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China Warns Citizens Risk Becoming ‘Mining Slaves’ in Central African Republic
China’s embassy in the Central African Republic (CAR) has warned that its citizens are at serious risk of becoming “mining slaves” in the country’s troubled gold sector. The warning comes as growing numbers of Chinese workers turn to sub-Saharan Africa for opportunities amid a slowdown in China’s economy and shrinking job prospects at home.
Rising Dangers for Chinese Workers Abroad
The embassy said Chinese nationals have been killed, kidnapped, and defrauded by armed groups and even by their business partners. Others have been lured into illegal mining operations, only to be scammed or deported. According to the statement issued on Thursday, several Chinese citizens have lost their identification documents, effectively trapping them in forced labour conditions.
As gold prices soar and China increases its gold reserves through state-backed purchases, many workers from China have sought fortune in resource-rich African nations. Along with the Central African Republic, countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Mali have also become hotspots for illegal mining, fuelled by weak oversight and poor law enforcement.
Embassy Issues Strong Security Warning
The Chinese embassy in Bangui stated that nationals involved in CAR’s gold trade face “significant security risks.” It added that some Chinese workers have been ambushed or killed amid widespread militia activity, while others have died in conflicts between armed factions or from diseases such as malaria. The statement also mentioned incidents disguised as accidents, including alleged “car crashes” and “hangings” following disputes between shareholders.
While the embassy did not disclose how many Chinese citizens currently work in CAR’s mines, it urged all nationals to leave immediately, citing the extreme danger in areas outside the capital, Bangui.
Economic Struggles and Beijing’s Response
The Central African Republic, one of the poorest countries in the world, has been in civil conflict for more than a decade but possesses vast reserves of gold, diamonds, and oil. China has provided over $26 million in loans to the nation and traditionally avoids commenting on other countries’ internal affairs, following its long-standing principle of non-interference. However, Beijing has recently become more vocal about protecting Chinese citizens abroad.
This shift in tone is also reflected in Chinese popular culture. The blockbuster film Wolf Warrior 2 portrays a former Chinese soldier rescuing citizens in a war-torn African country, ending with the patriotic message: “Don’t give up if you run into danger abroad. Please remember, a strong motherland will always have your back.”
Both China and the US currently advise against travel to the Central African Republic. The embassy statement also included the words of a grieving Chinese mother who lost her son to the dangerous mining trade, saying, “The thing I regret most in this life is not stopping my son from going to the Central African Republic to dig for gold.”
(with inputs from Reuters)
India, Afghanistan Chart New Trade Paths
India and Afghanistan are sharpening their engagement on new supply chains and alternative trade corridors as Kabul faces a severe export disruption triggered by Pakistan’s closure of key border transit points. In wide-ranging discussions held in New Delhi on Thursday, both sides examined options to bypass Pakistan, ease the movement of goods, increase market access, and deepen long-term economic cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, who is leading a business delegation on a five-day visit. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s development and welfare, while Azizi conveyed Kabul’s urgent need for dependable routes after Pakistan shut its border crossings on October 11.
The shutdown has halted Afghan exports for over a month, forcing Kabul to instruct traders to clear pending contracts within 90 days. Afghan officials have hinted they are prepared to reduce reliance on Pakistan, making India and Iran central to their revised commercial and connectivity strategy. India’s renewed U.S. sanctions waiver for the Chabahar Port has further strengthened this option, offering Afghanistan direct maritime access free of Pakistani control.
Azizi also visited the India International Trade Fair (IITF), where he was briefed by India Trade Promotion Organisation Managing Director Neeraj Kharwal on commercial opportunities and future participation. He met Afghan traders based in India to assess how trade volumes could be protected despite ongoing regional disruptions.
Beyond trade, development cooperation also featured in the talks. India’s earlier investments in Afghanistan—especially in hydropower—remain potential areas for renewed collaboration. Both governments have recently emphasised the need for sustainable water management and hydroelectric development, building on India’s role in projects like the Salma Dam.
The most consequential moment of Azizi’s visit will come on Friday, when he meets Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Afghan officials are expected to push two proposals: a dedicated India–Afghanistan air-cargo bridge and expanded Afghan use of the Chabahar maritime corridor. Kabul considers both essential to stabilise exports and shield its economy from Pakistan’s unpredictable border closures.
India, meanwhile, remains one of Afghanistan’s key suppliers of pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, tea and food products. At the same time, Afghanistan offers opportunities for Indian businesses in agriculture, mining and energy—sectors where Kabul is seeking foreign investment and where China has already advanced. The outcome of the Goyal–Azizi meeting is likely to determine the next phase of India–Afghanistan commercial engagement and could shape Kabul’s economic trajectory if new corridors receive policy clearance.
Modi Joins South Africa’s Defining G20 Amidst U.S. Boycott
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Johannesburg from November 21–23 to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first time the grouping meets on African soil and the final chapter of a four-year Global South presidency cycle. India has framed the moment as a significant opportunity for developing economies to consolidate priorities advanced during its own 2023 presidency.
Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Modi will participate in all three formal sessions of the Summit, each organised around sustainable growth, resilience and equitable technological transitions.
South Africa’s G20 presidency, themed “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, follows consecutive tenures of Indonesia, India and Brazil — an alignment officials say kept development concerns at the centre of global economic discussions. Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela told reporters the Summit “will be the first G20 Summit happening on African soil and… bring the spotlight on the development issues of Africa.” He added that this marks Modi’s fourth official visit to South Africa, reflecting a “strong and trusted partnership”.
Dalela said the Johannesburg meeting concludes a cycle that allowed emerging markets to “bring a sharper focus on matters impacting the Global South.”
According to the MEA, Modi will present India’s positions across the summit’s three sessions:
- Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth — trade, economic recovery, financing for development and global debt vulnerabilities.
- A Resilient World — disaster risk reduction, climate issues, just energy transitions and food systems.
- A Fair and Just Future for All — critical minerals, decent work and the governance of artificial intelligence.
South Africa has made disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, finance for a just energy transition and critical minerals central to its presidency. Dalela noted these themes align closely with India’s 2023 agenda, pointing to the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group India established and South Africa has carried forward.
India is also expected to emphasise strong language on international terrorism, a recurring priority in multilateral negotiations. Without detailing the text under discussion, Dalela said India’s concerns “are being captured in various outcome documents.” He underlined the broader need for continuity in multilateral reform and development financing, calling the G20 “a premier forum for international economic cooperation.”
Modi will also hold bilateral meetings, including one with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Host officials described the engagement as one that consistently injects “momentum and energy” into the bilateral partnership.
As South Africa hosts leaders from G20 members, invited states and over two dozen international organisations, negotiators are working to finalise consensus on SDG financing, debt transparency and climate action. MEA officials said India will continue acting as a bridge-builder, as during its own presidency.
Dalela noted that leaders must “navigate differences and find common ground” on sustainable development, equitable energy transition pathways, debt challenges and emerging technologies, including AI.
The G20 members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. With the United States set to take over the G20 presidency next year, India sees South Africa’s term as a crucial opportunity to secure durable outcomes for the Global South.
But President Donald Trump will boycott the summit and has announced that the United States will not send any delegation, citing alleged persecution of Afrikaners in South Africa and calling the choice of venue “a total disgrace”.
According to Reuters, Trump’s ally, Argentine President Javier Milei, is also staying away on ideological grounds. Russia’s Vladimir Putin will skip it because of the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him over the invasion of Ukraine, while China is sending Premier Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping.
Union Ministry Eases Immigration Procedure For Indian Seafarers
On Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially ended the painstaking immigration sign-on/sign-off and Shore Leave Pass(SLP) procedures for crew and supernumerary seafarers on Indian flagged coastal vessels.
This is a move to solve the immigration procedural issues faced by Indian seafarers during coastal runs and their further extension every 10 days. The new changes will apply to vessels operating within port limits, including dredgers, barges, and research vessels.
Shore access for sailors will now be regulated by the Port Authorities, making it easier for crew members to focus on their duties onboard.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has been instructed to ensure that port authorities maintain accurate records of the crew working on Indian-flagged coastal vessels. The Bureau of Immigration will conduct surprise inspections and request crew lists regularly to monitor compliance.
This policy aims to reduce administrative burdens on seafarers and streamline coastal vessel operations. Crew members should coordinate with Port Authorities for shore access and ensure that their details are properly recorded. The new arrangement is expected to improve efficiency and convenience for Indian seafarers.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, said, “This beneficial and historic reform will help all Indian seafarers working on approximately 800 vessels, along with Indian shipowners, by reducing operational delays, simplifying compliance and boosting coastal shipping efficiency.” He called this move a major milestone in maritime welfare and ease of doing business.
Sonowal also added that the Narendra Modi Government stands strong with India’s seafarers. “Towards empowering our seafarers, the Union Home Ministry under the decisive leadership of Amit Shah ji has abolished decades-old requirements of sign-on, sign-off and Shore Leave Passes for all Indian vessels exclusively operating in Indian waters,” he said in a message on X.
Women Voters: India’s New Decisive Political Force
The landslide win for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Bihar uncovered a swing voter: women.
They outnumbered men in turnout by a massive 10 percentage points. Presumably, this swung the scales for the NDA.
The cohort of women is also signaling new priorities. What will they be? Will women redefine India’s polity and policy priorities?
To answer all this and more, StratNewsGlobal.Tech spoke to Rahul Verma, political analyst and Fellow, Centre for Policy Research on Capital Calculus.
Colombo Security Conclave: NSA Doval Warns Of Challenges, Vulnerabilities
The global security landscape had entered a “challenging” phase, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told the 7th Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on Thursday, urging member states to intensify cooperation against terrorism and strengthen maritime security.
He said the Indian Ocean region was facing fast-evolving geopolitical and security pressures, making the CSC more relevant than ever.
“The CSC has gained immense significance today in the midst of a rapidly changing and challenging global security environment,” he said.
Reinforcing India’s maritime outlook, Doval called the Indian Ocean “our greatest shared heritage” and urged states to act jointly to safeguard regional waters.
“The ocean is the engine that propels our economies,” he said, stressing the need for an open, inclusive, rules-based maritime order. He pressed for stronger collective stewardship of marine resources, citing the region’s interconnected geographies and shared vulnerabilities.
With piracy, illegal trafficking, and regional power competition resurging, maritime safety and coordinated naval responses remained central to the discussions.
Doval promised to work “closely with all CSC countries to enhance collective capacities in dealing with evolving and emerging security challenges.”
Bangladesh NSA Khalil-ur-Rehman said his country has been actively engaged in several CSC activities and intends to continue “based on the principles enshrined in the Charter, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference.”
He noted that the Conclave can play a “critical role in strengthening collective security, regional stability and shared prosperity.”
The Bangladesh NSA added, “Bangladesh has been steadfastly playing its dual role in this regard. We are working alongside regional nations to enhance maritime safety and security, combat piracy and other organised maritime crimes and terrorism, as well as to ensure cybersecurity.”
Over the past year, India has hosted a series of CSC-linked events, including the first Oceanographers and Hydrographers Conference aimed at exchanging scientific expertise and maritime best practices.
Officials said the CSC will continue expanding its technical and operational engagements as the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly important to global supply chains and energy flows.
The CSC placed heightened emphasis on tackling terrorism and radicalisation, with several delegations underscoring the threat posed by cross-border networks and extremist financing.
The participating nations agreed to expand joint counterterrorism exercises, intelligence exchanges, and mechanisms to monitor transnational terror activities, a key priority since the CSC’s restructuring in 2020.
The meeting saw Seychelles join as a full member. Malaysia attended as a guest for the first time.
US May Delay Semiconductor Tariff To Avoid Rupture With China
U.S. officials are privately saying that they might not levy long-promised semiconductor tariffs soon, potentially delaying a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.
Trump aides are taking their time on chip tariffs as they work to avoid a rupture with Beijing over trade issues, which would risk a return to a tit-for-tat trade war and disruption of the flow of critical rare earth minerals, according to two of the people.
Those people cautioned that no decision is final until the administration signs off on it, and also said that triple-digit tariffs could be imposed at any time. The sources spoke anonymously in order to recount private conversations about policy deliberations.
In August, Trump announced a 100% tariff on semiconductor imports, exempting firms producing or pledging to produce in the U.S. Officials had signaled the rollout was imminent, but the administration is now delaying as it debates timing and details.
Trump Faces Pressure On Consumer Prices
Any decision by the administration to slow down or narrow the scope of chip tariffs would come at a sensitive time for Trump. The Republican president is facing growing consumer angst over prices heading into the holiday shopping season.
Higher semiconductor import taxes could raise gadget costs, with plans to also tax foreign devices by chip count. While Trump recently cut tariffs on over 200 food products, he insists import taxes haven’t fueled inflation. A government shutdown has delayed consumer price data, though inflation has remained above the Fed’s target since Biden’s tenure.
Trump is also trying to maintain a delicate trade truce with China, a top manufacturer of both semiconductors and devices powered by them. Last month, Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, and reached an agreement to set aside their trade issues, for now.
(With inputs from Reuters)
UK Minister’s Visit Focuses On Boosting FTA, Strengthening Supply Chains
The UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra, arrives in India on her first official visit since taking office. Her visit comes at a time when the two countries signed the bilateral free trade agreement in July this year, with the ratification process now underway.
Building on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trade mission to India in October, Malhotra will engage with British companies in Chennai and Bengaluru including retail giant Tesco which operates the Star Bazaar chain of stores; fintech company Revolut; and BT that provides telecom services.
Her discussions will centre on how the FTA can streamline business operations, unlock new investment opportunities, and strengthen bilateral supply chains.
“As a UK Minister of Indian descent, returning to India at this early stage is both an honour and an indication of the importance we attach to this relationship,” Malhotra said. “This has been a transformative year for UK-India ties, and the Free Trade Agreement forms the core of our shared Vision 2035. I am here to see how our revitalised partnership is creating jobs, driving innovation and generating growth in both countries.”
Women in STEM
In Bengaluru, Malhotra will announce the return of the British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship for South Asia after a one-year pause. Ten fully funded master’s scholarships worth £400,000 in total will be offered for the 2026–27 academic year.
She will also meet Karnataka’s Industries Minister M. B. Patil and Higher Education Minister Dr. M. C. Sudhakar to explore collaboration in advanced manufacturing, research, skills development and innovation.
Anti-Visa Fraud Campaign
In Chennai she will expand the UK’s visa-fraud awareness campaign from Punjab to Tamil Nadu. The initiative seeks to curb fraudulent visa practices through targeted outreach in high-risk districts and the launch of a Tamil-language WhatsApp chatbot that helps residents verify visa information and avoid exploitative agents.
Meetings with Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister Dr. T. R. B. Rajaa will focus on opportunities in green technology, innovation-driven industries and workforce development.
The visit highlights the UK’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, positioning India as a central partner in economic, security and talent collaboration. By engaging directly with state governments and industry centres beyond New Delhi, London aims to reinforce the depth and reach of the bilateral relationship under the UK-India Vision 2035.
US and Japan Among Nations Pulling Back from Global Development Push
Two dozen of the world’s wealthiest nations, including the United States and Japan, are reducing their commitment to global development, according to a new study published on Thursday. The report shows many countries are cutting aid budgets and diverting funds away from multilateral development institutions, marking a significant retreat from long-standing international pledges.
The Commitment to Development Index (CDI)—compiled by the Washington-based Center for Global Development (CGD) assesses 38 advanced economies using more than 100 data points. It measures how their policies impact developing nations across key areas such as finance, trade, migration, environment, health, security, and technology.
Decline in US Ranking as Aid Cuts Deepen
Sweden, Germany, Norway, and Finland retained their positions at the top of the 2024 ranking, reflecting their continued investment in global cooperation. The United Kingdom rose two spots to fifth place, though the data predates the government’s decision to slash its aid budget by 40%. Analysts expect that cut to push the UK down in future editions of the index.
The United States fell two places to 28th, a decline the CGD said does not yet account for the billions of dollars in aid reductions implemented under President Donald Trump. “The changes the Trump administration is making are very significant,” said Ian Mitchell, a senior policy fellow at CGD, warning that the US is likely to fall further in future rankings.
The trend reflects a broader shift among wealthy nations, many of which have redirected spending toward defence, energy security, and domestic economic concerns. Trump’s decision earlier this year to shutter USAID, the country’s main foreign aid agency, further underscores Washington’s withdrawal from traditional development priorities.
G20 Context and Global Implications
The release of the report comes just days before South Africa hosts the Group of 20 (G20) summit, where it will hand over its presidency to the United States. Trump will not attend the meeting the first G20 summit to take place in Africa amid growing criticism that Western powers are abandoning their leadership role in global development.
Despite the overall decline, the report highlighted a few positive signs. More than three-quarters of the countries studied reduced carbon emissions between 2019 and 2023, although rising emissions in China offset much of that progress. The index also noted modest improvements in migration policies, with more nations welcoming refugees and migrants.
However, the CGD warned that the broader global trend is regressive. “While some improved on migration or environment, overall the trend is backward with arms exports, trade barriers, and fossil fuel subsidies all rising,” the think tank said.
As rich nations prioritise national security and economic protectionism, the pullback in aid spending threatens to widen global inequality and stall progress toward international development goals.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Taiwan Investigates Ex-TSMC Executive On Chip Security Concerns
Taiwan is investigating a retired TSMC executive who recently joined Intel, the island’s economy minister said on Wednesday, after local media reported that he may have taken the chipmaker’s advanced technology data to his new employer.
Taiwanese media outlets, including the Liberty Times, reported this week that Wei-Jen Lo, who played a key role in advancing TSMC’s cutting-edge chip manufacturing technologies from 2 nanometres to 5 nanometres, allegedly took company data before joining Intel in October.
Lo did not respond to a request for comment.
National Security Concerns
Taiwan’s High Prosecutors’ Office said on Tuesday it was aware of the media reports and had opened a case to look into the matter. No formal complaint or charge has been filed.
Taiwan Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said on Wednesday that the government was concerned about national security, which includes the protection of advanced semiconductor technologies.
“The Ministry of Economic Affairs will cooperate (with prosecutors) by explaining the current control mechanisms for Taiwan’s core technologies and by assessing whether there are any concerns related to the national security law,” he said.
He said the government would closely monitor whether the situation could affect Taiwan’s semiconductor industry or its customer relationships.
Lo’s Career Path
TSMC did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Intel, which has not publicly unveiled Lo’s appointment, also did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
A source familiar with the matter said Lo is currently working at the U.S. chipmaker and reports directly to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
Lo spent 21 years at TSMC before retiring this year as senior vice president for corporate strategy development.
He previously led TSMC’s research and advanced technology development, helping drive mass production for 5-nm, 3-nm and 2-nm manufacturing processes, and strengthened ties with suppliers, according to the company and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute.
Before joining TSMC in 2004, Lo worked at Intel for 18 years. He served as a director of technology development and was a factory manager, running Intel’s development facility in Santa Clara, California.
(With inputs from Reuters)