The African Union (AU) has issued a strong condemnation of external interference in African nations grappling with security crises, particularly highlighting the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized that the AU must spearhead peace negotiations across the continent, adhering to the principle of ‘African solutions to African problems.’ Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Adeoye stated, ‘We unequivocally condemn all forms of external interference in Sudan or any part of our continent. The AU must lead efforts to identify structural solutions and secure sustainable peace.’ The AU is actively working to end the conflict in Sudan by facilitating political dialogue among all parties, aiming for a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire. Meanwhile, UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher expressed concern over the ‘complete impunity’ surrounding atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region, criticizing global indifference to the crisis. The AU also noted progress in Madagascar, where its Panel of the Wise is assisting in restoring constitutional order, and welcomed the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Over 50 new foreign academicians elected to China’s top academic institutions
In a significant move highlighting China’s commitment to global scientific collaboration, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) have elected a total of 51 foreign academicians in 2025. Among these, 27 were elected to the CAS, while 24 joined the CAE. This election underscores China’s growing influence in the global scientific community and its efforts to foster international partnerships in research and innovation. The newly elected academicians represent a diverse range of expertise and nationalities, reflecting China’s strategy to integrate global talent into its scientific endeavors. This development also aligns with China’s broader goals of advancing technological innovation and addressing global challenges through collaborative research. The election process, known for its rigor and selectivity, ensures that only the most distinguished scholars and engineers are chosen. This initiative not only strengthens China’s academic institutions but also enhances its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.
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Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegal lobbying
Prakazrel ‘Pras’ Michel, a former member of the Grammy Award-winning group Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in a high-profile political corruption case. The 53-year-old musician was convicted in April 2023 on multiple charges, including acting as an unregistered foreign agent, witness tampering, campaign finance violations, and lying to banks. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered the sentence in a Washington, D.C., court on Thursday, despite prosecutors’ recommendation of a life sentence. Michel, who testified in his own defense during the trial, chose not to address the court during sentencing. His attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, criticized the verdict as ‘unsupported by the evidence’ and vowed to appeal, calling the sentence ‘completely disproportionate to the offense.’ The case centered on Michel’s alleged role in funneling over $100 million from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low to influence U.S. politics between 2012 and 2017, spanning the administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Michel was also accused of lobbying on behalf of the Chinese government. Prosecutors argued that Michel ‘betrayed his country for money,’ exploiting and deceiving various U.S. government entities, including the White House and FBI. The trial featured testimony from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Michel’s co-defendants received significantly lighter sentences, with Elliott Broidy pardoned, George Higginbotham receiving three months of probation, and Nicki Lum Davis sentenced to 24 months. The case also highlighted the broader 1MDB scandal, in which Low allegedly embezzled $4 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. In June 2024, the U.S. Justice Department reached an agreement with Low to return over $100 million to Malaysia. Michel’s case has raised questions about the enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which has seen narrowed prosecutorial scope under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent memorandum.
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Brazil hit by tariff uncertainty
Brazil, a key player in South American trade, is facing significant economic uncertainties due to the unpredictable tariff policies of the United States. Despite recent efforts to ease trade tensions between China and the US, the lingering effects of the US-initiated trade war continue to disrupt global markets and undermine investor confidence. Raquel Nadal, Deputy Secretary for Macroeconomic Policy at Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, emphasized the lack of predictability in trade conditions, which is stifling investment and growth. ‘If you cannot foresee the terms and conditions of your exports, you hesitate to invest. These tariffs are highly detrimental,’ Nadal stated. She highlighted the risks posed to Brazil’s trade surplus with China, particularly concerning soybean exports, which could suffer if China leverages soybean sales in negotiations with the US. Vivian Fraga, a regulatory affairs expert at TozziniFreire, noted that the US tariffs have far-reaching consequences, reshaping global supply chains and increasing costs across industries. Even companies not directly involved with the US are affected as the ripple effects spread worldwide. Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, an international law professor at Fluminense Federal University, criticized the US trade war for contradicting the principles of the World Trade Organization, which promotes tariff reduction to boost international trade. Carvalho pointed out China’s resilience in handling the tariff wars, forcing the US to reckon with the economic costs of its policies. He also predicted ongoing fluctuations in US-China relations, driven by competition for technological dominance and contrasting approaches to globalization. ‘We are witnessing a US-driven deglobalization and a China-led re-globalization through multilateralism,’ Carvalho remarked. As Brazil navigates these challenges, the broader implications for global trade and economic stability remain a pressing concern.
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Exhibition celebrates millennial civilizations
A groundbreaking exhibition highlighting the millennia-old cultural connections between China and Cambodia was inaugurated in Phnom Penh on November 19, 2025. Organized by the National Museum of Cambodia in partnership with the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, the event marked the first of its kind, showcasing a rich collection of Chinese artifacts, including bronze statues, ceramics, coins, and representations in Angkorian art. The exhibition also emphasized China’s contributions to the conservation and restoration of Cambodian heritage, particularly in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin presided over the opening ceremony. Sackona highlighted the enduring cultural exchanges between the two nations, spanning trade, diplomacy, religion, and art. She expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing efforts in preserving Cambodia’s cultural treasures. The exhibition aims to celebrate the shared history and friendship between the two countries, while inspiring future research into Chinese material culture in Cambodia. Chhay Visoth, director of the National Museum of Cambodia, noted that the event would attract both national and international visitors, offering a unique opportunity to explore the ancient ties between the two civilizations. Visitors, including Ros Kunthy, praised the exhibition for its fascinating display of centuries-old artifacts, underscoring the deep-rooted connections between Cambodia and China.
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Retailer lauded for ‘moral-damage’ compensation
Pangdonglai, a prominent supermarket chain in Henan Province, China, has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to employee welfare by introducing a moral-damage compensation system. The company recently disclosed detailed records of payments made to employees whose personal dignity was compromised at work, highlighting its commitment to fostering a respectful and fair workplace environment.
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Hospital appointment scalping ring busted
A highly organized hospital appointment scalping ring in Shenyang, China, has been dismantled by local police, revealing a sophisticated operation that exploited both technology and insider knowledge. The syndicate, which had been active for six months, allegedly stole over 7,500 appointments and amassed illegal profits exceeding 510,000 yuan. The group targeted desperate patients struggling to secure slots at top hospitals in the Liaoning provincial capital, where online appointments vanished within seconds and offline queues were interminable. The crackdown began in August when Shenyang police detected unusual activity in hospital registration systems. A month-long investigation uncovered a criminal network involving nine scalper gangs and 75 individuals operating a three-step scheme: snatch, hoard, and resell appointments. The gang’s methods were particularly insidious, with over 20 core members being former patients or caregivers who knew precisely when new appointments went live. To amplify their gains, the scalpers hired software developers to create plug-ins that hacked into hospital registration systems, allowing them to preset patient information and automatically snatch slots. These illegal tools were sold for tens of thousands of yuan, enabling some scalpers to earn between 10,000 to 20,000 yuan monthly. The gang operated like a well-oiled machine, with members specializing in various roles, from buying software to actively prowling hospitals for customers. Non-local patients, desperate to avoid delays, were hit with the highest markups, sometimes paying several thousand yuan extra. In September, a cross-region manhunt led to the arrest of all 75 suspects in cities including Guangzhou, Yantai, and Huludao. Ten suspects face charges of destroying computer information systems, while 65 others received administrative penalties. Following the bust, Shenyang police urged hospitals to upgrade their registration systems and monitor for abnormal traffic. Authorities are also using video patrols to spot scalpers early and have collaborated with internet firms to remove scalper ads, effectively cutting off their ability to find customers.
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UN humanitarians alarmed by escalating violence in eastern DRC
The United Nations has raised urgent concerns over the escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 45 individuals have been killed in North Kivu since last Friday due to attacks on multiple villages in the Lubero territory. A particularly devastating incident involved an assault on a health center, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, including patients. Additionally, two health workers were abducted, medical supplies were stolen, and the facility was set ablaze. The surge in violence has displaced more than 30,000 people in less than a week, with many families continuing to flee amidst fears of further attacks. Humanitarian efforts are being hampered by ongoing insecurity, although OCHA partners are working to assess needs and provide assistance where possible. In Ituri province, two attempted armed attacks on the Lolwa hospital were reportedly thwarted. Since the beginning of the year, over 240 civilians have been killed, and more than 114,500 people have been displaced. OCHA has strongly condemned the attacks on civilians and health facilities, urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The violence is attributed to numerous militia groups operating in the region, including the M23 Movement, the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, and the Allied Democratic Forces.
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Innovative vessel set to transform fisheries
Zhanjiang Bay 1, the world’s first floating, dynamically positioned cage-type aquaculture vessel, was officially commissioned in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, on Wednesday. This groundbreaking vessel, developed by Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry Co., represents a significant leap in marine aquaculture technology. Designed for deep-sea operations, it combines floating aquaculture, autonomous navigation, typhoon avoidance, and green-energy self-supply capabilities. The vessel will operate approximately 30 nautical miles off Naozhou Island, initially focusing on pilot farming of large-sized yellow croakers, with plans to introduce golden pompano in 2026. Its success will determine batch-by-batch sales based on market conditions.
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Hangzhou offers free entry to popular site
Hangzhou, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, has announced that the Lingyin Feilaifeng Scenic Area will offer free admission to all visitors starting December 1, 2025. This decision underscores the city’s commitment to making its historical and cultural treasures accessible to everyone, reflecting a broader vision of cultural confidence and public welfare. The Lingyin Temple, a 1,700-year-old Buddhist site within the scenic area, is one of China’s most revered ancient temples, attracting millions of visitors annually. The move eliminates the 45 yuan ($6.32) entrance fee and the 30 yuan incense voucher, replacing them with a real-name reservation system to manage visitor flow. Experts view this as a significant shift from a ‘ticket-based economy’ to a ‘comprehensive economy,’ echoing the 2002 decision to make West Lake free to the public. This policy is expected to boost tourism-related industries, including dining, retail, and cultural products, while enhancing Hangzhou’s global reputation. Visitors have welcomed the news, with many expressing enthusiasm for the cost savings and increased accessibility. The decision also aligns with Hangzhou’s successful track record of leveraging free admission to drive economic growth, as seen with West Lake’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.