China has stepped up emergency relief efforts in Afghanistan, delivering 200,000 U.S. dollars in humanitarian cash aid and pledging 50 million yuan (about 7 million U.S. dollars) in supplies after a powerful earthquake struck the eastern part of the country on Sunday.
The 6.0-magnitude quake struck at 23:47 local time on August 31, with its epicenter located 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, at a depth of eight kilometers.
Bao Xuhui, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan, handed over the cash assistance—provided by the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC)—to Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) President Sheikh Shahabudin Dilawer at a ceremony on Friday.
Bao announced that the Chinese government will provide 50 million yuan in emergency humanitarian supplies, while the RCSC contributed 200,000 U.S. dollars in cash aid. He added that the Chinese embassy, Chinese institutions, and the Overseas Chinese Association in Afghanistan quickly mobilized donations and relief materials. The aid package includes urgently needed items such as tents, blankets, and food to support disaster relief efforts.
He emphasized that these efforts reflect the deep friendship between the Chinese and Afghan people, and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Afghan government, those affected by the disaster will overcome challenges and rebuild their homes soon.
Dilawer briefed on the earthquake’s impact and ongoing relief efforts, saying that "a friend in need is a friend indeed." He described China’s condolences and assistance as a tremendous support to the Afghan people, and expressed deep gratitude for the gesture.
He stressed that the ARCS will ensure all donations and supplies are properly used, dedicating them entirely to disaster relief and reconstruction.
The 6.0-magnitude earthquake has claimed 2,205 lives and left 3,640 others injured, according to the latest report from the ARCS.
China’s Red Cross delivers emergency funds to Afghanistan after deadly earthquake
China’s Red Cross delivers emergency funds to Afghanistan after deadly earthquake
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
