分类： world

In a rare event, a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea by crossing the heavily fortified border on Sunday, according to South Korea’s military. The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the soldier, who traversed the central portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), expressed a strong desire to resettle in South Korea. This marks the first reported defection via the land border since August 2024, when a North Korean staff sergeant fled through the eastern section. Despite these incidents, defections across the DMZ remain uncommon due to its extreme security measures, including land mines, tank traps, barbed wire fences, and combat troops. In 2017, a similar attempt resulted in North Korean soldiers firing approximately 40 rounds at a fleeing soldier before South Korean forces could rescue him. The vast majority of the 34,000 North Koreans who have defected to South Korea since the Korean War have done so via China, which shares a porous border with North Korea. Relations between the two Koreas remain tense, with North Korea consistently rejecting reconciliation efforts by South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office in June with a pledge to restore dialogue.

With just five days remaining until the grand unveiling, Beijing is poised to captivate the world with its unique charm and cultural richness. The event, titled ‘Charming Beijing, Shared with the World,’ promises to highlight the city’s historical significance, modern innovations, and global influence. As preparations reach their final stages, international attention is increasingly focused on the Chinese capital, which aims to foster deeper cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. The initiative underscores Beijing’s commitment to playing a pivotal role on the global stage, offering a platform for dialogue and collaboration. This event is not just a celebration of Beijing’s heritage but also a testament to its vision of a shared future with the international community.

In a tragic incident on Friday, Israeli forces reportedly killed nine members of a Palestinian family after shelling a bus in the Zeitun neighbourhood of Gaza. According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency operating under Hamas authority, the attack involved two tank shells fired directly at the vehicle. The victims included four children and two women, all from the Shabaan family, who were reportedly attempting to check on their home. Umm Mohammed Shaaban, a family member, expressed her grief, questioning the justification for the attack and stating that the children killed were between two and 12 years old. The Israeli military confirmed that the vehicle had crossed the ‘yellow line,’ a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, and claimed that warning shots were fired before the vehicle was targeted. The military stated that the vehicle posed an ‘imminent threat’ to troops, necessitating the use of force. Despite the ceasefire, which is now in its second week, several incidents of violence have been reported, with Israeli forces firing at individuals who approached or crossed the yellow line. The ongoing conflict has left northern Gaza in ruins, with many Palestinians struggling to locate their homes amidst the devastation. The incident has further strained tensions in the region, raising concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire.

A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flight operations and causing widespread disruptions for UAE-based airlines. The blaze, which began around 2:30 PM local time (12:30 PM UAE time), prompted immediate emergency responses, with 36 firefighting units deployed to contain the flames. Authorities are relocating aircraft from hangars to prevent further damage. The incident has significantly impacted air travel, particularly for flights originating from the UAE. A flydubai flight (FZ 8369) en route from Dubai to Dhaka was diverted mid-air to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The airline assured passengers of refreshments and a rescheduled journey to Dhaka later in the day. Similarly, Sharjah-based Air Arabia rescheduled its Dhaka-bound flight, originally set to depart at 2:55 PM UAE time, to 6 PM. Bangladeshi media confirmed the suspension of all flights at the airport, with no immediate timeline for resumption. The fire has raised concerns about airport safety and operational protocols, with investigations likely to follow. Travelers are advised to monitor updates from airlines and airport authorities for further developments.

On October 4, 2025, China and Bangladesh commemorated a historic milestone—the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This golden jubilee not only celebrates decades of friendship but also highlights the transformative impact of trade and investment, particularly through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The relationship between these two nations exemplifies South-South cooperation, demonstrating how countries with different political systems can unite for mutual development and regional stability. Since Bangladesh joined the BRI in 2016, China has pledged $24 billion in loans and aid, fueling critical infrastructure projects such as power plants, bridges, and industrial parks. These investments have propelled Bangladesh’s transition from a least developed country (LDC) to a middle-income economy. Trade between the two nations has surged, with Bangladesh’s imports from China skyrocketing from $6.4 billion in 2012 to $20.2 billion in 2022. The BRI has also facilitated market integration and connectivity, enabling Bangladesh to import industrial equipment and raw materials essential for its booming apparel industry. Despite a trade imbalance, China has taken steps to address Bangladesh’s concerns, offering duty-free access to 99% of Bangladeshi products and discussing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The partnership has proven resilient, even during the pandemic, with ongoing infrastructure projects and trade facilitation supporting Bangladesh’s economic recovery. As Bangladesh leverages the BRI to fund green energy and digital expansion, this enduring alliance promises to drive growth and regional integration for decades to come.

A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flights. The incident, reported by Bangladeshi media, has caused widespread disruption to air travel operations. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to contain the blaze, though the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm any casualties or injuries resulting from the incident. The airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, serves as a vital gateway for Bangladesh’s economy and connectivity. The suspension of flights is expected to have a ripple effect on travel schedules, cargo deliveries, and passenger plans. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and emergency preparedness in major transportation hubs. Further updates are anticipated as officials work to restore normal operations and assess the impact of the fire.