On the 10th anniversary of the historic 2015 meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou, a mainland spokesperson reiterated the importance of the 1992 Consensus and opposition to ‘Taiwan independence’ in maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that the 1992 Consensus remains the political cornerstone for peaceful cross-Strait relations. He highlighted the 2015 meeting as a pivotal moment in fostering institutionalized exchanges and stability between the two sides. Ma Ying-jeou, in a social media post, echoed this sentiment, urging current Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te to return to the shared political foundation to avoid escalating tensions. Chen warned that any deviation from the one-China principle and pursuit of ‘Taiwan independence’ would lead to confrontation and hinder dialogue. He stressed that reunification is an inevitable historical trend, while ‘Taiwan independence’ is a dead end. The mainland expressed willingness to strengthen communication with Taiwan’s political parties and groups to enhance cross-Strait relations and improve the well-being of compatriots on both sides.
分类： politics
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Turkey issues genocide arrest warrant against Netanyahu
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday that warrants had been issued for 37 high-ranking Israeli figures, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The charges stem from Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023, which Turkey claims have involved systematic attacks on civilians, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. Specific incidents cited include the bombing of al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, and the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab. The investigation also covers Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission, in international waters. Activists aboard the flotilla have provided testimony and forensic evidence supporting the case. Israel has vehemently rejected the charges, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissing them as a ‘PR stunt’ by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move comes as Turkey seeks a role in the international stabilization force envisioned for post-war Gaza under US President Donald Trump’s plan, a proposal Israeli leaders have consistently opposed.
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Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms
Lisbon witnessed a massive demonstration on Saturday as tens of thousands of citizens rallied against a proposed labor reform package introduced by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s government. The protest, spearheaded by the nation’s leading labor union, saw participants brandishing signs with slogans such as “No to the labor package” and demanding a monthly minimum wage of 1,050 euros ($1,214) by 2026. The government claims the reforms aim to enhance productivity and job market flexibility, but critics argue they undermine workers’ rights and call for the package’s withdrawal. Among the contentious measures are restrictions on flexible work schedules for breastfeeding women, reduced bereavement leave for miscarriages, and streamlined procedures for worker dismissals. Currently, Portugal’s minimum wage is set at 870 euros (approximately $1,007) per month. Prime Minister Montenegro, leader of the center-right Democratic Alliance, heads a minority government in the EU nation of 10.6 million people. If approved, the bill is expected to pass in parliament with support from the far-right Chega party, the largest opposition group. In response to the reforms, protest organizers have announced a general strike scheduled for December 11.
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Rodrigo Paz sworn in as Bolivia’s new president, ending 20 years of one-party rule
LA PAZ, Bolivia — In a historic shift, conservative leader Rodrigo Paz was inaugurated as Bolivia’s new president on Saturday, marking the end of nearly two decades of dominance by the left-wing Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. The swearing-in ceremony, attended by lawmakers and foreign dignitaries, symbolized a turning point for the Andean nation, which is grappling with its worst economic crisis in 40 years. Paz, 58, took the oath of office with his hand on a Bible and a cross, pledging to uphold “God, country, and family.” His victory in last month’s presidential runoff surprised many, as he defeated the more prominent right-wing candidate, former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga. Paz inherits a struggling economy characterized by severe fuel shortages, high food prices, and a collapsed statist economic model. His administration aims to implement gradual reforms to stabilize the economy, contrasting with Quiroga’s proposed IMF-backed fiscal shock program. Paz has also signaled a shift in foreign policy, distancing Bolivia from the ALBA bloc and seeking closer ties with the United States and international financial institutions. Despite these efforts, his government faces significant challenges, including building political alliances, as his Christian Democratic Party holds only 39% of the Legislative Assembly seats.
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What Hungary’s Orban did – and didn’t – get from Trump
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Washington yielded significant outcomes, including a temporary exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil, gas, and nuclear supplies. This exemption, valid for one year, provides Hungary with a crucial reprieve as it navigates the economic and political fallout from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the deal comes with substantial costs and complexities for Hungary, raising questions about its long-term implications.
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US Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments
In a significant development, the US Supreme Court has issued an emergency order to temporarily halt a lower court’s mandate requiring full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food aid payments during the ongoing government shutdown. This decision, made on Friday, has introduced fresh uncertainty for millions of Americans relying on the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. The Trump administration had sought the stay, arguing that it needed to avoid overspending from the available contingency funds. The Supreme Court’s intervention came after the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration’s request to pause the lower court’s order. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted a two-day halt on the mandate, pending further review by the appeals court. The SNAP program, which supports 42 million Americans—approximately one-eighth of the population—ran out of funding on November 1 for the first time in its history. The administration had planned to use $4.65 billion from a contingency fund to cover 50% of November’s SNAP benefits, but the lower court had demanded full payments. The legal battle continues as the Justice Department prepares to appeal both the recent and earlier rulings.
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Xi urges deepening reform, opening-up during Guangdong inspection tour
During his recent inspection tour in Guangdong province, President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity of deepening reform and opening-up to achieve high-quality development. The visit, which took place on November 7 and 8, 2025, highlighted the importance of advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development through sustained efforts. Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited a pomelo growing base in Meizhou city. There, he learned about local initiatives aimed at supporting old revolutionary base areas and promoting comprehensive rural revitalization. Xi’s remarks underscored the strategic significance of Guangdong in China’s broader economic and developmental agenda, reinforcing the region’s role as a pivotal hub for innovation and growth.
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US to boycott G20 in South Africa, Trump says
In a surprising move, former US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will not participate in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. Trump cited unsubstantiated claims of persecution against the white minority in South Africa, particularly Afrikaners, as the reason for the boycott. He labeled South Africa’s hosting of the event as a ‘total disgrace’ and vowed that no US government officials would attend under these circumstances. This decision has drawn criticism from South Africa’s foreign ministry, which described it as ‘regrettable’ and refuted the allegations as baseless. The ministry emphasized that no political party in South Africa, including those representing the white community, has supported the claim of genocide. Trump’s stance has reignited tensions between the two nations, following his earlier confrontation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in May. The Trump administration has also granted refugee status to Afrikaners, citing a supposed ‘genocide,’ a claim dismissed by South African courts as ‘clearly imagined.’ The G20, established in 1999 to address global economic stability, will proceed without US representation, raising questions about the future of international cooperation.
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How Trump could hamper Zohran Mamdani’s New York agenda
In a dramatic turn of events, Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, has set his sights on a formidable opponent: President Donald Trump. Moments after securing his victory, Mamdani took to the podium to deliver a pointed message to the president, urging him to ‘turn the volume up.’ Trump, never one to shy away from confrontation, responded swiftly on his social media platform, Truth Social, with a cryptic message: ‘…AND SO IT BEGINS!’
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Pakistan–Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul fail amid rising border tensions
The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Istanbul under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, concluded without an agreement, as both sides exchanged accusations over the breakdown. The negotiations, aimed at easing border tensions and maintaining a fragile ceasefire, marked the third diplomatic effort since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan. Despite intense back-channel diplomacy, the discussions stalled late Friday, with no tangible progress reported.