分类： politics

The implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is set to create significant opportunities for individuals and enterprises from Taiwan, according to Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on November 5, 2025, Zhang emphasized that the plan, recently adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership, prioritizes the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the advancement of national reunification. Zhang highlighted the mainland’s robust economic foundation, characterized by a super-sized market, a comprehensive industrial system, and a rich talent pool, which will further enhance its resilience and potential. The mainland plans to establish demonstration zones for cross-Strait integrated development, foster economic collaboration, and implement policies ensuring equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots in education, employment, and daily life. Additionally, efforts will be made to jointly preserve and promote Chinese culture. Zhang also noted that 23 Taiwan enterprises are participating in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, showcasing products across various sectors, including food, technical equipment, consumer goods, medical devices, healthcare, and service trade. She encouraged individuals from both sides of the Strait to explore business opportunities at the CIIE, which aligns with China’s commitment to expanding openness and fostering innovative trade development. Taiwan businesses are expected to benefit from the mainland’s new development pattern, leveraging the CIIE as a platform to expand sales channels and engage in extensive cooperation.

India’s eastern state of Bihar is witnessing a pivotal local election on Thursday, with millions of voters casting their ballots to determine the composition of the state’s 243-seat legislature. This election is widely regarded as a litmus test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and the resilience of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The outcome, expected on November 14, will not only shape Bihar’s political landscape but also influence Modi’s broader national strategy ahead of the 2029 general elections and key state polls in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam. Bihar, often considered India’s political bellwether, sends 40 lawmakers to the national parliament, making it a critical battleground for Modi’s coalition. A victory here could bolster his government’s stability, while a setback might embolden the opposition. The election unfolds amid widespread concerns over unemployment, law and order, and allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls, which saw nearly 10% of Bihar’s 74 million voters removed from the lists. Opposition leaders, including Congress Party’s Rahul Gandhi, have criticized the move as politically motivated, claiming it disenfranchised poor and minority voters. The Election Commission, however, maintains that the revision was necessary due to migration, new voter eligibility, and unreported deaths. The BJP-led alliance, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) at the helm, faces challenges from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and a new group, Jan Suraaj, led by Modi’s former poll strategist Prashant Kishor. Kumar, a seasoned politician who has governed Bihar for nearly two decades, is credited with improving infrastructure and addressing law and order issues. However, analysts warn that a loss in Bihar could fracture his party and destabilize Modi’s federal coalition, which relies on 12 of Kumar’s lawmakers. Economically, Bihar remains one of India’s poorest states, with a predominantly agrarian economy and widespread poverty. Both the ruling alliance and the opposition have promised to create millions of government jobs, though economists remain skeptical given the state’s fragile economic conditions. In a bid to appeal to women voters, Modi recently announced cash transfers of 10,000 Indian rupees ($113) each to 7.5 million women as part of an employment program. Women constitute a significant voting bloc in Bihar, as men often migrate to larger cities for work. Despite welfare measures, critics argue that the government has failed to address systemic issues such as landlessness, low wages, and limited employment opportunities. The Bihar election, therefore, is not just a local contest but a barometer of Modi’s political fortunes and the broader challenges facing India’s democracy.

In a groundbreaking political triumph, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani secured a decisive victory in New York City’s mayoral election on Tuesday night, garnering 50.4% of over two million votes cast. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo trailed with 41.6%, while former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa received 7.1%. With 93% of votes counted, Mamdani’s win marks a significant shift in the city’s political landscape. His campaign, centered on affordability, promised a rent freeze for two million residents, free bus travel, and universal childcare, funded by a proposed 2% tax increase on high-income earners. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated the victory, declaring the Democratic Party’s resurgence, while former President Donald Trump criticized Mamdani as a ‘communist,’ sparking heated debate. Israeli officials, including Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli, condemned Mamdani’s win, labeling him a ‘supporter of Hamas.’ Despite opposition, Mamdani received congratulations from unexpected quarters, including billionaire Bill Ackman and New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs. The election has ignited a global conversation on progressive politics, with Mamdani vowing to address antisemitism and prioritize affordability in his leadership.

In a groundbreaking electoral triumph, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, marking a significant shift in the city’s political landscape. Mamdani’s victory was fueled by overwhelming support across four of the city’s five boroughs, with Staten Island being the sole exception. He outperformed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo by substantial margins, securing 10 percentage points in Manhattan, 20 in Brooklyn, 11 in the Bronx, and 5 in Queens. This win underscores Mamdani’s ability to bridge diverse communities and build a broad coalition of voters. Despite Cuomo’s efforts to appeal to traditional Democratic strongholds and his emphasis on his Italian-American heritage and Catholic faith, Mamdani’s progressive platform resonated strongly with younger voters and key demographic groups. Exit polls revealed a stark generational divide, with Mamdani capturing 78% of voters aged 18-29, compared to Cuomo’s 18%. Women in this age group overwhelmingly favored Mamdani, with 84% casting their ballots in his favor. Mamdani also made significant inroads among Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities, securing 61%, 57%, and 47% of their votes, respectively. While Cuomo maintained support among white voters and religious groups like Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, Mamdani dominated among those with no religious affiliation and other religious minorities. His success in traditionally underserved neighborhoods, such as Brooklyn’s Brownsville, further highlighted his ability to connect with economically disadvantaged communities. Despite Cuomo’s attempts to portray Mamdani as a threat to the city’s affluent residents, Mamdani performed well in affluent Manhattan neighborhoods like the West Village, Chelsea, and Greenwich Village. This historic victory, with over one million votes, marks the first time since 1969 that a mayoral candidate has achieved such widespread support.

The eastern Indian state of Bihar has commenced its highly anticipated election, with over 74 million eligible voters set to determine the composition of the next state government. This election, conducted in two phases for 243 legislative seats, is seen as a critical precursor to several other significant state polls across India. The results, to be announced on November 14, will shape Bihar’s political trajectory and have broader implications for national politics. The election follows a contentious revision of voter rolls, which the opposition claims was designed to exclude genuine voters, particularly Muslims, and favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both the BJP and the Election Commission have refuted these allegations. Bihar, one of India’s poorest and most populous states, has long been a battleground for political dominance. Despite its influence, Modi’s BJP has yet to form a government independently in the state. The outgoing government is a coalition between the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), who are contesting the election together once again. Meanwhile, the main opposition Congress party has allied with the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and several smaller parties. Adding to the political drama is the entry of Prashant Kishor, a renowned political strategist, who has launched his own party, Jan Suraaj. This election is also notable as it may mark the final chapter for two veteran leaders who have dominated Bihar’s politics for nearly four decades: JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar and RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav. Both leaders, reportedly in poor health, have occasionally collaborated to maintain their political influence. Kumar, the incumbent chief minister, has been a pivotal figure in Bihar’s governance for much of the past two decades and a key ally of the BJP. Yadav, a charismatic leader known for championing marginalized caste groups, served as chief minister from 1990 to 1997 but has been embroiled in corruption scandals. His son, Tejashwi Yadav, is the opposition alliance’s chief ministerial candidate. The election is also being shaped by the rising influence of female voters, who constitute nearly half of the electorate. Political parties are actively courting women with welfare schemes and financial incentives, recognizing their potential to sway the outcome. As Bihar heads to the polls, the stakes could not be higher, with the results likely to reverberate across India’s political landscape.