The United Arab Emirates has formally expressed its profound condolences to the People’s Republic of China in the wake of a severe residential fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district that resulted in extensive casualties. Through an official statement released by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE government conveyed its deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones, as well as to the Chinese government and its citizens. The ministry further extended sincere wishes for a swift and complete recovery to all individuals injured in the tragic incident. This gesture underscores the UAE’s stance of international solidarity and compassion during times of crisis, reinforcing diplomatic bonds between the two nations. The fire, which is reported to have claimed at least 65 lives, marks one of the deadliest such incidents in Hong Kong’s recent history, drawing global attention and responses from various international communities.
作者： admin
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China warns Japan on rising militarism
In a strongly worded statement during Thursday’s regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin confronted Japan over what Beijing characterizes as dangerous militaristic resurgence. The official demanded Japan demonstrate genuine repentance for historical wartime atrocities while immediately ceasing efforts to modify its pacifist Constitution and expand military capabilities.
The remarks came in response to recent Japanese security developments, including last week’s landmark export of domestically manufactured Patriot missile interceptors to the United States—marking Tokyo’s first transfer of lethal weapons since relaxing arms export restrictions. Additionally, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has initiated discussions about potentially revising the National Security Strategy and associated documents, which may include reconsidering the longstanding Three Non-Nuclear Principles and increasing defense expenditure.
Jiang emphasized the immutable historical reality of Japan’s WWII defeat, citing international instruments including the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and Japanese Instrument of Surrender that explicitly prohibit Japanese rearmament. “Any attempt to repeat the evil path of aggression and expansion and undermine the post-WWII international order will not succeed,” the spokesman declared.
The defense official expressed particular concern about Japan’s alleged military interference in Taiwan affairs, characterizing such moves as serious threats to regional stability. Jiang’s statements coincided with the 80th anniversary commemorations of victory in both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Concluding with a powerful historical warning, Jiang stated: “People around the world, especially those from China and other victimized countries in Asia, will never forget the catastrophe brought by Japanese fascists. The specter of Japanese militarism must never be allowed to haunt the world again.”
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Man rescued 28 hours after start of fire
In a remarkable display of resilience and emergency response, a male survivor was successfully extracted from a fire-ravaged residential complex in Hong Kong after enduring 28 hours trapped within the smoldering structure. The dramatic rescue occurred at 6:45 pm on Thursday from the 16th-floor staircase of Wang Tao House, one of seven affected blocks within the Wang Fuk Court development.
The extensive rescue operation unfolded as emergency crews battled both time and structural challenges to reach the victim. The prolonged nature of the operation highlighted both the severity of the blaze and the determination of rescue teams working under extremely hazardous conditions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended official condolences regarding the tragic incident while urging authorities to maximize rescue efforts and minimize casualties. The building fire represents one of Hong Kong’s most significant residential emergencies in recent memory, raising questions about fire safety protocols in high-density urban environments.
The timing of the rescue—occurring nearly a full day after the fire initially erupted—demonstrates the critical importance of sustained search operations even beyond conventional survival windows. Emergency medical teams were standing by to immediately transport the rescued individual to specialized care facilities following his extraction from the compromised structure.
As investigation into the fire’s cause commences, attention turns to both the response effectiveness and potential preventive measures that could mitigate similar tragedies in densely populated urban centers where high-rise living presents unique emergency challenges.
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Beijing institute plans to build space data centers
The Beijing Astro-future Institute of Space Technology is spearheading an innovative project to launch high-computing-power experimental satellites by late 2025 or early 2026. This initiative aims to address the escalating global demand for computing power, exacerbated by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the limitations of traditional data centers. Zhang Shancong, the institute’s director and chief scientist at Beijing Orbit Twilight Technology Co., highlighted the challenges faced by terrestrial data centers, including excessive land use, skyrocketing energy consumption, and environmental cooling constraints. Space-based solutions, leveraging the abundant solar energy and the stable minus 270°C cosmic environment, offer a promising alternative. These satellites will enable continuous solar power generation and highly efficient passive radiation cooling, potentially revolutionizing the way computational needs are met in the future. This groundbreaking approach underscores China’s commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development.
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Trump administration will re-examine green card holders from 19 countries
The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive re-examination of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 nations deemed security risks, following a recent shooting incident involving an Afghan national in Washington DC. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow announced the policy shift, stating President Trump had directed “a full scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern.”
The review targets countries previously identified in a June White House proclamation, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo and Libya. The administration cited security concerns and high visa overstay rates as primary factors for inclusion on the list.
The policy announcement comes days after Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through special immigration programs following America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, allegedly shot and gravely injured two National Guard troops. While Edlow’s social media announcement did not explicitly reference the attack, he emphasized that “the protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount.”
President Trump characterized the shooting as underscoring “the greatest national security threat facing our nation,” criticizing previous administration policies that he claimed admitted “20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners from all over the world.”
The June proclamation highlighted by USCIS to the BBC specifically noted Afghanistan’s Taliban control, lack of competent central authority for document issuance, and inadequate screening measures as justification for enhanced scrutiny. This move follows last week’s announcement of a review of all refugees admitted under former President Biden, signaling a broader immigration policy reassessment.
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India’s equity markets scale new highs after 14 months on growth optimism, easing valuations
Indian stock benchmarks achieved unprecedented heights on Thursday, marking their first record peaks in over a year. The resurgence was fueled by cooling valuations, anticipations of corporate earnings recovery, and a resilient economic framework supported by favorable fiscal and monetary policies.
The Nifty 50 index ascended 0.40% to reach 26,310.45 during trading, while the BSE Sensex advanced 0.52% to 86,055.86. Both indices surpassed their previous all-time highs established in September 2024, though they closed marginally lower due to profit-taking activities.
This market breakthrough follows a 14-15 month consolidation phase that effectively narrowed the disparity between corporate earnings and stock valuations. Asia’s third-largest economy demonstrates remarkable vigor, with projections indicating nearly 7% growth for the July-September quarter and an anticipated 6.8% expansion for the current financial year ending March 2026.
Financial institutions express robust optimism regarding market prospects. J.P. Morgan analysts project the Nifty could reach 30,000 by late 2026, suggesting approximately 15% upside potential. The September quarter witnessed India’s strongest corporate earnings revival in over a year, driven by consumption recovery, benign inflation, tax reductions, and reduced borrowing costs.
Market valuations have moderated significantly from previous levels, with the Nifty currently trading at 22.7x 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratios, down from 23x-25x multiples observed 14 months prior. This valuation adjustment, combined with strengthened earnings outlook, has attracted renewed foreign investor interest while sustaining domestic participation.
Notably, equity mutual funds have demonstrated consistent inflows since February 2021, with systematic investment plan contributions reaching record levels despite market volatility. Domestic institutions have purchased shares worth 2.92 trillion rupees ($32.94 billion) in 2025, substantially offsetting foreign outflows of $16.9 billion during the same period.
Analysts highlight that India’s relatively limited artificial intelligence exposure provides global investors with a natural hedge against technology sector volatility. Furthermore, India’s significant underperformance compared to Asian and emerging market peers over the past year may catalyze foreign capital回流, potentially accelerated by a prospective India-U.S. trade agreement.
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Deeper global cooperation key for green transition and climate resilience, global leaders say
International leaders convened at the 2025 World Green Development Investment and Trade Expo in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, to underscore the critical importance of deeper global cooperation in accelerating the green transition and bolstering climate resilience. The four-day event, which also hosted the China Green Food Expo, attracted senior officials, ambassadors, business leaders, and experts to explore new opportunities in green industries and the emerging green-food economy. Zambia’s Vice-President Mutale Nalumango praised China’s significant role in global climate governance, noting the visible results of China’s green transition, which have led to a more livable ecological environment and tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. Nalumango expressed Africa’s readiness to deepen cooperation with China and other partners to expand green investment and low-carbon development. Allex Seah Shoo Chin, a member of the Malacca State Executive Council of Malaysia, highlighted the historical ties between China and Malaysia, emphasizing the strengthening cooperation in green development and technological innovation. He drew parallels to the voyages of Zheng He, which enhanced trade and cultural exchanges between China, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia during the Ming Dynasty. The expo, running until Sunday, serves as a platform for fostering international collaboration in sustainable development and climate resilience.
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Five African lion cubs make debut at Chongqing theme park
In a rare winter spectacle, five African lion cubs made their highly anticipated public debut at Locajoy Theme Park in Chongqing’s Yongchuan district on Wednesday. The quintuplets, born just last month, represent a significant conservation achievement for the facility.
The newborn cubs, comprising both males and females, appeared healthy and active during their first public appearance under the careful supervision of park caretakers. The event coincided with an unusual sunny winter day in Chongqing, creating perfect conditions for the special unveiling.
Remarkably, the cubs’ mother was herself born and hand-raised within the same theme park, establishing a multi-generational legacy of successful lion breeding at the Chinese facility. This familial continuity demonstrates the park’s long-term commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
Park keeper Shen Wei confirmed the cubs’ excellent health condition while noting that naming decisions for the five siblings remain pending. The caretaking team continues to monitor the litter closely as they develop under their mother’s watchful care and the supplemental support from experienced park staff.
The successful birth and presentation of these African lions contribute to global conservation efforts for the species, classified as vulnerable by international wildlife organizations. Locajoy Theme Park’s breeding program represents China’s growing role in exotic animal preservation and public education about wildlife conservation.
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Carney’s new Alberta oil pipeline deal already faces opposition
In a landmark political development, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have finalized a comprehensive energy agreement that establishes the framework for a proposed oil pipeline to the Pacific coast. The Thursday signing in Calgary represents a significant policy shift from previous federal administrations, granting the prospective project exemptions from select federal environmental regulations, including the coastal tanker ban off British Columbia’s shoreline and the federal oil and gas emissions cap.
The accord establishes a reciprocal arrangement where Alberta must intensify its environmental commitments by accelerating carbon pricing mechanisms and expanding carbon capture initiatives to counterbalance emissions. The agreement explicitly mandates that the pipeline must secure Indigenous co-ownership and private sector financing, prohibiting the use of public tax dollars for its development.
This arrangement marks a substantial departure from the policies of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and addresses Alberta’s longstanding grievances about federal impediments to resource development. Premier Smith characterized the agreement as signaling the end of “dark times” for her province’s energy sector.
Despite this bilateral progress, the project faces formidable opposition. British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed vehement opposition, labeling the pipeline “fictional” and criticizing the exclusion of his province from preliminary negotiations. The project currently lacks both private financial backing and support from First Nations communities whose territories would be traversed by the pipeline.
Prime Minister Carney defended the initiative as crucial for Canada’s economic diversification, noting that over 90% of Canadian crude exports currently go to the United States—a vulnerability highlighted by recent protectionist trade policies. The administration aims to double non-U.S. exports within the next decade, with Asian markets representing a key strategic objective.
The agreement commits both federal and Alberta governments to immediately engage British Columbia in subsequent discussions, though the project remains in preliminary stages without a defined route to BC’s northern coast.
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China, US militaries maintain working-level contact
The Chinese and US militaries are actively maintaining working-level communications to foster future exchanges, as confirmed by a Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, addressed this during a routine press briefing in Beijing, highlighting recent military engagements between the two nations.