Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a passionate address at the opening of the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, urging the world to combat climate denialism and misinformation. Speaking to thousands of delegates gathered in the Amazonian city, President Lula emphasized the need for truth and scientific evidence in the face of ‘fake news and misrepresentation.’ While not explicitly naming former U.S. President Donald Trump, Lula criticized leaders who ‘control the algorithms, sew hatred, and spread fear,’ referencing Trump’s past dismissal of climate change as a ‘con job.’ The conference, held in a politically charged environment, began without the participation of senior U.S. officials, highlighting the ongoing tension between the U.S. and global climate efforts. President Lula unveiled Brazil’s ambitious Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), aiming to raise $125 billion for global forest protection, though fundraising has faced challenges, including the UK’s last-minute withdrawal of public funding. The conference also grapples with competing interests, such as the Alliance of Small Island States’ (AOSIS) call to prioritize limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, a goal the UN now deems increasingly unattainable. UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell warned of the economic consequences of climate inaction, urging nations to move beyond ‘squabbling’ and focus on collective progress.
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Supreme Court rejects challenge to legalisation of same-sex marriage
The US Supreme Court has declined to revisit its historic 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The decision came as the justices rejected an appeal from Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs. Davis was ordered by a lower court to pay $360,000 in damages to a same-sex couple, David Ermold and David Moore, after they sued her for violating their constitutional rights. Davis argued that her religious freedom protected her from liability, but federal Judge David Bunning ruled that her constitutional rights could not be used to infringe on the rights of others. The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals also upheld the ruling against Davis. Her legal team, represented by the conservative group Liberty Counsel, claimed that the right to same-sex marriage was based on a ‘legal fiction.’ The Supreme Court’s refusal to take up the case leaves the 2015 ruling intact, reaffirming the rights of same-sex couples. The decision comes amid ongoing debates over religious liberty and LGBTQ+ rights, particularly after the Court’s 2023 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. While some conservatives had hoped the Court would reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges, the justices opted not to revisit the issue, preserving a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ equality.
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China halts port fees on US vessels for one year
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, China has announced the suspension of special port fees for US-flagged vessels for a period of one year. The decision, effective from 13:01 on Monday, was disclosed by the Ministry of Transport and follows the consensus achieved during the 2025 China-US economic and trade consultations held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This initiative has also received the endorsement of China’s State Council. The suspension is a reciprocal measure to the US’s commitment to halt the enforcement of actions under its Section 301 investigation, which targeted China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries for the same duration. The ministry clarified that this suspension encompasses all prior announcements and guidelines related to US port fees and investigations into their impact on the safety and development of China’s shipping, shipbuilding, and related industrial supply chains. This strategic pause is aimed at stabilizing bilateral trade, protecting industrial supply chains, and fostering enhanced cooperation between China and the United States in the maritime sector.
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China launches group of internet satellites into orbit
China has successfully deployed its 13th group of low Earth orbit (LEO) internet satellites, marking another significant step in the development of its expansive space-based internet network. The launch took place on November 10, 2025, at 10:41 am from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan province. The satellites were carried into orbit by the Long March 12 carrier rocket, a state-of-the-art model designed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC).
The Long March 12, the 22nd member of the Long March family, stands out as the first Chinese rocket with a diameter of 3.8 meters, breaking away from the traditional 3.35-meter standard established in the 1960s. Standing at 62.6 meters tall, it is the second tallest rocket in China’s fleet, only slightly shorter than the Long March 5. This launch represents the 72nd space mission for China and the 607th flight of the Long March rocket series.
This latest deployment is part of China’s ambitious plan to create a mega-constellation of approximately 13,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, aimed at providing global internet coverage. Often compared to SpaceX’s Starlink, this project underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to enhancing global connectivity. With 12 batches of satellites already launched this year, China is rapidly advancing toward the completion of its space-based internet system.
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Tyler Adams and Sean Zawadzki to miss US friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay
The United States men’s national soccer team is grappling with significant player absences as it prepares for its upcoming exhibition matches against Paraguay and Uruguay. Midfielder Tyler Adams has joined a growing list of unavailable players, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Malik Tillman. These absences come just before the team’s final preparations for the World Cup. The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Monday that Adams and Sean Zawadzki withdrew due to injuries sustained during recent club matches. Adams collided heads with a teammate during a Premier League game, while Zawadzki injured his right knee in a playoff match. Despite these setbacks, the team has added Timothy Tillman, Malik’s brother, to the roster, bringing the total to 24 players. The 16th-ranked U.S. will face No. 39 Paraguay on Friday in Chester, Pennsylvania, followed by a match against 15th-ranked Uruguay in Tampa, Florida, three days later. Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will use these friendlies to fine-tune their strategy ahead of their World Cup opener on June 12.
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Former senior official expelled from CPC for serious violations
In a significant move underscoring the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) commitment to anti-corruption, Li Chunliang, a former deputy director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, has been expelled from the Party. The decision, announced by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission on Monday, highlights Li’s severe violations of Party discipline and legal norms. Li, 62, a long-standing Party member since 1984, was found guilty of resisting organizational scrutiny, frequenting private clubs, and failing to disclose personal matters as mandated. His misconduct extended to manipulating cadre selection processes, leveraging his position for personal gain in business operations, project contracting, and administrative approvals, and accepting substantial bribes. Additionally, Li borrowed funds from entities under his supervision and accepted renovation services from them, further breaching ethical and legal boundaries. His case, now involving suspected bribery, has been transferred to procuratorial authorities for legal proceedings. Li’s expulsion marks a continuation of the CPC’s rigorous efforts to maintain integrity and discipline within its ranks.
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Poetry Recitation Competition bridges Kenyan and Chinese cultures
The inaugural Poetry Recitation Competition in Kenya, hosted at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University in Nairobi, served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange between Kenya and China. The event, held on November 10, 2025, showcased the richness of Chinese literary heritage to Kenyan educators and students. Thirteen finalists, selected from 27 participants across institutions such as the United States International University, Discovery Chinese Cultural Training Center, and Kenyatta University, competed in the final round. The contestants recited a diverse array of Chinese poems, spanning classical masterpieces to contemporary works, highlighting the depth and evolution of Chinese poetry. This competition not only celebrated linguistic artistry but also strengthened cultural ties between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
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iPhone 18 rumours: Release date, design; what to expect from Apple’s next flagship
Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup is already generating significant buzz, even though its release is not expected until late 2026. Following the innovative changes introduced with the iPhone 17, including a 120Hz display for the base model and the ultra-slim iPhone Air, Apple is poised to continue its tradition of pushing technological boundaries. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a transparent rear glass finish, adding a futuristic aesthetic to the device. This design choice, along with potential under-display Face ID technology and a single punch-hole camera, could redefine the iPhone’s visual identity. Additionally, Apple may introduce new color options for the Pro lineup, such as brown, purple, and burgundy, moving away from the traditional greys and silvers. On the camera front, the iPhone 18 is expected to see significant upgrades, including a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for most models and a variable aperture system for the Pro and Pro Max versions. These enhancements would offer users greater versatility in photography. However, Apple’s strategic launch plan could be a point of contention. While the iPhone 18 Pro models and the rumored iPhone Fold are expected to debut in September 2026, the standard iPhone 18 may not arrive until Spring 2027. This delay could be an attempt to steer consumers toward the higher-priced Pro models, though it risks alienating fans of the base iPhone. Pricing is expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 17, starting at $799 for the base model and $1,099 for the Pro version. As Apple continues to innovate, the iPhone 18 lineup promises to be a fascinating addition to the tech giant’s portfolio, though its delayed release strategy may test the loyalty of its customer base.
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Senior political adviser Yang Xiaowei expelled from Party, public office
Yang Xiaowei, a former high-ranking political figure and deputy director of the Committee on Education, Science, Health, and Sports of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office. The announcement was made on Monday by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission. Yang, 62, was found to have engaged in severe misconduct, including accepting bribes, gifts, and prepaid cards, attending banquets that compromised his impartiality, and leveraging his position for personal and familial gain. His actions violated Party discipline and constituted serious breaches of duty, leading to his expulsion and the transfer of his case to judicial authorities for prosecution. Yang’s career spanned significant roles in China’s telecommunications sector, including leadership positions at China Unicom and China Telecom Group, before transitioning to governmental and advisory roles. His expulsion underscores the CPC’s ongoing efforts to enforce discipline and combat corruption within its ranks.
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Former senior political adviser expelled, dismissed for legal violations
Liu Kuanren, a former prominent political figure in China, has been officially expelled from public office following a thorough investigation by the National Supervisory Commission. The announcement, made on Monday, revealed that Liu, who previously served as vice-chairman of both the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shaanxi Provincial Committee, was found guilty of severe breaches of duty. The investigation, initiated in May, uncovered that Liu had engaged in a series of unethical and illegal activities, including attending lavish banquets, accepting gifts and monetary bribes, and leveraging his positions to facilitate business operations, project contracts, and job promotions for personal gain. Additionally, he was found to have misappropriated public funds for his own use. These actions have led to charges of bribery and embezzlement. Liu’s case, along with the illicit assets he accumulated, will now be handed over to the procuratorial authorities for further legal proceedings. Born in Shaanxi province, Liu, 62, began his career in 1987 and joined the China Association for Promoting Democracy in 1998. His career trajectory included teaching at the Xi’an Conservatory of Music and serving in various administrative roles before his rise to vice-chairman positions in 2018 and 2022. His expulsion marks a significant fall from grace for a once-respected political figure.