The implementation of mutual visa-free policies between China and South Korea has proven to be a mutually beneficial strategy, significantly boosting tourism and economic growth for both nations. Experts highlight that this initiative has already shown positive results, particularly during China’s recent National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in early October. South Korea experienced a notable influx of Chinese tourists, with popular destinations and shopping malls witnessing increased activity. This surge is attributed to South Korea’s temporary visa-free policy, which allows Chinese group tourists—comprising three or more individuals—to enter the country without a visa from September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026, for stays of up to 15 days. Previously, only Jeju Island offered such visa-free access, permitting Chinese tourists to stay for up to 30 days. This policy remains in effect. Liu Haomiao, a manager at the domestic travel platform Tuniu, reported a significant rise in group tours to South Korea, with bookings increasing by over 60% compared to September and showing a substantial year-on-year growth from 2024. The visa-free arrangement is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
分类： world
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Dozens dead in ‘total devastation’ left behind by Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic destruction across the Caribbean, claiming lives, obliterating infrastructure, and submerging entire communities. The Category 5 storm, one of the most powerful ever recorded in the region, struck Jamaica with full force, leaving at least five dead and widespread devastation. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the scene as ‘total devastation,’ with 80-90% of roofs destroyed, alongside critical infrastructure like hospitals, libraries, and police stations. King Charles, Jamaica’s head of state, expressed deep concern and sadness, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change and restore nature’s balance. The storm, now downgraded to Category 2, also wreaked havoc in Haiti, where at least 20 people perished in severe flooding. In Cuba, Melissa’s 115 mph winds and torrential rains battered the southeast, prompting President Miguel Díaz-Canel to urge vigilance. The storm is now heading toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, with a tropical storm warning in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The U.S. has deployed a disaster response team to Jamaica, while Haiti and the Bahamas have formally requested aid. The hurricane’s aftermath has left thousands homeless, crops destroyed, and communities in disarray, with recovery efforts expected to take months.
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At least 20 dead as Hurricane Melissa hits Haiti
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in Haiti, claiming at least 20 lives and causing widespread devastation, according to local media reports. The hurricane, one of the most powerful to hit the Caribbean in recent years, brought torrential rains and severe flooding to multiple regions, particularly impacting the southwestern coastal town of Petit-Goave. Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of Petit-Goave, described the scene as catastrophic, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and debris. Footage from the area revealed extensive damage, with victims’ remains still buried under collapsed structures. The hurricane has exacerbated the already dire situation in Haiti, where over 1.3 million people have been displaced due to gang violence. Many of these displaced individuals sought refuge in shelters, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port-au-Prince, where makeshift homes with plastic sheet roofs were inspected during the storm. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as Haiti faces yet another humanitarian crisis in the wake of this natural disaster.
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Hurricane Melissa floods and destroys towns across Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic flooding across the Caribbean, resulting in widespread destruction and a mounting death toll. In Jamaica, authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least four individuals, while neighboring Haiti has reported a staggering 20 fatalities due to the relentless flooding. The storm’s ferocity has submerged towns, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced countless residents, leaving communities in disarray. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to provide aid and assess the full extent of the damage. Meteorologists warn that the hurricane’s path may continue to pose significant threats to other regions in the coming days. The Caribbean nations, already vulnerable to extreme weather events, are now grappling with the aftermath of this latest natural disaster, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures.
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Rio police raids kill at least 132, corpses line street
In what has been described as the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, at least 132 people were killed during a large-scale raid in Rio de Janeiro. The operation, which targeted the Comando Vermelho drug gang, was meticulously planned over two months and aimed to corner suspects in a forested hillside where a special police unit lay in wait. The aftermath saw residents of the Penha neighborhood lining the streets with dozens of corpses recovered from the surrounding area. Among the dead were four police officers, while 113 suspects were arrested, and 118 firearms were seized. Rio Governor Claudio Castro defended the operation, stating that those killed were criminals engaged in gunfire from the forest. However, the high death toll has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and the United Nations, which called for a prompt and effective investigation into the incident. The federal government, led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, was reportedly caught off guard by the operation, with Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski expressing concerns over the lack of prior notification. The incident has reignited debates over police violence in Brazil’s marginalized communities, particularly as Rio prepares to host global climate events next week.
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Saudi’s Diriyah gigaproject eyes role rebuilding historic Syrian sites
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Diriyah gigaproject, a cornerstone of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global tourism and cultural hub, is now eyeing a potential role in the reconstruction of historic sites in Syria. Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Company, revealed during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Riyadh that discussions with Syrian officials have taken place regarding this collaboration. ‘Someone is going to rebuild Damascus and Aleppo at some point, and Beirut as well,’ Inzerillo stated, emphasizing that while the company is currently occupied with its primary project, it may consider contributing to Syria’s reconstruction in the future. The ongoing conflict in Syria has devastated many of its ancient cities and archaeological treasures, including the ancient city of Aleppo and the Roman temple sites at Palmyra, prompting international calls for restoration efforts. Challenges such as funding, security, and political coordination remain significant hurdles. Meanwhile, the Diriyah project, which includes luxury hotels, museums, and residential units centered around the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, is progressing on schedule and within budget. The company is also exploring opportunities to develop six additional cultural heritage sites in Saudi Arabia and plans to pursue an initial public offering on the Saudi exchange after 2030, anticipating billions in foreign private investment.
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Qatari PM says Hamas ruled out role in Gaza governance, but disarmament talks ongoing
Qatar has disclosed that Hamas is prepared to relinquish its governance role in Gaza but remains uncommitted to unconditional disarmament. Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations event in New York, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani emphasized that Hamas views disarmament as a collective obligation for all factions, not solely their own. He stressed the necessity of ensuring safety for both Palestinians and Israelis through decommissioning and disarmament efforts. Qatar, alongside the US, Turkey, and Egypt, is a key guarantor of the recent Gaza ceasefire, which has been plagued by violations, including Israel’s refusal to open the Rafah border crossing and continued air strikes. On Tuesday, Israel launched its most severe attacks since the ceasefire, resulting in over 100 Palestinian casualties, including 46 children. Israel accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire, citing an alleged attack on troops in Rafah that killed one soldier. Hamas denied involvement, while US President Donald Trump supported Israel’s retaliatory actions, expressing confidence in the ceasefire’s durability. Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt played pivotal roles in brokering the ceasefire, with Trump exerting pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite Israel’s ongoing occupation of half the Gaza Strip, the US is drafting a UN resolution to deploy Arab and Muslim peacekeeping forces to Gaza, avoiding references to a two-state solution. The US is likely to rely on Gulf states, including Qatar, for Gaza’s reconstruction and peacekeeping costs. The recent Israeli attack on Hamas negotiators in Doha, which killed six people, including a Qatari security official, has further complicated regional dynamics. Trump’s administration responded by pledging to defend Qatar and signing a new military training agreement. Thani described the Doha attack as a turning point in ceasefire negotiations, highlighting the crossing of red lines. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage of these developments.
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Pakistan threatens to ‘obliterate’ Taliban after peace talks fail
Pakistan has issued a stark warning to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan following the collapse of peace talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan could ‘completely obliterate the Taliban regime’ with just a fraction of its military capabilities. This escalation in rhetoric comes after negotiations in Istanbul failed to produce a viable solution to the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The talks, aimed at preventing further violence, ended in disagreement over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan that Pakistan claims are targeting its security forces. Despite a ceasefire brokered in Doha on October 19, weekend clashes near the border resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals, including five Pakistani soldiers and 25 militants. Both sides have accused each other of derailing the peace process, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of deflecting from core issues and engaging in a ‘blame game.’ The Taliban, however, has yet to respond to these accusations. The situation remains tense, with fears of an ‘open war’ if a resolution is not reached.
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Could the ICC pursue Emirati complicity for RSF crimes in Sudan’s Darfur?
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious paramilitary group in Sudan, has been accused of committing massacres in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. This has reignited allegations against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its alleged complicity in these atrocities. While the International Court of Justice dismissed a case against the UAE due to lack of jurisdiction, the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues its investigation into crimes in Sudan, focusing on individuals rather than states. The ICC’s jurisdiction over Darfur, established by UN Security Council Resolution 1593, allows it to prosecute individuals for crimes committed in the region, including those who aided or abetted such crimes. However, prosecuting Emirati officials would face significant legal and logistical challenges, as neither Sudan nor the UAE are parties to the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute. Experts suggest that while the legal basis exists, gathering sufficient evidence and securing cooperation from the UAE would be major hurdles. Recent investigations have linked the UAE to the supply of weapons to the RSF, raising questions about its role in facilitating these crimes. The ICC’s ability to prosecute Emirati nationals hinges on proving their direct involvement in aiding the RSF’s atrocities in Darfur.
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China, Africa deepen cooperation to boost food security and innovation
The African Union has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening agricultural and technological cooperation with China, aiming to accelerate growth and achieve food sovereignty across Africa. This partnership was highlighted during the 2025 General Assembly of the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Gaspard Banyankimbona, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the importance of leveraging China’s expertise in modern farming, digital technologies, and water management to align with the AU’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2025–34) and the continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063. Banyankimbona stated that Africa is at a pivotal moment, with vast opportunities to apply innovation for sustainable progress. The alliance provides a platform for joint research in climate-smart agriculture, animal and plant health, agroecology, and food safety. Efa Muleta, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Agriculture, highlighted the country’s progress in agricultural modernization, emphasizing the integration of Chinese technological expertise with local strengths to enhance productivity. The collaboration includes training and exchange programs in the livestock sector, with capacity-building initiatives set to begin immediately. The three-day assembly, co-organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the African Academy of Sciences, and the Mission of China to the African Union, brought together over 200 scientists, policymakers, and representatives from agricultural institutions across China and Africa. Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences, noted that China’s agricultural modernization journey offers valuable lessons for Africa, particularly in addressing the paradox of food insecurity despite Africa’s vast uncultivated arable land. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa at the FAO, described China-Africa South-South cooperation as a strategic lever for transforming African agriculture, highlighting tangible outcomes such as higher rice yields, improved pest management, and digital farming adoption.