In a dramatic turn of events, Australian Senator Pauline Hanson, leader of the anti-Muslim and anti-immigration One Nation party, has been barred from Parliament for the remainder of the year following her controversial decision to wear a burqa in the Senate chamber. The 71-year-old senator staged the protest on Monday to highlight her campaign for a national ban on the burqa and other full-face coverings in public spaces. Her actions were widely condemned as disrespectful and inflammatory, leading to her suspension for the rest of the day. On Tuesday, in the absence of an apology, the Senate passed a censure motion, imposing one of the harshest penalties in recent decades by barring her from seven consecutive sitting days. With Parliament adjourning on Thursday, Hanson’s suspension will extend into the next session in February 2024. Hanson defended her actions, claiming hypocrisy in the Senate’s refusal to ban the burqa while denying her the right to wear it. She vowed to let voters judge her in the 2028 election. This incident echoes a similar protest in 2017, when Hanson wore a burqa in the Senate but faced no punishment. The censure motion was led by Senate leader Penny Wong, who accused Hanson of mocking and vilifying the Muslim faith, which is practiced by nearly one million Australians. Wong emphasized that such actions undermine Australia’s social fabric and harm vulnerable communities. Pakistani-born Senator Mehreen Faruqi, one of only two Muslim senators, called the censure motion a step toward addressing systemic racism in the country. Hanson’s history of controversial statements on race and immigration, including her infamous 1996 speech warning of Australia being ‘swamped by Asians,’ has long fueled criticism. Her recent actions have drawn sharp rebuke from advocacy groups, including the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, which labeled her behavior as part of a pattern of vilifying Muslims and minorities.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Blueprint put Fuzhou on track for transformation
Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades, thanks to the visionary \”3820\” strategic project initiated by Xi Jinping during his tenure as the city’s Party secretary in the early 1990s. This ambitious blueprint, which outlined development goals for three, eight, and 20 years, has reshaped Fuzhou into a modern metropolis, addressing urban challenges while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
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China launches intl program for fusion energy research
China has taken a monumental step in advancing fusion energy research by launching an international program dedicated to studying fusion burning plasma. The initiative, unveiled on Monday in Hefei, Anhui province, is spearheaded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Plasma Physics. This groundbreaking program opens access to several major fusion research platforms, including the state-of-the-art Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) facility, currently under construction in Hefei and set for completion by late 2027. Fusion energy, often referred to as the ‘artificial sun,’ replicates the sun’s power generation process and is considered a revolutionary clean energy source. The BEST facility, unlike its predecessors, is designed to demonstrate the actual ‘burning’ of deuterium-tritium plasma, a critical milestone for sustainable fusion power generation. At the program’s launch, scientists from over 10 countries, including France, the UK, and Germany, signed the Hefei Fusion Declaration, pledging to promote open science and foster global collaboration in fusion research. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to leading the global transition to clean energy and addressing the world’s energy challenges through innovative scientific advancements.
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UK minister flags visa ‘abuse’ as student asylum claims surge
The UK government, led by Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra, is intensifying efforts to reform its immigration system, particularly in response to a surge in asylum claims by international students. During her visit to Chennai, India, Malhotra defended the proposed changes, which include extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years and potentially requiring some migrants to wait up to 20 years for permanent settlement. These measures, affecting an estimated 2.6 million people who arrived in the UK since 2021, aim to curb the abuse of legal migration routes. Malhotra emphasized that the reforms align with global practices to maintain the integrity of immigration systems and public confidence. However, the proposals have faced criticism from some Labour MPs and members of the House of Lords, particularly concerning their impact on sectors like healthcare and social care. Malhotra also highlighted the UK’s commitment to protecting individuals from visa fraud, collaborating with Indian law enforcement to combat cross-border scams. Despite the cooling demand for UK education among Indian students, Malhotra reaffirmed the UK’s welcome to genuine students and noted the benefits of the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which includes plans for UK universities to establish campuses in India.
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South Korea’s ‘TV dad’ Lee Soon-jae dies at 91
Lee Soon-jae, a towering figure in South Korean entertainment, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, as confirmed by his agency. With a career that spanned over seven decades, Lee was affectionately known as the ‘national TV dad,’ a testament to his iconic portrayals of wise and endearing older characters. Among his most celebrated roles were the strict father in the 1991 soap opera *What on Earth is Love* and the lovable grandfather in the hit sitcom *High Kick!*, which aired from 2006 to 2012. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, including heartfelt messages from K-pop stars and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who praised Lee for bringing ‘laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage’ to audiences. Lee remained active in his craft until recently, winning the grand prize at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in the comedy series *Dog Knows Everything*. Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, now part of North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul at the age of four. After studying philosophy at Seoul National University, he found his calling in acting, inspired by Sir Laurence Olivier’s performance in *Hamlet*. Over his illustrious career, Lee appeared in approximately 140 TV shows and continued to perform on stage until October 2024, when illness forced him to withdraw from a production of *Waiting for Godot*. Beyond acting, Lee briefly ventured into politics, serving as a member of parliament from 1992 to 1996. His legacy endures not only in South Korea but also globally, as scenes from *High Kick!* have become viral memes on platforms like TikTok. Fellow actors, including Yoo Yeon-seok and Jeong Bo-seok, have hailed him as a mentor and a guiding force in their lives. Lee Soon-jae’s contributions to Korean entertainment have left an indelible mark, ensuring his place as a cultural icon for generations to come.
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South Africa extends lead to 395 runs on Day 4 of 2nd test against India
South Africa continued its commanding performance in the second cricket test against India, finishing the morning session of Day 4 with a significant lead of 395 runs. The Proteas, who started the day at 26-0, saw a strong opening partnership of 59 runs between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. However, India’s Ravindra Jadeja struck twice, dismissing Rickelton for 35 and Markram for 29, leaving South Africa at 77-3. Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs then steadied the innings with an unbeaten 30-run stand, taking the score to 107-3 by the first interval. De Zorzi showcased his aggressive batting with two fours and a six, while Stubbs adopted a defensive approach, facing 56 deliveries. Earlier, Marco Jansen’s impressive 6-48 had helped South Africa secure a 314-run first innings lead after India was bowled out for 201 in response to South Africa’s 489. The Proteas, leading the two-match series after their 30-run victory in the opener, are now eyeing their first test series win on Indian soil since 2000-01.
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Afghanistan says Pakistani airstrikes in east of the country have killed 10 people, mostly children
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has accused Pakistan of conducting overnight airstrikes in three eastern provinces, resulting in the deaths of 10 civilians, including nine children. The strikes, which targeted Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, also left four others injured. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Afghan government, condemned the attacks as “atrocities” and a violation of Afghan territory. He emphasized Afghanistan’s right to defend its airspace and people, vowing an appropriate response. Pakistan’s military and government have yet to comment on the allegations. These accusations come amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following cross-border clashes last month and a deadly attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, earlier this week. Iran has offered to mediate, while Qatar and Turkey continue to support a fragile ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has disrupted bilateral trade and movement across the border, further straining relations.
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Statehood issue again could block Israel, Arabs from making nice
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed interest in bringing Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing Israel’s relations with Middle Eastern nations and beyond. This development would mark a significant diplomatic milestone, echoing the initial accords brokered by the Trump administration in 2020, which saw Israel establish formal ties with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. However, bin Salman’s approach comes with a critical condition: a clear commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. This stance underscores the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the shifting geopolitical landscape. The Abraham Accords, hailed as a breakthrough in 2020, have seen limited progress since, with Kazakhstan’s recent announcement to join the accords falling short of expectations. The Saudi leader’s cautious approach reflects broader regional dynamics, including Saudi Arabia’s evolving relationship with Iran and the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Bin Salman has publicly linked Saudi normalization with Israel to the establishment of a Palestinian state, a position that has gained urgency amid rising regional tensions. Meanwhile, Israel’s aggressive military actions across the Middle East have further complicated the prospects for peace. The focus has shifted toward intra-regional collaboration, as evidenced by Iran’s discussions with Gulf states on uranium enrichment and the widespread condemnation of Israeli strikes. Despite these challenges, bin Salman remains committed to normalization, albeit with clear preconditions, signaling a nuanced approach to reshaping Middle Eastern diplomacy.
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China launches Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to assist in return of 3 astronauts stranded on space station
In a critical mission to ensure the safety of its astronauts, China launched the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft on Tuesday. This move comes after a damaged spacecraft left a crew temporarily stranded on the Tiangong space station. The Shenzhou 22 successfully docked at the station and is slated to be used by the three astronauts who arrived on November 1, 2023, with its return mission planned for 2026. Earlier this month, another group of astronauts from the Shenzhou 20 mission experienced a nine-day delay in their return to Earth due to damage to their spacecraft’s window. They were eventually brought back using the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft, which had just delivered a replacement crew to Tiangong. While the three-person crew landed safely, their replacements were left without a guaranteed emergency return option. The damaged Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, currently still in orbit, will be brought back to Earth for assessment, as it was deemed unsafe for transporting astronauts. This incident highlights the challenges faced by China’s rapidly advancing space program, which has been constructing the Tiangong space station module-by-module in recent years. Tiangong, meaning ‘Heavenly Palace,’ hosted its first crew in 2021 and is smaller than the International Space Station, which has been operational for 25 years. China developed Tiangong after being excluded from the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns, as its space program is controlled by the military.
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US intelligence assessed Chinese military was hosted at base in UAE
US defense and intelligence officials have reportedly assessed that Chinese military personnel were stationed at a UAE military base after the US was denied access to the facility, according to two former senior US officials who spoke to Middle East Eye (MEE) on condition of anonymity. The officials revealed that members of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were hosted at Zayed Military City in Abu Dhabi, with the assessment dating back to 2020. The US began gathering more information on the base after its request to access a section of the facility was rejected. While the exact role of the PLA personnel remains unclear, concerns were raised that they could have used the base to gather intelligence on US forces stationed nearby at Al Dhafra Air Base, just 20 miles south of Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s growing military ties with China have strained its relationship with the US, particularly amid stalled negotiations over the sale of F-35 warplanes to the UAE. In 2021, reports emerged of China building a military port near Abu Dhabi, which was allegedly halted at the US’s request but later resumed. The UAE and China have openly acknowledged their military cooperation, including joint air force drills in China’s Xinjiang region in 2024. The US has expressed concerns over China’s increasing influence in the Gulf, with some officials warning that the UAE’s loyalty to the US may be wavering. Despite these tensions, the UAE remains a key US partner in the region, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and its strategic relationship with Israel under the Abraham Accords.