MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The annual migration of tens of millions of red crabs has commenced on Christmas Island, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. This natural phenomenon, triggered by the onset of the Southern Hemisphere summer rains, sees up to 100 million Gecarcoidea natalis crabs journey from their forest burrows to the shoreline for breeding. The event, which began last weekend, involves a slow, methodical march of crabs across roads and gardens, creating a vivid red carpet that captivates both locals and visitors. The island’s 1,200 human residents play a crucial role in facilitating this migration. Many use leaf blowers and garden rakes to clear paths for the crabs, ensuring their safe passage to the ocean. Alexia Jankowski, acting manager of Christmas Island National Park, emphasized the unique privilege of witnessing this event. ‘Some people might think they’re a nuisance, but most of us think they’re a bit of a privilege to experience,’ she said. The crabs’ journey is indiscriminate, often leading them into homes and driveways, where residents must carefully navigate to avoid harming them. On the shores, male crabs excavate burrows where females lay and incubate eggs. The females are expected to release their spawn into the ocean at high tide on November 14 or 15, during the last quarter of the moon. The young crabs spend a month as larvae in the ocean before returning to Christmas Island as small crabs. Jankowski noted the challenges of protecting these tiny crabs, stating, ‘When they’re little babies only about half the size of your fingernail, we can’t rake them, because you’d crush them. So instead we use leaf blowers.’ This annual event not only highlights the island’s unique biodiversity but also underscores the delicate balance between human activity and natural processes.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Wallabies name revamped team for test in Tokyo against Japan
In a strategic move to evaluate team depth, Australia’s head coach Joe Schmidt has unveiled a reshuffled Wallabies squad for their one-off rugby test against Japan in Tokyo. Nick Champion de Crespigny, a seasoned player with three test caps, will lead the team as captain. The backrow features Western Force teammate Carlo Tizzano and No. 8 Rob Valetini, while regular skipper Harry Wilson takes a spot on the bench. The inclusion of ex-All Blacks frontrower Aidan Ross offers him a rare opportunity to become the fifth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand in test rugby. The starting front row sees Zane Nonggorr making his test debut alongside Angus Bell and Josh Nasser, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams anchoring the second row. The backline has also undergone significant changes, with Dylan Pietsch returning from injury to join Corey Toole and Andrew Kellaway in a dynamic back three. Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed retain their roles in the halves, while Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook form the center partnership. Schmidt emphasized the squad’s readiness, acknowledging Japan’s formidable home advantage. The Wallabies, coming off a narrow 28-24 loss to New Zealand in the Rugby Championship, aim to rebound against Japan, who recently fell to Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup final. This match kicks off a challenging tour for Australia, with subsequent tests against England, Italy, Ireland, and France.
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Taiwan compatriots invited to mark historic anniversary
In a significant move to honor historical milestones, Taiwan compatriots have been invited to participate in a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. The event, scheduled to take place on the mainland, was announced by Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, on Wednesday. The gathering aims to unite Chinese people worldwide, including those from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, to reflect on the shared history of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and to honor the heroes who contributed to Taiwan’s return to the motherland.
Zhu emphasized the importance of this commemoration in safeguarding the victorious outcome of the war and protecting the common heritage of the Chinese nation. She also extended a warm invitation to Taiwan compatriots to join their mainland counterparts in celebrating the pride and dignity of being Chinese.
However, the event has faced opposition from Taiwan’s ‘mainland affairs council,’ which has prohibited public officials and related individuals from participating in mainland-organized activities. Zhu condemned this stance as a separatist move by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, accusing them of distorting historical facts and undermining the significance of the war’s victory.
Zhu also addressed the DPP’s call for ‘equal dialogue’ with the mainland, stating that such efforts are futile without recognizing the 1992 Consensus, which affirms the principle that both sides of the Strait belong to one China. She reiterated that the 1992 Consensus remains the cornerstone of cross-Strait peace and cooperation.
Despite these challenges, the mainland continues to promote cross-Strait exchanges through various measures, including facilitating travel permits for first-time visitors from Taiwan and expanding entry ports. Zhu highlighted that the mainland’s high-quality economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) will provide more opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, further enhancing cross-Strait economic and cultural ties.
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Americans beat China twice. Thitikul stays perfect at LPGA’s International Crown team event
The United States made a strong start on the opening day of the LPGA’s International Crown tournament in Goyang, South Korea, securing victories in both of their fourball matches against China. Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin delivered a commanding 5 and 4 win over Liu Yan and Yin Ruoning, while Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin edged out Zhang Weiwei and Liu Ruixin 1-up. The U.S. was the only team to win both of its matches on Thursday. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand continued her impressive form, teaming up with Pajaree Anannarukarn to defeat Australia’s Hannah Green and Grace Kim 1-up. This marked Thitikul’s sixth consecutive win in team competitions. Australia’s Minjee Lee and Steph Kyriacou managed to split points with Thailand after a 2-up victory over Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura. In Pool B, South Korea earned 1.5 points, with Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi defeating Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant 3 and 2, while Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu tied with Ingrid Lindblad and Madelene Sagstrom. The tournament features seven countries and a ‘rest of the world’ team, with players determined by the women’s world ranking. Fourball matches will continue on Friday and Saturday, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to Sunday’s semifinals and finals. Thitikul, a six-time LPGA tour winner, remains the only player in the field to have previously won the International Crown.
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North of country sees rapid shift in seasons
Residents in northern China are grappling with an abrupt transition from summer to winter, as autumn appears to vanish almost entirely. Just days ago, people were comfortably dressed in T-shirts and skirts, but now, heavy coats and down jackets dominate the streets. This sudden shift has left many puzzled, with experts warning that such weather patterns may become the new normal due to global climate change.
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Cambodian police arrest 57 South Koreans over alleged links to online scams
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Cambodian authorities have arrested 57 South Korean nationals linked to an alleged online scam operation. The arrests were made during a police raid on a building on the outskirts of Phnom Penh on Wednesday. According to a statement released by Cambodia’s Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams, 86 individuals were found at the site, including 29 Chinese nationals. A delegation of South Korean lawmakers, led by Kim Seok-ki, accompanied the raid as part of an ongoing parliamentary investigation into reports of employment scams, illegal confinement, and torture of South Korean citizens in Cambodia. This marks the second South Korean delegation to visit Cambodia in recent weeks, following a visit by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina last week. The arrests come in the wake of the repatriation of 50 South Koreans accused of involvement in similar scams. These individuals were among 64 South Koreans detained in Cambodia in recent months and flown back to South Korea on a charter flight. Upon arrival, they were detained for further investigation to determine whether they participated voluntarily or were coerced. The crackdown follows the tragic death of a South Korean student allegedly forced to work in a Cambodian scam center, which sparked public outrage in South Korea. Online scams, particularly those based in Southeast Asia, have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, victimizing both those forced to work in such operations and the targets of their fraud. Monitoring groups estimate that these scams generate billions of dollars annually for international criminal networks. Cambodian authorities have intensified efforts to combat these operations, raiding 92 locations across 18 provinces over the past four months, arresting 3,455 individuals from 20 nationalities. Most of those detained were identified as victims and have been deported, while 75 suspected ringleaders face charges in Cambodian courts. The Korean National Police Agency has issued arrest warrants for 49 of the 64 returnees, with courts reviewing warrants for 10 others. These individuals are accused of engaging in various online fraud schemes, including romantic scams, fake investment pitches, and voice phishing, primarily targeting South Koreans.
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Delhi’s air has become toxic once again
Delhi, India’s capital, is once again grappling with its annual air pollution crisis, as the city’s air quality has plummeted to ‘very poor’ levels this week. A toxic haze envelops the city, causing respiratory distress, eye irritation, and widespread health concerns. This recurring issue, which intensifies after the Diwali festival, has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including firecracker emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning in neighboring agrarian states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The onset of winter further aggravates the situation, as colder temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants close to the ground. Despite efforts to curb stubble burning and promote cleaner alternatives, affordability remains a significant barrier for farmers. Additionally, the recent relaxation of a ban on firecrackers during Diwali, albeit for ‘green crackers,’ has done little to mitigate the pollution. Reports indicate widespread flouting of restrictions, with more polluting crackers being used beyond the mandated time. The political blame game between Delhi and Punjab governments continues, while experts emphasize the need for long-term, collaborative solutions. As winter sets in, Delhi and northern India face yet another season of hazardous air quality, a tragic routine that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
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Surfer in distress and rescuer both die in stormy weather in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia — A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Melbourne during severe storm conditions, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The event occurred late Wednesday near Frankston Pier, where a 36-year-old British national, residing in suburban Frankston, ventured into the turbulent waters to surf despite the hazardous weather. The surfer’s board was damaged under unclear circumstances, leaving him struggling in the water. Witnessing his distress, a 43-year-old local friend attempted a rescue but was also overcome by the perilous conditions. Both men were retrieved from the water by a police rescue helicopter but could not be revived. An emergency responder involved in the operation was hospitalized after ingesting a significant amount of water but was later discharged. Authorities have yet to formally identify the deceased. Detective Inspector Melissa Nixon emphasized the dangers of entering the water during unsafe conditions. The storm, with wind gusts reaching up to 130 kph (81 mph), caused widespread damage, including fallen trees and power outages affecting thousands of homes and businesses across Melbourne and Victoria state.
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Sutherland, Gardner guide Australia to six-wicket win over England
In a thrilling Women’s World Cup encounter, Australia secured a commanding six-wicket victory over England, propelling them to the top of the tournament’s points table. The match, held on Wednesday, saw standout performances from Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner, who played pivotal roles in Australia’s successful chase of England’s target of 245 runs with 57 balls to spare. Gardner’s unbeaten century, scoring 104 off 73 balls with 16 boundaries, was complemented by Sutherland’s steady 98 not out, forming a formidable 180-run partnership. England, positioned third in the tournament, faced their first defeat as Australia’s bowlers, led by Sutherland’s three-wicket haul, restricted their scoring. Despite a valiant effort from England’s Tammy Beaumont (78) and a late surge by Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey, the defending champions fell short. Australia’s shaky start, losing early wickets, was stabilized by Beth Mooney and Sutherland before Gardner’s explosive batting sealed the win. England’s captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, acknowledged her team’s subpar performance but remained optimistic about future encounters. The victory solidifies Australia’s position as a strong contender for the title, while England looks to regroup for the semifinals.
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Australia beats India by two wickets to claim ODI series victory
In a gripping One Day International (ODI) clash at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, Australia edged out India by two wickets, thanks to standout performances from emerging batsmen Cooper Connolly, Matt Short, and Mitch Owen. This victory also sealed the series for Australia, giving them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-three encounter. India set a challenging target of 264-9, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge with a solid 73 off 97 balls. Australia’s bowlers, Adam Zampa (4-60) and Xavier Bartlett (3-39), were instrumental in restricting India’s total. In response, Australia chased down the target with 265-8 in 46.2 overs. Matt Short anchored the innings with a composed 74, while Cooper Connolly, in only his fourth ODI, remained unbeaten with a brisk 61. Mitch Owen, making his ODI debut, contributed a quickfire 36. The trio’s efforts were pivotal in Australia’s tense victory. Connolly, who had previously scored just 10 runs in ODIs, showcased his potential with five boundaries and a six. Owen, too, made an immediate impact with three sixes and two fours. Earlier, India’s Virat Kohli endured a rare failure, recording back-to-back ducks for the first time in his illustrious ODI career. The series concludes on Saturday in Sydney, with India hoping to salvage pride in the final ODI before the T20 series begins on October 29.