Members of Parliament (MPs) from multiple UK political parties have called on the government to urgently review and suspend arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following evidence that British-made military equipment has been used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The RSF, a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities, recently seized the city of el-Fasher in North Darfur, where they massacred civilians and reportedly executed 460 people in a hospital. Reports indicate that British arms have been found in RSF hands in combat zones, raising concerns about the UAE’s role in supplying weapons to the group. MPs from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Labour, Independent Alliance, and Scottish National Party have united in demanding an immediate halt to arms exports to the UAE. Monica Harding, Liberal Democrat MP, emphasized that the UK must ensure its equipment does not facilitate violence. Ellie Chowns of the Green Party urged the government to act swiftly to stop the bloodshed. Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed expressed outrage over British weapons fueling mass killings, calling for an urgent review of arms exports. The UN Security Council has received evidence linking the UAE to the supply of British arms to the RSF, despite the UAE’s denial of support. The Labour government faces mounting pressure to take a stronger stance, with MPs warning that continued arms sales undermine the UK’s international credibility and risk complicity in the violence. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced 13 million people and claimed tens of thousands of lives, with both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces accused of war crimes.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Is it time for crypto enthusiasts to be hopeful again?
After years of volatility and uncertainty, cryptocurrency enthusiasts are beginning to see signs of optimism in the market. With easing trade tensions between the US and China, increased regulatory clarity, and a supportive stance from the US government, the crypto landscape appears to be shifting toward a more favorable environment. The recent flash crash that wiped out $19 billion seems to have been overshadowed by these developments, sparking renewed hope among investors.
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The true cost of Ozempic, Mounjaro and other easy weight-loss fixes
In a society increasingly fixated on physical appearance, the allure of quick fixes for weight loss has never been stronger. Among the most popular solutions are GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes but now widely prescribed off-label for rapid weight loss. These medications, which suppress appetite and slow digestion, promise dramatic results, with users often shedding 15 to 20 percent of their body weight in just a few months. However, beneath the surface of these seemingly miraculous transformations lies a troubling narrative of physical and emotional distress.
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Inside UAE’s Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons x Ulysse Nardin’s ‘AIR’ watch
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, a cornerstone of Middle Eastern watch culture, has partnered with Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin to launch the Diver [AIR] Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition. This limited-edition timepiece, with only 30 units available, redefines the concept of a dive watch through its innovative design and lightweight construction. Weighing just 52 grams, including the strap, the Diver [AIR] is the world’s lightest mechanical diver, blending advanced materials with meticulous craftsmanship. The watch features a skeletonised dial that showcases the UN-374 Manufacture calibre, with its bridges and main plate crafted from 90% recycled titanium. A vibrant blue hue, signature to the Seddiqi edition, adorns every element, from the Super-LumiNova hands and indexes to the CarbonFoil bezel and elastic strap. Technically, the watch is a marvel, offering 200-meter water resistance while maintaining exceptional durability. The 44mm case combines recycled titanium with Nylo-Foil, an eco-conscious material derived from reclaimed fishing nets and upcycled carbon fibre. A subtle “75” engraved under the mineral-glass caseback pays homage to Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons’ journey from a single storefront in 1950 to a dominant force in the Middle East’s watch industry. This collaboration between two pioneers—one shaping regional watch culture and the other pushing the boundaries of modern watchmaking—has resulted in a timepiece that embodies both innovation and heritage, a watch that feels as light as air yet carries the weight of history.
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Radio silence: How the defence of Sudan’s el-Fasher collapsed after comms blackout
The fall of el-Fasher, a besieged city in Sudan’s Darfur region, was triggered by a catastrophic communications blackout that left troops disoriented and isolated as Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters advanced. According to soldiers, commanders, and a telecoms worker who spoke to Middle East Eye, the blackout occurred on October 26, rendering all communication devices useless during a critical phase of the battle. This disruption forced military leaders to withdraw their forces, abandoning the city and its 260,000 residents to the RSF. Many soldiers, unaware of the withdrawal order, were left behind and either died fighting or fled in chaos. The RSF, accused of widespread massacres and atrocities, now controls the city, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. The blackout is believed to have been facilitated by sophisticated jamming equipment, allegedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, which targeted satellite and radio communications. This incident underscores the devastating impact of technological warfare in modern conflicts, where control over communication systems can determine the outcome of battles.
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Former Gansu vice-governor sentenced to 14 years in major bribery case
Yang Zixing, the former vice-governor of Gansu province, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined 5 million yuan ($700,000) for bribery and abuse of power. The verdict was announced by the Intermediate People’s Court of Weinan in Shaanxi province, following a statement released on the official website of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. The court found that Yang, during his tenure in various senior positions including mayor and Party secretary of Dingxi, accepted bribes totaling over 50.4 million yuan ($6.9 million) between 2006 and 2024. Even after retirement, Yang continued to exploit his influence to secure contracts and investments for others, amassing an additional 8.57 million yuan. The court imposed a 13-year sentence and a 4-million-yuan fine for bribery, and a seven-year sentence with a one-million-yuan fine for leveraging his influence. The combined sentence totals 14 years, with all illicit gains confiscated and turned over to the state. Mitigating factors, such as Yang’s confession, return of illegal proceeds, and voluntary disclosure of unknown offenses, were considered by the court. The trial, which began on August 7, 2025, was attended by over 30 representatives from the National People’s Congress, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the media, and the public.
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Google to offer free Gemini AI access to India’s 505 million Reliance Jio users
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in India’s rapidly growing tech market, Google has announced a partnership with Reliance Jio to provide free access to its advanced Gemini AI service for all 505 million Jio users. This initiative, spanning 18 months, will grant users access to the premium Gemini AI model, two terabytes of cloud storage, and advanced image and video generation tools—a package typically priced at 35,100 rupees ($399). The rollout will initially target 18-to-25-year-olds on specific telecom plans before expanding nationwide. This collaboration follows Google’s recent commitment to invest $15 billion in AI infrastructure in India, marking its largest investment in the region. The move aligns with similar efforts by competitors like OpenAI and Perplexity, which have also introduced free AI offerings in India to accelerate adoption. India, with nearly 1 billion internet users, has become a focal point for global tech firms seeking to expand their subscriber base and enhance data-driven services. The surge in AI app popularity has prompted Indian authorities to propose regulations requiring clear labeling of AI-generated content to combat deepfakes and misinformation. This strategy mirrors the early tactics of streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which partnered with telecom providers to bundle services with data plans, driving widespread adoption.
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Why China the spotlight at APEC
As the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting convenes in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, China has emerged as a focal point of discussions. Amid significant economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, China’s role is increasingly pivotal. Experts highlight how China’s strategies and collaborations could drive regional recovery and sustainable growth. Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, emphasized China’s potential to revitalize APEC through free trade agreements, regional value chains, and investments in digital and green economies. He pointed to China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports and infrastructure projects in APEC nations as key initiatives enhancing economic resilience. Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, underscored the importance of China and APEC in defending trade multilateralism and regional development. He noted that the next three decades of Asia-Pacific cooperation will be more challenging, requiring a united effort to maintain the region’s economic dynamism. As APEC leaders strive to innovate and prosper, China’s active participation and collaboration with other members are seen as essential to addressing current challenges and fostering a sustainable future. The spirit of cooperation is crucial for building a resilient global economy and ensuring collective prosperity.
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Officials from mainland and Taiwan pledge economic and trade cooperation
Officials from the Chinese mainland and representatives from Taiwan have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cross-Strait economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as deepening integrated development. This pledge was made during the closing ceremony of the four-day Tianjin-Taiwan Investment and Trade Fair, held in Tianjin. Since its inception in 2008, the fair has successfully facilitated over 350 projects, attracting intended investments totaling approximately 123.8 billion yuan ($17.2 billion). This year, 32 new projects with Taiwanese investment were established in Tianjin, with a total contractual investment of $31.78 million (230 million yuan), underscoring the robust vitality and vast potential of Tianjin-Taiwan economic and trade cooperation. Themed ‘Integrating for New Development, Creating a Shared Future,’ this year’s event focused on exploring cooperation in sectors such as medical and health care, the yacht economy, and catering and processing. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized the principle that the two sides of the Strait are one family, actively promoting cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation. Zhang Gong, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Tianjin Municipal Committee and mayor of Tianjin, extended a warm welcome to young people from Taiwan to pursue their dreams in the city. Before the opening ceremony, Song met with Hsiao Hsu-tsen, vice-chairman-designate of the Chinese Kuomintang party, and his delegation in Tianjin. Hsiao praised Tianjin for its unique charm, profound historical and cultural heritage, and spirit of inclusiveness, openness, and innovation. He encouraged young people from Taiwan to visit the Chinese mainland more often, emphasizing that the future of the Chinese nation depends on the cooperation and shared prosperity of the youth on both sides of the Strait.
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PLA operations counter infringements and provocations
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command announced on Friday, October 31, 2025, that it has conducted extensive combat-readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace surrounding Huangyan Island and adjacent areas in the South China Sea. According to an official statement, these operations, which began in October, involved the deployment of naval and air forces to enhance surveillance and control over the region. The PLA emphasized that these measures were taken to effectively counter infringements and provocations, ensuring the protection of national sovereignty and security. The statement further highlighted that these actions contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. The intensified patrols underscore China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity amidst ongoing regional tensions.