United News of Bangladesh

The deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades is piling pressure on Beijing’s “patriots-only” governance system, casting a shadow on elections widely seen as a further step to tighten control over the city's legislature. Sunday's vote to elect new lawmakers to Hong Kong's 90-member Legislative Council comes just 11 days after a massive fire engulfed seven towers in a high-rise apartment complex, killing at least 159 people in the financial hub's worst blaze since 1948. With many voters in the city grown politically apathetic since China’s crackdown shut out the pro-democracy camp in recent years, Sunday's turnout rate will be a key barometer of public sentiment toward the government and its handling of the fire. While there hasn’t yet been significant public protests because of the chilling effect of a wide-ranging security crackdown that started five years ago, some residents have raised concerns among friends, on social media and to reporters about government oversight in building maintenance projects and official investigation efforts. Nearly 40% of incumbents, including household names and mildly vocal politicians, are stepping aside for this election. More candidates with mainland Chinese business links, as well as more members of China’s parliament, are joining the race. Observers suggest the candidate lineup signals Beijing’s tightening control over even its loyalists and a preference for politicians more in tune with its agenda. A change of guard Starting in late September, many veteran lawmakers announced one by one that they would not seek reelection. Regina Ip, a leading member of Hong Kong’s cabinet, said she wanted to pass the torch to the younger generation and denied that age was a factor. Several relatively outspoken lawmakers also stepped aside. One of them, Doreen Kong, insisted she faced no pressure to bow out. The changes drew wide attention to the legislature, now filled with Beijing loyalists after China overhauled electoral rules in 2021. Under the rules, the number of directly elected seats was reduced from 35 to 20. Forty other seats are chosen by a predominantly pro-Beijing election committee, with voters in professional, business and other designated sectors picking another 30 for their industries. All candidates must pass official vetting, including by national security authorities. Pro-democracy politicians in the legislature have completely disappeared after many were arrested under a 2020 national security law Beijing imposed to quell the massive protests that started in 2019. The pro-Beijing camp praised the new model’s efficiency, but Hong Kong think tank POD Research Institute in September said its survey showed growing public concerns about the quality of debate in the legislature. More candidates with mainland Chinese ties The new candidate pool marks a deeper change. The Associated Press found that at least 26 of 161 candidates, or 16%, held positions in Chinese-funded businesses without declaring party affiliations — almost double the figure reported by local newspaper South China Morning Post in the 2021 election. Most were connected to state-owned enterprises. Among all candidates, 16 are delegates to China's top legislature — more than double from the last election — and 13 others are members of China's top political advisory body. The directly-elected seats drew more candidates than four years ago, including district councilors handling municipal matters. Still, many of those new candidates are not familiar names to voters. John Burns, an honorary professor of politics and public administration at the University of Hong Kong, said the central government has “very much controlled” the city's elections since 2021. Burns said it appears that the central authorities have a new informal criterion on an upper age limit and possibly less appetite for outspoken lawmakers. He said members of China's legislature and political advisory body are more in tune with Beijing's agenda, while those who work for state-owned enterprises are under more control by the central authorities, in addition to having better resources for their roles. “They’re trying to ensure that the new people adopt a national perspective, national agenda ... and not focus on sectional interests, not focus on vested interests, and not perhaps representing the concerns of people in Hong Kong,” he said. He added that central authorities also appeared to be trying to minimize the influence of traditional political parties. Other new faces joining the race include Olympic fencing champion Vivian Kong, who has faced questions over her eligibility to run in the tourism sector. She cleared the official vetting process in November after citing her efforts to promote horse racing tourism. Candidates defend dual roles Hong Kong leader John Lee maintained that personnel changes in the election are normal during a change of term, and condemned attempts by “opposing forces” to smear the election with accusations of interference. He added it’s justifiable for Beijing to care about the election. Incumbent finance lawmaker Ronick Chan, an adviser at Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, whose parent company is a state-owned commercial bank, said working in Chinese-funded enterprises does not conflict with serving as a legislator. “Employees of Chinese-funded enterprises frequently engage with national policies in their daily work," he said in a text message. “That helps Hong Kong better understand the central government’s concerns and facilitates the city's service to and integration into national development.” His rival Ip Tsz-kin, who works in the Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) — also affiliated with another state-owned bank — told the SCMP that candidates must work for Hong Kong's future development regardless of their company background. He did not reply to the AP’s request for comment. During an election candidate forum, candidate Rex Lai said patriot organizations can mobilize volunteers to support relief efforts in a disaster. In November, China’s Hong Kong affairs office said the pool of new candidates will boost the development of “high-quality democracy” that suits Hong Kong. It said the legislature needs new blood, and that the participation of professional elites from new sectors, innovation industries and think tanks, among other areas, signals hopes for better alignment with China’s next five-year plan. Push for turnout could be dampened by fire aftermath Voter turnout rate in the 2021 election had dropped to 30.2%, a record low. Officials have been pulling out all the stops to boost that figure until the fire brought a temporary halt. Burns noted that about 60% of the popular vote went to the pro-democracy camp in past elections before 2021. He believed those voters would continue to stay away from Sunday's election. He said that while some pro-government voters would be grateful for the authorities' response to the fire, others could have reservations about voting due to the systemic problems uncovered by the fire and the huge death toll. To drive up turnout, the government has extended voting hours, added voting stations and offered subsidies to centers for older adults and people with disabilities. City leader Lee urged civil servants to vote and companies provided time off for employees casting ballots. Authorities have made arrests over social media content that allegedly discouraged voting or for damaging promotional election materials. “This fire has run a truck right through that campaign,” Burns said. “That makes it very difficult for the authorities to better the thirty percent, and so probably it will be lower."

Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in India Thursday on a state visit aimed at bolstering bilateral and economic ties between the two countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Russian leader at an airport in New Delhi, giving a bearhug and a tight handshake with the gusto of an old friend. Modi will host Putin for a private dinner tonight at his decked-up official residence. On Friday, the two leaders will hold talks as part of the 23rd India-Russia Summit and discuss deepening economic cooperation, mainly in defense, energy and the mobility of skilled labor. Putin’s visit comes at a sensitive time in global politics when there is a renewed push by the U.S. on a peace deal to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end. The visit will test New Delhi’s efforts to balance relations with Moscow and Washington as the nearly four-year war in Ukraine grinds on. Putin last visited India in 2021. Modi was in Moscow last year, and the two leaders briefly met in September in China during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.  

Britain and Norway will begin joint naval patrols to safeguard undersea cables and track Russian submarines, the U.K. government announced Thursday as Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for defence talks. Officials said a combined force of at least 13 vessels will operate in the North Atlantic to “hunt Russian submarines and protect critical infrastructure,” amid growing concerns over maritime security. The move follows a £10 billion ($13.4 billion) agreement in August for Norway to purchase at least five British-built frigates. Those ships will work alongside eight Royal Navy vessels along NATO’s northern flank. The two countries’ defence ministers formalised the pact in London on Thursday, which also includes a commitment for the Royal Navy to adopt Norwegian-made missiles for its surface fleet. Starmer and Støre were expected to continue discussions at 10 Downing Street before travelling to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland to meet British and Norwegian crews monitoring Russian naval movements. According to U.K. officials, Russian activity around British waters has risen by 30% over the past two years.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that several elements of a U.S. proposal to end the war in Ukraine are unacceptable to Moscow, signalling that negotiations remain far from a breakthrough despite Washington’s latest diplomatic push. U.S. President Donald Trump has launched the most intensive effort yet to halt the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. But the initiative has again hit long-standing obstacles, particularly over whether Ukraine must cede territory to Russia and how future security guarantees for Kyiv would work. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, in Miami later Thursday, according to a senior Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Putin described his five-hour talks with Witkoff and Kushner in the Kremlin on Tuesday as “necessary,” “useful” and “difficult,” noting that some parts of the U.S. proposal were impossible for Russia to accept. Speaking to India Today TV ahead of a visit to New Delhi, Putin said both sides “had to go through each point” of the U.S. plan, which prolonged the discussions. Russian state agencies Tass and RIA Novosti released excerpts before the full interview aired. “It was a very concrete conversation,” Putin said, adding that while Moscow is prepared to discuss certain provisions, “others we can’t agree to.” Trump said Wednesday that his envoys left Moscow convinced that Putin genuinely wants to reach a settlement. “Their impression was very strongly that he’d like to make a deal,” he said. Putin declined to detail which points were acceptable or unacceptable, saying it was “premature” and could hinder the negotiation process, according to Tass. European leaders, excluded from the direct talks between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv, have accused Putin of merely appearing to support Trump’s peace initiative. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continued overnight. A missile strike in Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday injured six people, including a 3-year-old girl, and damaged dozens of homes, a school and gas pipelines, city chief Oleksandr Vilkul said. In Kherson, a 6-year-old girl died after being wounded by artillery fire the previous day, regional military head Oleksandr Prokudin reported. The Kherson Thermal Power Plant, which supplies heat to more than 40,000 residents, was forced to shut down Thursday following days of Russian drone and artillery strikes, he said. Authorities have convened emergency meetings to secure alternative heating sources. In the meantime, warming tents with charging points have been set up across the city. In Odesa, Russian drone strikes wounded six people and damaged civilian and energy infrastructure, regional administrator Oleh Kiper said. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 138 drones overnight. In the Russia-occupied part of Kherson, two men were killed and a 68-year-old woman was wounded when a Ukrainian drone hit their vehicle, Moscow-installed regional head Vladimir Saldo said.  

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday that he is considering offering an apology to North Korea amid allegations that former conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol deliberately heightened military tensions ahead of his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024. Marking the first anniversary of Yoon’s failed takeover, Lee — who won a snap election after Yoon’s removal in April — emphasized his intention to improve relations with Pyongyang. However, he drew criticism when he said he was unaware of the longstanding detentions of several South Koreans in North Korea. A special prosecutor indicted Yoon and two military leaders last month, accusing them of ordering drone missions over North Korea to escalate tensions. South Korean media also reported this week that balloons carrying anti-North Korean leaflets were launched during Yoon’s presidency. Lee Weighs an Apology Although the allegations have not been proven, Lee signaled he believes an apology may be warranted.“I think an apology is needed, but I’ve held back out of concern it could be used to attack me politically,” he said. The opposition conservative People Power Party condemned Lee’s remarks and said he should protect the military’s integrity. North Korea has claimed that the South flew drones over Pyongyang to drop propaganda materials several times in October 2024, though the South Korean military has not confirmed this. Since taking office in June, Lee has tried to ease tensions by shutting down border loudspeakers and stopping activist groups from sending leaflets by balloon. Pyongyang has not responded positively, with Kim Jong Un insisting he has no interest in resuming talks. Lee said he will continue seeking dialogue and even suggested reconsidering routine South Korea–U.S. military drills — something likely to anger conservatives who see the exercises as vital in the face of North Korea’s nuclear program. Lee Stumbles on Question of South Korean Detainees Lee faced backlash when he appeared unaware of the six South Koreans reportedly held in North Korea — including three Christian missionaries arrested in 2013–14 and sentenced to life at hard labor, and three North Korean–born defectors. Relatives expressed deep disappointment over his comments. Human rights experts criticized the president for not knowing the issue, saying it is his responsibility to seek solutions despite the difficulty. The Unification Ministry said it continues efforts to secure the detainees’ release and last raised the issue during high-level talks in 2018. Family members said the current minister recently met with them and expressed a desire to restart dialogue with the North. Recalling the Martial Law Crisis Lee also revisited the events of Yoon’s attempted “self-coup,” praising citizens who gathered outside the National Assembly and helped lawmakers overturn the martial law order. He recounted livestreaming his rush to the Assembly as troops surrounded the building, even climbing a fence to get inside. Yoon was impeached later that month and formally removed from office in April. He is now imprisoned and facing charges of rebellion and other crimes. In a new statement, Yoon maintained that declaring martial law was necessary to counter liberal forces he accused of disrupting the government.

China and France committed to strengthening collaboration on major global challenges—including the war in Ukraine—and on trade, as France prepares to assume the presidency of the G7 next year. French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday during a three-day state visit focused on commerce and diplomacy. France Seeks China’s Help on Ukraine Macron hopes to persuade Beijing to play a stronger role in pressuring Russia toward a ceasefire, following renewed diplomatic efforts linked to a U.S.-backed peace initiative. He warned that the international system that has ensured decades of peace is at risk and said cooperation between France and China is now “more essential than ever.” Macron urged China to support a call for at least a temporary halt on strikes targeting critical Ukrainian infrastructure. Xi did not directly address France’s request but reiterated that China “supports all efforts conducive to peace” and favors a settlement acceptable to all parties. China has been one of Russia’s key diplomatic backers since the invasion and has increased trade with Moscow. Xi also pledged $100 million in aid for humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Calling for stronger political trust, Xi said China and France should support each other on key issues while demonstrating “independence” in their decision-making. Expanding Economic Ties Trade was another major theme of the meeting. Xi announced agreements to boost cooperation in aerospace, aviation, nuclear power, green technology, and artificial intelligence. The two countries signed 12 deals, including partnerships on panda conservation and academic exchanges. The EU continues to face a large trade deficit with China—more than 300 billion euros last year—with China accounting for nearly half of France’s deficit. Recent years have brought a series of trade disputes following EU probes of Chinese electric vehicle subsidies and China’s retaliatory investigations into European products. France secured an exemption for most cognac makers earlier this year. Amid China’s slowing economy, Xi said the country will “open its doors wider,” pledging to expand market access, encourage investment, and promote cooperation with the EU. Concerns Over Bilateral Deals Some analysts say Beijing may use Macron’s visit to strengthen ties with France individually, potentially weakening the EU’s collective stance toward China. Macron and his wife arrived Wednesday and received a formal welcome Thursday at the Great Hall of the People. His schedule includes meetings with top Chinese officials and participation in a Franco-Chinese business forum. The couple will also visit Chengdu, home to China’s main giant panda conservation center, where Yuan Meng—the first panda born in France—is currently living. France recently returned several popular giant pandas after 13 years in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India this week for a summit aimed at strengthening economic, defense and energy cooperation, a trip that will also test New Delhi’s balancing act between Moscow and Washington as the Ukraine war continues. Putin is expected to arrive Thursday and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Both sides said they will review progress in bilateral ties, discuss major issues and sign government and business agreements. India has kept buying discounted Russian oil despite U.S. pressure, arguing that the imports are vital for its 1.4 billion people. Washington says the purchases are helping Moscow fund the war, and U.S. President Donald Trump recently raised tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in response. Putin last visited India in 2021, while Modi traveled to Moscow last year. They also briefly met in China in September during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting. The visit comes as the U.S. pushes a new peace plan for Ukraine. Critics say the proposal initially leaned toward Moscow and was adjusted after talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Modi has avoided directly criticizing Russia, instead calling for a peaceful resolution. Analysts say India is unlikely to take on a public mediating role but may work quietly behind the scenes. They believe Modi could urge Putin to consider concerns raised by Ukraine and European nations. Indian officials say the summit is expected to produce agreements focused on trade, maritime cooperation, healthcare, media exchanges and economic facilitation. India wants to increase exports of pharmaceuticals, farm goods and textiles to Russia and is seeking the removal of non-tariff barriers. It is also pushing for long-term fertilizer supplies. Another key area under discussion is a plan to ensure safe and regulated migration of Indian skilled workers to Russia. The United States has intensified pressure on India to scale back Russian oil imports. New sanctions on Russian majors Rosneft and Lukoil add to India’s challenges. Indian officials say the country will avoid buying from companies under sanctions but may continue purchases from others. Analyst Harsh Pant said India will stress that it cannot completely cut off Russian energy supplies, and future imports will depend on market conditions and how sanctions affect Indian buyers. Energy cooperation will be a major theme of the summit. India has invested in Russia’s Far East, and the two nations continue to expand civil nuclear cooperation. Talks are ongoing about local manufacturing linked to the Russia-backed Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu, along with possible joint projects in other countries. On defense, India is expected to push Moscow for faster delivery of two remaining S-400 missile squadrons under a 2018 deal worth about 5.4 billion dollars. Deliveries have been delayed due to supply chain issues linked to the war. India may also explore additional or upgraded S-400 systems, though no announcement is expected. India is also expected to discuss upgrades for its Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter jets, faster delivery of key military hardware and improved coordination in joint exercises and disaster response. Despite India diversifying its defense imports, Russia remains its biggest arms supplier. Moscow is also trying to promote its Su-57 stealth fighter jet to India, though New Delhi continues to evaluate options from multiple foreign partners.  

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in China on Wednesday for a three-day state visit focused on trade, investment and diplomatic efforts to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Macron aims to seek China’s support in urging Russia toward ending the war. His office said he will push for balanced economic cooperation that promotes sustainable growth for both countries. France wants more Chinese investment and better access for French exports. Officials from both sides are expected to sign agreements in sectors such as energy, food production and aviation. Macron’s office said he will defend fair and reciprocal market access. Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Beijing after nightfall and were welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The couple is scheduled to visit the Qianlong Garden in the Forbidden City later on Wednesday. The visit comes as France prepares to host the G7 summit in 2026. China will chair next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which includes major economies including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Russia. The European Union’s trade deficit with China exceeded 300 billion euros last year. China accounts for nearly half of France’s total trade deficit. Both France and the EU see China as a partner, a competitor and a systemic rival. Recent years have seen several trade disputes, including the EU probe into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies and China’s counter-investigations into European brandy, pork and dairy imports. In July, Macron welcomed China’s decision to exempt most cognac makers from its anti-dumping measures. France remains China’s top supplier of wine and spirits. Macron will also raise the Ukraine war in his meeting with President Xi Jinping. This follows Macron’s talks in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week on possible terms for a ceasefire. A senior French diplomat said Paris wants China to use its influence on Russia to push for a ceasefire and support negotiations that could lead to security guarantees for Ukraine. France also expects China to avoid providing any support that could help Russia continue the conflict. China has said it supports dialogue and negotiation to end the war. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China has played a constructive role since the conflict began. Macron will meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday before attending a France-China business forum. He will also meet Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The French presidential couple will travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province later in the visit. On Friday, Macron and Xi will hold talks in Dujiangyan, one of the world’s oldest irrigation sites. Macron will also meet students at Sichuan University. Chengdu is home to China’s giant panda conservation center, where Yuan Meng, the first panda born in France, now lives. France last month returned a pair of giant pandas that had lived in the country for 13 years and produced three cubs.  

US President Donald Trump appeared visibly fatigued during a marathon three-hour Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, with several moments suggesting he was on the verge of nodding off. Throughout the session, the 79-year-old president was seen narrowing his eyes and, at times, shutting them completely as senior officials spoke about their accomplishments and offered praise. At one point, cameras caught Trump seemingly drifting off while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was speaking, though he leaned forward shortly after to engage. Trump says he will release MRI results and calls them perfect The drowsy moments came after an intense late-night posting spree on Truth Social. Between 7 pm and midnight on Monday, Trump shared more than 160 posts, and he was active on the platform again by 5:48 am the following morning. With input from Indian media

Russia has introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens for stays of up to 30 days, following a decree signed Monday by President Vladimir Putin on the basis of reciprocity with Beijing. The measure took effect immediately. Under the decree, valid through Sept 14, 2026, holders of regular Chinese passports may enter Russia for short stays of no more than 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business travel, family visits, participation in cultural, scientific, economic, socio-political or sports events, or for transit. No visa will be required for these categories. The exemption, however, does not apply to Chinese citizens seeking to work, study or reside in Russia, nor to those involved in international road transport as drivers, crew members, freight forwarders or interpreters. Tourism industry representatives in Moscow said the policy is expected to significantly boost arrivals from China. Alexander Musikhin, vice president for inbound tourism at the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, predicted a 30–40 percent rise in Chinese tourists during the summer season. The decree will also spur independent travel and business visits, said Alexander Bragin of the Russian Association of Travel Aggregators, who estimated that individual arrivals could increase by up to twofold. He noted that the policy is likely to improve hotel occupancy even during off-peak months. Nikita Kondratyev of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development said China already accounts for the highest number of inbound tourist trips to Russia. With the new visa-free system in place, he expects the number of Chinese visitors to exceed 2 million next year. China, for its part, began a one-year trial of a similar 30-day visa-free scheme for Russian citizens on Sept 15, covering travel for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit.