Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • DPRK top leader outlines general economic goals for next five years

    DPRK top leader outlines general economic goals for next five years

    PYONGYANG – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has delineated a measured economic strategy for the nation’s forthcoming five-year development cycle, emphasizing stabilization, structural consolidation, and incremental qualitative advancement. The announcement was delivered during a pivotal address at the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) on Monday, February 23, 2026.

    As General Secretary of the WPK, Kim articulated that the primary objective of the new quinquennial plan is to establish a solid foundation for the national economy. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported his statements, which framed the period as a critical phase for reinforcing economic stability before pursuing more ambitious qualitative development.

    Kim underscored the fundamental purpose of the Party Congress, stating its main schedule was to meticulously formulate and subsequently ratify a long-term strategic blueprint. He emphasized that the success of the congress would be measured by its effectiveness in defining the nation’s strategic orientation, establishing precise sector-specific goals, and adopting concrete decisions to achieve them.

    This economic roadmap signifies a continuation of a pragmatic approach, potentially indicating a sustained focus on internal development and self-reliance amid persistent international sanctions and geopolitical pressures. The speech did not elaborate on specific industries or quantitative targets, instead maintaining a broad focus on systemic strengthening and controlled progress.

  • Chinese artist shares perspective on cross-cultural artistic expression

    Chinese artist shares perspective on cross-cultural artistic expression

    NEW YORK – Renowned Chinese artist Yi Ming, whose creative vision has shaped some of China’s most prominent international events, recently articulated his philosophy on cross-cultural artistic expression during an engagement at Harvard University. The multidisciplinary creator—accomplished in painting, calligraphy, and design—emphasized the critical importance of ‘leaving space’ as a universal principle in artistic communication across cultural boundaries.

    Yi brings unique credibility to this perspective, having served as a key visual designer for both the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. This rare dual experience has provided him with a distinctive vantage point to observe the evolution of China’s cultural presentation on the global stage. He characterized the 2008 Games as an endeavor centered on ‘Harmony,’ with artistic efforts focused on demonstrating the depth and strength of Chinese civilization to international audiences.

    ‘The fundamental objective in 2008 revolved around facilitating global understanding of China,’ Yi explained. ‘By contrast, the 2022 Winter Olympics represented a significant thematic shift toward romanticism and technological artistry. Our approach reflected greater national confidence—we sought to present China not merely as historically significant, but as contemporary, engaging, and emotionally resonant.’

    Beyond his Olympic contributions, Yi’s portfolio includes serving as chief stylist for the 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou, the 2018 Qingdao SCO Summit, and the acclaimed ‘Beijing 8 Minutes’ segment at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Despite this impressive institutional work, the artist self-identifies primarily as a ‘storyteller’ who communicates China’s cultural heritage through visual language.

    Yi maintains that while large-scale events have brought him recognition, artistic authenticity stems from personal style. His work integrates modern aesthetics while consistently emphasizing the Chinese artistic principle of ‘liubai’—intentionally leaving space for imagination. This concept takes on enhanced relevance in today’s technology-driven environment, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence.

    ‘In our rapidly accelerating, technology-saturated world, such creative space provides essential room for human breath and reflection,’ Yi noted. ‘While AI demonstrates remarkable efficiency and learning capacity, artists must focus on what machines cannot replicate: genuine emotion, vitality, and creativity.’

    The artist also commented on the global circulation of Chinese cultural content through digital platforms, citing the international popularity of vertical short dramas as evidence of how quickly cultural elements can now travel. He observed growing international interest in both traditional Chinese mythology and the country’s modern technological engagement.

    Addressing Harvard students, Yi encouraged artistic exploration and self-discovery, emphasizing that across diverse cultures and backgrounds, creative space remains essential for imagination, kindness, and love to flourish amidst relentless technological advancement.

  • 5.6 magnitude earthquake rattles Taiwan, buildings shake in Taipei

    5.6 magnitude earthquake rattles Taiwan, buildings shake in Taipei

    A moderate earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale occurred off the northeastern coast of Taiwan on Tuesday morning, according to the island’s meteorological authorities. The seismic event, which struck at 9:20 AM local time, originated approximately 16.9 kilometers from Yilan County’s government seat in coastal waters with a significant depth of 66.8 kilometers (41.5 miles).

    The tremor was distinctly felt across the capital region of Taipei, where buildings experienced noticeable shaking for a brief period. Despite the perceptible ground movement, initial assessments by emergency services indicated no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties following the event.

    Taiwan’s geographical position places it near the convergence point of two major tectonic plates—the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate—making the island particularly susceptible to seismic activity. This geological reality has resulted in numerous significant earthquakes throughout Taiwan’s history, including the devastating 1999 tremor that registered 7.3 magnitude and claimed over 2,000 lives, followed by another deadly quake in southern Taiwan in 2016 that resulted in more than 100 fatalities.

    The region’s advanced earthquake monitoring systems and building codes, developed in response to previous seismic events, appear to have contributed to the minimal impact of this latest tremor. Emergency response teams remained on alert following the earthquake, conducting standard assessments of critical infrastructure including bridges, dams, and transportation networks as precautionary measures.

  • New US 10% tariffs take effect after Supreme Court ruling

    New US 10% tariffs take effect after Supreme Court ruling

    A new era in U.S. trade policy commenced Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s administration implemented comprehensive 10% tariffs on imported goods, responding to a landmark Supreme Court decision that invalidated substantial portions of his previous global tariff regime. The ruling, delivered Friday by a 6-3 conservative-majority court, determined that Trump had overstepped presidential authority using a 1977 statute to impose arbitrary duties on individual nations.

    The freshly enacted tariffs, affecting approximately $1.2 trillion worth of annual imports representing 34% of total goods entering the United States, function as a temporary 150-day measure unless extended by Congressional approval. White House officials justify the policy as necessary to address “large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits.” Trump has already signaled intentions to escalate the tariff rate to 15%, while maintaining exemptions for goods covered under sector-specific investigations and the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

    According to Tax Foundation analysis provided by Vice President of Federal Tax Policy Erica York, the tariff structure imposes significant financial burdens on American households—averaging $1,000 per household in 2025, with projections indicating $700 per household in 2026 despite the court’s rejection of previous tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

    The Supreme Court’s decision preserves Trump’s sector-specific tariffs on commodities like steel and automobiles while triggering complex refund proceedings for invalidated duties. U.S. Customs and Border Protection simultaneously ceased collection of court-rejected tariffs while implementing the new 10% levy effective Tuesday.

    Trade experts interpret the administration’s response as strategic adaptation to judicial constraints. Wendy Cutler, former U.S. trade official and current Asia Society Policy Institute senior vice president, noted: “With his tariff wings clipped, Trump needs a new tool to express displeasure at actions by others. Threatening steep licensing fees is an alternative, but it lacks the flair and quantitative nature of tariffs.”

    Trump maintains an assertive posture, claiming the Supreme Court ruling provided “far more powers and strength” while threatening escalated tariffs against nations that “play games” following the decision. The administration continues to leverage trade pressure as diplomatic tool, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasizing expectations that partners honor existing agreements despite the legal upheaval.

    Analysts warn that such approaches risk accelerating global efforts to diversify trade relationships away from United States dependence, potentially undermining long-term American economic influence despite short-term protectionist gains.

  • Reddit hit with $20 million UK data privacy fine over child safety failings

    Reddit hit with $20 million UK data privacy fine over child safety failings

    LONDON — Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has imposed a substantial £14.5 million ($19.5 million) penalty against social media platform Reddit for serious breaches in children’s data protection protocols. The regulatory action, announced Tuesday, marks the latest escalation in the UK’s intensified scrutiny of digital platforms concerning child safety measures.

    The investigation revealed that Reddit’s inadequate age verification systems enabled children under 13 to access the platform and have their personal information processed unlawfully. Information Commissioner John Edwards stated that these systemic failures resulted in minors being exposed to inappropriate content without proper understanding or consent mechanisms.

    Despite Reddit’s policy prohibiting users under 13, the platform lacked effective age assurance measures until July 2025. The ICO criticized Reddit’s subsequent implementation of ‘self-declaration’ age verification as fundamentally insufficient and easily circumvented. Regulatory officials confirmed they would continue monitoring the platform’s handling of children’s data.

    This enforcement action follows similar recent penalties against digital platforms. Earlier this month, MediaLab—owner of image-sharing service Imgur—received a £247,590 fine for comparable violations. The ICO has also maintained an ongoing investigation into TikTok’s child data practices since last year.

    Reddit has announced its intention to appeal the decision, asserting that the ICO’s demands conflict with the company’s privacy-first approach. In an official statement, Reddit emphasized: ‘Our commitment to user privacy means we don’t require identity sharing regardless of age. The ICO’s insistence on collecting more private information from UK users contradicts our fundamental principles of online safety and privacy protection.’

    The case highlights growing tensions between regulatory bodies seeking enhanced child protection measures and technology companies advocating for minimal data collection practices.

  • Ramaphosa thanks Putin for release of South Africans lured into Russia-Ukraine war

    Ramaphosa thanks Putin for release of South Africans lured into Russia-Ukraine war

    In a significant diplomatic development, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has successfully negotiated the repatriation of 17 citizens who were allegedly misled into participating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as mercenaries. The breakthrough follows a crucial February 10th telephone discussion between President Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which paved the way for their release.

    According to official statements from the South African presidency, four individuals have already returned home as of last Friday, with eleven others scheduled for imminent repatriation. Two remaining citizens are currently in Russia—one receiving medical treatment at a Moscow hospital and another completing necessary administrative procedures before returning.

    This complex situation began unfolding last November when the South African government received emergency communications from citizens claiming they had been deceived into joining mercenary forces. The individuals reportedly traveled to Russia expecting to receive bodyguard training, only to discover they had been contracted to fight against Ukrainian forces. Due to contracts written exclusively in Russian, the recruits were unable to comprehend the actual nature of their engagement.

    The case has triggered multiple investigations into recruitment practices, with notable figures facing serious allegations. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has been identified as a central figure in the recruitment scheme—an accusation she vehemently denies. In a sworn affidavit, Zuma-Sambudla maintained she believed the training program was legitimate and lawful, stating she would never knowingly endanger family members or other citizens.

    South African authorities have taken parallel legal action, arresting five individuals in December—including a public broadcaster radio personality—on charges related to illicit recruitment activities. All suspects have been released on bail pending trial proceedings.

    The South African government has reiterated that mercenary activities or fighting for foreign governments without official authorization violates national law. The country’s embassy in Moscow continues to monitor the situation and provide consular assistance to the remaining citizen hospitalized in Russia.

  • How El Mencho’s girlfriend led Mexico to taking down country’s most-wanted narco

    How El Mencho’s girlfriend led Mexico to taking down country’s most-wanted narco

    A meticulously coordinated intelligence operation, spearheaded by information from the romantic partner of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, culminated in the fatal confrontation with Mexico’s most notorious drug lord. The notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), widely known by his alias ‘El Mencho’, was located in a secluded vacation property in the picturesque village of Tapalpa, Jalisco.

    Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla disclosed that military intelligence, bolstered by support from the U.S. Northern Command, identified a planned rendezvous between Oseguera and his girlfriend. Surveillance confirmed her arrival at a Tapalpa residence on Saturday, facilitated by a trusted cartel associate, after which she departed, leaving Oseguera secured with his detail.

    Executing a clandestine multi-pronged assault on Sunday, the National Guard’s Special Immediate Reaction Force encircled the location. Trevilla described the ensuing firefight as ‘extremely violent,’ noting Oseguera was armed with an arsenal that included assault rifles and two rocket launchers—weaponry previously used by his guards to down a military helicopter in a 2015 escape.

    Cornered in a forested area near a cabin complex, Oseguera and two of his escorts sustained critical injuries in the exchange of gunfire. Despite being airlifted for medical attention, all three succumbed to their wounds en route to a hospital in Guadalajara. Their remains were subsequently transferred to Mexico City’s General Prosecutor’s Office.

    The power vacuum triggered immediate and widespread retaliation across 20 Mexican states. Hugo H., alias ‘El Tuli’ and Oseguera’s chief lieutenant, orchestrated hundreds of roadblocks and vehicle torchings, offering a bounty of 20,000 pesos for each soldier killed. ‘El Tuli’ was himself killed on Sunday while attempting to flee authorities in El Grullo, Jalisco; he was found in possession of weapons and approximately $1.4 million in cash.

    In response to the nationwide surge in violence, the Mexican government deployed nearly 10,000 soldiers as a stabilizing dissuasive force. While calm largely returned by Monday, isolated blockades persisted in Jalisco and the neighboring state of Michoacán. Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed that Oseguera’s remains will be released to his family, though his final resting place remains undisclosed.

  • Russia supplying Iran new missile might for a US war

    Russia supplying Iran new missile might for a US war

    In a strategic pivot following the degradation of its integrated air defense network during the 2025 conflict with Israel, Iran has secured a significant arms agreement with Russia worth approximately $591 million. The deal, finalized in Moscow in December 2025, involves the acquisition of 500 launch units and 2,500 Verba man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

    The Verba system represents a fundamental shift in Iran’s defensive doctrine toward distributed, mobile operations. These infrared-guided weapons can target cruise missiles, drones, and low-flying aircraft up to 6 kilometers away with a 4.5-kilometer altitude ceiling. Their man-portable nature allows for rapid deployment without reliance on vulnerable fixed radar installations, incorporating night-vision capabilities and a three-band electro-optical seeker designed to counter flare-based countermeasures.

    This procurement signals Tehran’s recognition that traditional high-value air defense sites proved inadequate against modern aerial threats. During the recent conflict, Israeli strikes effectively neutralized Iran’s Russian-made S-300 batteries, demonstrating the vulnerability of static defense systems. The Verba acquisition enables Iran to implement a more survivable air denial strategy using highly mobile teams operating across dispersed locations.

    While insufficient against advanced stealth aircraft like the F-35 or B-2, these systems pose significant risks to helicopter operations and low-altitude missions, potentially complicating special operations deployments. The psychological impact of MANPADS cannot be underestimated—their ability to engage targets without warning could provide Iran with tactical advantages and potentially capture opportunities that yield strategic bargaining chips.

    The agreement, negotiated through Rosoboronexport with involvement from previously sanctioned Iranian officials, reflects deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. This partnership extends beyond arms transfers, with Iran having supplied drones, ballistic missiles, and artillery ammunition to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine.

    Geopolitically, Iran represents a crucial node in Russia’s International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), serving as a sanctions evasion route that bypasses Western-controlled maritime chokepoints. Moscow has strategic interest in maintaining Tehran’s current regime, as regime change could jeopardize this vital economic corridor and further isolate Russia economically.

    Iran’s revised defense approach fundamentally aims at “winning by not losing”—prioritizing regime survival through a more resilient, distributed defense architecture that complicates potential aerial campaigns against its territory. This strategy acknowledges that while airpower alone cannot secure victory, it can significantly raise the costs and risks for any military action against Iran.

    The long-term implications extend beyond bilateral relations, potentially affecting regional stability and global power dynamics. Should Iran’s regime survive through these adaptations, it would demonstrate the limitations of aerial bombardment against determined authoritarian states with significant coercive capabilities. Conversely, regime collapse might not yield favorable outcomes for Western interests, possibly resulting in even more hardline leadership under the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.

    This development underscores the evolving nature of modern conflict, where cost-effective, asymmetric defense systems can challenge technological superiority, potentially prolonging conflicts and draining resources from major powers seeking to maintain global military dominance.

  • South Africa secures release of 11 nationals lured to Russia to fight against Ukraine

    South Africa secures release of 11 nationals lured to Russia to fight against Ukraine

    JOHANNESBURG — A group of South African nationals allegedly deceived into combat roles within the Russia-Ukraine war are scheduled to return home following high-level diplomatic interventions, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed Tuesday.

    The repatriation initiative will bring the total number of returnees to 15, building upon the four individuals who arrived in Johannesburg last week after enduring months on the front lines. According to official statements, these men were lured to Russia under false pretenses of receiving security training, only to be coerced into mercenary activities.

    President Ramaphosa revealed that two additional South Africans remain in Russian territory—one hospitalized and another undergoing processing before anticipated repatriation. This development follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment earlier this month to facilitate returns through established diplomatic channels.

    “The South African government, working closely with the Russian government, has secured the safe return of these men,” Ramaphosa stated. “Simultaneously, investigations continue into the circumstances that led to their unlawful recruitment.”

    The case has triggered a criminal investigation targeting at least three individuals connected to the recruitment scheme, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. Despite denying wrongdoing, Zuma-Sambudla resigned from her parliamentary position following the allegations.

    This incident reflects a broader pattern of African nationals being targeted for recruitment into the Ukraine conflict. Recent intelligence presented to Kenya’s parliament indicated over 1,000 Kenyans have been similarly recruited, with numerous families pleading for government intervention to repatriate loved ones either fighting on front lines or held as prisoners of war.

    South African law explicitly prohibits citizens from participating in foreign armed conflicts without government authorization. The returning men underwent police questioning upon arrival but have since been released to their families as investigations continue.

  • ‘Ultra-wealthy’ land tax could raise $3bn per year to slash stamp duty

    ‘Ultra-wealthy’ land tax could raise $3bn per year to slash stamp duty

    A groundbreaking proposal from Australia’s McKell Institute advocates for a transformative wealth tax targeting the nation’s most affluent landholders to address housing affordability challenges. The ‘Extreme Land Wealth Levy’ would impose annual charges on approximately 4,630 ultra-wealthy Australians possessing land portfolios valued at $20 million or higher—representing the wealthiest one percent of households.

    Under the innovative scheme, landholdings between $20-50 million would face a 0.75% annual levy, while properties exceeding $50 million would incur a 1.25% charge. The institute projects this could generate approximately $3 billion annually, which would then be redistributed to states and territories exclusively for reducing stamp duty costs for new homebuyers, explicitly excluding property investors from benefits.

    McKell Institute Chief Economist Alison Pennington emphasized the proposal addresses systemic inequities: ‘Average workers surrender one-quarter of their income biweekly, while ultra-wealthy landholders accumulate millions in untaxed, unearned gains over decades.’ She noted the levy would be financially negligible to affected landowners but transformative for aspiring homeowners.

    The mechanism would function through Commonwealth administration utilizing existing state valuation systems, applying solely to land value excluding improvements. Principal residences below $20 million land value and genuine agricultural land would be exempt, with build-to-rent developments qualifying for special considerations and development incentives.

    This proposal emerges amidst intensifying national debates surrounding housing accessibility and tax fairness, complementing existing state-level initiatives like NSW’s First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme and federal support programs including the 5% deposit guarantee scheme.