Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Taiwan youths discuss paths to peaceful reunification

    Taiwan youths discuss paths to peaceful reunification

    In a significant gathering hosted by the Sanhe Practice Institute, a prominent Taiwanese think tank, young scholars and representatives from various sectors convened on Saturday to deliberate on the future of cross-Strait relations. The forum, held in Taipei, centered on the pressing question: ‘In this pivotal era of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation, what path should Taiwan take?’

    Mao Zhi-yuan, a young participant, emphasized that reunification is an inevitable historical process. ‘The people of Taiwan must actively engage in advancing negotiations and propose solutions for peaceful reunification that align with Taiwan’s best interests,’ he stated.

    Tan Chuan-shao, a member of Taiwan’s New Party, outlined a three-step strategy for achieving peaceful reunification. He urged Taiwanese citizens to recognize the urgency of addressing cross-Strait relations, foster open dialogue to enhance public understanding, and present Taiwan’s unique proposals for reunification. ‘It is imperative for the current generation to take the lead in pursuing peaceful reunification, rather than burdening future generations,’ Tan asserted.

    Lin Wun-hau, a Taiwanese youth with experience living in both Xiamen and Jinmen, highlighted Jinmen’s transformation from a conflict zone to a hub of cross-Strait exchange as a model for future relations. ‘Jinmen’s journey demonstrates that integration with the mainland does not erode identity but offers a path to harmonious coexistence,’ Lin explained.

    Su Heng, another participant, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Reunification is not an endpoint but a new beginning. It will not diminish Taiwan but strengthen it.’

    The forum underscored the growing momentum among Taiwan’s younger generation to actively shape the future of cross-Strait relations, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit as the foundation for peaceful reunification.

  • India in trouble at 10-2 chasing 124 as Gill hospitalized in 1st test against South Africa

    India in trouble at 10-2 chasing 124 as Gill hospitalized in 1st test against South Africa

    In a dramatic turn of events during the first cricket test between India and South Africa at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens, India found itself in a precarious position at 10-2 while chasing a target of 124 runs. The situation worsened as captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck spasm on day two, was hospitalized for observation and ruled out of the remainder of the match. This effectively left India at 10-3, with Washington Sundar (5 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (4 not out) holding the fort at lunch on day three. South Africa’s Marco Jansen delivered a stellar performance, dismissing both openers—Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and Lokesh Rahul for just one run—in a brief seven-over session. Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for 153 in their second innings, adding 60 crucial runs to their overnight score of 93-7. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 off 136 balls, the only half-century in the test, anchored the Proteas’ innings. His 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch (25 off 37 balls) proved pivotal. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, eventually broke through, but the damage was done. With 15 wickets falling on day two, the test is swiftly heading toward a conclusion. South Africa, winless in India for 15 years, aims to turn the tide, while India seeks to capitalize on home advantage. The second test begins in Guwahati on November 22.

  • A peek inside the Colonna Palace, Rome’s most exclusive tourist site

    A peek inside the Colonna Palace, Rome’s most exclusive tourist site

    Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Colonna Palace remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets, a private home-museum that stands in stark contrast to the bustling tourist hubs of the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. Spread across four wings and occupying an entire city block, this baroque masterpiece houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, busts, and tapestries, including the awe-inspiring 76-meter Great Hall. Yet, its doors open only sparingly, welcoming small groups of 10 visitors on Friday and Saturday mornings, guided by art historians. ‘Mass tourism is not our wish,’ explains Elisabetta Cecchini, a restorer at the palace, emphasizing that the limited access ensures the preservation of its artistic integrity. ‘Art dies without public appreciation, but this is not a museum meant for commodification.’

    The palace remains the residence of Don Prospero Colonna, the family’s sitting prince, who has occasionally permitted high-profile events, such as the 2005 release of Pope John Paul II’s book and the 2018 Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition on Catholic fashion, attended by luminaries like designer Donatella Versace and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. These rare occasions have allowed journalists fleeting glimpses into this exclusive world. Claudio Strinati, a former superintendent of Rome’s museums, lauds the palace’s seclusion, calling it ‘one of humanity’s greatest artistic heritages’ and a legacy the Colonna family is duty-bound to protect. ‘These spaces were not conceived as tourist attractions,’ he notes. ‘They are for those who truly understand history.’

    The Colonna family’s ties to the palace date back to the 12th century, when they became part of the ‘black nobility,’ Roman families loyal to the Pope during Italy’s unification in 1870. Their black banners symbolized mourning for the Papal State, while their walls safeguarded priceless masterpieces. Over the centuries, the family has maintained a trust ensuring the palace’s treasures remain intact. Princess Isabella Colonna played a pivotal role in preserving these artifacts during World War II, ordering them to be hidden in a sealed wing as the Nazis invaded. Today, the palace’s opulent interiors reflect its storied past, from the Throne Room’s portrait of Pope Martin V to the Great Hall’s frescoed ceiling depicting the naval victories of Commander Marcantonio Colonna. ‘The Colonna family and Rome are inseparable,’ says Patrizia Piergiovanni, the palace’s gallery director. ‘Their contributions have shaped the city’s history.’

    Adding to its allure, the Great Hall served as the setting for the final scene of the 1952 classic ‘Roman Holiday,’ where Audrey Hepburn, portraying a princess, declared her love for the Eternal City. ‘Rome,’ she said with conviction. ‘By all means, Rome.’ The Colonna Palace, with its blend of art, history, and exclusivity, continues to embody the timeless elegance of Rome itself.

  • South Korean actress and K-pop star fights off home intruder

    South Korean actress and K-pop star fights off home intruder

    South Korean actor and K-pop singer Nana, alongside her mother, successfully thwarted a dangerous home invasion, according to local media reports. The incident occurred when a man in his 30s, armed with a weapon, broke into Nana’s residence in Guri, South Korea. The intruder reportedly threatened both women and demanded money. However, Nana (real name Im Jin-ah) and her mother managed to subdue the assailant until law enforcement arrived. During the altercation, Nana’s mother lost consciousness, and both women required medical attention. The suspect, who was attempting to steal valuables, has been detained on charges of aggravated robbery. He was also hospitalized for treatment following the incident. Nana, who gained fame in 2009 as a member of the K-pop group After School, has since transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in popular TV series such as ‘Kill It’ and ‘Justice.’ She recently released her first solo album in September. The incident has sparked widespread concern about home security and safety in South Korea.

  • Finland’s president urges Europe to hold its nerve as he warns no ceasefire likely soon in Ukraine

    Finland’s president urges Europe to hold its nerve as he warns no ceasefire likely soon in Ukraine

    In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely before spring, urging European allies to maintain their support despite a corruption scandal in Kyiv. Stubb highlighted the need for ‘sisu’—a Finnish term embodying endurance, resilience, and grit—to navigate the winter months as Russia continues its hybrid attacks and information warfare across Europe. As a key mediator between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Stubb leverages his unique position to advocate for Ukraine. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, reversed its long-standing military neutrality after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, joining NATO in response. Stubb stressed the importance of addressing Ukraine’s security guarantees, economic recovery, and territorial claims to achieve peace. He also praised Trump’s sanctions on Russian energy companies but called for further military support to Ukraine. Stubb warned that Russia’s destabilizing tactics in Europe, including drone incursions and sabotage campaigns, require a calm and resilient response. He underscored the necessity of international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to alter his strategic objectives, which continue to threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty.

  • Tens of thousands rally in Manila over corruption scandal that implicates top Philippine officials

    Tens of thousands rally in Manila over corruption scandal that implicates top Philippine officials

    Thousands of protesters gathered in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday for a three-day rally organized by the influential religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). The demonstration aimed to demand accountability in a widespread corruption scandal involving flood-control projects, which has implicated high-ranking government officials and members of Congress. The scandal, which erupted in recent months, revealed that numerous flood defense projects were either constructed with substandard materials or never existed, despite billions of pesos allocated for their completion. Construction companies allegedly paid hefty kickbacks to politicians and officials to secure lucrative contracts and evade scrutiny. Police estimated that 27,000 participants, many dressed in white and carrying anti-corruption placards, assembled at Rizal Park. Additional protests were scheduled later in Quezon City. The rally follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge to jail those implicated in the scandal by Christmas. Marcos has established an independent commission that has already filed criminal complaints against 37 suspects, including lawmakers and business executives. The scandal has sparked public outrage in a country frequently devastated by typhoons and flooding, with two recent storms claiming over 259 lives. The military and police, on high alert, ensured the rally remained peaceful, contrasting with a violent September protest near the presidential palace that injured over 100 officers. The Iglesia Ni Cristo, known for its bloc voting power, has become a significant force in Philippine politics, often courted by candidates during elections.

  • Czech Republic plans $19 billion nuclear expansion to double output and end fossil fuel reliance

    Czech Republic plans $19 billion nuclear expansion to double output and end fossil fuel reliance

    The Czech Republic is forging ahead with an ambitious nuclear energy expansion, spearheaded by the $19 billion Dukovany project. The initiative, which includes the construction of two new reactors, aims to at least double the country’s nuclear output and solidify its position as one of Europe’s most nuclear-dependent nations. South Korea’s KHNP has been selected over France’s EDF to lead the construction, with each reactor boasting a capacity of over 1,000 megawatts. These new units, expected to be operational by the late 2030s, will complement Dukovany’s existing four reactors, which have been in service since the 1980s. Additionally, the deal includes an option for KHNP to build two more reactors at the Temelín plant, which currently houses two 1,000-megawatt reactors. The expansion is part of a broader strategy to transition away from fossil fuels, meet low-emission targets, and address the growing demand for electricity driven by data centers and electric vehicles. Petr Závodský, CEO of the Dukovany project, predicts that nuclear energy will account for 50-60% of the Czech Republic’s energy mix by 2050. The project has received a significant boost from the European Union, which has classified nuclear energy as environmentally sustainable, paving the way for financing. However, the initiative faces opposition from environmental groups like Friends of the Earth, which argue that the funds could be better spent on improving the energy industry. Austria, a neighboring country, remains skeptical of nuclear energy and has already rejected the Czech Republic’s plan for small modular reactors.

  • In a Chile fearful of crime, a presidential vote pits a communist against the far right

    In a Chile fearful of crime, a presidential vote pits a communist against the far right

    Chileans head to the polls on Sunday for a pivotal presidential and parliamentary election, with the race dominated by concerns over organized crime and immigration. The contest, likely to require a runoff on December 14, pits two starkly opposed candidates against each other: Jeannette Jara, a communist former labor minister, and José Antonio Kast, an ultraconservative lawyer. Both have shifted their campaigns to address the shared theme of public insecurity, reflecting widespread voter anxiety over rising gang-driven crime and illegal immigration from Venezuela. The election marks the first time in Chile’s history that voting is mandatory, potentially reshaping the political landscape with millions of new voters. The outcome could hinge on who convinces the electorate they are toughest on crime and immigration, with Kast proposing a border wall and mass deportations, while Jara focuses on building new prisons and expelling foreign criminals. The election also renews the lower house of Congress and part of the Senate, with 15.7 million eligible voters, including over 800,000 immigrants. Economic issues, such as high unemployment and sluggish growth, further complicate the race, as candidates propose divergent solutions to revive the economy. The election stands in stark contrast to 2021, when Chile elected its youngest-ever president on promises of sweeping social change, but economic constraints have since tempered those ambitions.

  • Japan PM’s attempts to alter non-nuclear principles to draw backlash: media

    Japan PM’s attempts to alter non-nuclear principles to draw backlash: media

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering a revision of Japan’s long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles, a move that is expected to provoke significant backlash both domestically and internationally. According to Kyodo News, Takaichi is particularly focused on altering the third principle, which currently prohibits the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory. This potential shift in policy is part of an update to Japan’s National Security Strategy and related documents, last revised in 2022. The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1967 by then-Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, have been a cornerstone of Japan’s national security policy, emphasizing the non-possession, non-production, and non-introduction of nuclear weapons. While Takaichi has no plans to change Japan’s stance on not possessing or producing nuclear weapons, she argues that the current restrictions could hinder U.S. nuclear-armed vessels from making port calls, thereby weakening U.S. nuclear deterrence. However, this proposed amendment has drawn criticism, with an editorial in the Asahi Shimbun emphasizing that the principles are deeply rooted in Japan’s history as a nation that suffered atomic bombings and enjoy widespread public support. The editorial cautioned that any changes to this policy should not be made hastily or unilaterally by the Prime Minister.

  • A slowing wartime economy pushes the Kremlin to tap consumers for revenue

    A slowing wartime economy pushes the Kremlin to tap consumers for revenue

    Russia’s economy, which experienced robust growth over the past two years driven by military spending on the war in Ukraine, is now showing signs of deceleration. Declining oil revenues, a widening budget deficit, and stabilized defense expenditures have forced the Kremlin to seek new revenue streams. President Vladimir Putin’s administration is turning to ordinary citizens and small businesses to bridge the financial gap. A proposed increase in the value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 22%, expected to generate up to 1 trillion rubles ($12.3 billion), is already progressing through Russia’s parliament and is set to take effect from January 1, 2025. This move is part of a broader fiscal strategy that includes lowering the VAT collection threshold for businesses and introducing new taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and digital equipment. The economic slowdown, exacerbated by high central bank interest rates and Western sanctions, has pushed the budget deficit to 2.6% of GDP, up from 1.7% last year. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov emphasized that raising revenue through taxes is preferable to increasing borrowing, which could accelerate inflation. While the Kremlin has sufficient funds to sustain its current war efforts for the next 12 to 14 months, experts warn that Putin will soon face tough choices between military spending and consumer welfare.