Two months after a high-profile immigration raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing site in Georgia, some of the 300 South Korean nationals detained have returned to the U.S. to resume their jobs, according to their employer. The September raid, which targeted workers with expired visas or visa waivers prohibiting employment, temporarily halted construction at a battery plant operated by HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. The plant, part of Hyundai’s $7.6 billion investment in Georgia, is crucial for producing batteries to power Hyundai EVs. HL-GA Battery confirmed that construction has resumed with a mix of new and returning workers, thanking U.S., South Korean, and Georgia officials for their collaboration. The company remains on track to start production in the first half of next year. The raid, which saw workers shackled and detained for a week, sparked outrage in South Korea, a key U.S. ally. While some workers are hesitant to return, others have come back after confirming their B-1 business visas remain valid. South Korea has since secured U.S. commitments to improve visa processes for skilled workers.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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EU appoints first military advisor to Turkey
In a significant move to bolster strategic cooperation, the European Union has appointed its first military advisor to Turkey earlier this month, according to a Western official familiar with the matter. This decision reflects ongoing discussions in Brussels about Turkey’s pivotal role in the broader European security framework, particularly in light of the geopolitical shifts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Colonel Adam Grzymkowski, formerly Poland’s defence attaché in Ankara, has been named as the military advisor to the head of the EU delegation in Turkey, as reported by TurDef, a Turkish defence-focused news outlet. In a reciprocal arrangement, Turkey will also appoint a defence advisor to its mission in Brussels. Both advisors will operate under diplomatic status, emphasizing the diplomatic rather than formal military nature of their roles.
The EU has been actively enhancing its dialogue with Ankara over the past year, marked by increased high-level visits and coordination meetings. Europe increasingly acknowledges the necessity of Turkey’s cooperation in countering Russian influence. A senior German official highlighted the importance of deepening defence partnerships with Turkey, particularly in areas such as military drone technology, where Turkey has demonstrated significant advancements.
Additionally, the EU plans to appoint a diplomat focused on sanctions compliance, specifically targeting Russia’s ‘black fleet,’ which transports sanctioned oil. This move aligns with Turkey’s decision to reduce Russian oil imports in October following new US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
The appointment of a military advisor underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Turkey, recognizing its strategic importance in regional security and defence cooperation.
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Why Gen-Z has a complicated relationship with money
Generation Z’s relationship with money is markedly different from that of previous generations. While earlier generations often prioritized materialism and immediate financial gains, Gen-Z is navigating a more nuanced and complex financial landscape. This generation spends, saves, and invests, but their approach is shaped by the accessibility of digital tools, the allure of quick financial wins, and a broader awareness of systemic inequalities.
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Marco Rubio: US knows who is arming Sudan’s RSF and it must end
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the supply of weapons and financial support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at the conclusion of a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio revealed that the US government is aware of the entities providing these resources and is actively engaging with them to cease their involvement. He stressed that the continuation of such support would have severe repercussions on both the providers and the global community. Rubio refrained from explicitly naming the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the primary backer of the RSF, despite widespread reports and accusations. However, he highlighted the role of the Quad—a diplomatic initiative involving the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—in addressing the Sudanese conflict. Rubio expressed concern that the Quad process should not serve as a shield for those perpetuating the violence. The RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, has been accused of committing systematic atrocities, including murder, rape, and sexual violence against civilians. Survivors of the siege of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, have recounted harrowing experiences of mass executions, sexual violence, and looting by RSF fighters. Satellite imagery has further corroborated the existence of mass graves in the region. Rubio underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that humanitarian groups have reported fewer refugees than anticipated, suggesting that many may have perished or are too ill to flee. The UAE has denied allegations of its involvement, dismissing reports as fabrications. Meanwhile, Egypt and Turkey have pledged increased support for the SAF, and there are suspicions of Iranian backing for Sudan’s army. Rubio called for immediate action to end the atrocities and emphasized the need for accountability and compliance with humanitarian ceasefires.
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Young author Navaneeth Shreejith shines at Sharjah International Book Fair 2025
Navaneeth Shreejith, an eleven-year-old Grade 6 student at GEMS Cambridge International School in Abu Dhabi, has made a remarkable debut at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 with his first comic book, “Electrizer: Destiny Starts.” Published by Chiranthana Publications, UAE, the book was launched at Expo Centre Sharjah, attracting notable attendees including Hari Kumar, chairman of Elite Group of Companies, and Raman V, chairman of GBH International Group. Navaneeth, a passionate reader and artist since childhood, personally illustrated the entire book, which took 11 months to complete. His work, which combines adventure, friendship, and self-belief, has been praised for its creativity and inspiring message. The young author’s family, including his father, Dr. Sreejith, a cardiologist, and mother, Revathi, an engineer, expressed immense pride in his achievement. The Sharjah International Book Fair, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, is a global platform that fosters literary talent and cultural exchange, making Navaneeth’s debut a significant milestone in his budding literary career.
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UAE-based DP World takes control of Syria’s Tartus port in $800m deal
Syria has officially transferred the operational control of Tartus Port, its second-largest port, to DP World, a leading logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates. The transition marks a significant milestone in Syria’s efforts to revitalize its logistics sector after years of conflict. The move follows a 30-year concession agreement valued at $800 million, signed between DP World and Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports earlier this year. The deal is among the largest foreign investments in Syria’s infrastructure in recent history, aiming to transform Tartus into a modern, efficient trading hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fahad al-Banna, the newly appointed CEO of DP World Tartus, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its global expertise to modernize the port, enhance trade opportunities, and establish Tartus as a pivotal regional trade center. DP World plans to upgrade the port’s infrastructure, expand its handling and storage capacity, and invest in advanced bulk handling systems. This development comes after Syria’s government terminated a 2019 agreement with Russian company Stroytransgaz, citing contractual breaches and insufficient investment. The new administration, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been actively seeking to rebuild economic ties with Western and regional powers, including a separate 30-year deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM to operate Latakia Port. The easing of U.S., EU, and UK sanctions has further supported Syria’s economic recovery efforts. Notably, President Sharaa’s recent visit to the White House marked a historic moment in Syrian-U.S. relations, underscoring the country’s push for international reintegration.
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Shanghai’s Jinshan district reports economic growth
Shanghai’s Jinshan district has demonstrated significant economic progress and rural revitalization during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). According to local officials, the district’s GDP surpassed 120 billion yuan ($16.9 billion) in 2024, with per capita GDP reaching $21,500. Liu Jian, Party secretary of Jinshan district, highlighted the district’s focus on industrial transformation, spatial reorganization, and governance reforms during a recent press conference. The total industrial output of enterprises above a designated size exceeded 300 billion yuan, with emerging sectors like fiber materials, drones, and optoelectronic transmission materials gaining national recognition as characteristic industrial clusters for SMEs. The service sector also showed robust growth, with businesses above a designated size achieving an average annual growth rate of 62%. Jinshan attracted 20 major investment projects, each exceeding 1 billion yuan, including four megaprojects valued at over 10 billion yuan each. Innovation metrics surged, with invention patents per 10,000 residents doubling and international PCT patent applications increasing nearly 11-fold. High-tech enterprises grew by 39.5%, while specialized and sophisticated technology enterprises expanded by 375.3%. In agriculture, Jinshan implemented key initiatives, boosting agricultural labor productivity by 21%, surpassing the city’s average. Rural residents’ per capita disposable income rose by an average of 7.4% annually. The tourism sector flourished with the opening of the Legoland Shanghai Resort, which attracted over 800,000 visitors since July 2025, driving accommodation and catering business revenue up by 15.2% year-on-year. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Jinshan aims to become an innovative, green, and livable bay area, focusing on emerging industries, technological innovation, and urban-rural integration.
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Windows 10’s End Marks the Dawn of AI-Powered PCs
As Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, businesses across the UAE are being urged to transition to Windows 11 Pro and the next generation of Copilot+ PCs. This move marks a significant shift in the computing landscape, as unsupported systems become vulnerable to cyberattacks, posing a critical risk for a region rapidly advancing its digital economy. Microsoft, in collaboration with its regional distributor Logicom, is pushing organisations to adopt these new technologies to ensure security, efficiency, and future readiness. Windows 11 Pro, designed for hybrid work environments, integrates advanced security features such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, Secure Boot, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS), offering robust protection against modern threats. The operating system boasts 99.7% compatibility with existing business applications, facilitating a seamless transition for enterprises reliant on legacy systems. Alongside Windows 11, Microsoft is introducing Copilot+ PCs, which leverage Neural Processing Units (NPUs) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. These AI-powered devices enable local execution of AI models, enhancing productivity by automating routine tasks like document summarization, email drafting, and file organization. The hardware’s efficiency ensures longer battery life, faster performance, and enhanced offline capabilities. Matthias Scharer, Go-to-Market GM at Microsoft DPS EMEA, emphasized that the rise of AI-powered PCs is rapidly becoming the standard for organisations seeking smarter performance and robust security. To accelerate adoption, Logicom is collaborating with Microsoft’s partner network to provide early access to Copilot+ devices and Windows 11 Pro upgrades across the GCC. ASUS, a leading OEM, is also playing a pivotal role in this transition, offering lightweight and efficient Copilot+ laptops like the Zenbook A14. Mubasher Malik, Business Development Manager at ASUS, highlighted the importance of timely upgrades, warning that delaying the transition increases the risk of cyber incidents, data loss, and operational disruptions. For systems unable to meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, Microsoft’s Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers temporary security patches until October 13, 2026. However, this is not a long-term solution, and businesses are encouraged to modernize their systems promptly to stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
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Jailbreak, freedom, exile: Life of Mahmoud al-Arda, architect of daring Israeli prison escape
Mahmoud al-Arda, a 50-year-old Palestinian, has spent much of his life in Israeli prisons, enduring harsh conditions and solitary confinement. His journey began in 1992 when he was first arrested during the First Intifada at just 16 years old. Over the years, Arda became a symbol of resistance, rejecting the legitimacy of Israel’s occupation courts and viewing his escape attempts as acts of defiance. On September 6, 2021, he led a daring breakout from Gilboa Prison, tunneling out with five other inmates using spoons. Although recaptured within days, his story made international headlines. Arda was eventually released in October 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, but he was deported to Egypt, where he remains in exile. Despite his physical freedom, Arda describes exile as a “curse” and yearns to return to his homeland. His life in prison was marked by relentless abuse, including torture and medical neglect, yet he found solace in reading and collective resistance. Arda’s story highlights the broader struggles of Palestinian prisoners and the systemic abuses they face. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the Palestinian cause, vowing to continue resisting Israel’s occupation.
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Sheikh Mansour honours Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi with UAE Order for Culture and Creativity
In a significant ceremony held in Al Ain, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, presented the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity to Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the UAE President’s Representative. This prestigious award, part of its second edition, recognizes Al Suwaidi’s exceptional contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative development. Al Suwaidi, a pivotal figure in the UAE’s history, played a crucial role alongside the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in shaping the nation’s foundational institutions and cultural identity. Sheikh Mansour praised Al Suwaidi’s unwavering dedication and loyalty, emphasizing that the award reflects the UAE’s commitment to honoring citizens who have elevated its cultural and civilizational standing. Al Suwaidi expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and reaffirming his pride in serving the UAE. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Culture, is the highest honor of its kind, celebrating individuals who have enriched the nation’s cultural heritage and strengthened its global presence.