Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Nine dead, including gunman, in school shooting in Canada

    Nine dead, including gunman, in school shooting in Canada

    The remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is grappling with profound grief following a devastating school shooting that resulted in nine fatalities, including the 18-year-old perpetrator. The incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday represents Canada’s deadliest school shooting in over three decades, sending shockwaves through the nation.

    According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the shooter has been identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident who identified as female both socially and publicly. The investigation revealed Van Rootselaar was found deceased inside the school with an apparently self-inflicted injury, alongside two recovered firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun.

    The victims include a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. In a tragic development, police subsequently discovered two additional victims at a residential location—identified as the shooter’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother.

    The violence left twenty-seven individuals injured, with two female victims aged 12 and 19 requiring airlift transportation to hospital and remaining in serious condition. Authorities noted that after medical evaluation, no discernible physical injuries were identified among others transported to local medical facilities.

    Law enforcement officials emphasized the rapid evolution of the crisis, with Superintendent Ken Floyd acknowledging the critical cooperation from school officials, first responders, and the community. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed investigators believe the suspect acted alone and are working to determine the motive behind the attack.

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed devastation over the tragedy, extending prayers and deepest condolences to affected families while affirming the federal government’s support for British Columbians confronting this horrific event.

  • UK economy subdued at end of 2025 as budget uncertainty weighed on businesses and consumers

    UK economy subdued at end of 2025 as budget uncertainty weighed on businesses and consumers

    LONDON — Britain’s economy experienced near-stagnation during the final quarter of 2026, according to official data released Thursday, with economic analysts attributing the slowdown to widespread uncertainty surrounding governmental budget policies that suppressed both business investment and consumer spending.

    The Office for National Statistics reported that the world’s sixth-largest economy expanded by a mere 0.1% between October and December, mirroring the sluggish growth rate recorded in the previous quarter. While the annual growth rate improved to 1.3% from 2025’s 1.1%—marking the strongest yearly performance since 2022—the quarterly figures fell substantially below expectations.

    Economic experts identified the prolonged anticipation of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ November budget announcement as a primary factor behind the economic hesitation. Throughout most of the quarter, businesses and consumers adopted a cautious wait-and-see approach amid speculation that the Treasury would abandon key pledges regarding income tax stability. When finally revealed, the implemented tax increases proved significantly less severe than initially feared.

    Suren Thiru, Economics Director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, characterized the disappointing quarter as the culmination of another frustrating economic year. “Growth diminished alarmingly rapidly following 2025’s robust beginning, with escalating taxation, intensified uncertainty, and weak productivity progressively constraining economic activity,” Thiru observed.

    Despite some recent indicators suggesting potential growth acceleration in early 2026, the Bank of England has adopted a more cautious outlook. Last week, the central bank downgraded its growth projections for both 2026 and 2027, reducing forecasts from 1.2% to 0.9% and from 1.6% to 1.5% respectively.

    The Labour government, which has witnessed declining public support since its 2024 election victory partly due to economic concerns, now pins hopes on anticipated interest rate reductions. With inflation expected to decrease significantly throughout the year, officials anticipate the Bank might implement a quarter-point cut in March, potentially lowering the main rate to 3.50% from the current 3.75%.

    Simon Pittaway, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation think tank, emphasized the government’s critical challenge: “The imperative for 2026 involves intensifying focus on growth initiatives to establish a sustained economic recovery that will ultimately translate into improved household incomes.”

  • Mideast investors woo potential partners at forum

    Mideast investors woo potential partners at forum

    Middle Eastern investors actively courted Chinese partners at the recent Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, showcasing lucrative opportunities across real estate development, renewable energy, and corporate services. Representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Oman emphasized their nations’ political stability and business-friendly environments as key advantages for international collaboration.

    Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, set the tone at the ‘Future Horizons: The UAE-Hong Kong Connect’ strategic dialogue, emphasizing his country’s commitment to “an open and predictable business environment” focused on “delivering clear outcomes.” The event, co-hosted by the UAE Consulate in Hong Kong and InvestHK, featured substantial delegations from the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

    Ras Al Khaimah’s development authorities presented ambitious projects seeking foreign investment. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of government master developer Marjan, highlighted the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort scheduled to open in 2027, explicitly inviting Hong Kong developers and investors to participate in the emirate’s hospitality sector expansion.

    Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of Abu Dhabi-listed RAK Properties, outlined plans to develop 50,000 units by 2030, expressing hope for strategic partnerships with Hong Kong entities. Meanwhile, Sandra Marie Louw of RAK International Corporate Centre highlighted their ecosystem serving over 40,000 corporations with cross-border operational support and tax optimization services.

    From Sharjah, investment officials promoted the emirate’s three major ports—Khalid, Khorfakkan, and Hamriyah—as multimodal logistics hubs offering diverse investment systems and spaces.

    Oman’s representatives extended invitations to the upcoming Suhar Investment Forum while detailing the nation’s renewable energy transition. Haitham Al Omairi of Sohar Port and Freezone outlined Oman’s net-zero 2050 goals, highlighting opportunities in solar energy value chains and green hydrogen production targeting 1.3 million tons by 2030 and 8 million metric tons by 2050.

  • Capturing hearts with leafy greens

    Capturing hearts with leafy greens

    In Dubai’s multicultural dining scene, an unexpected culinary revolution is unfolding through the unlikely marriage of Chinese agriculture and Middle Eastern desert terrain. The success story begins not in restaurant kitchens but in the arid expanses of the Nazwa Desert, where Wemart’s organic farms have transformed barren landscapes into productive agricultural hubs.

    At the heart of this transformation lies a remarkable agricultural achievement: two organic farms spanning 8.7 hectares now yield approximately 5,000 kilograms of fresh Chinese vegetables daily. This agricultural bounty includes over 30 varieties, with bok choy leading production at 600 kilograms per day alongside romaine lettuce, white radish, chives, and coriander.

    The journey to this success required overcoming extraordinary challenges. When entrepreneur Sun Jiansheng first envisioned growing Chinese vegetables in UAE’s desert conditions in 2012, temperatures regularly exceeded 40°C and could reach 60°C during summer months. The initial obstacles included infertile soil, scarce rainfall, and unpredictable sandstorms capable of destroying entire crops.

    Through innovative solutions including drilling 180-meter-deep wells for irrigation and transporting organic fertilizer from distant pastures, the farming team gradually transformed the sandy terrain into productive agricultural land. The operation now employs 45 international workers, including Pakistani national Shakeeb Khan who has worked there for 14 years alongside his brothers.

    The farms’ output supplies Wemart’s grocery stores across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, where the fresh vegetables have become particularly popular at malatang stations—Chinese street food stalls where diners select ingredients to be cooked in spicy broth. These stations serve approximately 300 bowls daily, attracting diverse customers from Asian, Arab, African, and European backgrounds.

    For Dubai’s approximately 400,000 Chinese expatriates, the availability of authentic Chinese vegetables represents a taste of home. As Hunan native Xie Jingyi noted while enjoying malatang, ‘Eating authentic malatang in Dubai is such a comfort!’ The vegetables have also gained popularity among local Emiratis, with Abdulla Alaqib praising their crisp texture and fresh flavor.

    As the Lunar New Year approaches, Wenchao Group (Wemart’s parent company) is increasing production to ensure Chinese communities across the Middle East can celebrate with traditional vegetables on their holiday tables, marking another chapter in this unexpected desert-to-table success story.

  • Australian tourism leader says Chinese market vital to industry

    Australian tourism leader says Chinese market vital to industry

    SYDNEY – Australia’s tourism sector is witnessing a remarkable resurgence from Chinese travelers, with industry leadership emphasizing the market’s critical importance to the nation’s economic landscape. Robin Mack, the newly appointed Managing Director of Tourism Australia, has declared the country’s doors wide open to Chinese visitors, identifying China as an indispensable source market for inbound tourism.

    Recent statistical analysis reveals compelling evidence of this recovery. Official data covering the twelve months through November last year documented approximately 1 million Chinese tourist arrivals in Australia, representing a significant 16 percent surge compared to the previous year. This growth trajectory establishes China as Australia’s fastest-expanding tourism market currently.

    The financial impact proves even more substantial. Chinese visitors contributed AU$12.3 billion (approximately US$8.71 billion) to the Australian economy – a striking 29 percent year-over-year increase that essentially restores expenditure levels to those observed before the global pandemic. This expenditure pattern has elevated China to Australia’s second-largest inbound market by visitor volume and its premier market in terms of total tourism spending.

    Mack expressed particular optimism about future prospects, noting that with the gradual restoration of international flight capacities, enhanced tourism product diversity, and strengthened industry partnerships, the Chinese market is positioned to reclaim its pre-pandemic status as Australia’s leading source of visitors.

    The seasonal patterns of Chinese travel demonstrate distinct peaks during Australia’s summer months (December-February), coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebrations, alongside increased visitation during China’s July-August school holidays and the October National Day ‘Golden Week’ period.

    Contemporary travel trends indicate Chinese tourists are increasingly favoring smaller group arrangements and independent travel experiences, with growing demand for customized itineraries and immersive cultural engagements. Natural landscapes, wildlife encounters, and culinary experiences including local wines remain primary attractions for these visitors.

    Tourism Australia’s strategic marketing initiatives, including the global ‘Come and Say G’day’ campaign launched its second chapter in China first last August, have been instrumental in building momentum toward major travel periods like the upcoming Chinese New Year.

    Beyond economic benefits, Mack emphasized tourism’s role as a vital cultural bridge fostering people-to-people connections between the nations. The mutual exchange – with increasing numbers of Australians also traveling to China – continues to strengthen bilateral understanding and friendship. Mack, a frequent visitor to China himself, extended warm invitations for Chinese travelers to experience Australia during the forthcoming Lunar New Year celebrations.

  • Russia fires another barrage at Ukrainian cities as next round of US-brokered talks is unclear

    Russia fires another barrage at Ukrainian cities as next round of US-brokered talks is unclear

    Ukrainian cities endured another devastating night of Russian missile and drone attacks as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict faced renewed uncertainty. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces launched a massive assault overnight Wednesday to Thursday, targeting civilian infrastructure across multiple population centers.

    The aerial offensive involved 219 long-range strike drones, 24 ballistic missiles, and a guided aircraft missile, with Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa serving as primary targets. The attacks resulted in significant damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating during freezing temperatures.

    In Dnipro, four civilians including a 4-year-old girl and a newborn boy sustained injuries from the strikes. Kyiv reported damage to several residential buildings with two injuries, while Odesa saw a residential high-rise partially destroyed and commercial establishments set ablaze, leaving one person wounded.

    The escalation in military aggression coincides with diplomatic maneuvering behind the scenes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Washington has proposed additional negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations scheduled for next week in either Miami or Abu Dhabi. While Ukraine has “immediately confirmed” its participation, Zelenskyy indicated that Moscow appears to be “hesitating” about committing to the talks.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov offered a vague acknowledgment that another round of discussions was expected “soon” but provided no concrete details. The potential negotiations form part of a yearlong peace initiative by the Trump administration, which has reportedly set a June deadline for both parties to reach an agreement.

    Substantial obstacles remain to any comprehensive settlement. The two nations remain deeply divided over critical issues including the status of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces, particularly in the eastern Donbas region. Moscow continues to demand additional territorial concessions from Kyiv, while Ukraine seeks Western-backed security guarantees, EU membership prospects, and a postwar reconstruction package before considering any proposed 20-point settlement.

    Meanwhile, Russia has persisted in targeting Ukrainian civilian areas and energy infrastructure, ignoring U.S. proposals for an “energy ceasefire” that would also restrict Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities.

  • Voting begins in Bangladesh’s national parliament election

    Voting begins in Bangladesh’s national parliament election

    Bangladesh embarked on a significant democratic exercise as polling stations nationwide opened Thursday morning for the country’s parliamentary elections. The electoral process commenced precisely at 7:30 AM local time across more than 42,000 designated voting centers, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.

    An impressive electorate of over 127 million registered voters is anticipated to participate in determining the composition of the next parliament. The voting period will conclude at 4:30 PM local time, after which immediate vote counting procedures will commence at respective polling locations.

    Pre-election enthusiasm was evident throughout the capital city of Dhaka, where substantial queues formed outside polling stations as early as Wednesday evening. First-time voter Miraz Ahmed expressed his anticipation, stating: ‘This represents my inaugural voting experience, and I’m genuinely excited. I’m obtaining my voter identification from this assistance desk to ensure direct access to the polling station tomorrow morning without delays.’

    The electoral competition features 2,028 candidates vying for representation across 299 of the 300 directly-elected parliamentary constituencies. The remaining constituency’s election has been postponed due to the unfortunate demise of a candidate, with rescheduled voting to occur at a later date.

    This electoral event marks Bangladesh’s first general election since the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, which occurred during widespread political turbulence. According to constitutional provisions, any political party must secure at least 151 parliamentary seats to establish a governing majority.

  • WhatsApp says Russia has tried to fully block the messaging app

    WhatsApp says Russia has tried to fully block the messaging app

    Russia has initiated a comprehensive blockade against WhatsApp, marking the most recent escalation in the Kremlin’s systematic campaign to dominate the nation’s digital landscape. The messaging platform confirmed the government’s action on Wednesday, characterizing it as a deliberate strategy to coerce citizens into adopting state-controlled alternatives.

    A spokesperson for WhatsApp condemned the move, stating, ‘This attempt to isolate over 100 million Russians from secure, private communication represents a regressive policy that ultimately compromises public safety. We remain committed to maintaining reliable connections for our users.’ The company explicitly linked the ban to government efforts to promote MAX, a state-supported messaging application that privacy advocates have labeled a surveillance tool.

    This development continues Russia’s pattern of internet restrictions that intensified following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Previous casualties include major social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the action through state media, insisting that Meta Platforms must comply with Russian regulations to restore service.

    The digital crackdown now appears to be expanding to other platforms. Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor recently announced impending restrictions on Telegram, accusing it of non-compliance with local laws. This announcement provoked unexpected criticism from pro-military bloggers who highlighted Telegram’s crucial role in battlefield communications for Russian forces in Ukraine.

    Despite these announcements, Telegram continues functioning normally, with experts noting its technical architecture presents greater challenges for complete blocking than WhatsApp. Some analysts suggest that eliminating WhatsApp might allow authorities to concentrate technological resources on ultimately restricting Telegram.

    President Vladimir Putin’s administration has methodically constructed what critics describe as a digital iron curtain through multifaceted measures including restrictive legislation, website bans, and advanced traffic monitoring systems. The government has previously throttled YouTube, blocked Signal and Viber, and prohibited online calling features on various platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram. In December, restrictions were extended to Apple’s FaceTime service.

    While virtual private networks (VPNs) offer partial circumvention of these restrictions, Russian authorities have concurrently targeted and blocked numerous VPN services. Simultaneously, the government aggressively promotes its domestic MAX platform, which openly acknowledges its practice of sharing user data with authorities upon request and lacks end-to-end encryption according to security experts.

  • China seen as reliable global partner amid uncertainties

    China seen as reliable global partner amid uncertainties

    Amidst a backdrop of persistent global uncertainties, China is increasingly being perceived as a reliable international partner capable of delivering concrete benefits and fostering stability. This shift in perception is substantiated by a series of influential international surveys and expert analyses conducted throughout early 2026.

    The European Council on Foreign Relations’ January global opinion poll revealed growing anticipation for China’s expanding global influence over the coming decade, with many respondents now classifying Beijing as either an ‘ally’ or necessary partner. This sentiment finds reinforcement across multiple reputable institutions including Pew Research Center, Gallup, and Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, all documenting a consistent upward trajectory in trust toward China in recent years.

    Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2026 positioned China as the sole nation within the top ten to enhance its soft power rating this year. The report emphasized China’s combination of domestic advancement with structured global engagement, resulting in perceptions of predictability, reliability, and tangible benefit delivery.

    Experts contend that China’s credibility surge stems not from temporary geopolitical fluctuations but from sustained capacity building. Key factors include enhanced manufacturing capabilities, provision of international public goods through initiatives like the Belt and Road, and steadfast support for multilateralism and the UN-centered international framework.

    The technological dimension emerges as particularly significant. Within the EU, most citizens anticipate China leading electric vehicle production within the next decade—a belief that has strengthened over the past two years. Brand Finance’s complementary Global 500 2026 report noted Chinese brands achieving unprecedented total value, representing 15.1% of the ranking’s overall worth, securing China’s position as second globally in brand representation.

    Asian analysts highlight specific success stories. Christine Susanna Tjhin of Indonesia’s Gentala Institute pointed to brands like BYD, Huawei, and Xiaomi, alongside green technology advancements in solar panels and wind farms, as embodiments of China’s industrial prowess penetrating global consciousness.

    The Belt and Road Initiative receives particular attention as a cornerstone of China’s soft power expansion. The China Belt and Road Initiative Investment Report 2025, co-published by Chinese and Australian institutes, documented 2025 as a record year for BRI engagement. Professor Christoph Nedopil Wang noted developing nations demonstrate growing trust in Chinese companies to execute large-scale projects, citing increased corporate size and execution capability.

    Infrastructure projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway—the first complete overseas transfer of China’s HSR system encompassing technology, standards, construction, and operations—exemplify China’s capacity to deliver complex mega-infrastructure while generating employment, technology transfer, and human development through extensive training.

    Jasna Plevnik, President of the Geoeconomic Forum Croatia, emphasized the BRI’s attractiveness lies in its constant modernization and friendship-oriented approach, functioning as a mechanism for fostering balanced economic globalization through infrastructural connectivity.

    Critical to this trust-building is China’s contrasting approach to international relations. As noted by experts, Global South nations have developed confidence through interactions with a country that imposes neither economic pressure nor geopolitical sanctions, instead delivering economic and infrastructural growth.

    China’s commitment to existing global governance structures—including support for the United Nations, engagement with the WTO, contributions to peacekeeping operations, and strengthening regional frameworks—further amplifies this reliability perception. The China-ASEAN relationship exemplifies how participation in regional mechanisms elevates mutual trust and stability.

    In conclusion, as articulated by Einar Tangen of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, China’s philosophy frames international cooperation around solving collective practical challenges. In a polarized global landscape, this consistent focus on development, institutional cooperation, and tangible outcomes forges a deep foundation of trust, making China’s role as a necessary partner an increasingly logical conclusion for nations worldwide.

  • Pentagon ready to deploy 2nd aircraft carrier to Middle East: report

    Pentagon ready to deploy 2nd aircraft carrier to Middle East: report

    The United States Department of Defense is positioned to dispatch a second aircraft carrier to the Middle Eastern theater within a fortnight, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Wednesday. This strategic mobilization occurs against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran.

    The prospective deployment would involve the USS George H.W. Bush, currently conducting training operations off the Virginia coast. Military officials indicated these exercises could be accelerated to facilitate quicker deployment, though final authorization from President Donald Trump remains pending. The carrier would originate from the U.S. East Coast contingent.

    Should the deployment proceed, the USS George H.W. Bush would join the USS Abraham Lincoln already stationed in the region. This would mark the first dual-carrier presence since March 2025, when the Truman and Vinson strike groups coordinated operations against Houthi forces in Yemen.

    The military preparations coincide with delicate diplomatic engagements. Both nations recently conducted indirect negotiations in Muscat, Oman—their first dialogue since U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. President Trump acknowledged the carrier deployment consideration, framing it as contingency planning should diplomatic efforts falter.