In a surprising turn of events, China has managed to outmaneuver the United States in the ongoing trade war, thanks to President Xi Jinping’s strategic patience and exploitation of President Donald Trump’s eagerness for a quick deal. This has led to another delay in the economic arms race initiated by Trump, pushing any potential trade agreement to 2027 at the earliest. This delay not only gives the U.S. Supreme Court ample time to potentially rule Trump’s tariffs unconstitutional but also allows Beijing to further insulate its economy from U.S. pressures. China is projected to grow by 5% this year, despite the tariffs, while the U.S. faces a shaky labor market and rising inflation. Goldman Sachs predicts even stronger growth for China in 2026, potentially reaching 6%, driven by government efforts to boost manufacturing and exports. However, challenges remain, including a property crisis, high youth unemployment, and an aging population. Meanwhile, escalating tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan add another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. Despite these hurdles, China’s economy appears resilient, and Trump’s efforts to destabilize it have so far fallen short.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Turkey arrests three suspected Emirati agents
Turkish authorities have apprehended three individuals accused of espionage activities on behalf of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intelligence service, according to a statement released by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s office on Tuesday. The suspects allegedly utilized a Turkish mobile phone number to gather sensitive personal information on key public officials in Turkey, including executives in the defense sector and representatives of foreign nations. The prosecutor’s office revealed that the suspects obtained a mobile phone line from a Turkish GSM operator, which was subsequently transported to the UAE for use by intelligence operatives. During a coordinated operation, three suspects were arrested, while a fourth individual remains at large, prompting an international arrest warrant. This incident occurs against the backdrop of renewed tensions between Turkey and the UAE, particularly over their divergent stances on the Sudan conflict. While the UAE supports the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, Turkey has strengthened its ties with the Sudanese army. Despite these challenges, Turkish officials emphasize that their relationship with the UAE remains cordial, with both nations agreeing to compartmentalize disputes to avoid further escalation. This development follows a series of similar arrests in Turkey targeting individuals allegedly linked to foreign intelligence agencies, including those of Israel, Russia, and Iran.
-
UAE real estate booms as country emerges as a magnet for global wealthy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a premier destination for the world’s affluent, with over 9,800 millionaires relocating to the country in 2025 alone, according to Henley & Partners. This migration is driven by the UAE’s investor-friendly policies, tax efficiency, and cutting-edge infrastructure, which have transformed Dubai into a global hub for luxury real estate. The city now rivals established markets like New York and London, attracting unprecedented demand for ultra-luxury properties. Amid this boom, Sunteck Realty Ltd, a leading Indian luxury developer, has announced its entry into the UAE market with the establishment of Sunteck International in Dubai. The company has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest Dh15 billion in UAE real estate projects over the next three years, signaling its long-term commitment to the region. Sunteck’s inaugural project, a prime land parcel in Downtown Dubai near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, is set to redefine ultra-luxury living with contemporary design and branded residences in collaboration with global hospitality brands. Kamal Khetan, Chairman & Managing Director of Sunteck Realty Ltd, emphasized Dubai’s unique appeal, citing its unmatched growth potential and favorable pricing compared to other global cities. He highlighted the UAE’s attractiveness to high-net-worth individuals, noting that many are leaving Europe for the UAE. Khetan expressed confidence in Dubai’s real estate market, stating that it offers unparalleled volumes, pricing, and margins, making it the ideal location for Sunteck’s international debut.
-
Ethiopia volcano: Is acid rain possible after latest eruption? Effects explained
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, marking its first activity in nearly 12,000 years. The eruption released significant amounts of sulphur dioxide gas, which spread across parts of the Middle East on November 23 and 24. This event has raised concerns about the potential formation of acid rain in the region. UAE experts, including Shawkat Odeh from the International Astronomical Centre, have shared satellite images showing the dispersion of the gas. Ibrahim Al Jarwan from the Emirates Astronomical Society noted that the sulphur dioxide could react with atmospheric moisture, potentially leading to light acid rain in Oman and Yemen. However, Omani authorities have reported no immediate public health impacts or increased air pollutant concentrations. Acid rain, which includes precipitation with acidic components, forms when pollutants like sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can harm ecosystems, aquatic life, and vegetation, and may also pose health risks to humans, such as respiratory issues and eye irritation. While the situation is being closely monitored, no significant acid rain effects have been observed so far.
-
UAE and Japanese financial institutions buy big stakes in Indian banks
In a significant shift in India’s financial landscape, global financial institutions from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan are making substantial investments in Indian banks, capitalizing on the government’s relaxed restrictions on foreign shareholdings. Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest lender, is poised to acquire a 60% stake in RBL Bank, a private Indian bank, for $3 billion, marking the largest cross-border acquisition in India’s financial sector. Earlier, Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) purchased a 24.2% stake in Yes Bank for $1.7 billion, becoming its largest shareholder. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Japan’s largest lender by assets, is finalizing deals to invest $4 billion in Indian financial institutions, including a 20% stake in Shriram Finance, a major credit solutions provider. These developments align with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s vision to create more ‘big banks.’ Foreign investments in India’s financial sector surged to $8 billion in 2025, up from $2.3 billion in the previous year. Concurrently, India and Israel are advancing a free trade agreement (FTA) to bolster economic and technological cooperation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing the strategic partnership. The UAE’s investments in India are also set to reach $100 billion across sectors, including a controversial mega-mall project in Kashmir. However, these moves have drawn criticism from activists, who accuse India of human rights violations in the region. The UAE’s financial networks have also been implicated in supporting militias in Sudan, raising ethical concerns. As global financial giants pivot towards India, the Reserve Bank of India’s easing of restrictions has further incentivized foreign investments in medium-sized banks.
-
Rebuilding to cost $70b: Gaza ‘survival’ at stake, UN warns
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing that the territory’s survival is at risk following years of conflict and destruction. According to a new report by the UN Trade and Development agency (UNCTAD), rebuilding Gaza will require over $70 billion and could span several decades. The report highlights an ‘unprecedented collapse’ of the Palestinian economy, driven by sustained military operations and severe restrictions on movement and trade. The UN describes the devastation as a ‘human-made abyss,’ with critical pillars of survival—food, shelter, and healthcare—severely compromised. The conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 69,000 deaths in Gaza, according to UN-verified figures. The report underscores the cascading crises—economic, humanitarian, environmental, and social—that have pushed Gaza from de-development to ‘utter ruin.’ Even with optimistic projections of double-digit growth and substantial foreign aid, it could take decades for Gaza to return to pre-2023 welfare levels. UNCTAD calls for a comprehensive recovery plan, including coordinated international assistance, fiscal restoration, and measures to ease trade and investment constraints. The agency also advocates for a universal emergency basic income to address extreme impoverishment. Gaza’s economy contracted by 87% between 2023 and 2024, reducing its GDP per capita to $161, one of the lowest globally. The West Bank has also suffered significant economic decline due to violence, settlement expansion, and mobility restrictions, marking its worst economic downturn since UNCTAD began record-keeping in 1972.
-
B’Tselem: Settlers unpunished for 21 killings in West Bank ‘ethnic cleansing’
In the occupied West Bank, a disturbing pattern of unchecked violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has escalated over the past two years, with 21 fatal cases remaining unpunished. Human rights organization B’Tselem has labeled this as part of a broader campaign of ‘ethnic cleansing,’ exacerbated by a permissive military policy and the arming of thousands of settlers. Since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed over 1,004 Palestinians, including 217 minors, while in Gaza, the death toll has reached approximately 70,000, with 20,000 children among the victims. B’Tselem’s executive director, Yuli Novak, has decried the international community’s inaction, warning that the situation is deteriorating rapidly with no mechanisms in place to restrain Israel. Recent incidents include the killing of Abdul Raouf Ishtayeh near Nablus and Bara Khairy Ali Maali in Deir Jarir, highlighting the daily violence faced by Palestinians. Settler attacks, often documented on video, rarely lead to investigations, fostering a culture of impunity. Residents of Tulkarm describe living in constant fear, with increased checkpoints, violent raids, and economic hardships due to delayed tax revenues. Ameer Dawood of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission warns that without accountability, the violence will intensify, further destabilizing the region. The international community’s failure to intervene has allowed this crisis to deepen, with dire humanitarian and political consequences.
-
Malaysian scientists recruit bed bugs as crime scene sleuths
In a groundbreaking development, Malaysian scientists have transformed bed bugs, typically regarded as household nuisances, into invaluable forensic tools. Researchers from the Science University of Malaysia (USM) in Penang have discovered that tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus) can retain human DNA for up to 45 days after feeding. This revelation positions the insects as potential crime-solving allies, capable of providing crucial evidence in criminal investigations.
-
Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 earns Sri Lanka first win in T20 tri-series
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka secured their first win in the T20 tri-series with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka was the star of the match, delivering an explosive unbeaten 98 off just 58 balls. His innings, studded with four sixes and 11 boundaries, propelled Sri Lanka to a comfortable 148-1, chasing down Zimbabwe’s modest total of 146-5 with 22 balls to spare. Nissanka’s aggressive yet calculated approach, particularly against Zimbabwe’s pace attack, set the tone for the match. He was well-supported by Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 25, as the duo forged an 89-run partnership off 64 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans conceding 44 and 36 runs respectively. Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (2-23) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-23), restricted Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Sikandar Raza’s 37 off 29 balls and Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 37 off 26 were the only notable contributions for Zimbabwe. With this win, Sri Lanka keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the final, which Pakistan has already secured. Sri Lanka must now defeat Pakistan in their upcoming match to advance, as Zimbabwe holds a superior net run-rate.
-
Taicang factory builds inclusivity
Nestled in the heart of Taicang, Jiangsu province, the Inclusion Factory stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. This innovative workshop is not just a place of work but a sanctuary where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and autism, find purpose and belonging. Amid the rhythmic hum of machinery, these employees are crafting more than automotive parts—they are building confidence, fostering community, and reshaping their futures.
At the helm of this transformative initiative is Zhang Xingjuan, a dedicated training manager whose unwavering patience and personalized coaching have become the cornerstone of the factory’s success. Zhang, 53, reveals how her once-short temper has evolved into a profound sense of calm, thanks to the symbiotic relationships she has cultivated with her trainees. For many, mastering the required skills can take up to 100 sessions, but the journey is as rewarding as the outcome.
Parents of these employees, who once grappled with uncertainty about their children’s futures, now find solace and hope in the factory’s mission. The Inclusion Factory’s impact extends beyond its walls, attracting over 100 corporate partners who recognize the value of inclusive employment. This pioneering initiative demonstrates that with the right support, everyone has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
Qi Xinran contributed to this inspiring story.