China has inaugurated a new giant panda base in Mianyang, Sichuan province, marking a significant expansion of its conservation network. The facility, part of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), is the fifth such site nationwide and aims to enhance panda breeding, research, and international collaboration. Spanning 120 hectares, the base began trial operations after relocating 13 pandas on November 4, 2025. It is slated to open to the public in 2026, once the pandas have acclimated to their new environment. Huang Zhi, head of the Mianyang base’s preparatory team, noted that while the pandas are adjusting to their surroundings, they are in good health, with a dedicated team monitoring their transition. Mianyang is home to 418 wild giant pandas, representing 22.4% of China’s total population, the highest among prefecture-level cities. Since the 1980s, the CCRCGP has made remarkable strides in captive breeding, increasing the panda population from just six in 1983 to over 380 today. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.
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HK and mainland financial market to forge proactive and deep alignment
Hong Kong is poised to deepen its financial and economic collaboration with mainland China, aligning with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) to enhance global financial governance reform. Vice-Premier He Lifeng emphasized this strategic alignment during his address at the fourth Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, hosted by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The summit, themed ‘Trekking through Shifting Terrain,’ gathered over 300 global financial leaders to discuss emerging trends, opportunities, and risks in a rapidly evolving geopolitical and technological landscape. He highlighted Hong Kong’s pivotal role in fostering a fair, just, and inclusive international economic order, as envisioned by President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu underscored the city’s financial market growth and fintech advancements, noting a 30% year-to-date surge in the stock market and record-breaking IPO activity. Regulatory efforts are also underway to support digital asset development, including asset tokenization and cross-border payment innovations. Mainland financial regulators, including representatives from the People’s Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, reiterated the importance of financial market integration, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The China Securities Regulatory Commission further pledged to deepen cooperation between mainland and Hong Kong capital markets, fostering a virtuous interaction between onshore and offshore development. Amid macroeconomic uncertainties, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue Waiman urged financial leaders to remain vigilant and proactive in navigating market dynamics.
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US courts stay deportation of Indian-origin man wrongly jailed for 43 years
Subramanyam ‘Subu’ Vedam, a 64-year-old Indian-origin man who spent over four decades in prison for a murder he did not commit, now faces deportation to India by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Vedam was exonerated in October 2025 after new evidence emerged in his case, but he was immediately detained by ICE upon his release from prison. Born in India, Vedam moved to the U.S. at just nine months old and is a legal permanent resident. His citizenship application was accepted before his arrest in 1983. Currently held at a short-term detention center in Alexandria, Louisiana, Vedam’s deportation has been temporarily halted by two U.S. courts. An immigration judge and a U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania both issued stays pending further review of his case. ICE cited a 1988 deportation order and a separate drug conviction as grounds for his detention. Vedam’s lawyers argue that his wrongful imprisonment for 43 years should outweigh his past drug charges. His family emphasizes his minimal ties to India and his decades of good behavior, academic achievements, and community service while incarcerated. Immigration lawyer Ava Benach described the case as ‘truly extraordinary,’ stating that deportation would compound the injustice Vedam has already endured. The Board of Immigration Appeals is expected to take several months to decide whether to review his case.
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Li meets with foreign leaders attending CIIE
Premier Li Qiang engaged in a series of high-level discussions with foreign leaders on Tuesday, as they gathered in Shanghai for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), set to commence on Wednesday. The meetings underscored China’s commitment to fostering closer international relations and mutual understanding. During his talks with Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, Premier Li emphasized the importance of mutual respect and trust, particularly in supporting each other’s core interests. He highlighted key collaborative projects, such as the Hungary-Serbia railway, and called for enhanced economic, trade, and cultural cooperation to benefit both nations. Li also stressed the need for strengthened multilateral coordination to improve global governance. Macut expressed optimism about the opportunities presented by China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and reiterated Serbia’s eagerness to deepen cooperation with China. In his meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Premier Li reflected on the 33-year diplomatic relationship between China and Georgia, marked by mutual respect and support. He advocated for strategic communication and enhanced cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to benefit both peoples. Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia’s adherence to the one-China principle and expressed readiness to expand collaboration in various fields. The discussions concluded with the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents. Premier Li also met with Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, to discuss aligning development strategies and advancing modernization through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Tajudeen reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the one-China principle and expressed a desire to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
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What to know about Zohran Mamdani and what he wants to do in NYC
In a historic victory, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the nation’s largest metropolis. The 34-year-old Democratic socialist, who rose from relative obscurity to national prominence, secured the mayoral seat with a bold, progressive platform that resonated deeply with voters seeking change. His victory speech on Tuesday night was a rallying cry for hope and unity, as he declared, ‘Today we have spoken in a clear voice: Hope is alive.’ Mamdani’s campaign, fueled by grassroots support and a strong social media presence, focused on addressing critical issues such as housing affordability, public safety, and economic inequality. His proposals, including a four-year rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments and the creation of city-owned grocery stores, have sparked both enthusiasm and debate. Critics, however, question the feasibility of his ambitious plans, particularly in light of the city’s complex economic and logistical challenges. Despite facing criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican opponents, Mamdani’s authenticity and ability to connect with younger voters proved decisive. His election signals a new era for New York City, as he aims to transform City Hall into a beacon of compassion and clarity. As Mamdani prepares to take office, the nation watches closely to see how his progressive vision will shape the future of the Big Apple.
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US federal workers turn to food banks to survive
As the US federal government shutdown enters its second month, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are grappling with severe financial strain, forcing many to turn to food banks for survival. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a deadlock over healthcare funding and other policy priorities, has left approximately 1.4 million workers without pay, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Among them, at least 670,000 are on furlough, while 730,000 continue to work without compensation. The crisis has sparked widespread distress, with workers across the nation sharing stories of hardship and uncertainty. In New York, long lines of federal employees, some visibly embarrassed, queued outside churches and food banks to secure basic necessities like vegetables and non-perishable items. Jacquelin, a federal worker, tearfully recounted the emotional toll of being unable to celebrate her daughter’s birthday or afford simple pleasures like a slice of pizza. Similarly, Christina Dechabert, a Transportation Security Administration employee at JFK Airport, described the situation as ‘draining,’ noting that her savings, meant for retirement, are now being depleted to feed her family. The crisis extends beyond New York, with reports of food distribution events in Washington, DC, drawing massive crowds even before they officially began. Many workers, like an anonymous furloughed woman, feel they are being unfairly treated as ‘collateral damage’ in the political impasse. As negotiations remain stalled, the shutdown continues to take a heavy financial and personal toll on federal workers nationwide.
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Remote robotic eye surgery achieves breakthrough
In a groundbreaking achievement, ophthalmologists from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center at Sun Yat-sen University have successfully conducted the world’s first remote robotic subretinal injection surgery. This historic procedure, performed on Sunday, utilized a domestically developed 5G ophthalmic surgical robot, marking a significant leap in remote high-precision medical care. The surgery was executed seamlessly over a distance of 4,200 kilometers, with the main control terminal in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, guiding the surgical terminal in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The operation, led by Professor Lin Haotian and Professor Yang Bo, involved precise micron-level fundus procedures, completed in less than seven minutes. The success of this surgery underscores China’s capability to deliver advanced medical resources to remote regions and safely apply high-precision robotic technologies in ophthalmic treatments. This achievement not only advances the field of remote intelligent medical care but also highlights the potential of 5G technology in revolutionizing healthcare. Moving forward, the team aims to expand this ‘remote plus intelligent’ model, making high-level ophthalmic medical resources more accessible to grassroots patients.
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Higher-level opening-up to offer new possibilities
China’s commitment to advancing reform and development through higher-level opening-up is set to unlock new opportunities for multinational corporations and trading partners, according to business leaders and market analysts. This strategic focus, outlined in the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), emphasizes institutional opening-up, safeguarding the multilateral trading system, and promoting international economic flows. These measures aim to spur new growth drivers and enhance resilience against global risks such as protectionism and geopolitical uncertainties. A communique issued after the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee highlighted China’s intention to open wider to the world, innovate trade practices, expand two-way investment cooperation, and pursue high-quality Belt and Road initiatives. Mei Xinyu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that these efforts will attract quality foreign investment and strengthen global confidence in China’s development. Foreign business leaders, including Poh-Yian Koh of FedEx and Jens Eskelund of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, expressed optimism about the policy directions, citing potential for expanded market access and a more enabling business environment. Companies like Kone Corp and ABB Group are also leveraging China’s urbanization and energy transition strategies to deepen their investments and innovation capabilities. China’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first three quarters of 2025 reached 573.75 billion yuan ($80.68 billion), with significant increases from key trading partners. Despite global economic challenges, China remains a stabilizing force and a key growth engine for the global economy.
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Investigators board cruise ship that left woman behind on island
In a tragic turn of events, the Coral Adventurer cruise ship has become the center of a harrowing investigation after an elderly passenger was left behind on a remote Australian island and later found dead. Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old woman from Sydney, was hiking on Lizard Island with fellow passengers when she decided to rest, breaking away from the group. Unbeknownst to her, the ship departed without her, only realizing her absence several hours later. Despite a search and rescue effort, Ms. Rees was discovered deceased the following day. The incident has prompted a joint investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Queensland Police, and the state coroner. The Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions, was initially delayed due to mechanical issues and later canceled its 60-day cruise around Australia following the tragedy. The ship, designed to access remote coastal areas, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members. Ms. Rees’ daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed her family’s shock and sadness, emphasizing the apparent failure of care and common sense. She hopes the coroner’s inquiry will reveal what could have been done to save her mother’s life. The cruise operator has expressed deep regret and is cooperating fully with authorities while offering support to the bereaved family.
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Astronauts savor grilled chicken and beef in space
In a groundbreaking culinary achievement, Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have become the first humans to grill and consume chicken and beef in outer space. This historic event, facilitated by a specially designed oven delivered by the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft, marks a significant milestone in space exploration and living conditions for astronauts. The Shenzhou XXI crew, including mission commander Senior Colonel Zhang Lu and spaceflight engineer Major Wu Fei, collaborated with the Shenzhou XX team to prepare and enjoy grilled chicken wings and black pepper beef steaks. The process was captured in a video broadcasted from the space station, showcasing the astronauts’ excitement and satisfaction with their space-cooked meals. According to Liu Weibo, an engineer at the Astronaut Center of China, the oven was developed to enhance the dining experience and living quality of astronauts by allowing them to cook a variety of foods, including cakes and roasted peanuts, in microgravity. Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, highlighted the technical challenges of creating an oven for space use, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to manage heat and cooking fumes in the absence of convection. This achievement not only underscores China’s advancements in space technology but also sets a new standard for future space missions, offering a glimpse into the potential for more diverse and enjoyable culinary experiences in space.