In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese scientists have identified micrometer-sized crystals of hematite and maghemite in lunar soil samples retrieved by the Chang’e 6 mission from the moon’s far side. Published in the journal Science Advances, this finding unveils a previously unknown oxidation process on the moon, challenging the long-held belief that the lunar surface is entirely in a reduced state with minimal oxidation. The research, conducted by Shandong University, the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Yunnan University, analyzed samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest known impact basin in the solar system. Using advanced techniques such as micro-area electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, the team confirmed the native origin of these iron oxides, ruling out contamination from Earth. Unlike Earth, where rust forms through water and oxygen interactions, the moon’s ‘rust’ originates from violent asteroid impacts. These impacts created transient high-oxygen-fugacity gas environments, oxidizing iron in troilite minerals and forming hematite through vapor-phase deposition at 700 to 1,000 degrees Celsius. This process also produced magnetic minerals like magnetite and maghemite, which may explain the magnetic anomalies observed around the SPA Basin. The findings not only enrich our understanding of the moon’s evolutionary history but also provide a scientific basis for future lunar studies. The Chang’e 6 mission, launched in May 2024, successfully retrieved 1,935.3 grams of samples from the moon’s far side, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Samsung and other South Korean firms pledge larger domestic investments after US tariff deal
In a significant move to bolster domestic economic growth, South Korea’s corporate titans, including Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group, have unveiled expansive investment plans following a high-profile meeting with President Lee Jae Myung. This development comes just days after South Korea finalized a landmark trade agreement with the United States, aimed at averting steep tariffs and fostering bilateral economic ties.
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China’s major airlines offer refunds and rebooking for Japan-bound passengers amid security alert
In response to heightened security concerns and political tensions, China’s leading airlines have introduced special measures to assist passengers traveling to Japan. On Saturday, November 16, 2025, major carriers including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines announced free refunds and rebooking options for eligible Japan-bound tickets. This initiative follows a security alert issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies in Japan, urging Chinese citizens to avoid travel to the country due to escalating safety risks. The advisory cited increased public security issues, such as violent incidents involving Chinese nationals and unresolved cases, as well as provocative statements by Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan, which have strained bilateral relations. Passengers who purchased or reissued tickets before midday on Saturday and have unused travel segments to or from major Japanese cities—including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima, and Okinawa—can apply for free refunds or itinerary changes until December 31, 2025. The policy covers both standard and mileage-redemption tickets for flights operated by the airlines and certain codeshare services. Requests must be submitted after 00:00 on Saturday, in accordance with each airline’s specific conditions. The airlines emphasized that these temporary arrangements aim to provide flexibility for passengers adjusting their travel plans in light of the government’s warning. Chinese authorities also advised citizens currently in Japan to remain vigilant, enhance personal safety measures, and seek assistance from local police or Chinese diplomatic missions if needed.
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Japan’s main opposition party head urges gov’t to uphold non-nuclear principles
Yoshihiko Noda, leader of Japan’s main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), has called on the government to uphold the nation’s long-standing non-nuclear principles. This appeal comes amid reports that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering revising one of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, specifically the prohibition on introducing nuclear weapons into Japanese territory. Noda, a former prime minister, emphasized Japan’s role in advocating for global nuclear abolition during a press conference in Kumamoto Prefecture. His comments followed Takaichi’s ambiguous stance on whether her defense policies would align with these principles during a recent Lower House Budget Committee hearing. The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1967 by then-Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, have been a cornerstone of Japan’s security policy. Any potential revision could mark a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy, likely sparking both domestic and international criticism. Noda has vowed to challenge Takaichi on this issue in upcoming Diet sessions.
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Dubai seizes 519 vehicles, 12,367 cylinders for illegal LPG filling, distribution
Dubai has taken decisive action against illegal activities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector, seizing 519 unlicensed vehicles and confiscating 12,367 cylinders filled with petroleum products of unknown origin. These materials failed to meet safety standards, posing significant risks to public safety. The crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) to enhance regulatory compliance and combat hazardous practices in the LPG industry. Since July 2022, 449 joint inspections have been conducted by the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, in collaboration with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and Dubai Civil Defence. These efforts uncovered 596 violations, highlighting the scale of the issue. DSCE Resolution No. 3 of 2021 mandates that LPG cylinders distributed in Dubai must be packaged by approved factories within the emirate, ensuring adherence to local standards and laws. Authorities have urged consumers to purchase gas cylinders exclusively from authorised distributors, verify filling seals, and retain purchase invoices to safeguard their rights. Building, farm, and estate owners have also been encouraged to report any suspected illegal activities to protect lives and property. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE, emphasised the commitment to stringent regulatory standards, while Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the DSCE, highlighted the importance of monitoring compliance to protect consumers. Burhan Al Hashemi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, underscored the role of intensified inspections in ensuring communal safety and maintaining a fair market environment.
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Shanxi health authorities report spike in flu cases
Health officials in Shanxi Province have raised alarms over a significant increase in acute respiratory infections as the region enters the peak of the autumn-winter flu season. According to a report by China Central Television on Saturday, influenza activity has surged over the past three weeks, with the majority of cases reported among students. The Shanxi Provincial Health Commission anticipates that the number of infections will continue to rise in the coming weeks. Chen Jing, deputy director of the Shanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the dominant strain in the province is influenza A (H3N2), accounting for approximately 99% of cases. Minor cases of influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B have also been detected. The H3N2 strain, a subtype of influenza A, has undergone minor genetic changes but remains highly transmissible with no significant alterations in its infectiousness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, with severe cases potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Medical experts are urging the public to seek accurate diagnoses, as different respiratory pathogens require specific treatments. To manage the outbreak, the commission has activated a province-wide surveillance network for influenza and other respiratory pathogens to enhance trend analysis and risk assessment. Hospitals have been instructed to implement emergency mechanisms to reallocate staff and beds, ensuring uninterrupted medical services. Additionally, since late October, all public secondary and tertiary general hospitals in Shanxi have established pediatric outpatient services. A provincial pediatric care network and 15 municipal medical alliances have been formed to streamline referrals and provide timely treatment for critically ill children.
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Railway network handles record-high 3.95 billion passenger trips
China’s railway network has set a new milestone by handling an unprecedented 3.95 billion passenger trips from January to October 2025, according to the China State Railway Group. This figure represents a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, underscoring the growing reliance on rail transport in the country. The achievement highlights the efficiency and scalability of China’s railway infrastructure, which continues to play a pivotal role in connecting millions of people across vast distances. The record-breaking numbers also reflect the government’s ongoing investments in rail modernization and expansion, ensuring smoother and more accessible travel for citizens. As China’s population and urbanization rates rise, the railway network remains a cornerstone of the nation’s transportation strategy, facilitating economic growth and social mobility.
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Arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin approved by prosecutors
Prosecutors have officially approved an arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the globally renowned Shaolin Temple. This development marks a significant legal step in a case that has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Shi Yongxin, who has long been a prominent figure in Chinese religious and cultural circles, is now under scrutiny for unspecified allegations. The Shaolin Temple, known as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and martial arts, has been a symbol of Chinese heritage and spirituality for centuries. The approval of the arrest warrant raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the case and its potential implications for the temple’s legacy. Authorities have yet to disclose detailed information about the charges, but the move underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold legal accountability, even for high-profile individuals. The case is expected to be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system.
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Japanese protesters demand PM Takaichi’s resignation
In a significant display of public dissent, approximately 100 Japanese citizens gathered outside the Prime Minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Saturday evening, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The protestors, armed with banners and chanting slogans such as ‘Takaichi step down’ and ‘Those who cannot conduct diplomacy are unfit to be prime minister,’ voiced their strong disapproval of Takaichi’s recent controversial statements regarding Taiwan. During a Diet meeting on November 7, Takaichi suggested that a potential military conflict involving Taiwan and the Chinese mainland could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, potentially justifying the use of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces under the right of collective self-defense. Despite widespread criticism, Takaichi has refused to retract her comments, asserting that they align with the government’s longstanding position. In response, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao met with Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi to formally protest Takaichi’s remarks, underscoring the diplomatic tensions they have ignited.
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NFL Hall of Famer Kenny Easley passes away aged 66
Kenny Easley, a revered figure in both college and NFL football history, passed away on Friday at the age of 66. The Seattle Seahawks, with whom Easley spent his entire seven-year NFL career (1981-87), announced his death on Saturday. Easley’s career was cut short at 28 due to a kidney ailment, but his impact on the game remains indelible. Known for his leadership, toughness, and athletic prowess, Easley was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Easley’s 1984 season was particularly remarkable, as he led the NFL with 10 interceptions, earning him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His career stats include 32 interceptions in 89 games, with three returned for touchdowns. After his forced retirement, Easley sued the Seahawks, alleging that large doses of ibuprofen prescribed by the team damaged his kidneys. The case was settled out of court, and Easley underwent a kidney transplant in 1990. Despite the legal battle, Easley later reconciled with the franchise and was honored with a place in the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002. His No. 45 jersey was retired in 2017. Easley’s legacy at UCLA is equally impressive; he remains the school’s record holder with 19 interceptions and ranks fifth with 374 tackles. UCLA expressed its condolences, stating, ‘We mourn the passing of Bruin legend Kenny Easley. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were inspired by him.’