The UK government is embroiled in a heated political dispute following the unexpected collapse of a high-profile espionage case involving two men accused of spying for China. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, accused of gathering and providing sensitive information detrimental to national security between December 2021 and February 2023. However, prosecutors dropped the charges in September, just weeks before the trial was set to begin, citing insufficient evidence. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed that critical evidence, including official government designation of China as a ‘national security threat,’ could not be obtained. This development has ignited a blame game between the current Labour government and the previous Conservative administration. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pointed fingers at the Tories, arguing that the prosecution was based on their stance at the time, which did not label China as a threat. In contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused the government of deliberately sabotaging the case to appease Beijing, a claim vehemently denied by Downing Street. The case’s collapse has raised concerns about the UK’s approach to China, particularly as the Labour government has sought to strengthen trade ties with Beijing. Critics argue that this incident highlights a potential weakness in addressing national security threats, while the government maintains its policies are aligned with the UK’s interests. The controversy underscores the complexities of UK-China relations and the challenges of balancing economic cooperation with national security concerns.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
India and Canada reset ties after strain of Sikh leader’s murder
India and Canada have taken significant steps to mend their strained diplomatic relations during high-level talks in Delhi. The discussions, led by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on rebuilding trust and fostering economic collaboration. The relationship between the two nations had deteriorated sharply in 2023 following Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India vehemently denied. The fallout led to visa suspensions and the expulsion of diplomats, creating a diplomatic impasse. However, recent developments under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have signaled a thaw. In June, Carney and Modi met during the G7 summit, and both countries subsequently appointed new high commissioners. The latest talks in Delhi resulted in a joint commitment to resume the Canada–India CEO Forum, aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Anand’s visit also includes meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and engagements with business leaders in Mumbai. The two nations emphasized their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, viewing the revival of their partnership as a strategic move to counter global uncertainties. Anand’s subsequent visits to China and Singapore underscore Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
-
Why were Israeli flags erected along Hastings’ seafront?
Residents of Hastings, a coastal town in southern England, were met with an unsettling sight on the morning of October 7: a nearly mile-long stretch of Israeli flags lining the seafront from Hastings Pier to the Marina near the town’s mosque. The display, which appeared on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks in southern Israel, sparked immediate outrage and swift action from the community. The flags, which were hung overnight without authorization, were removed by local residents before authorities could intervene. The act was widely perceived as a deliberate provocation, given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the town’s history of sanctuary and community solidarity. CCTV footage captured a figure stringing the flags between lampposts in the early hours of the morning. By sunrise, the display had become a focal point of heated discussion, with residents flooding local councillors with messages demanding answers. Councillor Yunis Smith of the Hastings Green Party confirmed that the flags were removed by residents themselves, reflecting a deep-seated frustration within the town. The incident has reignited debates about the use of public spaces for political messaging and the broader implications of rising nationalism in the UK. Hastings, known for its interfaith coalitions and refugee support networks, has long prided itself on being a sanctuary town. The community’s swift response to the flag display underscores its commitment to unity and resistance against divisive tactics. Sussex Friends of Israel later claimed responsibility for the stunt, but many residents viewed it as an attempt to exploit the Gaza crisis for political gain. The incident has further galvanized the town’s resolve to maintain its identity as a place of peace and inclusivity.
-
S. Korea sees rise in school violence
South Korea is facing an unprecedented rise in school violence, with the highest reported victimization rates since the government began tracking the issue in 2013. According to a recent survey by the Ministry of Education, 2.5% of students reported experiencing violence during the first half of 2025, marking a significant increase from 2.1% in the previous year. Elementary school students are the most affected, with a staggering 5% victimization rate, followed by middle school students at 2.1% and high school students at 0.7%. The survey, which included nearly 4 million students from fourth grade through high school, revealed that verbal abuse remains the most common form of violence, accounting for 39% of cases. However, group bullying, physical assault, and cyberbullying have also seen notable increases, with cyberbullying rising to 7.8% of cases. Sexual violence has also reached a record high, with 6% of respondents reporting incidents of harassment or assault. Alarmingly, 422 teenagers were arrested for deepfake sexual crimes in the first half of 2025 alone, representing nearly 60% of all such arrests. Despite the rise in self-reported victimization, official case filings have decreased, suggesting a disconnect between reported experiences and formal complaints. The Ministry of Education has pledged to implement preventive measures, including a ‘relationship restoration deliberation system’ to mediate minor cases and restore trust within school communities. ‘Rebuilding students’ social and emotional wellbeing is an urgent task,’ emphasized Lee Hae-sook, director of the ministry’s student health policy department. The ministry also plans to collaborate with other government agencies to address the growing complexity of cyberbullying and sexual violence.
-
China shows no sign of backing down while issuing call for US to withdraw tariff threat
In a sharp escalation of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, Beijing has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to retract his latest threat to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports. This demand comes in response to Trump’s announcement over the weekend, which followed China’s decision to tighten restrictions on the export of rare earths, a critical resource for electronics manufacturing. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce described the U.S. actions as “severely damaging the atmosphere of trade negotiations.”
China’s move to restrict rare earths appeared to catch the Trump administration off guard, with the President labeling it an “out of the blue” decision. Despite the tariff threat, Trump struck a somewhat conciliatory tone in a Truth Social post on Sunday, stating, “The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” However, China remained firm in its stance. On Monday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian urged the U.S. to “correct its erroneous practices” and warned that Beijing would take “resolute measures” to protect its interests if Washington persisted.
The trade war has seen both nations employing a range of retaliatory measures, including U.S. restrictions on China’s access to advanced computer chips and China’s halt on American soybean purchases. These actions, coupled with the imposition of tit-for-tat port fees, have created significant uncertainty in bilateral trade. Economic data released on Monday revealed that China’s exports to the U.S. have declined for six consecutive months, plummeting 27% in September compared to the previous year. This downturn underscores the growing economic strain caused by the prolonged trade conflict.
-
UN says its humanitarian scale-up in Gaza underway
The United Nations has initiated a significant humanitarian effort in the Gaza Strip, marking a critical step forward in addressing the region’s ongoing crisis. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), essential supplies, including cooking gas, have entered Gaza for the first time since March. This development is part of a broader aid initiative that saw the delivery of tents, frozen meat, fresh fruit, flour, and medicines on Sunday. The UN and its partners have also distributed hundreds of thousands of hot meals and bread bundles across both the northern and southern regions of Gaza. OCHA confirmed that Israeli authorities have approved the movement of additional aid, bringing the total cleared pipeline to 190,000 metric tonnes of food, shelter items, medicine, and other essential supplies. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher emphasized that this is only the beginning of a 60-day plan to expand aid operations, aiming to reach 2.1 million people in need of food assistance and 500,000 requiring nutritional support. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the United States, has facilitated these efforts, allowing for a massive scale-up in humanitarian services, including health system restoration, water and sanitation provision, shelter construction, and the reopening of temporary learning spaces for 700,000 school-aged children.
-
A photo worth a thousand words: Taliban minister with Indian female journalists
In a striking visual that has sparked widespread discussion, female journalists were prominently seated in the front row during a press conference held by Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Delhi on Sunday. This event followed significant backlash over the exclusion of women from his previous press meeting on Friday. Muttaqi addressed the controversy, stating that the initial exclusion was unintentional and due to a technical oversight in the invitation process. He emphasized that there was no deliberate intent to exclude female journalists. The press conference, held at the Afghan embassy, was part of Muttaqi’s week-long visit to India for high-level talks. India, while not formally recognizing the Taliban government, maintains diplomatic and humanitarian ties with Afghanistan. The visit is seen as a crucial step in strengthening bilateral relations. On Friday, Muttaqi met with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who announced plans to reopen India’s embassy in Kabul, which had been closed since the Taliban regained power in 2021. However, the initial press event on Friday was marred by gender discrimination, as female journalists were barred from attending, leading to widespread criticism from Indian politicians, journalists, and advocacy groups. Organizations such as the Editors Guild of India and the Network of Women in Media, India, condemned the exclusion as blatant gender discrimination and called on the Indian government to uphold democratic rights and constitutional freedoms. Amid growing outrage, Muttaqi’s team issued fresh invitations for Sunday’s press conference, which was described as an inclusive event open to all media personnel. During the conference, Muttaqi faced tough questions regarding the exclusion of women from Friday’s meeting and the broader issue of women’s rights in Afghanistan. He claimed that education for women and girls continues in Afghanistan, with over 2.8 million female students enrolled in schools and institutes. However, many journalists challenged his assertions, highlighting the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021, including bans on education for girls over 12 and the removal of books authored by women from universities. While the minister’s responses may not have fully addressed concerns, the organization of the second press conference and the inclusion of female journalists were seen as a step forward in addressing gender issues.
-
Chinese musicians Li Jian, Hai-Ye Ni and Siqing Lu will perform at Carnegie Hall next month
Three of China’s most celebrated musicians — pianist Li Jian, cellist Hai-Ye Ni, and violinist Siqing Lu — are set to captivate audiences at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on November 23. The concert, titled *An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor*, will showcase the seamless blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions through the performance of two iconic chamber music masterpieces: Beethoven’s *Archduke* Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat Major and Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major. This event, part of the *Cultural Splendor Concert Series*, is a collaborative effort by the Gong Family Foundation and the US-China Cultural Foundation, with support from prominent figures such as Elizabeth B. Wang, Tim Gong, John Catsimatidis, and John W. Allen. The concert will also feature a special award ceremony, where the artists will receive the US-China Cultural Foundation’s Global Cultural Excellence Award. The trio, united by their shared passion for classical music and years of friendship, expressed their excitement about performing together in New York. Hai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, described the opportunity as an honor, while Siqing Lu, a globally acclaimed violinist, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. Li Jian, a prodigious pianist, highlighted the joy and challenge of interpreting these timeless works. The concert is supported by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and promoted by China Daily, 77 WABC, and New York Music Radio / WQXR. Elizabeth B. Wang, co-founder of the US-China Cultural Foundation, underscored the event’s mission to foster cultural dialogue and celebrate the universal language of music.
-
John Campbell’s maiden century helps West Indies fight on against tired India in 2nd cricket test
In a remarkable display of resilience, John Campbell notched his first-ever Test century, propelling the West Indies to a strong position in the second cricket Test against India. By lunch on Day 4, the West Indies had reached 252-3 in their second innings, narrowing India’s lead to a mere 18 runs. Campbell’s 115-run innings, crafted from 199 balls, was the cornerstone of a 177-run partnership with Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 92, inching closer to his third Test century. Skipper Roston Chase also contributed with a steady 23 not out. The morning session saw only one wicket fall, with Campbell dismissed lbw by Ravindra Jadeja on a sluggish Delhi pitch. Earlier, the West Indies had been bowled out for 248 in their first innings, trailing India’s mammoth 518. Despite being forced to follow on, Campbell’s heroics have kept the visitors in contention, averting the threat of an innings defeat. India, leading the two-match series 1-0 after a commanding victory in the first Test, faces a rejuvenated West Indies side that has shown significant improvement in their batting performance. Campbell’s century, the first for the West Indies in this series, was celebrated with fervor by the team, marking a pivotal moment in their fightback.
-
Pakistan police officer killed as authorities attempt to stop pro-Palestinian march
In Lahore, Pakistan, violent confrontations broke out on Monday between police and thousands of demonstrators participating in a pro-Palestinian march, resulting in the death of at least one police officer and injuries to dozens more, according to police and eyewitness accounts. Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar reported that protesters opened fire on law enforcement, leading to the fatal shooting of an officer and multiple injuries among the police force. While Anwar did not confirm any casualties among the protesters, the political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed that many of its supporters were also killed or wounded. Videos released by TLP depicted several vehicles ablaze, including a truck transporting party officials leading the ‘long march’ that commenced in eastern Pakistan on Friday, with plans to proceed from Lahore to the capital, Islamabad. The march has been marred by escalating violence, with police arresting over 100 individuals during a protest on Saturday. The latest clashes erupted when protesters attempted to dismantle shipping containers placed by police to obstruct their path. Demonstrators clashed with police in Lahore before camping in the nearby town of Muridke and resuming their march. TLP leader Saad Rizvi, who was among the injured, urged security forces to cease firing in a pre-dawn video, expressing readiness to negotiate. The protesters aimed to stage a rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, but police came under fire while attempting to disperse the crowd. The U.S. Embassy had issued a security alert last week, warning of potential disruptions and advising U.S. citizens to exercise caution. The TLP, known for its disruptive and often violent demonstrations, has faced mixed reactions online, with some accusing the Pakistani government of overreacting by blocking major roads preemptively. Pakistan Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry questioned why TLP resorted to violence instead of advocating for peace in Gaza. The TLP, which gained prominence in Pakistan’s 2018 elections by campaigning on the defense of the country’s blasphemy law, has organized pro-Palestinian rallies in recent years, with this march specifically targeting the U.S. embassy to express solidarity with Palestinians.