标签： Asia

In a tragic escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban government has reported that Pakistani military strikes in Afghanistan’s Khost province have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including nine children and one woman. The strikes, which targeted a civilian residence, also injured four others in the border regions of Kunar and Paktika. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, labeling it an act of aggression by Pakistani forces. This incident marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations, which have historically maintained close ties. The violence comes amid the collapse of peace negotiations between the two countries earlier this month. Mujahid stated that the talks failed due to Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a condition he deemed unreasonable. The recent clashes follow a series of military confrontations between the two nations, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul targeting the leader of the Pakistani Taliban. Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha in October, efforts to reach a long-term resolution have been unsuccessful, with disagreements over militant groups operating in Afghanistan remaining a key point of contention.

A recent nationwide poll reveals that Australian public sentiment toward China has reached its most positive level in five years, with a clear preference for greater strategic autonomy in foreign policy. Conducted by the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the 2025 ACRI/BIDA poll surveyed 2,045 Australian adults, showing a significant shift in attitudes. Notably, 71% of respondents believe Australia should strengthen its relationship with China, up from 61% in previous years. Additionally, 72% recognize the benefits of bilateral ties, marking a 10% year-on-year increase. The poll also introduced a new question, revealing that 77% of Australians support making independent China policy decisions, even if they diverge from U.S. preferences. Elena Collinson, head of analysis at ACRI, emphasized that this reflects a pragmatic approach, balancing the U.S. alliance with Australia’s autonomy. The survey also highlights growing skepticism toward major-power behavior, with 78% supporting cooperation with China on global challenges like climate change and health. James Laurenceson, ACRI director, noted that Australians increasingly recognize China’s leadership in industries such as electric vehicles and see economic benefits in bilateral trade. He stressed that managing strategic differences and avoiding the use of trade as a geopolitical weapon are crucial for maintaining positive momentum. The poll underscores bipartisan political consensus in Australia that increased trade with China aligns with national interests, signaling optimism for future cooperation.

In a critical meeting with Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo, Hamas leadership has formally reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This diplomatic engagement occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence that threatens to derail the fragile truce brokered last month.

The Palestinian militant group emphasized the urgent need for establishing transparent monitoring mechanisms to document violations and ensure immediate corrective actions. The discussions specifically addressed the complex situation of Hamas fighters positioned within tunnel networks in Israeli-controlled sectors of Rafah, alongside detailed negotiations regarding the second phase of the peace agreement.

Despite the ceasefire officially taking effect on October 10, both conflicting parties have exchanged accusations of violations. Recent Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in at least 24 Palestinian fatalities, including children, according to local reports. Israel maintains these operations targeted and eliminated five senior Hamas operatives.

The United Nations has intensified its calls for upholding the peace agreement, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizing during the G20 summit in Johannesburg that ‘We need peace in Gaza: By upholding the ceasefire and fully implementing the commitments of the peace agreement.’

From an international legal perspective, Hadi Rahmat Purnama, Assistant Professor of International Law at Universitas Indonesia, clarified that ceasefires can be either voluntary or imposed through UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. He noted that violation of an agreed truce enables resumption of hostilities without constituting perfidy, provided proper warning is given according to the agreement’s terms.

Tragically, UNICEF reports indicate at least 67 children have lost their lives in conflict-related incidents since the ceasefire began, maintaining an alarming average of two daily fatalities. World Health Organization representative Richard Peeperkorn confirmed that ‘although there’s a ceasefire, people still get killed’ in the devastated enclave.