A meticulously crafted replica of a 1,000-year-old Quran manuscript, originally penned by the renowned calligrapher Ibn al-Bawwab, has been unveiled at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The facsimile, displayed at the Safir Ardehal kiosk from Tehran, offers visitors a glimpse into the exquisite artistry of early Arabic calligraphy. The original manuscript, dating back to 391 AH (around 1000 CE), is housed at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland. Ibn al-Bawwab, celebrated for transforming Arabic writing into an art form, perfected the naskh script, characterized by its fluidity and balance. Each page of the Quran features 16 lines of text, with meticulously spaced letters and harmonious strokes. The calligrapher’s mastery extended beyond writing; he also designed the gold decorations and floral borders, showcasing his perfectionism. The replica, crafted using traditional materials like natural ink and vellum paper, highlights the enduring legacy of Islamic art. Hamed Deshdashti of Safir Ardehal emphasized the manuscript’s historical significance, noting its role in inspiring modern Arabic calligraphy. The exhibition not only celebrates Ibn al-Bawwab’s craftsmanship but also underscores the cultural richness of Islamic civilization.
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Violinist recounts journey to bring China’s artistry to world stage
Renowned violinist Siqing Lu is set to grace the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City on November 23, performing alongside acclaimed pianist Li Jian and principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Hai-Ye Ni. Lu, whose virtuosity has captivated audiences worldwide, aims to transcend cultural boundaries through his music, fostering unity and understanding. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Lu shared his philosophy on music, emphasizing its power to communicate emotions and connect people on a profound level. Born in Qingdao, China, Lu began his musical journey at the age of four, eventually becoming the youngest student at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. His international education, including studies at the Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK and The Juilliard School in New York, shaped him into a well-rounded artist. Lu’s groundbreaking achievements include being the first Asian violinist to win the gold medal at the Paganini International Violin Competition in 1987. With over two dozen albums to his name, Lu’s renditions of the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto have garnered global acclaim. Beyond his performances, Lu is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians, founding the Siqing Lu Shenzhen Futian International Strings Festival in 2016. He views his role as a cultural ambassador as both an honor and a responsibility, striving to showcase Chinese artistry on the world stage. Lu’s upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall is a testament to his enduring commitment to bridging cultures through the universal language of music.
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Pakistan–Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul fail amid rising border tensions
The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Istanbul under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, concluded without an agreement, as both sides exchanged accusations over the breakdown. The negotiations, aimed at easing border tensions and maintaining a fragile ceasefire, marked the third diplomatic effort since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan. Despite intense back-channel diplomacy, the discussions stalled late Friday, with no tangible progress reported.
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A Russian drone strike at a tower block in eastern Ukraine kills a woman and injures 11 people
A Russian drone struck a residential tower block in Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, early on Saturday, resulting in the death of a woman and injuring 11 others, including two children. The attack occurred while many residents were asleep, causing a fire that destroyed several apartments in the nine-story building. Emergency services reported that the woman’s body was found on the fifth floor. This incident is part of Russia’s near-daily drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, which have claimed numerous civilian lives since the full-scale invasion began nearly four years ago. Meanwhile, the battle for the strategic city of Pokrovsk, located along the eastern front line, has reached a critical phase. Both Ukraine and Russia are attempting to influence U.S. President Donald Trump’s perception of the conflict, with the outcome potentially shaping the trajectory of peace negotiations. Pokrovsk, part of the heavily fortified ‘fortress belt’ in the Donetsk region, is pivotal to Ukraine’s defense and could sway Washington’s stance on the war. Additionally, Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have caused rolling blackouts across several regions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his demand for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, as a precondition for peace, claiming his forces are nearing victory.
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Tanzania charges hundreds with treason and issues arrest warrants for more opposition figures
Tanzania is grappling with escalating political tensions following widespread demonstrations and violence surrounding last month’s disputed elections. Authorities have charged hundreds of individuals with treason, including top opposition figures, in a significant crackdown on dissent. Among those targeted are Brenda Rupia, communications director for the Chadema opposition party, and John Mnyika, its secretary-general. Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, has been detained for months and faces similar charges after advocating for electoral reforms ahead of the October 29 vote. The government’s actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which accuse it of repression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. The African Union has also condemned the election, citing violations of democratic standards, including ballot stuffing and multiple voting incidents. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured over 97% of the vote, faces allegations of authoritarianism, with critics contrasting her leadership style to the more tolerant approach of previous leaders. The Chama cha Mapinduzi party, which has ruled Tanzania since independence in 1961, continues to dominate the political landscape, maintaining ties with the Communist Party of China.
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Australia wins toss, sends India in to bat in T20 series decider
In a high-stakes showdown at Brisbane’s Gabba, Australia’s captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and elected to field first, setting the stage for a thrilling series-deciding Twenty20 international against India. With overcast skies and the threat of rain looming, the match could be shortened, adding urgency to India’s batting strategy. The visitors, leading the series 2-1, aim to secure victory after their dominant 48-run win on the Gold Coast, where Washington Sundar’s three-wicket burst dismantled Australia’s chase. Australia, meanwhile, seeks redemption after collapsing in their previous match, losing seven wickets for just 28 runs. Both teams made minimal changes to their lineups, with India introducing Rinku Singh in place of Tilak Varma. This match marks Australia’s final T20 outing before the highly anticipated Ashes series against England begins on November 21 in Perth.
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Xi attends carrier’s commissioning
President Xi Jinping presided over the commissioning ceremony of the CNS Fujian, China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, at a naval base in Sanya, Hainan Province. The event marked a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities, showcasing the nation’s advancements in military technology and maritime defense. President Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, personally presented the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) flag to the carrier’s captain and political commissar. The ceremony was attended by 2,000 personnel, including Navy officers and defense contractors involved in the ship’s design and construction. Following the ceremony, President Xi inspected the Fujian, observing its flight deck, which featured advanced aircraft such as the J-35 stealth fighter jet and KJ-600 early-warning and control planes. He also engaged with pilots and crew, witnessing a demonstration of the electromagnetic catapult system, which he had personally approved for installation. The CNS Fujian, with a hull designation of 18, displaces over 80,000 metric tons, making it the largest warship ever built outside the United States. Designed by China State Shipbuilding Corp and constructed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, the Fujian underwent nine sea trials before its commissioning. Military experts highlighted the carrier’s strategic importance, emphasizing its enhanced capabilities in safeguarding national interests and its potential to operate longer and further than its predecessors. However, they also noted that continuous training and exercises would be essential to fully realize its combat potential.
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China-ROK trade ties to drive growth in region
The deepening trade and supply chain cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is set to foster sustainable growth and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region, according to business leaders and experts. The recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the ROK, his first in 11 years, has been hailed as a pivotal moment for expanding bilateral business ties. President Xi attended the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and conducted a state visit from October 30 to November 1, 2025. Gao Chen, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the ROK, emphasized that this cooperation will strengthen supply chain resilience, accelerate the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and promote innovation-driven growth. By leveraging technologies like 5G and blockchain, the two nations aim to build a robust digital supply chain system. The synergy between the ROK’s semiconductor expertise and China’s manufacturing prowess is expected to create a resilient regional industrial network. Furthermore, the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement, in effect since 2015, is set to advance with accelerated negotiations on its second phase. Both countries, along with Japan, are advocating for a trilateral free trade agreement to deepen regional economic integration. Gao highlighted the role of frameworks like APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting China-ROK business collaboration. Choi Pil-soo, a professor at Sejong University, underscored the potential of China’s expanding consumer market to drive economic integration in East Asia. He also pointed to promising opportunities for technological cooperation in robotics, batteries, and quantum science. The growing presence of Chinese brands in the ROK market reflects the complementary nature of their industrial chains and evolving consumer trends. Liu Weiwei, vice-president of Winner Medical, expressed confidence in the region’s business prospects, urging companies to embrace win-win cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Dai Bing called for joint efforts to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguarding the international free trade system. As China prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, Dai emphasized the importance of sending a strong message of openness and inclusiveness.
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US firms ground MD-11 cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster
A catastrophic plane crash involving a UPS cargo aircraft has left Louisville, Kentucky, in a state of devastation. The incident, which occurred during takeoff on Tuesday, claimed at least 14 lives and triggered a massive fire that engulfed nearby buildings, forcing the closure of Louisville International Airport. The UPS MD-11F aircraft, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, burst into flames after its left engine caught fire and detached mid-takeoff. The resulting inferno gutted several structures, with emergency crews still searching for potential victims. In response, UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded portions of their fleets, specifically MD-11 models, following guidance from Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed condolences, stating, ‘We pray for each of the victims’ families and pray that no additional victims are lost.’ UPS emphasized that the grounding of 9% of its fleet was a precautionary measure, assuring that contingency plans are in place to minimize service disruptions. The MD-11, originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, has been in service for over three decades, with the involved aircraft transitioning from passenger use with Thai Airways to cargo operations with UPS in 2006. The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about aviation safety in the United States.
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US students get hands-on with Chinese culture at “Touch of China” event in DC
High school students from Leonardtown High School in Maryland recently participated in the ‘Touch of China in Chinatown’ event at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center in Washington DC. The event, held on November 6, provided students enrolled in the school’s Chinese language program with a unique opportunity to engage in traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including clay panda making, calligraphy, and knot-tying. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by panda mascots and a China-themed trivia quiz, which offered small prizes to participants. Kinsey Albin, a senior in her fourth year of Chinese studies, expressed her enthusiasm for combining language learning with cultural immersion, stating that studying Chinese has broadened her perspective and fostered a sense of international connection. The event, organized by Hope Chinese School, American Chinese School, and Howard Chinese School, in collaboration with the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Chinese culture and strengthen cross-cultural friendships. Artist and instructor Zhang Longze emphasized the program’s goal of helping teenagers better understand China and fostering future cultural exchanges. Students like Drake Hozier and Evan Dearden, who have been studying Chinese for about a year and a half, found the language and culture both challenging and rewarding, expressing a desire to visit China in the future. Lily Jiang, who has studied Chinese for nine years and traveled to China with her family, shared her appreciation for the culture and people, highlighting the enriching experience of practicing the language in Chinese markets. Leonardtown’s lead Chinese teacher, Chen Si, expressed her delight in seeing students actively engage with Chinese culture and emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and study trips in providing students with an authentic understanding of China. The event underscored the value of cultural immersion in fostering global awareness and appreciation for diverse traditions.