Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Social media firms have come to ban ‘kicking and screaming’, says Australia eSafety boss

    Social media firms have come to ban ‘kicking and screaming’, says Australia eSafety boss

    Australia’s groundbreaking social media prohibition for users under 16 has achieved remarkable early results according to the nation’s internet regulator, with millions of accounts already removed since its December implementation. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed to the BBC that social media platforms have demonstrated significant resistance to the policy, fearing it might establish a global precedent that other nations could emulate.

    The comprehensive ban, which targets ten major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch, represents the world’s most stringent youth protection legislation. Unlike similar measures elsewhere, Australia’s framework notably excludes parental approval exemptions, setting a new benchmark for digital child safety regulations.

    Government data indicates substantial compliance, with approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to minors already deactivated. Commissioner Inman Grant characterized children as an “incredibly lucrative” demographic for social media corporations, noting that platforms originally designed for adults incorporate addictive features that make youth protection particularly challenging.

    Despite initial concerns about potential migration to alternative platforms or circumvention through age verification manipulation, early monitoring data suggests these scenarios have not materialized significantly. The regulatory body maintains a vigilant stance, preparing to issue additional compliance notices to companies including Snapchat, with non-compliance carrying potential penalties reaching A$49.5 million.

    The international community watches closely as the United Kingdom considers parallel legislation, with the House of Lords recently endorsing similar restrictions through amendments to educational legislation. While technology firms like Meta acknowledge the need for enhanced youth protection measures, they contest the blanket ban approach, advocating instead for app store-level age verification systems.

    Legal challenges have emerged, with Reddit mounting a constitutional challenge in Australia’s High Court despite complying with the regulations, arguing the policy infringes upon privacy and political rights. The government remains resolute, with Communications Minister Anika Wells affirming that Australia “will not be intimidated by big tech” in protecting children’s digital wellbeing.

  • Panelists: China, US lean toward practical risk control

    Panelists: China, US lean toward practical risk control

    DAVOS, Switzerland – Leading international relations experts assembled at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday identified a significant pragmatic shift in U.S.-China relations, with both global powers increasingly prioritizing practical risk management over ideological confrontation.

    During a panel titled “US and China: Where Will They Land?” prominent scholars and diplomats highlighted how recent economic tensions have driven both nations toward establishing stronger communication channels and crisis guardrails. This development follows a period of escalated trade tensions that saw the U.S. implement substantial tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing before both parties reached a temporary truce through five rounds of high-level negotiations.

    Harvard University’s Graham Allison, who originated the concept of the “Thucydides Trap” describing how rising powers can trigger conflict with established ones, cautioned against interpreting current easing tensions as a permanent resolution. “A landing point, as if we had a permanent place to land, is not likely,” Allison stated, noting that the relationship has evolved into one of “mutual deterrence” where both recognize their capacity to inflict significant harm on each other.

    Australian Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd emphasized that the central challenge lies not in seeking a final endpoint but in constructing practical mechanisms to manage strategic competition while minimizing risks of crisis, conflict, and war. He identified three critical flashpoints that will determine the global order: tariffs, technology, and Taiwan.

    University of Southern California law professor Angela Huyue Zhang expressed measured optimism for 2026, citing three stabilizing factors: Washington’s recognition that containment strategies have inadvertently accelerated China’s technological advancement, both nations’ identification of mutual vulnerabilities during last year’s trade war, and neither side having appetite for further instability.

    U.S. Senator Christopher Coons noted bipartisan support for “clear-eyed engagement” with China while acknowledging serious security tensions, particularly regarding artificial intelligence. He highlighted the pressing need for improved military communication channels to reduce misunderstanding risks.

    Chinese scholar Zhao Hai from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences challenged the prevailing “tech war” narrative, arguing that AI represents a shared challenge requiring bilateral regulation rather than containment. He advocated for formal, multilevel mechanisms to regulate U.S.-China ties, emphasizing that continuous dialogue between leaders remains crucial for maintaining bilateral stability.

  • Vietnam’s leader returns to power with bold promises. Can he deliver?

    Vietnam’s leader returns to power with bold promises. Can he deliver?

    HANOI – Vietnam’s political landscape has entered a definitive new chapter following the conclusion of the Communist Party Congress, which reconfirmed To Lam as General Secretary for a second five-year term. The assembly of nearly 1,600 delegates concluded ahead of schedule on Friday, a move interpreted by observers as either indicating strong consensus or effectively subdued opposition to Lam’s increasingly centralized authority.

    Professor Edmund Malesky of Duke University characterized the development as “the strongest concentration of power in one individual that I’ve seen since 1991,” highlighting the unprecedented nature of Lam’s political control.

    Since assuming leadership 18 months ago following the death of his predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong, Lam has orchestrated a remarkable pivot from his previous role as head of Vietnam’s powerful Ministry of Public Security, where he led extensive anti-corruption campaigns. Upon reaching the apex of power, he unveiled sweeping economic reforms described as the most ambitious in four decades.

    The cornerstone of Lam’s vision emerged through Resolution 68, ratified by the Politburo in May last year, which officially designated the private sector as “the most important driving force of the national economy.” This marked a significant ideological shift in officially socialist Vietnam, where state-owned enterprises have traditionally been celebrated as the economy’s foundation.

    The resolution established breathtaking targets: double-digit annual growth, doubling private businesses by 2030, and transforming Vietnam into an upper-income, knowledge-based economy by 2045 – the centenary of independence from French colonial rule. Central to this strategy is cultivating “leading cranes” – privately-owned national champions capable of global competition.

    Currently, Vietnam’s economic structure presents substantial challenges. Despite three decades of impressive growth and poverty reduction, state-owned enterprises still account for 29% of GDP through 671 entities that enjoy preferential access to licenses, funding, and resources. Meanwhile, most private companies remain small-scale, with only 2% employing over 200 people.

    The reform agenda faces complications from recent political developments. Resolution 79, passed earlier this month, seemingly walked back private sector prioritization by declaring state-owned enterprises could also serve as “leading geese” and setting ambitious targets for their regional dominance.

    Vietnam’s economic model faces external challenges as well. The country’s export-dependent manufacturing economy, particularly vulnerable to U.S. tariff policies under the Trump administration, relies heavily on foreign investment, technology, and markets. Lam himself acknowledged this vulnerability in January last year, questioning Vietnam’s position at the “lowest end of the value chain.”

    The development of national champions illustrates both promise and pitfalls. While technology firm FPT has achieved international contracts with companies like Airbus, conglomerate Vingroup exemplifies the challenges of global expansion. Despite dominating Vietnam’s domestic market through extensive political connections, its Vinfast electric vehicle subsidiary has struggled internationally, reportedly losing approximately $11 billion since 2021 while failing to gain traction in U.S. and European markets.

    Nguyen Khac Giang of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore warned: “The main challenge remains unchanged: how to create globally competitive firms without spawning politically-connected rent-seekers. To Lam’s approach risks replacing one form of rent-seeking with another.”

    As Lam consolidates power, his administration must navigate fraught international relations while addressing fundamental structural economic challenges. Vietnam’s renowned “bamboo diplomacy” – maintaining friendships with all and enmity with none – faces severe tests in the emerging Trump II era, particularly given the country’s exceptional reliance on U.S. market access.

  • Ten photos from across China: Jan 16 – 22

    Ten photos from across China: Jan 16 – 22

    A captivating visual chronicle from January 16-22, 2026, reveals China’s diverse cultural landscape through ten striking photographs published by China Daily. The collection showcases remarkable human experiences across the nation’s distinctive seasonal settings.

    The series highlights an extraordinary culinary innovation at Harbin’s Ice and Snow World in Heilongjiang province, where adventurous diners embraced a unique gastronomic experience within a snow-themed hotpot restaurant. This architectural marvel features an impressive two-story snow castle containing ten individual snow rooms, complete with dining tables meticulously carved from ice. The venue masterfully blends contrasting elements, creating a memorable atmosphere where the chill of the surroundings harmonizes with the warmth of traditional hotpot dining, offering patrons an exceptionally romantic ambience.

    Beyond this frozen culinary adventure, the photographic essay captures additional facets of contemporary Chinese life, presenting a multifaceted portrait of society during the winter season. Each image tells a distinct story of cultural practices, recreational activities, and social interactions that characterize the nation’s diverse regions. The collection serves as both artistic expression and documentary evidence of how communities adapt to and celebrate seasonal changes while maintaining rich cultural traditions.

    The visual narrative extends beyond mere documentation, offering insights into regional characteristics and the creative ways in which Chinese citizens engage with their environment. From urban centers to rural landscapes, the photographs present a cohesive story of a nation embracing winter’s challenges while transforming them into opportunities for community engagement and cultural expression.

  • Gold and tech stocks surge to lift ASX despite widespread market falls

    Gold and tech stocks surge to lift ASX despite widespread market falls

    The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) registered modest gains on Friday, propelled by a powerful surge in gold mining stocks and a robust rebound in technology shares, effectively counterbalancing significant declines within the banking sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index advanced by 11.40 points, or 0.13 percent, concluding the session at 8,860.10. The broader All Ordinaries index demonstrated a stronger performance, climbing 17.40 points, or 0.19 percent, to settle at 9,189.90.

    This upward momentum on the local bourse was partially inspired by a Wall Street recovery overnight. The shift in sentiment followed US President Donald Trump’s decision to retract threats of military intervention and tariffs concerning Greenland, coupled with an encouraging upward revision of US third-quarter GDP growth to an annualized rate of 4.4 percent. Concurrently, the Australian dollar sustained its rally, appreciating to a fresh 15-month peak of 68.48 US cents.

    Market activity revealed a sectoral divergence. Only three out of the eleven primary sectors finished the trading day positively. The information technology sector emerged as a standout performer, spearheaded by an extraordinary rally in Life360 Inc. The family safety application developer witnessed its stock price skyrocket by 27.37 percent to $33.79, following an announcement of a projected 32 percent year-on-year revenue increase for fiscal 2025, estimated between $US486 million and $US489 million. Other tech giants also contributed significantly, with Xero Ltd. ascending 3.54 percent to $101.22 and TechnologyOne Ltd. gaining 2.76 percent to close at $27.18.

    The resources sector provided substantial buoyancy, primarily fueled by record-breaking gold prices which momentarily touched approximately $US4,965 per ounce. Leading gold producers recorded impressive gains: Northern Star Resources surged 5.42 percent to $27.60, Evolution Mining rallied 5.32 percent to $14.86, and Regis Resources led the pack with a formidable 10.16 percent climb to $8.35. According to AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver, this historic gold rally is underpinned by concerns over U.S. Federal Reserve independence and escalating geopolitical tensions, driving investor demand for a reliable inflation and risk hedge.

    However, these gains were substantially offset by pronounced weakness in the financial sector. The ‘big four’ banks all closed in negative territory: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) receded 0.75 percent to $149.48, Westpac dropped 0.44 percent to $38.74, National Australia Bank (NAB) edged down 0.19 percent to $42.35, and ANZ Banking Group declined 0.52 percent to $36.21.

    Other notable movers included Guzman y Gomez, whose shares jumped 3.83 percent to $23.30 after the fast-food chain publicized a new multi-year exclusive delivery partnership with Uber Eats in Australia. In contrast, Capstone Copper shares fell 3.36 percent to $14.95 following operational updates at its Mantoverde site, where a workers’ strike is underway. Defence contractor DroneShield Ltd. was the session’s most significant laggard, slumping 5.50 percent to $4.47 without any accompanying corporate announcement.

  • US, China once had rare-earth aces in the hole but the US folded

    US, China once had rare-earth aces in the hole but the US folded

    In 1992, during a visit to Baotou’s rare earth mines in Inner Mongolia, Deng Xiaoping made a prophetic declaration: ‘The Middle East has oil. China has rare earths.’ This statement, initially overlooked by the international community, would ultimately foreshadow China’s ascent as the undisputed global leader in critical mineral resources that underpin modern technology.

    Rare earth elements—17 metallic components from the periodic table—form the fundamental building blocks of contemporary technological advancement. These minerals enable functionality in smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, military drones, and sophisticated aerospace systems including the F-35 fighter jet. Despite their name, these elements are relatively abundant in nature but occur in dispersed formations that require complex, environmentally challenging extraction processes.

    While the United States led global rare earth production throughout the 1980s, Western nations gradually offshored mining operations to China, attracted by lower environmental standards and reduced labor costs. Regulatory changes by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and International Atomic Energy Agency further accelerated this transition by classifying rare earths as ‘source material,’ dramatically increasing compliance costs for domestic operations.

    China capitalized on this strategic opportunity, investing heavily in developing a comprehensive rare earth ecosystem despite environmental consequences. By 2024, China controlled 44 million metric tons of reserves (the world’s largest), 70% of global mining production, 85% of refining capacity, and 98% of processing capabilities. The nation further solidified its dominance through intellectual property control, holding 80% of rare earth patents while establishing 39 university programs specializing in rare earth studies and seven institutions focused exclusively on processing technologies.

    This strategic positioning granted China significant geopolitical leverage during the 2025 trade war. When the White House imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing responded with export controls on seven critical rare earth types and magnets. Although representing a small percentage of overall exports, these materials proved essential to American defense manufacturing and technological innovation.

    A RAND Corporation study revealed that a 90-day supply disruption could halt production at 78% of U.S. defense contractors. This vulnerability extends beyond military applications to next-generation computing, robotics, medical devices, and quantum hardware—effectively giving China a ‘kill switch’ over American technological advancement.

    The United States now faces a monumental challenge in rebuilding its rare earth infrastructure. Estimates suggest requiring a decade and $10-15 billion to establish a self-sufficient supply chain. Even with successful mineral discovery in locations like Greenland’s Kanana region (containing rich deposits of dysprosium and terbium), developing complete extraction, refining, and application ecosystems remains extraordinarily complex.

    China’s four-decade investment has enabled unprecedented purity standards advancement from 98% to 99.9999%—a critical factor in cutting-edge technology applications. As the global economy transitions toward AI and automation, rare earth elements have supplanted oil as the fundamental resource shaping geopolitical power structures, with China positioned as the dominant force controlling innovation pace through supply chain management.

  • Icebreakers, the key tech to unlock Greenland, are only made by either US allies or adversaries

    Icebreakers, the key tech to unlock Greenland, are only made by either US allies or adversaries

    The United States’ strategic ambitions in Greenland and the broader Arctic region face a formidable natural barrier: immense ice formations that choke harbors, entomb mineral resources, and transform shorelines into navigational minefields year-round. This challenging environment necessitates specialized icebreaking vessels with reinforced hulls and powerful engines capable of cleaving through frozen seas.

    Despite former President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in securing Greenland for both security and economic reasons—including countering Russian and Chinese influence and accessing rare earth minerals—the U.S. possesses only three functional icebreakers, with one nearly inoperable. This deficiency creates a significant operational gap, leaving the nation unable to reliably access Arctic territories for extended periods.

    Icebreaker construction requires highly specialized expertise predominantly found in northern nations with Arctic experience. Finland has designed approximately 60% of the world’s fleet of over 240 icebreakers and built the same percentage, while Russia maintains the largest fleet with about 100 vessels, including nuclear-powered ships. Canada ranks second and plans to double its fleet to approximately 50 icebreakers.

    The U.S. has entered agreements through the Ice PACT with Finland and Canada to obtain 11 new icebreakers. Four will be constructed in Finnish shipyards, while seven will be built in U.S. facilities under Canadian ownership and utilizing Finnish designs. This international cooperation highlights America’s current dependence on allied nations for Arctic capabilities.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this technological interdependence at the World Economic Forum, noting that Finland’s sale of icebreakers to the U.S. demonstrates European Arctic readiness. She stressed that Arctic security ultimately requires multinational cooperation, a sentiment echoed by Danish leadership which conditionally supports increased U.S. involvement provided territorial integrity is respected.

    Even with adequate icebreaking capability, establishing mining operations or defensive installations like the proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense network would entail enormous costs and technical challenges in Greenland’s extreme environment, with investments potentially requiring decades to yield returns.

  • Chinese Coast Guard says 8 missing and 13 rescued after boat capsizes near disputed shoal

    Chinese Coast Guard says 8 missing and 13 rescued after boat capsizes near disputed shoal

    Chinese maritime authorities reported a significant search and rescue operation in the South China Sea on Friday after a vessel carrying Filipino nationals capsized in highly contested waters. According to an official statement from China’s Coast Guard, the incident occurred approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Scarborough Shoal, a region known for its geopolitical tensions.

    The maritime accident left eight individuals missing while emergency responders successfully rescued thirteen people from the water. Rescue operations continued throughout the day as multiple vessels participated in the search effort.

    The location of the capsizing represents one of the most politically sensitive areas in the South China Sea, where territorial claims overlap between multiple nations. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all maintain competing sovereignty claims over Scarborough Shoal and surrounding waters.

    This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing maritime confrontations in the region. Just two months prior, in August, a Chinese naval vessel accidentally collided with a Chinese Coast Guard ship during operations to block a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the same shoal. The frequency of such encounters has raised concerns among international observers about potential escalation in the strategically vital waterway.

  • Australian Open 2026: Daniil Medvedev speaks on his comeback win from two sets down

    Australian Open 2026: Daniil Medvedev speaks on his comeback win from two sets down

    In a stunning display of resilience and tactical brilliance, Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev orchestrated a remarkable comeback at the Australian Open, overcoming a two-set deficit against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. The world No. 11 found himself trailing after losing the first two sets 6-7, 4-6 before launching an extraordinary turnaround that saw him claim victory with 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in the subsequent sets.

    The match’s pivotal moment came during a mesmerizing 45-minute stretch where Medvedev won nine consecutive games without reply, demonstrating what he described as his ‘fight for the next game’ mentality. The fourth set proved particularly dominant, with Medvedev wrapping it up in just 19 minutes—a performance he attributes to his superior physical conditioning entering the tournament.

    Medvedev acknowledged the psychological challenge of overcoming past disappointments, referencing several matches in the previous year where he had similarly fought back from two sets down only to lose in the fifth. ‘The demons of those losses came knocking,’ Medvedev confessed, noting moments in the decider where he thought ‘Not again’ as Marozsan threatened a resurgence.

    The victory sets up an intriguing encounter with American prospect Learner Tien, with whom Medvedev has previously engaged in marathon matches. This hard-fought triumph not only advances Medvedev in the tournament but also serves as testament to his evolved mental toughness and strategic maturity on the court.

  • Dozens of sanctioned Russian tankers navigate Channel despite UK vow of ‘assertive’ action’

    Dozens of sanctioned Russian tankers navigate Channel despite UK vow of ‘assertive’ action’

    Despite the UK government’s pledge to take assertive action against Russian oil sanctions evasion, dozens of sanctioned tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet have continued to transit the English Channel throughout January. BBC Verify tracking data reveals that 42 sanctioned vessels passed through these strategic waters even after British defense officials received legal authorization to detain such ships under the Sanctions and Money Act 2018.

    The shadow fleet—comprising hundreds of aging tankers with obscured ownership—has become Russia’s primary mechanism for circumventing oil embargoes imposed since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Among the vessels that transited the Channel was the Sofos, sanctioned by the UK Foreign Office in May 2025. This tanker executed a complex route: loading oil in Russia mid-November, traveling to Turkey, then proceeding to Venezuela where it disabled its tracking system. Satellite imagery confirmed its presence at Venezuela’s Jose oil terminal in late December before reappearing near Russian waters.

    Another notable vessel, the Nasledie (formerly Blint), underwent identity transformation in November 2025 by changing its name and switching from a false Comoros registration to Russian registry. This 20-year-old tanker, carrying approximately 100,000 tonnes of Urals crude, entered the Channel just days after BBC reported on the UK’s new legal authority to intercept shadow vessels.

    While the UK has assisted allied forces in seizing tankers near Iceland and in the Mediterranean, British troops have yet to independently detain any shadow fleet vessels. This inaction persists despite BBC Verify identifying six tankers operating under false flags in Channel waters—a condition that legally classifies them as stateless vessels subject to seizure under international maritime law.

    Political figures have expressed frustration with this enforcement gap. Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, stated she was ‘very disappointed’ by the lack of interceptions. Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin, a former British Army officer, questioned the reluctance to act independently given Royal Marines’ capability for such operations.

    Russia has responded to increased Western pressure with both diplomatic warnings and military escorts. The warship General Skobelev accompanied a sanctioned tanker through the Channel on January 20, while Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared any vessel detention would be viewed as ‘harming Russian interests’ and violating international law.

    The economic stakes remain substantial. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, shadow fleet tankers transport between $87-$100 billion worth of oil annually. Recent analysis indicates 68% of all Russian crude oil was carried on sanctioned tankers in December 2025, providing critical economic support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

    Despite Ministry of Defense assertions that disrupting the shadow fleet remains a government priority, enforcement challenges persist. Tankers continue employing sophisticated evasion tactics including identity changes, tracking signal manipulation, and false location broadcasts—strategies that complicate monitoring efforts and enable continued sanctions circumvention.