分类： politics

Chinese anti-corruption authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into Zhang Shiping, former Vice-Chairwoman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), for alleged serious breaches of Party discipline and national laws. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission jointly announced the probe on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Zhang, 71, a Beijing native with over five decades of Party membership since joining in 1973, previously held significant positions across multiple government and Party organizations. Her career trajectory shows extensive experience in women’s affairs and labor organizations, beginning with her early work at the CPC Xicheng district committee general office.

From 1979 through 2008, Zhang served in various capacities at the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF), ascending through leadership roles including deputy head of the publicity department and director of both urban and rural work departments. Her responsibilities expanded in 2003 when she assumed the position of Secretary of the ACWF Secretariat, concurrently taking helm of the China National Children’s Center in 2005.

In a notable career transition in 2008, Zhang moved to the ACFTU where she occupied several high-ranking positions including vice-chairwoman, Secretariat secretary, and member of the Party Leadership Group. She maintained dual leadership roles by continuing as ACWF vice-chairwoman in 2011. Her most recent official capacity was as deputy director of the Committee on Social and Legal Affairs within the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, appointed in February 2014.

The investigation represents the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has scrutinized officials across various government and Party entities. The announcement follows standard procedures for disciplinary reviews conducted by China’s top graft-busting agencies.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called upon his government to address the legitimate grievances of protesters demonstrating against severe economic hardship, as reported by state media on Tuesday. This appeal follows widespread shopkeeper demonstrations in Tehran that prompted temporary business closures across the capital.

The unrest erupted after Iran’s national currency plummeted to unprecedented lows on unofficial markets, with the U.S. dollar reaching approximately 1.42 million rials—a drastic depreciation from 820,000 rials just one year earlier. While the currency experienced marginal recovery by Tuesday, the economic damage had already triggered significant public outcry.

Visual documentation from Fars news agency indicated security forces deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators, though central Tehran shops and cafes largely resumed operations by Tuesday under heightened police surveillance. Merchants expressed profound frustration over the government’s inadequate response to soaring import costs that have crippled retail businesses.

An anonymous trader conveyed to Etemad newspaper: ‘Officials displayed no concern regarding how currency fluctuations devastate our livelihoods. With current exchange rates, we cannot even sell basic items like phone cases, yet authorities remain indifferent to our struggles.’

President Pezeshkian, operating within Iran’s political structure where ultimate authority rests with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, communicated via social media: ‘I have instructed the interior minister to engage in dialogue with protest representatives to address their legitimate demands, enabling the government to resolve these issues responsibly.’

Parallel to presidential appeals, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized the necessity of ‘implementing measures focused on enhancing purchasing power’ and addressing economic grievances through responsible dialogue.

The economic turmoil prompted judicial intervention, with Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei demanding ‘swift punishment for those responsible for currency fluctuations.’ Simultaneously, the government announced the appointment of former finance minister Abdolnasser Hemmati as central bank governor, replacing his predecessor amid the crisis.

Iran’s economy faces compounded challenges including 52% annual inflation according to official statistics—though actual price increases for essentials likely exceed reported figures. The nation’s financial stability has been further undermined by reinstated international sanctions linked to its nuclear program, which Western nations and Israel allege pursues weapons development despite Tehran’s denials.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has commenced residence at the nation’s official prime ministerial mansion in central Tokyo, ending her two-month tenure of parliamentary accommodation. The relocation follows criticism regarding her extended commute duration during December’s seismic emergency.

The historic stone-and-brick residence, inaugurated in 1929 and architecturally influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s demolished Imperial Hotel, carries a macabre reputation. The property was the backdrop for two attempted military coups during the 1930s, culminating in the assassination of several high-ranking officials including a sitting prime minister. Legends persist regarding supernatural manifestations of these historical figures roaming the hallways, with at least one visible bullet hole memorializing the turbulent era.

Takaichi, who governs on a platform of intensive work ethic and reportedly sleeps merely two to four hours nightly, follows mixed precedents regarding the residence’s paranormal activity. Immediate predecessor Shigeru Ishiba occupied the renovated (2005) property without expressing apprehensions, while ex-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reported undisturbed rest. Notably, former leaders Shinzo Abe (Takaichi’s political mentor) and Yoshihide Suga opted for alternative accommodations, leaving the residence vacant for nearly nine years until 2021.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to commence a significant four-day state visit to China starting Sunday, as officially confirmed by China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The high-level diplomatic engagement marks a pivotal moment in Sino-Korean relations, with both nations poised to address critical bilateral and regional matters.

The upcoming visit represents President Lee’s first major diplomatic overture to China since assuming office, underscoring the strategic importance both countries place on maintaining stable Northeast Asian relations. The timing of this state visit suggests potential discussions on economic cooperation, regional security dynamics, and multilateral collaboration within the evolving Asian geopolitical landscape.

Diplomatic analysts anticipate the agenda will encompass trade relations, technological collaboration, and possibly coordination on North Korean denuclearization efforts. The four-day duration indicates substantial working sessions are planned, allowing for comprehensive dialogue between Chinese leadership and the South Korean delegation.

This diplomatic mission occurs against the backdrop of shifting global economic patterns and increasing regional integration efforts. The visit follows recent economic forecasts suggesting widening disparities within Asia’s economic landscape, making bilateral cooperation increasingly crucial for regional stability.

The state visit demonstrates both countries’ commitment to maintaining open communication channels despite complex international pressures and competing strategic interests. Observers will monitor the outcomes for potential impacts on regional trade architectures and security frameworks in Northeast Asia.

The year 2025 stands as a testament to China’s growing global stature and national cohesion, captured through a series of defining photographic moments. The visual narrative of the year commenced with President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosting international dignitaries in Tianjin on August 31. The event, a grand welcoming banquet preceding the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, showcased China’s pivotal role in fostering multilateral diplomacy and strengthening Eurasian partnerships.

This diplomatic highlight was complemented by nationwide commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Ceremonies and exhibitions across the country served as poignant reminders of historical resilience and the enduring spirit of the nation.

Further amplifying the year’s significance was the hosting of the National Games within the dynamic Greater Bay Area (GBA). This major sporting event not only highlighted athletic excellence but also demonstrated the advanced infrastructure and organizational capability of the southern China mega-region. The Games symbolized national unity and the successful regional integration policies championed by the government.

Together, these events, immortalized through photojournalism, paint a comprehensive picture of a nation confidently advancing on the world stage while honoring its past and celebrating its present achievements through sport, remembrance, and international cooperation.

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s political landscape mourns the loss of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away Tuesday morning at age 80 following prolonged health complications. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which she chaired, confirmed her demise through an official social media announcement at approximately 6:00 AM local time.

According to The Daily Star, Zia breathed her last at a Dhaka medical facility where she had been undergoing extensive treatment since late November 2025. Her medical team had diagnosed critical cardiac issues coupled with severe pulmonary infection, compounding her existing health challenges that had persisted over several years.

Zia made history in February 1991 when she assumed office as Bangladesh’s inaugural female head of government, demonstrating groundbreaking leadership in a traditionally male-dominated political arena. She secured a second electoral victory in October 2001, further cementing her influence in the nation’s governance.

Her political journey encountered significant turbulence in February 2018 when judicial authorities convicted her on corruption allegations, resulting in her incarceration. However, in a notable turn of events, the presidential administration granted her release in August 2024, marking the conclusion of her six-year imprisonment period.

Zia’s passing represents the end of an era for Bangladeshi politics, where she remained a polarizing yet profoundly influential figure throughout her extensive career. Her legacy continues to shape the nation’s political discourse and democratic development.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conducted a significant inspection tour of a major munitions factory on Sunday, emphasizing the strategic importance of weapons production for national defense. According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the visit focused on evaluating manufacturing processes for advanced military hardware, particularly multiple rocket launcher systems destined for deployment with key units of the Korean People’s Army.

During the facility assessment, Kim characterized the new multiple rocket system as a transformative asset that would fundamentally reshape the composition of North Korea’s artillery forces. He described these weapons as becoming the “main strike means” of the country’s military apparatus, indicating their central role in future defense strategy.

The North Korean leader further urged factory officials and workers to build upon production successes achieved throughout 2025, calling for expanded achievements in strengthening national defense capabilities during the coming year. This directive aligns with Pyongyang’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military readiness amid persistent regional tensions.

The inspection comes during a period of heightened geopolitical sensitivity on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea continues to develop and modernize its weapons programs despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The public disclosure of the leader’s visit through state media channels serves both domestic and international audiences, demonstrating continued focus on military development while potentially signaling strategic intentions to external observers.