Traditional Chongyang Festival

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

russian.china.org.cn | October 29, 2025

Keywords: Chongyang Festival

Source: russian.china.org.cn

Traditional Chongyang Festival On the 9th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, China celebrates the Double Ninth Festival, which is popularly known as the Chongyang Festival or Double Happiness Day.

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China and ASEAN signed the Protocol on Upgrading the Free Trade Area to Version 3.0

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KUALA LUMPUR, October 28 (Xinhua) — The recently signed Protocol Upgrading the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) to Version 3.0 opens new opportunities for expanding and strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two sides, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced on Tuesday.

Li Qiang made the announcement at the 28th China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting, held Tuesday morning in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to the summit, Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the signing of the protocol.

During the signing ceremony, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz signed the Protocol on Updating the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to Version 3.0 in front of the national flags of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, in the presence of Li Qiang and Anwar Ibrahim. Tengku Zafrul Aziz then handed over the document to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Horn.

In addition to reducing customs duties and facilitating trade, the protocol expands cooperation to nine areas: digital economy; green economy; supply chain connectivity; standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures; sanitary and phytosanitary measures; customs and trade facilitation; competition and consumer protection; micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; and economic and technical cooperation.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, after the signing of the protocol, both parties will conduct internal ratification procedures to facilitate the document's speedy entry into force and implementation.

The original agreement, signed in 2002, was fully implemented in 2010 and upgraded to version 2.0 in 2015. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted that the upgrade to version 3.0 demonstrates China and ASEAN's firm commitment to multilateralism and free trade, as well as their firm determination to jointly build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional integrated market and a sustainable regional industrial and supply chain system that brings mutual benefits.

The ministry added that version 3.0 will provide greater confidence and momentum to regional and global economic growth.

Sun Xiao, Secretary-General of the China Chamber of International Commerce, noted that version 3.0 is not simply an expansion of the existing framework, but a high-level free trade agreement that is inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial.

“This is not only an expansion of economic cooperation, but also a key step towards helping the region overcome its dependence on low-end manufacturing and achieve high-quality development,” he said.

The updated FTA provides SMEs with greater and more unimpeded access to the Chinese and ASEAN markets. "Local SMEs can now directly connect with regional markets through digital platforms. This is truly 'create locally and spread regionally,'" noted Tan Kar Hing, Deputy Chairman of the Centre for Regional Strategic Studies in Malaysia.

According to Suwat Techawatanawana, executive vice president of Thailand's leading bank Kasikornbank, sectors such as food, agricultural products, tourism, logistics and digital e-commerce will be among the first to benefit from the FTZ upgrade.

“The China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 will be a powerful starting point for the development of the digital economy, e-commerce, green economy and sustainability, ultimately promoting connectivity among small and medium-sized enterprises in the participating countries,” he emphasized.

Yea Kim Leng, a professor of economics at Sunway University in Malaysia, called the signing of the protocol “a timely update that not only aims to protect the region from global economic fragmentation and growing uncertainty, but is also a logical consequence of promoting inclusive development at the regional level.”

Revealing further details of cooperation under the China-ASEAN FTA 3.0, Li Qiang announced in his speech at the 28th China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting that China will further invest in the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund and is ready to establish a China-ASEAN Digital Academy, an AI cooperation platform, and a maritime development and technology cooperation center, adding that the two sides will deepen cooperation in the fields of transportation, digital economy, green economy, disaster prevention and mitigation, and climate change.

The Chinese Prime Minister indicated that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with ASEAN countries and effectively implement the action plan for the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2026-2030, so as to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation framework between China and ASEAN.

In his speech, Li Qiang also called for accelerating consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and striving for their early completion.

The Premier of the State Council called on China and ASEAN countries to join forces to strengthen their own strength, resist external shocks, and protect their legitimate rights and interests through mutual support and coordinated actions in the face of new changes in the current international situation. –0–

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Autonomous electricity production capacity in Armenia increased to 576 MW in the first eight months of 2025.

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Yerevan, October 28 (Xinhua) — Armenia's autonomous electricity generation capacity increased to 576 MW between January and August 2025. This was announced on Tuesday by Mesrop Mesropyan, Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia, during a discussion of the 2026 state budget bill.

According to him, autonomous power generation capacity increased by 152 MW year-on-year in 2024, compared to 155 MW in the first eight months of this year alone, reaching 576 MW as of September 1. Capacity is expected to reach 700 MW in 2026, or 41.4 percent of domestic consumption.

According to the Statistical Committee of Armenia, the country generated approximately 5.9 billion kWh of electricity in the first eight months of 2025. –0–

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Russian cosmonauts conducted a spacewalk to install equipment on the ISS.

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Moscow, October 28 (Xinhua) — Cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexei Zubritsky of the International Space Station (ISS) Russian segment conducted a spacewalk to carry out scheduled work on the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module. This was reported on Tuesday by TASS, citing the press service of the Roscosmos state corporation.

The extravehicular activity (EVA) is expected to last approximately six and a half hours. The crew's primary objective is to install the IPI-500 pulse plasma injector (PPI), designed to study the impact of satellites on the Earth's ionosphere from the ISS.

In addition, the cosmonauts will have to clean one of the windows of the Nauka module, replace the scientific equipment cassette of the Ekran-M experiment, and move the external control panel of the ERA manipulator. –0–

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The head of the DPRK Foreign Ministry stated the country's readiness to contribute to the construction of a multipolar world.

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Minsk, October 28 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is ready to contribute to building a multipolar world. This was stated by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui on Tuesday at the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security.

Choi Song-hee noted that Eurasian security is facing challenges that have not existed before.

"We are prepared to respond to all threats looming over the Eurasian continent. In western Eurasia, we observe NATO's policy aimed at containing Russia, while cooperation between the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea is increasing tensions. Global security today has been shaken largely due to US actions," the North Korean Foreign Minister emphasized.

According to her, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia remains unstable. "We are seeing various military exercises and actions directed against the DPRK, including scenarios involving the possible use of nuclear weapons. We now feel the threat of a nuclear conflict and a threat to the security of our peninsula. No matter how the US explains its expansion of military potential as a contribution to regional security, in reality, it only increases tensions," Choi Song-hee emphasized.

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The 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security has opened in Belarus.

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MINSK, October 28 (Xinhua) — The 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security opened on Tuesday in the Belarusian capital. This year's conference's main theme is "Global World Disorder and the Eurasian Security Puzzle." High-ranking officials and experts from more than 40 countries and regions, as well as seven international organizations, are participating in the event. Discussions will focus on strategic stability, arms control, regional cooperation, information and economic security, and migration issues.

As Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko noted at the opening ceremony, the unipolar world order imposed by the West poses a threat to global stability. The international community must work together, based on mutual respect and cooperation, to create a secure Eurasian space.

"Western politicians still believe they can force everyone to follow their interests. And those who don't bend will be isolated. But they refuse to understand and accept today's reality. Their policy of illegal sanctions and new dividing lines—be it ideological barriers, closed borders, or the sky—is a direct path to self-isolation from the world," the Belarusian leader stated.

According to him, Belarus advocates the creation of a multipolar world based on mutual respect for sovereignty, the rejection of confrontational policies, and the resolution of problems through diplomatic dialogue, rather than sanctions. –0–

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Top Stories | Tuesday: Gaza, Hurricane Melissa, Migrant Deaths, Afghanistan

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October 28, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: a report on "genocidal acts" in Gaza, the Caribbean region under attack by Hurricane Melissa, the death of migrants off the coast of Libya, the consequences of communication restrictions in Afghanistan.

Report on Palestine

Introducing new report of the UN Independent International Commission The UN Office of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, chairperson Navi Pillay, stated that Israel had committed "four genocidal acts" in Gaza, and that Israeli leaders had "incited genocide." Pillay described the situation in the enclave as "the most ruthless, sustained, and widespread assault on the Palestinian people in history." She called on UN member states to ensure justice and accountability.

Hurricane Melissa

Residents of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries found themselves in the area of the powerful hurricane MelissaIn recent days, the UN and its humanitarian partners have warned of a "critical" and "imminent" threat. The Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful to hit the planet this year. The lives of a million people are at risk, including families still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, which devastated the region 16 months ago. Thanks to pre-positioning supplies ahead of hurricane season, the World Food Programme has mobilized efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies from Barbados.

Death of migrants

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expresses its condolences following the incident that occurred earlier today off the coast of Surman, Libya. A wooden boat carrying migrants from several countries capsized due to strong waves. Sixty-four people were rescued, but 18 tragically died. IOM is working with local partners to ensure those affected have access to medical and psychological care. The organization reiterated its call for strengthened regional cooperation, expanded safe and legal migration routes, and timely rescue operations.

Violations in Afghanistan

Internet and telecommunications were shut down in Afghanistan last month. aggravated the difficulties, which the country's population already faces. This is according to a report released today by the UN Human Rights Office and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The report's authors described a number of violations related to communications restrictions. These include a lack of access to medical care and emergency services, the disruption of humanitarian operations, and the intensification of existing discriminatory restrictions against women and girls.

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Independent International Commission: Israel is responsible for 'four genocidal acts' in Gaza

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October 28, 2025 Human rights

The chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Navi Pillay, told a UN General Assembly committee on Tuesday that Israel had committed "four genocidal acts" in Gaza and that its political leaders had "incited the commission of genocide."

Introducing the commission's latest report, Pillay said the experts' findings were based on a legal analysis conducted in accordance with the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

"We concluded that the State of Israel was responsible for committing four genocidal acts in Gaza with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian people in Gaza as such," she said. "The commission also found that the President, Prime Minister, and former Minister of Defense of Israel incited the commission of genocide."

Pillay, the former head of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the situation in Gaza as "the most brutal, sustained and widespread attack on the Palestinian people in history."

Irreparable losses

Pillay noted that while the ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners offer hope, it cannot reverse the damage already done: "The Gaza Strip lies in ruins and is virtually uninhabitable."

According to her, Israeli officials publicly supported plans for deportation, settlement construction, and territorial annexation. Although the ceasefire has put these plans on hold, "recent statements by Israeli officials make it clear that these goals remain valid."

Occupied West Bank

The commission found that in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli policy since October 2023 – along with explicit and implicit support for settler violence – “demonstrates a clear intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand the presence of Israeli Jewish civilians, and annex most of the West Bank.”

The aim of this policy, according to Pillay, is “to prevent any possibility of Palestinian self-determination and statehood, and to maintain the indefinite occupation.”

Bringing to justice

Pillay called on UN member states to ensure justice and accountability by supporting International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations and using universal jurisdiction to prosecute suspects, including dual nationals.

"It pains me to realize that in this, my final speech as chair of this commission, I am forced to acknowledge that the post-war multilateral system failed to prevent this genocide," she said. "The international system has proven itself to be a failure."

In closing her remarks, Pillay called for "truth and reconciliation," adding that peace can only "take root and flourish" through justice.

Read also:

Gaza: Independent International Commission of Inquiry Accuses Israel of Genocide

Call for a permanent ceasefire

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, also addressed the General Assembly committee. In her speech, she emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Albanese called on Member States to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from all occupied territories and the dismantling of Israeli settlements. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur believes, countries must suspend all military, trade, and diplomatic ties with Israel "until it ends genocide, illegal occupation, and apartheid."

"This is how we will begin to honor the memory of those who perished. And if the Security Council is paralyzed, this Assembly must act in a spirit of unity for peace with greater resolve than ever before," she added.

Special Rapporteurs and other human rights experts appointed under the special procedures of the Human Rights Council are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organization. They do not receive a salary for their work.

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Afghanistan: Communications blackout threatens lives and health

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October 28, 2025 Human rights

The 48-hour internet and telecommunications shutdown in Afghanistan last month exacerbated the hardships already facing the country's population, according to a report released today by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The report is based on more than 100 interviews conducted after the nationwide communications blackout implemented by the de facto authorities from September 29 to October 1, 2025.

Implications for human rights

As noted in the document, the healthcare system, the banking sector, small businesses, and essential services cannot function without telecommunications.

The report's authors described a number of identified human rights violations related to communications restrictions. These include delays in medical care or lack of access to healthcare and emergency services, disruption of humanitarian operations, the escalation of existing discriminatory restrictions against women and girls, interference in the daily and family lives of citizens, and the shutdown of local businesses and the banking system.

The situation of women and girls

Women and girls in Afghanistan are already facing the strictest restrictions in the world. As evidence shows, their lives became even more difficult during the communication blackout.

Some women, for example, were unable to contact their male relatives—mahrams. In Afghanistan, women are prohibited from traveling more than 78 kilometers or driving without a mahram. In some areas, such men must accompany women even on their way to work, shopping, or doctor's appointments. One Afghan woman recounted, "I couldn't call my father to come pick me up. I had to walk home. I was terrified, but luckily, I got home within an hour."

For many Afghan women, online learning remains the only option for education, as de facto authorities banned education for women and girls after sixth grade. One student said, "Those were terrible days and nights. We were desperate and afraid we'd be thrown back to the Stone Age. It was unbearable."

Violations in the healthcare sector

Healthcare workers described deaths that could have been prevented with functioning communications. At a hospital in Laghman province, a pregnant woman with severe bleeding needed urgent transport to the regional hospital, but the local ambulance broke down, and no other service could be reached. The baby died, and the mother survived, but she has complications. A nurse said, "I'm trained to save lives, but without communication, I felt completely helpless."

Help for earthquake victims

Humanitarian organizations reported that the communication outage disrupted their work, resulting in the delay of vital aid to those in need. During the communications disruption, humanitarian missions provided support. victims of the earthquake on August 31 in the provinces of Nangarhar, Laghman and Kunar, and also carried out operations in connection with the mass return of Afghans from Pakistan.

The UN emphasizes that the communications blackout and other restrictions violate the rights to freedom of expression and access to information, contrary to Afghanistan's human rights obligations. The de facto authorities have not yet publicly explained the reasons for these restrictions.

As the report emphasizes, authorities are obliged to comply with international human rights standards, and any restrictions must be carried out within the law and in accordance with the principles of necessity and proportionality to the objectives pursued.

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Central African Republic: Peace process gains momentum amid ongoing instability

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October 28, 2025 Peace and security

Speaking at the UN Security Council on Tuesday, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the Central African Republic (CAR), Valentina Rugwabiza, presented an updated report on the situation in the country, highlighting the achievements of the UN Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA) and calling for its mandate to be extended amid ongoing regional instability.

Peace process: steps forward

According to Rugwabiza, the peace process has made significant progress since the signing of the ceasefire agreement on April 19 between the CAR government and the most active armed groups. Ceremonies were held in July and October at which group leaders confirmed their return to the political agreement. As a result, 11 of the 14 signatories to the peace agreement have now officially disarmed.

MINUSCA actively supports the disarmament and demobilization process. Since July, more than 700 rebels have laid down their arms thanks to the mission's technical, logistical, and other support.

Preparing for the elections: progress and challenges

The presidential, parliamentary, regional, and municipal elections scheduled for December 28 are seen as a key moment for strengthening state authority and institutional stability. The National Electoral Agency has completed voter registration, adding over 2.3 million people to the voter lists, nearly half of whom are women.

The CAR government has allocated an additional $7.8 million to the electoral fund, but a funding gap of $12 million remains. Rugwabiza called on international partners to urgently fill this gap to ensure the timely and secure conduct of the vote.

Security Threats: The Impact of Conflict in Sudan

Despite improvements in several regions, the eastern and northeastern prefectures of the Central African Republic remain vulnerable. In October, Rugwabiza visited border areas where the impact of the conflict in neighboring Sudan has intensified. Border crossings by armed groups have led to the mass displacement of civilians. MINUSCA has strengthened its protection of civilians and facilitated the return of displaced persons to their communities.

Regional cooperation and government support

On September 27, a joint CAR-Chad force was formed in Chad, marking an important step towards ensuring security on the shared border.

MINUSCA continues to support local governors and prefects, particularly in remote border areas, but additional international support is needed to ensure a successful handover of security responsibilities to national forces.

Financial difficulties and a call for an extension of the mandate

MINUSCA has faced funding cuts, forcing the mission to begin cost-cutting measures by 15 percent in the current financial year. This includes staff reductions and curtailing operations, which, according to Rugwabiza, jeopardizes the mission's mandate during a critical period.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative called on the Security Council to extend MINUSCA's mandate for another year, emphasizing that the mission remains a key element in ensuring peace and stability not only in the CAR but throughout the region.

In closing, Rugwabiza expressed her gratitude to all MINUSCA staff, troop- and police-contributing countries, and humanitarian and donor organizations for their contribution to peace and security in the Central African Republic.

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