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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Category: News
November 25, 2025
Economy
News

U.S. Retail Sales Continued Upward Trend in September.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. retail and restaurant sales increased in September, showing resilient consumer spending despite high prices and economic challenges.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Commerce Department, consumers, and retailers such as Walmart and others.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 2025, with the report released Tuesday after a delay caused by the Senate Democrat-caused government shutdown.

🎯IMPACT: Consumer spending remains crucial for economic growth, but unemployment and inflation could pose challenges ahead of the holiday season.

IN FULL

U.S. retail and restaurant sales edged up 0.2 percent in September from August, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday in a release delayed by the Senate Democrat-caused government shutdown. The modest gain came despite stubbornly high prices for groceries and housing. Economists say steady consumer spending is on track to push third-quarter economic growth to an annualized rate of three percent or higher, a notable acceleration from the 1.6 percent pace recorded in the first half of the year.

Challenges are mounting, however. The unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent in September, the highest in nearly four years, and hiring has cooled sharply. A sustained labor market slowdown could eventually crimp household budgets and broader economic growth.

The spending resilience is being led by higher-income households, while lower- and middle-income shoppers increasingly stick to essentials and hunt for discounts. Recent Bank of America data—and comments from retailers such as Walmart—highlight the growing divide as the crucial holiday shopping season begins.

The National Retail Federation predicts holiday sales will top $1 trillion for the first time, though the projected increase over last year remains modest. The current performance echoes patterns seen earlier under President Donald J. Trump’s economic policies. In June 2025, retail sales jumped a stronger-than-expected 0.6 percent, defying forecasts of only 0.2 percent growth and ending a three-month slide. The surge spanned clothing, restaurants, and online purchases, even as new tariffs began raising some costs.

“June’s retail sales were resilient and they show that the consumer is still willing and able to spend,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData.

On the inflation front, wholesale prices remained contained in September. Core producer prices, excluding food and energy, rose just 0.1 percent for the month, while the overall index increased 0.3 percent, driven by a 3.5 percent jump in energy and a 1.1 percent rise in food costs. Year-over-year core inflation stood at a moderate 2.6 percent, suggesting price pressures are easing enough to support continued consumer spending through year-end.

Image by Sharon Hahn Darlin.

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November 25, 2025
Crime
News

California Man Convicted of Killing His Wife, Burying and Violating Her Corpse.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A California man who admitted to killing his estranged wife, burying her body, and then exhuming it to commit sexual acts was convicted of murder in late November.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zarbab Ali, 28, and Rachel Castillo, 25.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The murder occurred in November 2022, in Simi Valley, California.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Just to confirm that I am a monster, I raped her,” Ali confessed.

🎯IMPACT: Ali was convicted of first-degree murder and faces life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2026.

IN FULL

Zarbab Ali, 28, has been convicted of murdering his estranged wife, Rachel Castillo, 25, in California’s Simi Valley in November 2022. The crime occurred just as the couple was finalizing their divorce. Ali confessed to the heinous act, which included stabbing Castillo to death, burying her in a shallow grave, and later exhuming her body to commit sexual acts on her corpse.

Ali admitted to hiding inside Castillo’s darkened apartment before ambushing her and stabbing her repeatedly in the chest. He then wrapped her lifeless body in a blanket, attempted to clean up the scene, and buried her remains in a remote desert location. Disturbingly, Ali returned in the middle of the night to dig up her body and commit further crimes. In a police interview, he confessed, “Just to confirm that I am a monster, I raped her.”

During the trial, Ali attempted to justify his actions by claiming he was driven by anger over his wife’s alleged infidelity and her refusal to let him move on. “This is the only way I could escape,” he stated, adding, “I wanted her dead. I was angry that she just wouldn’t let me move on.”

However, prosecutors revealed that Castillo was on the verge of finalizing her divorce when she was brutally attacked. Ventura County District Attorney David Russell commended law enforcement for their efforts in securing the conviction, stating, “Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain since the day she was taken from them. While nothing can restore what her loved ones have lost, this conviction ensures the defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison and that the community will be protected from him forever.”

Zarbab Ali was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12. He faces life imprisonment for his crimes.

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November 25, 2025
News

Trump Plans China Visit Following Productive Call with Xi.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April following a phone call between the two leaders.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other officials, including Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The phone call took place on Monday, with the visit to Beijing planned for April.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Now we can set our sights on the big picture. To that end, President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The conversation addressed key issues such as Taiwan, Ukraine, and trade, with potential agreements on soybean purchases and U.S.-China relations on the horizon.

IN FULL

U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced on Tuesday that he has accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Beijing this coming April. Trump and Xi spoke at length during the call, with Chinese officials describing it as  “positive, friendly, and constructive.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry was unusually upbeat following the impromptu Tuesday call, with spokesman Mao Ning stating, Communication between the two heads of state on issues of common concern is very important for the stable development of China-U.S. relations.” According to Chinese state media, Xi mostly focused on China’s continued push to control Taiwan and his country’s concerns regarding a resurgent Japan.

Meanwhile, President Trump, in a Truth Social post, described the call as “very good,” revealing that he and the Chinese leader discussed a reciprocal visit to the United States late next year as well as China’s efforts to crack down on its export of fentanyl processors. Notably, the call comes nearly a month after Trump and Xi met in person during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Seoul, South Korea, at the end of October.

Importantly, it is believed that the Tuesday phone call was initiated by Xi—a rare move by the Chinese leader who often tries to appear more aloof. Following the discussion with Xi, President Trump spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, discussing U.S.-China relations and strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance. This suggests Xi is likely looking for U.S. help in de-escalating Chinese tensions with Japan.

In recent days, Japan has begun building up military assets on its island holdings near Taiwan, as part of an effort to deter a potential Chinese invasion of the island. This has prompted Beijing to accuse Japan of violating international law, with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling the perceived Japanese militarism a “grave violation.”

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November 25, 2025
News
Sports

Transgender Victorious at World’s Strongest Woman Competition.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Jammie Booker, a biological man, won the 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition in Texas, leading to outrage from athletes and coaches.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jammie Booker, Andrea Thompson, Rebecca Roberts, and Laurence Shahlaei.

📍WHEN & WHERE: November 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Transgender women, people born male, should not be competing in the women’s category.” – Rebecca Roberts

🎯IMPACT: Booker’s win has been overturned, with the competition claiming they were not aware that he was a really a man.

IN FULL

The 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition in Texas has ignited controversy after male competitor Jammie Booker won the title. Andrea Thompson of Great Britain, who finished second, walked off the podium in protest, and many within the strongwoman community later referred to her as the rightful winner.

Rebecca Roberts, a three-time champion, said competitors and organizers were unaware of Booker’s background before the event. In a public statement, she wrote, “Transgender women, people born male, should not be competing in the women’s category. This isn’t about identity or politics; it’s about the undeniable physical differences in strength-based sports.” Roberts reiterated her position that “Women’s divisions must remain biologically born female-only.”

Thompson’s coach, Laurence Shahlaei, also challenged the result. Praising Thompson’s preparation and performance, he wrote, “You worked your a** off for this, and I’m so proud of you,” adding that the women’s category exists to protect fairness in competition. Mitchell Hooper, the 2023 World’s Strongest Man, publicly congratulated Thompson, while three-time World’s Strongest Woman Donna Moore commented that Thompson was the “True winner of World’s Strongest WOMAN this weekend.”

In a YouTube video posted eight years ago, Booker admits he is transgender, complaining about living under the “rule” of religious parents, and it is alleged that he has a public history of appearing in transgender pornography.

Ultimately, the competition overturned his win amid public backlash, upgrading Thompson to the number one spot and claiming they did not know he was a man.

Policies regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports are shifting across the United States. Earlier in 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14201, directing federal agencies and U.S. sports bodies to ensure that women’s categories are limited to those born female. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee subsequently adjusted its athlete eligibility standards to comply with federal directives.

Federal immigration authorities have also adopted new visa guidance treating participation of transgender women in women’s athletic events as a negative factor in visa evaluations. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Maine, arguing that its policies allowing transgenders to compete against girls in school sports violate Title IX by granting an unfair competitive advantage to male athletes.

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November 25, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Migrants Drag Couple From Car, Gang Rape Teen in Front of Fiancé.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A couple in Rome, Italy, was violently attacked by three migrant men, with the woman, aged 18, gang raped in front of her restrained fiancé.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: An Italian couple and three Moroccan men, who have since been arrested.

📍WHEN & WHERE: October 2025, near Tor Tre Teste in eastern Rome, Italy.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Now I will be called racist, but there is a higher incidence, unfortunately, in cases of sexual violence, by immigrants, especially illegal ones.” – Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

🎯IMPACT: The case has reignited discussions about illegal migration and its connection to crime in Italy.

IN FULL

An Italian couple suffered a brutal attack on October 25 when three men smashed their car windows near Tor Tre Teste in eastern Rome, dragged them from the vehicle, and gang-raped the 18-year-old woman while forcing her 24-year-old fiancé to watch.

Three Moroccan nationals have been arrested on charges of gang rape and robbery. Two were detained days later in Rome; the third was tracked down in Venice. Fingerprints lifted from the shattered car window matched the suspects. Investigators say the case remains open and up to five perpetrators may have been involved.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted strongly to the incident, linking it to broader concerns about illegal immigration. “Now, I will be called racist, but there is a higher incidence, unfortunately, in cases of sexual violence, by immigrants, especially illegal ones,” she said.

The Rome assault is the latest in a string of high-profile cases involving foreign nationals. In 2024, a 13-year-old girl in Catania was gang-raped by seven Egyptian migrants, while a 10-year-old girl in Lombardy was reportedly impregnated by a Bangladeshi asylum seeker.

Despite Meloni’s hard-line campaign promises to stop migrant boats, irregular arrivals doubled in her first year in office, exceeding 120,000 in 2023 alone. In a leaked phone call in 2023, she claimed the migration crisis as “impossible” to solve without wider international help.

While irregular migration has decreased more recently, Meloni’s government has expanded legal migration, planning nearly half a million work visas for non-European Union foreigners between 2023 and 2025, arguing that migrants are needed for Italy’s labor market. Critics accuse her of abandoning the populist pledges that got her elected.

Italy and Greece also recently agreed to accept some migrants processed under a U.S. program that diverts asylum seekers from Latin America to Europe instead of the United States, adding to domestic tensions over an already strained reception system.

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November 25, 2025
Crime

Leftist Muslim Convert Charged with Making Violent and Sexual Threats Against Federal Agents and Families.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A far-left extremist and convert to Islam was charged with making violent threats against federal agents and their families.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: John Paul Cupp, also known as “Walid” and “Abu Nusaybah al-Amriki,” was arrested for these threats.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Cupp allegedly made these threats on October 14 outside the Portland, Oregon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building and continued online in November.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

🎯IMPACT: Cupp made his first court appearance and remains detained pending further proceedings.

IN FULL

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged John Paul Cupp, a 45-year-old far-left extremist and convert to Islam from Portland, Oregon, with making violent threats against federal law enforcement officers. Federal prosecutors allege that Cupp, who also uses the aliases “Walid” and “Abu Nusaybah al-Amriki,” made the threats—which included promises to kill agents, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children—outside the Portland U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland on October 14.

Subsequently, Cupp continued his threats in online videos posted on November 3 and November 13. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Scott E. Bradford, noted Cupp’s prolific online presence, where he regularly posts aggressive rhetoric and threats of violence. “Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated,” Bradford said, adding: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and we will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law.”

In an affidavit, a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force stated that Cupp discussed using lone wolf attacks to target the federal government, advocating for small groups to engage in armed struggle. He encouraged targeting “low-hanging fruit” with guerrilla actions, including ICE facilities and other regional government offices.

Notably, a restraining order was issued against Cupp in April 2025, prohibiting him from contacting his wife and children. His wife alleged that Cupp had bipolar disorder and made threats against her and the community. Cupp was ordered to remain detained following his court appearance.

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November 25, 2025
News
UK

Far-Left UK Govt Wants to Scrap Most Jury Trials, Ending 800 Years of Tradition.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is proposing that judges hear cases alone for crimes that could result in a sentence of up to five years to tackle court case backlogs.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: David Lammy, the Lord Chancellor, Deputy Prime Minister, and Justice Secretary, and senior criminal justice figures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The proposal was outlined in a memo dated November 2025, targeting the Crown Courts in England and Wales.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A co-ordinated campaign against public justice.” – Riel Karmy-Jones KC

🎯IMPACT: The proposal could lead to a significant reduction in jury trials, undermining hundreds of years of legal tradition.

IN FULL

Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor, and Justice Secretary, David Lammy, has proposed a major overhaul of criminal trials in England and Wales by allowing judges to hear many cases without juries. Under his plan, offences carrying sentences of up to five years would no longer automatically be tried before a jury. In a memo, Lammy argued that there is “no right” to a jury trial in the United Kingdom and suggested reserving juries for only the gravest offences, including murder, rape, manslaughter, and cases deemed to be of particular public importance.

The proposal is aimed at addressing the severe backlog in the Crown Courts, where roughly 78,000 cases remain unresolved. Lammy insists that significant changes are needed to speed up the wheels of justice, but the idea has drawn immediate and sharp criticism. Senior legal figures warn the move would represent “the biggest assault on our system of liberty in 800 years,” with some suggesting that removing juries could pave the way for so-called “Star Chamber” justice conducted with reduced transparency.

Riel Karmy-Jones KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, denounced the proposal as “a coordinated campaign against public justice,” arguing that delays in the courts stem from years of “systematic underfunding and neglect,” not from the use of juries.

The debate carries particular weight because trial by jury has been a defining feature of English justice for centuries. Its origins trace back to at least the reforms of Henry II in the 12th century, and its role was strengthened by the Magna Carta in 1215, which laid the groundwork for the principle that individuals should be judged by their peers. Although jury rights have evolved over time, the system has remained a central safeguard against state overreach for more than 800 years.

The Ministry of Justice has stated that no final decisions have been made about the future of juries, but maintains that “bold actions” are necessary to relieve the current crisis.

The controversy comes amid broader concerns about fairness and consistency in the British justice system. Recent guidance instructing courts to prioritise bail for ethnic minority defendants, women, and transgenders fuelled accusations of a developing “two-tier” system.

Simultaneously, pressure on prison capacity, with only a small number of cells reportedly available, has intensified scrutiny of who receives custodial sentences. In one high-profile case, a migrant who sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl received a community order rather than prison time, while several anti-immigration demonstrators received prison time for as little as social media posts or shouting at police, sparking debates about sentencing disparities.

Image via House of Commons.

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November 25, 2025
News

Calls for Chauvin Pardon Escalate as 50 Officers Challenge MPD Testimony on Restraint Method.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Derek Chauvin’s defense attorneys filed a petition alleging prosecutorial misconduct and questioning testimony regarding police restraint methods during his trial in a renewed effort to overturn the former Minneapolis police officer’s conviction for the May 2020 death of George Floyd.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Derek Chauvin, over 50 current and former police officers, Minnesota Police Department Inspector Katie Blackwell, prosecution witness Dr. Martin Tobin, and Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The petition was filed in federal court late last week, with the prosecution given 45 days to respond.

🎯IMPACT: The case has gained a new interest among the public, with over 50,000 people signing a petition in March urging President Donald J. Trump to pardon Chauvin.

IN FULL

A new court petition filed by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s defense team accuses Minnesota state prosecutors of misconduct during his trial for the death of George Floyd. The filing has gained significant attention, with many questioning the evidence presented and the testimony of key witnesses.

The filing argues that Minnesota Police Department Inspector Katie Blackwell’s testimony, which stated that Chauvin’s restraint technique was not standard practice, has been contradicted by over 50 current and former police officers. According to sworn declarations provided by the officers, Blackwell’s statements do not align with Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) procedures.

Additionally, Chauvin’s attorneys contend that statements made by Dr. Martin Tobin, a pulmonologist who testified on behalf of the prosecution, should not have been admissible, as Tobin never performed an autopsy on nor examined Floyd’s body. The filing argues that the prosecution engaged in misconduct by repeatedly citing a statement by Dr. Tobin describing the pressure on Floyd as being akin to “the left side is in a vice.” In contrast, Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker, who performed Floyd’s autopsy without viewing the video footage, concluded that Floyd’s death was due to cardiac arrest, not asphyxiation. This discrepancy has further fueled calls for a new trial. Prosecutors have 45 days to file a response.

The National Pulse reported in March that a public petition advocating for Chauvin to receive a pardon from President Donald J. Trump had gained an estimated 50,000 signatures. Public interest in Chauvin’s legal efforts began to rise after his attorneys won a significant victory last December when a federal judge cleared the way for the reexamination of heart and fluid samples from George Floyd’s autopsy. The ruling also appeared to confirm claims that blood was taken from Floyd before he died, suggesting he was still alive when he arrived at the hospital.

Image by Leonhard Lenz.

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November 25, 2025
News
War

Ukraine Accepts Key Terms in U.S.-Led Peace Proposal: Report.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukraine announced a “common understanding” on the “core terms” of a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Russia.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ukraine’s national security adviser Rustem Umerov, the United States, and Russia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Reported on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: Ukrainian acceptance of the peace plan’s core proposals could be a significant step towards ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

IN FULL

Ukraine’s national security adviser, Rustem Umerov, said on Tuesday that Kiev and Washington have reached a “common understanding on the core terms” of a U.S.-brokered peace framework with Russia, calling the talks “productive and constructive.” The announcement signals what could be the most significant movement in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, and President Volodymyr Zelensky may travel to the United States to meet President Donald J. Trump and work toward finalizing an agreement soon.

The progress comes as Washington continues to press Kiev to accept a U.S. peace proposal before Thanksgiving. American officials have warned that if Ukraine does not move toward signing the plan, it could lose access to vital military assistance, including weapons and intelligence support. The reported proposal contains multiple concessions to Russia, including Ukrainian territorial compromises in the eastern Donbas region and restrictions on joining NATO. In exchange, Ukraine would receive security guarantees and access to reconstruction funds derived from frozen Russian assets, with Russia leaving certain footholds in Ukraine’s Kharkov and Sumy oblasts (regions) and giving up its attempts to forcibly annex the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts in their entirety.

President Zelensky has publicly acknowledged that the country faces what he described as a painful strategic dilemma: accept a deal he says risks compromising Ukraine’s “dignity,” or risk losing support from its most important military backer. Kiev is attempting to prepare counterproposals with input from European partners, some of whom have expressed concern that the U.S. plan heavily favors Moscow. Notably, however, Ukraine’s European supporters seem unwilling or unable to dramatically increase their own assistance to Kiev, still less send troops to fight alongside the Ukrainian military. In fact, analysts say European military assistance dropped sharply over the summer, with aid commitments falling by more than half compared to earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, conditions inside Ukraine remain difficult, with Russia appearing set to capture the strategic city of Pokrovsk and its surroundings fully. At the same time, Ukraine’s government is facing internal turbulence following a major corruption probe involving Energoatom, the state nuclear energy operator. Investigators allege that a network of suppliers paid multimillion-dollar kickbacks to secure government contracts. Businessman and Zelensky ally Timur Mindich reportedly fled the country to Israel before police raids began, prompting public criticism and raising new questions about corruption within state institutions. The investigation has already led to the suspension of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and dozens of searches across the country.

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November 25, 2025
News

China Launches Emergency Space Mission to Reach Stranded Astronauts.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: China successfully launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft to assist astronauts stranded at the Tiangong space station.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station, and the Shenzhou-22 mission team.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The launch occurred on Tuesday at 12:11 PM local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This emergency launch is a first for China, but I hope it will be the last in humanity’s journey through space.” – He Yuanjun, CMSA official

🎯IMPACT: The failure of the Shenzhou-20 mission was widely regarded as a significant embarrassment for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its leader, Xi Jinping.

IN FULL

China launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on Tuesday to assist astronauts stranded at its Tiangong space station. The mission, conducted by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), involved an unmanned spacecraft that departed from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 12:11 PM local time. The craft successfully reached its destination three-and-a-half hours later, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

The emergency mission followed an incident earlier this month when three astronauts were left without a return spacecraft after their capsule, Shenzhou-20, was damaged by suspected space debris. The Shenzhou-20 crew had to return to Earth using the Shenzhou-21 capsule, leaving the relief crew without an emergency return vehicle. The Shenzhou-20 crew landed in the Gobi Desert on November 14, after a record-breaking 204 days in space, the longest duration for Chinese astronauts.

In addition to serving as a return vehicle, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft delivered essential supplies to China’s space station, including food, medical equipment, spare parts, and materials to repair the damaged Shenzhou-20 capsule. CMSA announced on Tuesday that the launch was a “complete success,” adding that the spacecraft had entered its planned orbit without incident. The damaged Shenzhou-20 remains in space and will be brought down to Earth at a later date.

CMSA official He Yuanjun publicly commented on the mission, stating, “This emergency launch is a first for China, but I hope it will be the last in humanity’s journey through space.” The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft will also serve as the return vehicle for the current crew, scheduled to return to Earth in April 2026. Notably, the failure of the Shenzhou-20 mission was widely regarded as a significant embarrassment for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its leader, Xi Jinping.

Image by Shujianyang.

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