The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Istanbul under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, concluded without an agreement, as both sides exchanged accusations over the breakdown. The negotiations, aimed at easing border tensions and maintaining a fragile ceasefire, marked the third diplomatic effort since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan. Despite intense back-channel diplomacy, the discussions stalled late Friday, with no tangible progress reported.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Australia wins toss, sends India in to bat in T20 series decider
In a high-stakes showdown at Brisbane’s Gabba, Australia’s captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and elected to field first, setting the stage for a thrilling series-deciding Twenty20 international against India. With overcast skies and the threat of rain looming, the match could be shortened, adding urgency to India’s batting strategy. The visitors, leading the series 2-1, aim to secure victory after their dominant 48-run win on the Gold Coast, where Washington Sundar’s three-wicket burst dismantled Australia’s chase. Australia, meanwhile, seeks redemption after collapsing in their previous match, losing seven wickets for just 28 runs. Both teams made minimal changes to their lineups, with India introducing Rinku Singh in place of Tilak Varma. This match marks Australia’s final T20 outing before the highly anticipated Ashes series against England begins on November 21 in Perth.
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Xi attends carrier’s commissioning
President Xi Jinping presided over the commissioning ceremony of the CNS Fujian, China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, at a naval base in Sanya, Hainan Province. The event marked a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities, showcasing the nation’s advancements in military technology and maritime defense. President Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, personally presented the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) flag to the carrier’s captain and political commissar. The ceremony was attended by 2,000 personnel, including Navy officers and defense contractors involved in the ship’s design and construction. Following the ceremony, President Xi inspected the Fujian, observing its flight deck, which featured advanced aircraft such as the J-35 stealth fighter jet and KJ-600 early-warning and control planes. He also engaged with pilots and crew, witnessing a demonstration of the electromagnetic catapult system, which he had personally approved for installation. The CNS Fujian, with a hull designation of 18, displaces over 80,000 metric tons, making it the largest warship ever built outside the United States. Designed by China State Shipbuilding Corp and constructed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, the Fujian underwent nine sea trials before its commissioning. Military experts highlighted the carrier’s strategic importance, emphasizing its enhanced capabilities in safeguarding national interests and its potential to operate longer and further than its predecessors. However, they also noted that continuous training and exercises would be essential to fully realize its combat potential.
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China-ROK trade ties to drive growth in region
The deepening trade and supply chain cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is set to foster sustainable growth and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region, according to business leaders and experts. The recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the ROK, his first in 11 years, has been hailed as a pivotal moment for expanding bilateral business ties. President Xi attended the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and conducted a state visit from October 30 to November 1, 2025. Gao Chen, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the ROK, emphasized that this cooperation will strengthen supply chain resilience, accelerate the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and promote innovation-driven growth. By leveraging technologies like 5G and blockchain, the two nations aim to build a robust digital supply chain system. The synergy between the ROK’s semiconductor expertise and China’s manufacturing prowess is expected to create a resilient regional industrial network. Furthermore, the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement, in effect since 2015, is set to advance with accelerated negotiations on its second phase. Both countries, along with Japan, are advocating for a trilateral free trade agreement to deepen regional economic integration. Gao highlighted the role of frameworks like APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting China-ROK business collaboration. Choi Pil-soo, a professor at Sejong University, underscored the potential of China’s expanding consumer market to drive economic integration in East Asia. He also pointed to promising opportunities for technological cooperation in robotics, batteries, and quantum science. The growing presence of Chinese brands in the ROK market reflects the complementary nature of their industrial chains and evolving consumer trends. Liu Weiwei, vice-president of Winner Medical, expressed confidence in the region’s business prospects, urging companies to embrace win-win cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Dai Bing called for joint efforts to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguarding the international free trade system. As China prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, Dai emphasized the importance of sending a strong message of openness and inclusiveness.
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US students get hands-on with Chinese culture at “Touch of China” event in DC
High school students from Leonardtown High School in Maryland recently participated in the ‘Touch of China in Chinatown’ event at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center in Washington DC. The event, held on November 6, provided students enrolled in the school’s Chinese language program with a unique opportunity to engage in traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including clay panda making, calligraphy, and knot-tying. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by panda mascots and a China-themed trivia quiz, which offered small prizes to participants. Kinsey Albin, a senior in her fourth year of Chinese studies, expressed her enthusiasm for combining language learning with cultural immersion, stating that studying Chinese has broadened her perspective and fostered a sense of international connection. The event, organized by Hope Chinese School, American Chinese School, and Howard Chinese School, in collaboration with the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Chinese culture and strengthen cross-cultural friendships. Artist and instructor Zhang Longze emphasized the program’s goal of helping teenagers better understand China and fostering future cultural exchanges. Students like Drake Hozier and Evan Dearden, who have been studying Chinese for about a year and a half, found the language and culture both challenging and rewarding, expressing a desire to visit China in the future. Lily Jiang, who has studied Chinese for nine years and traveled to China with her family, shared her appreciation for the culture and people, highlighting the enriching experience of practicing the language in Chinese markets. Leonardtown’s lead Chinese teacher, Chen Si, expressed her delight in seeing students actively engage with Chinese culture and emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and study trips in providing students with an authentic understanding of China. The event underscored the value of cultural immersion in fostering global awareness and appreciation for diverse traditions.
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Women make inroads in Pakistan as they become firefighters and barriers slowly fall
In a groundbreaking shift for Pakistan’s deeply patriarchal society, women are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, particularly in emergency services. Last week, 23-year-old firefighter Syeda Masooma Zaidi led her team in combating a massive blaze at a tire storage facility in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. The fire, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, threatened nearby factories but was eventually contained without loss of life, though it caused significant financial damage. Zaidi’s bravery and skill highlighted the growing presence of women in Pakistan’s firefighting units, a field where they were virtually unheard of until recently. Her journey began at the Punjab Rescue Service Academy, where she trained in high-angle rescues and various emergency scenarios. Despite facing skepticism from onlookers who question her ability, Zaidi and her female colleagues continue to prove their mettle. Areeba Taj, another 23-year-old firefighter, and their supervisor, Ayesha Farooq, emphasize the unique strengths women bring to rescue operations, especially in situations involving women and children. Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, chief of the Sindh Emergency Service, noted that Zaidi is one of 50 women firefighters in the province, with 180 more in training for various emergency roles. This gradual shift reflects a broader societal change, as more women in Pakistan challenge traditional norms and pursue careers in fields like firefighting, earning respect and paving the way for future generations. Zaidi’s story is not just about courage and duty but also about breaking gender barriers and inspiring others to follow suit.
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James Watson, Nobel prize-winning DNA pioneer, dead at 97
James Watson, the renowned scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His passing was confirmed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he spent a significant portion of his career. Watson died on Thursday while in hospice care on Long Island, New York. Watson’s groundbreaking work alongside Francis Crick in 1953 revolutionized the field of molecular biology, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Their discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics and biotechnology, cementing Watson’s legacy as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. However, Watson’s later years were marred by controversy due to his repeated racist remarks, which led to widespread criticism and the revocation of several honors. Despite this, his contributions to science remain monumental. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory acknowledged his scientific achievements while distancing itself from his personal views, stating that his work ‘transformed our understanding of life itself.’ Watson’s death marks the end of an era for the scientific community, as the world reflects on his complex legacy of groundbreaking discovery and personal controversy.
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UAE sends relief aid to Afghanistan after deadly earthquake
In a swift response to the catastrophic earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has mobilized a comprehensive humanitarian aid mission. The initiative, spearheaded by a collaborative effort involving the Joint Operations Command, the UAE Aid Agency, and the Emirates Red Crescent, underscores the UAE’s commitment to global solidarity in times of crisis. The mission aims to provide immediate relief to the affected communities, ensuring they receive essential supplies and medical assistance.
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Turkey issues genocide arrest warrant against Israel PM Netanyahu
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity. The warrants, announced by the Istanbul prosecutor’s office on Friday, target 37 individuals, including Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The move underscores Turkey’s ongoing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which it claims constitute systematic violations of international law. The prosecutor’s statement specifically referenced the destruction of the ‘Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital’ in Gaza, a facility built by Turkey and bombed by Israel in March. This development follows Turkey’s decision last year to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the nation of genocide. Meanwhile, a fragile ceasefire brokered as part of US President Donald Trump’s regional peace plan has been in effect in Gaza since October 10, offering a temporary respite in the conflict.
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Sudan urges Trump to designate RSF a terrorist entity as it rules out UAE-linked peace proposals
Sudan’s ambassador to the United States, Mohamed Abdalla Idris, has called on the Trump administration to classify the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist organization. Speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Friday, Idris emphasized Sudan’s rejection of a UAE-backed peace proposal to end the ongoing civil war, now in its third year. He criticized Abu Dhabi’s support for the RSF as “destructive” and stated that Sudan cannot accept a peace deal involving the UAE as a mediator, given its role in the conflict. Despite the UAE’s membership in the “Quad”—a coalition including the US, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—Idris argued that the UAE cannot simultaneously be a party to the conflict and a mediator. The Quad recently unveiled a coordinated roadmap to resolve Sudan’s war, which Idris acknowledged as a positive step but reiterated Sudan’s opposition to UAE involvement. He also urged US President Donald Trump to take a more active role in pressuring the UAE to cease its support for the RSF, which has roots in the Janjaweed militia responsible for the Darfur genocide. The ambassador highlighted bipartisan efforts in the US Senate to designate the RSF as a terrorist organization, citing its ongoing atrocities in El-Fasher. He also called for independent investigations into war crimes committed by both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people, with 17 countries allegedly involved in the crisis. Sudan has raised these concerns with the Arab League and the African Union, though its AU membership remains suspended.