Xpeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of the Chinese electric vehicle giant Xpeng, has initiated trial operations at its groundbreaking flying car manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The factory, located in Huangpu district—a burgeoning hub for science and technology—marks a significant milestone in the development of the low-altitude economy. The first product to emerge from the production line is the innovative Land Aircraft Carrier, a hybrid vehicle designed for both road and air travel. The facility boasts an initial annual production capacity of 5,000 units, with plans to double this output in the future. At full capacity, the factory will produce one aircraft every 30 minutes. The Huangpu district government has lauded the facility as the world’s first mass production line for flying cars. The initial batch of vehicles will undergo rigorous test flights to validate performance and craftsmanship, paving the way for commercial deliveries next year. The factory’s assembly line, which includes advanced processes such as composite material integration, power systems, connection, painting, and final assembly, sets a new benchmark for the industry. The Land Aircraft Carrier features a three-axle, six-wheel design with 6×6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, ensuring superior off-road capabilities. Its compact design allows it to fit into standard parking spaces and underground garages, enhancing its practicality. The factory is expected to bolster the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s industrial cluster and strengthen China’s position in the global low-altitude economy. This development underscores China’s commitment to innovation and its ambition to lead in emerging technologies.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Dick Cheney, architect of the US invasion of Iraq, dies aged 84
Dick Cheney, the former US vice president who played a pivotal role in shaping American foreign policy and orchestrating the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. Cheney’s family confirmed that his death was due to complications from pneumonia, cardiac, and vascular diseases.
-
Exclusive: Violent Maccabi fans were organised fighters ‘linked to IDF’, UK police found
Dutch authorities have disclosed alarming details to their British counterparts regarding the conduct of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans during a November 2024 match in Amsterdam. According to intelligence reports, over 200 fans were linked to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with hundreds more described as ‘experienced fighters,’ ‘highly organized,’ and ‘intent on causing serious violence.’ This revelation has sparked significant controversy, particularly in light of the recent ban on Maccabi fans from attending a match in Birmingham, England, which was criticized by the British government as antisemitic. The ban, upheld by West Midlands Police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group, was based on Dutch police reports detailing the fans’ violent behavior in Amsterdam. The assessment highlighted incidents of targeted hate crimes, including assaults on Muslim taxi drivers, vandalism, and clashes with police. British MP Jeremy Corbyn condemned the government’s handling of the issue, accusing officials of distorting facts for political gain. Meanwhile, Birmingham Police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety during the upcoming match, amid planned protests by pro-Palestine groups. The situation underscores the complex intersection of sports, politics, and public safety.
-
Fierce mountain snowstorms and avalanche kill nine in Nepal
A series of devastating snowstorms and a catastrophic avalanche in Nepal’s Himalayan region have resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including five Italian climbers. The incidents occurred over several days, with the most severe event taking place on Monday at the base camp of the 5,630-meter Yalung Ri peak near the Chinese border. An avalanche struck a group of 12 climbers, claiming the lives of seven, including three Italians, two Nepalis, a German, and a French national. The remaining five survivors were rescued and airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment. Survivors described the terrifying moment when massive ice slabs descended upon them, burying some under the snow. In a separate incident, two Italian climbers lost their lives while attempting to scale the 6,887-meter Panbari mountain in western Nepal. The climbers had been missing since Friday and were confirmed dead by local authorities. Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest, attracts hundreds of climbers and trekkers annually. The autumn season, though less popular than spring, still sees significant expedition activity despite the challenging conditions. Last week, Cyclone Montha brought heavy rain and snowfall, stranding many trekkers on popular routes. According to the Himalayan Database, avalanches have been responsible for nearly a third of the 1,093 recorded deaths on Himalayan peaks since 1950.
-
China’s exhibitors at e-commerce expo in Jakarta generate promising prospects
The China International E-Commerce Industry Expo 2025, held in Jakarta from October 29 to 31, has set the stage for enhanced economic collaboration between China and Indonesia. The event, attended by government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, highlighted the transformative potential of e-commerce technologies in fostering bilateral trade. With Indonesia prioritizing its digital economy to drive growth, local entrepreneurs are poised to leverage insights from the expo to develop products for both domestic and global markets. The expo showcased a diverse range of products, primarily from China, including consumer electronics, agricultural machinery, and new energy solutions, alongside offerings from Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations. Xiong Canxin of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade emphasized the expo’s role as a gateway for both countries to access global markets. Over 400 Chinese companies from provinces such as Hunan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong participated, underscoring the event’s significance. Li Feng, CCPIT’s chief representative in Indonesia, noted that digital economy and cross-border e-commerce are emerging as key areas of cooperation, with Indonesia’s e-commerce market projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2025. Ahmad Ridha Sabana, Indonesia’s special envoy for MSMEs and digital economy, highlighted the need for partnerships with China, a global leader in digital innovation, to co-create a robust digital ecosystem.
-
Palestinian-Israeli opinion polls expose hollowness of Trump’s ‘Peace Plan’
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often perceived as a series of new developments, is in reality a repetition of unresolved historical patterns. This is the central theme of Robert Malley and Hussein Agha’s book, “Tomorrow is Yesterday.” The recent actions of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s “Peace Plan for Gaza” have only exacerbated the situation, turning what was once termed “conflict management” into a more devastating and unresolved crisis. Both Israeli and Palestinian political systems have failed to heal their societies, instead intensifying fear, grievance, and denial. The Palestinian political landscape remains fragmented, while Israel grapples with internal legitimacy struggles and a drift towards authoritarianism. Public opinion on both sides has hardened, with Israelis increasingly rejecting Palestinian statehood and Palestinians showing rising support for Hamas. The war has not opened avenues for compromise but has deepened existential threats, resulting in a military, psychological, and political stalemate. Israeli society’s dehumanization of Palestinians, evident in surveys and actions, contrasts sharply with Palestinian attitudes, which reflect anger towards both Hamas and Israel but prioritize survival and reconstruction. The ceasefire has not alleviated the distress in the West Bank, where settler and army violence continues unabated. The political imagination of Israelis and European diplomats remains limited, unable to conceive of a moderated Hamas or a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority’s poor performance and corruption have led to widespread demands for Mahmoud Abbas’s resignation. The majority of Palestinians prefer general elections and political unification of the West Bank and Gaza, despite their criticism of Hamas. The gap between Gaza and West Bank attitudes may prompt Israel to act more aggressively in the West Bank, perpetuating the cycle of violence and division.
-
Schools close as torrential rain from Typhoon Kalmaeigi hits Hainan
Hainan Province faced severe disruptions as Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding and the closure of schools in several cities and counties. On November 4, 2025, educational institutions in Qionghai, Tunchang, Ding’an, and Qiongzhong were forced to shut down to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Qionghai Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters escalated its emergency response from Level IV to Level III at 10:20 am, reflecting the escalating crisis. The relentless downpour caused the Wanquan River in Qionghai to swell dangerously, with water levels upstream of the Jiaji Dam reaching 11.54 meters by 11 am, accompanied by a flow rate of 5,125 cubic meters per second. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise, posing significant risks to local communities. Emergency operations have been mobilized across the region to mitigate the impact of the flooding and safeguard residents.
-
Pakistan cancels Eni LNG cargoes, seeks to renegotiate Qatar supplies
Pakistan has taken decisive steps to address its oversupply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by canceling 21 cargoes under its long-term contract with Italy’s Eni. The move, initiated at the request of gas distributor SNGPL, reflects a broader strategy to reduce excess imports that have overwhelmed the country’s gas network. According to an official document from Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) dated October 22, 11 cargoes scheduled for 2026 and 10 for 2027 will be canceled, with only peak winter shipments retained. Eni agreed to the cancellations under the contract’s flexibility provisions, allowing it to potentially sell cargoes in the more lucrative spot market. Eni declined to comment, while PLL, SNGPL, and Pakistan’s petroleum ministry remained silent on the matter. Simultaneously, Pakistan is in talks with Qatar to renegotiate gas supplies, exploring options such as deferring cargoes or reselling them under existing agreements. QatarEnergy has yet to respond to inquiries. The surplus stems from declining LNG demand, driven by increased renewable energy generation and reduced industrial consumption. Pakistan’s long-term contracts with Qatar and Eni cover approximately 120 cargoes annually, but imports have plummeted this year due to higher solar and hydropower output. The oversupply has forced Pakistan to sell gas at steep discounts, curb local production, and consider offshore storage or reselling excess cargoes. Eni’s last delivery to Pakistan was on January 3, and no further cargoes are expected in 2025.
-
India sends recovery plane to Mongolia after Air India flight makes precautionary landing
In a swift response to an unexpected aviation incident, the Embassy of India in Mongolia has extended critical support to passengers and crew of Air India Flight AI 174, which made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport on November 3, 2025. The flight, en route from San Francisco to New Delhi via Kolkata, was diverted due to a suspected technical issue detected mid-flight. All 228 passengers and crew members were safely disembarked and provided with hotel accommodations, food, and necessary immigration assistance through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Embassy and Mongolian authorities. Air India promptly dispatched a recovery aircraft from India, expected to arrive in Ulaanbaatar by Monday evening, to facilitate the passengers’ return to India. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but emphasized that the diversion was undertaken solely to ensure passenger safety. This incident follows a recent cancellation of another Air India flight on October 17 due to technical issues, underscoring the airline’s commitment to prioritizing safety. The Embassy of India has assured that it is providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals and working closely with Air India to resolve the situation swiftly.
-
China-Laos sugarcane import season begins
The 2025-26 sugarcane import season between China and Laos has officially commenced, signaling a significant boost in cross-border agricultural trade. On October 29, the first shipment of sugarcane from Laos arrived at Mengman Port in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, marking the start of a season expected to last until April 2026. Over 930,000 tons of sugarcane are projected to be imported into China for sugar extraction and production, with an estimated industrial output value of 620 million yuan ($87 million), reflecting a 12% increase from the previous season.