East Timor, Asia’s youngest nation, has officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after a 14-year wait. The historic moment was marked during the opening of the ASEAN annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, where East Timor’s flag was raised amidst applause from regional leaders. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao described the occasion as a ‘dream realised’ and a ‘new beginning’ that promises ‘immense opportunities’ for trade and investment. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of Asia’s poorest nations, with a fledgling economy valued at approximately $2 billion, a stark contrast to ASEAN’s collective GDP of $3.8 trillion. The country’s accession to ASEAN is seen as a symbolic victory for its leaders, including President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao, who played pivotal roles in the nation’s struggle for independence. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, first proposed the idea of joining ASEAN in the 1970s, envisioning regional integration as a pathway to stability and growth. Despite its modest economic contribution, East Timor aims to leverage its unique experiences in conflict resolution to strengthen ASEAN’s mechanisms, particularly in addressing disputes over borders and the South China Sea. The country’s journey to ASEAN membership underscores its resilience and determination to forge a brighter future within the regional bloc.
分类： world
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47th ASEAN Summit kicks off in Malaysia
The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit officially began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The event, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ marks a pivotal moment for regional cooperation and development. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, serving as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, addressed the opening ceremony, emphasizing the challenges posed by rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. He underscored ASEAN’s resilience, rooted in mutual respect and collective reasoning, which continues to unite its member states. A significant milestone of the summit was the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN, celebrated through the signing of a declaration. Over the next three days, leaders will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening regional integration, fostering economic growth, and enhancing connectivity within the ASEAN community. Established in 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and now Timor-Leste.
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Rebel group claims capture of Sudan army headquarters in key city
The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed a significant victory in the nation’s ongoing civil war by capturing the army headquarters in the besieged city of el-Fasher. This marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as el-Fasher was the last major stronghold of government forces in the Darfur region. The RSF announced on social media that it had destroyed large military vehicles and seized equipment at the 6th Division Headquarters, a claim corroborated by BBC Verify through verified videos showing RSF fighters inside the base. The loss of this strategic location deals a severe blow to the Sudanese army, which has yet to issue a formal response. The RSF has surrounded el-Fasher for 18 months, subjecting the city to relentless bombardment and trapping an estimated 300,000 civilians. Satellite imagery from August revealed extensive earthen walls constructed around the city, effectively trapping residents. Hunger and disease have spread rapidly due to dwindling food and medical supplies. The RSF has been accused by UN investigators of committing crimes against humanity, with the US alleging genocide against Darfur’s non-Arab population. Since the conflict began in 2023, over 150,000 people have died, and 12 million have been displaced, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The RSF now controls nearly all of Darfur and much of the Kordofan region, with plans to establish a rival government in el-Fasher. The Sudanese army retains control over northern and eastern regions, but its grip on Darfur has effectively ended. The situation in el-Fasher remains dire, with civilians enduring unimaginable suffering as the conflict escalates.
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Main wreckage of cargo plane recovered from Hong Kong waters after deadly crash
The primary wreckage of a cargo plane that veered off a Hong Kong runway and plunged into the sea was successfully recovered on Sunday, marking a significant step in the aftermath of the tragic incident. The Boeing 747, operated by Turkey-based ACT Airlines and leased by Dubai’s Emirates, skidded during landing last Monday, colliding with a patrol car and sending both vehicles into the water. The crash claimed the lives of two workers in the patrol car, while the four crew members on the plane emerged unharmed.
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Hurricane Melissa strengthens as it barrels towards Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, now a formidable Category 5 storm, is barreling towards Jamaica, posing severe threats of life-endangering flash floods and landslides. With winds reaching up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT, the storm is currently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The NHC has issued urgent warnings of potential power outages, infrastructure damage, and sea level surges up to 13 feet (4 meters) above ground, accompanied by torrential rainfall of up to 30 inches (76 cm). Residents are being urged to seek immediate shelter and complete emergency preparations without delay. Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, the NHC emphasized that the impact will remain catastrophic, with little practical difference in severity. The storm has already wreaked havoc in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming two lives in Haiti due to landslides. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for calm and preparedness, advising residents to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stock up on essentials. Similar warnings are in effect for parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring equally devastating conditions by midweek. The hurricane is forecasted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday, weakening to a Category 3 storm before moving through the Antillas Mayores and into the Atlantic. Scientists have noted that while it is challenging to attribute individual weather events to climate change, warmer oceans are contributing to more frequent and severe hurricanes. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which typically concludes in November, has already seen 13 hurricanes, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting above-normal activity due to warmer seas and stronger monsoon activity around West Africa.
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Russia targets Kyiv with drones, killing 3 and wounding 29
In a devastating escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a barrage of drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuring at least 29 others, including seven children. This marked the second consecutive night of attacks targeting the city, underscoring the intensifying conflict. Among the victims were a 19-year-old woman and her 46-year-old mother, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko. The assault caused significant damage, igniting fires in two residential buildings in the Desnianskyi district. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from a nine-story and a 16-story building affected by the blazes. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces deployed 101 drones overnight, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting and neutralizing 90 of them. However, five strike drones managed to hit four locations, while debris from downed drones caused additional damage in five other areas. The attack followed a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Saturday, which claimed four lives, including two in Kyiv. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his urgent appeal for advanced Western air defense systems to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from relentless Russian aggression.
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Children injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say
In a devastating overnight attack, Russian airstrikes on Kyiv have left at least 14 people injured, including four children, according to Ukrainian officials. The assault targeted two high-rise residential buildings, though it remains unclear whether the structures were directly hit or damaged by falling debris. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the incident, while the city’s military administration reported that all victims are receiving medical care, with some requiring hospitalization.
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Watch: Moment nuclear plant towers collapse during demolition
In a dramatic and meticulously planned operation, two towering structures at the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant in Germany were brought down in a controlled demolition. The iconic cooling towers, which had stood as a testament to the region’s nuclear energy history, collapsed into massive clouds of white dust, marking a significant moment in Germany’s transition away from nuclear power. The event, captured on video, showcased the precision of the demolition process, with the structures crumbling in unison. The Gundremmingen plant, once a key player in Germany’s energy grid, ceased operations in 2021 as part of the country’s broader shift toward renewable energy sources. The demolition symbolizes the end of an era for nuclear energy in Germany, a decision driven by environmental concerns and the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The site is expected to be repurposed for future sustainable energy projects.
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Pakistan defence minister warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif issued a stark warning on Saturday, stating that failure to reach an agreement in ongoing peace talks with Afghanistan could lead to ‘open war.’ The talks, currently underway in Istanbul, aim to establish a long-term mechanism to enforce the Doha ceasefire, which was agreed upon after recent deadly border clashes. Asif noted that both sides have adhered to the truce for the past four to five days, expressing optimism that Afghanistan desires peace. However, he emphasized that Pakistan is prepared for military escalation if negotiations fail. The recent clashes erupted after Pakistan demanded that the Taliban curb militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan conducted airstrikes across the border, resulting in heavy exchanges of fire, numerous casualties, and the closure of key crossings. While Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants, the Taliban denies these allegations, asserting that Pakistan’s actions violate Afghan sovereignty.
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Sudan’s fertile region where food is rotting amid famine and war
In the midst of Sudan’s devastating civil war, the Jebel Marra mountains stand as a rare sanctuary where life continues almost undisturbed. Women clad in vibrant attire, accompanied by children, traverse the lush fields daily, cultivating crops like peanuts, oranges, apples, and strawberries. This Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil have long made Jebel Marra a hub for organic produce, particularly its prized oranges. However, the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the region’s ability to transport these goods to national markets, leaving farmers and vendors in dire straits.