In a landmark move to bolster regional security, South Korea and the United States have finalized an agreement to jointly develop nuclear-powered submarines. The White House confirmed the partnership on Thursday, highlighting that the US has approved the construction of ‘attack submarines’ and will collaborate on sourcing nuclear fuel. This agreement signifies a deepening of the strategic alliance between the two nations, particularly as tensions escalate on the Korean Peninsula with North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s expanding influence in the region. The deal follows a broader trade agreement reached last month, which reduced reciprocal tariffs between the two countries from 25% to 15%. US President Donald Trump had initially imposed a 25% tariff on South Korea earlier this year, but negotiations led by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung resulted in a reduction, contingent on Seoul’s commitment to invest $350 billion in the US, including $200 billion in cash and $150 billion in shipbuilding. The White House statement emphasized that the US would work closely with South Korea to advance the submarine project, including securing fuel sources. Trump also revealed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the submarines would be constructed at a Philadelphia shipyard owned by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha. Currently, only six nations—the US, China, Russia, the UK, France, and India—possess nuclear-powered submarines. South Korea, which already operates a fleet of 20 diesel-powered submarines, views this development as a significant upgrade in its defense capabilities. Nuclear submarines offer greater speed, range, and stealth, enabling South Korea to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear threat more effectively. South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back described the submarines as a ‘proud achievement’ and a critical step in strengthening national defense. However, experts caution that while the submarines enhance South Korea’s military posture, they may not drastically alter the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula. Dr. Yang Uk of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies noted that the submarines primarily serve to reassure South Korean voters of their government’s response to North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. Meanwhile, China has expressed concern over the agreement, with Ambassador Dai Bing urging Seoul to handle the matter ‘prudently.’ The deal also underscores the ongoing strategic competition between the US and China in the region, with South Korea navigating a delicate geopolitical balance. As the agreement moves forward, the next step involves revising the nuclear cooperation framework between the US and South Korea to facilitate the transfer of nuclear fuel and establish military usage guidelines.
分类： politics
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Irish Labour leader calls for border poll timeline
In a significant political move, Ivana Bacik, the leader of the Republic of Ireland’s Labour Party, has called for the Irish and British governments to establish a definitive timeline for a border poll on Northern Ireland. Speaking at the party’s annual conference on Saturday, Bacik emphasized the importance of a ‘unity referendum,’ while cautioning against hasty execution. She stressed the necessity of setting a ‘clear time frame’ to ensure a structured and thoughtful process. The Good Friday Agreement (GFA) stipulates that a referendum must be conducted if the Northern Ireland secretary believes a majority would favor Irish unification. However, the criteria for such a determination remain undefined. Bacik’s appeal adds to a growing chorus of political voices advocating for preparations for a border poll. Earlier this year, Irish President Catherine Connolly pledged to leverage her influence for a united Ireland. Similarly, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long recently urged the Northern Ireland secretary to outline the conditions for initiating a referendum. Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also highlighted the need for Dublin to commence planning for such a pivotal event. The discourse surrounding a potential unity referendum underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of Ireland–UK relations.
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Policy allowing Guangdong vehicles to travel to Hong Kong takes effect
A landmark policy permitting vehicles registered in Guangdong province to travel to Hong Kong officially took effect at midnight on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The first private car with a Guangdong license plate entered the outbound lane at the Zhuhai highway port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, marking a significant milestone in cross-border mobility. The ‘Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles’ policy, issued by Guangdong’s provincial department of public security, comprises two key components: a parking plan at Hong Kong border checkpoints and a plan allowing vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas. Eligible private car owners in Guangdong can now apply to travel to Hong Kong via the mega cross-sea bridge. Approved vehicles can park in automated border-area lots starting November 15 and access Hong Kong’s urban areas from December 23. This initiative mirrors earlier policies implemented in 2023, which allowed single-license plate vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao to travel north into Guangdong. Over the past two years, Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai has overseen more than 7.69 million northbound trips by such vehicles. The new policy is expected to enhance two-way connectivity and foster a one-hour living circle within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. To streamline the process, Customs authorities have established five dedicated inspection lanes at the Zhuhai highway port. ‘Once a vehicle enters the lane, the system automatically verifies and matches registration information, significantly improving clearance efficiency,’ said Wang Peiyang, deputy director of the bridge Customs under Gongbei Customs. This development underscores the region’s commitment to deepening integration and facilitating seamless cross-border travel.
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Zelensky vows energy sector overhaul after $100m corruption scandal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a comprehensive restructuring of state-owned energy companies following a significant corruption scandal that has rocked the nation’s energy sector. Anti-corruption investigators revealed that approximately $100 million (£76m) has been embezzled, sparking widespread outrage in a country already grappling with severe power outages caused by Russian attacks. In a post on X on Saturday, Zelensky outlined plans for a full audit of the financial activities of these companies and a renewal of their management. The state nuclear company, Energoatom, which is central to the scandal, will see a new supervisory board appointed within a week. Several individuals implicated in the scandal have close ties to Zelensky, adding complexity to the situation. The scandal emerges as Russian assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including substations supplying nuclear power plants, intensify. Zelensky has instructed government officials to maintain continuous communication with law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies. He also called for the swift appointment of a new head of Ukrhydroenergo, a hydropower company, and reforms for oil and gas giant Naftogaz and the Gas Transmission System Operator. The scandal has already led to the resignation of two ministers and sanctions against a former business partner of Zelensky. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) disclosed that a 15-month investigation has implicated several government members, including Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, and businessman Timur Mindich, a co-owner of Zelensky’s former TV studio Kvartal95. Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to full cooperation with the anti-corruption investigation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and integrity in the energy sector. However, the scandal has cast doubt on Zelensky’s dedication to combating corruption, especially after he signed a law in July limiting the independence of Nabu and Sap. Although he later reversed this decision, the incident drew criticism from European allies, including France and Germany, and prompted G7 ambassadors to seek discussions with Ukrainian leadership.
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Colombian officials say 6 children were killed in an airstrike against a rebel group this week
In a tragic turn of events, Colombia’s human rights ombudswoman, Iris Marin, revealed on Saturday that six children were among those killed in a recent airstrike targeting the FARC-EMC rebel group in Guaviare province. The minors, reportedly forcibly recruited by the rebels, were allegedly used as “human shields” during the military operation. Marin urged both the Colombian government and rebel factions to adhere to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that children coerced into hostilities must be protected from military actions. The incident has reignited debates over the ethical implications of military strikes in conflict zones. Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez defended the operation, asserting that those involved in hostilities forfeit protection, regardless of age. This tragedy echoes a 2019 scandal where a former defense minister resigned after the government concealed the deaths of eight children in a similar airstrike. President Gustavo Petro, who initially suspended airstrikes to minimize civilian casualties, justified the recent operation as necessary to protect Colombian troops from an advancing rebel column. Despite his administration’s efforts to curb violence, the resumption of airstrikes underscores the ongoing struggle to control territories abandoned by the FARC following their 2016 peace agreement. Petro, a vocal critic of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, argued that Colombia’s strikes target armed combatants posing direct threats to government forces and civilians.
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DR Congo and M23 rebels sign framework for peace in Qatar
In a significant development aimed at ending decades of conflict in the resource-rich eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese government have signed a peace framework in Doha, Qatar. The ceremony, attended by Congolese envoy Sumbu Sita Mambu and M23 secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa, marks a crucial step toward resolving one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts. Qatar, alongside the United States and the African Union, has been actively mediating the peace process. Earlier this year, the M23 captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, escalating tensions. The new framework, which builds on previous agreements signed in July and last month, outlines eight protocols addressing humanitarian access, the return of displaced people, and judicial protection. However, US Africa envoy Massad Boulos noted that many details remain unresolved, and progress on prisoner exchanges and ceasefire monitoring has been slower than anticipated. Kinshasa has demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory, while Kigali insists this can only occur once the Congo-based FDLR militia, linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is disbanded. The M23, one of the largest factions in the conflict, has expressed support for the Qatar-mediated talks, emphasizing their focus on addressing the root causes of the crisis. Despite this progress, the region remains volatile, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since January. The DRC government has reportedly sought US assistance in securing the region, offering access to critical minerals like coltan in exchange for security guarantees. Rwanda denies supporting the M23, despite substantial evidence, and claims its military presence is defensive. The peace framework represents a fragile hope for stability in a region long plagued by violence and exploitation.
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After Assad’s fall, Syrians and EU officials hold rare meeting in Damascus
In a groundbreaking event, representatives of Syria’s civil society convened in Damascus on Saturday for open discussions, facilitated by the European Union and the transitional government. This marked the first time such dialogues, previously held in Brussels, took place within Syria. The discussions addressed critical issues including sectarian tensions, ethnic divisions, and the casualties from various conflicts. The event, titled “The Day of Dialogue,” signifies a pivotal moment nearly a year after the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule, which was overthrown by insurgent groups in December. Historically, these meetings were boycotted by Bashar Assad’s government, but the current transitional authorities and civil society actively participated this time. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani emphasized the significance of hosting these talks in Syria, stating, “The meeting that used to be held to talk about Syria is now being held in Syria.” He highlighted the solid partnership between Syria’s civil society and the EU. Michael Ohnmacht, the EU delegation’s chargé d’affaires, noted the participation of 500 individuals from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, calling it a positive step toward an inclusive future for Syria. Despite these advancements, Syria continues to grapple with sectarian violence, as seen in recent clashes in the coastal region and Sweida province, which resulted in hundreds of deaths. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges in a 14-year conflict that has claimed half a million lives. Social Affairs Minister Hind Kabawat stressed that the dialogue marks the beginning of change and rebuilding, emphasizing the importance of partnership between the state and civil society. During sessions on transitional justice and the fate of the missing, Syrians demanded answers on unresolved issues, including the disappearance of over 130,000 people under Assad’s rule. Ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, shared experiences of decades-long state discrimination, while others highlighted violence against women from minority sects. Mazen Darwish, a prominent Syrian activist, acknowledged the end of Assad’s rule but cautioned against assuming a smooth future, urging Syrians to seize the current opportunity for change.
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Suspect accused of ransacking US attorney Habba’s office arrested
A suspect accused of ransacking the office of Alina Habba, the acting US Attorney in New Jersey, has been apprehended following an extensive manhunt. The arrest was announced by US Attorney General Pam Bondi on X (formerly Twitter), where she emphasized that threats or intimidation against US Attorneys and their offices would not be tolerated. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the suspect attempted to enter Habba’s office wielding a baseball bat. After being turned away, the individual returned without the weapon and proceeded to vandalize federal property in the office’s waiting area before fleeing. The FBI had issued a bulletin warning that the suspect was dangerous. Bondi did not disclose the suspect’s identity, but earlier in the week, the FBI had released a name and offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest. Habba, who previously served as Donald Trump’s personal attorney before being appointed as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor, also confirmed the arrest on X, expressing gratitude to the FBI and US Marshals. The suspect faces charges of possessing a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and damaging federal property. Investigators have yet to determine a motive for the attack. Habba’s tenure has been contentious, marked by legal challenges and clashes with Democrats. A federal judge ruled in August that her appointment was illegal without Senate confirmation, and her case is currently under appeal by a higher court.
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Epstein files: Who else was mentioned?
The release of over 20,000 pages of documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled a web of connections involving prominent figures from politics, media, and entertainment. Among the names mentioned are former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, and journalist Michael Wolff. These documents, made public by Congress, shed light on Epstein’s extensive network and his interactions with influential individuals. Michael Wolff, known for his controversial book ‘Fire and Fury,’ revealed that he had corresponded with Epstein, discussing strategies related to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Wolff disclosed that he had advised Epstein on how to handle questions about Trump’s relationship with the disgraced financier. Larry Summers, who served under President Bill Clinton, was also implicated, with emails showing frequent dinners and discussions about global figures. Summers has expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Kathryn Ruemmler, who served as White House counsel under Barack Obama, was involved in discussions about hush-money payments made by Trump to Stormy Daniels. Ruemmler has since stated her regret for knowing Epstein. The documents also mention billionaire investor Peter Thiel, who was invited by Epstein to visit his Caribbean island, though Thiel denies ever going. Linguist Noam Chomsky was also found to have corresponded with Epstein, discussing various topics including Trump. The revelations continue to highlight the far-reaching influence of Epstein and the complex relationships he maintained with some of the world’s most powerful individuals.
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Japanese PM’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan continue to spark domestic outcry, stern Chinese warnings
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan have ignited a wave of domestic criticism and drawn stern warnings from China. Speaking at a Diet meeting last week, Takaichi suggested that Japan’s Self-Defense Force could exercise the right of collective self-defense if China were to use military force against Taiwan. Despite China’s strong objections and diplomatic protests, Takaichi has refused to retract her remarks, which imply potential armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Her statements have been labeled as both erroneous and dangerous by senior political figures and media outlets in Japan. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized Takaichi’s comments as dangerously close to equating a Taiwan contingency with a Japan contingency, a stance previous governments had carefully avoided. Hiroshi Ogushi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan demanded Takaichi revoke her remarks, emphasizing the gravity of such declarations. Ichiro Ozawa, another CDPJ member, warned that such rhetoric could lead to significant sacrifices for the Japanese people. Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama reiterated that Japan should not interfere in China’s internal affairs. Major Japanese newspapers, including the Nikkei and Yomiuri Shimbun, have also condemned Takaichi’s abandonment of ‘strategic ambiguity’ and her exploitation of security policy for political gain.