Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Fujian deepens cross-Strait integration with Taiwan through infrastructure and cultural initiatives

    Fujian deepens cross-Strait integration with Taiwan through infrastructure and cultural initiatives

    In a significant move to strengthen ties across the Taiwan Strait, China’s Fujian province has launched comprehensive integration initiatives combining infrastructure development and cultural exchange programs. The coastal province, positioned as the primary gateway to Taiwan, is implementing concrete measures to create “integrated living circles” with the outlying islands of Jinmen and Matsu.

    The city of Xiamen has committed to completing its section of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge within the year, a landmark infrastructure project designed to facilitate daily cross-Strait connectivity. The municipal government’s work report outlines additional collaborative efforts including shared access to the newly constructed Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport and the development of integrated electricity and gas networks between Xiamen and Jinmen. To streamline transportation, Xiamen is implementing intelligent customs clearance systems for ferry passengers.

    Beyond physical connectivity, Xiamen is establishing itself as a testing ground for cross-Strait standard harmonization. The city plans to formulate or revise over 30 common standards across sectors including healthcare and domestic services in 2026. This standardization effort builds on previous success in economic cooperation, with the Cross-Strait Integrated Circuit Industry Cooperation Pilot Zone showing notable progress. Xiamen recorded an 11% year-on-year increase in new Taiwan-funded enterprises following the implementation of 25 measures supporting Taiwan businesses.

    Meanwhile, Fuzhou, the provincial capital, reported substantial growth in Taiwan investment with 355 new Taiwan-funded enterprises established in the previous year, representing a 26.3% increase. Fuzhou’s 2026 agenda emphasizes social and cultural integration, focusing on equalizing basic public services including healthcare, housing, and education for Taiwan compatriots. The city will additionally promote ancestral “root-seeking” activities and enhance youth exchanges through sports diplomacy, particularly baseball and rugby, to strengthen emotional and familial bonds across the Strait.

  • Military-backed party secures Myanmar election win with opposition excluded

    Military-backed party secures Myanmar election win with opposition excluded

    BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) announced Monday it had secured victory in the nation’s first electoral process since the 2021 armed seizure of power, establishing the foundation for a new governing administration.

    The anticipated triumph of the former general-led party occurred within a tightly controlled electoral environment that systematically excluded prominent opposition factions and suppressed dissenting voices. The military government further consolidated power through constitutional provisions automatically reserving 25% of parliamentary seats for armed forces personnel, effectively ensuring continued dominance by military interests and their political allies.

    International observers and critics have universally condemned the polling process as fundamentally flawed, characterizing it as a strategic maneuver to legitimize military rule following the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government. The violent takeover precipitated nationwide resistance that has subsequently evolved into full-scale civil conflict.

    The multi-phase election conducted between December 28 and January 25 witnessed significant participation limitations, with 67 of Myanmar’s 330 townships—primarily those under opposition armed group control—unable to participate. This reduced the total available seats in the 664-member national parliament to 586.

    Despite participation from over 4,800 candidates representing 57 political organizations, only six parties mounted nationwide campaigns, reflecting the constrained political landscape.

    An anonymous USDP senior official disclosed to The Associated Press that the party secured 57 of 61 contested lower house seats during Sunday’s final voting phase. Preliminary calculations indicate the military-aligned party will hold at least 290 parliamentary positions across both chambers. Combined with the military’s constitutionally mandated 166 seats, this establishes a commanding majority exceeding 450 seats—well beyond the 294 required for government formation.

    The electoral process will culminate with parliamentary members and military appointees selecting a president from three nominated candidates, with current military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing widely anticipated to assume the presidency.

    United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has urged global rejection of both the election results and subsequent power structures, while Min Aung Hlaing defiantly stated that international recognition remains irrelevant to Myanmar’s political process.

  • Rights group says Iran protest toll nears 6,000 dead

    Rights group says Iran protest toll nears 6,000 dead

    A US-based human rights organization has reported that nearly 6,000 individuals have been confirmed dead during widespread protests in Iran, while Tehran issued stern warnings against American intervention in its internal affairs. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) disclosed on Monday that its verified death toll had reached 5,848, including 209 security personnel, with an additional 17,091 potential fatalities under investigation.

    The protest movement, initially sparked by economic discontent in late December, rapidly evolved into a broad challenge against Iran’s Islamic republic system, culminating in massive street demonstrations beginning January 8. Rights organizations have condemned authorities for implementing an unprecedented crackdown, alleging security forces fired directly at protesters while maintaining an internet blackout that has persisted for 18 consecutive days.

    Iranian authorities provided their first official casualty figures last week, claiming 3,117 deaths with the majority characterized as security forces or innocent bystanders killed by ‘rioters.’ Independent monitors note the internet shutdown has severely obstructed accurate documentation of casualties, with Netblocks confirming the ongoing blackout is ‘obscuring the extent of a deadly crackdown on civilians.’

    The geopolitical dimension intensified as the United States deployed military assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. President Donald Trump maintained that military intervention remains ‘an option’ while stating his preference to avoid conflict. Iran’s foreign ministry responded with warnings of a ‘comprehensive and regret-inducing response to any aggression,’ with spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei asserting that American naval presence would not diminish Iran’s defensive resolve.

    In Tehran’s Enghelab Square, new anti-American billboards depicted destroyed aircraft carriers accompanied by the prophetic warning: ‘If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.’ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his last public appearance on January 17, vowed authorities would ‘break the back of the seditionists.’

    Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon organized rallies supporting Iran against ‘American-Zionist sabotage and threats,’ signaling regional alignment behind Tehran’s position. The convergence of domestic suppression and international posturing creates a volatile situation with implications extending beyond Iran’s borders.

  • France honors fallen soldiers in Afghanistan after Trump’s false claim about NATO troops

    France honors fallen soldiers in Afghanistan after Trump’s false claim about NATO troops

    PARIS — In a dignified response to controversial statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, French defense officials have publicly honored the memory of their nation’s fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate at the Defense Ministry, presided over a solemn ceremony at a Paris monument dedicated to French military personnel who perished in overseas operations.

    The ceremony, which officials noted was organized specifically in response to recent remarks about NATO allies’ participation in the Afghanistan conflict, served as a powerful rebuttal to claims that non-American troops avoided frontline combat. Rufo emphasized the importance of preserving the honor and sacrifice of the ninety French soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict that began in October 2001.

    This diplomatic response comes after Trump’s interview with Fox Business Network in Davos, Switzerland, where he suggested that non-U.S. NATO forces remained distant from combat zones. Although the former president subsequently praised British forces, he omitted recognition of other allied troops, creating diplomatic tension among NATO partners.

    Rufo acknowledged the profound emotional impact of these statements on veterans’ associations, noting their ‘outrage, anger, and sadness.’ However, she emphasized the enduring ‘brotherhood of arms’ between American, British, and French military forces, advocating for trans-Atlantic solidarity to overcome political disagreements.

    The Afghanistan campaign represented a historic moment for NATO, marking the first activation of its mutual-defense clause following the September 11 attacks. The international coalition, comprising dozens of nations, worked collectively to dismantle al-Qaida and confront Taliban forces in their Afghan stronghold.

  • Minnesota officials call for feds to leave

    Minnesota officials call for feds to leave

    A deepening political crisis is unfolding in Minnesota as state leaders demand the immediate withdrawal of federal immigration officers following a second fatal shooting by US agents in Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has ignited fresh protests and exposed severe fractures between state and federal authorities.

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting as “horrific” and insisted that state investigators take charge of the case, declaring, “The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation.” However, according to Associated Press reports, the Department of Homeland Security blocked state investigators from accessing the crime scene despite having a signed warrant.

    The DHS presented a starkly different account of the incident, characterizing it as an attack on federal personnel. Officials claimed a Border Patrol agent acted in self-defense after 37-year-old Alex Pretti—an ICU nurse at a VA hospital licensed to carry a concealed weapon—approached agents with a handgun and resisted disarmament attempts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Pretti as intending to “inflict maximum damage” while White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller labeled him an “assassin.”

    This narrative conflicts directly with verified bystander footage reviewed by Reuters, which shows Pretti holding a phone rather than a firearm while attempting to assist protesters who had been pushed to the ground by immigration agents.

    The shooting represents the second such incident in weeks, following the January 7th death of Renee Good, where similar discrepancies emerged between federal accounts and cellphone evidence. A recent Hennepin county medical examiner’s report classified Good’s death as a homicide.

    President Donald Trump escalated tensions by accusing Governor Walz and Minneapolis officials of “inciting Insurrection” through their “pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric.” The administration has deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents to Minneapolis as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown backed by $170 billion in funding through 2029.

    Former President Barack Obama broke silence to call Pretti’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” warning that “many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.” He urged the administration to collaborate with local officials “to avert more chaos.”

    Academic experts warn the standoff may have far-reaching consequences. Professor Chen Hong of East China Normal University predicts the conflicting law enforcement narratives will harden positions and intensify social tensions, potentially spilling into Congressional battles over immigration policy, homeland security funding, and law enforcement oversight that could trigger government shutdowns.

    Professor Li Haidong of China Foreign Affairs University notes that the Republican-led federal government’s immigration crackdown in a Democratic stronghold known for its diverse immigrant culture appears designed to reshape the local voter base through mass deportations. These policies have severely disrupted Minnesota’s social fabric and cultural ecosystem, generating widespread public discontent that promises to make immigration a central battleground in upcoming midterm elections.

  • Philippines tells Beijing it is alarmed over escalating verbal tussle in South China Sea dispute

    Philippines tells Beijing it is alarmed over escalating verbal tussle in South China Sea dispute

    MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has formally expressed alarm to Chinese diplomats regarding intensifying diplomatic exchanges concerning the protracted territorial conflict in the South China Sea. On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila revealed it had lodged serious representations with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and the Chinese Embassy, highlighting concerns about the deteriorating diplomatic discourse.

    The DFA cautioned that these increasingly confrontational exchanges risk undermining crucial diplomatic channels necessary for managing maritime tensions. Despite this warning, the Philippine government reaffirmed its support for officials who have vocally defended the nation’s territorial claims, including several senators.

    This diplomatic friction follows Beijing’s recent summons of Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz to protest statements made by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, who has consistently criticized China’s assertive maneuvers in contested waters.

    China maintains expansive claims over virtually the entire South China Sea—a critical global shipping corridor—despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated these claims under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Beijing, which boycotted the arbitration proceedings initiated by Manila following a 2013 territorial confrontation, continues to reject the tribunal’s decision.

    Maritime confrontations have notably intensified between Chinese and Philippine vessels in recent years. Unlike other claimant states including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, the Philippine government has adopted a strategy of transparently documenting and publicizing China’s assertive actions, including the use of powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers.

    The Chinese Embassy has specifically targeted Commodore Tarriela, accusing him of “persistently hyping up maritime issues, confounded right and wrong, misrepresented facts, incited confrontation, misled public opinion, undermined China’s national interests and dignity.”

    Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei dismissed Tarriela’s comments as “ignorant and arrogant views,” prompting the Philippine official to respond via social media with a critique of China’s restrictions on free expression.

    The diplomatic spat has extended to Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros, who accused Chinese diplomats of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by attempting to restrain Filipino officials’ expressions within their own country. Hontiveros characterized the Chinese Embassy as “a bad guest” in the Philippines.

    The Chinese diplomatic mission denied any intention to silence critics but vowed to respond to attempts to “smear” China and its leadership, questioning whether Hontiveros’ criticisms served national interests or personal political ambitions. The senator is widely considered a potential contender in the 2028 presidential elections.

  • Uganda’s military chief denies army assaulted Bobi Wine’s wife

    Uganda’s military chief denies army assaulted Bobi Wine’s wife

    Uganda’s military leadership has vehemently denied allegations that soldiers physically assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, wife of prominent opposition figure Bobi Wine, during a controversial raid on their residence. The incident occurred amidst escalating political tensions following President Yoweri Museveni’s disputed electoral victory on January 15.

    Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has accused military personnel of holding his wife at gunpoint, conducting violent assaults, and confiscating personal documents and electronic devices during the home invasion. From her hospital bed, Barbara Kyagulanyi provided harrowing details of the encounter, describing how dozens of armed men—some in military attire—forcibly entered their home, demanded information about her husband’s whereabouts, and subjected her to physical violence when she refused to cooperate.

    The alleged assault included being struck in the face resulting in a torn lip, lifted by her waistband while being choked, and having her blouse forcibly removed leaving her partially exposed. She reported losing consciousness during the ordeal and is currently receiving treatment for both physical injuries and psychological trauma.

    Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also President Museveni’s son, publicly refuted these claims via social media platform X, stating: ‘My soldiers did not beat up Barbie’s wife. First of all, we do not beat up women. They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband not her.’

    Since the election results were announced, Kainerugaba has repeatedly demanded Wine’s surrender and issued explicit threats against the opposition leader. Wine remains in hiding, confirming that his home continues to be surrounded by military forces while expressing gratitude to supporters for ensuring his safety.

    The Uganda Law Society has condemned what it describes as an ‘ongoing wave of detentions, torture and enforced disappearance’ targeting opposition figures and their supporters. According to Kainerugaba’s own statements, security forces have killed 30 supporters of Wine’s National Unity Party (NUP) and detained approximately 2,000 individuals since the election.

    This political crisis unfolds against the backdrop of Museveni’s extended 45-year presidency, with Uganda having never experienced a peaceful presidential transition since gaining independence.

  • Syria extends ceasefire with Kurdish forces by 15 days

    Syria extends ceasefire with Kurdish forces by 15 days

    DAMASCUS — The Syrian government announced on Saturday a 15-day extension of its ceasefire agreement with Kurdish-led forces, a move intended to facilitate the complex transfer of Islamic State detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. The truce extension, which took effect at 11 pm local time, comes amid escalating tensions and mutual accusations of violations between the conflicting parties.

    According to an official statement from Syrian defense authorities, the decision to prolong the ceasefire directly supports a US-coordinated operation to relocate IS prisoners from facilities previously administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened military preparations and logistical movements by both sides, underscoring the precarious nature of recent de-escalation efforts following weeks of intense clashes in the region.

    The Syrian military operations authority leveled serious allegations against the SDF on Saturday, claiming the Kurdish forces had deployed reinforcements from Kurdistan Workers’ Party militias based in Iraq’s Qandil Mountains into Hasakah province. Syrian officials warned these movements jeopardized regional stability and represented a breach of trust.

    Conversely, the SDF issued counter-accusations through an evening statement, asserting that Syrian government forces were conducting systematic military preparations around Syria’s Jazira region and near the town of Kobani. The Kurdish-led forces reported two separate attacks against their positions earlier in the day, characterizing these incidents as explicit violations of the ceasefire agreement.

    Syrian Foreign Affairs official Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad expressed frustration to state media, noting that the SDF had provided no constructive response to government proposals. He accused the Kurdish administration of repeatedly exploiting truce periods to buy time and strengthen their military position.

    International observers remain deeply concerned about the fragile security situation in northeastern Syria, where efforts continue to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire, secure detention facilities housing thousands of IS suspects, and avert a broader regional escalation that could further destabilize an already volatile area.

  • Myanmar’s election ends amid mixed intl response

    Myanmar’s election ends amid mixed intl response

    Myanmar’s military government concluded its three-phase general election on Sunday, marking the country’s first electoral process since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration. The final voting round occurred across approximately 60 townships, completing a staggered electoral schedule that began December 28 and continued through January 11.

    Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling military junta, emphasized domestic validation over international recognition, stating: “The people’s vote is the recognition we need.” In televised remarks, the military leader expressed indifference toward the international community’s stance on the election’s legitimacy, asserting that Myanmar citizens retain the freedom to support their preferred candidates.

    Electoral participation metrics revealed modest turnout rates of 52.13% and 55.59% during the initial two phases, with over 24.22 million eligible voters selecting representatives from nearly 5,000 candidates representing 57 political parties. The complex electoral process will determine composition of the Pyithu Hluttaw (lower house), Amyotha Hluttaw (upper house), and various state and regional parliaments.

    Preliminary results indicate dominant performance by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which analysts project may secure 80-90% of parliamentary seats. Despite the military government’s plans to establish a new administration through this electoral process in April, experts anticipate continued domestic instability due to escalating conflicts between opposition factions and military forces.

    The international response remains divided, with ASEAN preparing to address the Myanmar situation during its upcoming Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in the Philippines. While the regional bloc continues advocating its five-point consensus peace plan, ASEAN special envoy Theresa Lazaro confirmed the organization has not endorsed the electoral process, emphasizing continued engagement with diverse Myanmar stakeholders.

  • How a purge of China’s military leadership could impact the army and the future of Taiwan

    How a purge of China’s military leadership could impact the army and the future of Taiwan

    BEIJING — In an unprecedented restructuring of China’s military leadership, President Xi Jinping has initiated one of the most significant purges in the history of the People’s Liberation Army. The Chinese Defense Ministry confirmed over the weekend that authorities are investigating two senior generals for suspected serious violations of discipline and law, effectively dismantling the leadership structure of the nation’s top military body.

    The investigation targets General Zhang Youxia, the senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and General Liu Zhenli, who previously oversaw the military’s Joint Staff Department. This dramatic development leaves only one of the six positions on the powerful commission filled, with President Xi maintaining his role as chairman.

    Analysts characterize this move as part of President Xi’s broader anti-corruption campaign that has disciplined over 200,000 officials since he assumed power in 2012. The military purge represents a strategic effort to reform the armed forces and ensure absolute loyalty to China’s leadership. This follows the October expulsion of another vice chair, He Weidong, who was subsequently replaced by Zhang Shengmin—now the sole remaining commission member besides Xi.

    The specific allegations against the generals remain undisclosed, though official statements emphasize China’s commitment to rooting out corruption. An editorial in the People’s Liberation Army Daily described the investigations as demonstrating the nation’s determination to maintain military discipline, though it provided no concrete details about the nature of the violations.

    International experts suggest these developments could have significant implications for China’s strategic posture, particularly regarding Taiwan. While some analysts believe the leadership turmoil might temporarily weaken China’s military readiness, others argue that long-term benefits could include a more loyal and capable command structure. The timing of these changes raises questions about potential impacts on cross-strait relations, especially given recent increased military exercises around Taiwan.

    The future composition of the Central Military Commission remains uncertain, with five positions now vacant. It is unclear whether replacements will be appointed immediately or whether President Xi will wait until the 2027 Communist Party Congress when new Central Committee appointments typically occur.