Amid the bustling backdrop of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Gyeongju, South Korea, the enduring friendship between China and South Korea is being nurtured through genuine human connections. Beyond the often divisive online narratives, the warmth of personal interactions tells a more profound story of bilateral ties. This sentiment was palpable during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, hosted by South Korea for the first time in 20 years, where discussions ranged from economic cooperation to cultural exchanges. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, his first in 11 years, further underscored the significance of this relationship. Local residents, like Park Jun-young and Kim Chang-soo, expressed hope that increased media coverage during APEC would help dispel misconceptions about China and foster regional peace. The cultural ties between the two nations were evident in everyday life, from Mandarin-speaking staff at Incheon Airport to the popularity of Chinese cuisine and TV dramas in Seoul. Economic collaboration also took center stage, with South Korean business leaders closely monitoring China’s advancements in AI and green technology. As South Korea prepares to pass the APEC chairmanship to China in 2026, the event symbolizes not just a diplomatic handover but a deepening of mutual understanding and shared aspirations for a united Asia-Pacific community.
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Shenzhou XXI crew begins space mission
The Shenzhou XXI mission has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in China’s space exploration endeavors. The three-member crew, consisting of Senior Colonel Zhang Lu, Major Wu Fei, and payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 11:44 PM on Friday. Their journey began aboard a Long March 2F rocket, which propelled them into orbit, setting the stage for a six-month stay at the Tiangong space station. The spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module early Saturday morning, following a rapid autonomous rendezvous process. Upon arrival, the crew will transition from their pressure suits to intravehicular workwear, preparing to join the outgoing Shenzhou XX team for a brief overlap period. During their mission, the Shenzhou XXI astronauts will undertake 27 scientific projects, spanning fields such as space life sciences, biotechnology, space medicine, and microgravity physics. Additionally, they will conduct spacewalks to install equipment and retrieve external devices, further enhancing the station’s capabilities. This mission represents China’s 16th manned spaceflight and underscores the nation’s growing expertise in independent space station operations.
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Top diplomats from Germany, Jordan and the UK call for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan war
In a unified and urgent appeal, the foreign ministers of Germany, Jordan, and the United Kingdom have called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in the East African nation. The plea comes as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of el-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur, amid reports of widespread violence, ethnic killings, and sexual assaults. United Nations officials have confirmed that over 450 people were killed in a hospital attack, though the RSF denies involvement. Satellite imagery and social media footage, however, depict scenes of mass slaughter and devastation. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the situation as a ‘truly horrifying’ humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the use of mass executions, starvation, and rape as weapons of war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed these concerns, labeling the crisis as ‘apocalyptic,’ while Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi criticized the international community for neglecting Sudan’s plight. The ministers stressed that no amount of aid can alleviate the suffering until the violence ceases. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s government revoked The Associated Press’s accreditation to cover the summit following a story on detained activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who ended his hunger strike after receiving letters from the European Union and Denmark.
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Samia wins Tanzania election with 98% of votes amid unrest
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been re-elected for another term, securing a landslide victory with 98% of the votes, according to the electoral commission. The announcement came after days of widespread unrest, with reports of hundreds of casualties and a nationwide internet shutdown complicating efforts to verify the death toll. International observers have raised concerns over the lack of transparency and the violent clashes that have marred the election process. The government has downplayed the scale of the violence, extending a curfew to restore order. In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago, incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi also won re-election with nearly 80% of the vote, though the opposition has alleged ‘massive fraud.’ Protests erupted in major cities, with demonstrators tearing down campaign posters and clashing with security forces. Opposition leaders have accused the government of undermining democracy by suppressing their candidates, one of whom is jailed and another disqualified on technical grounds. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the government’s alleged repression, citing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Samia, Tanzania’s first female president, assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has dominated Tanzanian politics since independence.
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Hye-Jin Choi maintains her tournament-long lead at LPGA Malaysia heading into the 4th round
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — South Korean golfer Hye-Jin Choi continues to dominate the Maybank Championship, maintaining a commanding four-stroke lead after an impressive 5-under 67 in the third round on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has yet to secure her first LPGA Tour victory, now holds a 54-hole total of 19-under 197 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Choi, a seasoned player with 28 career top-10 finishes, including a runner-up spot at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open as an amateur, started the day with a five-stroke advantage and solidified her position as the frontrunner. China’s Liu Yan trails in second place after a stellar 65, while Australia’s Hannah Green, fresh off her team’s victory at the International Crown, sits in third after a 67. A Lim Kim made significant strides with a 64, tying for fourth place, six strokes behind Choi. Kim’s round featured a remarkable 25-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole and six birdies. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, a two-time runner-up in Malaysia, also tied for fourth after a 65, crediting her strong finish and the enthusiastic support of her fans. Defending champion Yin Ruoning shot a 69, placing her in seventh place, seven strokes behind Choi. The LPGA’s five-week Asian swing concludes next week with the Japan Classic at Shiga.
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‘King of K-pop’ Lee Soo Man on his career, a global industry and what’s next
SEOUL, South Korea — Lee Soo Man, the 73-year-old founder of SM Entertainment, initially hesitated to embrace the title ‘King of K-pop.’ During a recent interview with The Associated Press, he revealed that he preferred the more modest ‘Father of K-pop.’ However, the producers of an Amazon Prime documentary about his career insisted on the bolder title, believing it would resonate more with American audiences. Lee eventually relented, showcasing his pragmatic approach to breaking South Korean acts into the U.S. mainstream—a three-decade journey marked by resilience and innovation. On Saturday, Lee will be inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame alongside luminaries like Yao Ming, Michelle Kwan, and Yoshiki, cementing his legacy as the architect of K-pop’s global expansion. Lee’s career has been both celebrated and contentious. As the pioneer of K-pop’s intensive training system, he recruited performers as young as elementary school age, subjecting them to years of rigorous preparation. This approach has sparked debates about industry practices, with some artists challenging their contracts as unfair. Lee’s recent reemergence follows a high-profile departure from SM Entertainment, the agency he founded in 1995, which involved a public feud with his nephew-in-law and a bidding war over his shares. Since then, he has launched a new band, A2O MAY, and invested in cutting-edge production technologies in China. Born in South Korea, Lee’s technical background in computer engineering has profoundly influenced his approach to K-pop, from pioneering elaborate ‘worldviews’ for groups like EXO and aespa to integrating virtual avatars and cinematic storytelling. His vision has transformed K-pop into a global phenomenon, blending music, visuals, and narrative into a cohesive art form. Despite K-pop’s global success, Lee remains focused on Asia’s potential, envisioning South Korea as a creative hub for international talent. His latest venture with A2O MAY aims to navigate China’s restrictive entertainment landscape while elevating South Korea’s cultural influence. Lee’s journey has not been without challenges. He recalls the $5 million investment in BoA’s 2009 American debut, which failed to gain traction due to the market’s unpreparedness for Asian artists. This setback taught him the importance of maintaining creative control while sourcing global talent. Lee’s relentless pursuit of the perfect tracks took him worldwide, culminating in the creation of iconic songs like ‘Dreams Come True’ for S.E.S. Lee also addressed the darker aspects of K-pop, including the suicides of SM Entertainment artists, attributing the issue to malicious online comments. He advocates for international cooperation to establish user verification standards and mediation systems to protect victims. Despite these challenges, Lee remains optimistic about K-pop’s future, viewing it as a new language of communication that transcends cultural barriers. ‘What you can’t stop is culture,’ he said, encapsulating his enduring belief in the power of music to unite and inspire.
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Tanzania President Hassan wins disputed election with more than 97% of vote, official results show
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in the country’s disputed election, garnering over 97% of the vote, as per official results announced early Saturday. This unprecedented win, rare in the region, has sparked concerns among critics and opposition groups, who argue that the election was less of a contest and more of a coronation. Hassan’s two main rivals were either barred or prevented from running, leaving her to face 16 candidates from smaller parties. The October 29 election was marred by violence, with demonstrators taking to the streets of major cities to protest the vote and halt the counting process. The military was deployed to assist police in quelling riots, and internet connectivity in the East African nation was intermittently disrupted. Tundu Lissu, leader of the opposition group Chadema, has been jailed for months on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms he deemed essential for free and fair elections. Another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo group, was also barred from running. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party’s decades-long grip on power was at stake, as charismatic opposition figures emerged, hoping to lead the country toward political change. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have cited a pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in Tanzania ahead of the polls. In June, a United Nations panel of human rights experts reported over 200 cases of enforced disappearance since 2019, expressing alarm at the repression ahead of the elections. The International Crisis Group noted that Tanzania’s president oversaw an unprecedented crackdown on political opponents, curbing freedom of expression through bans on platforms like X and restrictions on the Tanzanian digital platform JamiiForums, as well as silencing critical voices through intimidation or arrest. The political maneuvering by Tanzanian authorities is unprecedented, even in a country where single-party rule has been the norm since the advent of multi-party politics in 1992. Critics argue that previous leaders tolerated opposition while maintaining a firm grip on power, whereas Hassan is accused of leading with an authoritarian style that defies youth-led democracy movements elsewhere in the region.
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China to loosen chip export ban to Europe after Netherlands row
In a significant policy shift, China has announced plans to relax its ban on chip exports, a measure initially imposed in response to the Netherlands’ takeover of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer based in the Netherlands. The Dutch government invoked a Cold War-era law in September to seize control of the company, citing ‘serious governance shortcomings’ and concerns over chip availability during emergencies. This move prompted China to halt the re-export of completed Nexperia chips to Europe, sparking alarm among automotive manufacturers, who rely heavily on these components. Approximately 70% of chips produced in the Netherlands are sent to China for final processing before being re-exported globally. In a statement released on Saturday, China indicated it would ‘comprehensively consider the actual situation of enterprises and grant exemptions to exports that meet the criteria,’ though specific details remain unclear. Beijing also criticized the Dutch government for ‘improper interference in the internal affairs of enterprises,’ attributing the disruption of global supply chains to these actions. Nexperia, now under Dutch control, has informed customers it will cease sending chips to China for processing, according to a recent letter obtained by Reuters. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) had previously warned that Nexperia chip supplies would dwindle within weeks unless the Chinese ban was lifted, potentially halting vehicle production. The decision to ease export controls follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, where semiconductor trade was reportedly discussed. The White House is expected to release a fact sheet detailing a new trade agreement with China, including the resumption of Nexperia exports. This development comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including the US government’s 2024 decision to place Chinese chipmaker Wingtech on its ‘entity list’ over national security concerns. In the UK, Nexperia was compelled to sell its Newport silicon chip plant due to similar security apprehensions, though it retains a facility in Stockport.
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Cruise cancelled following death of woman left behind on island
A 60-day luxury cruise around Australia has been abruptly canceled following the tragic death of an elderly passenger, Suzanne Rees, who was inadvertently left behind on Lizard Island, a remote destination 250 kilometers north of Cairns. The incident occurred during a hiking excursion organized by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship. Rees, an active 80-year-old and member of a bushwalking group, had separated from the group to rest. The ship departed without her, only returning hours later after realizing she was missing. A subsequent search operation discovered her body the following day. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), alongside Queensland Police and the state coroner, has launched an investigation into the incident. Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, announced the cancellation of the voyage, citing the ‘tragic passing of Suzanne Rees and previous mechanical issues.’ Passengers were offered full refunds and arrangements were made for their return via chartered flights. AMSA has prohibited the Coral Adventurer from boarding new passengers pending further investigation. Rees’ daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, emphasizing a ‘failure of care and common sense’ by the cruise operator. The family hopes the coronial inquiry will identify lapses that could have prevented the tragedy. The Coral Adventurer, designed for remote coastal exploration, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew. Cruise industry experts note that such incidents are rare, with advanced systems in place to monitor passenger movements. This event has raised questions about safety protocols and accountability in the cruise industry.
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Trump-Xi talks didn’t change Beijing’s priority: flagging economy
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump convened for their first face-to-face meeting in six years during talks in South Korea. President Trump emerged from the discussions expressing exceptional optimism, rating the encounter a “12 on a scale of 1 to 10” and announcing forthcoming reductions in U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. In reciprocal arrangement, China committed to enhanced American access to rare earth minerals—critical components in high-technology manufacturing.
The Chinese response, conveyed through a foreign ministry statement, struck a more measured tone, noting that both leaders had “exchanged views on important economic and trade issues” while expressing Xi’s willingness to “continue working with Trump to build a solid foundation for China and the US.” This diplomatic caution reflects Beijing’s ongoing concerns about the Trump administration’s unpredictability and its potential impact on China’s economy.
The summit occurred against the backdrop of China’s fundamental economic recalibration, following the Chinese Communist Party’s Fourth Plenum which established self-reliance as the nation’s primary development priority. This strategic shift responds to multiple challenges: a pronounced economic slowdown, a devastating 2021 property market collapse that wiped out wealth for millions of citizens, and persistent trade tensions with the United States that have disrupted China’s export-dependent growth model.
Historically, China’s economic miracle relied on two pillars: massive infrastructure and real estate investment, and manufactured goods exports. Both engines have now stalled. Investment has plateaued while the trade war with America—China’s largest export market—has created sustained uncertainty, exacerbated by Trump’s imposition of 145% tariffs on most Chinese goods upon returning to office in January 2025.
In response, Chinese officials are attempting to pivot toward domestic consumption-driven growth through improved job opportunities, healthcare, and social benefits. However, this transition faces substantial obstacles including weak social safety nets that encourage precautionary savings, and heavily indebted local governments with limited capacity to fund public services.
Concurrently, China pursues technological leadership in AI and advanced computing by 2035—another domain where self-reliance has become imperative due to sweeping U.S. technology restrictions. Despite the recent diplomatic engagement, American limitations on semiconductor exports remain largely intact, with Trump explicitly excluding China from accessing Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell chips.
The rare earth minerals concession represents a strategic victory for Beijing, which had imposed export restrictions in October apparently to strengthen its negotiating position. For Xi Jinping, whose political legitimacy rests heavily on economic performance and nationalist sentiment, such tangible successes are crucial amid growing economic challenges that threaten even his considerable authority.