In a significant move to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance, China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) has passed revisions to the Cybersecurity Law. The amendments, approved on October 28, 2025, during the 18th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, will take effect on January 1, 2026. The revised law emphasizes national support for foundational AI research, algorithm development, and the construction of critical infrastructure such as training data resources and computing power. A newly added provision underscores the importance of advancing AI ethics, enhancing risk monitoring, and ensuring safety oversight to promote the responsible application and growth of AI technologies. Additionally, the amendments encourage innovative cybersecurity management practices, including the integration of AI and other emerging technologies to elevate protection standards. The revisions also refine legal liabilities for activities that compromise network security, increase penalties for violations, and expand extraterritorial application where necessary. Furthermore, the updated law enhances coordination with the Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law to ensure precision, effectiveness, and consistency in legal frameworks. Since its initial enactment in 2016, the Cybersecurity Law has played a pivotal role in curbing harmful cyber activities and fostering a safer digital environment. However, persistent challenges such as network intrusions, cyberattacks, and the spread of illegal content highlight the ongoing complexities of maintaining cybersecurity. The latest amendments aim to address these issues while aligning with China’s broader strategic goals in AI and digital governance.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Man deported to Laos despite court ordering blocking his removal, attorneys say
In a controversial move, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, a 44-year-old Alabama resident, to Laos despite a federal court order halting his removal. Souvannarath, who claims U.S. citizenship, was born in a Thai refugee camp but has lived in the U.S. since infancy, holding lawful permanent resident status. U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick had issued a temporary restraining order last week, citing Souvannarath’s “substantial claim of U.S. citizenship” and the irreparable harm deportation would cause. However, ICE proceeded with the deportation, leaving his family devastated. Souvannarath’s wife, Beatrice, confirmed his arrival in Laos via a WhatsApp message. The ACLU of Louisiana, representing Souvannarath, condemned the action as a blatant violation of the court order, accusing the administration of prioritizing mass deportation over legal and constitutional obligations. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration enforcement, including previous cases of U.S. citizens being wrongfully deported.
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Ex-Bank of Communications VP Investigated
Hou Weidong, the former vice-president of the Bank of Communications, is currently under investigation for suspected severe breaches of Party discipline and national laws. The announcement was made on Tuesday by China’s top anti-corruption authorities, the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision. The investigation was disclosed online, though no additional details were provided. Hou, a 65-year-old native of Shandong province, joined the Communist Party in 1986 and is a graduate of Peking University. With decades of experience in China’s banking sector, he assumed the role of vice-president at the Bank of Communications in late 2010. This investigation underscores the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to combat corruption within the financial sector and maintain the integrity of its institutions.
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Tabby announces completion of secondary share sale
Tabby, the Riyadh-based financial technology company, has successfully concluded a secondary share sale, solidifying its valuation at an impressive $4.5 billion. The transaction, announced on Tuesday, involved the acquisition of shares by HSG, Boyu Capital, and other investors from existing shareholders. Notably, no new shares were issued, and the company did not receive any proceeds from the sale. This strategic move underscores the confidence of investors in Tabby’s growth trajectory and market potential. Tabby, renowned for its innovative financial services, empowers millions across the Middle East to manage their finances effectively. With over 40,000 global brands, including giants like Amazon, Adidas, and IKEA, leveraging its technology, Tabby has become a pivotal player in the region’s fintech landscape. The company’s CEO, Hosam Arab, expressed pride in welcoming new shareholders who align with Tabby’s vision. Rock Wang of HSG and Joey Chen of Boyu Capital lauded Tabby’s market acumen and product innovation, highlighting its leadership in the burgeoning fintech sector.
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Educational exchanges to play a key role in strengthening China-US ties
Educational exchanges between China and the United States are set to play a crucial role in fostering stronger bilateral ties, according to officials and experts. This sentiment was highlighted during a sub-forum at the 7th China-US Sister Cities Conference held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on October 27, 2025. Natalie Mihalek, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of such exchanges in bridging cultural and ideological divides. ‘In a world that feels increasingly divided, a conference like this reminds us that knowledge knows no borders,’ she stated. Mihalek further noted that when students and teachers from different countries share classrooms, ideas, and experiences, they cultivate empathy, communication, and understanding. For decades, educational collaborations have enabled students from both nations to gain new skills and perspectives on each other’s history and culture, enriching local communities. Brigham Young University (BYU) serves as a prime example, having collaborated with China for over 40 years. In 1979, a group of BYU student performers visited China, marking one of the first Western performing arts groups to do so in years and establishing a foundation for regular exchanges. Since then, thousands of BYU students and faculty have studied, lived, and performed in China, according to Jeff Ringer, the university’s associate international vice-president. In 1989, BYU initiated the China Teachers Program, which has seen over 2,000 BYU teachers educate hundreds of thousands of Chinese students, fostering lifelong friendships and deepening cultural understanding. Another notable example is Wenzhou-Kean University, a joint project between Zhejiang province and the state of New Jersey, which offers an immersive Chinese cultural experience for international, particularly American, students. Despite these successes, challenges remain. Susan Thornton, vice-chair of the US Heartland China Association, pointed out that fewer American students are studying in China today, and communities across the US Midwest have limited opportunities to engage with Chinese culture. ‘If we are to sustain the foundation of trust and cooperation between our people, that has to change,’ she asserted. Additionally, Chinese students face obstacles such as visa processing when traveling to study in the US. Mihalek stressed the importance of keeping education at the center of the China-US partnership, stating, ‘The more we learn together, the more we grow together, and the more peaceful and prosperous the shared world will be.’
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Expo highlights potatoes’ vital role in food security and farmers’ income
The 15th China International Potato Expo and the 3rd Weifang International Food and Agricultural Products Expo commenced on Monday in Weifang, Shandong province, spotlighting the potato industry’s critical role in global food security and economic development. The event, which attracted participants from 26 countries and regions, including the Netherlands, Peru, Russia, South Korea, and Brazil, emphasized the crop’s significance beyond its status as a staple food.
In his opening remarks, Tao Huaiying, China’s national chief veterinary officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, highlighted the potato industry’s dual role in ensuring food security and boosting farmers’ incomes. He noted that China, a leading producer of diverse potato varieties such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava, is pivotal in addressing global food challenges. Tao called for enhanced international collaboration in key technological areas, including bio-breeding, smart agriculture, and green farming, to optimize resource allocation and extend industrial chains.
Zhang Hongqi, director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, underscored Shandong’s prominence in the potato sector, producing over 7 million metric tons annually and processing approximately 5.5 million tons of potatoes and sweet potatoes. He highlighted the region’s innovative approach, transforming a single sweet potato into more than 40 products, thereby creating added value at multiple stages.
Carlos Aldeco, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in China, emphasized the expo’s broader significance as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership. He pointed out that the global agri-food system faces urgent challenges from climate change, conflicts, economic shocks, and demographic transitions, making such events crucial for fostering sustainable solutions.
The expo not only showcased potatoes and agricultural products but also served as a hub for global agricultural exchange, reinforcing the potato’s role as a vital contributor to food security, livelihoods, and sustainability worldwide.
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Dream Media Motion hosts glamorous Dream Fashion Gala Season 2, Noor-e-Diwali
Dream Media Motion recently hosted the highly anticipated Dream Fashion Gala Season 2 – Noor-e-Diwali, transforming Dubai’s Khalidia Palace Hotel into a hub of glamour and cultural celebration. Spearheaded by Namrata Kashyap, Founder and CEO of Dream Media Motion, the event exemplified her innovative approach to merging fashion, art, music, and culture into a single, unforgettable experience. The gala featured a breathtaking fashion show, a premium exhibition, and a series of dynamic entertainment performances that beautifully highlighted the fusion of Indian and Emirati traditions. Attendees were treated to thrilling competitions, including Miss & Mr. Teens, Best Dressed Male, and Best Dressed Female, alongside electrifying performances by renowned Bollywood artists. Bollywood actress Shivani Sharma added star power as the celebrity chief guest, while Sheikha Dr Hind Bint Abdulaziz Al Qasimi and a host of UAE VVIPs, dignitaries, and celebrities graced the event with their presence. With over 300–400 guests in attendance, the evening was a testament to Dubai’s vibrant fashion scene. The gala culminated in an exquisite 5-star dinner, offering a perfect blend of luxury, networking, and festivity. The event received widespread acclaim and media coverage, further cementing Dream Media Motion’s reputation as a leader in innovative and high-quality event production.
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Rail freight rises amid steady economy
China’s railway freight sector has demonstrated robust growth in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting the nation’s steady economic momentum. According to the China State Railway Group, the railway network transported 3.03 billion metric tons of cargo during this period, marking a 3.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Daily loading of train cars also rose by 4.3 percent, averaging 185,300 cars per day. This growth has been attributed to the continuous optimization of logistics products and enhanced transport efficiency, which have been pivotal in supporting both domestic and international trade flows. The company has intensified efforts to advance market-oriented freight reforms and improve service quality, aligning with national strategies to modernize the logistics system and reduce costs. Key goods, particularly coal, have been prioritized, with 1.55 billion tons transported, including 1.06 billion tons for power generation, ensuring stable energy supplies. Intermodal transport has also expanded significantly, with rail-water combined transport handling 12.78 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 16.9 percent. Additionally, the digital freight platform now hosts 143,000 trucks, facilitating 242 million tons of rail-road combined transport. Cross-border freight has remained stable, with China-Europe freight trains making 14,500 trips and trains to Central Asia totaling 10,800, a 22.8 percent year-on-year increase. The China-Laos Railway also saw a 10.4 percent rise in cross-border cargo, further strengthening international trade links.
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Crescent Enterprises champions global collaboration and innovation in urban transformation
Crescent Enterprises has taken center stage as the Premier Partner of the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) and Mayors’ Forum, held at Expo City Dubai. The event brought together over 1,500 city leaders, including mayors, deputy mayors, and senior officials, alongside business and innovation leaders, to foster collaboration and share insights on sustainable urban development. Crescent Enterprises, along with its subsidiary Gulftainer, hosted an exclusive Dinner in the Desert, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to dialogue and partnership in shaping the cities of the future. Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, highlighted the UAE’s legacy of public-private collaboration, from Expo 2020 to COP28, and its dedication to sharing best practices globally. Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, underscored the private sector’s role in transforming cities from data-rich to decision-wise through digital infrastructure and innovation. Farid Belbouab, Group CEO of Gulftainer, discussed the transformative potential of ports and logistics in fostering sustainable coastal economies. Crescent Enterprises’ multi-platform strategy, spanning logistics, technology, and venture development, aligns with the UAE’s vision for sustainable urban transformation and the summit’s theme, ‘Connecting Cities, Creating Futures.’
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Kanoo Energy: Harnessing a legacy of excellence to drive industrial progress at ADIPEC 2025
Kanoo Energy, a cornerstone of The Kanoo Group, is poised to unveil a groundbreaking suite of intelligent and sustainable solutions at ADIPEC 2025. The event, scheduled from November 3 to 6, 2025, at Stand 12105, Hall 12, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, will serve as a platform for the company to demonstrate its latest innovations in the energy sector. With a legacy spanning over a century, Kanoo Energy has consistently adapted to the evolving demands of the Middle East’s energy landscape, positioning itself as a leader in modernization and industrial progress. The company’s upcoming showcase will feature advanced technologies designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Collaborating with global partners such as Adage Kanoo Analytical Industries (AKAI), Dopak, Woodfield Systems International, and others, Kanoo Energy will highlight advancements in analytics, fluid handling, decarbonization, robotics, and industrial safety. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Chairman of Kanoo Industrial & Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment to combining innovation with reliability, particularly as the UAE spearheads the region’s transition to cleaner energy systems. Fahad Fawzi Kanoo, a board member, echoed this sentiment, noting the UAE’s role in shaping a sustainable energy future and Kanoo Energy’s contribution through AI-driven solutions. Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, highlighted the company’s dedication to merging its engineering heritage with modern, localized expertise to deliver measurable value to customers. ADIPEC 2025, a premier event for energy professionals, will provide Kanoo Energy with the opportunity to reinforce its mission of connecting tradition with innovation, showcasing how its century-old legacy continues to drive progress in a rapidly evolving industry.