On Friday, October 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping of China engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The encounter took place on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. This meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between China and Thailand, two key players in the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions are expected to have focused on enhancing economic cooperation, regional stability, and mutual interests in the context of the APEC framework. Such high-level engagements are pivotal in fostering stronger ties and addressing shared challenges in the region.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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French PhD student at UCAS 2025: Cross-culture encounter awaits
Alban Schmoll, a French PhD student, is set to begin an exciting academic journey at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in 2025. Speaking at the university’s opening ceremony in Beijing, Schmoll shared his enthusiasm for joining a diverse and dynamic academic community. He expressed eagerness to engage with peers from various cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the value of cross-cultural learning and personal growth. The event marked the start of a new chapter for Schmoll, who is poised to contribute to and benefit from the rich academic environment at UCAS. His story highlights the increasing global appeal of Chinese educational institutions and the importance of fostering international collaboration in higher education.
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Tianjin inks $80m deal to introduce China’s industrial expertise to Middle East
Tianjin’s Binhai New Area has forged an $80 million investment partnership with Saudi Arabia’s global investment firm, ewpartners, aiming to export China’s advanced industrial systems and supply chain capabilities to bolster Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector. The agreement was formalized during the 9th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, with key officials from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jada Fund of Funds in attendance. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a national strategy focused on economic diversification and industrial transformation, while also supporting ewpartners Fund II, which targets digital, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and consumer sectors. For China, this marks a significant milestone in Tianjin’s industrial expertise ‘going global’ and reinforces the Belt and Road Initiative. Binhai New Area, with a GDP of $108 billion and hosting over 240 Fortune Global 500 companies, is a hub for petrochemicals, electronics, new energy, smart manufacturing, and the digital economy. Its world-class ports serve as a vital link between Asian and Middle Eastern industrial clusters. Wu Di, vice-chairman of the administrative commission of Tianjin Binhai Hi-tech Industrial Development Area, expressed optimism about leveraging Tianjin’s strengths in smart manufacturing, technology, and port logistics to deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The initiative aims to integrate Binhai’s expertise in new energy and industrial logistics with ewpartners’ regional network to accelerate technology transfer and industrial upgrades in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. Bandr Mohammed Alhomaly, CEO of Jada Fund of Funds, highlighted the shared commitment to Vision 2030 and building a robust private capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Jerry Li, co-founder and managing partner of ewpartners, emphasized that the partnership goes beyond capital, focusing on connecting industries and innovation capabilities to drive high-quality regional development.
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CCG conducts law-enforcement patrols around Huangyan Island
The China Coast Guard (CCG) has escalated its law-enforcement activities in the territorial waters and adjacent areas surrounding Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. According to an official statement released on Friday, the CCG has been conducting rigorous patrols since early October to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. These operations include tracking, monitoring, issuing radio warnings, and expelling vessels and aircraft engaged in illegal activities or provocations. The intensified patrols aim to strengthen management and control over the region, reaffirming China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The move underscores China’s proactive stance in maintaining stability and security in the South China Sea, a strategically significant area.
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India’s Jemimah Rodrigues opens up on mental health struggles at Women’s World Cup
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed her battle with anxiety during the Women’s World Cup, crediting her resilience and support system for her triumphant return to form. Rodrigues, who was dropped earlier in the tournament, staged a remarkable comeback with an unbeaten 127 runs in the semi-final against Australia, propelling India to a historic five-wicket victory. This win, achieved at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, secured India’s place in the final against South Africa on Sunday. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who missed the 2022 edition due to poor form, faced immense pressure playing on home soil. After inconsistent performances, including two ducks and a pair of 30s, she was benched for India’s group-stage match against England. Rodrigues admitted to breaking down in calls to her parents as she grappled with the stress. ‘I am so blessed to have friends and family I can call. It’s okay to ask for help,’ she said, holding back tears. A composed 76 not out against New Zealand restored her confidence, setting the stage for her semi-final heroics. Rodrigues emphasized that her sole motivation was to ensure India’s victory, not personal milestones. Both India and South Africa will compete for their first Women’s World Cup title, as no team outside Australia, England, or New Zealand has ever won the tournament since its inception in 1973.
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China sends astronauts — and mice — on its latest space station mission
China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, marking another milestone in its ambitious space program. The mission, which took off at 11:44 p.m. local time on Friday from the Jiuquan launch center in northwestern China, is sending three astronauts and four mice to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes mission commander Zhang Lu, a veteran of the Shenzhou-15 mission, alongside first-time astronauts Wu Fei, a 32-year-old engineer, and Zhang Hongzhang, a payload specialist with a background in new energy and materials research. The astronauts are expected to stay aboard the station for approximately six months, conducting 27 scientific experiments in fields such as biotechnology, aerospace medicine, and materials science. Notably, this mission includes the first-ever mice sent to China’s space station, with the aim of studying the effects of weightlessness and confinement on their behavior. The mice, selected from 300 candidates after rigorous training, will remain in space for five to seven days before returning to Earth. China’s space program, a source of national pride, continues to advance, with plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. The Tiangong space station, entirely Chinese-built, underscores China’s growing role in space exploration, particularly after being excluded from the International Space Station due to U.S. security concerns. Additionally, China is collaborating with Pakistan to train two Pakistani astronauts, one of whom may visit the Tiangong station in the future.
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Adnoc Distribution raises expansion targets and dividend outlook
Adnoc Distribution, the UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, has announced its strongest quarterly earnings since its 2017 IPO. For Q3 2025, the company reported a 15.9% year-on-year increase in EBITDA, reaching $319 million, while net profit surged 21.5% to $221 million. The first nine months of 2025 also saw record results, with EBITDA rising 12% to $885 million and net profit climbing 15.6% to $579 million. This performance was driven by robust fuel volumes, network expansion, and growth in non-fuel retail, with fuel volumes hitting a historic high of 11.7 billion litres. The company added 85 new service stations in the first nine months, including 72 in Saudi Arabia, marking a 150% year-on-year increase in its network there. Adnoc Distribution has now raised its full-year expansion target to 90–100 new stations, up from the previous guidance of 60–70. At its inaugural Investor Majlis event, the company announced plans to extend its dividend policy to 2030, subject to shareholder approval. Starting Q1 2026, dividends will be paid quarterly, with a minimum commitment of $4.9 billion between 2023 and 2030. CEO Bader Saeed Al Lamki attributed the success to the company’s transformation into a mobility and convenience retail leader, emphasizing its flexible platform and long-term growth strategy. Non-fuel retail also saw significant growth, with Q3 gross profit up 14.7% year-on-year and 39.6 million transactions recorded in the first nine months, a 10.2% increase. The company relaunched its convenience store brand as ‘Oasis by Adnoc’, offering upgraded food and beverage options, and expanded its lubricant brand, Adnoc Voyager, to 50 export markets. Additionally, its E2GO network of EV charging points grew to 368 across the UAE. With nearly 980 service stations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Adnoc Distribution is focused on innovation, regional growth, and customer-centric execution to redefine convenience and mobility in the region.
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Tecom Group posts Dh1.1 billion net profit in nine months
Tecom Group PJSC, a leading Dubai-based developer and operator of specialised business districts, has announced impressive financial results for the first nine months of 2025. The company reported a net profit of Dh1.1 billion, marking an 18% year-on-year increase. This growth was fueled by higher occupancy rates, increased rental income, and strategic portfolio expansion. Revenue for the period surged by 20% to Dh2.1 billion, while EBITDA rose to Dh1.7 billion, maintaining a robust margin of 79%. Funds from operations also grew by 16%, reaching Dh1.5 billion. The Group’s operational performance was strong across its Commercial, Industrial, and Land Lease segments. Commercial and Industrial assets achieved a 96% occupancy rate, up 2% from the previous year, while Land Lease occupancy jumped 8% to 98%. Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of Tecom Group, attributed the success to the company’s agility in navigating market dynamics and its disciplined focus on delivering customer value. He highlighted the Dh4.3 billion strategic expansion plan and Dubai’s appeal as a top destination for Greenfield FDI projects as key drivers of momentum. In Q3 2025 alone, Tecom Group generated Dh724 million in revenue, a 19% year-on-year increase, with net profit rising 10% to Dh373 million. EBITDA for the quarter reached Dh563 million, up 13% from the same period last year. A significant milestone was the Dh1.6 billion acquisition of 138 land plots in Dubai Industrial City, adding 33 million sq.ft. to its portfolio. This expansion increased the Group’s total Land Lease holdings to over 209 million sq.ft., solidifying Dubai Industrial City’s position as a hub for manufacturing and logistics. The acquisition aligns with national initiatives such as Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, which aim to accelerate industrial growth in the UAE. Additionally, Tecom concluded its dividend policy with a final Dh400 million payout for H1 2025, bringing the total dividends over three years to Dh2.4 billion, in line with its commitment to shareholder returns following its 2022 listing.
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Fusion energy gains global momentum as CFS secures Dh3.17 billion in funding
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a Massachusetts-based fusion energy startup, has successfully raised $863 million (Dh3.17 billion) in its Series B2 funding round, marking one of the largest deep tech clean energy investments outside the AI sector. The funding round attracted a diverse array of strategic investors, including tech giants like Google and NVIDIA, as well as major international banks and energy companies from Japan, Korea, Europe, and the UAE. This significant financial boost underscores the growing global interest in energy innovation, particularly at the intersection of AI and clean energy. CFS, a spin-off from MIT, is currently constructing its Sparc facility in Devens, Massachusetts, with supply chain partners from over 30 countries. The project, which is 70% complete, aims to demonstrate net energy gain—producing more power than it consumes—within the next two years. CFS’s approach combines proven Tokamak science with cutting-edge high-field magnets, which are now being mass-produced and installed in the Sparc facility. Fusion energy, which replicates the reaction powering stars, promises a future of abundant, clean, and dispatchable power. It offers energy independence by decoupling power generation from natural resources, making it ideal for urban centers and regions with limited land. CFS Co-Founder and CEO Bob Mumgaard highlighted the relevance of fusion energy to AI, which demands constant, high-volume energy. ‘AI is the fastest-growing energy consumer. Fusion pairs well with its needs—technically and philosophically,’ he said. Mumgaard also praised the UAE for its strategic vision and execution in energy infrastructure, from nuclear power to AI-driven innovation. ‘Energy is prosperity, and prosperity is change. The UAE understands this deeply and is well-positioned to lead the energy transition,’ he noted. With Sparc nearing completion and commercial fusion power on the horizon, CFS is not just chasing scientific milestones—it’s building the future of energy. The next step involves selling electricity from fusion, turning science fiction into reality.
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Philippines confirms death of Filipino seafarer aboard cruise ship
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has officially confirmed the tragic death of a Filipino crew member aboard the MV Arvia, a passenger cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises. The incident, reported on October 30, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the maritime community. While the exact cause of death remains under investigation, the DMW has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a thorough and transparent inquiry. The department is actively coordinating with the vessel owner and the licensed manning agency responsible for deploying the seafarer. The agency has already notified the deceased’s family and is providing regular updates on the case. The DMW expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing the loss as a significant blow to the maritime sector. The department reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and dignity of Filipino workers abroad, particularly during such challenging times. The incident underscores the risks faced by seafarers and highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in the maritime industry.