Author: space4knews

During a White House visit, former U.S. President Donald Trump playfully taunted current President Joe Biden by showing a photo of an autopen (an automatic signing device) instead of Biden’s picture, eliciting open laughter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The video released by the White House shows Trump leading Xi along the ‘Presidential Walk of Fame,’ where the spot associated with Biden was replaced with an image of the autopen. Despite ongoing tensions between Trump and Xi over technology and rare minerals, leaders from both countries are making efforts to improve relations.

October 10, Kathmandu: Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a state visit to the United States, openly laughed during his White House tour. Upon arrival, Trump joked by pointing to a photo of an autopen placed where Biden’s official picture would normally hang, causing Xi to break into laughter. This warm and viral moment between the Chinese leader and the former U.S. president has attracted significant attention, marking a rare friendly interaction after more than a decade since a Chinese leader last visited the U.S. on a state visit.

The video shared on social media by the White House shows Trump walking Xi through the modern White House colonnade toward the ‘Presidential Walk of Fame,’ which displays portraits and memorabilia of former U.S. presidents. There, Trump showed the autopen’s photo where Biden’s portrait would traditionally be displayed, saying, “This is an autopen… this is Biden.” Xi Jinping responded with loud laughter, joined by other members of his delegation.

Trump has repeatedly accused President Biden of relying on an autopen for signing government documents during his term. As a result, since September 2025, the White House’s ‘Presidential Walk of Fame’ has exhibited the autopen image instead of Biden’s portrait. This informal yet humorous gesture has been well received despite ongoing bilateral tensions regarding technology and rare mineral exports.

Earlier, during a formal welcome ceremony on Wednesday, when the U.S. national anthem was playing and a U.S. military ship produced a loud noise, Trump was visibly surprised, whereas Xi remained composed. However, on Thursday, Xi openly reacted with laughter to Trump’s autopen joke. Afterward, Trump placed a friendly hand on Xi’s shoulder. In another video, Trump showed a photo of his 2017 meeting with Xi in Beijing, jokingly asking, “Who is this? I didn’t recognize him.” Xi responded with a light chuckle.

U.S.-China relations have deteriorated to one of the lowest points in history during Biden’s presidency. Accusations surrounding the origin of COVID-19, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit in 2022, and the 2023 ‘spy balloon’ incident have severely strained diplomatic ties. Since Biden took office, he has met Xi only three times at multilateral summits, with no state visits occurring during his term. Xi’s previous visit to the U.S. was at the APEC summit in San Francisco in November 2023, with the last state visit taking place in September 2015.

Despite bilateral tensions and rivalry, efforts are underway during the current visit to improve relations and reach agreements between the two countries’ senior leaders. During a state dinner at the White House, Trump asserted that although the political systems differ, the relationship between the U.S. and China is strengthening.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Donald Trump has made a final decision to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense missiles. However, Zelensky noted that even with the approval, establishing the necessary industrial capacity could take more than a year, prompting Ukraine to urgently request immediate military assistance. Amid concerns about repeated attacks on its electricity and heating infrastructure by Russia, Ukraine is also developing its own defense system called “Freyarm.” (September 25, Kyiv)

President Donald Trump has given the final approval for Ukraine to manufacture advanced Patriot air defense missiles on its own soil, Zelensky said. Despite the recognized effectiveness of the Patriot system in intercepting ballistic missiles launched by Russia, Kyiv has been struggling with a shortage of such missiles.

In a voice note sent to journalists, Zelensky shared that during a recent meeting, President Trump confirmed his final decision to grant Ukraine permission to produce the Patriot missiles. Earlier in July, Trump considered this approval appropriate, though later he expressed that the U.S. would need to approach the matter “with great caution” before granting it.

Since February, following the conflict between the U.S. and Israel with Iran, Ukraine has faced increased shortages of Patriot interceptor missiles, as some advanced air defense system supplies were diverted elsewhere. Although Ukraine has received permission to produce these missiles, the immediate requirement isn’t fully met by this measure. Establishing new industrial manufacturing capabilities is expected to take more than a year, leading Kyiv to appeal to the U.S. for urgent military support ahead of the upcoming winter. Ukraine has expressed concern that Russia may intensify its repeated attacks on electrical and heating infrastructure during the colder months.

Last month, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would need 5% of America’s Patriot interceptor missiles to survive the winter and 10% to block all of Russia’s ballistic missile launches. Concurrently, Kyiv is advancing efforts to develop its own ballistic missile defense system. Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is working on building its indigenous defense system named “Freyarm.”

Singapore’s financial sector aims to provide artificial intelligence (AI) training to more than 80,000 employees by 2028, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced. A total of 23 financial institutions from banking, insurance, and asset management have committed to training their staff through the ‘IBF AI Workforce Co-Lab’. According to Heng, AI has already transformed workflows in customer service, financial advisory, loan approval, fraud detection, market analysis, and software development.

The ambitious plan to upskill over 80,000 financial professionals in AI capabilities by 2028 was outlined by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. Speaking at the ‘IBF Distinction Evening’ event, he revealed that 23 financial organizations from the banking, insurance, and asset management sectors have pledged their participation. These institutions will deliver training to their employees through the newly launched ‘Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) AI Workforce Co-Lab’.

Heng, who also serves as Minister for Trade and Industry and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), emphasized that financial firms have committed to providing IBF-accredited training programs for all financial employees in Singapore. More than half of these employees have already completed the training. The ‘AI Workforce Co-Lab’ will bring employers and partner organizations together to assess shifts in the nature of work brought about by AI.

According to Heng, AI has significantly altered how financial institutions operate across various functions such as customer service, financial advice, loan approvals, fraud detection, market analysis, and software development. “We want to harness AI to create better career opportunities for Singaporeans and to develop a more productive workforce,” he stated. He also highlighted that, alongside the financial institutions’ commitment and initiative, collaboration from the government and labor organizations is crucial to achieving these goals.

Kasim Khan has called on supporters not to march towards Adiala Jail during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for September 27. He warned that using the protest as a pretext could lead to ‘counterattacks’ within the prison, potentially endangering former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s life. In Punjab, Section 144 has been imposed from September 23 to October 5, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people.

On September 25, Islamabad – Kasim Khan, son of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, urged supporters via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) not to march towards Adiala Jail during the PTI protest planned for September 27. He cautioned that jail unrest triggered by the protest could jeopardize his father’s safety. Kasim stated he was instructed not to engage in any uprisings or protests near the prison and asked for no ‘accidents’ to occur involving his father during the demonstrations.

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted on various charges. Meanwhile, strict security measures have been enforced targeting the PTI protests. The Punjab provincial government imposed Section 144 from September 23 to October 5, banning assemblies of five or more individuals. Pakistani Rangers have also been deployed in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali districts to maintain order.

Provincial statements highlight a ‘serious and imminent threat’ to public peace and security from terrorist groups and hostile intelligence agencies. Further attention is focused on the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters – Alima, Uzma, and Norain – amid protest preparations. Uzma and Norain have been held in custody for 30 days, while the Lahore High Court rejected a petition to suspend their detention orders, directing authorities to respond accordingly.

Pakistani officials have described the restrictions imposed ahead of the protests as necessary measures to ensure public order and security.

Qatar has rejected the allegations made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated that the accusations claiming Qatar is conducting a campaign to influence public opinion against Israel are baseless. He added that these remarks are an attempt to divert attention from the activities in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and their resulting humanitarian consequences.

On September 25, Doha (RASAS/ANI) – Qatar denied the accusations made by Prime Minister Netanyahu against the country during the General Assembly, interpreting them as an effort to deflect attention from Israel’s actions. Al-Ansari explicitly rejected Netanyahu’s claims on the social media platform X, affirming that Qatar is not running any campaign against Israel.

He stated, “Viewing the global shifts in public opinion, especially among the youth, as the result of an ‘influence campaign’ insults their awareness and decision-making abilities.” He added, “If the world wants to view Israel differently, Israeli leaders must change their policies.” Qatar’s response came after Netanyahu accused Qatar and Turkey by name at the Assembly, alleging that many foreign countries spend large sums of money on false propaganda against Israel.

A Chinese research team has discovered that magnetotactic bacteria increase the average lifespan of the worm Caenorhabditis elegans by 43.39%. The bacterium Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 was shown to inhibit the process of ferroptosis, thereby protecting the nervous system and gut health of aging worms. This study, published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, concluded that the bacteria’s ability to form magnetosomes plays a key role in lifespan extension. Kathmandu, September 25.

Led by Professor An Xu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research provided experimental evidence that magnetotactic bacteria can extend the healthy lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. The scientists demonstrated that Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 suppresses ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death. As organisms age, their physiological function declines and the risk of chronic diseases increases.

Magnetotactic bacteria possess a distinctive organelle called the magnetosome. These bacteria have previously been found useful in drug delivery and cancer treatment, but their impact on aging had been less studied. In this research, the bacteria were tested in worms, revealing that AMB-1-infected worms experienced a 43.39% increase in average lifespan.

The bacteria contributed to protecting the nervous system and gut health of older worms. The magnetosome formation capability was identified as the main factor behind the lifespan extension; bacteria lacking magnetosome formation showed no impact on lifespan. Additionally, AMB-1 reduced iron accumulation and lipid oxidation in the worms, aiding in the prevention of age-related ferroptosis. Genetic analysis indicated that the genes FTN-1, BLI-3, and ADS-1 are involved in this process. According to the researchers, these findings could support the application of magnetotactic bacteria in age-related medical treatments.

The United States and China have agreed to extend the current trade tariff truce by two months, until January 10. During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US, President Donald Trump greeted him at the airport with a 21-gun salute and a red carpet ceremony. US Treasury Secretary Scott Baesert announced that both sides will meet again in Shenzhen in November and Miami in December following talks in Washington.

The two largest global economies, the US and China, have agreed to prolong the trade tariff truce set to expire in November by an additional two months, maintaining the status quo until January 10. Despite ongoing diplomatic and trade competition, this move signals a mutual willingness to reach substantial agreements and steer their bilateral relationship in a positive direction.

On the occasion of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States, President Trump personally welcomed him on the runway at the airport. This lavish reception included a 21-gun salute, a 100-foot red carpet, a 21-person honor guard, and a flyover by two B-1 Lancer bombers. Analysts have described this unprecedented diplomatic gesture as marking a new era in US-China relations.

John Gong, Professor of Economics at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, commented, “Although the two-month extension of the trade truce is shorter than some analysts expected, it sends a positive signal that both sides can effectively manage their differences.” Regarding the airport welcome, Gong added, “Trump’s gesture honoring President Xi signals a distinct approach in US China-policy compared to previous administrations.”

The announcement of the tariff truce extension came after an unexpected meeting between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Baesert at the World Bank headquarters in Washington. Earlier, the two leaders engaged in intense discussions in New York for eight hours. “We are ready not only to continue the existing framework but to consider a broader agreement,” Baesert told reporters after the meeting. “We agree on both options.”

Baesert confirmed that both parties agreed to reconvene in November during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Shenzhen, China, and that President Xi’s attendance at the G20 summit in Miami in December is possible. On the international reaction and impact on US politics, Graham Allison, former dean of Harvard Kennedy School of Government, wrote on social media, “President Trump is a master of spectacle.” He also noted that the reception demonstrated Trump’s unparalleled respect toward the Chinese leader.

Similarly, Professor Diao Daming from Renmin University of China called Trump’s presence at the airport an extraordinary event in US diplomatic history. He said, “This step expresses deep respect from the US president and his administration toward the Chinese leadership and people. It highlights the summit’s high priority and reflects broad expectations within American society to stabilize relations, enhance dialogue, and expand cooperation.”

Discussing the future of the truce, Diao stated, “This extension offers both sides a vital opportunity to promote dialogue and cooperation. The international community expects China and the US to continue their meetings and eventually reach a long-term trade agreement.” However, the red carpet reception has generated controversy within US domestic politics. Michigan Senator and former CIA and Pentagon official Allison Slutkin sharply criticized Trump’s action.

Senator Slutkin expressed her discontent, saying, “This is a very serious matter. Trump took it to another level by rolling out the red carpet for Xi, which was difficult to witness.” She argued that the visit should focus on economic and national security, as well as democracy, opposing any deal that would allow Chinese automakers to manufacture in the US market. Additionally, she called for strict restrictions on shipping advanced AI chips to China.

Despite initial controversies and domestic criticism, the two-month extension of the trade truce has had a positive effect on markets and opened the door for high-level talks between the two countries.

Former real estate businessman and current US President Donald Trump enthusiastically showed Chinese President Xi Jinping the new construction projects underway at the White House during Xi’s visit to the United States. In May 2026, Xi had hosted Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, whose vastness Trump compared to the new ballroom being built at the White House.

After an approximately 90-minute formal discussion in the Oval Office, Trump escorted Xi to the White House’s South Lawn. There, the newly constructed granite helipad held the presidential helicopter, “Marine One.” The helicopter, painted green and emblazoned with “United States of America,” was the backdrop as the two leaders engaged in conversation with two staff members—a moment that quickly went viral on social media platforms such as X, Threads, and Facebook.

Trump explained the unique features of the $5 million helipad to Xi, who asked questions with evident interest. Following this, Trump invited Xi inside “Marine One” to view the aircraft up close. They spent some time inside the helicopter and even interacted with the pilots.

During their tour of the granite and new ballroom construction areas, Xi was particularly intrigued by the granite stonework used. Speaking to journalists after the visit, Trump said, “Our meeting went very well, and he [Xi] showed great interest in the granite. He is an expert on many subjects, including stones, and has a great appreciation for quality granite.” Xi Jinping smiled in response to Trump’s remark.

At the state dinner held that evening, Trump also showed Xi the other major construction taking place at the White House—the ongoing work on the East Wing. Trump has prioritized the physical transformation of the White House during his second term. Last year, the East Wing was demolished to create the 8,360 square meter ballroom. Trump has described this as a “gift” to the American people, asserting that it will enhance White House security and make it easier to host large events. After the Beijing visit, Trump shared a photo with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, writing: “Look, they have a ballroom. It’s very large and beautiful. Why do people oppose me when I try to build a better structure than this?” Earlier this month, he also claimed that this new ballroom would even surpass the Chinese Great Hall.