作者: admin

  • China’s mountainous Guizhou set to launch regular low-altitude drone logistics route

    China’s mountainous Guizhou set to launch regular low-altitude drone logistics route

    The southwestern Chinese province of Guizhou is poised to launch its first regular low-altitude drone logistics route this year, marking a significant advancement in regional transportation. This initiative follows a successful trial flight of a domestically developed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which transported emergency medicines and agricultural products across 118 kilometers in just 40 minutes. The journey, which typically takes over two hours by traditional ground transport through Guizhou’s challenging karst landscape, demonstrates the potential of drone technology to revolutionize logistics in mountainous areas. The V2000CG CarryAll, developed by Shanghai-based AutoFlight, is the only eVTOL globally with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 1 tonne to have obtained all three required Chinese aviation certificates. With a payload capacity of up to 400 kg and a maximum cruising speed of 200 km per hour, this aircraft is set to enhance Guizhou’s low-altitude economy, support rural revitalization, and modernize logistics. The province plans to expand the route’s applications to include passenger tourism and commuter transport in the future. China’s low-altitude economy is experiencing rapid growth, with its market value projected to soar from 500 billion yuan in 2023 to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

  • Cameroon opposition leader flees to Gambia after contested election

    Cameroon opposition leader flees to Gambia after contested election

    In a significant development in West African politics, Gambia has announced it is temporarily hosting Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary following the contentious re-election of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya. The Gambian Ministry of Information released a statement on Sunday, November 7, confirming Tchiroma’s arrival and emphasizing that the decision was made on humanitarian grounds to ensure his safety. The statement also highlighted Gambia’s collaboration with regional partners, including Nigeria, to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in Cameroon. Tchiroma’s spokesperson, Alice Nkom, corroborated his presence in Gambia, while Cameroon’s government has threatened legal action against him for allegedly inciting insurrection. The October 12 election, which granted Biya an eighth term, has been marred by widespread protests and disputed death tolls, with opposition and human rights groups claiming over 55 fatalities compared to the government’s figure of 16. Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982 and remains a polarizing figure, often absent from public life and delegating governance to close associates. The situation underscores the deepening political crisis in Cameroon and the broader challenges of democratic governance in the region.

  • US, Ukrainian, European officials discuss draft plan

    US, Ukrainian, European officials discuss draft plan

    In a high-stakes diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe convened in Geneva on November 23, 2025, to deliberate on a draft peace plan proposed by Washington. The discussions, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, aimed to address concerns raised by Kyiv and its allies over perceived concessions to Moscow. The 28-point plan, unveiled by US President Donald Trump, calls for Ukraine to relinquish territory, accept military restrictions, and abandon its NATO aspirations. However, European allies expressed frustration over their exclusion from the drafting process. A US official emphasized that the Geneva talks were intended to finalize details beneficial to Ukraine, with no agreement to be reached until Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet directly. Trump hinted that the current proposal is not his final offer, leaving room for further negotiation. The Geneva meeting included participation from national security advisers of the E3 alliance (France, Germany, and the UK), the European Union, and Italy, underscoring the international significance of the discussions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also planned to engage with Zelensky regarding the plan. While Western leaders acknowledged the proposal as a starting point, they stressed the need for additional refinements to secure a favorable outcome for Ukraine before the looming Thursday deadline.

  • Taiwan travelers keen to explore mainland in greater depth, regrets restrictions by DPP authorities

    Taiwan travelers keen to explore mainland in greater depth, regrets restrictions by DPP authorities

    Taiwanese travelers are increasingly drawn to explore the Chinese mainland, driven by the allure of social media and the mainland’s extensive railway network. This growing interest was evident at the 2025 Tainan Travel Expo, currently underway in southern Taiwan. The event features a booth by the Kaohsiung office of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits and Fujian province’s cultural and tourism department, showcasing Fujian’s top attractions and travel routes.

    Carol Liu, a local resident planning a trip to Fujian next year, shared her positive experiences from three mainland trips over the past year. She highlighted the affordability and quality of food and accommodations, which have changed her friends’ initial hesitations. Liu also expressed hope for more direct flights to facilitate easier access to various destinations.

    Nino Wang from Kaohsiung recounted her month-long solo journey across more than a dozen mainland destinations, including the lesser-known border city of Ruili in Yunnan. She praised the kindness of locals and the ease of travel, expressing a desire to visit Quanzhou in Fujian soon.

    Wang Hsien-wen, vice director of the Tainan Association of Travel Agents, noted the mainland’s high-speed railway system’s role in making travel more accessible. He observed a shift among young travelers from traditional nature-focused trips to city-based explorations, inspired by social media platforms like RedNote and Douyin. Chongqing, with its unique metro train passing through an apartment building and the iconic Hongya Cave, has become a new favorite.

    Despite this enthusiasm, practical obstacles remain. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan have yet to lift the ban on organized group tours to the mainland or remove the travel alert for Taiwan residents. Direct cross-Strait flights and routes are also not fully restored. Wang Hsien-wen hopes for the restoration and expansion of direct flights, which would save travelers time and allow for more extensive exploration.

  • China’s poverty fight inspires Global South

    China’s poverty fight inspires Global South

    China’s remarkable achievements in poverty reduction have become a source of inspiration and a practical guide for nations in the Global South striving for modernization. This was the central theme of the Global South Modernization Forum held in Beijing on November 24, 2025. The event, titled ‘China’s Fight Against Extreme Poverty and the Global South’s Poverty Reduction Initiatives,’ brought together Chinese and international officials, scholars, and representatives from various organizations to discuss China’s strategies and their applicability to other developing countries. Maierdan Mugaiti, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, highlighted the people-centered, science-based, and context-specific nature of China’s poverty reduction policies, which have been instrumental in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades. Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, praised China’s efforts, noting that the country’s success accounts for more than 70% of global poverty reduction. The forum also showcased specific initiatives, such as the Juncao technology, which has been introduced in 109 countries and has benefited over 35,000 households in Rwanda alone. The event underscored China’s commitment to global development through the Global Development Initiative, which has mobilized over $23 billion in development funds and supported more than 1,800 projects in the Global South.

  • Top political advisor urges gathering strength to boost Chinese modernization

    Top political advisor urges gathering strength to boost Chinese modernization

    In a recent visit to Shenzhen and Huizhou, China’s top political advisor Wang Huning emphasized the importance of uniting public support, consensus, wisdom, and strength to achieve significant progress in the nation’s goal of socialist modernization. Wang, who serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made these remarks during a fact-finding and research tour from November 21 to 23, 2025. During his visit, Wang highlighted the need to replicate successful experiences from the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone to further develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also visited a memorial museum dedicated to a CPC-led guerrilla force from World War II, urging the promotion of the spirit of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to inspire the public to uphold revolutionary traditions and follow the Party’s guidance. Additionally, Wang called for the implementation of policies to support the private sector, enhance cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges, develop rural industries with local characteristics, and strengthen the law-based governance of religious affairs. He stressed that the CPPCC should prioritize the study and implementation of the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, contributing high-quality deliberations and suggestions to serve the central tasks of the Party and the country.

  • Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra dies at 89

    Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra dies at 89

    The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Dharmendra, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89. Known for his timeless charm and versatile acting, Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the actor, stating that his death signifies the end of an era in Indian cinema. Born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra, originally named Dharam Singh Deol, hailed from a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to pursue education, Dharmendra’s passion for films led him to win the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare magazine, catapulting him into the world of cinema. His debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere’ marked the beginning of a stellar career that saw him star in over 300 films, including the cult classic ‘Sholay’ (1975), where he played the unforgettable character Veeru. Dharmendra’s on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini, whom he later married, became legendary, and their romance captivated audiences. Beyond his acting prowess, Dharmendra ventured into politics, serving as a BJP MP from 2005 to 2009, though he admitted that politics was not his true calling. Throughout his life, Dharmendra remained humble, often expressing gratitude for the love he received from fans. His contributions to Hindi cinema were recognized with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Dharmendra’s legacy as the ‘original He-Man of Bollywood’ and his ability to connect with audiences through his performances will continue to inspire generations.

  • Macao eyes five-year plan for growth

    Macao eyes five-year plan for growth

    The Macao Special Administrative Region is actively integrating its development strategy with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), as emphasized during the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The session, held from October 20 to 23, outlined national economic and social development goals, urging Macao to align its growth with the broader national agenda. To disseminate the spirit of the plenary session, a central government delegation organized two seminars in Macao on November 23, attended by over 1,200 participants, including government officials, lawmakers, and community leaders. Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao, emphasized the importance of unity and understanding the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan. Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai highlighted the plan’s potential to foster economic diversification, improve livelihoods, and advance public administrative reforms. The delegation, including Hou Jianguo, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhu Weidong, deputy director of key central offices, discussed Macao’s role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development as an international science and innovation hub. Hou suggested leveraging Macao’s strengths in traditional Chinese medicine, integrated circuits, and space science, while Zhu stressed aligning Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan with national objectives. The delegation also visited the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin to explore regional development opportunities. Further seminars are planned in Hong Kong to continue promoting the plenary session’s insights.

  • Touch base for Hong Kong’s space economy

    Touch base for Hong Kong’s space economy

    Hong Kong is emerging as a pivotal hub for the burgeoning space economy, leveraging its unique position as a global superconnector and its robust legal framework. The recent successful yet delayed return of the Shenzhou XX mission crew, due to space debris, has underscored the urgent need for advanced legal and regulatory mechanisms to address the complexities of space commercialization.

  • Daughter of South Africa’s ex-president accuses sister of Russia recruitment plot

    Daughter of South Africa’s ex-president accuses sister of Russia recruitment plot

    In a dramatic turn of events, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma, has filed a criminal complaint against her sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, accusing her of recruiting men to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zuma-Mncube alleges that her sister, a sitting Member of Parliament, along with two others, deceived 17 men from South Africa and Botswana into joining Russian mercenary forces under the guise of training as bodyguards for the Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, founded by their father. South African authorities have confirmed they are investigating the matter, though Zuma-Sambudla has yet to respond to media inquiries. The government has previously acknowledged receiving distress calls from citizens who were allegedly lured into the conflict with promises of lucrative contracts. South Africa’s high unemployment rate, particularly among youth, has made individuals susceptible to such recruitment schemes. This accusation adds to Zuma-Sambudla’s ongoing legal troubles, as she is currently on trial for terrorism-related charges stemming from her social media activity during the 2021 protests that followed her father’s arrest. Zuma-Mncube claims her decision to report her sister was driven by a ‘moral obligation.’ The case highlights the complex interplay of family, politics, and international conflict in South Africa.