Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • German firms’ investments in China boomed in 2025 on US trade war worries

    German firms’ investments in China boomed in 2025 on US trade war worries

    German corporate investments in China reached a four-year peak in 2025, soaring to over €7 billion ($8 billion) during January-November—a striking 55.5% increase from the €4.5 billion recorded in both 2023 and 2024. This substantial growth, documented by the IW German Economic Institute in previously unreported data compiled for Reuters, highlights how Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies have redirected European business focus toward China as a strategic alternative.

    The investment surge coincides with heightened U.S. tariffs on EU imports during Trump’s first year back in office, prompting Germany’s top enterprises to strengthen supply chains and localize production within China. According to Juergen Matthes, head of international economic policy at IW, companies are accelerating Chinese operations to mitigate risks from geopolitical conflicts and potential trade disruptions. ‘Many companies conclude that producing in China for China reduces exposure to tariffs and export restrictions,’ Matthes noted.

    Major German corporations—including BASF, Volkswagen, Infineon, and Mercedes-Benz—remain deeply embedded in the Chinese market, which dominates global sales for automobiles and chemicals. For instance, ebm-papst, a leading manufacturer of fans and motors, invested €30 million in expanding its Chinese operations, representing over one-fifth of its total investments last year. The company described this approach as ‘an important anchor of stability’ during times of economic uncertainty.

    Concurrently, China reclaimed its position as Germany’s primary trading partner in 2025, after being temporarily surpassed by the United States in 2024. The shift underscores a broader realignment in global trade dynamics, as European governments and businesses seek to balance economic cooperation with geopolitical caution.

  • US says it’s taking first steps to possibly reopen embassy in Venezuela after Maduro’s ouster

    US says it’s taking first steps to possibly reopen embassy in Venezuela after Maduro’s ouster

    The United States government has formally commenced preliminary actions that could lead to the reopening of its diplomatic mission in Venezuela, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. In official correspondence dispatched to congressional committees on Monday, the State Department outlined its strategy to deploy a contingent of temporary diplomatic personnel to Caracas. These officials will operate from an interim facility while assessments and necessary upgrades are conducted on the main embassy compound, which was closed in March 2019 amid escalating political tensions. The department characterized this move as a carefully calibrated, phased approach to potentially restoring full embassy operations. This development follows recent U.S. military actions that resulted in the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro, creating new geopolitical dynamics in South America. The notification to lawmakers underscores the administration’s commitment to congressional oversight while exploring diplomatic re-engagement with the strategically important nation.

  • One-day bank strikes in India over 5-day workweek demand

    One-day bank strikes in India over 5-day workweek demand

    India’s banking sector witnessed widespread operational disruptions on Tuesday as employee unions orchestrated a coordinated one-day strike across the nation. The industrial action primarily sought to amplify long-standing demands for implementing a standardized five-day working week within the banking industry.

    Financial institutions nationwide proactively communicated with customers regarding anticipated service interruptions, ensuring minimal public inconvenience through maintained operational efficiency of ATMs, digital banking platforms, and mobile banking applications. While physical branch operations experienced suspensions affecting traditional counter services like cash withdrawals and deposits, electronic banking channels remained fully functional throughout the strike duration.

    Union representatives emphasized the peaceful nature of their demonstrations. Sanjay Kuthe, General Secretary of the Indian Bank Officers Association for Maharashtra and Goa, confirmed to ANI that the demand for reduced working days has remained unresolved for over two years despite repeated appeals to governmental authorities. ‘We demand the government implement five-day working days for employees in a week—a long-pending matter that has been delayed excessively,’ Kuthe stated.

    Echoing these sentiments, Wilbur Anton, General Secretary of the National Confederation for Bank Employees in Maharashtra, characterized the protest as a disciplined demonstration seeking improved working conditions. Banking unions argue that transitioning to a five-day workweek would enhance employee work-life balance while aligning operational standards with other financial sector segments.

    The unions have indicated potential escalation of industrial actions should their demands continue to be overlooked by policymakers. This strategic work stoppage highlights ongoing tensions between banking sector employees and administrative bodies regarding labor reforms and working condition enhancements within India’s rapidly modernizing financial ecosystem.

  • Mukaab: Saudi Arabia suspends construction of controversial cube structure

    Mukaab: Saudi Arabia suspends construction of controversial cube structure

    Saudi Arabia has officially suspended construction on the Mukaab, a monumental cube-shaped megastructure that was planned as the centerpiece of downtown Riyadh’s New Murabba development. According to a Reuters report citing four sources with knowledge of the decision, the project is being paused while Saudi authorities conduct a comprehensive review of its financial viability and feasibility.

    The Mukaab, initially conceived as an architectural marvel with each side spanning 400 meters, was designed to be large enough to contain 20 Empire State buildings within its volume. The structure was planned to feature an immense internal dome displaying advanced holographic AI imagery from a 300-meter-tall terrace, positioning it to become the world’s largest built structure.

    This suspension represents the latest in a series of scaling back of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects amid financial constraints and shifting priorities. Three sources confirmed that work beyond initial soil excavation and pilings has been halted, though surrounding real estate developments in the New Murabba area will continue according to five informed sources.

    The project had previously drawn significant criticism for its visual resemblance to the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site. While Saudi commentators defended the design as inspired by the Najd region and a contemporary reinterpretation of Riyadh’s Murabba Palace, the controversy added complexity to the project’s development.

    The New Murabba development, originally scheduled for completion by 2030, has now been extended to 2040 and was estimated by Knight Frank real estate consultancy to cost approximately $50 billion – comparable to Jordan’s entire GDP.

    This decision coincides with broader reassessments of Saudi megaprojects, including significant downsizing of the NEOM megacity project and its 170-kilometer linear city component. The Financial Times recently reported that NEOM is being repositioned to focus on industrial sectors, particularly data centers as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push into artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Trojena ski resort within NEOM has been downsized and will no longer host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

    These strategic shifts are partially attributed to stagnating oil prices and refocused efforts toward hard deadlines for the 2030 Expo international trade fair and the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Economy Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim acknowledged the transparent reassessment process, stating that the kingdom is not shying away from admitting necessary project delays and rescoping as part of its comprehensive Vision 2030 strategy review.

  • Australia cancels visa of British-Israeli influencer for ‘spreading hatred’

    Australia cancels visa of British-Israeli influencer for ‘spreading hatred’

    In a decisive move against hate speech, Australian authorities have revoked the visa of British-Israeli social media influencer Sammy Yahood, preventing his entry into the country. The decision, executed just three hours before his scheduled departure from Israel, was confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Monday evening.

    Yahood, an Instagram personality with 171,000 followers known for his anti-Islam rhetoric, had planned a speaking tour and self-defense workshops across Australia. The influencer has repeatedly characterized Islam as a ‘disgusting ideology’ and called for the deportation of Muslim politicians from Western nations.

    Minister Burke defended the cancellation, stating unequivocally that ‘spreading hatred is not a good reason to come to Australia.’ He emphasized that visitors must apply for appropriate visas and demonstrate legitimate purposes for their entry.

    The controversial figure, who recently relocated to Israel after growing up in London, serves as a volunteer instructor in Krav Maga, the martial art developed by the Israeli military. Following the visa denial, Yahood launched a social media tirade against Minister Burke, labeling him a ‘tyrant’ while praising the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality.

    This action occurs against the backdrop of Australia’s recently enhanced federal hate speech legislation, enacted following the mass shooting at a Jewish festival in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The new legal framework empowers the government to designate groups that incite communal violence, deport associated individuals, and impose stricter penalties for hate crimes.

    Notably, this represents the third high-profile visa cancellation involving Israeli figures under Australia’s strengthened hate speech laws. Previous cases included far-right MP Simcha Rothman and tech entrepreneur Hillel Fuld, both denied entry over concerns about spreading division and Islamophobic rhetoric.

    The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with the conservative Australian Jewish Association issuing strong condemnation of Yahood’s visa cancellation, highlighting the complex intersection of free speech and social cohesion in contemporary immigration policy.

  • US monster storm kills at least 30; over 500,000 remain without power

    US monster storm kills at least 30; over 500,000 remain without power

    A catastrophic winter storm system originating from a distorted polar vortex has plunged the United States into a deep freeze, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and leaving more than 540,000 households without electricity. The National Weather Service warns that temperatures across the northern half of the nation will remain ‘continuously below freezing through February 1,’ creating life-threatening conditions that have paralyzed transportation networks and overwhelmed emergency response systems.

    The storm’s unprecedented geographical scope—affecting states from New Mexico to Maine—has created unique recovery challenges. Northern states with robust winter infrastructure cannot share resources with unprepared southern regions, where record low temperatures have caused particular devastation. Transportation networks remain crippled with over 9,000 flight disruptions, while municipalities struggle to clear roads amid what meteorologists describe as ‘very dry, fluffy’ snow that reduces visibility and impedes cleanup efforts.

    Tragic incidents include a deadly plane crash in Bangor, Maine that killed seven people during takeoff in snowy conditions, and numerous hypothermia-related deaths as temperatures plummeted. Emergency warming shelters have been established across affected regions, including Nashville where Mayor Freddie O’Connell reported continuing tree collapses from ice accumulation.

    Scientists note that such extreme winter events may be increasingly linked to climate change disrupting traditional polar vortex patterns, though natural variability remains a factor. The storm’s compound nature—combining heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and powerful winds—has created what the National Weather Service characterizes as a ‘life-threatening Arctic air mass’ that will continue to endanger communities through the week.

  • Vistas Media buys rights to ‘The Maz Files’ by Khaleej Times senior editor Mazhar Farooqui

    Vistas Media buys rights to ‘The Maz Files’ by Khaleej Times senior editor Mazhar Farooqui

    Vistas Media Group has secured exclusive book-to-screen adaptation rights to “The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams and Showdowns,” the compelling memoir by acclaimed investigative journalist Mazhar Farooqui, who serves as senior editor at Khaleej Times. The production company is currently developing the project as a high-stakes investigative series conceptualized as an international crime thriller grounded in actual events.

    The source material draws from Farooqui’s three decades of investigative journalism experience, documenting his most perilous and complex cases across multiple continents. The narrative trajectory spans from Dubai’s power corridors to challenging territories within Africa and South Asia, tracing the relentless pursuit of truth by a dedicated journalist operating without official protection.

    Farooqui emphasized the substantive nature of the project, stating: “These narratives were never crafted for entertainment purposes—they were created to reveal hard truths. Our objective isn’t sensationalism but rather demonstrating criminal operational methodologies and the immense courage required to confront them.”

    The adaptation distinguishes itself from conventional crime procedurals by positioning the investigative journalist at the narrative epicenter—relying solely on confidential sources, sharp instincts, and unwavering determination. Farooqui’s groundbreaking investigations have facilitated legal proceedings against over 250 criminals globally, exposing international fraud schemes, financial crimes, smuggling operations, black-market economies, human trafficking networks, identity fraud rings, and sophisticated crime syndicates.

    Piiyush Singh, Vistas Media co-founder, commented on the project’s significance: “‘The Maz Files’ represents precisely the type of content that demands authentic treatment and profound respect. We’ve collaborated extensively with Mazhar throughout research, scripting, and development phases to ensure the series accurately portrays not merely the criminal activities but the extraordinary bravery underlying their exposure.”

  • PLA’s aerobatic jets arrive in Singapore to take part in air show

    PLA’s aerobatic jets arrive in Singapore to take part in air show

    Singapore’s skies are set to witness a spectacular display of aerial prowess as China’s elite August 1st Air Demonstration Team arrived at Changi Airport on Tuesday. The team, operating seven advanced J-10 fighter jets, will participate in the 10th Singapore Airshow, marking their second appearance at the prestigious Asian aviation event.

    According to Senior Colonel Xie Peng, spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, this deployment represents the team’s 13th international performance. The aerobatic unit, China’s most renowned demonstration team, previously graced the Singapore Airshow during its 7th edition in February 2020.

    The journey from their southwestern China airbase involved sophisticated aerial refueling operations conducted by a YY-20A tanker aircraft. Team pilots will now conduct training flights to acclimatize to Singapore’s unique environmental conditions and airspace.

    Aviation enthusiasts will be treated to two distinct variants of the J-10 series: the J-10SY, derived from the J-10S two-seat trainer, and the J-10CY, developed from the combat-proven J-10C fighter. These supersonic multirole aircraft, designed and manufactured by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, represent cutting-edge aerospace technology.

    The participation comes amid growing international attention on the J-10 platform, particularly following reports that an export variant of the J-10C achieved its first combat success in regional conflicts last year, highlighting the aircraft’s operational capabilities beyond ceremonial displays.

  • China’s garbage sorting drive still has a long way to go in many cities

    China’s garbage sorting drive still has a long way to go in many cities

    China’s ambitious national garbage classification campaign demonstrates pronounced regional disparities, with only a handful of metropolitan areas achieving world-class implementation while most cities struggle with foundational adoption. According to a comprehensive five-year study by the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, the initiative remains in its preliminary stages across much of the country despite notable successes in pioneering urban centers.

    The environmental organization developed an innovative monitoring system that collected approximately 134,000 photographic and video submissions from public contributors to evaluate urban waste management performance. This crowdsourced data enabled the creation of a specialized garbage sorting index to measure and compare municipal effectiveness in promoting waste classification systems.

    Recent assessments reveal that China’s waste management infrastructure has transitioned from experimental pilot programs to an increasingly structured national framework. The eastern cities of Suzhou and Shanghai emerged as exceptional performers, with Suzhou leading the rankings at 95.74 points followed by Shanghai at 83.98 points, establishing global benchmarks for urban waste sorting efficiency.

    However, the report uncovered significant implementation challenges beyond these showcase municipalities. Among 41 designated key cities, the average waste sorting score reached merely 29.54 points, while other urban centers averaged a concerning 10.56 points. This disparity resulted in an overall national average of just 18.04 points across all 104 evaluated cities.

    Ma Jun, director of the Institute, emphasized that despite exemplary progress in leading cities, most urban areas remain in early developmental phases where voluntary waste separation habits have not taken root. The persistent practice of mixed waste disposal without effective oversight continues to hinder national progress, particularly affecting the recovery rates of less valuable recyclable materials that require more sophisticated sorting infrastructure.

  • Former Chengdu official Bao Hui under investigation

    Former Chengdu official Bao Hui under investigation

    Chinese anti-corruption authorities have launched a formal investigation into Bao Hui, former director of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee, for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. The announcement was made on Monday by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission.

    Bao Hui, 62, a native of Yunnan province, has held numerous significant positions throughout her four-decade political career. She joined the Communist Party in 1983 and began her professional journey in 1984, initially spending over ten years at Southwest Jiaotong University before transitioning to government roles.

    Her political trajectory included serving as head of Chengdu’s united front work department and publicity department. From September 2012 to 2018, Bao held the dual positions of mayor and Party chief of Dazhou in Sichuan province. She subsequently advanced to deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan provincial people’s congress.

    In January 2022, Bao assumed her most recent leadership roles as secretary of the Party Leadership Group and director of the Standing Committee of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress. She maintained these positions until March 2025, shortly before the investigation was made public. The disciplinary review and supervisory investigation represent the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has consistently targeted high-ranking officials across various government levels.