Meat continued its meteoric rise, soaring 48.9% amid increased product availability at Walmart stores. Meanwhile, gold prices retreated further, slipping 0.8% to $4,075 per ounce, following a significant 5.3% drop the previous day. Despite this, gold remains up more than 50% for the year, driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and persistent inflation concerns. Overseas, European and Asian markets showed mixed performances, with London’s FTSE 100 rising 1% and South Korea’s Kospi jumping 1.6%, while Hong Kong and Paris experienced declines.
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Last two-horse race in Irish presidential election left winner ‘dumbfounded’
As the Republic of Ireland prepares to elect its 10th president on Friday, the 2023 race bears striking similarities to the historic 1973 election, which saw Erskine Childers emerge as an unexpected victor. This year, voters will choose between Independent TD Catherine Connolly, supported by Sinn Féin and left-wing parties, and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys. Notably, Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin remains on the ballot but has withdrawn from the campaign, mirroring the dynamics of the 1973 contest.