In the desolate graveyard of Sheidaee, outside Herat in western Afghanistan, Ghulam Mohiddin and his wife Nazo mourn the loss of their three young sons—Rahmat, Koatan, and Faisal Ahmad—all victims of malnutrition. Their story is a harrowing testament to the silent wave of child mortality sweeping across Afghanistan, a crisis exacerbated by severe food shortages, economic collapse, and dwindling international aid. The couple, who survive by breaking walnut shells, have received no assistance from the Taliban government or NGOs, leaving them helpless in the face of unimaginable grief. ‘One minute there’s a baby in your arms, the next minute they are empty,’ Nazo lamented. The graveyard, filled with hundreds of small graves, starkly illustrates the scale of the tragedy, with two-thirds of the burials being children. The UN has labeled the situation an ‘unprecedented crisis of hunger,’ with nearly half of Afghanistan’s children under five suffering from stunted growth. The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that over three million children are at risk of severe malnutrition, as aid funding dries up and winter approaches. The Taliban’s policies, including restrictions on women’s rights and bans on NGO operations, have further complicated efforts to deliver life-saving assistance. With WFP’s funding set to run out in November, the situation is dire. ‘We are starting to turn away malnourished women and children because we simply cannot afford to feed them,’ said John Aylieff, WFP’s country director. As Afghanistan teeters on the brink of catastrophe, the world watches, seemingly powerless to stop the unfolding disaster.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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When the US cedes Asia to China
In the wake of a reportedly positive phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, speculation is rife about the future of US-China relations, particularly regarding a potential partial US withdrawal from Asia. This move, if realized, could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape, granting China greater political and strategic influence in the region. However, such a shift is fraught with risks and uncertainties, as Asian countries are wary of being left to navigate China’s growing dominance without US support. Francesco Sisci, a prominent analyst, warns that a US retreat from Asia could exacerbate regional tensions, potentially leading to a nuclear arms race among neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan. The situation is further complicated by shifting alliances and defense agreements, such as the recent pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which could push India closer to Iran. Meanwhile, countries like the Philippines are caught in a delicate balancing act between aligning with China or the US. Sisci emphasizes that any bilateral agreement between the US and China must be part of a broader multilateral framework to avoid destabilizing the region. The interview underscores the fragile and unpredictable nature of Asia’s geopolitical dynamics, where the US presence has historically acted as a stabilizing force. Without it, the region could descend into heightened conflict and militarization, with far-reaching global consequences.
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Li calls on US lawmakers to enhance exchanges, ties
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with a delegation of US congressmen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 21, 2025. The delegation, led by Adam Smith, the Democratic leader of the House Armed Services Committee, marked the first visit by US House representatives to Beijing since 2019. Premier Li emphasized that fostering stable, sound, and sustainable relations between China and the United States aligns with the shared interests of both nations and the broader international community. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation as foundational principles for bilateral relations. Li expressed optimism that both countries could address their respective concerns through dialogue grounded in equality, respect, and reciprocity. He urged the US Congress to play a constructive role in advancing friendship and shared development, reinforcing the notion that China and the US should be partners in development, empowering each other for mutual success.
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Exclusive: Egypt’s Nato-style Arab defence force proposal rejected at Doha summit
Egypt’s ambitious plan to establish a NATO-style Arab defense force faced significant opposition at the recent Doha summit, with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the resistance. The proposal, aimed at creating a rapid-response alliance under the 1950 Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation Treaty, sought to shield member states from external threats, particularly Israel. However, deep-seated disagreements over leadership and regional security priorities derailed the initiative, according to senior Egyptian diplomats.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty presented the plan as a defensive measure to protect the region without relying on foreign powers. However, the proposal was met with resistance, primarily due to disputes over leadership. Saudi Arabia sought command of the force, while Egypt argued that its extensive military experience made it the most suitable leader. The impasse highlighted the broader divisions within the Arab world over how to address regional security challenges.
The summit, held on September 15 and attended by leaders from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), failed to produce a unified stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite Egypt’s push for concrete measures, including a demand to end Israel’s military operations and reject the forced displacement of Palestinians into North Sinai, the gathering concluded with only statements of support for Gaza and condemnation of Israel. The outcome underscored the influence of the United States, which reportedly pressured Arab states to avoid taking decisive action against Israel.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi left the summit deeply frustrated, as Gulf states rejected his proposal and opted to confine discussions to their own defense council. The rejection marked a significant setback for Egypt, which had hoped to position itself as a leader of Arab and Islamic defense. Sisi’s characterization of Israel as ‘an enemy’ during the summit reflected Cairo’s growing concerns over Israeli threats, including potential operations targeting Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil.
The failure to revive the 1950 treaty is emblematic of the long-standing challenges in achieving Arab military cohesion. Political rivalries, conflicting national priorities, and reliance on bilateral security agreements have repeatedly undermined collective defense efforts. Egypt’s latest attempt to unify Arab states against external threats has once again exposed the fractures within the region, leaving Cairo isolated in its defensive ambitions.
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Israel’s genocide in Gaza: Whatever happened to South Africa’s case at the ICJ?
In December 2023, South Africa brought a landmark case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in its military operations in Gaza. This marked the first time Israel’s actions were formally challenged on the global stage since the war began on October 7, 2023. The case has since become one of the most significant legal disputes in recent history, drawing widespread international attention. However, nearly two years later, the ICJ has yet to deliver a final judgment, with the process expected to extend into 2027 or beyond. The case has been characterized by its complexity, with multiple provisional measures issued against Israel, though compliance has been minimal. The death toll in Gaza has surged to over 66,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, underscoring the urgency of the situation. South Africa has pursued a multifaceted strategy, including diplomatic efforts and the formation of the Hague Group, to hold Israel accountable. Meanwhile, a recent UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, further intensifying the legal and political stakes. The ICJ’s eventual ruling, while legally binding, faces enforcement challenges, particularly given the likelihood of a US veto in the UN Security Council. The case’s outcome could have profound implications for international law, Israel’s global standing, and the pursuit of justice for Palestinian victims.
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China auto industry body to launch discrimination probe into US chips
In a significant move, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) announced on Friday the initiation of an anti-discrimination investigation into the effects of U.S. trade policies on the automotive sector, particularly concerning semiconductor chips. The probe, which calls for automakers to submit their inputs by October 13, follows a similar investigation launched by China’s commerce ministry on September 13 into alleged discrimination and dumping practices by U.S. chip manufacturers. This development comes just ahead of a new round of U.S.-China trade talks scheduled in Spain, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two economic powerhouses. The automotive industry, heavily reliant on semiconductor chips, faces potential disruptions as trade policies continue to evolve. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for global supply chains and international trade relations.
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Fed resumes easing path, other major central banks on hold
In a week marked by significant monetary policy decisions, the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its first rate cut since December, signaling a shift in its approach to economic challenges. This move contrasts sharply with other major central banks, including the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan, which opted to maintain their current rates. The divergence in policy reflects the varying economic conditions and inflation pressures across global markets. The Bank of Canada, however, reduced its key rate to a three-year low of 2.5%, citing a weak jobs market and subdued price pressures. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank (ECB) kept its rates steady, with markets anticipating limited further cuts. The Swiss National Bank also held its rates, though discussions about a potential return to negative rates persist. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to cut rates further, while the Bank of Japan maintained its short-term rates but hinted at future hikes. These decisions underscore the complex balancing act central banks face as they navigate inflation, growth, and employment dynamics in an uncertain global economy.
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Three dead in Australia after Optus glitch disrupts emergency calls
A critical technical failure during a network upgrade at Optus, Australia’s second-largest telecommunications provider, has resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, disrupted emergency call services, leaving hundreds of customers in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory unable to connect with emergency services. During welfare checks, authorities discovered three fatalities in households where attempts to make emergency triple zero (“000”) calls had failed. Optus CEO Stephen Rue expressed profound regret and offered heartfelt condolences to the affected families during a press conference on Friday. Rue emphasized that the company is conducting a thorough investigation into the failure and will publicly disclose the findings once completed. This incident follows a series of setbacks for Optus, including a $12 million fine for a nationwide outage in 2023 and a significant cyberattack in 2022 that compromised the data of nearly 9.5 million Australians. Rue, who assumed leadership in November 2024, vowed to address the systemic issues and restore public trust in the company.
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Intel’s Nvidia deal expected to be a mixed blessing for Asian chipmakers
In a landmark move, Nvidia has announced a $5 billion equity investment in Intel, positioning itself as one of Intel’s largest shareholders with an approximate 4% stake. The deal, unveiled on Thursday, includes a collaborative effort to develop PC and data center chips, signaling a significant shift in the semiconductor industry. While Intel’s shares surged by 23% following the announcement, the implications for Asian chipmakers like TSMC and Samsung Electronics are more nuanced. Analysts suggest that Intel’s potential revival could alleviate U.S. regulatory pressure on foreign competitors, even as it intensifies long-term competition. TSMC, which currently dominates the AI chip market for U.S. companies, saw its shares dip by 1.6%, while Samsung’s shares fell by 1%. The partnership could bolster Intel’s next-generation manufacturing capabilities, a critical factor given its recent struggles. However, the deal also raises concerns about the future of TSMC’s business with AMD, a key competitor to Intel and Nvidia. As the U.S. government pushes for domestic semiconductor production, the dynamics of the global chipmaking industry remain uncertain, with Intel’s resurgence potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
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Indian sugar mills to miss export quota, ship around 775,000 tons, sources say
India’s sugar exports are projected to drop below 800,000 metric tons this season, significantly missing the government’s 1 million-ton quota. This decline is attributed to increased supplies from Brazil, which have driven global sugar prices to their lowest levels in over four years, making Indian shipments less competitive. Trade and government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that mills have so far contracted to export around 750,000 tons, with approximately 720,000 tons already shipped. Even under the most optimistic scenarios, exports are unlikely to exceed 775,000 tons by the end of the season on September 30, 2025. The slowdown in exports has been exacerbated by Brazilian sugar trading at more than $25 cheaper than Indian supplies, coupled with rising domestic prices in India. Traditionally, Indian sugar has held a competitive edge in Asia due to lower freight costs, but recent market dynamics have shifted the balance. With only a handful of export deals in recent weeks, mills may request the government to allow the export of the remaining 200,000-plus tons in the new season starting October 1. Despite the current challenges, India’s sugar output is expected to rise in the upcoming season, thanks to favorable monsoon rains, potentially improving export prospects. India, the world’s largest sugar producer and consumer, has been a key exporter to countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates, averaging 6.8 million tons annually over the past five years.