In a significant move, China’s national legislature has officially designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration. This decision, announced on Friday, has garnered widespread acclaim from international observers, who view it as a reaffirmation of Taiwan’s status as an inalienable part of China. The establishment of this day underscores the historical significance of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, achieved through the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Prominent figures from around the globe have lauded the decision, emphasizing its alignment with the one-China principle and its role in honoring historical truths. Professor Emeritus Atsushi Koketsu of Japan’s Yamaguchi University highlighted the importance of drawing strength from history to propel progress in the new era. Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, commended the decision as a demonstration of China’s unity and resolve in safeguarding national sovereignty. South African MP Andisiwe Khumbaca stressed that national liberation is a hard-won achievement, while Kyrgyzstan’s Sheradil Baktygulov noted the widespread support for the commemoration day across the Taiwan Strait. The move also serves as a reminder to external forces that the Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair, as emphasized by Serik Korzhumbayev of Kazakhstan. Faruk Boric of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Tahir Mumtaz Awan of Pakistan both highlighted the day’s role in upholding the post-World War II international order and historical justice. Egyptian professor Nadia Helmy and South African academic Lloyd Kuveya reiterated the historical and legal foundations of Taiwan’s status as part of China. Wang Jiaqing of France and Lian Jiehao of Indonesia emphasized the importance of national unity and the shared aspirations of Chinese people worldwide for peaceful reunification.
博客
-

Dynamic duo drive to victory in BMW Open Social at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club
The Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club witnessed a thrilling display of skill and teamwork as Young Koo Khang and Dae Il Kim emerged victorious at the BMW Open Social on Saturday, October 25. The dynamic duo posted an impressive 9-under-par score, securing the top spot on the leaderboard. Their remarkable performance featured ten net birdies and four net eagles, showcasing their precision and consistency throughout the tournament.
Supported by AGMC, the event attracted a diverse field of participants who enjoyed ideal weather conditions and a well-maintained course. The better-ball format encouraged low scoring and friendly competition, with notable achievements across the board. Jonathon Morris and Adam Warrener clinched the Front Nine prize with a stellar 6-under-par 30, while Paul McPhillmy and Sai Pagadala demonstrated their prowess by winning the Best Back Nine with a 5-under-par 31.
The BMW Open Social continues to be a highlight on the club’s calendar, blending competitive spirit with camaraderie. Golfers of all skill levels relished the opportunity to connect and challenge themselves in a relaxed yet engaging environment. The event underscored the club’s commitment to fostering a vibrant golfing community.
Organizers expressed gratitude to AGMC for their unwavering support and partnership, which has been instrumental in the success of such events. For those interested in future golfing activities, further details can be found at www.golfandshootingshj.com or by calling 06 5487777.
-

Police dog skills competition held in Beijing
The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau successfully concluded its annual Police Dog Skills Competition, held from October 24 to 27, 2025. The event, which showcased the exceptional abilities of police dogs and their handlers, attracted 125 participants and 108 highly trained canines from 19 teams across the region. The competition, held in Beijing, featured a series of rigorous challenges designed to test the dogs’ obedience, agility, and specialized skills in law enforcement scenarios. The event not only highlighted the critical role of police dogs in maintaining public safety but also served as a platform for handlers to exchange expertise and enhance their training techniques. The competition concluded with a ceremony recognizing the top-performing teams, further emphasizing the importance of these canine partners in modern policing.
-

Stragglers from Myanmar scam center raided by army cross into Thailand as buildings are blown up
The influx of individuals fleeing Myanmar into Thailand has significantly decreased following the shutdown of a major cybercrime hub in Myanmar, according to a Thai regional army commander. Over the past week, more than 1,500 people had crossed the border, but the numbers have now dwindled to a mere trickle. The KK Park site, identified by Thai officials and independent experts as a center for cybercrime, was raided by Myanmar’s military in mid-October as part of broader operations to curb cross-border online scams and illegal gambling. Located near Myawaddy, a key trading town on the Myanmar-Thailand border, the area is only partially controlled by Myanmar’s military government, with significant influence from a local Karen ethnic militia operating as a Border Guard Force. Witnesses on the Thai side reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke emanating from the site over several nights, with parts of KK Park reportedly demolished by Myanmar’s military and its allies. The debris from these explosions caused damage to several houses on the Thai side of the border. Maj. Gen. Maitree Chupreecha, commander of the Thai army’s Naresuan Task Force, stated that 25 individuals from four nations crossed into Thailand on Tuesday, though their nationalities were not disclosed. Most of those fleeing are believed to have been forced laborers at the cybercrime center. Thai authorities in Tak province have established temporary shelters for the refugees, who hail from 28 countries, including Thailand, India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Kenya. They are being processed to determine if they were victims of human trafficking before being repatriated. Myanmar has gained notoriety for hosting cybercrime operations that lure workers from other countries under false pretenses, promising legitimate jobs only to hold them captive and force them into criminal activities. Despite the raid on KK Park, independent media reports indicate that online scams continue to operate in the Myawaddy area. Cambodia is another major hub for such operations, drawing international attention recently when the U.S. and U.K. imposed sanctions on a Cambodian cyberscam gang, and its alleged leader was indicted by a U.S. federal court in New York.
-

US launches strikes on alleged drug-running boats off Colombia, killing 14
In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the U.S. military conducted three strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, targeting four boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, with one survivor reported. This marks the deadliest single day since the Trump administration intensified its controversial campaign against drug cartels in South American waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the strikes, emphasizing their alignment with the broader war on terrorism. The operation has drawn sharp criticism from regional allies, including Mexico and Colombia, further straining diplomatic relations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly condemned the strikes, calling for adherence to international treaties and initiating discussions with U.S. officials. Colombia, a key partner in U.S. anti-drug efforts, also expressed discontent, particularly after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his associates over alleged ties to the global drug trade. The U.S. military has yet to provide concrete evidence linking the targeted boats to drug cartels or identifying the individuals killed. The campaign, which began in early September, has now resulted in at least 57 fatalities across 13 disclosed strikes. Speculation persists that the operations may be aimed at destabilizing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. accuses of narcoterrorism. Amid rising tensions, the Pentagon has deployed additional military assets to the region, including an aircraft carrier and supersonic bombers. President Trump has defended the strikes, asserting legal authority and comparing the fight against drug cartels to the war on terrorism. Hegseth echoed this sentiment, claiming that cartels have caused more American deaths than Al-Qaeda and vowing to treat them with equal severity.
-

Lawmakers move to extend Russia’s compulsory military draft to a year-round process
In a significant move to address ongoing military needs, Russian lawmakers have passed a bill mandating year-round military conscription, replacing the previous system limited to spring and fall. The legislation, approved by the State Duma in its final reading, transforms conscription into a continuous process, allowing authorities to summon draftees for medical examinations and other procedures at any time of the year. While conscripts will still enter service during specific spring and summer months, the new system aims to streamline operations and alleviate pressure on conscription offices.
-

UAQ free trade zone: A smart haven for investors
The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is rapidly establishing itself as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth within the UAE’s expansive network of free zones. Recognized as a Designated Free Zone under the UAE’s corporate tax regime, UAQ FTZ offers investors unparalleled benefits, including zero tax on qualifying income, transparency, and robust logistical connectivity. This strategic hub links seaports, airports, and major highways, creating a compliance-driven ecosystem that fosters stability and growth. The UAE’s corporate tax framework ensures that businesses operating within UAQ FTZ enjoy a 0% tax rate on income derived from manufacturing, distribution, and other qualifying activities. This tax-free environment allows companies to reinvest profits, accelerating expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Legal and financial experts highlight that this clarity has significantly boosted investor confidence across the region. UAQ FTZ’s strategic location provides direct access to key transportation corridors, enabling duty-free import and re-export of goods. This logistical advantage translates into faster customs clearance, reduced costs, and smoother regional distribution, giving businesses a decisive edge in the competitive Gulf trade landscape. The Free Zone caters to a diverse range of enterprises, from startups and freelancers to industrial manufacturers. Its flexible licensing structure—commercial, industrial, service, and freelance—supports seamless scaling and operational diversification. UAQ FTZ also prioritizes compliance, offering advisory support, accounting guidance, and banking partnerships to ensure businesses meet evolving regulatory standards effortlessly. With ongoing infrastructure investments, including a 400,000sqft warehouse expansion and new industrial plots, UAQ FTZ is building a future-ready ecosystem for logistics, storage, and manufacturing. By aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2031, the Free Zone aims to attract two million active companies and ten unicorn startups within the decade, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global business leader. In an era defined by compliance, clarity, and cost-efficiency, UAQ FTZ stands out as a model of economic foresight, offering investors a launchpad for sustainable growth and success.
-

Why Hurricane Melissa is so dangerous
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane with winds exceeding 280 km/h (174 mph), approaches its southern coast. This storm, now one of the most powerful ever recorded in the Atlantic, has intensified rapidly, growing from a tropical system to a Category 5 hurricane in just 24 hours. Fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters, Melissa’s peak intensity has surpassed that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, making it a historic threat to the island nation. The storm’s slow westward movement at 5 km/h raises concerns of prolonged rainfall, severe flooding, and devastating storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas like Clarendon and St Catherine. Meteorologists warn that Melissa’s sluggish pace could lead to catastrophic conditions, similar to Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Houston in 2017. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has cautioned that no infrastructure can withstand a storm of this magnitude, with rural and hillside communities expected to bear the brunt of the damage. The storm has already claimed lives in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, and its impact on tourism, power, and transportation networks could leave the country reeling for months. As Jamaica braces for this unprecedented disaster, experts emphasize the role of climate change in intensifying such extreme weather events.
-

Chasing the unicorn dream: Unlocking the UAE’s entrepreneurial future
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been celebrated for its business-friendly environment, offering foreign investors 100% ownership, zero corporate taxes, and rapid company setup through its free zones. Despite these advantages, the nation has yet to produce a significant number of homegrown unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion. This raises a critical question: Why does the UAE lag behind in fostering billion-dollar startups, and what can be done to unlock its entrepreneurial potential?
-

UAE President offers condolences to Saudi King over passing of Princess Nouf bint Saud
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed profound condolences to Saudi Arabia following the passing of Princess Nouf bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed heartfelt sympathies to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in a formal message. The President emphasized the shared grief and solidarity between the two nations during this time of loss. Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages of condolence to the Saudi monarch. The gesture underscores the deep-rooted diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The passing of Princess Nouf, a member of the Saudi royal family, marks a somber moment for the Kingdom, with regional leaders uniting in their expressions of sympathy.
