Arsenal Football Club has announced the termination of its eight-year sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda, set to conclude at the end of the 2025-26 season. The partnership, which began in 2018 and reportedly valued at over £10 million ($13.3 million) annually, has faced increasing scrutiny due to escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region bordering Rwanda. Despite a recent framework for peace signed between Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese government, the sponsorship has drawn criticism from humanitarian groups and activists. Campaigners, including the group Gunners for Peace, have protested outside Emirates Stadium, urging the club to sever ties with Visit Rwanda, citing the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. Arsenal stated that the partnership had achieved its original goals of promoting conservation, sustainable tourism, and Rwanda’s ambition to become a sporting hub in Africa. However, the club emphasized its commitment to aligning sponsorships with its core values. Meanwhile, other clubs like Paris St-Germain and Atletico Madrid continue their associations with Visit Rwanda, sparking debates about the ethical implications of such deals in the world of sports.
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Louvre to set up new cameras and anti-intrusion systems after stunning crown jewels heist
The Louvre Museum in Paris is set to implement a series of advanced security measures following last month’s audacious crown jewels heist. Museum director Laurence des Cars announced on Wednesday that approximately 100 new surveillance cameras will be operational by the end of next year, with anti-intrusion systems being installed within the next two weeks. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized access to the museum’s premises and ensure comprehensive protection of its surroundings. Des Cars emphasized that these upgrades are part of over 20 emergency actions being taken in response to the October 19 robbery, which saw thieves steal an €88 million ($102 million) treasure trove in less than eight minutes. The breach occurred when intruders used disc cutters, typically meant for concrete, to penetrate the Apollo Gallery’s display cases. Des Cars revealed that the cases, designed in 2019 to withstand internal attacks, held up remarkably well during the heist, making the thieves’ task more challenging. The security enhancements align with the Louvre’s decade-long ‘New Renaissance’ plan, launched earlier this year with an estimated budget of €800 million ($933 million). This initiative aims to modernize the museum’s infrastructure, reduce overcrowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031. Des Cars also highlighted the museum’s struggle with mass tourism, noting that visitor numbers have surged to over 8 million this year, far exceeding the 4 million capacity envisioned when the iconic glass pyramid was inaugurated in 1989. In a related development, the Louvre temporarily closed some employee offices and a public gallery due to structural fragility.
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UK defense secretary warns Russia it is ready to deal with any incursions after spy ship spotted
The United Kingdom has issued a stern warning to Russia following the detection of the Russian spy ship Yantar near British waters north of Scotland. Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized that the vessel had directed lasers at surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities. “We see you. We know what you’re doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready,” Healey declared during a speech in London. This warning comes as the UK government prepares to unveil its new budget, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocating for significant increases in military spending to counter threats from Russia, China, and Iran. However, the government faces financial challenges, including potential tax hikes and spending cuts to address a multi-billion-pound deficit. Healey also announced plans to construct at least six new munitions factories across the UK, a move expected to create 1,000 jobs and bolster the military’s supply of explosives and propellants. The Yantar, part of the Russian navy, is known for its surveillance capabilities and potential for sabotage, prompting the UK and its allies to closely monitor its movements. Healey highlighted the need for a robust defense strategy in response to global threats, including conflicts in the Middle East, tensions between India and Pakistan, and espionage activities by China. The UK has pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, aligning with NATO standards, to ensure national security in an era of heightened geopolitical risks.
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Russian spy ship on edge of UK waters, defence secretary says
A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, has been detected operating near UK waters north of Scotland, according to UK Defence Secretary John Healey. The vessel, known for its intelligence-gathering capabilities, has reportedly used lasers to distract pilots of surveillance aircraft monitoring its movements. Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, Healey emphasized that this marks the second instance in a year that the Yantar has entered UK waters. The ship is specifically designed to map undersea cables and gather intelligence, posing a potential threat to the UK’s undersea infrastructure and that of its allies. Healey issued a stern warning to Russia, stating, ‘We see you. We know what you’re doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.’ The Yantar is part of a Russian fleet associated with the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), a program aimed at conducting surveillance during peacetime and sabotage in conflict scenarios. Healey highlighted the UK’s determination to track and deter such activities, working in coordination with allies to ensure readiness and capability. This incident follows a similar warning issued by the Defence Secretary in January when the Yantar was previously spotted in UK waters.
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New study reveals snow-ground thermal coupling on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
A pioneering study conducted by Chinese scientists has uncovered the intricate coupling effects between snow cover and ground thermal dynamics on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Published in the journal *Agricultural and Forest Meteorology*, the research was jointly carried out by the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST). The study integrates snow cover processes into land surface and climate models for cold regions, significantly enhancing the accuracy of permafrost evolution predictions and extreme event risk assessments. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, home to the world’s largest high-altitude permafrost zone, has experienced accelerated warming due to global climate change. Unlike the Arctic, the plateau’s snow cover is typically thin and short-lived, yet it plays a critical role in influencing ground thermal regimes and surface energy fluxes. Researchers conducted years of in-situ observations at two alpine permafrost sites, located at 5,100 meters and 4,538 meters above sea level, respectively. They analyzed snow cover characteristics, ground surface temperature responses, and energy flux dynamics. The team also proposed a ‘four-interval mechanism framework’ to describe the evolutionary stages of snow-ground coupling. According to Hu Guojie, a researcher at NIEER, this framework provides operational criteria and parametric insights for shallow snow-dominated areas. Professor Zhao Lin from NUIST emphasized that the study quantified the nonlinear thermal effects of shallow snow cover on alpine permafrost, offering observational evidence and conceptual benchmarks for developing threshold-sensitive snow-ground coupling schemes in climate models.
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Mainland official highlights greater opportunities for Taiwan businesses on mainland
BEIJING — In a significant meeting held on Tuesday, Song Tao, the Chinese mainland’s leading official on Taiwan affairs, underscored the vast opportunities available for Taiwanese businesses on the mainland. Speaking to a delegation from the Taiwan Federation of Industries (TFI), Song, who heads both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, highlighted the potential for enhanced economic collaboration between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. He pointed to the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) as a pivotal framework for deepening integration and fostering mutual growth. Song urged Taiwanese business leaders to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, reject any moves toward ‘Taiwan independence,’ and resist external interference. He emphasized the shared responsibility of safeguarding the Chinese nation’s unity and prosperity. Miau Feng-chiang, honorary chairman of the TFI, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the 1992 Consensus remains the cornerstone for peaceful cross-Strait relations. He affirmed the federation’s commitment to promoting industrial cooperation and supporting Taiwanese enterprises in expanding their presence on the mainland.
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Students in Xinjiang’s prestigious ski destination to embrace 1st ‘snow break’
In a groundbreaking initiative, over 70,000 primary and secondary school students in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, are set to enjoy their first official ‘snow break.’ This innovative holiday, spanning nine days from December 1 to 5, including adjacent weekends, aims to promote the region’s burgeoning ice-and-snow economy. During this period, students will have free access to local ski resorts and public transit within Altay city, facilitated by their identity certificates. Additionally, local cultural venues, libraries, and museums will host a series of ice and snow-themed events. The initiative seeks to connect students with nature, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance physical health. Altay’s cultural and tourism departments are collaborating with ski resorts, hotels, and cultural venues to offer discounts on skiing, food, accommodations, and transportation. This move is part of China’s broader strategy to develop its ice-and-snow economy, which has seen significant growth since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. In the 2023-2024 snow season, Altay attracted approximately 4.89 million tourists, generating 5.1 billion yuan in revenue, contributing significantly to Xinjiang’s overall growth. The State Council’s guidelines aim to expand the ice-and-snow economy to 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.
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Macao SAR chief executive delivers policy address on reform, economic diversification
In a pivotal address to the Legislative Assembly on November 18, 2025, Sam Hou-fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), unveiled the government’s strategic priorities for 2026. Emphasizing administrative reform, economic diversification, and deeper integration into national development, Sam outlined a comprehensive roadmap for Macao’s future. The policy address highlighted the SAR’s commitment to addressing systemic inefficiencies, fostering economic resilience, and enhancing regional and international cooperation. Sam stressed the urgency of tackling interdepartmental communication gaps, improving coordination, and streamlining workflows to create a more collaborative and efficient government. Economic diversification was identified as a critical objective, with plans to bolster policy support, increase investment, and cultivate internationally competitive industries. Macao’s integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and its role in the Belt and Road Initiative were also underscored as key priorities. Additionally, Sam pledged to accelerate the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, aiming for seamless integration between Macao and Hengqin. The address reaffirmed Macao’s commitment to leveraging its unique position to drive sustainable growth and strengthen ties with mainland China and global partners.
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Chinese vice-premier calls for enhanced economic, trade exchanges on Eurasian continent
Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the importance of bolstering economic and trade exchanges across the Eurasian continent during his keynote address at the second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The event, held on November 18, 2025, brought together approximately 450 participants, including international experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Ding, who also serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the China Railway Express as a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring its role as a premier international logistics brand with significant influence. He outlined a four-point strategy to enhance the railway’s development, focusing on improved connectivity, technological innovation, risk management, and integrated growth to stabilize international supply chains and foster regional economic prosperity. The forum, themed ‘Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future,’ also featured remarks from Tsoncho Ganev, Vice-President of the Bulgarian National Assembly, who discussed bilateral cooperation with China. This gathering underscores China’s commitment to fostering collaborative economic growth and mutual learning across Eurasia.
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Drone light show celebrating spirit of sports staged in Hong Kong
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