分类： world

Once considered an acquired taste due to its pungent aroma, durian has emerged as a symbol of cultural and economic exchange between China and Thailand. Over the past decade, the spiky fruit has not only captivated Chinese consumers but also fostered deeper bilateral ties through trade and investment. Thailand, home to over 200 durian varieties, has become the primary supplier to China, accounting for 97.4% of its durian market. In 2024 alone, Thailand exported 833,000 metric tons of durian to China, valued at $3.7 billion. The fruit’s popularity has spurred online sales campaigns on platforms like Douyin and Taobao, while attracting Chinese investors to Thailand’s orchards and logistics sectors. However, the durian trade faced a significant setback earlier this year when Chinese customs detected Basic Yellow 2 (BY2), a harmful dye used to enhance the fruit’s appearance. This led to rejected shipments, investigations, and temporary export suspensions, causing financial losses for Thai farmers and raising concerns among Chinese consumers. The incident highlighted the need for stricter safety standards, traceability, and consumer education. Despite the challenges, the BY2 scandal prompted Thailand to upgrade its fruit industry, with increased government investment in testing and scientific farming. It also deepened Chinese consumers’ understanding of durian, paving the way for stronger partnerships. Beyond trade, durian has become a cultural bridge, reflecting shared values of respect for nature and traditional farming practices. As both nations continue to collaborate, the ‘king of fruits’ remains a testament to the evolving relationship between China and Thailand.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed a jurisdictional challenge filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, allowing his case to proceed. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in March and transferred to The Hague following an arrest warrant connecting him to alleged murders during his controversial war on drugs. This campaign, which targeted suspected drug dealers and users, resulted in thousands of deaths. Duterte and his legal team argued that his arrest was unlawful, claiming the ICC lacked jurisdiction because the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019, before a full investigation was launched. However, ICC judges ruled that the preliminary examination initiated by prosecutors prior to the withdrawal was sufficient to establish jurisdiction under the court’s rules. The ruling did not address a separate defense motion questioning Duterte’s fitness to stand trial due to alleged cognitive decline. A panel of medical experts is expected to submit a report on his health by the end of October, with a decision on its impact on the trial anticipated in mid-November.

A coalition of 17 countries and international organizations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has issued a strong condemnation of two Israeli laws asserting sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. The joint statement, released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), denounces the laws as a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334. This resolution explicitly condemns any actions by Israel that alter the demographic or legal status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

The statement also references the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has repeatedly declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land illegal. The ICJ has emphasized Israel’s obligation to ensure access to essential resources for Palestinians and to facilitate humanitarian aid through UN channels. Furthermore, the court has reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and independent statehood.

The coalition warns against Israel’s continued illegal activities in the West Bank and calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. They urge global leaders to ensure that Israel respects the rights of the Palestinian people and adheres to international legal standards. This unified stance highlights growing international concern over Israel’s policies in the region and underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict.

Pakistan has once again banned the far-right Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under anti-terrorism laws, following violent clashes during anti-Israel protests near Lahore that resulted in at least five fatalities. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marks the second time the group has been outlawed. TLP has been at the forefront of some of Pakistan’s most violent protests in recent years. The prime minister’s office stated that the Federal Cabinet unanimously concluded TLP is involved in terrorism and violent activities, citing its violent protests, rallies, and demonstrations that have led to the deaths of security personnel and innocent bystanders. The latest unrest began on October 9, when TLP supporters, led by party chief Saad Rizvi, marched from Lahore towards Islamabad to protest a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Clashes erupted in Muridke, resulting in at least five deaths, including a police officer. Authorities have since launched a sweeping crackdown, sealing 95 bank accounts and several properties allegedly linked to the group. Rizvi has gone underground to avoid arrest. TLP was previously banned in April 2021 after violent anti-France protests but was unbanned seven months later. The group, which contested the 2018 and 2024 general elections, has mobilized thousands of supporters to paralyze cities, demand the expulsion of Western ambassadors, target religious minorities, and incite riots. The party, also known as the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, rose to prominence in 2016 protesting the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated Punjab governor Salman Taseer in 2011 over his calls to reform Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

At just 37 years old, Chen Zhi, a Cambodian tycoon with a baby-faced appearance, stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest cyber-fraud operations in history. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged him with running scam compounds in Cambodia that allegedly stole billions in cryptocurrency from victims worldwide. In a landmark move, the U.S. Treasury Department seized over $14 billion in bitcoin linked to him, marking the largest cryptocurrency seizure ever. Despite these allegations, Chen’s company, the Cambodian Prince Group, portrays him as a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist. Born in China’s Fujian province, Chen moved to Cambodia in the early 2010s, capitalizing on the country’s real estate boom fueled by Chinese investment and the Belt and Road Initiative. He quickly amassed wealth, founding the Prince Group in 2015, which expanded into banking, aviation, and luxury property development. Chen’s rise was marked by his acquisition of Cambodian citizenship, Cypriot and Vanuatu passports, and high-profile connections, including advisory roles to Cambodia’s political elite. However, his empire began to unravel in 2019 when Cambodia’s online gambling ban, prompted by pressure from China, led to a mass exodus of Chinese nationals and a collapse in property values. U.S. and UK investigations allege that Chen’s wealth stemmed from online fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering, with sanctions now targeting 128 companies and 17 individuals linked to his operations. Despite his philanthropic image, Chen remains an enigmatic figure, having disappeared from public view since the sanctions were announced. The case has raised questions about Cambodia’s tolerance of scam businesses and the global financial systems that enabled Chen’s alleged crimes.

In a significant cultural and economic exchange, media representatives from Portuguese-speaking countries visited the global headquarters of Mixue Ice Cream & Tea in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Wednesday. This visit was part of the Global Mayors Dialogue Zhengzhou & 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism, highlighting the growing international interest in China’s business innovations. Helio Robalo, president of the National News Agency of Cabo Verde, expressed his admiration, stating, ‘Coming from afar to China, everything here feels refreshingly new. The visit provided a clear look into the company’s operations.’ As of June 30, Mixue boasts a global network of over 53,000 stores, with approximately 4,700 located outside mainland China, showcasing its expansive reach and influence in the global market.

A breathtaking weather phenomenon recently unfolded at Tianchi Lake, located within the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, China. Strong winds combined with a sharp temperature drop created a mesmerizing scene of vapor swirling over the lake’s surface, resembling a boiling pot. This natural spectacle, known as ‘sea smoke,’ occurs when cold air causes water vapor to condense into mist, which then drifts with the wind, forming what is scientifically termed evaporation fog. Experts from the Jilin Provincial Meteorological Observatory explained that the unique conditions at Changbai Mountain contribute to this phenomenon. As cold air descends the volcanic crater and meets the warmer, unfrozen lake surface, the temperature contrast causes the water vapor to condense into fog. The synchronized movement of the water and air further enhances the visual effect, creating a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere. The Integrated Media Center of Changbai Mountain captured the event on video, showcasing the lake’s natural beauty and the interplay of weather elements. This rare occurrence highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the region’s environment, drawing attention to the wonders of natural phenomena.