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China’s 16th Arctic expedition has expanded the country’s ability to observe the region year-round. The data is expected to feed into global climate research and sharpen forecasting. Expedition vessels Xuelong and Xuelong 2 have now docked in Shanghai, while the Jidi and Tansuo 3 are due back mid-October. The mission focused on climate change and its global impacts, surveying sea ice, hydrology, biology, ecosystems and atmospheric conditions in key areas of the Arctic Ocean. Work was carried out at 19 ice stations, marking a new stage in China’s Arctic research. Ship-based surveys have expanded what can be covered, while ice-based observations…

China’s inbound tourism market is seeing robust growth during the 2026 National Day holiday. China’s border crossings are expected to handle an average of about 2.15 million passenger trips per day during the holiday, according to the National Immigration Administration. Data from Chinese online travel agency Trip.com showed that inbound tourist trips during the combine holiday posted double digit year-on-year growth for the first time. New trends are emerging in China’s inbound tourism market, as overseas visitors move beyond traditional sightseeing, and increasingly immerse themselves in local life, culture and experiences. Orders for one-day inbound tours surged more than fourfold year on…

LONDON: Attacks on tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz hit their highest last week of any week since the ​Iran war began, according to maritime security sources tracking incidents, amid ‌a bigger export push by Gulf producers. Attacks, attempted attacks and harassment activity including drone overflights, surveillance and hailing using VHF radio by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have persisted ​in the strait, the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said ​in a note on Sunday. “These actions continue to demonstrate Iran’s ⁠intent to assert presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure ​on transiting vessels,” the JMIC said. In…

US President Donald Trump, who waged war with Iran and has yet to broker peace in Ukraine, said on Wednesday that he should win the Nobel Peace Prize but acknowledged doubt about his chances. “I don’t know what their decision is going to be,” Trump said of the 2026 award, which the Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce on Friday. “They have a reputation for maybe not giving it to people like me.” Since his return to the White House last year, Trump has repeatedly said he deserves what may be the world’s most prestigious award. “It is about that time,”…

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson  urged the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocations in the South China Sea. According to reports, Philippine aircraft and vessels intruded into waters and airspace under China’s jurisdiction without China’s permission in recent days. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China has sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and Nansha Qundao, including Zhongye Dao and Tiexian Jiao, as well as their adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. The scope of Philippine territory is defined by several international treaties, he said, noting that China’s Huangyan Dao and Nansha Qundao lie beyond that…

China remains firmly opposed to US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said. Responding to a question on Taiwan recently receiving two F-16V fighter jets purchased from the United States and planning to receive another 64 within the year, Guo said China’s position on this subject is clear.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has once again been ranked as the world’s freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report released on Tuesday by the Fraser Institute. Among the five areas of assessment, the HKSAR maintained its top position in “freedom to trade internationally” and secured second place in “regulation.” A spokesperson for the HKSAR government noted that the report reaffirmed Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy, alongside its open, efficient and fair business environment. Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining…

Featuring a blend of cultural consumption and tourism, the film market during this year’s week-long National Day holiday starting from October 1 has kept up a strong momentum. After a five-day streak of daily revenue reaching 100 million yuan, the total box-office earnings including advance sales for the holiday has exceeded 900 million yuan (around US$134.2 million). During the holiday, a list of new domestic and foreign films hit cinemas nationwide, covering various genres such as family-friendly, animation, crime thrillers, comedy and socially themed dramas, providing a wide range of viewing options for the public. So far, the top three…

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres held a joint press conference in Islamabad, highlighting Pakistan’s role in global diplomacy, conflict mediation, UN peacekeeping and climate action while stressing dialogue and negotiation as the way forward in resolving international disputes. Dar warmly welcomed Guterres to Pakistan, saying the UN chief had accepted Islamabad’s invitation despite his busy schedule. He described Guterres as a “very close friend of Pakistan” and said his visit reflected a shared commitment to addressing multifaceted global challenges. Ishaq Dar recalled Guterres’ support for Pakistan during the country’s devastating floods, noting that the…

The PTI long march entered its third day on Tuesday, with party workers spending the night at Lachi Cricket Ground in Kohat as the convoy prepares to resume its journey towards Peshawar under the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Afridi was scheduled to address PTI workers at University Chowk, while the convoy is expected to continue towards Peshawar and halt for the night at Matani Chowk. Following the gathering, the march will continue its route, with Matani Chowk designated as the stopping point for the night. The latest movement marks the third day of the PTI long…