In a startling revelation, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., publicly accused him of drug use during a rally in Manila. The allegations were made on November 17, 2025, at the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s ‘Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy’ held at Quirino Grandstand. Senator Marcos claimed that the President’s drug problem has been a long-standing issue within the family, dating back to their youth. She expressed deep concern for her brother’s wellbeing, urging him to seek professional help and clear drugs from his system. The senator also implicated First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, alleging that both the President and his wife are involved in drug use. This accusation follows similar claims made by former President Rodrigo Duterte a year prior, which President Marcos had dismissed as influenced by Duterte’s reported fentanyl use. As of now, President Marcos has not responded to these latest allegations.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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India issues statement after Bangladesh seeks extradition of former PM Hasina
India has formally addressed Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing its dedication to fostering peace, stability, and democratic progress in the region. The statement, issued by India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows a recent verdict by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, which sentenced Hasina and former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for their involvement in a violent crackdown on student protests last year. Both individuals are currently fugitives, with Hasina residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh. India reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with all stakeholders in Bangladesh, underscoring its support for the nation’s democratic and inclusive future. The extradition request, based on a bilateral treaty, comes amid ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, with elections anticipated in February 2026. The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the aftermath of Hasina’s autocratic rule and the violence surrounding the upcoming polls.
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China’s exceptionalism sparks Japan’s angst at Taiwan
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent declaration regarding Taiwan has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape in Asia and beyond. Takaichi’s statement, which underscores Japan’s long-held view that Chinese military actions or a naval blockade on Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan, has placed China in a precarious position. Ignoring the statement could be interpreted domestically as tacitly encouraging Taiwan’s independence, while a strong reaction risks escalating tensions. Beijing’s measured response appears designed to deter without provoking a full-blown crisis. Taiwan’s strategic importance, owing to its location, thriving microchip industry, and appeal to overseas Chinese, makes it a focal point in the region. Control over Taiwan would not only sever Japan and South Korea from the rest of Asia but also bolster China’s dominance in the South China Sea, leaving neighboring nations on edge. The underlying question is whether Asia—and eventually the world—will accept China’s rise as a dominant power. If so, China could pursue reunification with Taiwan peacefully; if not, Taiwan’s reunification could be perceived as a threat. China’s security anxieties and disregard for other nations’ concerns complicate its regional ambitions. While the US has historically sought compromises to integrate China into the global order, China’s rejection of these offers has fueled tensions. The concept of Chinese exceptionalism, akin to American exceptionalism, further complicates its international relations. Without a clear global mission, China’s actions, particularly regarding Taiwan, are viewed as disruptive. President Xi Jinping’s “Global Governance Initiative” aims to address this gap, but its success hinges on balancing China’s interests with global norms. As China navigates its complex regional and global challenges, its ability to compromise and adapt will determine its future role on the world stage.
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Confucius Institute continues expansion with new projects
The Confucius Institute has marked a significant milestone in its global expansion by launching 16 new projects in 2025, including 15 Institutes and one Classroom. This expansion introduces the first Confucius Institutes in Algeria and Guinea-Bissau, further solidifying its presence across 164 countries and regions. The announcement was made during a sub-forum at the World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing, where ten of the new institutions were officially recognized with plaques. This brings the total number of Confucius Institutes worldwide to 510, reinforcing their role as a cornerstone of international Chinese education and cultural exchange. Assia Kaced, vice-rector of Algiers 2 University, expressed enthusiasm about the new institute in Algeria, highlighting the growing demand for Chinese language skills among the youth and its connection to strengthened economic ties between Algeria and China. The institute aims to not only teach language but also foster mutual understanding and respect between Algerian and Chinese youth. In Kenya, the Confucius Institute at Egerton University has pioneered an innovative model integrating Chinese language learning with agricultural technical training, benefiting thousands of students and local farmers. China’s Vice-Minister of Education, Ren Youqun, emphasized the need for Confucius Institutes to enhance teaching quality, explore AI integration, and align with the career development needs of trainees. Duan Peng, president of Beijing Language and Culture University, underscored the importance of local integration and digital innovation in ensuring the continued success of Confucius Institutes.
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Lhasa’s Potala Palace to implement Monday closure policy
The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, will implement a Monday closure policy starting December 1. Located in Lhasa, the capital of China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, the palace is renowned as the highest such structure globally. According to an announcement on its official website, the closure aims to facilitate essential maintenance, cultural relics inspections, exhibition updates, environmental disinfection, and public facility upkeep. The Potala Palace Management Office emphasized that these measures are crucial for preserving the site’s historical and cultural integrity. The decision, reported by Xinhua News Agency, underscores the commitment to safeguarding this ancient treasure for future generations. The palace, a symbol of Tibetan culture and history, attracts millions of visitors annually, making its preservation a top priority.
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Workers with disabilities building new kind of community in Taicang
In the industrial heart of Taicang, Jiangsu province, the Inclusion Factory is redefining the narrative around employment for individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities. This pioneering initiative, established in 2014, has become a beacon of inclusive employment in China, offering opportunities for those with conditions such as Down syndrome and autism to not only earn a wage but also build confidence, master skills, and integrate into a supportive community. At the core of this transformative endeavor is Zhang Xingjuan, a manager whose role extends far beyond traditional job descriptions. She serves as a mentor, a maternal figure, and a witness to the remarkable personal growth of her employees. The factory, which began as a modest project employing 12 individuals for automotive parts assembly, has grown into a comprehensive program that directly employs over 40 people and has assisted more than 30 in securing jobs in mainstream companies through its consultancy services. Zhang, who joined the factory in 2019, has found herself in an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling role. Unlike typical employees, her trainees often require extensive, one-on-one coaching, sometimes spanning up to 100 sessions of 100 minutes each to master a single task. However, the breakthroughs achieved through this patient guidance are profoundly rewarding. Zhang recalls the journey of Wang Xingchen, an employee who initially struggled with focus but has since become adept at complex wiring tasks and takes pride in his work. The impact of the Inclusion Factory is not one-sided; Zhang herself has undergone significant personal growth, finding a profound sense of calm and stability that she attributes to her work with the employees. The factory’s model, inspired by the German nonprofit Lebenshilfe, has been successfully localized in China, creating a vital link between parents seeking accessible workplaces for their adult children and manufacturers looking to fulfill their social responsibilities. The Inclusion Factory stands as a testament to the power of inclusive employment in fostering confidence, community, and personal growth.
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Tom Cruise to receive honorary Oscar in career first
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards in November 2025, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the decision on Tuesday, recognizing Cruise’s unparalleled contributions to cinema, alongside choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas. Cruise, 62, has been nominated for four Oscars but has yet to secure a win, despite his global fame for blockbuster franchises like ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun.’ The Academy lauded Cruise for his dedication to the theatrical experience, his groundbreaking work in stunt performance, and his enduring impact on the film industry. Debbie Allen, 75, was honored for her five-decade career, including her choreography of the Academy Awards ceremony seven times, while Wynn Thomas was celebrated for his production design in critically acclaimed films such as ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Additionally, country music legend Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive philanthropic efforts. The awards ceremony will take place in November, ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards.
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UAE detains prominent Sudanese civil society spokesperson
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under intense international scrutiny following the detention of Nader Maryoud, a prominent Sudanese civil society activist and spokesperson for the pro-democracy Resistance Committees movement in Omdurman. Maryoud was arrested by Emirati authorities two weeks ago without explanation, according to his brother Nizar Maryoud, who described the detention as arbitrary. The arrest occurred shortly after the Salha Resistance Committee issued a statement criticizing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group backed by the UAE that has been engaged in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese military since April 2023. The RSF, which has been accused of widespread atrocities including killings, lootings, and sexual violence, was previously in control of the Salha neighborhood until the Sudanese military ousted them in May. Residents have recounted harrowing tales of terror during RSF rule, including the massacre of at least 31 members of the Jame’at tribe. The UAE’s alleged supply of advanced weaponry to the RSF has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and prompted calls for international action. The United Nations Human Rights Council has opened an independent investigation into the atrocities, while the United States and other nations are pressuring the UAE to cease its support for the RSF. Amid growing concerns, activists are calling for the immediate release of Nader Maryoud and other detainees held in UAE prisons, warning against mistreatment during their incarceration.
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Dubai Police sets new Guinness record for fastest drone in the world
Dubai Police has etched its name in the annals of technological innovation by setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest drone ever developed. The unmanned aerial vehicle, crafted at the Dubai Police Unmanned Aerial Systems Center, achieved a staggering top speed of 580 kilometers per hour. This remarkable feat was accomplished in collaboration with South African developers Luke Bell and Mike Bell, who previously held the record with their Peregreen 2 drone, which peaked at 510 km/h in June 2024. The newly unveiled Peregreen 3, a battery-powered remote-controlled quadcopter, now officially holds the title for the ‘fastest ground speed by a battery-powered RC quadcopter.’ The record-breaking flights were conducted at Al Qudra in Dubai, where the drone completed two runs in opposite directions to neutralize any wind advantage. Dubai Police emphasized that this achievement underscores their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster security, enhance rapid response capabilities, and ensure operational readiness. The milestone aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of fostering innovation and integrating smart systems into public safety frameworks.
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Bangladesh’s Hasina: From PM to crimes against humanity convict
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, once celebrated for her role in the nation’s economic transformation, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The verdict, delivered on Monday, marks a dramatic fall from grace for the 78-year-old leader, who fled to India in August 2024 following a violent uprising that saw her palace stormed by enraged crowds. Hasina has remained in hiding since, defying court orders to return for her trial. The court in Dhaka found her guilty on three counts, including incitement to kill and failure to prevent atrocities during the 2024 student-led uprising, which resulted in the deaths of up to 1,400 people, according to the United Nations. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam described Hasina as the central figure behind the crimes committed during the unrest. The trial, which began on June 1, featured harrowing testimonies, including that of a man severely injured by gunfire, and audio recordings allegedly capturing Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal force against protesters. Hasina, who dismissed the trial as a “jurisprudential joke,” was already convicted of contempt of court in July 2024 and sentenced to six months in prison in absentia. She also faces multiple corruption charges involving her family members, including her daughter Saima Wazed, a former UN official, and her niece Tulip Siddiq, a British lawmaker. Both deny the allegations. Hasina’s political career, marked by a bitter rivalry with Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saw her rise to power in 1996 and again in 2008, during which she oversaw significant economic growth. However, her autocratic rule ended with the 2024 uprising. Analysts, including Thomas Kean of the International Crisis Group, believe her chances of a political comeback are now negligible. Meanwhile, Zia, aged 80, is set to contest the 2026 elections, with her BNP emerging as a strong contender.