Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • UAE condemns attack in Chad after several members of armed forces killed

    UAE condemns attack in Chad after several members of armed forces killed

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a formal condemnation of a deadly terrorist assault targeting Chadian military personnel in the nation’s southern region. The attack, executed by an unidentified armed faction, resulted in numerous casualties among security forces members.

    In an official communiqué released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Emirates government articulated its vehement disapproval of these violent acts, characterizing them as criminal offenses that fundamentally contradict international peace and security norms. The statement further reaffirmed the UAE’s categorical rejection of all manifestations of extremism and terrorism, emphasizing their destabilizing impact on regional security architectures.

    The diplomatic correspondence extended profound sympathies and official condolences to both the bereaved families of deceased service members and the broader Chadian population. Additionally, the UAE government conveyed earnest wishes for the prompt and complete recovery of those injured during the hostilities.

    This development occurs amidst increasing security challenges in the Sahel region, where multiple nations continue grappling with insurgent activities by non-state armed groups. The UAE’s pronouncement underscores its consistent foreign policy stance against transnational terrorism and its humanitarian commitment to conflict-affected nations.

  • Aerial photos capture snow melting on Guizhou grassland

    Aerial photos capture snow melting on Guizhou grassland

    Spectacular aerial photography has documented the mesmerizing transformation of Wumeng Grassland in Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, as winter’s first snow blanket begins its seasonal retreat. The breathtaking images reveal ethereal mist formations rising from the melting snowscape, creating a dramatic visual contrast between the lingering winter whiteness and the emerging spring terrain.

    Located within the prestigious Wumeng Mountain National Geopark, this expansive grassland ecosystem spans elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,857 meters above sea level. As one of Guizhou’s most significant high-altitude natural pastures, the area represents a critical component of the region’s unique ecological and geological heritage.

    The photographic documentation, captured by Deng Yongchang, provides valuable visual data regarding seasonal transition patterns in high-altitude environments. The imagery not only showcases nature’s artistic beauty but also serves as an important record of environmental processes occurring within China’s protected geopark system. These visual documents offer researchers and conservationists insights into microclimatic conditions and hydrological cycles characteristic of southwestern China’s highland regions.

    The mist phenomena observed during the snowmelt process result from specific temperature differentials between the cold snow surface and the gradually warming spring air. This atmospheric interaction creates the visually stunning evaporation effects captured in the aerial photographs, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between geological formations, elevation factors, and seasonal weather patterns.

  • Wang Yi’s visit solidifies China’s commitment to Africa

    Wang Yi’s visit solidifies China’s commitment to Africa

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent tour of African nations has underscored Beijing’s enduring commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation amid global uncertainties. The visit, which included stops at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa along with Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, represents the 36th consecutive year that China’s top diplomat has chosen Africa for their first overseas trip of the year.

    During the strategic engagements, Minister Wang and AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf convened the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue, culminating in the official launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. This initiative, established during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing summit, aims to foster deeper connections through educational, cultural, media, and youth engagement programs.

    African analysts have characterized the diplomatic mission as a landmark moment in China-Africa relations. Dr. Al-Sawy Al-Sawy Ahmed, former dean of the Faculty of Arts at Suez Canal University, noted that the visit exemplifies a comprehensive approach integrating political, diplomatic, and economic dimensions. “This tour reflects Beijing’s commitment to strengthening partnerships through enduring development initiatives and collaborative projects that directly benefit local populations while promoting long-term stability,” Ahmed observed.

    Substantive outcomes from the visit include China’s expansion of zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing, a move designed to boost African exports to Chinese markets. Additionally, China reaffirmed its commitment to modernize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and stimulate integrated development along the economic corridor.

    Hany Soliman, director of the Arab Center for Research and Studies, described the agreements as exemplifying China’s unique approach to combining economic support with long-term development planning. “These initiatives underscore a model of South-South cooperation that balances immediate developmental needs with harmonious, integrated growth while strengthening Africa’s position on the world stage,” Soliman stated.

    Ghada Gaber, a Cairo-based specialist in China-Africa relations, emphasized that the timing and substance of the visit demonstrate how bilateral relations have evolved beyond traditional economic frameworks into deeper political, civilizational, and humanitarian engagement. “This visit transcends short-term, interest-driven considerations and embodies a shared vision grounded in mutual respect and the principle of a ‘shared future for humanity’,” Gaber noted.

    The diplomatic mission also highlighted China’s support for Africa’s expanding role in global governance and institutional reform, positioning the partnership as a counterbalance to traditional Western power structures while advocating for the interests of developing nations on the international stage.

  • Bus crashes into building in South Korea, leaving 13 injured, Yonhap says

    Bus crashes into building in South Korea, leaving 13 injured, Yonhap says

    A significant traffic incident occurred in central Seoul on Friday morning when a public transit bus veered off course and collided with a commercial building, resulting in injuries to thirteen individuals. According to Yonhap News Agency, which cited local fire authorities, two victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.

    Television footage from YTN broadcast network captured the aftermath of the collision, showing the large passenger bus with its front section embedded in the shattered glass facade of a ground-floor commercial establishment. The vehicle appeared to have mounted a substantial portion of the pedestrian sidewalk before impacting the structure, causing significant property damage alongside the personal injuries.

    Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene to provide medical assistance and transport the injured. Among those treated were the bus operator himself and two pedestrians caught in the incident’s path. Medical personnel confirmed one female pedestrian in her fifties suffered a fractured leg, while a male pedestrian in his thirties sustained head trauma. The remaining ten casualties experienced varying degrees of minor injuries.

    Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. Preliminary assessments are examining potential factors including mechanical failure, driver error, and road conditions at the time of the incident. The collision caused temporary disruption to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the bustling commercial district while cleanup and preliminary structural assessments were conducted.

  • Scientists using Chinese telesecope capture evolutionary process of mysterious flashes

    Scientists using Chinese telesecope capture evolutionary process of mysterious flashes

    In a groundbreaking astronomical discovery, China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) has captured unprecedented evidence revealing the evolutionary process of mysterious deep-space radio emissions known as fast radio bursts (FRBs). An international research team led by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has documented the strongest evidence to date that these cosmic phenomena originate from compact binary star systems.

    The research, published in the journal Science, centers on observations of FRB 20220529—a repeating burst located approximately 2.9 billion light-years from Earth. Through meticulous monitoring from June 2022 to August 2024, scientists witnessed a dramatic magnetic environment transformation that provides crucial insights into the burst’s origin.

    Key to the discovery was the detection of a sudden surge in Faraday rotation—a measure of how radio waves twist as they pass through magnetized plasma. In December 2023, researchers observed the signal’s twisting effect spike approximately 20-fold before gradually returning to baseline levels over two weeks. This ‘surge and recovery’ pattern indicates the passage of a dense, magnetized plasma cloud between the burst source and Earth.

    Study corresponding author Wu Xuefeng compared the phenomenon to a solar coronal mass ejection, suggesting the most plausible explanation involves a binary system where a neutron star or magnetar orbits a companion star. Violent activity from the companion star or orbital geometry could eject plasma clouds that temporarily alter radio signals detected on Earth.

    The findings challenge previous theories suggesting FRBs originate from isolated neutron stars. Duncan Lorimer, the West Virginia University astrophysicist who first discovered FRBs in 2007, praised the discovery as ‘an amazing result’ that demonstrates FAST’s extraordinary capabilities.

    FAST’s exceptional sensitivity enabled detailed tracking of FRB 20220529, whose signals are typically too faint for other telescopes to detect. The facility has become instrumental in pulsar studies, gravitational wave research, and cosmic mapping since commencing full operations in 2020.

    Looking forward, China plans a major upgrade to FAST that will add dozens of medium-aperture antennas around the main dish, creating the world’s only mixed synthetic aperture array centered on a giant single-dish telescope. This enhancement will allow scientists to pinpoint FRB sources with unprecedented precision, potentially solving one of astronomy’s most enduring mysteries.

  • Solico Group invests Dh130 million in new SoFood production facility in Jafza to strengthen regional food manufacturing capacity

    Solico Group invests Dh130 million in new SoFood production facility in Jafza to strengthen regional food manufacturing capacity

    DUBAI – In a landmark investment for the UAE’s food manufacturing sector, Solico Group has inaugurated a state-of-the-art production facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) with a capital commitment of Dh130 million ($35.4 million). The new entity, branded SoFood, represents the group’s single largest investment in the UAE and is positioned to become its regional innovation and international manufacturing headquarters for the GCC.

    The purpose-built facility, spanning 5,000 square meters, incorporates advanced European manufacturing technologies with an initial production capacity of 40 tons per day. This strategic expansion significantly enhances the UAE’s food manufacturing resilience amid growing consumer demand and global supply chain considerations. The plant’s modular architectural design allows for agile entry into new food categories with minimal operational disruption.

    Gholamali Soleimani, Founder and Group Chairman of Solico Group, emphasized the strategic rationale behind the investment: “The UAE has cultivated one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for food manufacturing and economic diversification. This facility enables us to transfer our five decades of expertise into the UAE while building manufacturing capability that will support long-term regional food security objectives.”

    The production roadmap will unfold in phases, beginning with meat and protein products under Solico’s flagship Pemina brand for distribution throughout GCC markets and export channels. Subsequent phases will introduce cheese, dairy products, premixes, sauces, and co-packed solutions tailored for hotel, airline, and food service industries. These categories were specifically selected for their alignment with regional culinary preferences, localization potential, and export viability.

    Beyond manufacturing, SoFood will function as Solico’s regional innovation center, developing products specifically for Middle Eastern palates while shortening supply chains to enhance product freshness. The facility also incorporates comprehensive sustainability measures including energy- and water-efficient systems, waste-minimization processes, and holds multiple certifications including ISO 22000, HACCP, Halal, and Dubai Municipality Grade A accreditation.

    Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, noted: “Solico’s decision to establish their largest UAE investment in Jafza underscores Dubai’s industrial ecosystem strength. This facility will strengthen food security, create high-quality employment opportunities, and advance the UAE’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ manufacturing objectives.”

    The facility’s location within the DP World-operated Jebel Ali ecosystem provides direct access to global logistics corridors, enabling Solico to reach over three billion consumers across nearby markets while supporting the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy.

  • South Africa investigates Iran’s participation in naval drills off its coast after US criticism

    South Africa investigates Iran’s participation in naval drills off its coast after US criticism

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The South African Defense Ministry has initiated a formal investigation into whether military officials disregarded presidential directives regarding Iran’s participation in recent multinational naval exercises. The probe follows revelations that Iranian warships engaged in active combat drills despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s explicit instructions limiting Tehran to observer status only.

    The controversy emerged amid sharp criticism from the United States, which condemned South Africa’s hosting of Iranian naval forces during joint exercises with China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria issued a strongly worded statement characterizing the invitation as ‘unconscionable’ given Iran’s ongoing suppression of domestic protests, which human rights organizations report has resulted in over 2,600 fatalities.

    Defense Minister Angie Motshekga asserted that Ramaphosa’s instructions had been ‘clearly communicated to all parties concerned,’ though specific details of those directives remain undisclosed. The investigation will determine whether these presidential orders were ‘misrepresented and/or ignored’ by defense officials.

    Observers confirmed the presence of at least three Iranian warships in South African waters, including one docked alongside Chinese and Russian vessels in Simon’s Town naval base near Cape Town. The exercises, conducted under the auspices of the BRICS alliance, concluded Friday after several days of operations.

    The diplomatic incident occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating U.S.-South African relations since President Donald Trump’s return to office. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized Pretoria’s foreign policy orientation, including its diplomatic engagement with Iran and allegations of anti-American alignment. South African officials maintain the country pursues a neutral, non-aligned foreign policy open to dialogue with all nations.

    This development marks Iran’s inaugural participation in BRICS naval operations following its accession to the bloc in 2024, representing another expansion of the coalition designed to counter Western economic and institutional dominance.

  • US backs ‘brave people of Iran’, tells UN all options on table

    US backs ‘brave people of Iran’, tells UN all options on table

    In a tense United Nations Security Council session convened at Washington’s request, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz delivered a forceful declaration of support for Iranian protesters while dismissing Tehran’s allegations of foreign intervention as baseless propaganda. The emergency meeting on Thursday (January 15) addressed the escalating violence in Iran where thousands have reportedly been killed during widespread demonstrations against clerical rule.

    Ambassador Waltz characterized the Iranian regime as ‘weaker than ever before,’ asserting that their claims of a foreign-backed military precursor represented desperate attempts to undermine genuine domestic dissent. ‘The regime is putting forward this lie because of the power of the Iranian people in the streets,’ Waltz stated. ‘They are afraid of their own people.’

    The U.S. diplomat emphasized President Trump’s position that ‘all options are on the table to stop the slaughter,’ describing the American leader as ‘a man of action, not endless talk.’ This strong rhetoric contrasted with Trump’s simultaneous wait-and-see approach expressed elsewhere, where he acknowledged reports of decreasing violence and indicated no immediate plans for large-scale executions.

    The UN response, delivered by senior official Martha Pobee on behalf of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, called for ‘maximum restraint at this sensitive moment.’ The international body urged all parties to refrain from actions that could precipitate further casualties or trigger broader regional escalation, highlighting concerns about the potential for wider conflict.

    The diplomatic confrontation occurs amid unverified reports that Iran has postponed the execution of a 26-year-old protester, suggesting possible internal divisions within the Iranian establishment regarding how to manage the unprecedented challenges to their authority.

  • Machado vows to be Venezuela president ‘when the right time comes’

    Machado vows to be Venezuela president ‘when the right time comes’

    Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado has declared her unwavering conviction that she will eventually assume the presidency of her nation, despite the United States government’s recent pivot toward supporting an alternative political figure. The prominent activist made these assertions during a televised appearance on Fox & Friends, following high-level diplomatic engagements in Washington.

    The political landscape shifted dramatically on January 3rd when American military forces orchestrated the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. In the subsequent power vacuum, the Trump administration has thrown its support behind Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, as interim leader of the oil-rich South American nation.

    Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for her prolonged campaign against Maduro’s authoritarian regime, presented her medal to President Trump during a White House luncheon. This symbolic gesture aimed to strengthen her diplomatic position, though the Norwegian Nobel Committee maintains that such awards are non-transferable by regulation.

    Despite presenting documented evidence of electoral fraud in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election—a position supported by numerous international observers—Machado finds herself navigating complex geopolitical realities. The Trump administration has expressed reservations about her level of popular support among Venezuelan citizens, instead favoring Rodríguez contingent upon cooperative access to Venezuela’s substantial petroleum reserves.

    Meanwhile, Rodríguez has struck a notably independent tone, asserting her government’s willingness to engage in diplomatic confrontation with Washington despite acknowledging American power. She delivered this message while presenting what would traditionally have been Maduro’s state of the nation address, as the former leader currently faces narcotics trafficking charges in a New York detention facility.

    The CIA’s reported meeting with Rodríguez signals Washington’s current preference for her leadership, creating a complex political dynamic that Machado must navigate as she maintains her presidential aspirations.

  • Morocco expects as hosts face Senegal in Cup of Nations final

    Morocco expects as hosts face Senegal in Cup of Nations final

    The stage is set for a monumental clash in Rabat as host nation Morocco prepares to challenge reigning champions Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday. The Atlas Lions aim to harness their formidable home advantage to secure a first continental title in five decades, confronting a Senegalese squad determined to retain their crown.

    Morocco enters the championship match bolstered by their status as Africa’s highest-ranked team (11th globally) and their historic semifinal appearance at the 2022 World Cup. Under the leadership of African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, the team has demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming nerve-wracking penalty shootouts and silencing early criticism from their own supporters with commanding performances against powerhouses including Cameroon and Nigeria.

    Coach Walid Regragui, who faced persistent scrutiny from expectant fans, emphasized the significance of this final for Morocco’s football legacy: “Eventually people are going to accept that Morocco are actually a major football nation. But to go to the next step we have to win titles, so Sunday’s match is really important in terms of our history.”

    Their opponents present a formidable challenge. Senegal, Africa’s second-ranked team, brings extensive experience to their third final in four AFCON editions. The Lions of Teranga feature an accomplished core including Sadio Mané, Édouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly, though the latter will miss the final due to suspension. Notably, Mané has announced this will mark his final AFC appearance, declaring: “I am a soldier of the nation… The most important thing is to bring this cup to Dakar.”

    The final promises a tactical battle between two exceptional defenses that have collectively conceded only three goals throughout the tournament. While a high-scoring spectacle appears unlikely, the match will undoubtedly deliver intense drama as Morocco contends with immense pressure before a capacity crowd of 70,000 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.