A group of Taiwanese students has embarked on a week-long cultural exchange program in Tianjin, China, aimed at exploring modern Chinese history and fostering cross-strait friendships. Organized jointly by Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Chung Hua University in Taiwan, this annual event is now in its 11th year. The program includes visits to significant historical sites such as the Dagukou Fort Ruins Museum, the Liang Qichao Former Residence, and the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School, alongside interactive sessions with local students. Hu Zhigang, deputy Party secretary of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, emphasized the program’s role in enhancing mutual understanding and camaraderie among young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. This year, 22 Taiwanese students participated, engaging in activities designed to deepen their appreciation of Chinese history and culture.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Iran’s president says capital must move from Tehran over ecological concerns
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the urgent need to relocate the country’s capital from Tehran, citing severe ecological challenges that make the city unsustainable. Speaking at a meeting in Qazvin, Pezeshkian emphasized that overcrowding and chronic water shortages in Tehran, home to 9.7 million people, have made the move unavoidable. The government has proposed the underdeveloped Makran region in southeastern Iran as a potential new capital. Pezeshkian acknowledged that budget constraints previously hindered such plans but stressed that relocation is no longer optional. He warned that continuing to expand Tehran is untenable due to its water crisis, exacerbated by a prolonged drought and inefficient water management. Environmental experts have long cautioned that Tehran’s ecological capacity has been exceeded, with poor resource management worsening the situation. Tehran’s water supply, primarily sourced from dams and underground reserves, has been severely impacted by low rainfall and increased evaporation. Pezeshkian has repeatedly raised concerns about the crisis, even discussing the issue with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The government now faces mounting pressure to address the city’s ecological and infrastructural challenges.
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China stocks putting AI froth over fragile economic reality
As global markets ride the wave of irrational AI exuberance, China’s soaring stock valuations appear increasingly disconnected from economic fundamentals. The world’s second-largest economy is slowing, with deflationary pressures persisting. Despite this, Chinese equities are rallying to decade highs, creating a critical challenge for President Xi Jinping to bridge the gap between investor optimism and the $19 trillion economy’s financial realities. Xi’s administration must act decisively to implement the 15th Five-Year Plan, unveiled in October, which emphasizes technological self-reliance, efficient manufacturing, and a green transformation. Key priorities include boosting domestic consumption, leveling industry playing fields, and advancing the ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative, which targets dominance in AI, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and other future technologies. However, the plan’s execution remains a significant hurdle. Since 2013, Xi has championed market-driven reforms, yet the gap between rhetoric and action persists. As deflation deepens and US tariffs impact global demand, Beijing faces the temptation to prioritize short-term stimulus over long-term structural reforms. Premier Li Qiang’s ability to balance these competing demands in 2026 will be crucial. Meanwhile, global investors are increasingly drawn to Chinese tech stocks, driven by successes like BYD, DeepSeek, and Alibaba. Despite concerns over deflation and property sector woes, China’s stock market rally shows resilience, with analysts noting that valuations remain below their 2015-2021 peak. However, economists warn that prolonged deflation could erode profits, weaken consumer confidence, and entrench weak domestic demand. The success of Xi’s economic strategy hinges on effectively implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan, fostering domestic consumption, and addressing structural vulnerabilities. As the global AI frenzy continues, China’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine its economic trajectory in the years ahead.
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Lawmakers’ thousands of proposals receive responses
In a significant development for China’s legislative framework, all 9,160 proposals submitted by national lawmakers earlier this year have been fully addressed, as announced at a recent work conference in Beijing. These suggestions were put forward by deputies during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s highest legislative body, held in March. Following a thorough review, the proposals were distributed to 211 organizations for implementation, with all actions completed on schedule and feedback provided to the respective deputies. The top areas of focus included ‘science, education, health, and sports,’ ‘development planning and comprehensive economy-related matters,’ and ‘social and public affairs,’ which collectively accounted for nearly half of all suggestions. This achievement underscores the efficiency and responsiveness of China’s legislative process in addressing critical national issues.
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Vaccination, hygiene urged as China enters winter flu season
As China steps into the winter flu season, health authorities are calling for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to curb the spread of influenza. Peng Zhibin, a prominent researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the current surge in flu cases is primarily driven by the H3N2 subtype of influenza A. While infections from the H1N1 subtype and influenza B viruses are less prevalent, the overall situation remains concerning. Peng confirmed that no novel influenza strains or new respiratory pathogens have been detected so far. However, she emphasized that flu activity is rapidly escalating across most regions, with childcare facilities and schools being particularly affected. Data reveals that children aged five to 14 are experiencing significantly higher flu detection rates compared to other age groups. To mitigate the spread, Peng urged the public to get vaccinated promptly and adhere to personal protective measures such as wearing masks and ensuring proper ventilation. She also stressed the importance of health monitoring and maintaining hygienic environments in schools and other key facilities. Schools are advised to track student absences due to illness and encourage sick individuals to stay home.
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Forum hailed for promoting Global South modernization
The Global South Modernization Forum, held in Beijing on November 21, 2025, brought together international experts to discuss strategies for advancing modernization tailored to the unique conditions of Global South nations. Themed ‘Working Together to Advance Modernization: A Shared Vision and the Path to Development,’ the forum emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and reforming the global governance system. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department, highlighted the pivotal role of Global South countries in reshaping the global economic landscape and fostering international stability. He underscored China’s modernization as a groundbreaking innovation in global development theory, reaffirming China’s commitment to the Global South. Participants from various countries shared experiences and insights, promoting mutual learning and collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable modernization.
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Senior Chinese legislator meets delegation of politicians from Pacific island countries
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Li Hongzhong, Vice-Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with a delegation of politicians from Pacific island countries in Beijing on Friday. The delegation was led by Stephen Felix, Speaker of Vanuatu’s Parliament. The meeting underscored the growing bilateral relations between China and the Pacific island nations, which have been flourishing under the strategic guidance of their respective leaders. Li emphasized China’s commitment to fostering closer exchanges with these countries, particularly in the realms of political parties and legislative bodies. He expressed a shared vision of building a closer community with a shared future. Felix, on behalf of the Pacific island countries, reaffirmed their steadfast adherence to the one-China principle and their eagerness to deepen cooperation with China across various sectors. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between China and the Pacific region, reflecting a mutual interest in sustainable development and regional stability.
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Watch: UAE President turns photographer, captures Canadian cameraman with Carney
In a remarkable display of warmth and spontaneity, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan created an unforgettable moment during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to the UAE. Amidst the formalities of the high-profile event, the President noticed a Canadian photographer in attendance and decided to step into his shoes—literally. With a smile, Sheikh Mohamed picked up the photographer’s camera and captured a candid shot of him standing alongside PM Carney. This simple yet profound gesture not only highlighted the President’s approachability but also symbolized the strong and friendly ties between the UAE and Canada. The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the human side of diplomatic engagements. The visit also marked significant strides in bilateral relations, with the leaders unveiling an ambitious roadmap to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and sustainability. Additionally, the UAE announced a $50 billion investment framework in Canada, focusing on AI and energy projects, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
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Chinese humanoid robot sets guinness world record with 106-km inter-city walk
In a groundbreaking feat of robotics, a Chinese humanoid robot named A2 has secured a Guinness World Record by completing a 106-kilometer inter-city walk without interruption. Developed by Shanghai-based Agibot, the android embarked on its journey from Suzhou on November 10 and successfully arrived at Shanghai’s Bund in the early hours of November 13. The remarkable achievement was officially certified on Thursday, with the robot covering a precise distance of 106.286 kilometers. Powered by Agibot’s advanced rapid hot-swap battery system, A2 remained operational throughout the entire expedition, showcasing its exceptional endurance and technological sophistication. Wang Chuang, senior vice-president of Agibot, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the successful walk demonstrates the maturity of the robot’s hardware, cerebellar balance algorithms, and overall durability. This accomplishment paves the way for large-scale commercial applications of humanoid robots. Equipped with dual GPS modules, LiDAR, and infrared depth sensors, A2 adeptly navigated complex urban environments, including traffic lights, narrow pathways, and crowded sidewalks, while maintaining stable perception both day and night. The robot traversed diverse terrains such as asphalt roads, tiled walkways, bridges, tactile paving, and ramps, all while adhering to traffic regulations. Upon its arrival, A2 humorously remarked to Xinhua reporters that the journey was an ‘unforgettable experience in its machine life,’ jokingly suggesting it ‘might need new shoes.’ This achievement follows another notable milestone in April, when the Tien Kung Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, completed a 21-kilometer half-marathon in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. The success of A2 underscores China’s growing leadership in robotics innovation and its potential to revolutionize industries worldwide.
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At least five killed in Bangladesh earthquake
A devastating 5.5 magnitude earthquake has struck Bangladesh, resulting in the tragic loss of at least five lives, including one child, and leaving more than 450 people injured. The epicenter of the quake was located near the Narsingdi district, approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the capital city of Dhaka. The tremors caused widespread panic, with residents fleeing their homes as buildings shook and makeshift structures collapsed. A stampede at Dhaka University injured at least 10 students as they attempted to evacuate. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the country’s environmental adviser, remarked, ‘We have never experienced an earthquake this powerful in the last five years.’ In Dhaka’s Armanitola area, three fatalities occurred when a railing and debris fell from a five-story building, according to deputy police commissioner Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami. Nitai Chandra De Sarkar, director of the monitoring division, reported 461 injuries nationwide, with 252 in the Gazipur district north of Dhaka. Sarkar emphasized the immediate focus on assessing casualties and damage, noting that rescue operations and debris management were not yet significant challenges. Witnesses described the terrifying experience, with Bengali Sadman Sakib stating, ‘I have never felt such a tremor in my 30 years of life.’ The earthquake also disrupted Ireland’s second cricket test match in Bangladesh, causing a brief pause in play. Heinrich Malan, Ireland’s head coach, expressed concern for those affected, stating, ‘We’re thinking of everyone and hoping there wasn’t too much damage done.’ Tremors were felt in eastern Indian states bordering Bangladesh, but no major damage was reported.