The United Nations (UN) Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to authorize the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) from January 1, 2025.
In the resolution, approved by 14 of the council's 15 member states, with the United States' abstention, the UN Security Council said that it endorsed the AU Peace and Security Council's decision to replace the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with AUSSOM. The AUSSOM is expected to continue to carry out important tasks including combating terrorism and protecting civilians in Somalia.
Minister-Counselor Sun Zhiqiang of China's Permanent Mission to the UN said that China supports the UN Security Council's decision on Somalia and is willing to contribute to Somalia's security and stability. "This fully demonstrates the determination of the UN Security Council to support Somalia in achieving lasting peace. China voted in favor of the resolution. China supports the African Union and the Somali government in formulating a transition plan for the new peacekeeping mission, and hopes that all parties will continue to work together in the next stage to hand over the work of two missions, avoid a security vacuum, and consolidate hard-won counter-terrorism achievements. China is also willing to make its own contribution to Somalia's security and stability," said Sun.
UN Security Council authorizes new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia
UN Security Council authorizes new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
