An undisclosed donor has contributed $130 million to the Pentagon to assist in paying U.S. troops during the ongoing government shutdown, sparking ethical debates. President Donald Trump confirmed the donation, emphasizing that it would help cover the salaries of the nation’s 1.32 million service members, but he declined to reveal the donor’s identity. Trump described the benefactor as a ‘great gentleman,’ ‘patriot,’ and ‘big supporter,’ who prefers anonymity. The government shutdown, now in its 25th day, is on track to become one of the longest in U.S. history. Last week, the Trump administration managed to pay troops by reallocating $8 billion from military research, but the funding for the next payday on October 31 remains uncertain. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the donation was made with the condition that it be used exclusively for service members’ salaries and benefits, and it was accepted under the department’s ‘general gift acceptance authority.’ Critics, including Delaware Senator Chris Coons, have raised concerns about the potential risks of accepting anonymous funds, questioning whether foreign powers could influence the military. Defense department rules require donations over $10,000 to undergo ethical review, with additional scrutiny for non-U.S. citizens. While the Pentagon occasionally accepts donations for specific projects like schools or hospitals, this large, anonymous contribution has drawn significant attention and skepticism.
分类： politics
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Thai PM cancels APEC attendance over queen mother’s passing
In a solemn announcement following a Cabinet meeting on Saturday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed that Thailand has entered a national mourning period following the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit. Consequently, the Prime Minister has canceled his planned attendance at the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea. Anutin emphasized his need to remain in Thailand to oversee funeral arrangements, which also led to the cancellation of his official visit to Malaysia originally scheduled for Saturday. However, he will briefly travel to Malaysia on Sunday morning to attend the signing ceremony of the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement before returning to Thailand immediately. To ensure Thailand’s representation at international events, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will attend the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, as well as the APEC meeting in South Korea on Anutin’s behalf. The Prime Minister further declared that all government departments, state-owned enterprises, and schools will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days starting Saturday. Government officials and public servants are required to wear black clothing for one year, and the public is encouraged to cooperate by suspending or reducing entertainment activities. Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away on Friday at the age of 93, was a revered figure in Thailand, and her death has prompted a period of national reflection and mourning.
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Leung Chun-ying: The huge potential between HK and the rest of the GBA has yet to be tapped
Leung Chun-ying, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, emphasized the significant untapped potential between Hong Kong and other cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) during his keynote speech at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025. The event, held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, brought together key stakeholders to discuss regional collaboration and development. Leung underscored Hong Kong’s unique position as a global connector and its critical role in fostering economic and social integration across the GBA. He called for concerted efforts to unlock this potential, which he believes could drive unprecedented growth and innovation in the region. The GBA, encompassing nine cities in Guangdong Province along with Hong Kong and Macao, is envisioned as a world-class economic hub. Leung’s remarks highlighted the importance of leveraging Hong Kong’s international expertise and financial infrastructure to strengthen ties with mainland cities, thereby enhancing the region’s global competitiveness. The conference also addressed challenges such as regulatory harmonization, talent mobility, and infrastructure development, which are essential for realizing the GBA’s full potential.
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Chinese premier arrives in Singapore for official visit
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Singapore on Saturday for an official visit, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit, conducted at the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, underscores the deepening ties and mutual cooperation that have flourished over the past 35 years since diplomatic relations were established. Premier Li highlighted the robust development of bilateral relations, characterized by enhanced political trust, fruitful practical cooperation, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges, which have set a benchmark for mutual learning and win-win collaboration between countries. Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Singaporean leaders, the relationship has further advanced in recent years, culminating in the establishment of an all-round, high-quality, future-oriented partnership. This partnership has facilitated expanded cooperation across various sectors, bringing substantial benefits to both nations and contributing positively to regional peace and development. Premier Li expressed China’s commitment to strengthening the alignment of development strategies with Singapore, broadening mutually beneficial cooperation, and supporting modernization efforts. He emphasized the importance of upholding true multilateralism and fostering common development in the region. Upon his arrival, Premier Li was greeted at the airport by Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Cao Zhongming, China’s Ambassador to Singapore.
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Cameroon opposition leaders arrested as protests erupt over election results
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, two prominent opposition leaders in Cameroon were arrested late Friday, according to their respective parties. Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, key figures in the Union for Change political platform, were detained in Douala, the country’s economic hub. The platform had endorsed presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to have defeated incumbent President Paul Biya in the October 12 election. The African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) also reported that its treasurer and other members were “kidnapped” by security forces, alleging the move was intended to intimidate the populace. The circumstances surrounding the arrests remain unclear. Cameroon’s electoral body is set to announce the final election results on Monday, but opposition supporters have already taken to the streets, warning against potential vote rigging. Protests erupted in Bafoussam, the capital of the West Region, where motorcyclists flooded major roads demanding a transparent electoral process. Earlier in the week, clashes between protesters and security forces in other cities led to multiple arrests and the tragic death of a 30-year-old primary school teacher, Zairatou Hassana, in Garoua. Hassana, who was not involved in the protests, was reportedly checking on her sister when she was killed. Her uncle, Amadou Adji, expressed deep sorrow, stating, ‘Her death makes me keep a bad souvenir of this regime like all other Cameroonians.’ Tchiroma, in a Facebook post, hinted at attempts to arrest him, calling such actions ‘an assault against the entire Cameroonian people’ and urging recognition of the people’s victory.
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‘I am not done’ – Kamala Harris tells BBC she may run for president again
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted at a potential return to the political arena, suggesting she may run for the presidency in 2028. In her first UK interview with the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Harris expressed confidence in her political future, stating, ‘I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.’ Despite her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Harris dismissed unfavorable polls and reaffirmed her commitment to public service. She also criticized Trump, labeling him a ‘tyrant’ and asserting that her warnings about his authoritarian tendencies during the campaign had been vindicated. Harris pointed to Trump’s alleged weaponization of federal agencies, including the suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, as evidence of his overreach. While reflecting on her 2024 campaign, Harris acknowledged the challenges of entering the race late after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal but stopped short of assigning blame. She emphasized the narrow margin in the popular vote, though she was decisively defeated in the electoral college. As the Democratic Party grapples with its future, Harris’s potential candidacy raises questions about the party’s strategy against right-wing populism. Her recent book, *107 Days*, chronicles her tumultuous campaign and offers insights into her political journey. Harris’s candid remarks signal her readiness for another presidential bid, though she remains noncommittal about her final decision.
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China, US begin new round of trade talks in Malaysia
In a significant move to address ongoing economic tensions, China and the United States initiated a new round of trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday. The discussions are being spearheaded by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is leading a high-level delegation to engage with US representatives. This meeting marks a pivotal effort to stabilize the economic relationship between the two global superpowers, whose trade disputes have had far-reaching implications for the global economy. The talks aim to identify common ground and explore solutions to longstanding issues that have strained bilateral ties. Both nations have expressed cautious optimism about the potential outcomes, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue in fostering mutual economic growth and stability.
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Ousted Madagascan president stripped of citizenship
Madagascar’s political landscape has been thrown into disarray following the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina in a military coup last week. The new regime, led by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, has taken the unprecedented step of revoking Rajoelina’s Malagasy citizenship, citing local laws that mandate the loss of nationality for individuals who acquire foreign citizenship. Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship a decade ago, a move that had previously sparked controversy during the 2023 presidential election, which he ultimately won despite calls for his disqualification. The former president fled the country after weeks of escalating protests over chronic power and water shortages, which culminated in a military takeover led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. Rajoelina has since gone into hiding, citing concerns for his safety, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. The protests, initially organized by the youth movement Gen Z Mada and inspired by similar anti-government demonstrations in Nepal, intensified after Rajoelina’s government responded with violence. Despite sacking his energy minister and later his entire government, Rajoelina’s efforts to quell the unrest proved futile. Protesters had hoped for his resignation to facilitate a democratic transition, but his refusal to step down led to the military’s intervention. Colonel Randrianirina has now been sworn in as the new leader, promising to hold elections within two years.
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Early tallies suggest Catherine Connolly is leading candidate in Ireland’s presidential election
Ireland’s presidential election reached a pivotal moment on Saturday as vote counting commenced, with early indications pointing to a substantial lead for independent left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly. The election, which saw voters choosing between Connolly and center-right contender Heather Humphreys, is set to determine the country’s next president—a role that, while largely ceremonial, holds significant constitutional importance within the European Union member state. The race narrowed to these two candidates after Jim Gavin, the nominee from Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s Fianna Fáil party, withdrew three weeks prior due to a past financial dispute. Despite Gavin’s exit, his name remained on the ballot due to the timing of his withdrawal. Connolly, a 68-year-old former barrister and independent lawmaker since 2016, has gained support from several left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, and the Social Democrats. Known for her vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Connolly has emerged as the frontrunner, outpacing Humphreys, a 64-year-old former cabinet minister from the center-right Fine Gael party, who has positioned herself as a pro-business, pro-EU unity candidate. The election also saw potential candidacies from figures like musician Bob Geldof and former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor, though neither secured sufficient backing to enter the race. The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has served the maximum two seven-year terms since 2011, becoming Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the office. As votes were counted manually across the country’s 43 electoral constituencies, the final result was expected to be announced later on Saturday.
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Trump suspends trade talks with Canada, citing Ontario government ad
In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of trade negotiations with Canada on Thursday night, citing a controversial advertisement by the Ontario government. The ad featured archival footage of former US President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech criticizing tariffs, which Trump labeled as “fraudulent” and “fake.” The decision has sparked confusion and concern among analysts, given the seemingly positive progress in prior discussions. Adam Chapnick, a professor at the Canadian Forces College, described the move as “unanticipated but not entirely surprising,” noting the Trump administration’s unpredictable trade policies over the past year. Trump claimed the ad was an attempt to interfere with US judicial decisions, emphasizing that tariffs are crucial to national security and the economy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently set a goal to double Canada’s non-US exports in the next decade, expressed concerns over the chilling effect of US tariffs on investment. He highlighted the vulnerability of industries like autos, steel, and lumber, which have been heavily impacted by the trade tensions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford later announced the withdrawal of the ad, stating it was a step to facilitate the resumption of trade talks. Chapnick emphasized that while the Canadian government aims to reduce reliance on the US, the private sector will ultimately determine the success of this economic shift.