Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Exhibition on firecrackers held in Macao

    Exhibition on firecrackers held in Macao

    MACAU – A landmark exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Macao’s iconic Iec Long Firecracker Factory has launched at the Sands Gallery in Taipa, offering a profound journey into the city’s industrial heritage. The showcase, which opened on March 18th, 2026, presents an extensive collection of over 400 artifacts that narrate the vibrant history and cultural resonance of an industry that once defined the region.

    Visitors are immersed in a century-old narrative through meticulously preserved original manuscripts, specialized manufacturing tools, and a diverse array of vintage packaging labels. This comprehensive display illuminates the technical craftsmanship and artistic design that characterized the firecracker production process, highlighting its significance beyond mere commerce to encompass community identity and tradition.

    The exhibition represents a significant collaboration between academic research and cultural preservation. Curator Ung Vai-meng, a distinguished professor at the Macau University of Science and Technology, emphasized the industry’s historical importance: “Firecracker manufacturing stood among Macao’s most vital traditional industries. This exhibition aims to transport audiences across temporal boundaries, allowing them to experience the distinctive echoes of an era that remains fundamentally Macanese.”

    Portuguese artist Catarina Cottinelli da Costa, upon viewing the collection, remarked to Xinhua that the curatorial efforts “have revitalized the lives and memories associated with the old Iec Long Firecracker Factory, creating a deeply moving and meaningful connection for visitors to this crucial chapter of Macao’s historical narrative.”

    The exhibition will continue through August 31st, 2026, providing an extended opportunity for locals and international visitors to engage with this unique aspect of Macao’s cultural legacy.

  • Denounce ‘abject’ Afcon decision – senior Caf member

    Denounce ‘abject’ Afcon decision – senior Caf member

    In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded the championship to Morocco. The controversial decision comes months after Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory in January’s final.

    The ruling stems from Senegal’s players walking off the pitch in protest when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty during regular time. The match, which resumed after a 17-minute delay, saw Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty saved before Pape Gueye eventually scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.

    Following a formal appeal by the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF), CAF’s disciplinary committee determined that Senegal’s temporary abandonment of the pitch constituted a forfeiture, resulting in an official 3-0 victory for Morocco. The Moroccan football authority praised the verdict, stating it ‘upholds respect for rules necessary for the proper functioning of international competition’ and establishes important precedent for future tournaments.

    However, the decision has sparked fierce criticism from senior African football figures. Augustin Senghor, CAF executive committee member and former head of the Senegalese Football Federation, condemned the ruling as ‘abject’ and ‘unacceptable,’ vowing to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ‘Football is fair play, football is played on the field, not in offices,’ Senghor declared in an interview with BBC World Service.

    The controversy has raised questions about governance and external influence within African football. Former Cameroon, Ghana, and Senegal coach Claude Le Roy suggested the decision reflected broader issues within CAF’s leadership and alleged influence from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

    CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe defended the organization’s integrity, emphasizing that ‘not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner which is more preferential or more advantageous than any other.’ The decision marks the first time in African football history that a continental title has been stripped and reassigned after the completion of a tournament.

  • Another Nanjing Massacre survivor dies, only 21 remain

    Another Nanjing Massacre survivor dies, only 21 remain

    The community of living Nanjing Massacre survivors has diminished further with the passing of Guan Shunhua at age 101 on Wednesday. Her death reduces the officially registered survivor count to just 21 individuals, according to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

    Born in 1925, Guan experienced the horrific events of 1937 when Imperial Japanese forces captured Nanjing. Her family initially evacuated north to Huaian, Jiangsu Province, before the invasion but returned to the devastated capital approximately one month later. They sought refuge in the designated safety zone on Ninghai Road, yet tragedy still struck when her uncle was killed by Japanese troops outside Zhongshan Gate.

    The historical context of her passing recalls one of World War II’s most brutal chapters. Following the December 13, 1937 capture of Nanjing, Japanese forces conducted six weeks of systematic violence that resulted in approximately 300,000 Chinese civilian and military casualties.

    This declining population of firsthand witnesses has prompted significant efforts to preserve their testimonies. China’s national legislature established December 13 as the official memorial day for massacre victims in 2014. Concurrently, the government has implemented comprehensive documentation projects, creating both written and video records of survivors’ accounts.

    International recognition came in 2015 when UNESCO inscribed documents related to the Nanjing Massacre onto its Memory of the World Register, ensuring global awareness of these historical events.

  • Belarus leader hosts US envoy for talks, latest step in his effort to improve ties with Washington

    Belarus leader hosts US envoy for talks, latest step in his effort to improve ties with Washington

    In a significant diplomatic development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko convened with U.S. Special Envoy John Coale in Minsk on Thursday, marking a continued effort to normalize relations with Western nations. The high-level discussion centered on multiple critical issues, including the potential reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk—which ceased operations in 2022—and the release of individuals classified as political prisoners.

    This engagement represents the second such dialogue between Lukashenko’s administration and U.S. officials since December, when Washington responded to previous negotiations by easing certain sanctions and facilitating the release of 123 detainees to Ukraine and Lithuania. The Belarusian leader, who has maintained authoritarian control over the nation of 9.5 million people for over three decades, faces ongoing isolation from Western countries due to systematic human rights violations and his government’s complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    The current diplomatic overture occurs against a backdrop of sustained international pressure. Lukashenko’s regime has been repeatedly sanctioned for its brutal suppression of dissent following the contested 2020 presidential election, which triggered mass protests and widespread allegations of electoral fraud. In the subsequent crackdown, tens of thousands were detained and subjected to police violence, forcing prominent opposition figures into exile or imprisonment.

    Recent months have witnessed a strategic shift from Minsk, with the controlled release of several high-profile prisoners including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and dissident leaders Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka, and Maria Kolesnikova. These actions coincide with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, culminating in a August 2025 phone conversation between the two leaders where Trump reportedly suggested a potential face-to-face meeting.

    According to Coale’s post-meeting statements, discussions included the possibility of Lukashenko visiting the United States—a development that would represent a substantial diplomatic achievement for the isolated leader. However, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya cautioned that while prisoner releases are welcome, they must be accompanied by genuine systemic reforms. She noted that over 1,100 political prisoners remain detained in Belarus according to Viasna, the country’s leading human rights organization, and emphasized that Lukashenko frequently arrests new critics even as he releases others.

  • Conflict to push 45m more into hunger

    Conflict to push 45m more into hunger

    The United Nations has issued a dire warning that the ongoing Middle East conflict could trigger a catastrophic global hunger crisis, potentially pushing an additional 45 million people into acute food insecurity by mid-year. This alarming projection comes as humanitarian agencies report escalating violence across multiple fronts.

    According to Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, new analysis from the World Food Programme indicates that severe food insecurity could reach unprecedented levels if the conflict persists and oil prices remain above $100 per barrel. The economic destabilization caused by the crisis is creating a perfect storm for global food systems.

    The strategic throttling of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical concern, disrupting not only oil flows but also shipments of essential fertilizers crucial for agricultural production worldwide. This dual impact threatens to exacerbate food shortages across vulnerable regions.

    Humanitarian operations face immense challenges as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) scales up assistance. The organization reports that more than 1 million people have registered as displaced following evacuation orders, including nearly 300,000 children. Most displaced families are not in formal shelters, complicating aid delivery.

    The crisis has particularly devastated healthcare infrastructure. OCHA expressed grave concern over attacks on medical facilities and personnel, noting that at least three paramedics were killed in recent Israeli strikes across Nabatieh and Tyre districts. These attacks are straining Lebanon’s health system and endangering medical workers providing critical care.

    In Iran, authorities reported 17 medical personnel killed and over 100 injured, with more than 240 health facilities damaged. The conflict has also destroyed tens of thousands of homes and hundreds of water infrastructure sites, creating a secondary public health crisis.

    Gulf region governments reported at least 15 civilian deaths and numerous injuries linked to the hostilities. OCHA emphasized that all parties must uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians, including health workers and humanitarian personnel.

    The situation in Gaza remains particularly desperate, with aid deliveries reduced to a ‘trickle’ due to crossing restrictions. Continued Israeli strikes in residential areas are heightening risks for civilians already facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

  • China, global collaboration key themes at science forum

    China, global collaboration key themes at science forum

    Beijing is poised to showcase its expanding role in global scientific innovation as it prepares to host the prestigious Zhongguancun Forum from March 25-29. The event will emphasize international cooperation and China’s commitment to opening its scientific facilities and research achievements to the world community.

    At a recent press conference, Lin Xin, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology, outlined how the forum will highlight Beijing’s evolution from a national innovation center to the anchor of the broader Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei innovation hub, designed to foster deeper industrial collaboration throughout the region.

    The forum will feature specialized sessions examining cutting-edge technological fields including 6G communications, brain-computer interface technology, and advanced cell and gene therapies. Significant announcements planned for the event include China’s list of top 10 scientific advancements and the unveiling of an international cooperation action plan.

    To accelerate the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs, the forum will host frontier technology competitions and technology trade conferences. Beijing’s substantial investment in technological development was highlighted by Jin Wei, Vice-Mayor of Beijing, who noted that over 6% of government spending is allocated to foster industrial clusters exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($145.4 billion) in sectors including information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and scientific services.

    The integration of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei innovation hub has already demonstrated remarkable progress, with technology contract transactions reaching over 320 billion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), representing a 1.7-fold increase from the previous five years.

    The Huairou National Comprehensive Science Center has emerged as a cornerstone of this innovation ecosystem, having developed 37 scientific facility platforms with 29 currently operational. These facilities have provided 1.77 million hours of shared machine time for global researchers, resulting in 439 significant scientific breakthroughs.

    Ahead of the forum, Luo Minmin, Director of the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, emphasized the critical importance of international collaboration in neuroscience. The institute will introduce the new Beinao-2 model at the event, with Luo noting that while the United States maintains a longer history in brain-computer interface research and Europe is making substantial progress, China is focusing specifically on developing invasive BCI technologies with potential applications for paralyzed individuals and stroke victims.

    The collaborative spirit extends beyond China’s borders, as evidenced by recent agreements between the University of Manchester and both Peking University and Tsinghua University. Duncan Ivison, President of the University of Manchester, expressed particular interest in addressing global challenges including climate change, clean energy technology, and healthcare through these partnerships.

  • Kevin Spacey and accusers settle before civil trial

    Kevin Spacey and accusers settle before civil trial

    Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey has reached confidential out-of-court settlements with three men who had filed civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault against him. The resolution comes just months before the cases were scheduled to proceed to trial at London’s High Court in late 2026.

    The plaintiffs, whose allegations spanned from 2000 to 2013 during Spacey’s tenure as artistic director at London’s Old Vic theatre, had brought separate civil claims following criminal proceedings. While Spacey was acquitted of nine sexual offense charges in a 2023 criminal trial, the civil cases continued independently until this recent settlement.

    Among the accusers was Ruari Cannon, who waived his anonymity and participated in Channel 4’s 2024 documentary ‘Spacey Unmasked.’ Cannon alleged inappropriate behavior occurred during a post-performance celebration for ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ in 2013. Two other claimants, identified only as LNP and GHI, detailed multiple alleged assaults and subsequent psychological and financial damages.

    The settlement terms remain confidential, and all court proceedings have been formally suspended. This resolution follows a separate settlement reached between Cannon and The Old Vic theatre itself, though details of that agreement also remain undisclosed. Spacey maintains his denial of all allegations, previously characterizing them as ‘ridiculous’ during legal proceedings.

  • Africa seeks benefits from two sessions

    Africa seeks benefits from two sessions

    African policymakers and business leaders are intensively analyzing the outcomes of China’s recently concluded Two Sessions, seeking to align continental development strategies with Beijing’s newly articulated economic priorities. The annual legislative and advisory meetings have provided crucial signals about China’s focus on manufacturing advancement, technological innovation, and green industry development—areas of significant relevance to Africa’s economic transformation ambitions.

    According to Carlos Lopes, Professor at the University of Cape Town’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, the policy directions emerging from Beijing must be understood within the broader context of global economic restructuring. “While China remains Africa’s paramount economic partner,” Lopes noted, “the critical question revolves around how the continent positions itself within this dynamically evolving relationship framework.”

    The discussions highlighted Africa’s opportunity to leverage China’s reaffirmed commitment to free trade principles, particularly through preferential measures such as zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African nations. However, experts emphasized that African countries must develop stronger productive capacities and industrial capabilities to fundamentally transform the nature of Africa-China trade relations beyond commodity dependency.

    Gordon K’achola, Founder of the Africa Center for Diplomatic Affairs in Kenya, described this as a “pivotal moment for Africa,” noting that Beijing’s policy signals will influence how Global South nations recalibrate their economic and foreign policy orientations. K’achola stressed that enhanced regional coordination through mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Area could enable African economies to present a unified market front and maximize development opportunities.

    Infrastructure development remains central to Africa’s engagement calculus, with experts highlighting continued needs for electricity, transportation networks, clean water systems, and healthcare facilities across the continent. Melha Rout Biel, Executive Director of South Sudan’s Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies, pointed to China’s emphasis on high-quality growth and domestic consumption as factors that will require African exporters to elevate product standards to access Chinese markets effectively.

    The analysis suggests that joint ventures and establishment of free trade zones could serve as catalysts for industrialization and knowledge transfer. As K’achola concluded, the long-term success of Africa-China engagement will ultimately depend on “how effectively the continent strengthens productive capacity, advances regional integration, and positions itself within emerging global value chains.”

  • EU leaders blast Viktor Orbán over a Ukraine loan veto, accusing him of playing election games

    EU leaders blast Viktor Orbán over a Ukraine loan veto, accusing him of playing election games

    BRUSSELS — European Union leaders launched unprecedented criticism against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during Thursday’s summit, accusing him of weaponizing vital Ukrainian assistance for domestic political gains. The confrontation exposes deepening fractures within the bloc as Hungary obstructs a previously approved €90 billion ($103 billion) support package for Ukraine’s military and economy.

    Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed the collective frustration: “He’s exploiting Ukraine as an electoral weapon, which is unacceptable. We reached an agreement, and this constitutes a betrayal of that consensus.”

    The emergency funding, deemed essential by EU officials for Ukraine’s survival, requires disbursement by early May. This timeline necessitates immediate procedural progress within the coming weeks—a prospect now jeopardized by Hungarian obstruction.

    Prime Minister Orbán, who maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and faces declining poll numbers ahead of April elections, has intensified anti-Ukrainian rhetoric throughout his campaign. He portrays Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an existential threat to Hungary while positioning himself as the sole guardian of Hungarian security.

    Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever challenged Orbán’s narrative: “If this is electoral theater, it cannot override our collective decisions. It’s indefensible to approve agreements then refuse implementation.”

    The deadlock originates from January’s disruption of Russian oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine. While Ukrainian authorities attribute the damage to Russian attacks, Orbán accuses Zelenskyy of deliberately withholding energy supplies to Hungary.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attempted to break the impasse by offering EU-funded pipeline repairs. Technical teams currently await security clearance in Kyiv for site inspection.

    Orbán remains unmoved, declaring: “This transcends politics—it’s existential for Hungary. Secure oil access is non-negotiable for our nation’s survival.”

    The crisis highlights structural vulnerabilities in EU governance mechanisms requiring full unanimity among member states, enabling a nation representing just 2% of the bloc’s population to block critical multinational decisions.

  • 2 men appear in court accused of ‘hostile’ surveillance of UK’s Jewish community for Iran

    2 men appear in court accused of ‘hostile’ surveillance of UK’s Jewish community for Iran

    Two Iranian nationals have appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London facing allegations of conducting hostile surveillance operations against British Jewish targets on behalf of Iranian intelligence services.

    Nematollah Shahsavani, a 40-year-old Iranian-British dual national, and Alireza Farasati, a 22-year-old Iranian citizen residing in London, are formally charged with engaging in activities likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between July 9 and August 15 of the previous year. Both defendants were arrested on March 6 as part of a broader national security investigation.

    Prosecutor Louise Attrill presented evidence indicating the defendants targeted multiple significant locations within London’s Jewish community, including the Israeli Embassy, a Jewish community center, an educational institution, and Britain’s oldest synagogue. The surveillance operation allegedly sought to gather intelligence on individuals and establishments connected to the Israeli and Jewish communities in the United Kingdom.

    During the preliminary hearing, neither defendant entered a formal plea. However, Farasati’s legal representation indicated their client would contest the charges. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ordered both men remanded in custody pending their next appearance at London’s Central Criminal Court scheduled for April 17.

    The investigation has revealed broader implications for UK-Iran relations, with two additional British-Iranian nationals arrested in connection with the same probe subsequently released without charge. This case emerges against a backdrop of heightened security concerns, as MI5 Director General Ken McCallum disclosed in October that British authorities had disrupted more than twenty potentially lethal Iran-backed plots within the preceding twelve-month period.