Entertainment
China denies claims Pakistan sent rare earth samples to US
- Chinese FM spokesperson responds to allegations about Pakistan.
- China, Pakistan remain “all-weather strategic cooperative partners”.
- Denies Pakistan sent rare earth samples linked to Chinese tech.
KARACHI: China has dismissed media reports alleging that Pakistan supplied rare earth samples to the United States, describing such claims as “misinformed, fabricated, or aimed at creating division” between the two nations, The News reported.
These comments were made during a routine press briefing on Monday when a Global Times journalist asked Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian to respond to allegations that Pakistan had employed Chinese technology to export rare earth materials to the US, leading Beijing to impose stricter export restrictions on related technologies.
Reports in early October claimed that Pakistan had sent its first shipment of enriched rare earth elements and critical minerals to US Strategic Metals, a Missouri-based firm.
Lin said China and Pakistan remain “all-weather strategic cooperative partners” who maintain “high-level strategic mutual trust and close communication on major issues of common interest.”
He added that both sides have discussed Pakistan’s mining cooperation with the US, and that Islamabad had assured Beijing its interactions with Washington “will never harm China’s interests or its cooperation with China”.
Per Lin, the samples shown by Pakistani leaders to US officials were gem ores purchased by staff in Pakistan, not rare earth materials linked to Chinese technology.
Lin added that China’s recently announced export controls on certain rare earth-related technologies “have nothing to do with Pakistan,” describing the move as a “legitimate action” to strengthen export regulations, maintain regional stability, and meet non-proliferation obligations.
Last week, China expanded its export controls on rare earths and related technologies, tightening its grip on global supply chains, Reuters reported.
The new rules, which take effect on November 8 — two days before the current US-China trade truce expires — restrict exports of rare-earth extraction and separation technologies, synthetic diamond powders, single crystals, diamond wire saws and related materials.
Entertainment
Finn Wolfhard drives ‘SNL’ comeback with ‘Stranger Things’ surprise
Finn Wolfhard took centre stage during Saturday Night Live’s return to TV following a brief holiday break.
The 23-year-old actor and musician made his debut as the show’s host on January 17, with A$AP Rocky joining him as the evening’s musical guest.
However, what was understandably the standout moment of the latest episode was when Wolfhard’s Stranger Things co-stars crashed his opening monologue.
Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo appeared onstage to support the Netflix star’s hosting stint, his first high profile appearance since the popular series ended at the year’s turn.
Following his opening remarks, and a brief cameo by SNL castmate Marcello Hernandez, the It actor introduced “the new me” — a playful attempt at becoming a “man”, with his time as a child star long over.
“Stranger Things is over and I’m not a kid anymore,” Wolfhard made the announcement, which was quickly followed by his co-stars stepping into the camera lens and declaring, “And neither are we!”
The three actors then followed a bit of banter by toasting to Wolfhard’s hosting debut, with the former child star announcing, “And to us, child stars, who are now ready to do adult films,” to great laughter and applause.
Finn Wolfhard first rose to prominence after appearing on Stranger Things, initially released in 2016 and concluded on December 31, 2025. While the actor soon branched out into a successful acting career with appearances in two It films, the Ghostbusters franchise, and more.
He additionally boasts a fledgling musical career, something he said he plans to focus on more after the conclusion of his commitment to the Netflix hit.
Entertainment
Kourtney Kardashian recalls a journey that took three years
Kourtney Kardashian recently celebrated a personal milestone in a fun and relaxed way.
The 46-year-old reality star shared on her Instagram Stories that she has been sober for three years now.
Kourtney revealed the news while joining her sister Khloe Kardashian to launch the latest flavour of Khloud popcorn.
“@Khloudfoods @KhloeKardashian def told them I haven’t drank alcohol in 3 years. Fancy Friday,” she wrote.
In the video, the mother of four enjoyed a mocktail which was apparently made with non-alcoholic gin and was styled with popcorn pieces.
However, she reached for a sample of the new snack while praising it with an enthusiastic “Love it!”
The Kardashians star’s choice to quit alcohol comes as she focuses on her health, her kids and being more present in life.
Her husband Travis Barker has been sober for over 17 years now after a serious plane crash in 2008.
She has also been making other changes in her lifestyle as well as she has gone four years without Botox, saying that it helps her keep her “third eye open.”
Moreover, Kourtney’s latest lifestyle choices reflect her commitment to her wellness.
Entertainment
Paul Hardcastle shares heartbreaking last words with son before accident
Paul Hardcastle is heartbroken after the death of his son Paul Jr in a motorcycle accident.
The 68-year-old musician, who is best known for his 1985 hit 19, revealed that he talked to his 35-year-old son just minutes before the crash.
Paul shared in an emotional Instagram video, “He went like, ‘I’ll get back to you in five minutes.’ He didn’t get back to me in five minutes.”
The Soft Rain singnger described the moment as “police came to his home to deliver the tragic news,” saying that the officers were kind but hearing that his son has died was very overwhelming.
He also warned others about risky decisions, saying that some choices can change your life in instantly.
Paul Jr followed his father’s footsteps, playing the saxophone and DJing.
Paul first shared the news on Instagram with a childhood photo of his son, writing, “Just to let you know that my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jnr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died. RIP son love Dad.”
Paul Hardcastle, however, called his son “lovely” and said losing him was heartbreaking.
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