In a stern warning issued on Thursday, China urged the Philippines to ‘mend its ways’ and halt its repeated provocations in the South China Sea. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks during a press conference in Beijing, addressing recent actions by the Philippines that China claims violate its sovereignty. According to the China Coast Guard, on October 12, two Philippine government vessels illegally entered waters near Tiexian Reef in the Nansha Islands, prompting Chinese forces to take control measures and expel the intruders. Similarly, on October 16, two Philippine reconnaissance planes were expelled after allegedly violating China’s airspace over Huangyan Island. The Philippines countered by claiming that China’s actions endangered the safety of its crew and aircraft. Zhang reiterated China’s ‘indisputable sovereignty’ over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters, accusing the Philippines of ‘frequent infringements and provocations’ aimed at destabilizing the region. He also criticized Manila for spreading false information and seeking external support to pressure China. Zhang emphasized that China would continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty through ‘legitimate, legal, professional, and prudent actions.’ He called on the Philippines to return to dialogue and consultation, urging regional cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
UAE-Türkiye ties deepen as bilateral trade, cooperation reach new heights
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Türkiye have solidified their strategic partnership, achieving unprecedented levels of bilateral trade and cooperation. Ambassador Lütfullah Göktaş, Türkiye’s envoy to the UAE, emphasized the deepening ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and multilateral collaboration. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), effective since September 2023, has been a driving force behind this growth, propelling non-oil trade to $44 billion between September 2024 and August 2025—a 12% increase despite global geopolitical challenges. This milestone underscores the resilience and dynamism of the UAE-Türkiye relationship, which spans energy, trade, finance, defense, and technology. Ambassador Göktaş noted the strong historical, cultural, and religious bonds between the two nations, with over 50,000 Turkish citizens thriving in the UAE. High-level visits, including those by Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have further strengthened bilateral ties. The partnership not only benefits both nations but also contributes to regional stability. As Türkiye celebrated its 102nd Republic Day, the 52nd anniversary of UAE-Türkiye diplomatic relations was also honored, marking a forward-looking alliance poised for continued growth.
-
Radio Free Asia says it is halting its news operations due to funding troubles
Radio Free Asia (RFA), a prominent independent news organization, announced it will cease operations on Friday due to severe financial constraints exacerbated by the U.S. government shutdown and the Trump administration’s efforts to defund government-backed media services. Established in 1996, RFA has been a critical source of news in regions where information flow is heavily restricted, including China, Myanmar, and North Korea. Over the past few months, the organization has operated with minimal staff, focusing primarily on online content as its funding dwindled. RFA’s President and CEO, Bay Fang, stated that the shutdown is a necessary step to conserve resources and potentially restart operations if consistent funding becomes available. The closure will involve shutting down overseas bureaus and laying off staff, many of whom have been on unpaid leave since March 2023. Despite its challenges, RFA had seen a 20% increase in website visitors between 2023 and 2024, reflecting its growing influence. Meanwhile, RFE/Radio Liberty, a similar government-funded organization, continues to operate, though it has also faced funding cuts and legal battles with the administration. Voice of America, another affected entity, has essentially halted operations due to the funding crisis. The differing approaches of these organizations highlight the broader impact of the administration’s policies on government-funded media.
-
‘He wanted to help animals’: Israel kills Gaza veterinarian after the ceasefire
In a heart-wrenching tale of loss and resilience, Moaz Abo Rokba, a 30-year-old veterinarian from Gaza, became one of the many victims of Israel’s repeated violations of the recent ceasefire. Known for his expertise in surgical operations, Moaz had saved countless animals in the besieged Gaza Strip, earning admiration and respect from his community. Despite the dangers, he returned to his hometown of Jabalia shortly after the truce was announced, only to be killed in an Israeli air strike.
Moaz’s journey was one of dedication and passion. After earning his veterinary degree with distinction from Egypt’s Zagazig University, he returned to Gaza in 2019, where he worked tirelessly to improve public health standards and later opened his own clinic. His commitment to animal welfare and his dream of expanding his practice were cut short by the ongoing conflict.
His brother, Abdelrahman, recounted Moaz’s unwavering courage, even in the face of constant bombardment. ‘He was scared, but he couldn’t stop helping,’ Abdelrahman said. Moaz continued treating injured animals and feeding strays, often risking his life under Israeli attacks. His family, displaced to southern Gaza, held onto hope for his survival until a stranger confirmed his death days later.
Moaz’s wife, Rania, mourned the loss of her husband, a devoted father to their two young sons. ‘He was only trying to heal animals,’ she said, her voice filled with grief. ‘Israel always aims to kill the mindful, educated people of Palestine.’
Moaz’s death is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict, which has claimed over 68,643 lives since October 2023. His story highlights the resilience of Gaza’s people and the tragic loss of those who strive to make a difference amidst unimaginable adversity.
-
Israel launches probe into leak of video showing troops raping Palestinian prisoner
Israel has initiated a criminal investigation to uncover the source of leaked footage from the Sde Teiman detention center, which allegedly depicts the rape of a Palestinian detainee. The decision, announced by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Wednesday, will also scrutinize individuals responsible for distributing the video, which was broadcast by Israeli Channel 12 in August 2023. The footage reportedly shows soldiers forming a human barrier around the detainee during the assault. Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed the probe, describing it as a response to a ‘serious affair that created a blood libel’ against Israeli soldiers. Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir had previously called for an investigation, with Smotrich accusing the leak of causing ‘tremendous damage to Israel’ globally. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with reports of systemic abuse, including torture, rape, and murder, at Sde Teiman and other detention facilities. Despite a conditional order from Israel’s High Court in July 2023 to close the center, it remains operational, with former detainees recounting harrowing experiences of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Investigations by Middle East Eye, CNN, and the New York Times have corroborated these allegations, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.
-
$28.6tr boost: ADGM ranks among world’s fastest-growing financial centres
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has achieved a monumental milestone in the global financial arena, with firms operating within its jurisdiction now managing a staggering $28.6 trillion in assets worldwide. This remarkable achievement underscores ADGM’s rapid ascent as one of the fastest-growing financial hubs globally, attracting top-tier asset managers, private equity firms, hedge funds, and institutional investors to Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in 2015, ADGM has transformed from a nascent financial district into a powerhouse of global finance, driven by exponential growth and unwavering international confidence. The number of financial firms based in ADGM has skyrocketed from 130 in 2021 to over 300 by mid-2025, marking a 135% increase in just three years. This growth trajectory has been further amplified by ADGM’s ability to achieve its five-year strategic goals in half the time, reflecting the region’s appeal as a magnet for global capital and corporate migration. Assets under management within ADGM have grown at an average annual rate of 123%, while fund and asset-manager activity has expanded by 62% annually. The district now boasts 11,128 active licenses, the highest among regulated financial hubs in the region. ADGM’s ecosystem employs over 36,000 professionals, drawing top-tier talent in investment, legal, advisory, digital, and fintech sectors. Its unique application of English common law, coupled with Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth ecosystem valued at $1.82 trillion, has solidified its reputation as a stable, investor-friendly jurisdiction. Major global financial players, including BlackRock, Apollo, and Carlyle, have established or expanded operations in ADGM, signaling long-term commitment to the region. The district’s physical expansion onto Al Reem Island has increased its jurisdiction tenfold, making it one of the largest regulated financial districts globally. ADGM’s pioneering regulatory frameworks, innovation infrastructure, and influential events like Abu Dhabi Finance Week have positioned it as a trendsetter in global finance. As ADGM enters its second decade, market analysts predict it will soon rank among the world’s top five international financial centers, alongside New York, London, and Singapore.
-
Hainan striving to be a ‘low-carbon island’
Hainan Province has taken a significant step toward becoming China’s first ‘low-carbon island’ with the unveiling of a groundbreaking plan to build a new-type power system. The initiative, announced at the 6th New Power System and 21st CSG International Science and Technology Forum in Boao, aims to establish a provincial demonstration zone for a clean, modernized grid by 2030. This marks the first provincial-level demonstration plan developed in collaboration between the Hainan provincial government and China Southern Power Grid, designed to support the Hainan Free Trade Port and help the province achieve its carbon peak target. The strategy outlines eight key projects, including clean power supply, digital grid resilience, and technological innovation, encompassing 28 specific tasks to accelerate the new power system’s construction. As of late October, Hainan’s installed new energy capacity had exceeded 12 million kilowatts, making it the largest power source in the province. The plan also includes the development of offshore wind, solar, and geothermal energy, as well as the completion of the Hainan 500 kV provincial digital grid project by year’s end. Additionally, a new cross-sea transmission channel is in the works to improve power supply reliability. Hainan is also promoting green power consumption through electrification projects, including shore power for ports and electric vehicles, with the ‘Hainan Charging Pile’ platform linking over 4,800 charging stations. The province will develop vehicle-grid interaction projects to support the integration of millions of new energy vehicles. Power trading is becoming more efficient, with clean power from Western Inner Mongolia transmitted to Hainan for the first time in October. To manage large-scale new energy, Hainan will strengthen its intelligent dispatch system and accelerate pumped hydro and new storage technologies. ‘With this plan, Hainan’s demonstration will become a showcase for global power systems,’ said Jiang Hong of the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission. ‘We are fully building Hainan into a ‘low-carbon island’,’ added Yang Guoqiang, vice governor of Hainan Province, highlighting the island’s commitment to a green development path. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Hainan has built the 500 kV main grid and launched a commercial underwater data center cluster, with clean energy ratios among the highest nationally. ‘The global electrification wave is booming,’ said Angela Wilkinson, secretary general of the World Energy Council. ‘We must build a new energy system that balances security, affordability, and sustainability. True resilience comes from common progress, not going it alone.’
-
Chinese-German metals company opens innovation center in Shandong province
Heraeus (Zhaoyuan) Precious Metal Materials, a pioneering Sino-German joint venture in China’s gold application sector, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art innovation center in Zhaoyuan, Shandong province. The facility, now fully operational, is equipped with cutting-edge R&D infrastructure and staffed by a highly skilled technical team. The center is poised to spearhead advancements in semiconductor materials, enhance market competitiveness, and bolster industries such as artificial intelligence and big data. This development coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary in China, marking a significant milestone in its journey of investment and innovation. Ai Zhouping, President of Heraeus Greater China, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration between its Chinese and German stakeholders while driving high-quality growth in key sectors. Over the past three decades, Heraeus has expanded its product portfolio from a single gold wire to over 20 varieties, including silver, copper, and aluminum wires, underscoring its evolution and adaptability in the global market.
-
Automaker leverages premium audio to ride China’s intelligent vehicle wave
As China’s automotive sector rapidly advances toward electrification and intelligent innovation, Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture of Hyundai Motor Group, is seizing new opportunities by enhancing its in-car audio experience. The automaker has integrated Dolby Atmos technology into its vehicles, delivering immersive spatial sound through six built-in speakers. Additionally, an optional Bose external amplifier system with eight speakers is available for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality. This upgrade will debut in the Elexio SUV, Hyundai’s first fully electric model designed exclusively for the Chinese market. Ickkyun Oh, head of Hyundai Motor Co’s China business division, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, ‘As the in-car entertainment ecosystem evolves rapidly in China, we are proud to introduce the Dolby Atmos experience in a Hyundai model. We look forward to expanding this to more models and customers globally.’ The move aligns with the surging demand for intelligent connected vehicles, which is transforming automotive entertainment. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global automotive infotainment market is projected to grow from $35.78 billion in 2025 to $58.18 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. Hyundai’s strategic focus on premium audio underscores its efforts to stay competitive in China’s dynamic automotive landscape.
-
This Dubai girl is helping senior citizens embrace new technology
Divyana Maheshwari, a Grade 12 student at Dubai International Academy, has taken a remarkable step to bridge the digital divide for senior citizens. Through her initiative, DIVE, she is empowering older generations to navigate the complexities of modern technology. What began as a personal effort to assist her grandparents during the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown into a global movement, impacting thousands of lives. Divyana’s journey started in 2019 when she noticed her grandparents struggling with basic digital communication. She began creating simple video tutorials, teaching skills like sending voice messages, adjusting phone settings, and connecting to WiFi. These tutorials, initially shared within her family circle, soon expanded to platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp, gaining widespread appreciation. To date, Divyana has created 235 tutorials, reaching over 3,000 individuals across 12 countries. She has also conducted 14 in-person workshops in Dubai, collaborating with NGOs and old-age homes. Her initiative has even extended to helping seniors with Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders, partnering with organizations like Forget Me Not and Elderly Square. Divyana’s vision is to make technology accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of age. She plans to expand DIVE by involving more young people to dub tutorials into multiple languages and aims to collaborate with the United Nations to further her mission. Despite her ambitious goals, Divyana remains grounded, balancing her academic responsibilities with her passion for dance and spending quality time with her grandparents. Her story is a testament to the power of youth-driven social change and the transformative impact of technology education.