Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • What does a new US TikTok deal mean for users?

    What does a new US TikTok deal mean for users?

    TikTok has finalized a landmark agreement ensuring its continued operation across the United States, though its substantial user base of 200 million Americans should anticipate notable platform modifications. The resolution establishes a novel corporate framework—TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC—governed by a seven-member board with predominant American representation and investment. While Chinese parent company ByteDance maintains a 19.9% stake, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew retains board membership.

    The platform’s pivotal content recommendation algorithm, which curates personalized For You feeds, will be licensed to Oracle Corporation. Under the leadership of Larry Ellison—a noted ally of former President Trump—Oracle will assume enhanced responsibilities including retraining and updating TikTok’s algorithm utilizing exclusively US user data. This development extends Oracle’s existing oversight of American user data through the security-focused initiative known as Project Texas.

    TikTok emphasizes that both algorithmic operations and user data will reside securely within Oracle’s US cloud infrastructure. Industry analysts suggest the platform will strive to minimize user disruption, making a mandatory migration to a new application improbable given the competitive pressure from Meta’s Instagram Reels and similar short-form video services.

    Concurrent with the agreement’s finalization, TikTok implemented updated Terms of Service for American users. Key revisions include stricter age verification mandating that users under thirteen utilize a restricted “Under 13 Experience,” explicit disclaimers that the new US entity does not endorse platform content, and heightened user acknowledgments regarding generative AI limitations and associated risks.

    Although specific interface changes remain unspecified, the algorithmic retraining using domestic data has sparked concerns regarding potential alterations to content personalization. Experts including Dr. Kokil Jaidka of the National University of Singapore anticipate modifications will likely manifest subtly through gradually weakened personalization rather than abrupt transformations. Core features including short videos, influencer culture, and livestream shopping are expected to persist unchanged.

    The arrangement also secures the operational status of other ByteDance applications in the US market, including CapCut and Lemon8, which previously faced uncertainty during brief ban enforcement in January 2025. These applications will now fall under the protective safeguards established by the new joint venture structure.

  • China’s liquor industry sets sail for ASEAN

    China’s liquor industry sets sail for ASEAN

    BANGKOK — China’s prestigious spirits sector has initiated a comprehensive strategic push into Southeast Asian markets with the inauguration of the “Baijiu & Beyond 2026 Chinese Fine Spirits Carnival” in Thailand’s capital. The three-day event, hosted at Phoenix International Food City, represents a methodical platform-driven approach to market expansion within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.

    Organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Circulation Association, the carnival operates under the thematic banner “Decoding Chinese Fine Spirits, Co-creating an ASEAN Future.” The opening ceremony featured addresses from both Chinese and Thai industry representatives who collectively emphasized strengthening industrial dialogue and commercial collaboration between the nations.

    Wang Xinguo, Presidium Chairman of the China Alcoholic Drinks Circulation Association, articulated the event’s dual mission during his inaugural address: to demystify the intricate craftsmanship and cultural legacy underlying Chinese Baijiu while simultaneously establishing shared value creation frameworks with ASEAN partners. The distilled spirit, renowned for its clarity and potency, occupies a central position in China’s drinking culture.

    Concurrent with the public exhibition, industry leaders convened for the “China-Thailand Liquor Industry Expansion High-Level Closed-Door Meeting.” This gathering of association representatives and corporate decision-makers addressed critical operational challenges including market entry protocols, standardization alignment, and sustainable partnership structures. Participants consensus emerged around resolving practical trade impediments and cross-cultural misconceptions, culminating in agreements to institute permanent industry communication channels.

    The carnival serves as a dynamic commercial nexus, featuring dedicated trade matching sessions that connect prominent Chinese distilleries with regional importers, distributors, and retail operators. Exhibition halls showcase diverse expressions of Chinese liquor culture through displays from industry giants including Wuliangye, Gujing Distillery, Niulanshan Distillery, Guizhou Xi, and Moutai Everlasting, attracting substantial attention from local buyers and sector specialists.

    This initiative marks a significant evolution in China’s alcoholic beverage export strategy, transitioning from traditional distribution methods to integrated cultural and commercial exchange platforms designed to foster long-term regional integration.

  • Floods push crocodiles into Mozambican towns as health concerns rise

    Floods push crocodiles into Mozambican towns as health concerns rise

    Southern Africa faces a dual catastrophe as devastating floods not only displace hundreds of thousands but also unleash dangerous wildlife into populated areas. In Mozambique’s submerged Gaza province, crocodiles from the overflowing Limpopo River have claimed at least three lives, adding a lethal dimension to the ongoing natural disaster.

    Torrential rains persisting for over a month have triggered widespread flooding across Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, resulting in more than 100 fatalities and destroying critical infrastructure including roads, bridges and health facilities. The situation in Xai-Xai, Gaza’s provincial capital, has become particularly perilous as rising waters enable crocodiles to access urban areas normally beyond their reach.

    According to provincial secretary Henriques Bongece, authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents to avoid stagnant waters where crocodiles now drift freely. The reptiles are believed to have been washed into populated zones from South African wildlife parks through interconnected flood systems.

    The humanitarian impact extends far beyond wildlife threats. UN agencies report that approximately 700,000 people—more than half children—have been affected by the disaster. The World Food Program and UNICEF highlight extensive agricultural devastation that threatens food security for millions of small-scale farmers.

    Health services face catastrophic disruption with at least 44 medical facilities destroyed in Gaza and Maputo provinces alone. The World Health Organization warns that over 50,000 displaced people in temporary shelters lack access to basic healthcare, creating life-threatening interruptions for those requiring chronic medication and increasing risks of water-borne diseases like cholera.

    Humanitarian organizations emphasize that urgent action is needed to restore essential services, deploy mobile health teams, and address the escalating hunger and disease threats across the three nations.

  • Linyi’s Langya Ancient City unfolds living history

    Linyi’s Langya Ancient City unfolds living history

    Linyi’s Langya Ancient City in Shandong Province has transformed into a groundbreaking cultural destination, merging historical preservation with cutting-edge technology. This innovative site operates as a fully immersive experiential park where visitors don’t merely observe history but actively participate in it.

    The ancient city comprises seven distinct thematic districts interconnected through sophisticated digital technologies, cinematic environments, and interactive spaces. This architectural approach creates a seamless narrative journey that transitions guests from passive observers to integral components of the living historical tapestry. The integration of technology and traditional culture represents a significant evolution in China’s cultural tourism sector, offering an educational yet entertaining experience that bridges past and present.

    Unlike conventional historical sites, Langya Ancient City employs multimedia storytelling techniques that respond to visitor interactions, creating personalized experiences for each guest. The project demonstrates how digital innovation can enhance cultural preservation while making historical education accessible and engaging for modern audiences. This approach has established new standards for cultural tourism destinations nationwide, showcasing how technology can breathe new life into ancient traditions and historical narratives.

  • French prosecutors investigate seized oil tanker suspected of evading sanctions on Russia

    French prosecutors investigate seized oil tanker suspected of evading sanctions on Russia

    French authorities have launched a formal investigation into a Russian-affiliated oil tanker intercepted by the French navy in the Mediterranean Sea, marking the latest escalation in Western efforts to enforce sanctions against Moscow. The vessel ‘Grinch,’ which originated from Murmansk in northwestern Russia, was identified as a suspected member of Russia’s clandestine petroleum transportation network designed to circumvent international restrictions.

    Prosecutors from Marseille confirmed Friday they have initiated proceedings against the tanker for allegedly failing to properly declare its nationality during maritime verification procedures. The interception operation, conducted on Thursday, involved French naval forces boarding the vessel from military helicopters before redirecting it to a controlled anchorage area for further inspection.

    This incident represents part of a broader pattern of enforcement actions targeting what experts describe as Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’—an estimated armada of over 400 aging vessels and tankers operated through opaque ownership structures registered in non-sanctioning countries. These ships typically sail under flags from jurisdictions that have not implemented restrictions against Russian petroleum exports.

    The current case mirrors a similar interception from September, when French forces boarded another suspected shadow fleet tanker off the Atlantic coast. That earlier incident provoked strong condemnation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who characterized the enforcement action as ‘piracy.’ The captain from that previous interception is scheduled to face trial in February regarding allegations of non-cooperation with French authorities.

    France has joined other Western nations in committing to intensified surveillance and interception operations targeting vessels believed to be facilitating the circumvention of sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

  • Xi congratulates To Lam on reelection as General Secretary of CPV Central Committee

    Xi congratulates To Lam on reelection as General Secretary of CPV Central Committee

    In a significant diplomatic exchange, Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended formal congratulations to To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee. This gesture underscores the continuing commitment to bilateral relations between the two neighboring socialist nations.

    The congratulatory message, delivered on January 23, 2026, emphasizes the strategic importance both countries place on maintaining strong party-to-party connections and advancing their comprehensive cooperative partnership. President Xi expressed confidence that under To Lam’s continued leadership, Vietnam would achieve further accomplishments in its national development agenda.

    This diplomatic communication occurs within the broader context of China-Vietnam relations, which have historically balanced cooperation with occasional tensions, particularly regarding South China Sea claims. The exchange follows established protocols for such leadership transitions within communist parties and reflects the institutionalized nature of inter-party relations between the two countries.

    Analysts note that such congratulatory messages serve multiple diplomatic purposes: reinforcing political solidarity, maintaining open communication channels, and signaling continuity in foreign policy approaches despite leadership changes. The timing of this exchange coincides with both countries’ ongoing efforts to navigate complex regional geopolitics while pursuing economic development goals.

  • Iran Guards chief says ‘finger on trigger’, warns US against ‘miscalculations’

    Iran Guards chief says ‘finger on trigger’, warns US against ‘miscalculations’

    In a sharply worded statement marking Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Day, Commander General Mohammad Pakpour delivered a formidable warning to the United States and Israel, asserting that Iranian forces maintain their “finger on the trigger” and stand prepared to execute orders from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The declaration comes amidst ongoing regional tensions and follows widespread domestic protests that shook the clerical establishment in late December.

    General Pakpour explicitly cautioned both nations against strategic “miscalculations,” urging them to draw lessons from historical experiences and specifically reference the 12-day conflict in June where Washington supported Israeli military actions. This confrontation resulted in significant losses for Iran’s military leadership, including the death of Pakpour’s predecessor, Hossein Salami, in an Israeli strike that demonstrated profound intelligence capabilities against the Islamic Republic.

    The Iranian government has recently provided its first official casualty figures from the protest suppression, claiming 3,117 fatalities. Authorities categorized 2,427 as “martyrs”—including security personnel and innocent bystanders—while labeling the remainder as “rioters” allegedly backed by foreign powers. However, international human rights organizations contest these figures, suggesting the actual death toll may exceed 20,000 and attributing most casualties to direct fire from security forces.

    Meanwhile, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Israeli President Isaac Herzog characterized the Ayatollah’s regime as “fragile” and expressed that regime change represents the only viable future for the Iranian populace. The Revolutionary Guards, sanctioned as a terrorist organization by multiple nations including the United States, Canada, and Australia, face continued scrutiny for their alleged frontline role in suppressing domestic dissent while maintaining external defensive postures.

  • Trump says US ‘armada’ moving towards Iran amid renewed threats

    Trump says US ‘armada’ moving towards Iran amid renewed threats

    In a significant escalation of military posturing, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of a substantial naval force toward Iranian waters on Thursday. The declaration came following his return from diplomatic engagements at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

    Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that Washington is closely monitoring Tehran’s activities as U.S. naval assets advance toward the region. ‘We have substantial naval resources moving in that direction as a precautionary measure,’ Trump told journalists. ‘While I would prefer no escalation, we are maintaining vigilant surveillance of their actions.’

    The naval deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln accompanied by multiple guided-missile destroyers, according to unnamed U.S. officials who briefed Reuters. These vessels, originally stationed in the Asia-Pacific theater, began their repositioning last week amid deteriorating relations.

    The administration is reportedly considering additional defensive measures, including enhanced air defense systems to protect American installations throughout the Middle East from potential Iranian counterstrikes.

    This military mobilization follows earlier U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June, operations that drew widespread international criticism for allegedly violating established international legal frameworks. The latest deployments substantially expand America’s military capabilities in the region.

    Tensions have intensified following months of civil unrest across Iran, which Tehran claims was instigated by foreign interference. Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention, accusing Iranian authorities of lethal violence against protesters.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that ‘several thousand’ citizens perished during recent nationwide demonstrations. While Trump asserted that nearly 840 executions were canceled following U.S. warnings, Iranian officials reported the confirmed death toll had exceeded 5,000, including hundreds of security personnel.

    The President issued unequivocal warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions: ‘Should they attempt to reactivate their nuclear program, we will respond with even greater force than previously demonstrated.’

    The protests originated in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28th as economic demonstrations before evolving into broader antigovernment movements across the nation.

  • Ryan Wedding, ex-Olympic snowboarder and FBI fugitive, arrested, US media report

    Ryan Wedding, ex-Olympic snowboarder and FBI fugitive, arrested, US media report

    In a significant international law enforcement breakthrough, Ryan Wedding—a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who ascended to become one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives—has been apprehended and now faces extensive criminal charges for masterminding a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network. The 44-year-old’s arrest concludes an intensive multi-year manhunt across international borders.

    US authorities have disclosed that Wedding allegedly operated under the protection of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa drug cartel while evading capture. Federal officials accuse him of directing one of the most substantial cocaine distribution operations in recent history, with an estimated annual import of 60 metric tons of cocaine into Los Angeles alone.

    The criminal enterprise, which spanned North America and multiple other countries, reportedly generated approximately $1 billion annually and stood as Canada’s primary cocaine supplier. Wedding now faces a comprehensive list of charges including witness tampering, intimidation, murder, money laundering, and large-scale drug trafficking.

    According to court documents, Wedding’s criminal career escalated dramatically following his release from US federal prison in 2011, where he had served time for cocaine distribution. Authorities allege he ordered dozens of murders internationally, including the killing of a federal witness in his own case, which prompted the FBI to offer a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

    Law enforcement officials have drawn comparisons between Wedding and infamous Latin American drug lords Pablo Escobar and Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, highlighting the scale and brutality of his alleged operation. The FBI had documented multiple aliases for Wedding including ‘El Jefe,’ ‘Giant,’ and ‘Public Enemy.’

    The FBI is scheduled to conduct a detailed press conference in California to provide further information regarding the international operation that finally led to Wedding’s apprehension.

  • Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested

    Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested

    In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, Ryan Wedding—a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who ascended to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list—was apprehended Friday in Mexico following an extensive multinational manhunt. The 44-year-old athlete-turned-alleged-crime-boss faces severe charges including multinational drug trafficking and orchestrating the murder of a federal witness.

    Wedding is accused of masterminding a sophisticated narcotics network that utilized semitrucks to transport cocaine across international borders between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California, and Canada. Operating under aliases including “El Jefe,” “Public Enemy,” and “James Conrad Kin,” his criminal enterprise allegedly employed extreme violence to maintain operations, including multiple homicides tied to drug activities.

    The arrest, confirmed by anonymous sources familiar with the investigation, culminates years of pursuit by international authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture and conviction.

    According to federal indictments, Wedding orchestrated the January assassination of a witness in Medellín, Colombia, to prevent extradition to the United States. Prosecutors allege he and accomplices used Canadian website “The Dirty News” to publish the victim’s photograph before the fatal restaurant shooting.

    The former Olympian, who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, previously served a prison sentence for cocaine distribution conspiracy in 2010. He additionally faces separate drug trafficking charges in Canada dating to 2015.

    FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to formally announce the arrest at a California press conference Friday morning, marking the conclusion of one of the bureau’s highest-profile fugitive investigations.