Nathan Law, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist living in exile in the UK, was denied entry to Singapore upon arrival on Saturday, despite having a valid visa. Law, 32, was detained at the border for four hours before being placed on a flight back to San Francisco, his initial departure point. He had traveled to Singapore to attend a private, invitation-only conference but was not provided with a reason for the denial. Law speculated that the decision may have been politically motivated, raising concerns about potential external influences, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Singapore’s immigration and home affairs offices have yet to comment on the incident. Law, who fled Hong Kong in 2020 following the imposition of China’s national security law, was granted asylum in the UK in 2021. Hong Kong authorities have offered a HK$1 million reward for information leading to his arrest. This incident is not the first time Singapore has taken action against Hong Kong activists; in 2019, a Singaporean activist was fined for hosting an online forum featuring Joshua Wong. Singapore maintains an extradition treaty with Hong Kong, adding complexity to the situation.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
High-speed falcon crowned New Zealand Bird of the Year
The New Zealand falcon, known by its Māori name kārearea, has soared to victory in the country’s annual Bird of the Year competition, securing 21% of the votes. Renowned for its incredible speed, reaching up to 200km/h in a dive, this high-speed hunter thrives in the dense forests of New Zealand. However, its population is dwindling, with only 5,000 to 8,000 individuals remaining. The competition, now in its 20th year, aims to raise awareness about the plight of New Zealand’s endangered native species. This year’s contest featured 73 birds, each championed by volunteer campaign managers who employed memes, reels, and hand-drawn posters to garner support. Nicola Toki, chief executive of conservation group Forest & Bird, emphasized the seriousness behind the campaign, noting that 80% of this year’s top 10 birds are at risk. Among them are the kākāpō and karure black robin, both classified as ‘nationally critical’ with fewer than 300 individuals each. Habitat destruction, climate change, and introduced predators continue to threaten these species, but Toki highlighted the power of public awareness. The competition saw a record-breaking 75,000 voters, with the kārearea not only earning the title but also inspiring a new waiata (Māori song). Other notable contenders included the kea and kakaruia black robin, which secured second and third place, respectively. The competition has gained international attention, with past controversies including voter fraud allegations and the unexpected win of a bat in 2021. New Zealand’s initiative mirrors similar efforts globally, such as Australia’s Bird of the Year competition, underscoring the importance of celebrating and conserving local birdlife.
-
Justice on hold: India court crippled by a million-case backlog
The Allahabad High Court, one of India’s oldest and most esteemed judicial institutions, is grappling with an unprecedented crisis. With over a million pending cases, ranging from criminal trials to property disputes, the court has become a symbol of the broader challenges facing India’s judiciary. The court’s inability to resolve cases promptly has left thousands of litigants, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, in prolonged legal limbo.
-
How smelly shoes inspired India’s Ig Nobel prize-winning study
A peculiar yet pervasive problem in households worldwide—smelly shoes—has inspired two Indian researchers to delve into the science behind the stench. Vikash Kumar, an assistant professor of design at Shiv Nadar University, and his former student Sarthak Mittal, embarked on a journey to understand how foul-smelling footwear affects the experience of using a shoe rack. Their innovative research not only addressed a common annoyance but also earned them the Ig Nobel Prize, a prestigious award celebrating unusual and imaginative scientific endeavors. The duo’s study began with a simple observation: students often left their shoes outside their rooms due to the overpowering odor, not due to a lack of space. A survey of 149 university students revealed that more than half had felt embarrassed by their own or someone else’s smelly shoes. Traditional remedies like tea bags or baking soda proved ineffective. Turning to science, the researchers identified Kytococcus sedentarius, a bacterium thriving in sweaty shoes, as the primary culprit. Their experiments demonstrated that a brief exposure to UVC light effectively killed the bacteria and eliminated the odor. However, timing was crucial—too much exposure damaged the shoes. Their solution? A prototype shoe rack equipped with UVC tube lights, designed to store and sterilize shoes simultaneously. The Ig Nobel Prize recognized their work, highlighting the fun and imaginative side of science. The award has not only brought recognition but also inspired the researchers to explore more unconventional scientific questions. As Kumar aptly put it, today’s smelly sneakers could pave the way for tomorrow’s groundbreaking discoveries.
-
Instagram vs reality: Bali is becoming a victim of its own success
Bali, Indonesia’s iconic tropical haven, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. However, recent social media outcries reveal a growing disillusionment among tourists, who find the reality of Bali starkly different from the idyllic images portrayed online. Zoe Rae, a visitor who documented her experience on YouTube, expressed her disappointment, stating that the island’s charm was overshadowed by congestion and unfulfilled expectations. Her sentiments echo a broader trend of ‘expectations vs reality’ posts, highlighting issues like overcrowded beaches, traffic jams, and environmental degradation.
-
Dozens dead in crush at political rally in India
A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, has resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including children, according to state officials. The incident occurred on Saturday during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay in the Karur district, where tens of thousands of supporters had gathered. The event, which was delayed by several hours, saw chaotic scenes as people fainted in the overcrowded venue. Images from the scene depicted shoes and water bottles scattered across the road, highlighting the severity of the crush. Politician Senthil Balaji confirmed the fatalities outside a local hospital, noting that over 50 others were injured. The victims included 16 women, nine men, and six children, as reported by state health minister Ma Subramanian. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that additional medical assistance had been requested from nearby districts and promised compensation of one million rupees ($11,300) to the families of the deceased. An inquiry into the incident has also been initiated. Vijay expressed his “deepest sympathies and condolences” in an online statement, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening” in a post on X. This tragedy adds to a series of similar incidents in India this year, including deadly crushes at the Kumbh Mela festival and outside a cricket stadium.
-
Premier calls for efforts to enhance China-US ties
Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the critical importance of fostering a stable and mutually beneficial relationship between China and the United States. Speaking during a meeting with representatives from key US organizations, including the US-China Business Council, the National Committee on US-China Relations, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Council on Foreign Relations, Li underscored the necessity for both nations to find a harmonious way to coexist and collaborate. The meeting took place in New York on September 25, 2025, coinciding with the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Li highlighted that China-US relations are among the most significant bilateral ties globally, urging both countries to act as partners rather than adversaries. He stressed the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, particularly in the realm of economic and trade relations. The Premier expressed confidence in China’s ability to sustain stable economic growth, which he believes will create opportunities for businesses worldwide, including those from the US.
Reiterating China’s commitment to foreign enterprises, Li pledged to provide greater certainty for their development, regardless of external challenges. He also affirmed China’s dedication to working with the US to stabilize and enhance bilateral economic and trade ties, grounded in principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
The meeting followed a recent phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, marking their third discussion this year. Both leaders have been actively working to stabilize the relationship between their nations. Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, described the meeting as a crucial platform to address the concerns of the US business community in China and to advance discussions on trade and investment issues.
In a related development, Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in New York. Their discussions focused on China-US relations and regional issues, with Ma emphasizing the importance of the US adhering to the one-China policy to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
-
Champions League football: Why Israel competes in Europe – and what Uefa could do
Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, demands for a sporting boycott of Israel have gained momentum across Europe, particularly in football. Several European nations recently recognized Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, further fueling the debate. Human rights experts from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have urged football’s governing bodies to ban Israel, emphasizing that they must not ignore grave human rights violations or allow their platforms to normalize injustices.
-
Rolling back a rising tide of antisemitism
The global landscape is witnessing a concerning rise in antisemitism, which is significantly impacting Israel’s traditional alliances and support base. Countries such as Australia, Britain, Canada, and France are increasingly inclined to recognize a Palestinian state, while the United States, Israel’s long-standing ally, shows a notable decline in public support. According to The Economist, American favorability toward Israel has hit a 25-year low, with 53% of adults holding an unfavorable view. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger evangelicals and Democrats, signaling a broader change in public sentiment. Pro-Palestinian narratives, amplified by harrowing images of Gaza’s devastation, accuse Israel of committing genocide, further polarizing opinions. The absence of a clear Israeli vision for the future of Palestinians exacerbates the situation, allowing groups like Hamas to position themselves as the sole representatives of Palestinian interests. This dynamic is reshaping political discourse in the West, where antisemitism, once taboo, is increasingly normalized. The Vatican’s diplomatic efforts, led by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, aim to foster dialogue, but skepticism remains. As antisemitism resurfaces and Arab states gain influence, Israel faces a critical juncture. To counter this, Israel must address broader geopolitical challenges, articulate a vision for Palestinian self-determination, and strengthen its international alliances. The ongoing conflict in Gaza risks transforming military victories into political losses, echoing historical parallels with the Vietnam War. Ultimately, Israel’s ability to navigate these complexities will determine its future in the region and its relationship with the global Jewish diaspora.
-
China’s K-visa woos STEM talent put off by H-1B fee hikes
China is set to launch its new K-visa scheme on October 1, targeting young foreign professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This initiative comes at a time when global competition for skilled workers is intensifying, particularly as the United States imposes a hefty $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, the primary route for skilled foreign workers to enter the U.S. job market. The K-visa, introduced as part of China’s revised visa rules on August 14, brings the total number of visa categories to 13. It is specifically designed for individuals aged 18 to 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher from reputable universities or research institutions, particularly in STEM or related fields. The visa is expected to attract specialists in artificial intelligence, quantum communication, and life sciences. Unlike traditional visa schemes, the K-visa does not require applicants to secure a job offer or sponsorship from a Chinese employer. Additionally, it allows holders to bring their spouses and minor children to China and offers flexible terms regarding the number of entries, validity period, and length of stay. Once in China, K-visa holders can engage in various activities, including education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and business. Liu Shaoshan, director of the Center for Embodied AI at the Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, highlighted that the K-visa significantly lowers barriers for foreign talent to work and innovate in China. The move contrasts sharply with the U.S. H-1B visa program, which has faced criticism for its high costs and restrictive policies. China’s approach aims to foster global collaboration and innovation, positioning itself as a hub for technological advancement. However, concerns about national security and espionage may pose challenges for some foreign professionals considering the K-visa.