Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has announced the construction of a state-of-the-art VVIP terminal and private jet hangar, designed to cater to high-net-worth travelers visiting the emirate’s premier beachfront destinations and the upcoming $3.9-billion Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated gaming resort. The project, unveiled at the Dubai Airshow, is a collaboration between the airport and Falcon Executive Aviation, a subsidiary of Alex Group Investment. The new Fixed Base Operation (FBO) facility will span 1,500 square meters, featuring a Royal lounge, four VVIP lounges, and premium hospitality areas. Airside amenities will include a helipad, extensive aircraft parking, and space for emerging vertical mobility solutions. The 8,000-square-meter multi-purpose hangar will accommodate ultra-long-range private jets and offer maintenance and operational services. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation, emphasized that the project aligns with the emirate’s aviation and tourism growth strategy, leveraging its proximity to key attractions. The facility is designed to meet LEED Gold standards, incorporating solar power to offset 35% of its energy consumption, fully electric ground support equipment, and sustainable aviation fuel. Construction is set to commence soon, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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K-pop fans’ environmental activism comes to UN climate talks
In a groundbreaking move, K-pop fans have emerged as a powerful force in the fight against climate change, showcasing their influence at the United Nations climate talks (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. Known for their passionate dedication, these fans are leveraging their collective energy to address global environmental issues. The event featured creative protests, including costumed demonstrations inspired by the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” which has garnered over 325 million views. Activists carried banners reading “Export K-pop, not fossil fuels,” urging South Korea to halt its funding for foreign fossil fuel projects. South Korea’s Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, Kim Seong-hwan, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting K-pop fans and artists in their climate advocacy. This marks the first time K-pop fans, rather than the artists themselves, have been spotlighted on a COP stage. Cheulhong Kim, director of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil, highlighted the unique ability of K-pop fans to shape social and political discourse. K-pop fandoms have previously mobilized for causes such as the U.S. Black Lives Matter movement, opposing coal plant deals, and advocating for political change in South Korea. Experts like Gyu Tag Lee, a professor at George Mason University Korea, noted that the fans’ engagement with social issues is partly driven by the actions of K-pop groups like Blackpink, which has actively supported climate negotiations. Dayeon Lee of KPOP4PLANET emphasized the unifying power of K-pop culture, stating, “We are young people facing the same future, fluent in social media, keen to respond to injustice.” The activism aligns with the Brazilian concept of “mutirão,” a spirit of collective effort championed by the COP30 Presidency. Vinicius Gurtler, general coordinator for international affairs in Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, underscored the role of music and youth in envisioning a sustainable future. Over 80 countries have endorsed the “mutirão” initiative, which environmentalists believe could mark a turning point in global climate action.
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Former Czech deputy FM hails success of China’s five-year plans
In a recent exclusive interview with China Daily, Petr Drulak, the former deputy foreign minister of the Czech Republic, lauded China’s economic and social development model. Drulak highlighted the significant increase in China’s share of global GDP, which has risen from approximately 9 percent in 2005 to 20 percent in 2025, based on purchasing power parity. This substantial growth underscores the efficacy of China’s five-year plans, showcasing the nation’s economic resilience and sustained development. Drulak’s remarks emphasize the global recognition of China’s strategic planning and its ability to achieve long-term economic goals. The interview also reflects the growing international interest in China’s development strategies and their implications for global economic dynamics.
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Misleading narrative hampering scaling of clean energy, Chinese expert says
At a side event during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil, Zhang Yongsheng, director of the Research Institute for Eco-civilization at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted the detrimental impact of misleading narratives on the global scaling of clean energy. The event, themed ‘Net-Zero Emission Transition Led by Global Green Actions,’ emphasized the urgent need to address misconceptions about overcapacity in renewable energy, which are creating artificial barriers to achieving the 1.5°C global warming target. Zhang stressed that redefining climate benefits to include economic gains from new industrial growth, rather than solely focusing on avoided damages, is crucial to breaking these barriers. Citing the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Zhang warned that the world is significantly off track to meet the 1.5°C target, even if all countries fulfill their current climate action pledges. He underscored the enormous action deficit threatening this goal and called for a paradigm shift in how climate benefits are perceived and communicated.
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In pics: farming activities in early winter across China
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GE Appliances bolsters ties with US suppliers as it moves production from China to Kentucky
GE Appliances has announced a significant shift in its production strategy, moving manufacturing from China to its Louisville, Kentucky facility, known as Appliance Park. This transition includes awarding over $150 million in new contracts to U.S.-based suppliers, spanning 10 states and covering essential components for washer and dryer production, such as plastics, castings, steel, and aluminum. The suppliers range from industry giants like U.S. Steel to smaller family-owned businesses. This move is part of a broader $490 million investment to retool a plant, which is expected to create 800 new jobs and expand the company’s domestic spending on suppliers by 3.3%. Production is set to begin in early 2027, increasing the total footprint for clothes care production at Appliance Park to the equivalent of 33 football fields. Lee Lagomarcino, a GE Appliances vice president, emphasized the broader economic impact, stating, ‘When we invest in U.S. manufacturing and our people, it drives growth far beyond our own walls.’ The announcement aligns with President Donald Trump’s efforts to incentivize domestic manufacturing through tariffs on foreign goods. GE Appliances, a subsidiary of China-based Haier, has seen its U.S. supply chain grow significantly, with a 69% increase in spending and a 58% rise in the number of suppliers since 2019. The company’s $3 billion, five-year commitment to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and reshore production is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and generate further economic ripple effects.
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A night bus from Cambodia’s top tourist destination plunges off a bridge, killing 13 passengers
A devastating bus accident occurred in Cambodia early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 passengers and injuring 24 others. The incident took place in Kampong Thom province when the bus, en route from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, veered off a bridge and plunged into a river. Deputy Police Chief Siv Sovanna confirmed that all passengers were Cambodian nationals. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver may have fallen asleep during the journey, which typically lasts around five and a half hours. It remains unclear whether the driver was among the fatalities. Approximately 40 passengers were believed to be on board, and rescue efforts continued throughout the day to locate any additional victims. The deceased were transported to a nearby hospital to await identification and collection by their families. This tragedy adds to Cambodia’s alarming traffic fatality statistics, with 1,509 deaths recorded in 2024 and 1,062 in the first nine months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
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China accelerates cultivation of elite talents in AI, integrated circuits
In a strategic move to bolster its position as a global leader in education and technology, China is ramping up efforts to cultivate elite talents in critical fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated circuits. This initiative is part of the country’s broader vision to build a robust education system that aligns with national strategic demands and industrial development.
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East China conference pools Maritime Silk Road development wisdom
The 2025 Maritime Silk Road Urban Cooperation & Development Conference, alongside the International Travel Agents Conference, commenced on November 19 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, East China. The event, themed ‘Integration and Innovation for Win-win Cooperation,’ brought together nearly 400 participants from countries including China, Italy, and Indonesia to explore collaborative growth opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, emphasized at the opening ceremony that China has paved the way for cooperation, opportunities, and shared prosperity with Maritime Silk Road partner nations. He pledged Xinhua’s commitment to fostering exchanges and supporting multi-field collaboration among these cities, aiming to enhance the high-quality development of the BRI.
Lian Yimin, Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, underscored Zhejiang’s dedication to innovation-driven cooperation and sharing development achievements with Maritime Silk Road cities. The conference, running until November 21, is co-organized by Xinhua News Agency’s Zhejiang branch, the Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government, and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
This gathering highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen international ties and promote sustainable development through the Maritime Silk Road, reinforcing China’s role as a global leader in fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
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Mainland warns DPP against sacrificing Taiwan interests for US favor
In a stern statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Mainland China cautioned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) against prioritizing U.S. favor over the welfare of Taiwan’s people and economy. Zhu Fenglian, representing the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that such actions would only serve U.S. interests under the ‘America First’ policy, ultimately harming Taiwan. The warning came in response to reports suggesting the U.S. had requested Taiwan to invest between $350 billion and $550 billion during tariff negotiations—a staggering sum equivalent to 44-69% of Taiwan’s 2024 GDP and 58-92% of its foreign exchange reserves as of October. Zhu criticized the DPP for allegedly sacrificing Taiwan’s resources and business interests to gain external support for its separatist agenda. She warned that such moves could lead to the outflow of capital, technology, and talent, severely undermining Taiwan’s industrial development. Additionally, Zhu expressed firm opposition to reports of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te planning a U.S. transit before year-end, urging the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and avoid emboldening ‘Taiwan independence’ forces. Zhu reiterated that any attempts to seek independence through external support are doomed to fail.