United News of Bangladesh

Leading figures from prominent media outlets and think tanks across China and the 10 ASEAN member states engaged in extensive discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and other key topics during the China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Forum held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The forum, centered on the theme “Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation,” concluded with a joint consensus acknowledging that while the rapid growth of AI presents transformative opportunities, it also introduces uncertain risks and challenges. The consensus emphasized that media and think tanks should proactively adapt to the ongoing technological revolution, leverage AI’s advantages, and contribute to building a smart future where innovation is coupled with a strong foundation of security. Pamela Samia, acting executive news editor at the Philippine News Agency, noted that media and think tanks from ASEAN and China must embrace AI, as it greatly improves research capabilities, decision-making processes, and communication efficiency.Despite this, she stressed the irreplaceable value of human expertise: “AI is merely a tool and can never replace human judgment and critical thinking.” Veronika S. Saraswati, executive director of the Indonesia China Partnership Studies, said it is vital for ASEAN and Chinese media and think tanks to foster public critical thinking and promote AI systems rooted in local data and Eastern cultural values.“Through these initiatives, countries in the Global South are expected to regain their voice in the digital realm, ensuring that AI becomes a tool for promoting equity rather than a means of Western dominance,” she said. Sivanxay Siphankham, deputy director of the Lao News Agency, remarked that AI is instrumental in enhancing information exchange and cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese media. However, he emphasized the need for joint efforts to tackle challenges like misinformation, ensuring AI use remains transparent and human-centered. Lee Chean Chung, chairman of Malaysia’s Center of Regional Strategic Studies, highlighted that ethical principles, data privacy, and algorithm transparency must form the foundation of AI-related policies. He said, “The mission of AI is to empower humans, not to replace them.” Thida Tin, director general of the Media Development Department under Myanmar’s Ministry of Information, pointed out that every invention carries both benefits and drawbacks. She said achieving a balance between innovation and ethics is key, and that technological progress should serve all sectors of society while minimizing harm to the environment and vulnerable groups. The forum, co-hosted by China’s Xinhua News Agency and Malaysia’s Bernama, drew around 260 participants from more than 160 media organizations, think tanks, government bodies, and businesses across China and the ASEAN region.

The Beijing Emergency Management Office has issued an orange warning for the strongest winds in nearly a decade expected to sweep across the city, urging residents to take necessary precautions against potential hazards. According to the emergency office, from the late afternoon of April 11 through April 13, residents in Beijing should prepare for extreme winds and a significant drop in temperature, with the most intense winds expected between 6am and 10pm on April 12 (local time). The Municipal Meteorological Observatory has issued an orange alert for gale-force winds. "To ensure your safety, we strongly recommend limiting or avoiding outdoor activities during this period," it said. The emergency office also added that if you have to go out, please keep well clear of trees, billboards, and temporary structures, and remain vigilant for falling objects from above. While indoors, please exercise caution with electrical appliances and take proactive measures to prevent fires. SKorean opposition leader opens presidential bid following Yoon's ouster It also urged people to stay safe and remain alert during this period. The orange alert — the second-highest level in China's four-tier weather warning system — indicates the possibility of significant disruptions to daily life and increased risk of accidents. In addition, the city’s emergency services have been placed on high alert, with emergency response teams and utility companies prepared to respond quickly to any incidents, including falling debris, power outages, or traffic disruptions. The warning is expected to remain in effect until the wind intensity subsides. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and follow all safety instructions issued by the authorities. For real-time updates and emergency contacts, please visit the official website of the Beijing Emergency Management Office or follow its social media accounts.

South Korea has established diplomatic relations with Syria’s new Islamist government, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Friday, months after a rebel coalition ousted President Bashar Assad, who had maintained close ties with North Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul traveled to Damascus on Thursday to sign a joint communique with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani establishing formal diplomatic relations — a move the South Korean ministry said opens new opportunities for bilateral cooperation previously hindered by Syria’s “close ties with North Korea.” Cho during the talks conveyed Seoul’s willingness to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts following the 13-year civil war, a process that he said could eventually involve South Korean businesses, and to expand humanitarian aid. Al-Shaibani welcomed the prospect of South Korean contributions to Syria’s reconstruction and expressed hope for Seoul’s support in easing international sanctions on Damascus, the South Korean ministry said. Turkey and Israel facing rising tensions over Syria's post-Assad future South Korea now has diplomatic relations with all 191 U.N. member states except for its war-divided rival, North Korea. Relations between the Koreas are now at their worst in years as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to flaunt his nuclear weapons and missile program and provide arms and troops to Russia to fuel its warfighting in Ukraine. North Korean state media didn’t immediately comment on South Korea establishing ties with Syria. Syria's national dialogue conference kicks off as the battered country seeks to rebuild South Korea also established diplomatic relations with Cuba last year, which the Seoul government then claimed would deal a “political and psychological blow” to the North, whose diplomatic footing is largely dependent on a limited number of Cold War allies.

Pakistan on Thursday urged the international community to accelerate the resettlement process for thousands of Afghan nationals currently in transit within its borders, cautioning that those not relocated by host countries by April 30 could face forced deportation. Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry made the announcement in the wake of the U.S. refugee admissions program being put on hold — a decision that has left more than 25,000 Afghans, many of whom were awaiting relocation abroad, in a state of uncertainty. Chaudhry made it clear that Pakistan is unlikely to push back the April 30 deadline, which had earlier been shared with host countries as the final date for either repatriation or resettlement of Afghan nationals. The situation is likely to add to the growing apprehension among Afghans who fled the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Many of them had worked with U.S. military forces, international bodies, aid organisations, media outlets or human rights groups and have since been residing in Pakistan while awaiting relocation to the United States or other Western countries.

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar has made a visit to the military-ruled nation, meeting Wednesday with the foreign minister as the country recovers from an earthquake that killed more than 3,600 people. It is the second visit the envoy, Australia’s Julie Bishop, has made since her U.N appointment last year. She previously made a low-key visit that was made public only when she reported to the United Nations in October last year that she had met with the head of Myanamr's military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, in the capital Naypyitaw. On Wednesday, Bishop met with Foreign Minister Than Swe and other officials at a temporary tented area outside of the ministry’s damaged building in the capital Naypyitaw, which was hard hit by the 7.7 magnitude quake on March 28, Myanmar's MRTV state television said. The earthquake caused significant damage to six regions and states, leaving many areas without power, telephone or cell connections and damaging roads and bridges, exacerbating hardships caused by the Southeast Asian nation's continuing civil war. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military government, said late Wednesday that the quake’s death toll has reached 3,649, with 5,018 injured and 145 missing. The earthquake destroyed 48,834 houses, 3,094 Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, 2,045 schools, 2,171 departmental offices and buildings, 148 bridges and 5,275 pagodas, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, citing Vice Senior Gen. Soe Win, the vice chairman of the ruling military council. Wednesday night’s MRTV report said Bishop and Myanmar officials discussed coordination between Myanmar and the United Nations on aid for quake-affected people, but did not detail further plans. Bishop, a former Australian foreign minister and current chancellor of the Australian National University, was appointed as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ envoy to Myanmar in April last year. Southeast Asian foreign ministers seek breakthrough in Myanmar conflict and South China Sea disputes Her appointment drew flak last month when a group opposed to military rule in Myanmar alleged that she had business links with Chinese companies with interests in Myanmar, amounting to a conflict of interest. She denied any wrongdoing. China, along with Russia, is one of the ruling military’s major backers, while much of the Western world shuns and sanctions the generals for toppling democracy and serious human rights abuses, including the brutal use of force in its war against the pro-democracy resistance and ethnic minority guerrillas. Guterres said ahead of Bishop’s visit that it would “reinforce the UN’s commitment to peace and dialogue.” Although the military government and its armed opponents have declared unilateral ceasefires for a temporary period to facilitate relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the earthquake, continued fighting is widespread, according to independent Myanmar media and witnesses. Myanmar has been in turmoil since February 2021, when Myanmar’s army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government and then violently cracked down on widespread protests against its actions. After security forces unleashed lethal force on peaceful demonstrators, some opponents of military rule took up arms. The office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Monday announced that Bishop had visited Malaysia, a key partner of the United Nations in efforts to support a Myanmar-led political solution to the crisis and to respond to humanitarian needs following the earthquake. The quake worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis, with more than 3 million people displaced from their homes by the war and nearly 20 million in need even before it hit, according to the United Nations. A situation report issued late Monday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said more than 17.2 million people are living in affected areas, and urgently need food, drinking water, health care, cash assistance and emergency shelter. It was not immediately known if Bishop would meet military chief Min Aung Hlaing, or the country’s ousted civilian leader, Suu Kyi, who is imprisoned in Naypyitaw. Chinese actor was trafficked to Myanmar to work in scam operation: Thai police Suu Kyi, 79, is serving prison sentences totaling 27 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions. The military government has refused to allow her to meet with any outsiders, including a special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to which Myanmar belongs.

South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, widely seen as the frontrunner in a presidential by-election triggered by the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol last week, officially announced a presidential bid on Thursday, vowing to heal a starkly divided nation through economic growth. Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 election to Yoon, led the liberal Democratic Party’s campaign to oust the former president over his December declaration of martial law, reports AP. Lee recently stepped down as the party’s chairman to focus on campaigning for the June 3 election. He is considered the clear frontrunner in party's primary. Kim Dong-yeon, the Democratic governor of Gyeonggi province and a longtime financial policymaker, also told reporters Wednesday that he intends to run for president. Yoon’s downfall has left the conservative People Power Party in disarray, with roughly 10 politicians expected to seek the nomination, reflecting a split between Yoon loyalists, who still control the party’s leadership, and reformists calling for a fresh start. In a video message, Lee said that Yoon’s martial law saga exposed the country’s deep divisions and social conflicts, and argued that the root cause was a widening rich-poor gap. He promised aggressive government spending to jolt economic growth and ease income polarization. “We have more than we did in the past, but wealth is too concentrated in certain areas,” Lee said. “With economic growth rates declining worldwide, it has become difficult to maintain and develop an economy solely on the strength of the private sector. However, with government-led talent development and extensive investments in technological research and development, we can revive the economy.” Pakistan says US companies seek to invest in its minerals sector Lee said it was crucial to maintain a robust alliance with the United States and to pursue three-way cooperation with Japan, but he stressed that South Korea’s national interest should come first in “every decision.” Lee, who has served as a lawmaker, provincial governor and city mayor, is adored by supporters for his outspoken style and has long positioned himself as an anti-elitist. His critics view him as a populist who stokes division and demonizes conservative opponents while failing to offer realistic funding plans to achieve his ambitious goals. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party and a staunch Yoon loyalist, said that if Lee becomes president, he will “ruthlessly wield the sword of dogmatism and retribution” and further deepen the country’s divisions. Lee also has his own set of legal troubles, facing five different trials for corruption and other criminal charges.

US companies are seeking to invest in Pakistan's largely untapped minerals sector that boasts one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits, the Pakistani government said Wednesday. Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, conveyed that interest directly to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during meeting in Islamabad, according to a government statement. The meeting came a day after Meyer attended the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum—an international summit aimed at attracting foreign investment in the country’s mining sector. Apart from gold and copper, Pakistan is also rich in lithium used to make batteries, as well as other minerals. The summit has drawn participation from major international companies, including Canada-based Barrick Gold, as well as government officials from the United States, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, and other nations. Pakistan's massive copper and gold deposits are located in Reko Diq, a district in restive Balochistan, which has witnessed a surge in attacks by Baloch separatists in recent years. Pakistan’s powerful army chief Gen. Asim Munir had told foreign companies and investors at the summit that the military would ensure their security. India’s Parliament approves controversial Waqf Bill amid opposition protests The statement said Meyer “acknowledged the potential of Pakistan’s mineral sector,” adding that American companies are interested in exploring investment opportunities. He reaffirmed Washington’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, including in such sectors as trade, investment, and counterterrorism, the statement said. Sharif said Pakistan’s minerals sector offered “immense opportunities” and encouraged US companies to take advantage of the investment potential. Sharif expressed Islamabad’s desire to strengthen ties with the Trump administration. Meyer’s visit marks the first by a Trump administration official since the US imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports as part of his trade war. Sharif's office said in a statement later Wednesday that the Pakistani prime minister will dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington to negotiate with Trump administration officials over the tariffs issue and to discuss how to enhance bilateral trade.

A volcano in the central Philippines became active briefly on Tuesday, releasing a plume of ash and debris 4 kilometres (2.4 miles) high into the sky. This prompted authorities to cancel classes in four nearby villages affected by ashfall, officials confirmed. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Mount Kanlaon’s early-morning eruption lasted for over an hour. Ash reached at least four agricultural villages to the southwest of the volcano on Negros island. No injuries or property damage were reported. Volcano erupts in southwestern Iceland after a nearby town and spa are evacuated The volcano had previously erupted in December, leading to the evacuation of thousands. Many of those displaced residents remained in temporary shelters on Tuesday, as Kanlaon continued to display signs of unrest, the Office of Civil Defense reported. Teresito Bacolcol, the Philippines’ chief volcanologist, told The Associated Press that there were no significant new indicators of heightened volcanic activity—such as an increase in volcanic earthquakes—that would necessitate raising the alert level from its current level 3, which indicates a “high level of volcanic unrest.” The highest alert, level 5, would signal that a “hazardous eruption is in progress.” “There’s always a chance of a larger eruption,” Bacolcol said, advising the public to remain alert and to avoid the 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) permanent danger zone around the volcano. Mount Kanlaon stands 2,435 metres (7,988 feet) tall and is among the Philippines’ 24 most active volcanoes. In 1996, three hikers died and several others were rescued after an unexpected eruption near the summit, officials recalled. Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts displaying stunning lava fountains The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country also experiences around 20 typhoons and storms annually, making it one of the most disaster-prone regions globally.

Millions of people across China are celebrating the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day starting from Friday. This year the festival will last till Sunday (April 6). It is a traditional Chinese festival that honours ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. Marking this day, families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, offer food, flowers, and burn incense or paper money. These rituals are done to show respect and to remember those who came before them. Qingming, which means "clear and bright" in Chinese, is also a time when people enjoy the beauty of nature. Many families go for walks in the countryside, fly kites, and enjoy outdoor activities. It is both a solemn and joyful occasion. The festival has been observed for over 2,500 years and is one of the most important traditional events in China. The Chinese government recognises Qingming as a public holiday, allowing families to travel and spend time together. China files lawsuit with WTO following US new tariffs Wes Cabangon, operations adviser for the Aliw Broadcasting Corporation based in Pasig, the Philippines, who is visiting in China, said it's a beautiful tradition honouring one's ancestors with deep reverence and love. "What struck me most is how this solemn occasion coincides with the breathtaking cherry blossom season, reminding us of the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life," he added. Sharing her thought, Yuge Xu, a masters student of International Communication at Communication University of China, said today is the first day of the Qingming festival holiday, and I am very happy to go to the park with my friends to see the crabapple flowers. "There are also many other tourists in the park, covering all age groups, but everyone has a common goal: to fully enjoy the spring scenery and feel the atmosphere of spring", she added. China to impose 34% tariff on all US imports from April 10 This year, Chinese authorities are also reminding the public to celebrate in an eco-friendly way, encouraging the use of flowers instead of burning paper offerings to reduce pollution. As Qingming continues, people across the country are taking the time to remember the past and look forward to a brighter future.

China's Ministry of Commerce said on Friday that China has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization's (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism following the announcement by the United States on Thursday to slap "reciprocal tariffs" on all trading partners. "By imposing the so-called 'reciprocal tariffs,' the United States gravely violates WTO rules, seriously undermines the legitimate rights and interests of WTO members, and seriously damages the rules-based multilateral trading system and the international economic and trade order," a ministry spokesperson said. "It is a typical unilateral practice of bullying that jeopardizes the stability of the global economic and trade order, and China is firmly opposed to this," the spokesperson said. China to impose 34% tariff on all US imports from April 10 China has always been a staunch defender of the international economic and trade order and a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system, said the spokesperson. "We urge the US side to immediately correct its wrongdoings and cancel its unilateral tariff measures."