Alban Schmoll, a French PhD student, is set to begin an exciting academic journey at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in 2025. Speaking at the university’s opening ceremony in Beijing, Schmoll shared his enthusiasm for joining a diverse and dynamic academic community. He expressed eagerness to engage with peers from various cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the value of cross-cultural learning and personal growth. The event marked the start of a new chapter for Schmoll, who is poised to contribute to and benefit from the rich academic environment at UCAS. His story highlights the increasing global appeal of Chinese educational institutions and the importance of fostering international collaboration in higher education.
博客
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Dutch press agency calls election for centrist D66 party
In a closely contested Dutch national election, the centrist D66 party has narrowly surpassed Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), according to a projection by the national news agency ANP. The prediction, based on nearly all counted ballots and an analysis of remaining votes—primarily from overseas Dutch nationals—suggests D66 leader Rob Jetten is poised to become the Netherlands’ next prime minister. At 38, Jetten would be the country’s youngest and first openly gay leader. He emphasized that the results reflect voters’ desire to move beyond “political nonsense.”
The two parties are currently tied at 26 seats, with the possibility of D66 gaining a slight edge to 27 as remaining votes are tallied. However, mainstream parties, including D66, have ruled out forming a coalition with the PVV, citing Wilders’ role in destabilizing the previous coalition over migration policies. Political scientist Henk van der Kolk noted that the seat count is largely irrelevant, as the focus shifts to forming a centrist coalition involving D66, the Labor Party, Green Left, the Christian Democrats, and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy.
With the Dutch political landscape highly fragmented, coalition negotiations are expected to span weeks or even months. The election underscores the challenges of governance in a polarized environment, with centrist forces seeking to counter the influence of far-right populism.
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Tianjin inks $80m deal to introduce China’s industrial expertise to Middle East
Tianjin’s Binhai New Area has forged an $80 million investment partnership with Saudi Arabia’s global investment firm, ewpartners, aiming to export China’s advanced industrial systems and supply chain capabilities to bolster Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector. The agreement was formalized during the 9th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, with key officials from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jada Fund of Funds in attendance. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a national strategy focused on economic diversification and industrial transformation, while also supporting ewpartners Fund II, which targets digital, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and consumer sectors. For China, this marks a significant milestone in Tianjin’s industrial expertise ‘going global’ and reinforces the Belt and Road Initiative. Binhai New Area, with a GDP of $108 billion and hosting over 240 Fortune Global 500 companies, is a hub for petrochemicals, electronics, new energy, smart manufacturing, and the digital economy. Its world-class ports serve as a vital link between Asian and Middle Eastern industrial clusters. Wu Di, vice-chairman of the administrative commission of Tianjin Binhai Hi-tech Industrial Development Area, expressed optimism about leveraging Tianjin’s strengths in smart manufacturing, technology, and port logistics to deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The initiative aims to integrate Binhai’s expertise in new energy and industrial logistics with ewpartners’ regional network to accelerate technology transfer and industrial upgrades in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. Bandr Mohammed Alhomaly, CEO of Jada Fund of Funds, highlighted the shared commitment to Vision 2030 and building a robust private capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Jerry Li, co-founder and managing partner of ewpartners, emphasized that the partnership goes beyond capital, focusing on connecting industries and innovation capabilities to drive high-quality regional development.
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CCG conducts law-enforcement patrols around Huangyan Island
The China Coast Guard (CCG) has escalated its law-enforcement activities in the territorial waters and adjacent areas surrounding Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. According to an official statement released on Friday, the CCG has been conducting rigorous patrols since early October to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. These operations include tracking, monitoring, issuing radio warnings, and expelling vessels and aircraft engaged in illegal activities or provocations. The intensified patrols aim to strengthen management and control over the region, reaffirming China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The move underscores China’s proactive stance in maintaining stability and security in the South China Sea, a strategically significant area.
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Andrew, the civilian formerly known as ‘prince,’ faces an uncertain future
In a historic move that underscores the British monarchy’s commitment to preserving its integrity, Prince Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles and evicted from his luxurious residence at Windsor Castle. This unprecedented decision by King Charles III comes as a direct response to Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which has severely tarnished his reputation and raised questions about his judgment. The once-prominent royal will now relocate to a modest private home on the Sandringham estate, marking a stark contrast to his former opulent lifestyle. This transition not only symbolizes Andrew’s fall from grace but also highlights the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from scandal. Experts describe this as a humiliating yet necessary step to protect the royal family’s public image. Despite these changes, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, though his chances of ever ascending are deemed ‘entirely unrealistic.’ Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, must also find new accommodations, while their daughters retain their titles as granddaughters of the late Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles has extended financial support to his brother, ensuring he is provided for despite his inability to contribute to royal duties. This saga underscores the delicate balance between familial loyalty and the monarchy’s public accountability.
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Birders going ‘cuckoo’ after unexpected sighting in New York City area
A rare sighting of a common cuckoo on Long Island, New York, has ignited a wave of excitement among bird enthusiasts across the region. This species, typically native to areas spanning from Europe to Japan and wintering in Africa, was unexpectedly spotted in Riverhead, a town approximately 75 miles from New York City. The discovery was made by a golfer who captured a photo and shared it with his nephew, an avid birder. The image eventually reached the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, where the bird was confirmed as a common cuckoo—a species rarely seen in the eastern United States and Canada. Since the initial sighting, the bird has been observed over 200 times, with enthusiasts documenting their encounters on platforms like ebird.org and social media. Many birdwatchers from across the U.S. have traveled to the area in hopes of catching a glimpse of the rare visitor. Experts believe the bird, identified as a juvenile, may have been migrating for the winter but veered off course. Jay McGowan, a curator at the Cornell Lab’s Macaulay Library, emphasized the significance of the sighting, noting it as a major event for birding in New York. He advised observers to maintain a respectful distance while enjoying the rare opportunity to witness a species typically found only in Europe or Asia.
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India’s Jemimah Rodrigues opens up on mental health struggles at Women’s World Cup
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed her battle with anxiety during the Women’s World Cup, crediting her resilience and support system for her triumphant return to form. Rodrigues, who was dropped earlier in the tournament, staged a remarkable comeback with an unbeaten 127 runs in the semi-final against Australia, propelling India to a historic five-wicket victory. This win, achieved at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, secured India’s place in the final against South Africa on Sunday. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who missed the 2022 edition due to poor form, faced immense pressure playing on home soil. After inconsistent performances, including two ducks and a pair of 30s, she was benched for India’s group-stage match against England. Rodrigues admitted to breaking down in calls to her parents as she grappled with the stress. ‘I am so blessed to have friends and family I can call. It’s okay to ask for help,’ she said, holding back tears. A composed 76 not out against New Zealand restored her confidence, setting the stage for her semi-final heroics. Rodrigues emphasized that her sole motivation was to ensure India’s victory, not personal milestones. Both India and South Africa will compete for their first Women’s World Cup title, as no team outside Australia, England, or New Zealand has ever won the tournament since its inception in 1973.
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French minister vows Louvre anti-intrusion devices after post-heist report finds security lapses
In response to the high-profile theft of crown jewels on October 19, the Louvre Museum in Paris is set to implement enhanced security measures, including streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices, within the next two months. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced the initiative on Friday, addressing concerns over the museum’s security vulnerabilities. The decision follows a provisional investigation that revealed a ‘chronic, structural underestimation’ of theft risks at the iconic Parisian landmark. Dati acknowledged that alarms were functional during the robbery but highlighted four critical failings: underestimated risk, inadequate security equipment, unsuitable governance, and outdated protocols. She emphasized the urgency of installing anti-ramming devices on public roads by year-end. The thieves reportedly used a truck-mounted basket lift to access a window in the Apollo Gallery, making off with eight pieces of crown jewels in mere minutes. The French Senate has since scrutinized surveillance gaps and accountability, with some lawmakers and unions questioning whether the proposed measures represent meaningful reform or merely symbolic gestures. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars has advocated for physical barriers to prevent vehicles from parking near vulnerable windows, underscoring the need for long-term security improvements.
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China sends astronauts — and mice — on its latest space station mission
China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, marking another milestone in its ambitious space program. The mission, which took off at 11:44 p.m. local time on Friday from the Jiuquan launch center in northwestern China, is sending three astronauts and four mice to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes mission commander Zhang Lu, a veteran of the Shenzhou-15 mission, alongside first-time astronauts Wu Fei, a 32-year-old engineer, and Zhang Hongzhang, a payload specialist with a background in new energy and materials research. The astronauts are expected to stay aboard the station for approximately six months, conducting 27 scientific experiments in fields such as biotechnology, aerospace medicine, and materials science. Notably, this mission includes the first-ever mice sent to China’s space station, with the aim of studying the effects of weightlessness and confinement on their behavior. The mice, selected from 300 candidates after rigorous training, will remain in space for five to seven days before returning to Earth. China’s space program, a source of national pride, continues to advance, with plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. The Tiangong space station, entirely Chinese-built, underscores China’s growing role in space exploration, particularly after being excluded from the International Space Station due to U.S. security concerns. Additionally, China is collaborating with Pakistan to train two Pakistani astronauts, one of whom may visit the Tiangong station in the future.
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US Senate votes to eliminate Trump’s global tariffs
In a significant political development, the US Senate voted 51-47 on Thursday to terminate the national emergency declaration that President Donald Trump used to justify imposing global tariffs in early April. This move, largely symbolic due to prior House restrictions on blocking such tariffs, saw four Republicans join Democrats in supporting the resolution. The vote underscores growing bipartisan dissent against Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, which have aimed to reshape US trade relationships. Earlier in the week, the Senate also passed two resolutions to eliminate duties on goods from Canada and Brazil, further signaling lawmakers’ pushback. Trump’s tariffs, introduced in April, included a 10% levy on all countries and additional ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on nations with significant trade imbalances with the US. The US Supreme Court is set to hear a case challenging the legality of these tariffs on November 5, following lower court rulings that deemed them illegal. According to US Customs and Border Protection, the tariffs have generated approximately $88 billion in tax revenue through August. However, the Tax Foundation warns that these tariffs could increase household taxes by over $1,600 annually and reduce GDP by 0.5% over the next decade.