标签： Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has commenced residence at the nation’s official prime ministerial mansion in central Tokyo, ending her two-month tenure of parliamentary accommodation. The relocation follows criticism regarding her extended commute duration during December’s seismic emergency.

The historic stone-and-brick residence, inaugurated in 1929 and architecturally influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s demolished Imperial Hotel, carries a macabre reputation. The property was the backdrop for two attempted military coups during the 1930s, culminating in the assassination of several high-ranking officials including a sitting prime minister. Legends persist regarding supernatural manifestations of these historical figures roaming the hallways, with at least one visible bullet hole memorializing the turbulent era.

Takaichi, who governs on a platform of intensive work ethic and reportedly sleeps merely two to four hours nightly, follows mixed precedents regarding the residence’s paranormal activity. Immediate predecessor Shigeru Ishiba occupied the renovated (2005) property without expressing apprehensions, while ex-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reported undisturbed rest. Notably, former leaders Shinzo Abe (Takaichi’s political mentor) and Yoshihide Suga opted for alternative accommodations, leaving the residence vacant for nearly nine years until 2021.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to commence a significant four-day state visit to China starting Sunday, as officially confirmed by China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The high-level diplomatic engagement marks a pivotal moment in Sino-Korean relations, with both nations poised to address critical bilateral and regional matters.

The upcoming visit represents President Lee’s first major diplomatic overture to China since assuming office, underscoring the strategic importance both countries place on maintaining stable Northeast Asian relations. The timing of this state visit suggests potential discussions on economic cooperation, regional security dynamics, and multilateral collaboration within the evolving Asian geopolitical landscape.

Diplomatic analysts anticipate the agenda will encompass trade relations, technological collaboration, and possibly coordination on North Korean denuclearization efforts. The four-day duration indicates substantial working sessions are planned, allowing for comprehensive dialogue between Chinese leadership and the South Korean delegation.

This diplomatic mission occurs against the backdrop of shifting global economic patterns and increasing regional integration efforts. The visit follows recent economic forecasts suggesting widening disparities within Asia’s economic landscape, making bilateral cooperation increasingly crucial for regional stability.

The state visit demonstrates both countries’ commitment to maintaining open communication channels despite complex international pressures and competing strategic interests. Observers will monitor the outcomes for potential impacts on regional trade architectures and security frameworks in Northeast Asia.

The year 2025 stands as a testament to China’s growing global stature and national cohesion, captured through a series of defining photographic moments. The visual narrative of the year commenced with President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosting international dignitaries in Tianjin on August 31. The event, a grand welcoming banquet preceding the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, showcased China’s pivotal role in fostering multilateral diplomacy and strengthening Eurasian partnerships.

This diplomatic highlight was complemented by nationwide commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Ceremonies and exhibitions across the country served as poignant reminders of historical resilience and the enduring spirit of the nation.

Further amplifying the year’s significance was the hosting of the National Games within the dynamic Greater Bay Area (GBA). This major sporting event not only highlighted athletic excellence but also demonstrated the advanced infrastructure and organizational capability of the southern China mega-region. The Games symbolized national unity and the successful regional integration policies championed by the government.

Together, these events, immortalized through photojournalism, paint a comprehensive picture of a nation confidently advancing on the world stage while honoring its past and celebrating its present achievements through sport, remembrance, and international cooperation.

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s political landscape mourns the loss of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away Tuesday morning at age 80 following prolonged health complications. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which she chaired, confirmed her demise through an official social media announcement at approximately 6:00 AM local time.

According to The Daily Star, Zia breathed her last at a Dhaka medical facility where she had been undergoing extensive treatment since late November 2025. Her medical team had diagnosed critical cardiac issues coupled with severe pulmonary infection, compounding her existing health challenges that had persisted over several years.

Zia made history in February 1991 when she assumed office as Bangladesh’s inaugural female head of government, demonstrating groundbreaking leadership in a traditionally male-dominated political arena. She secured a second electoral victory in October 2001, further cementing her influence in the nation’s governance.

Her political journey encountered significant turbulence in February 2018 when judicial authorities convicted her on corruption allegations, resulting in her incarceration. However, in a notable turn of events, the presidential administration granted her release in August 2024, marking the conclusion of her six-year imprisonment period.

Zia’s passing represents the end of an era for Bangladeshi politics, where she remained a polarizing yet profoundly influential figure throughout her extensive career. Her legacy continues to shape the nation’s political discourse and democratic development.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conducted a significant inspection tour of a major munitions factory on Sunday, emphasizing the strategic importance of weapons production for national defense. According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the visit focused on evaluating manufacturing processes for advanced military hardware, particularly multiple rocket launcher systems destined for deployment with key units of the Korean People’s Army.

During the facility assessment, Kim characterized the new multiple rocket system as a transformative asset that would fundamentally reshape the composition of North Korea’s artillery forces. He described these weapons as becoming the “main strike means” of the country’s military apparatus, indicating their central role in future defense strategy.

The North Korean leader further urged factory officials and workers to build upon production successes achieved throughout 2025, calling for expanded achievements in strengthening national defense capabilities during the coming year. This directive aligns with Pyongyang’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military readiness amid persistent regional tensions.

The inspection comes during a period of heightened geopolitical sensitivity on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea continues to develop and modernize its weapons programs despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The public disclosure of the leader’s visit through state media channels serves both domestic and international audiences, demonstrating continued focus on military development while potentially signaling strategic intentions to external observers.

Bangladesh entered a period of national mourning following the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who died at age 80 during treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The three-time premier and first female head of government in Bangladeshi history succumbed to multiple health complications in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, shortly after dawn prayers.

In a remarkable demonstration of political reconciliation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—her longstanding political rival and leader of the opposing Awami League—issued a comprehensive statement honoring Zia’s legacy. Hasina recognized Zia’s pioneering role as the nation’s first woman premier and acknowledged her substantial contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic development and political landscape. The carefully worded tribute emphasized Zia’s historical significance beyond partisan politics.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia led for decades, confirmed her passing through an official social media announcement. Zia had been hospitalized since November 23 with a severe lung infection, compounding existing conditions including cardiac issues, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications. Her medical situation had previously necessitated specialized treatment in London earlier this month.

The scene outside Evercare Hospital grew increasingly emotional as news of her death spread, with supporters gathering to pay respects. Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman—currently serving as BNP’s Acting Chairman—arrived at the medical facility to lead mourning arrangements.

Condolences extended beyond national borders, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalling his 2015 meeting with Zia and highlighting her role in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. Within Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government, described Zia as a ‘great guardian’ of the nation whose passing represents an irreparable loss to the country’s democratic traditions. Yunus’ message particularly emphasized that Zia transcended mere party leadership to embody a significant historical chapter in Bangladesh’s political evolution.