Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies

    Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies

    Chinese authorities have launched coordinated operations against prominent unregistered Protestant congregations, resulting in multiple arrests and church demolitions in what religious freedom monitors describe as an escalating campaign against independent religious expression.

    In Chengdu, Sichuan province, police detained nine individuals associated with Early Rain Covenant Church during raids conducted on Tuesday targeting residential properties and church offices. While five were subsequently released within 24 hours, four key members including current leader Li Yingqiang and his wife Zhang Xinyue remain in custody without formal charges being disclosed. The church administration characterized these actions as a ‘concerted operation’ with unclear legal grounds.

    Concurrently in Wenzhou—a city renowned for its substantial Christian population—municipal authorities initiated partial demolition of Yayang Church’s physical structure. Video evidence obtained by advocacy organization ChinaAid reveals heavy machinery and security forces deployed at the site. Local residents reported being displaced from adjacent areas while workers received instructions prohibiting photographic documentation of the proceedings.

    This development follows December’s apprehension of approximately 100 Yayang Church members, with at least two dozen reportedly still detained according to Human Rights Watch. These incidents represent the latest manifestations of China’s ongoing religious regulation campaign that has intensified under President Xi Jinping’s administration.

    Since 2015, Beijing has implemented policies demanding the ‘Sinicization of religions,’ requiring theological alignment with state-defined cultural values. Last year further restricted digital religious practices by prohibiting unauthorized online preaching, youth activities, and fundraising. Religious groups must exclusively utilize government-sanctioned platforms for such activities.

    Early Rain Covenant Church has persisted despite previous crackdowns, including the 2018 imprisonment of founding pastor Wang Yi on charges of subversion and illegal business operations. The congregation continues conducting virtual services, sometimes incorporating recorded sermons from incarcerated leaders.

    International researchers note a strategic shift in enforcement methodology, with authorities increasingly favoring immediate detention over previous graduated approaches involving warnings and financial penalties. This reflects strengthened ideological control measures prioritizing absolute allegiance to governing institutions above alternative loyalties.

  • Guideline eases use of maritime mediation centers

    Guideline eases use of maritime mediation centers

    China has launched a comprehensive national guideline to revolutionize maritime dispute resolution, creating an integrated network of mediation centers designed to handle conflicts involving sailors, shipping companies, and maritime enterprises with unprecedented efficiency. The landmark framework, jointly unveiled by the Supreme People’s Court and the Ministry of Transport on January 6, 2026, establishes standardized protocols for maritime mediation centers that have been proliferating across China’s coastal regions and inland waterways.

    By December 2025, China had already established over 60 specialized maritime mediation centers strategically located at major ports, maritime bureaus, and critical transportation hubs. These facilities operate under a collaborative model led by maritime courts working in concert with regulatory departments, forming a cohesive system that blends administrative mediation, judicial support, and social assistance mechanisms.

    The new guideline emphasizes a ‘mediation-first’ approach, recognizing the unique characteristics of maritime disputes that often involve time-sensitive matters, complex technical determinations, and frequent cross-border elements. Justice Wang Shumei of the Supreme People’s Court explained that this prioritization addresses the specialized expertise required for liability assessment in cases ranging from maritime traffic incidents to seafarer employment conflicts, personal injury compensation, vessel pollution, and administrative disagreements.

    To ensure high-quality dispute resolution, the framework mandates regular professional training for mediators, comprehensive legal interpretation services, and publication of landmark cases to establish precedents. Additionally, it requires courts and maritime authorities to share publicly accessible regulatory and judicial data, creating transparency and efficiency in dispute processing.

    Xu Wei, head of the Ministry of Transport’s Maritime Safety Administration, highlighted the transformative nature of the new system: ‘Previously, disputing parties had to navigate multiple departments seeking assistance. Now, they can access integrated administrative and judicial services through a single platform, enabling mediation, legal consultation, and judicial confirmation in one streamlined process.’

    The initiative represents a significant advancement in judicial-administrative collaboration, with Justice Shen Hongyu of the Supreme People’s Court noting that it ‘marks a new phase of cooperation between judicial and administrative authorities in resolving maritime disputes.’ The system will be further enhanced through regular interdepartmental meetings, professional exchanges, and joint training programs for maritime judges, law enforcement officers, and industry experts, with plans to expand online maritime judicial services to improve public accessibility.

  • Pursuit of ‘silver dividends’ redefines seniors’ golden years

    Pursuit of ‘silver dividends’ redefines seniors’ golden years

    China is undergoing a profound demographic transformation as millions of experienced seniors are redefining retirement through workforce reentry, creating both opportunities and challenges for the nation’s economy. This shift comes alongside policy changes that are gradually raising retirement ages and encouraging the utilization of older workers’ accumulated expertise.

    The voluntary retirement age adjustment policy, implemented from January 1, 2025, progressively increases the retirement threshold from 60 to 63 for men and from 55 to 58 for women over a 15-year transition period. This aligns China more closely with developed nations where retirement typically occurs between 64-65 years, with several countries moving toward 67 in response to aging populations.

    Personal narratives illustrate this trend. Yan Qin, a 58-year-old former accountant from Beijing, returned to employment after three years of retirement, finding satisfaction in supporting younger colleagues despite reduced compensation expectations. Similarly, 62-year-old Wang Qingwen of Hangzhou invested in barista training, aspiring to establish her own café despite visual and manual challenges.

    Research from the China Research Center on Aging reveals distinct employment patterns by age cohort: 38.3% of respondents aged 60-69 seek paid employment, compared to 19.4% of those 70-79, and merely 5.2% of octogenarians and beyond.

    This demographic shift necessitates robust legal protections and policy support. Landmark regulations proposed in July 2025 by multiple government agencies aim to safeguard older workers’ rights through written agreements specifying working conditions, compensation, and insurance coverage. Employers are encouraged to provide age-appropriate positions while prohibited from assigning physically or mentally hazardous tasks.

    The economic implications are substantial. China’s silver economy reached approximately 7 trillion yuan (6% of GDP) in 2024, with projections indicating growth to 30 trillion yuan (10% of GDP) by 2035. Currently, 77,600 companies specialize in products and services for seniors, supported by government investments including 7.59 billion yuan for constructing 202 nursing facilities in 2024.

    Demographic statistics underscore the urgency: China’s 310 million citizens aged 60+ constitute 22% of the population, including 220 million aged 65+ (15.6%). Life expectancy has risen to 79 years, exceeding global averages by five years.

    Beyond economic contributions, seniors are increasingly pursuing quality lifestyles through continued education, technology adoption, and experiential consumption. Wellness products, tailored smartphones, specialized tourism, and educational programs are gaining popularity among older demographics seeking meaningful engagement rather than mere subsistence.

    Experts emphasize that successful integration of senior workers requires collaborative efforts between government, employers, and older individuals themselves—transforming demographic challenges into sustainable silver dividends through experienced talent utilization while alleviating pension system pressures.

  • Volcano guides at Mount Etna are protesting over new safety rules

    Volcano guides at Mount Etna are protesting over new safety rules

    SICILY, Italy — Mount Etna’s volcanic guides have initiated their first strike in decades following stringent new safety measures imposed by Catania authorities after recent eruptions. The conflict has created turmoil for tourists seeking to witness Europe’s most active volcano’s spectacular lava displays.

    The dispute centers on regulations that prohibit excursions after dusk and mandate a 200-meter (660-foot) minimum distance from lava flows. Authorities have intensified enforcement of pre-existing group size limitations, restricting parties to no more than 10 individuals using drone surveillance.

    Professional guides assembled Wednesday at the volcano’s lava flow gate, denouncing the restrictions as excessive and professionally damaging. Their regional board issued a statement asserting these measures ‘effectively nullify the role of guides, stripping them of their skills, function, and professional responsibility.’

    Volcanologists confirm the current eruption phase, which commenced on Christmas Eve, presents minimal danger to surrounding communities. The advancing lava front reached 1,360 meters (4,460 feet) elevation before stabilizing and entering a cooling phase after traversing approximately 3.4 kilometers (2 miles).

    Dario Teri, a 43-year-old member of Sicily’s alpine and volcano guides association, explained: ‘This is a lava flow that is descending very slowly on an area that is now also flat or semi-flat.’

    The strike action has left visitors like Claudia Mancini, a 32-year-old tourist from Palermo, disappointed after her planned excursion was canceled. ‘Unfortunately, we got the bad news of the cancelling of all activity,’ Mancini stated, expressing sympathy for the guides’ predicament.

    Measuring 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) tall and 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) wide, Mount Etna consistently draws adventure seekers and casual observers alike. While the current eruption continues according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the lava fronts are cooling without further advancement.

    Guides anticipate continuing their strike in coming days while seeking compromise solutions that balance tourist safety with professional viability.

  • Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fire risk

    Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fire risk

    Australia is confronting its most severe fire threat since the devastating 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires as extreme heatwaves blanket most of the nation. Meteorological authorities have declared severe to extreme heatwave conditions across every state and territory except Queensland, with temperatures predicted to remain dangerously elevated for multiple days.

    The state of Victoria has implemented comprehensive emergency measures in response to the crisis, declaring a total fire ban for Friday. Northern regions have taken the extraordinary step of closing 450 schools and childcare facilities, alongside numerous public parks, as the official fire danger level escalates to ‘catastrophic’ – the highest possible rating on Australia’s fire danger scale.

    Meteorologist Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology characterized the situation as the ‘most significant event at a multi-day level for inland south-east Australia since 2019-2020.’ He emphasized that Friday would represent the ‘real peak of the current burst of heat,’ affecting virtually all of South Australia, Victoria, most of New South Wales, and parts of Tasmania.

    The convergence of intensifying winds, potential thunderstorms producing minimal rainfall, and dry lightning strikes creates particularly hazardous conditions across northern Victoria. Hines warned that these elements combined would elevate fire danger to catastrophic levels.

    Emergency services are already engaged in active firefighting operations. Firefighters continue battling a blaze in Longwood, northern Victoria that ignited on Wednesday, while a dozen water-carrying aircraft have been deployed to combat a major fire near Wodonga city according to ABC reports.

    Temperature records are being challenged nationwide. Melbourne endured its hottest day in six years on Wednesday with temperatures reaching 40.9°C (105.6°F), while several coastal towns in Western Australia recorded staggering highs of 49°C. The heatwave is expected to intensify in New South Wales through Saturday, with Sydney anticipating temperatures of 42°C.

    Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch issued grave warnings to communities in affected areas, stating that catastrophic fire conditions render potential blazes ‘unpredictable and uncontrollable.’ He urged residents to ‘prepare now and enact your bushfire survival plan,’ specifically advising those in catastrophic fire danger zones to ‘leave early to an area with a lower fire risk.’

    The current situation draws ominous parallels to the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, Australia’s most severe fire season on record, which resulted in dozens of fatalities and burned thousands of hectares of land. Australia’s heatwave classification system requires unusually high minimum and maximum temperatures persisting for three or more consecutive days.

  • Australia heatwave stokes risk of catastrophic bushfires

    Australia heatwave stokes risk of catastrophic bushfires

    Australian authorities have escalated warnings to millions of residents across southeastern regions as a severe heatwave creates what firefighters describe as potentially ‘catastrophic’ bushfire conditions. The Country Fire Authority has declared the highest possible danger rating across parts of Victoria state, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C (104°F) in multiple areas.

    Fire officials compared the current conditions to those that preceded the devastating 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires that ravaged Australia’s eastern seaboard. Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasized the extreme severity of the situation, stating that ‘catastrophic is as bad as it gets’ in terms of fire danger ratings. He warned that under these conditions, fires would be unpredictable, uncontrollable, and fast-moving once ignited.

    Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebush echoed these concerns, noting that hot, dry winds would significantly accelerate fire spread. Acting Victoria Premier Ben Carroll urged residents to prepare evacuation plans immediately, describing bushfire conditions as intensely frightening experiences that no one should have to endure.

    The crisis has already manifested in multiple fronts. Firefighters are currently battling blazes across Victoria and New South Wales, with authorities fearing property losses near the rural town of Longwood, approximately 150 kilometers north of Melbourne. Government meteorologist Sarah Scully reported that an extreme heat band had settled across the region, accompanied by dry thunderstorms capable of igniting new fires without producing meaningful rainfall.

    The environmental impact extends beyond human communities. Wildlife groups reported hundreds of baby bat fatalities in South Australia earlier this week due to the oppressive temperatures. This heatwave occurs against the backdrop of Australia’s documented 1.51°C temperature increase since 1910, which climate researchers attribute to accelerating extreme weather patterns. This trend continues despite Australia’s status as one of the world’s largest exporters of gas and coal, fossil fuels identified as primary drivers of global warming.

  • Watch: Young girl gets high-five from Sheikh Mohammed in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience

    Watch: Young girl gets high-five from Sheikh Mohammed in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience

    A routine family outing at The Square in Nad Al Sheba transformed into an unforgettable experience for Dubai residents Fathima Zelin and Mohammed Ajil when they unexpectedly encountered Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, last Saturday.

    The nutritionist and her project manager husband, both UAE residents for nearly 15 years, had brought their two children to the destination for what they anticipated would be a standard evening of dining and shopping. Approximately twenty minutes after their arrival, the family observed crowds gathering in one area of the venue. Initially dismissing the possibility of the Ruler’s presence due to the modest security detail, they were astonished to discover Sheikh Mohammed personally touring the public space.

    During the spontaneous encounter, their seven-year-old daughter Inaaya Aroush exchanged a high-five with the Dubai leader—a moment the parents initially missed amid the excitement. The interaction was captured incidentally in a selfie video recorded by Mohammed Ajil, with the significance of the gesture only becoming apparent upon later review of the footage.

    The family’s Instagram post documenting the encounter has since gone viral, accumulating over 500,000 views and generating an overwhelming response from both social media users and extended family members. Relatives have reportedly visited specifically to shake Inaaya’s hand, humorously referencing its contact with the esteemed leader. The incident has been described by the family as the realization of a ‘secret fantasy’ shared by many Dubai residents.

  • More murder charges for teens involved with Machete murders of two children

    More murder charges for teens involved with Machete murders of two children

    Australian authorities have significantly expanded charges in a devastating double homicide case, now prosecuting eight teenagers for the brutal machete killings of two Sudanese Australian boys in Melbourne last September. The victims, identified as 15-year-old Dau Akeung and 12-year-old Chol Achiek, were ambushed while returning from a basketball game in Cobblebank, Melbourne’s western suburbs, on September 6, 2025.

    Court proceedings have revealed shocking new details about the attack’s motivation. According to lead detectives, the teenagers allegedly targeted Dau and Chol as retaliation for the December 2024 stabbing death of 18-year-old Kon Hsu Sein in the neighboring suburb of Kurunjang. That earlier incident, described by police as a massive brawl involving approximately 40 youths, resulted in five individuals from the predominantly South Sudanese GDG gang facing murder charges.

    The prosecution presented disturbing forensic evidence indicating extreme violence. Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill disclosed during court appearances that Dau sustained 72 separate blade injuries in the attack, with both victims allegedly slashed to death using machetes and other long-edged weapons.

    All eight accused, whose identities remain protected due to their status as minors, now face charges for both murders. The youngest suspect was merely 15 years old at the time of arrest. Initial bail applications have met with strong opposition from prosecutors, with Dau’s family reportedly “terrified” at the prospect of the accused being released and having sought relocation from Cobblebank due to safety concerns.

    Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien characterized the investigation as “exhaustive and complex,” noting the case has “attracted significant community interest.” He emphasized that the victims were “completely unknown” to local youth gangs according to court testimony, suggesting they were targeted specifically because they were young Sudanese males.

    The tragedy has sparked widespread grief across Melbourne’s communities. Family members remembered Dau as a passionate basketball player from Fitzroy and Collingwood, describing him as an “annoying but loyal” brother with exceptional kindness and musical talents. His father publicly declared his son was “a basketball player, not a criminal.”

    All defendants remain in police custody awaiting further court proceedings, with the case continuing to develop as additional evidence emerges.

  • Watch: UAE Minister attends Christmas celebration at Abu Dhabi’s Coptic Orthodox Church

    Watch: UAE Minister attends Christmas celebration at Abu Dhabi’s Coptic Orthodox Church

    In a powerful demonstration of religious harmony, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended Christmas celebrations at Abu Dhabi’s Coptic Orthodox Church on January 6, 2026. The event marked a significant moment in the nation’s ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural diversity.

    The minister’s participation in the traditional Christmas observance highlighted the UAE’s distinctive approach to fostering mutual respect among different religious communities. During his address, Sheikh Nahyan extended warm Christmas greetings to congregants and conveyed special regards to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

    Father Bishoy Fakhry, Pastor of St. Anthony’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, expressed profound appreciation for the UAE leadership’s consistent promotion of tolerance values. He noted that the minister’s presence symbolized the country’s deeply ingrained principles of religious acceptance and human fraternity.

    Sheikh Nahyan’s speech emphasized the UAE’s pride in its authentic Islamic heritage that actively encourages respect among all faith traditions. “We present to the world a distinguished model of human tolerance and peaceful coexistence for the benefit of all,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s vision of building a cohesive society through interreligious understanding.

    The minister further articulated how prayer and spiritual reflection serve as essential components in creating robust social frameworks. He characterized the Christmas celebration as evidence of the UAE’s conviction that diverse religious practices contribute significantly to national strength and global harmony.

    This gathering also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and the UAE, with Sheikh Nahyan describing the event as a living embodiment of the flourishing connection between the two nations. He extended messages of peace and fraternity to the Egyptian community residing in the UAE and expressed optimism for continued progress in inter-Arab cooperation.

    The Christmas celebration at the Coptic Orthodox Church stands as a testament to the UAE’s evolving social landscape, where religious diversity is not merely tolerated but actively embraced as a cornerstone of national identity and international diplomacy.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Light rain likely; highest temperature 25°C in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather tomorrow: Light rain likely; highest temperature 25°C in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a detailed forecast indicating variable weather patterns across the nation for Thursday. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) anticipates generally fair to partly cloudy conditions, with low cloud formations expected particularly over northern regions. These atmospheric conditions create a probability of light precipitation in localized areas.

    Temperature readings across major urban centers show moderate climatic conditions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are projected to reach daytime highs of 25°C, while Sharjah will see slightly cooler conditions at 24°C. Nighttime temperatures will drop significantly, with minimums of 18°C in Abu Dhabi, 19°C in Dubai, and 15°C in Sharjah, creating noticeably cooler evenings.

    Maritime conditions present varying patterns across different bodies of water. The Arabian Gulf will experience slight to moderate sea states, with tidal fluctuations occurring at specific intervals: high tides at 16:12 and 05:53, complemented by low tides at 10:10 and 22:49. Similarly, the Sea of Oman will maintain slight to moderate conditions, with its own tidal schedule featuring high tides at 13:03 and 01:36, and low tides at 18:57 and 08:17.

    Wind patterns will demonstrate light to moderate intensity, occasionally strengthening with northeasterly to northwesterly directions. Wind speeds will generally range between 10-25 km/h, potentially reaching 35 km/h during periods of increased activity. Humidity levels are forecast to rise during nighttime and early morning hours, particularly affecting inland territories.

    The NCM has additionally issued maritime advisories regarding rough sea conditions in the Oman Sea, where wave heights could reach approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) due to cloud activity and fresh winds reaching 40 km/h. These conditions particularly affected coastal areas on Wednesday evening, prompting official warnings to maritime operators and coastal residents.

    This weather pattern follows Wednesday’s precipitation events, where Fujairah experienced rainfall with temperatures ranging between 17-24°C, and Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Huwailat area received heavy showers accompanied by temperatures dropping to 13°C.