In 2024, the inaugural Reading Conference for All held in Xinjiang sparked a transformative realization for Liya, a dedicated bookstore manager. She discovered that literature and reading could serve as powerful tools to foster genuine connections among strangers. Inspired by this insight, Liya began organizing reading salons and diverse events at her bookstore, transforming it into more than just a commercial space. Her bookstore has become a sanctuary where book lovers can engage in meaningful interactions and build authentic relationships. Liya’s efforts highlight the profound impact of literature in creating a sense of community and belonging. Dive into the enchanting world of Liya’s bookstore and experience the magic of literature that brings people together.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Welcome home, Shenzhou XX astronauts!
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Dubai: Gold prices rise slightly; analysts say global costs could jump over $4,100
Gold prices experienced a modest increase in Dubai on Tuesday, with 24K gold rising to Dh480.25 per gram, while 22K, 21K, and 18K gold stood at Dh444.75, Dh426.50, and Dh365.25 per gram, respectively. This slight uptick comes after a dip in global spot prices, which fell to $3,971.26 per ounce at 10am UAE time, with silver priced at $47.56. The decline in gold prices on Monday was attributed to fading hopes of another interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in December, causing prices to drop below $4,000 at the start of Tuesday’s trading session. However, analysts are now predicting a potential surge in gold prices, driven by a weak ISM Manufacturing PMI report. The PMI stood at 48.7, significantly lower than the expected 49.4, signaling a slowdown in the US economy. Nadir Belbarka, an analyst at XMArabia, described the weak PMI as a ‘gut punch’ for the Federal Reserve, suggesting that a rate cut in December could ‘supercharge’ gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Belbarka also noted that the US dollar is under pressure, down nearly 0.6%, with further declines likely if risk-off sentiment intensifies. He anticipates gold could reach $4,100 this week as inflation fears subside and real yields decline. Last month, gold prices rallied to record highs before sharply falling towards the end of the month. Analysts expect no major movements in gold prices for the remainder of the year.
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UN official: China, EU to lead at COP30 amid US absence
As the United States is unlikely to have a significant presence at the COP30 United Nations climate change conference, China and the European Union are poised to take the lead in driving the agenda and outcomes of this critical global event. Scheduled for November 2025 in Belem, Brazil, COP30 will bring together nations to address pressing climate challenges. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, highlighted this shift in leadership during an exclusive interview with China Daily, emphasizing the pivotal roles China and the EU are expected to play. Andersen noted that both entities are not only supporting Brazil to ensure the conference’s success but are also spearheading transformative low-carbon investments in developing economies. These initiatives are anticipated to yield multilateral benefits, fostering sustainable development and global climate resilience. The absence of the US, a historically influential player in climate negotiations, underscores the evolving dynamics of international climate diplomacy, with China and the EU stepping up to fill the leadership vacuum.
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Japan’s new leader is praised for an ‘energetic’ diplomatic debut hosting Trump
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received mixed reactions in parliament on Tuesday following her recent diplomatic engagements, which included hosting U.S. President Donald Trump. While her efforts were lauded by some, opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda criticized her for what he termed ‘flattery diplomacy to the extreme,’ particularly regarding her plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, held a summit with Trump just a week after assuming office and participated in two regional summits. Noda acknowledged her ‘big smiles’ and ‘energy,’ which earned Trump’s praise, but questioned her judgment in light of Trump’s controversial suggestion to resume nuclear testing—a sensitive issue in Japan given its history. Takaichi did not comment on whether she would proceed with the nomination. Meanwhile, her recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung, aimed at fostering stable relations, have been well-received. Takaichi has softened her previously hawkish stance, skipping a visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and donating a religious ornament instead. Her approval ratings remain high, hovering around 80%, though her Liberal Democratic Party’s support remains stagnant at 20-30%. Takaichi’s government also launched a ministerial meeting to address foreigner-related issues, including investment, labor, and tourism, while distancing itself from xenophobia. Additionally, she initiated a task force to drive economic growth through public-private investment in key sectors like AI, semiconductors, and defense. During Trump’s visit, Takaichi reinforced her ties with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and pledged to usher in a ‘golden age’ of Japan-U.S. relations.
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On eve of UN climate talks in Brazil, a call for less talking and more doing
For three decades, global leaders and diplomats have convened at United Nations climate negotiations, yet Earth’s temperature continues to rise, and extreme weather events intensify. This month, as the COP30 conference kicks off in Belem, Brazil, the focus shifts from lofty promises to tangible action. Unlike previous gatherings, particularly the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, COP30 is being dubbed the “implementation COP,” emphasizing on-the-ground efforts to combat climate change.
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Saudi Arabia: Indian shot dead after dispute over buying illegal substances
An Indian national residing in Saudi Arabia tragically lost his life following a violent altercation over the purchase of illegal substances. The incident occurred in a mountainous area, as confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Interior on Monday. Two Ethiopian nationals were apprehended by the Jeddah Province Police for breaching the Saudi Border Security Law. One of the suspects allegedly shot the Indian man during the dispute. Despite being rushed to a hospital and receiving medical attention, the victim succumbed to his injuries. Subsequent investigations uncovered that the two Ethiopian individuals were involved in the trafficking of prohibited substances and drugs. They have since been handed over to the Saudi Public Prosecution, where legal proceedings are underway. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed, and the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia has yet to issue a statement.
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Nothing surprising in China’s innovative rise
China’s rapid advancements in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, electric vehicles, and green energy have caught many Western observers by surprise. Long perceived as a nation of imitators, China is now increasingly recognized as a formidable innovator. However, this narrative overlooks a rich history of Chinese ingenuity that dates back millennia. From the Zhou and Qin dynasties to the flourishing eras of the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming, China consistently stood at the forefront of global innovation. The current technological resurgence is not a sudden awakening but a revival of a tradition interrupted by colonialism and internal strife. Historically, Chinese innovations—ranging from paper, printing, the compass, and gunpowder to advanced hydraulic engineering and metallurgical techniques—have profoundly shaped global civilization. British historian Joseph Needham documented China’s leadership in applied technologies for centuries, even without an Industrial Revolution in the Western sense. Today, China’s innovation ecosystem is thriving, evidenced by its entry into the Global Innovation Index’s Top 10 in 2025 and its dominance in global patent filings, particularly in generative AI. This resurgence challenges the Western-centric narrative of innovation and underscores China’s role as a civilizational innovator returning to its historical prominence.
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At least 7 dead after passenger train collides with cargo train in central India
A tragic train collision occurred in central India on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and leaving several others injured, according to a senior government official. The accident took place near Bilaspur, approximately 116 kilometers from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh state. Local media broadcasted distressing visuals of the collision, with rescue teams urgently combing through the wreckage for survivors. Senior official Sanjay Agarwal reported that a local passenger train rear-ended a goods train, causing one passenger coach to overturn onto a goods wagon. Rescue operations are underway to extricate at least two passengers believed to be trapped inside the mangled wreckage. “We remain hopeful for their survival, but confirmation can only come once they are safely removed,” Agarwal stated. Around a dozen injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals, with one in critical condition. Indian Railways has mobilized all available resources for the rescue mission and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Chhattisgarh’s highest-elected official, Vishnu Deo Sai, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Train collisions are a recurring issue in India, where the extensive rail network grapples with aging infrastructure and human error. With over 12 million passengers daily across 64,000 kilometers of track, rail safety remains a pressing concern. Despite governmental efforts to enhance safety measures, hundreds of accidents, some fatal, occur annually, often attributed to outdated signaling systems or human oversight. This incident follows a devastating crash in eastern India in 2023, which claimed over 280 lives, marking one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters.
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Australian spy chief criticizes China for IP theft and political meddling
In a significant address at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Mike Burgess, the Director-General of Australia’s Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), leveled serious accusations against Chinese security services. Burgess claimed that China has engaged in widespread intellectual property theft and political interference, while demonstrating a lack of understanding of how Western intelligence agencies operate. He emphasized that while espionage is a common practice among nations, China’s actions go beyond acceptable norms by engaging in wholesale theft and high-harm activities. Burgess also criticized China’s response to his accusations, stating that Chinese officials often complain to various Australian entities but fail to address ASIO directly. He asserted that China’s behavior reflects a misunderstanding of Western liberal democracies and the independent role of security services. Despite recent improvements in diplomatic and trade relations between China and Australia, security tensions remain high, particularly as Australia aligns with the United States to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Burgess highlighted his strong collaboration with the FBI and reiterated Australia’s commitment to protecting its national interests. In his 2023 annual threat assessment, Burgess warned of unprecedented levels of espionage and foreign interference targeting Australians.