An international symposium focusing on the copyright protection and promotion of traditional cultural folklore was convened in Quanzhou, Fujian province, on November 27, 2025. The event, co-organized by China’s National Copyright Administration and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), brought together over 300 participants, including officials, intellectual property experts, and business representatives from 11 countries. The symposium aimed to foster international dialogue and explore innovative strategies for safeguarding and promoting traditional cultural folklore in the digital age. Key discussions centered on balancing preservation with development, fostering industry integration, and nurturing young talent to ensure the continuity of cultural heritage. The event also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in building a governance system that respects cultural roots while embracing modernization. Participants were encouraged to collaborate on creating effective protection mechanisms, ensuring that folk art serves as a bridge connecting diverse civilizations. The symposium concluded with a call for mutual respect and equality in cultural exchanges, highlighting the role of folk art in fostering a shared future for humanity.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Russia sentences eight to life for 2022 Crimean bridge blast
A Russian court has handed down life sentences to eight individuals for their involvement in the 2022 bombing of the Crimean Bridge, a critical infrastructure linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula. The attack, which occurred on October 8, 2022, resulted in the deaths of five people and caused significant damage to the 19-kilometer Kerch road and rail bridge. The explosion, carried out via a truck bomb, ignited seven oil tankers on a passing train and collapsed two sections of the highway. The defendants were tried in a closed-door military court in Rostov-on-Don and found guilty of orchestrating a terrorist act, illegal weapon possession, and, in two cases, smuggling explosives. Both Kyiv and Moscow have attributed the attack to Ukraine’s secret services, with Kyiv later claiming responsibility, citing the disruption of Russian military logistics as the objective. The bridge, inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, holds immense symbolic value for both nations, representing Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Despite assurances of its safety, the bridge has been repeatedly targeted since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Kuwait citizenship crackdown leaves widows stateless and critics in exile
Kuwait has systematically revoked the citizenship of approximately 50,000 to 200,000 individuals since September 2024, marking one of the most significant denaturalization campaigns in modern Middle Eastern history. The government ceased regular reporting of figures in September 2025, leaving human rights organizations to estimate the true scale of what campaigners describe as a politically motivated purge.
This unprecedented action represents a dramatic departure from Kuwait’s historical reputation as a relative haven of democracy within the Gulf region. Unlike its neighbors, Kuwait maintained a parliamentary system since 1963 and occasionally served as a mediator in regional diplomatic crises. Historically, the nation offered sanctuary to dissidents fleeing more authoritarian regimes, earning recognition as a refuge for the oppressed throughout the 1970s.
The campaign intensified following Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah’s ascent to power in 2023. Under his leadership, Kuwait suspended its parliament in May 2024 and nullified key constitutional articles pertaining to citizenship. These measures have been weaponized to target not only prominent activists and politicians but also ordinary citizens, particularly women who obtained citizenship through marriage.
Legislation enacted in December 2024 authorized citizenship revocation for reasons including ‘moral turpitude or dishonesty, or actions threatening state security’ – broadly interpreted to encompass criticism of the emir or religious figures. On March 6 alone, authorities stripped 464 citizens of nationality, accusing 12 of illegally holding dual citizenship and 451 of ‘forgery and fraud.’
Women constitute approximately two-thirds of those affected, primarily divorcees and widows who relinquished previous citizenships to become Kuwaiti nationals. Rendered stateless, these individuals now face exclusion from essential services including education, healthcare, state employment, and property ownership.
Case studies documented by rights organization Salam reveal harrowing personal consequences. Iman, naturalized through marriage in 2006, found herself denationalized in December 2024 despite being born in Kuwait. After publicly advocating for her rights, she faced charges of ‘insulting the state,’ endured invasive strip searches described as near-sexual harassment, and was ultimately deported to Egypt—separated from her children remaining in Kuwait.
Another woman, Layla, previously held Saudi citizenship before naturalizing as Kuwaiti in 2004. Following denaturalization, Kuwaiti authorities instructed her to reclaim Saudi nationality despite having no remaining ties to Saudi Arabia—a request Saudi officials refused, stating Kuwait must ‘deal with the consequences.’
Government rhetoric has frequently characterized affected women as ‘gold diggers’ and frauds, employing xenophobic and misogynistic narratives to justify the campaign. Research director Andrew McIntosh of Salam notes that victims have lost nationality for ‘slights, frauds, economic improprieties, political nature, or bureaucratic error.’
Exiled activist Mohammed al-Mail, whose citizenship was revoked on October 19, describes the campaign as a ‘purely political’ maneuver to consolidate power and suppress dissent. Having received UK asylum in 2017, al-Mail contends the emir has forfeited legitimacy by undermining constitutional principles.
Economic factors appear equally significant in motivating the denaturalization drive. As global transition from fossil fuels pressures Gulf petro-states, Kuwait seeks to maintain welfare provisions and public sector viability by reducing its citizen population. McIntosh characterizes this as a method of ‘defining distinct Kuwaitness’ to preserve economic resources.
Notably, the international community has remained largely silent despite violations of international statutes prohibiting arbitrary denationalization. Tiana Danielle Xavier of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion emphasizes that Kuwait currently provides no judicial recourse for reviewing citizenship revocation decisions, contravening established principles of due process and non-discrimination.
Al-Mail confirms seeking intervention from UK authorities, promising ‘serious, escalating steps to hold Kuwaiti authorities accountable.’ The UK Foreign Office acknowledges monitoring implications for Kuwaitis of British origin but declines commentary on individual cases.
This systematic erosion of citizenship rights transforms Kuwait’s democratic legacy into an authoritarian reality, creating a stateless underclass without legal protection or international advocacy.
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SW China’s Xizang identifies over 3,300 new cultural relics via national survey
Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has unveiled a remarkable discovery of 3,346 new cultural relic sites during the second phase of the fourth national cultural relics census. This significant find brings the region’s total number of documented cultural relics to an impressive 7,623, as announced by the regional cultural relics bureau on Thursday. The comprehensive survey, initiated in April 2024, meticulously covered all county-level units across Xizang, yielding a diverse array of historical treasures. Among the notable discoveries are ancient rock paintings in Sagya County, situated at an extraordinary altitude of 5,303.8 meters, marking the highest-altitude relic site recorded in China to date. The newly documented relics encompass a wide spectrum of historical artifacts, including ancient tombs, architectural structures, cave temples, stone carvings, and modern historical sites. Additionally, special investigations conducted in 21 border counties have added 254 relics linked to territorial defense and border garrisoning. Authorities have also expressed their commitment to intensifying efforts in documenting relics within ancient urban areas, further enriching the historical narrative of Xizang.
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UAE National Day: 40% traffic fine discount announced in Umm Al Quwain
In a gesture marking the UAE’s 54th National Day, Umm Al Quwain has introduced a 40% discount on traffic fines, effective from December 1, 2025, to January 9, 2026. This initiative, announced by the emirate’s police authority, aims to provide financial relief to motorists while encouraging compliance with traffic regulations. However, the discount excludes serious traffic violations, ensuring that severe infractions remain subject to full penalties. The announcement aligns with the broader festive spirit across the UAE, which includes a two-day public holiday for both public and private sector employees on December 2 and 3. Similar measures are anticipated in other emirates as the nation prepares to celebrate its unity and progress. The move underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering goodwill and easing burdens on its citizens during significant national events.
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Mohanlal calls ‘Kireedam’ restoration an ‘honour’ at film festival screening
Veteran Indian actor Mohanlal has celebrated the meticulous 4K restoration of his 1989 Malayalam masterpiece ‘Kireedam,’ which premiered globally at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The digitally revitalized version of this cult classic was showcased in the Special Screenings category, receiving overwhelming appreciation from audiences and cinephiles alike.
Through an emotional statement on social media platform X, Mohanlal expressed profound gratitude toward the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI) for their archival excellence. The restoration project utilized a 35mm release print preserved for decades after the original camera negative deteriorated. Cinematographer S. Kumar personally supervised the final color grading, ensuring artistic integrity throughout the digital transformation.
Mohanlal emphasized the cultural significance of preserving India’s rich cinematic legacy, stating: ‘It is heartening to witness such dedication toward conserving our artistic heritage for future generations through both digital and analog mediums.’
Directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A.K. Lohithadas, ‘Kireedam’ remains an iconic drama in Indian cinema history. The film portrays the tragic downfall of Sethumadhavan, a youth whose aspirations of joining the police force collapse under devastating circumstances. Mohanlal’s powerful performance earned him a National Award Special Jury Mention and cemented the film’s status as an enduring cultural touchstone.
The actor, recently seen in ‘Hridayapoorvam,’ is currently preparing for the Christmas release of ‘Vrusshabhaa,’ a Telugu-Malayalam bilingual period action drama.
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Abu Dhabi rents surge 14% as demand from expats outpaces housing supply
Abu Dhabi’s residential rental market is experiencing significant upward momentum, with apartment rents surging 14.2% year-on-year in Q3 2025 according to Cavendish Maxwell research. This substantial growth stems from a perfect storm of demographic expansion and supply limitations that continue to reshape the capital’s real estate landscape.
The driving forces behind this rental escalation include robust population growth, particularly among expatriates and the expanding workforce, creating unprecedented demand for housing. Despite new apartment supply entering the market throughout the year, exceptionally high absorption rates have maintained critically low vacancy levels, sustaining upward pressure on rental prices across the emirate.
Market analysis reveals a distinct performance divergence between property types. Apartments significantly outpaced villas in rental growth, recording a 12.8% annual increase compared to villa rents which grew at a more moderate 5.6% pace. According to Haider Tuaima, Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Research at ValuStrat, rental values demonstrated notable strength with the rental index advancing 2.3% quarterly and 9.3% annually.
The supply pipeline presents a complex picture. Developers are projected to deliver approximately 8,000 new residential units by end-2025, with an additional 12,800 anticipated in 2026. However, industry experts caution that actual deliveries frequently fall short of initial projections. Andrew Laver, Associate Director at Cavendish Maxwell Abu Dhabi, notes that ‘based on recent handover trends, we could see fewer-than-planned properties being delivered in the next couple of years.’ This staggered delivery approach, historically typical for Abu Dhabi, allows gradual market absorption and prevents sudden stock increases.
The sales market mirrored rental sector strength, with Q3 2025 recording robust transaction volumes exceeding 6,400 residential unit sales totaling Dh20.5 billion. Off-plan purchases dominated the market, accounting for Dh16.3 billion of total sales value. Market analysts anticipate both sales and rental prices will continue their upward trajectory in the near term, though growth rates will vary across locations as new supply enters specific market segments.
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Over 20,000 from home and abroad take part in first sci-tech intl month
The inaugural International Month of Science and Technology, organized by the China Association for Science and Technology, has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in global scientific collaboration. The event, which ran throughout November 2025, brought together over 20,000 experts from more than 110 countries and regions, fostering a platform for cross-border, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural exchange. Zhang Bin, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the association, emphasized the event’s alignment with the principles of building a shared future for humanity and advancing global initiatives. Over 60 activities were conducted, focusing on strategic emerging industries, advanced manufacturing, digital and information communication technologies, energy and materials, ecology, and space. The event yielded substantial outcomes, including the establishment of specialized organizations, the development of industry standards, and the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements. This landmark initiative has set a new benchmark for international scientific cooperation, paving the way for future advancements in technology and innovation.
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In pics: aftermath of Hong Kong building fire
China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established stringent copyright protection measures for all content published across its digital platforms. The company’s comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits the unauthorized republication or utilization of any materials, including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information, without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC.
The copyright notice emphasizes the company’s exclusive ownership rights over all published content while specifying technical recommendations for optimal user experience. The organization recommends browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for optimal website performance.
CDIC maintains formal publishing credentials, including Multimedia Online Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349, underscoring its official status as a content provider. The company’s website features dedicated sections for organizational information, advertising opportunities, contact details, and employment services for both domestic and expatriate professionals.
The copyright framework aligns with standard intellectual property protection practices while ensuring content integrity across China Daily’s digital properties. The policy serves as both a protective measure for the company’s intellectual assets and a clear guideline for appropriate content usage by third parties.
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‘Hang in there’: Agonising wait for the missing after Hong Kong blaze
A catastrophic fire that engulfed a public housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has resulted in at least 75 fatalities, with approximately 300 residents still unaccounted for, marking the territory’s deadliest blaze in six decades. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when flames rapidly consumed seven of eight tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court, a subsidized housing estate built in 1983.
The devastation has exposed critical safety failures, including the absence of functioning fire alarms and the use of highly flammable materials during recent renovations. Authorities have arrested three construction executives for “gross negligence” after discovering substandard plastic sheeting and polystyrene insulation on scaffolding that accelerated the fire’s spread.
Personal accounts reveal harrowing escapes and unbearable losses. Forty-five-year-old Mr. Chung received a final desperate call from his wife trapped in their 23rd-floor apartment with their cat. “Hang in there,” were his last words to her before communications ceased. After 24 hours of waiting, he now believes she perished in the smoke-filled flat.
The disaster disproportionately affected elderly residents, who comprise nearly 40% of the complex’s population. Many were physically unable to evacuate quickly through thick, toxic smoke that filled corridors within minutes. Seventy-two-year-old Grandma Chan escaped only after receiving an urgent call from her daughter abroad, while 82-year-old Grandma Wu abandoned her mahjong game when alerted by family calls rather than building alarms.
The Hong Kong government has announced immediate relief measures, including HK$10,000 payments to displaced families and a HK$300 million assistance fund. However, for survivors like Kyle Ho, who invested his family’s savings into their apartment, the future remains uncertain despite gratitude for their survival.
As firefighters continue their search operations, insisting they “haven’t given up” on finding survivors, the community mourns and demands accountability for one of Hong Kong’s most devastating urban disasters.