China has announced ambitious plans to foster a birth-friendly society and bolster care and engagement for the elderly over the next five years. Health Minister Lei Haichao outlined these initiatives during a press conference on October 24, 2025, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges posed by an aging population and declining birthrates. The strategy, part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), includes promoting positive attitudes toward marriage and childbirth, enhancing fertility support policies, and providing childcare subsidies and tax incentives. Additionally, the government will pilot subsidized nursery care services and develop affordable, integrated care for toddlers and preschoolers to alleviate family burdens. On the elderly care front, China aims to optimize basic care services, integrate medical and elderly care, and expand long-term care insurance. Efforts will also focus on improving policies for elderly employment, delaying the legal retirement age, and fostering the silver economy. Lei stressed that health and population services must cater to all demographics, ensuring comprehensive coverage from prevention to rehabilitation. These measures are designed to lay a robust foundation for China’s modernization and sustainable demographic development.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
ROX Motor to advance NEV tech in UAE
In a landmark move to bolster innovation in next-generation mobility, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer ROX Motor has entered a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). This collaboration aims to accelerate the localization of EV technology and deepen ties between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the rapidly evolving automotive sector. The announcement was made during the global launch of ROX Motor’s flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV), ADAMAS, in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy. As part of the partnership, ROX Motor and Borouge, a leading Abu Dhabi-based petrochemical company, have established the Borouge-ROX Motor Innovative Materials Joint Laboratory. This initiative is set to drive advancements in specialized vehicle materials, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision of fostering a knowledge- and technology-driven economy. Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in building an integrated ecosystem for industrial and commercial progress. He highlighted the partnership as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to sustainable mobility and investment in cutting-edge technologies. ROX Motor’s CEO, Jarvis Yan, underscored the significance of launching ADAMAS in the Middle East, a region that accounts for nearly half of the company’s overseas sales. He described the SUV as a symbol of Chinese innovation and Abu Dhabi’s excellence, embodying the shared belief that true luxury stems from collaboration and progress. Since its global expansion began last year, ROX Motor has secured over 10,000 orders for its debut model, the ROX 01, and established a robust sales and service network across nearly 30 countries, particularly in the Gulf region. The ROX 01, priced at approximately $80,000, has already secured the third position in the UAE’s luxury SUV market, trailing only the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover. To demonstrate the reliability and technological prowess of its vehicles, ROX Motor recently completed a 13-country journey along the ancient Silk Road, covering 25,000 kilometers in 81 days. This expedition showcased the durability and innovation of China’s new energy vehicles, further solidifying the brand’s reputation in the global market. According to a report by AlixPartners, Chinese automotive brands are projected to capture 34% of the Middle East and Africa’s market share by 2030, up from 10% in 2024. This growth reflects the increasing trust consumers in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are placing in Chinese-made vehicles. Ameen Muneer Mohammed Alobaidi, an attendee at the launch event, noted the rising popularity of Chinese brands in the Middle East, describing them as symbols of high-quality, luxurious lifestyles. He emphasized the transformative shift in the perception of ‘Made in China,’ from being associated with low-end products to representing innovation and excellence. ROX Motor’s partnership with Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal step in the global expansion of Chinese EV brands, underscoring the UAE’s role as a hub for technological innovation and sustainable mobility.
-
Who is giving evidence on the collapsed China spy trial?
Senior officials central to the controversy surrounding the collapsed China spy trial are set to appear before the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy next week. The committee’s first public evidence session, scheduled for Monday, will scrutinize the prosecutors’ decision to drop charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who were accused under the Official Secrets Act. Both individuals maintain their innocence. Among those testifying will be Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions; Matt Collins, Deputy National Security Adviser; Richard Hermer, Attorney General; Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Sir Chris Wormald, Cabinet Secretary. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, who has faced allegations of political interference, will not attend but is expected to provide private testimony later. Parkinson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which initially charged the pair before dropping the case, will explain that the trial collapsed because the government did not classify China as a national security threat. Legal experts have questioned his judgment, and he is likely to face tough questions about the CPS’s initial confidence in the evidence and the prosecution’s reliance on the government’s stance. Collins, a senior civil servant, will be questioned about his interactions with the CPS and the impact of the Labour government’s China policy on his witness statements. Hermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will address his knowledge of the case’s collapse and his role in overseeing the CPS. Wormald, the UK’s top civil servant, will clarify his involvement in the process and whether he endorsed Collins’s statements. Jones, a loyal MP to Starmer, will defend the government’s position, denying any ministerial interference. Powell, absent from the hearing, remains under scrutiny for his alleged role in shaping UK-China relations. The session promises to shed light on the intricate dynamics between the government, the CPS, and national security policies.
-
India: Bus collision blaze kills 20 on route between Bengaluru and Hyderabad
A devastating bus collision and subsequent fire on the route between Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, according to domestic media reports. The incident, which occurred on Friday, was triggered by a fuel leak after the bus collided with a motorcycle. The blaze engulfed the vehicle, leading to a tragic loss of life and injuries among passengers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. Modi stated that Rs. 2 lakh (approximately Dh2,091) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased individual, while the injured would receive Rs. 50,000. This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in India, which, despite being the world’s third-largest car market, continues to grapple with high rates of fatal accidents. Last year alone, road accidents claimed approximately 180,000 lives nationwide. The collision and fire serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in the country.
-
Trump’s Gaza peace push collides with Israeli political reality
As US President Donald Trump grapples with maintaining a fragile Gaza ceasefire, Israel has firmly rejected any negotiations with Hamas that aim to establish a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday, dismissed the US-led diplomatic efforts as an ‘implementation process’ rather than peace talks. Netanyahu argued that Palestinian statehood would reward Hamas for initiating the Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 Israelis in southern Israel. An official in Tel Aviv noted that discussing the ‘two-state solution’ could jeopardize Netanyahu’s political future, as his government’s success hinges on ending Hamas and securing Arab nations to police Gaza, not on creating a Palestinian state. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is also wary of US pressure to compromise with Palestinians, fearing it could lead to statehood. Meanwhile, Trump’s 21-point plan to end the Gaza war faces challenges as violence persists in the region. If the ceasefire collapses, it could undermine Trump’s self-proclaimed image as a peacemaker. Vance emphasized disarming Hamas and forming an international stabilization force but avoided discussing Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu’s political troubles are mounting, with his own cabinet members pushing for West Bank annexation, a move Netanyahu has long supported. The current Israeli-Hamas agreement is limited to the ceasefire, with no plans for a broader resolution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who replaced Vance in Israel, reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel’s security, while Jared Kushner and Steve Witcoff sought reconstruction funding from Gulf Arab states.
-
Xi plays decisive role in formulating Party leadership’s recommendations for 15th Five-Year Plan: official
In a significant development, Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has been credited with a decisive role in formulating the Party leadership’s recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. This announcement was made by Jiang Jinquan, head of the CPC Central Committee Policy Research Office, during a news conference on October 24, 2025, following the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Xi led the drafting team, setting the overall vision and providing continuous guidance throughout the process. Jiang emphasized that the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development represent the most significant outcome of the plenary session, which took place from October 20 to 23, 2025. The plan is expected to guide China’s economic and social development over the next five years, reflecting the strategic priorities and long-term goals of the CPC under Xi’s leadership.
-
Delhi tries cloud seeding to combat deadly smog, first artificial rain likely on Oct 29
In a groundbreaking effort to combat its chronic air pollution, New Delhi has initiated a cloud seeding project, marking a significant step in the city’s battle against deadly smog. The trial run, conducted on Thursday afternoon, involved a Cessna light aircraft dispersing chemicals over the northern Burari area to induce artificial rain. This innovative approach aims to cleanse the atmosphere by washing away harmful particulate matter. The initiative, a collaboration between New Delhi authorities and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, is part of a broader strategy to address the city’s severe air quality issues. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the successful execution of the trial, emphasizing its role in assessing the readiness and coordination of all involved parties. If favorable conditions persist, the city anticipates its first artificial rainfall on October 29. New Delhi, home to 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted capitals, with winter months exacerbating the problem due to cooler air trapping pollutants. Recent celebrations of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, further deteriorated air quality, with PM2.5 levels soaring to 56 times the World Health Organization’s safe limits. This initiative follows the Supreme Court’s decision to permit the use of less-polluting ‘green’ crackers during the festival. Despite its potential, cloud seeding remains a debated solution, with mixed evidence on its effectiveness and impact on neighboring regions. Nonetheless, New Delhi’s bold move underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to its environmental challenges.
-
UN’s 80th anniversary | The Road to peace
As the United Nations commemorates its 80th anniversary, the world reflects on the ongoing challenges to global peace. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of China’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Over the past three and a half decades, China’s ‘Blue Helmets’ have deployed to more than 20 countries and regions, delivering stability, security, and hope to communities ravaged by conflict. Their unwavering commitment has been a cornerstone of international peacekeeping efforts. This milestone underscores China’s dedication to fostering global harmony and its growing role as a responsible global actor. The Chinese military continues to stand firm on the path of peace, earning respect and gratitude worldwide. Let us honor the sacrifices and contributions of these peacekeepers.
-
Hit TV series and song go viral across the Strait
The highly acclaimed TV series ‘Silent Honor,’ which dramatizes the real-life exploits of Communist Party of China undercover agents in Taiwan, has captured the hearts of audiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Alongside this, a viral song adapted from the remarks of a political figure from Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party has further fueled patriotic fervor. The series and song have not only entertained but also sparked discussions about national identity and unity. This cultural phenomenon underscores the deep-rooted connections and shared heritage between the people of mainland China and Taiwan, fostering a sense of collective pride and solidarity.
-
Roadside bombing kills 3 police officers in northwest Pakistan
A devastating roadside bomb attack targeted a police vehicle in Hangu, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, on Friday. The explosion claimed the lives of a city police chief and two junior officers, according to local officials. The attack occurred as the officers were en route to a police station that had been assaulted less than an hour earlier, said Adam Khan, the local police chief. No further details were provided. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, attributing it to the Pakistani Taliban, a group closely allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which regained power in Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring Pakistani Taliban militants who conduct cross-border attacks, a claim Kabul denies. In a separate operation on the same day, Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in the Tank district, killing eight Pakistani Taliban militants, as stated in a military release. This surge in violence comes just ahead of a second round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in Istanbul. The talks, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, follow an initial meeting in Doha on October 19, which aimed to address cross-border violence and establish a monitoring mechanism. Meanwhile, all border crossings between the two nations remain closed since October 13 due to recent clashes, significantly impacting trade. In another incident, insurgents in Pakistan’s Balochistan province kidnapped 13 construction workers in the Khuzdar district, according to local police.