UN chief warns of "El Nino of war" as consequences of conflicts spread beyond battle zones

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that global conflicts are not only intensifying but spreading beyond battlefields, warning the world is witnessing "an El Nino of war."

Guterres said the comparison is apt because the El Nino climate phenomenon sees disturbances in one part of the planet that disrupt weather patterns and upend lives thousands of kilometers away.

"We are now witnessing an El Nino of war. Conflict is feeding conflict. And the consequences are traveling farther and faster. From the Middle East to Ukraine to Sudan, we are seeing civilians and civilian infrastructure deliberately thrust into the line of fire. Nothing seems to be off-limits. Homes. Hospitals. Schools. Airports. Power stations. Energy facilities. Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited under international law. They must stop," he said.

Guterres said the consequences of conflict have moved beyond the battle zones, traveling through energy markets, shipping lanes, supply chains, and financial systems.

He said the shocks were hitting an already deeply unequal world, where some people can absorb higher prices while others must choose between food and heating, and where poorer countries face difficult choices between servicing debt and investing in health and education.

"War does not create all these inequalities. But it feeds and exploits them – and exposes the fundamental unfairness of an economic system that forces those with the least to absorb the greatest shocks," he said.

He also called for an end to the widening conflicts and stronger protection for civilians.

"We need to stop the widening of war, protect civilians and create the political space for diplomacy and peace. People everywhere want security. They want dignity. They want governments and international institutions to deliver," he said.

UN chief warns of "El Nino of war" as consequences of conflicts spread beyond battle zones

UN chief warns of "El Nino of war" as consequences of conflicts spread beyond battle zones

The third and final phase of the 140th China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, opened Saturday in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, focusing on the theme of "Better Life."

This phase highlights how Chinese enterprises and products are breaking new ground while transitioning toward greener and smarter development.

Covering 515,000 square meters with 25,000 booths, this phase features 21 exhibition zones across five major categories, including toys, home textiles, stationery, and health and leisure, with more than 12,000 companies participating.

In the trade services area, more than 160 institutions offer services such as research and development, design, digital transformation, and integrated trade and investment, providing one-stop, full-chain support to help enterprises and products expand into global markets.

The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases from Oct. 15 to Nov. 4. Over the past 70 years, it has grown into China's largest and longest-running international trade event, featuring the broadest product range, largest buyer turnout, and highest transaction volume.

Third phase of 140th Canton Fair opens in Guangzhou