China’s passenger car market experienced a notable slowdown in October, with even industry giants like BYD and Tesla reporting declines in sales. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), year-on-year sales growth dropped to 4.4%, a significant decrease from September’s 11.2% and August’s 15.1%. This slowdown comes amid intense price competition in an already saturated market. However, the export of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids saw a remarkable surge, doubling from the previous year to approximately 250,000 units, as automakers increasingly target overseas markets.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Official confirms 8 deaths in Delhi blast
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening has resulted in eight confirmed deaths, with seven others injured, three of whom are in critical condition. The blast occurred when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic signal, triggering an explosion that ignited nearby vehicles and caused extensive damage. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and forensic experts, swiftly arrived at the scene to investigate the incident. India’s premier terror probe agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the National Security Guard (NSG) have also joined the investigation. Authorities have heightened security measures across the national capital, with Mumbai and other cities like Kolkata, Dehradun, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh also on high alert. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, while Home Minister Amit Shah visited the hospital where the injured are being treated. Bomb squads and forensic teams are working to determine the nature of the explosives used and trace the owner of the vehicle involved in the blast.
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New China-Laos bus link boosts ties
A newly launched international bus service between China and Laos has been widely praised for its efficiency, affordability, and comfort, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and bilateral cooperation. The service, which began trial operations on November 3, connects Mohan Railway Station in Yunnan province’s Mengla county with Boten Railway Station in Laos, covering a distance of just 16 kilometers in approximately 50 minutes. With five daily round trips, the route offers seamless customs clearance at both ends, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing convenience for passengers and business operators alike. For local residents like Ms. Li from Jinghong, the service has halved the time required to visit relatives in Laos, while Laotian timber trader Lintha Cheng highlighted its role in improving the safety and efficiency of cross-border business operations. The service, operated by Yunnan Tourism Co., integrates directly with the China-Laos Railway, creating a comprehensive transportation network that has already facilitated over 600,000 cross-border trips since the railway’s inauguration in December 2021. Officials and experts alike have lauded the initiative as a ‘bond of friendship’ and a ‘line of prosperity,’ with potential to invigorate the Mohan-Boten economic cooperation zone and deepen bilateral exchanges. The launch underscores the tangible benefits of institutional openness and coordination, paving the way for further small-scale cross-border projects and strengthening ties between the two nations.
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Sri Lanka wins toss and fielding first against Pakistan in 1st ODI
In a strategic move, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first in their one-day international (ODI) clash against Pakistan on Tuesday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Captain Charith Asalanka cited the anticipated dew factor later in the evening as the primary reason for the decision, believing it would favor the bowling side. The match marked the return of star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga to the ODI format, alongside the debut of 24-year-old left-handed opener Kamil Mishara. Pakistan, led by new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, made a forced change to their lineup, replacing the unwell leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who had delivered a career-best performance in the previous match, with fast bowler Naseem Shah. In Abrar’s absence, Pakistan will rely on spin all-rounders Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz to bolster their bowling attack. Rawalpindi is set to host all three ODIs in the series this week, followed by a Twenty20 tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan enters the match with renewed confidence after securing a 2-1 series victory against South Africa last week, marking a turnaround from their earlier struggles in 2025.
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Foreign envoys seek to share in China’s growth story
Foreign diplomatic envoys in China have voiced their optimism regarding the nation’s economic growth, expressing a keen interest in sharing the development opportunities arising from China’s modernization efforts. These sentiments were shared during a thematic briefing on the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing on Monday. The fourth plenary session, held in October, saw the adoption of the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. The envoys highlighted their interest in China’s initiatives to expand domestic consumption, build a unified national market, and implement decarbonization policies, with a particular focus on Beijing’s foreign policy and efforts to enhance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov emphasized the political significance of the CPC Central Committee’s recommendations, noting their alignment with Russia’s development plans and the strategic partnership between the two nations. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to China Nazmul Islam underscored the emphasis on high-quality development and technological innovation in the recommendations, expressing Bangladesh’s eagerness to learn from China’s development experience. Liu Haixing, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, highlighted the 15th Five-Year Plan’s potential to open new prospects for China’s development and create broader market opportunities for the world. He reiterated China’s commitment to expanding its opening-up, promoting innovative trade development, and aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules. The event was attended by diplomatic envoys from over 160 countries.
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ROK’s Yoon indicted for additional charges of power abuse
In a significant development, former President Yoon Suk-yeol of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been indicted on additional charges of “aiding the enemy” and “abuse of power.” The indictment was announced on Monday by Cho Eunsuk, the special counsel leading the investigation into Yoon’s alleged insurrection and other related offenses. The charges stem from actions that reportedly undermined the military interests of the ROK by escalating the risk of armed conflict between the two Koreas, allegedly to create conditions for declaring martial law.
Prosecutor Park Ji-young revealed that compelling evidence was found in a memo written by Yoon’s former counter-intelligence commander in October last year, which suggested efforts to “create an unstable situation or seize an arising opportunity.” Alongside Yoon, a former defense minister and a former counter-intelligence commander were also indicted on similar charges.
Yoon’s political career has been marred by controversy since December last year, when he attempted to subvert civilian rule by deploying armed soldiers to parliament to prevent lawmakers from rejecting his martial law declaration. This move plunged the ROK into a political crisis. Yoon was subsequently apprehended in January, indicted while in detention, and later released in March. However, he was taken into custody again in July.
The constitutional court upheld his impeachment on April 4, officially removing him from office over his failed martial law bid. The latest indictments add to the legal challenges facing the former president, who has yet to issue a public response.
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Squid Game star, 81, acquitted of sexual misconduct
Renowned South Korean actor O Yeong-Su, celebrated for his role in the global hit series *Squid Game*, has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a South Korean court. The 81-year-old actor was initially charged in 2022 with allegations of sexually assaulting a woman twice in 2017. The accusations claimed that he had hugged and kissed the woman on the cheek without her consent. In 2024, Mr. O was found guilty and handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence, which he vowed to appeal. However, on Tuesday, the court overturned the verdict, citing his completion of sexual violence education and raising doubts about the alleged victim’s memory due to the time elapsed since the incident. The court emphasized that ‘when there is doubt, the defendant must be given the benefit of the doubt.’ Despite the acquittal, the court acknowledged the possibility of the assault, noting Mr. O’s prior apology to the victim. The alleged victim, however, expressed disappointment, vowing to ‘continue to speak the truth’ and stating that the ruling ‘does not invalidate the truth or erase the pain.’ Women’s rights organization Womenlink also condemned the decision, calling it a ‘concealment of sexual violence in the theatre world.’ Mr. O, who gained international acclaim for his performance in *Squid Game* and became the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, expressed gratitude for the court’s ‘wise judgment.’ It remains unclear whether the prosecution will appeal the decision.
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161 nominations for Hong Kong LegCo election deemed valid
The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has officially confirmed the validity of all 161 nominations for the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. This announcement was made by the HKSAR government in a press release on Monday, November 11, 2025. The committee meticulously reviewed each nomination to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including adherence to the HKSAR Basic Law and allegiance to the People’s Republic of China. The nomination period, which ran from October 24 to November 6, saw a total of 161 candidates submitting their forms across the 10 geographical constituencies, 28 functional constituencies, and the Election Committee constituency. The election is set to take place on December 7, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s political landscape.
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New variety of tree-like pepper grown in Hunan
A revolutionary new variety of tree-form pepper has been successfully cultivated in Shaodong, Hunan province, marking a significant advancement in agricultural innovation. This breakthrough, developed over 25 years by a team led by researcher Li Pei from the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, promises to transform traditional pepper farming into a more efficient and sustainable practice. The tree-form pepper, which grows vertically and densely, maximizes space and yield while reducing labor costs, making it a game-changer for farmers. The project began with skepticism, as few believed peppers could grow like trees, but through persistent research, the team developed a robust and flavorful variety suitable for various regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The innovation lies in its vertical growth, which allows for higher yields and easier harvesting compared to traditional methods. At the technology-driven farming demonstration base in Qingshan village, local farmer Zhang Feihua has become a local sensation by successfully cultivating these peppers in his greenhouse. Under Li’s guidance, Zhang started trial-planting in April, and within two months, the plants grew over two meters tall, laden with green fruit. Unlike traditional peppers, which require bending and stooping to harvest, these can be picked while standing or using ladders. The greenhouse environment also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions. By August, Zhang’s greenhouse was already profitable, with each tree-form pepper plant yielding 15 kilograms annually—over four times more than ordinary peppers. The first harvest yielded a net income of over 10,000 yuan from just one mu of land, with high demand and rising prices offering potential for lucrative off-season sales. Zhang envisions these peppers thriving on urban balconies, contributing to a ‘balcony economy’ with plans for a comprehensive supply chain. News of Zhang’s success has attracted farmers like Zhou Dong and his wife from Ningxiang, who are eager to try growing the innovative peppers. Meanwhile, Li’s team is promoting the tree-form pepper in seven cities, including Loudi and Changsha, through online tutorials and on-site training. Despite the slow promotion due to the yearlong maturation period and the need for greenhouse cultivation, Li plans to expand this exceptional variety to spice-loving regions such as Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.
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Anshan banks on pet industry to drive growth
Anshan’s Tiexi district in Liaoning province is leveraging its burgeoning pet industry to drive economic growth and urban transformation. With an annual revenue of 4 to 5 billion yuan ($562 million to $702 million), the district has become a hub for pet-related activities, accounting for two-thirds of the city’s pet industry earnings. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from Tiexi’s historical reliance on heavy industry, particularly its association with Ansteel Group, a state-owned steel manufacturer. The district’s focus on the pet industry exemplifies the broader industrial transformation underway in Northeast China, as it seeks to diversify its economy and cultivate emerging sectors. Ding Kunbin, head of Tiexi district, highlighted the region’s natural advantages for pet breeding, including a climate conducive to fur growth and a rich canine gene pool with around 200 breeds, many of which are rare. The pet industry’s roots trace back to the 1990s when laid-off steelworkers began home-based breeding operations, which later evolved into large-scale enterprises. Today, the sector is driven by a new generation of professionals and e-commerce platforms. With China’s aging population and declining marriage rates, the pet industry is poised for significant growth. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper reveals that China’s urban pet population reached 120 million in 2024, with a corresponding consumption market valued at 300 billion yuan. To support this growth, Tiexi is developing a pet theme park, a pet-friendly hotel, and an indoor pet transportation facility in collaboration with airlines. These initiatives aim to enhance animal welfare, improve urban pet-friendliness, and provide recreational spaces for pet owners. The district is also implementing a clear industrial spatial layout to minimize environmental impact and neighborhood disruption, with plans for centralized pet breeding bases to standardize practices and control disease outbreaks. Through spatial and industrial planning, detailed policies, and regulatory oversight, Tiexi is guiding its pet industry toward high-quality and high-value development.