Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Belgium rejects EU plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, saying the move is too risky

    Belgium rejects EU plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, saying the move is too risky

    BRUSSELS — In a significant development within European Union policymaking, Belgium has formally opposed a controversial proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets as collateral for financing Ukraine’s reconstruction and military needs. The plan, championed by the European Commission, sought to address Ukraine’s projected budget shortfall of approximately 130 billion euros ($150 billion) for 2026-2027 through an innovative “reparations loan” mechanism.

    Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot articulated his nation’s firm stance during remarks at NATO headquarters, characterizing the proposed scheme as “the worst of all options” due to its unprecedented nature and substantial risks. Prévot emphasized that Belgium considers the plan fraught with “consequential economic, financial and legal risks” that remain unaddressed in current proposals.

    The heart of Belgium’s concern lies with Euroclear, the Brussels-based financial clearing house currently holding approximately 194 billion euros in frozen Russian assets as of June. Belgian authorities fear potential legal repercussions should Moscow challenge the asset utilization, alongside possible damage to Euroclear’s international reputation and business operations. Prévot noted that Belgium has derived some tax revenue from these frozen assets, with accrued interest already contributing to a G7-organized loan program for Ukraine.

    Instead of the reparations loan framework, Belgium advocates for conventional international market borrowing to meet Ukraine’s financial requirements. Prévot described this alternative as “a well-known, robust and well-established option with predictable parameters” that would avoid potentially disastrous consequences for member states.

    The Belgian position highlights emerging tensions within EU solidarity mechanisms, with Prévot explicitly stating that Belgium seeks “to avoid potential disastrous consequences for a member state that is being asked to show solidarity without being offered the same solidarity in return.”

    This development occurs against the backdrop of broader concerns, including those raised by the European Central Bank regarding potential erosion of confidence in the euro should the reparations loan proceed. EU leaders are scheduled to deliberate further on Ukraine’s economic and military requirements during their upcoming summit in Brussels on December 18.

  • What to know about missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 as search resumes

    What to know about missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 as search resumes

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A renewed search operation for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished over a decade ago in one of aviation’s most perplexing mysteries, is set to recommence on December 30. The Malaysian government has authorized American marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity to conduct a final 55-day seabed exploration in a last-ditch effort to locate the missing aircraft.

    The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8, 2014, during its routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew aboard. The final communication from the cockpit—’Good night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero’—marked the last verified contact before the aircraft veered off course, disabled its transponder, and ultimately vanished from radar systems.

    Previous multinational search efforts, constituting the most extensive underwater operation in aviation history, scoured approximately 120,000 square kilometers of the southern Indian Ocean between 2014 and 2018. Despite these monumental efforts, only minimal debris fragments—discovered along African coastlines years later—provided tangible evidence of the aircraft’s fate.

    The new search parameters will focus on a targeted 15,000-square-kilometer zone identified through advanced drift analysis and satellite data re-examinations. Ocean Infinity will operate under a ‘no-find, no-fee’ arrangement, with a $70 million compensation package contingent upon successful wreckage discovery. The company has deployed cutting-edge autonomous underwater vehicles and collaborated with oceanographic experts to refine search coordinates.

    Numerous theories continue to circulate regarding the aircraft’s disappearance, ranging from mechanical failure and onboard fire to deliberate human intervention. Malaysian investigators previously eliminated crew and passenger involvement but acknowledged potential ‘unlawful interference’ in their 2018 final report.

    The passenger manifest represented 14 nationalities, with Chinese citizens comprising the majority. Among those lost were technology professionals, artists, and families traveling with young children, creating a multinational tragedy that captured global attention.

    Ocean Infinity’s previous search attempt in April was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. The upcoming operation will employ intermittent search patterns across what experts believe represents the most probable crash site location, leveraging technological advancements unavailable during initial search phases.

  • ‘Silence Choir’ gives voice to deaf children, opens hearts

    ‘Silence Choir’ gives voice to deaf children, opens hearts

    In an extraordinary fusion of art and human resilience, a unique choir composed entirely of deaf children has transformed perceptions of disability and musical expression. The Silence Choir, founded by multimedia artist Li Bo and musician Zhang Yong, represents a decade-long journey that began in the remote mountains of Lingyun county in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    The breakthrough moment occurred in 2013 when Yang Weiwei, a young deaf student, astonished the artists with her vocalization—a solitary ‘ah’ that resonated with such emotional purity that it inspired the choir’s creation. This pivotal encounter at a specialized school for children with disabilities marked the beginning of an unconventional musical odyssey.

    Located in cloud-veiled highlands that belie its name ‘Lingyun’ (meaning ‘above the clouds’), the school housed children who initially resisted interaction with the outside world. Li and Zhang’s early attempts to record their voices failed until they invested time building genuine connections through days of shared play and interaction.

    The choir’s recent performance at Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall demonstrated their remarkable artistic evolution. The performance began with delicate, ethereal tones that gradually built into a powerful vocal cascade—each child contributing their unique vocal resonance through vibration-based techniques rather than conventional auditory processing.

    ‘True equality originates from the resonance of the heart,’ reflects Li Bo, whose artistic philosophy has been fundamentally transformed through this collaboration. What began as an experimental sound project evolved into a profound commitment to these children’s artistic expression and personal development.

    The initiative, highlighted during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observances, demonstrates how artistic innovation can bridge sensory divides while challenging preconceptions about disability and creative potential.

  • India loses 20th successive toss, South Africa elects to field in second ODI

    India loses 20th successive toss, South Africa elects to field in second ODI

    RAIPUR, India — South African captain Temba Bavuma won the crucial coin toss and elected to field first in the second ODI against India on Wednesday, extending India’s remarkable streak of lost tosses to twenty consecutive matches. This statistical anomaly places additional pressure on the Indian team as they seek to clinch the three-match series following their narrow 17-run victory in the opening contest at Ranchi.

    The series opener saw Virat Kohli’s masterful 52nd international century propel India to a competitive 349-8, setting the stage for a dramatic bowling performance that ultimately contained South Africa at 332 despite a formidable middle-order resistance. The Proteas, reeling at 3-11 during the powerplay, mounted a spectacular comeback through aggressive half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch before succumbing to the Indian attack.

    South Africa implemented strategic roster adjustments, welcoming back captain Bavuma who replaced Ryan Rickelton after the latter’s disappointing first-match dismissal. The bowling department saw significant reinforcements with left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj replacing off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, while pace bowler Lungi Ngidi took over from Ottneil Baartman, signaling a calculated shift toward experienced campaigners.

    India maintained consistency by retaining their entire playing eleven, offering redemption opportunities for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar at fourth and fifth batting positions respectively after both failed to deliver significant contributions in the previous encounter.

    Indian skipper Lokesh Rahul humorously acknowledged the toss dilemma, stating: ‘I’ve been practicing the coin call extensively, but unfortunately the results haven’t materialized. Honestly, the toss presents the most pressure-packed moment for me currently.’ He further elaborated on tactical considerations: ‘Dew factors significantly in these conditions—our bowling unit has developed specific strategies to counter this challenge.’

    The match features identical lineups from both sides, with India fielding Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Gaikwad, Sundar, Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna. South Africa’s roster includes Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Bavuma, Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Jansen, Bosch, Maharaj, Nandre Burger, and Ngidi.

  • Cold wave, strong winds grip many parts of country

    Cold wave, strong winds grip many parts of country

    A severe Arctic outbreak has descended upon China, triggering the most intense cold snap of the season and pushing temperatures to unprecedented lows across central and eastern regions. The National Meteorological Center maintains active blue alerts for both the cold wave and strong winds as this formidable air mass continues its southward trajectory.

    Meteorological data reveals dramatic temperature plunges of 6-14°C throughout Inner Mongolia, Northeast China, and North China since Tuesday. Accompanying these freezing conditions are powerful winds reaching 39 km/h across affected regions, including the Shandong and Liaodong peninsulas, creating dangerous wind chill conditions.

    Urban centers recorded landmark low temperatures, with Beijing and Tianjin experiencing their coldest mornings of the latter half of the year at approximately -5°C. Meanwhile, Changchun, Shenyang, and Shijiazhuang all registered new seasonal minimums, signaling the cold wave’s intensifying grip.

    Chief forecaster Yang Shunan emphasized the system’s distinctive characteristics, noting its complex weather impacts and significant temperature declines. Unlike November’s cold wave that primarily affected southern and western regions, the current Arctic blast follows a more northerly path, concentrating its most severe cooling effects north of the Yangtze River.

    The meteorological phenomenon has generated additional complications beyond temperature drops, including sand and dust storms across parts of Inner Mongolia and North China during the initial outbreak phase.

    Forecast models indicate the freezing line will reach its southernmost extent by Thursday, penetrating areas of Zhejiang, Anhui, and Hubei provinces. The Northeast anticipates particularly harsh conditions, with Harbin and Changchun potentially experiencing their first sub-20°C temperatures this season. Meteorological authorities advise residents to employ comprehensive protective measures—including hats, gloves, and scarves—to prevent frostbite during outdoor activities.

    The cold wave is projected to gradually weaken from late Wednesday through Thursday night, offering eventual respite from the frigid conditions that have gripped the nation.

  • Russia’s reciprocal visa-free policy expected to promote tourism

    Russia’s reciprocal visa-free policy expected to promote tourism

    In a significant diplomatic move strengthening Sino-Russian relations, President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order establishing visa-free travel for Chinese citizens entering Russia. The policy, which took immediate effect on December 2, 2025, permits Chinese nationals to stay for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business activities, family visits, and participation in cultural and scientific events.

    This landmark decision represents a reciprocal arrangement following China’s implementation of a similar visa-waiver program for Russian passport holders in mid-September 2025. Both policies are set to expire simultaneously on September 14, 2026, creating a one-year trial period for enhanced bilateral movement.

    The announcement triggered an immediate surge in travel interest across Chinese digital platforms. Leading travel agency Qunar reported a remarkable threefold increase in flight searches from Hangzhou to St. Petersburg within the first hour of the news breaking, while Beijing-Moscow route inquiries jumped by 44%.

    Industry experts anticipate substantial benefits for both nations’ tourism sectors. Wei Changren, founder of tourism financial news platform btiii.com, identified two primary travel corridors likely to experience growth: the classic Moscow-St. Petersburg circuit and destinations in Russia’s Far East region.

    The policy’s impact is already evident in border regions. Harbin Trip of Garden International Tour Company reported a 30% year-on-year increase in Russian tourists over the past two months, with visitors typically extending their journeys to other Chinese cultural hotspots including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.

    Beyond tourism, researchers highlight broader economic implications. Zhang Jinshan, a tourism development expert at Beijing Union University, noted that the mutual visa-waiver arrangements will likely stimulate economic revitalization in neighboring industrial zones, particularly in Northeast China and Russia’s Far East territories, while further deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations.

  • Xi: Bolster cooperation with Laos

    Xi: Bolster cooperation with Laos

    President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Laos during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. In a congratulatory message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Xi emphasized that China consistently prioritizes Laos within its neighborhood diplomacy framework, highlighting the exceptional political trust between the two socialist nations.

    The diplomatic exchange comes as both countries prepare to commemorate the 65th anniversary of established diplomatic relations next year. Xi proposed leveraging this milestone to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, enhance traditional friendship, and expand practical collaboration for mutual benefit. The Chinese leader expressed genuine appreciation for Laos’ developmental achievements under the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s leadership, noting significant improvements in livelihoods and growing regional influence.

    Observers point to substantial economic underpinnings strengthening the bilateral relationship. China has emerged as Laos’ primary foreign investor and major trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record $8.2 billion in 2024—a 15.9% year-on-year increase. Notably, over 80% of Laos’ agricultural exports are directed to Chinese markets.

    The China-Laos Railway, operational since 2021, stands as a flagship infrastructure project within the Belt and Road Initiative. Spanning 1,035 kilometers from Kunming to Vientiane, the railway has transformed regional connectivity, handling over 62.5 million passenger journeys and 72.5 million metric tons of cargo. Traders report transportation cost reductions of nearly 20%, with particularly beneficial effects on perishable commodities like tea and durian.

    The partnership extends beyond economic cooperation, with both nations demonstrating aligned positions on international matters. Laos recently reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and opposing external interference in Chinese internal affairs. This diplomatic solidarity, combined with joint commitments to preserving the post-World War II international order, reflects the depth of strategic coordination between the two neighboring countries.

  • South Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use

    South Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use

    SEOUL, South Korea — President Lee Jae Myung announced Wednesday he is considering issuing a formal apology to North Korea regarding allegations that his predecessor, ousted conservative leader Yoon Suk Yeol, deliberately escalated military tensions between the divided nations. The remarks came on the first anniversary of Yoon’s failed attempt to declare martial law in December 2024.

    Lee, a liberal who assumed office following Yoon’s removal in April, emphasized his administration’s commitment to rebuilding diplomatic channels with Pyongyang. However, he faced immediate criticism when questioned about North Korea’s detention of six South Korean nationals, admitting he lacked awareness of their cases—a statement that stunned relatives and human rights advocates.

    Recent investigations have revealed that Yoon’s administration allegedly authorized drone operations over North Korean territory and propaganda leaflet campaigns via balloons. While these claims remain unproven in court, Lee expressed personal willingness to apologize, though he acknowledged concerns about being labeled pro-North Korean in South Korea’s politically charged environment.

    Since June, President Lee has implemented several confidence-building measures, including deactivating border loudspeakers and prohibiting activist balloon launches. Despite these overtures, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has consistently rejected dialogue offers. Lee suggested that suspending joint military exercises with the United States—long criticized by Pyongyang as invasion rehearsals—could be considered to encourage renewed talks.

    The press conference took an unexpected turn when Lee appeared unfamiliar with the cases of six South Koreans detained in North Korea, including Christian missionaries arrested between 2013-2014 on charges of espionage and subversion, and North Korean defectors. Family members expressed profound disappointment, with one relative stating they pray daily for their loved one’s return.

    Lee reflected on the December 2024 constitutional crisis, crediting public resistance with thwarting what he termed Yoon’s ‘self-coup.’ He described how thousands of citizens surrounded the National Assembly to support lawmakers in overturning the brief martial law declaration. Yoon currently faces trial on rebellion charges and allegations that he manufactured tensions with North Korea to justify domestic military action.

  • Australia to enforce social media age limit of 16 next week with fines up to $33 million

    Australia to enforce social media age limit of 16 next week with fines up to $33 million

    Australian authorities are implementing stringent new digital age verification protocols that mandate major social media platforms to systematically identify and remove accounts belonging to users under 16 years old. Beginning December 10, technology giants including Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, along with TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch face potential penalties reaching AU$50 million (approximately US$33 million) for non-compliance with these youth protection measures.

    The Australian eSafety Commission will initiate enforcement by issuing formal information requests to ten designated platforms on December 11, requiring detailed monthly reports on account removal statistics over a six-month monitoring period. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized that while platforms require reasonable timeframes for accurate age verification procedures, systemic violations would trigger substantial financial penalties through judicial proceedings.

    Google’s YouTube implementation involves automatically signing out Australian users under 16 from December 10, restricting access to account-specific features. The company utilizes associated Google account data and behavioral signals for age assessment, though it criticized the legislation as fundamentally misunderstanding youth platform engagement and failing to enhance online safety.

    Meta has initiated preemptive removal of suspected underage accounts from its platforms, establishing an age verification process through Yoti Age Verification that permits mistakenly removed users to validate their age via government identification or video selfies.

    The Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project is pursuing High Court intervention to block the legislation, though no hearing date had been established as of Wednesday. Minister Wells affirmed the government’s commitment to defending the law, citing widespread parental support for enhanced digital protections.

    This Australian regulatory approach has attracted international attention, with Malaysia announcing similar restrictions effective 2026, and several European nations including France, Denmark, and Greece reportedly considering comparable minimum age requirements for social media access.

  • Deadly floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia kill more than 1,400 people

    Deadly floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia kill more than 1,400 people

    A series of devastating floods and landslides triggered by unprecedented rainfall has plunged multiple Southeast Asian nations into crisis, with the collective death toll surpassing 1,400 across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. The catastrophe has not only resulted in massive human casualties but has also exposed profound economic disparities influencing regional disaster response capabilities.

    Indonesia remains the epicenter of the tragedy, reporting a staggering 753 fatalities. Rescue operations face immense challenges as washed-out roads, collapsed bridges, and persistent landslides hinder access to isolated communities in the hardest-hit provinces of North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. With approximately 650 individuals still missing and over 1.5 million residents displaced, the National Disaster Management Agency is racing against time amid ongoing power and telecommunications outages. The government has deployed three hospital ships to assist overwhelmed local medical facilities, where approximately 2,600 injured are receiving treatment.

    While Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has visited affected areas and pledged reconstruction support, his administration has notably refrained from declaring a national emergency or formally seeking international assistance. This stands in contrast to Sri Lanka, where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has actively engaged diplomatic channels for support.

    The disaster has laid bare stark contrasts in national recovery capacities. Middle-income economies like Indonesia and Thailand have demonstrated stronger fiscal capabilities, mobilizing extensive rescue operations, deploying military assets, and channeling emergency funds. Thailand’s government spokesperson announced the successful restoration of utilities in most southern regions and the disbursement of over $31 million in compensation to affected households.

    Conversely, Sri Lanka, still recovering from a severe economic crisis, faces significantly constrained conditions. With limited resources, foreign exchange shortages, and weakened public services, the island nation’s disaster response remains heavily reliant on external support. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has urgently appealed to international diplomats for relief and reconstruction assistance. The flooding is expected to severely impact Sri Lanka’s economic stability, particularly affecting rice-growing regions and vegetable suppliers, potentially forcing the depletion of scarce foreign currency reserves despite being under an International Monetary Fund bailout program.

    The international community has begun responding with India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates launching relief efforts, while other nations have pledged additional support for the region’s recovery.