标签： Asia

Prominent American author Rebecca F Kuang has publicly withdrawn from the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai, aligning herself with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement’s call to boycott the United Arab Emirates. The decision stems from the UAE’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

In an Instagram story posted Monday, Kuang shared her formal communication with event organizers, stating she is ‘no longer able to travel to Dubai’ for the festival. The author emphasized her consistent respect for ‘organized calls for cultural boycotts against genocide from communities affected.’ She specifically referenced her adherence to ‘the Palestinian BDS National Committee’s recent call given the mass atrocities in Sudan.’

The literary festival receives sponsorship from multiple government-affiliated entities, including the Investment Corporation of Dubai (identifying as the government’s ‘principal investment arm’), the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.

Kuang’s announcement followed significant social media criticism highlighting the apparent contradiction between her literary focus on colonial themes and her planned participation in the UAE-based event. Critics questioned the authenticity of her written works concerning colonization, forced labor, and displacement given her initial acceptance to headline the January festival.

Middle East Eye has documented the UAE’s alleged role in supplying arms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, which stands accused of ethnic cleansing and mass killings. In April 2025, the Sudanese government filed an International Court of Justice case against the UAE, alleging complicity in genocide.

This development coincides with growing global attention on the UAE’s foreign policy actions. In November, the Palestinian BDS National Committee issued a statement drawing parallels between tactics used in Gaza and Sudan, specifically calling for boycotts of Emirati institutions. The movement has previously successfully pressured international artists, including American rapper Macklemore in 2024, to cancel UAE appearances.

On Tuesday, academic and cultural workers formally launched the ‘Cultural and Academic Boycott of the UAE’ campaign (TAGATU3), gaining signatures from prominent figures like Angela Davis and Hatem Bazian. The initiative urges rejection of funding and collaborations with Emirati government entities and complicit institutions.

China has intensified its diplomatic pressure on Japan, demanding the immediate and comprehensive destruction of chemical weapons abandoned on Chinese territory during World War II. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense issued a formal statement through Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, highlighting Japan’s ongoing responsibility under international law.

Historical records indicate that Imperial Japanese forces deployed chemical weapons in violation of international conventions during their occupation of China, resulting in approximately 200,000 military and civilian casualties. In their retreat, Japanese forces concealed evidence of these violations by abandoning massive stockpiles of chemical agents across Chinese territory. These remnants continue to pose severe threats to public safety and environmental health, with over 2,000 documented poisoning cases attributed to accidental encounters with the weapons.

Despite Japan’s ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which mandates the secure disposal of such hazardous materials, progress has been critically delayed. Chinese officials attribute this delay to insufficient commitment and resource allocation from Japanese authorities. The Defense Ministry emphasized that toxin elimination represents both a historical obligation and a binding international legal requirement for Japan.

The Chinese government has called for enhanced Japanese cooperation in several critical areas: expedited information sharing regarding weapon locations, comprehensive assistance in identification and recovery operations, and assuming full responsibility for environmental remediation of contaminated sites. China’s statement concludes by urging Japan to reflect sincerely on its wartime aggression and fulfill its promises of creating ‘a world free of chemical weapons.’

Israeli authorities have issued a demolition order against a vital youth football facility in Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, threatening to erase one of the few recreational spaces available to Palestinian children living under occupation.

The artificial turf pitch, constructed in 2021 on land leased from the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, serves hundreds of young athletes aged 6-19, including girls who have represented Palestine internationally. The facility became operational despite the challenging environment created by the separation wall that looms immediately adjacent to the playing field.

Two weeks ago, Israeli soldiers affixed a notice to the gate declaring all activities must cease immediately and warning of potential demolition due to alleged permit violations. Similar notices were served to a nearby theater and garden in the same area.

Muhannad Abu Surour, director of the Aida Youth Centre’s sports program, described how children discovered the notice during early morning training. “The news spread quickly because of how important the pitch is,” he told Middle East Eye. “The children came to my house, knocking on my door, telling me what happened.”

The camp, established by the UN in 1950 following the Nakba, now houses approximately 7,000 residents in overcrowded conditions, including about 2,500 children. Surrounded by Israeli checkpoints, military bases, and settlements with seven watchtowers overlooking the area, Aida has been frequently raided by Israeli forces and was once described as the most tear-gassed place globally.

Young athletes expressed devastation at the potential loss. Salma Al-Azzam, 17, described the pitch as “a place to release pressure” from the camp’s constricting environment. “We were all very upset when we heard about the demolition decision,” she said. “I was shocked and there was a lump in my throat. We have many good players who deserve a chance.”

Local officials revealed the complex land ownership situation. George Juha of Bethlehem Municipality explained they leased the land from the Armenian church specifically for children’s use. “We made good use of it, but the Israelis don’t like good for anyone,” Juha stated. “They don’t want playgrounds, or construction, or anything at all.”

The demolition notice claims the facility violates military regulations and lacks proper permits. A final decision rests with the planning committee of Israel’s civil administration, which governs occupied West Bank territories. Israeli authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

The field’s international connections include a partnership with Chile’s Club Palestino, which represents the Chilean Palestinian community and has provided equipment and organized exchanges. A mural on the separation wall depicts children kicking a football under the slogan “Unity, freedom and justice” in three languages.

For 16-year-old Noor Abu Ghuneia, who has represented Palestine internationally, the potential demolition represents more than lost games. “This is the only field we have to play on,” she said. “We always said that this place is where we train so we can represent Palestine abroad. If they demolish it, we won’t be able to play.”