Global Pulse

博客

  • Japanese urge retraction by Takaichi

    Japanese urge retraction by Takaichi

    Prominent Japanese academics, former diplomats, and legal experts have issued a forceful demand for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to immediately retract her controversial statements regarding Taiwan, warning that her rhetoric risks reviving militaristic tendencies in Japan. The collective condemnation emerged during a press conference organized by the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement, a civic group dedicated to preserving Japan’s postwar pacifist values.

    The scholars asserted that Takaichi’s parliamentary comments represent a fundamental departure from Japan’s longstanding diplomatic position on Taiwan and directly violate both postwar international agreements and the 1972 China-Japan Joint Statement. Particularly alarming to the group was the Prime Minister’s suggestion that Japan might assume a wartime posture in response to potential Taiwan contingencies—a stance they characterize as unprecedented and dangerously reminiscent of prewar militarism.

    International relations scholar Kazuhiko Togo, a former diplomat, emphasized that the Taiwan-related commitments in the 1972 agreement resulted from meticulous bilateral negotiations and remain foundational to Sino-Japanese relations. Political economist Kazuhiko Uekusa criticized the Prime Minister’s contradictory explanations of her remarks, noting that she initially claimed they didn’t represent the government’s unified view before asserting they aligned with Japan’s traditional diplomatic position.

    Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the association, highlighted that his organization has consistently advocated for reflection on Japan’s wartime aggression and adherence to peaceful principles since its establishment in 2013. Professor Emeritus Masakatsu Adachi of Kanto Gakuin University warned that Takaichi’s approach effectively strengthens domestic information control and foreign intelligence gathering—measures that traditionally precede conflict engagement.

    The collective statement concluded that current tensions stem primarily from Japanese provocations, yet the government has adopted an unjustified ‘victim’ posture that hinders resolution. They urged immediate retraction and acknowledgment that Taiwan matters represent China’s internal affairs.

  • Courts target child abuse done under guise of ‘strict parenting’

    Courts target child abuse done under guise of ‘strict parenting’

    China’s Supreme People’s Court has issued groundbreaking judicial guidance redefining physical discipline of children as potential domestic violence, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to child protection. The national top court recently highlighted eight landmark cases demonstrating its zero-tolerance position toward family violence, particularly emphasizing protection for minors.

    Legal experts confirm that Chinese courts will now prioritize children’s wellbeing in case deliberations, with parents or guardians who employ violent disciplinary methods facing potential domestic violence charges. The judiciary has further clarified that courts will support custody modifications when violence causes minors to develop distorted understanding of family relationships, psychological issues, or imitative behavioral patterns.

    Tong Lihua, director of the Beijing Children’s Legal Aid and Research Center, emphasized that ‘parents do not possess any extralegal privilege to commit domestic violence against their children.’ He urged judges to evaluate whether severe abuse was intentional, considering methodology and frequency, while fully utilizing legal measures to penalize perpetrators and ensure societal safety.

    This judicial development challenges persistent traditional beliefs that physical discipline produces obedient children, despite research demonstrating such methods frequently cause psychological trauma, behavioral issues, and physical injuries. The guidance represents a substantial advancement in China’s ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence and protect children’s rights within family environments.

  • Shenzhou XXI astronauts conduct first spacewalk, install debris shields

    Shenzhou XXI astronauts conduct first spacewalk, install debris shields

    In a significant milestone for China’s space program, the three-member crew of the Shenzhou XXI mission has successfully executed their first extravehicular activity outside the Tiangong space station. The operation, which lasted approximately eight hours, represents the 25th spacewalk conducted by Chinese taikonauts since the nation began its manned spaceflight endeavors.

    Mission Commander Senior Colonel Zhang Lu and Spaceflight Engineer Major Wu Fei ventured into the vacuum of space at 11:45 AM Beijing Time on Tuesday, while Payload Specialist Zhang Hongzhang provided crucial support from within the station’s pressurized modules. The astronauts worked in concert with ground control teams and utilized the station’s sophisticated robotic arm to complete a series of complex tasks.

    The primary objective involved the installation of enhanced protective shielding designed to mitigate risks from space debris impacts—a growing concern in increasingly congested orbital pathways. Additionally, the team replaced aging external instruments with upgraded scientific equipment and conducted thorough inspections of the station’s exterior components.

    Of particular significance was their examination of the Shenzhou XX spacecraft’s reentry capsule, specifically documenting damage sustained by one of its windows from a micro-debris strike. This previously undisclosed incident had reportedly delayed the return of the previous crew, highlighting the very real dangers posed by orbital debris.

    Notably, 32-year-old Major Wu Fei made history as the youngest Chinese astronaut to perform a spacewalk, surpassing the previous record held by 34-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Tang Shengjie.

    The current mission marks China’s 16th manned spaceflight and the 10th expedition crew to inhabit Tiangong—presently the only space station operated independently by a single nation. Having resided aboard the orbital complex for nearly 40 days since their November 1 arrival, the crew has conducted extensive system checks, emergency preparedness drills, and robotic arm operations.

    Future mission activities may include additional spacewalks and potential repairs to the damaged Shenzhou XX spacecraft viewport, contingent upon technical feasibility and mission priorities.

  • Openness, cooperation highlighted at dialogue

    Openness, cooperation highlighted at dialogue

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Premier Li Qiang convened with leaders of ten major international economic institutions in Beijing on Tuesday, advocating for enhanced global economic cooperation and warning against the politicization of trade issues. The “1+10” Dialogue brought together heads of organizations including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization to address mounting challenges in global economic governance.

    Premier Li emphasized the urgent need for mutual market openness among nations, cautioning against the weaponization of national security concepts to justify trade restrictions. Against the backdrop of a volatile global economy facing protectionist headwinds, Li asserted that only through collaborative efforts can nations create growth opportunities, stabilize supply chains, and accelerate technological advancement.

    The Chinese leader presented a confident assessment of China’s economic trajectory, revealing that the country’s GDP grew by 5.2% year-on-year during the first three quarters of 2025 despite external pressures. New tax data showing revenues exceeding 29 trillion yuan ($4.1 trillion) for the January-November period further indicated steady growth momentum, characterized by rising consumption, resilient exports, and advances in technological innovation.

    Li positioned China as a steadfast advocate for multilateralism, referencing President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative proposed in September as offering “Chinese wisdom and solutions” to international challenges. The Premier committed to China continuing to open its markets wider to foreign companies and actively fulfilling international obligations commensurate with its capabilities.

    International organization representatives acknowledged China’s substantial contribution to global economic growth and expressed particular interest in the country’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which they believe aligns closely with international economic development objectives. Participants commended China’s support for Global South nations and its role in promoting a shared future for humanity.

    The dialogue concluded with commitments to strengthen cooperation across multiple domains including trade and investment, green development, artificial intelligence, and financial stability, signaling a collective determination to uphold multilateral frameworks amid growing geopolitical tensions.

  • India orders IndiGo to slash flights as airline says operations ‘normalised’

    India orders IndiGo to slash flights as airline says operations ‘normalised’

    India’s dominant carrier IndiGo has announced the stabilization of its operations following a severe disruption that resulted in over 3,000 flight cancellations last week. The crisis, attributed by company officials to inadequate pilot roster planning, stranded thousands of passengers nationwide.

    In response to the operational breakdown, Indian aviation authorities have mandated a 10% reduction in IndiGo’s winter flight schedule—doubling the initially proposed cuts. This directive could lead to the cancellation of more than 200 daily flights. Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the ministry ‘deems it necessary to curtail the overall IndiGo routes’ to restore operational stability, while assuring that the airline ‘will continue to cover all its destinations as before.’

    The airline, which commands over 60% of India’s domestic market with approximately 2,200 daily flights, has been ordered to submit its revised schedule to regulators by Wednesday. Additionally, the carrier must implement fare caps, expedite refund processes, and accelerate baggage handling for affected customers.

    Aviation analysts warn that reducing IndiGo’s daily capacity by 10% could exacerbate India’s ongoing aviation crisis. Sanat Kaul, an industry analyst, noted that while the government’s intervention might benefit passengers long-term, immediate consequences could include heightened fares due to constrained capacity across competitors like Air India and SpiceJet, which lack surplus capacity.

    The operational turmoil has triggered financial repercussions, with IndiGo’s shares declining 15% since December 1st. Investors express concerns over rising costs stemming from operational disruptions and increased crew expenses under new regulatory frameworks. Aviation expert Mark Martin anticipates further penalties for the carrier in coming days.

    IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers, summoned by India’s aviation ministry on Tuesday to address crisis management and passenger complaint handling, asserted in a video message on social media platform X that operations had ‘fully stabilized.’

  • US Golden Dome moves forward as questions mount over feasibility

    US Golden Dome moves forward as questions mount over feasibility

    The United States Space Force has announced that its ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative will reach initial operational capability by summer 2028. The revelation came from Space Force General Michael Guetlein, head of the Golden Dome program, during the Reagan National Defense Forum.

    Conceived as a comprehensive expansion of existing missile defense capabilities, Golden Dome aims to transform limited regional protection into a nationwide shield against advanced threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles, drones, and fractional orbital bombardment systems (FOBS). The system will integrate a sophisticated network of space-based interceptors, advanced sensors, data-transfer satellites, and command-and-control infrastructure.

    While program details remain largely classified, General Guetlein confirmed that contracts have already been awarded to industry partners for interceptors and software architecture. He acknowledged the program’s significant complexity and risks but expressed confidence in what he termed a “solid plan” for implementation.

    The monumental project faces substantial financial hurdles, with estimated costs reaching hundreds of billions of dollars. Funding uncertainty persists amid inflationary pressures and competing defense priorities including nuclear modernization and naval expansion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted a historic $156 billion budget increase scheduled for 2026, but long-term financial planning remains unsettled.

    Strategic justification for the program emerges from growing concerns about advanced missile threats. The US Defense Intelligence Agency’s 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment highlights North Korea’s operational intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the continental United States, alongside developing systems like the Haeil nuclear torpedo. Similarly, China and Russia are expanding their missile inventories with sophisticated systems including FOBS and nuclear-powered superweapons designed to circumvent existing US defenses.

    A January 2025 Atlantic Council report co-authored by Robert Soofer argues that current US missile defense policy—relying primarily on nuclear deterrence for major powers while maintaining limited protection against rogue states—no longer aligns with reality. The recently published 2025 US National Security Strategy emphasizes the urgency of bolstering missile defenses, framing Golden Dome as essential for protecting the American homeland, overseas assets, and allies.

    Technical feasibility remains hotly contested. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation describes Golden Dome’s envisioned architecture as requiring unprecedented advances in sensing technology, battle management, and interceptor performance. A February 2025 American Physical Society report presents stark counterarguments, suggesting strategic missile defense—particularly space-based systems—remains technically and economically unfeasible. The APS estimates costs could reach $180 billion for deployment alone, with long-term sustainment potentially pushing expenditures into the trillion-dollar range.

    Proponents like Christopher Stone of the Global Security Review argue that technological skepticism overlooks existing capabilities and the urgent strategic reality. Stone contends that many required sensors and interceptors already exist in current programs or are orbiting, and that vulnerability to advanced missile threats is no longer acceptable.

    The program’s ultimate implementation will depend on whether US leadership determines that the risks of inaction outweigh the substantial technological and financial challenges of constructing an unprecedented defensive shield.

  • Australia captain Cummins back for third Ashes Test

    Australia captain Cummins back for third Ashes Test

    Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins is set to make his triumphant return to the national squad for the pivotal third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide, following his absence from the first two matches due to a back injury. The fast bowler’s comeback represents the sole alteration to Australia’s lineup after their commanding eight-wicket victory in Brisbane.

    The upcoming Adelaide Test, commencing December 17th (23:30 GMT, December 16th), holds monumental significance for both teams. Australia requires merely a draw to retain the coveted Ashes urn, while a victory would secure the five-Test series outright. Historical statistics heavily favor the hosts, as England has never recovered from a 2-0 deficit to claim the Ashes in the tournament’s storied history.

    Despite not playing competitive cricket since July, Cummins has maintained intensive training sessions with the squad throughout the initial Tests. His recovery progress prompted serious consideration for selection in the second Test, though leadership temporarily remained with Steve Smith. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey provided encouraging updates on Cummins’ condition, noting: ‘He looks like he’s moving really well. He’s been around the group the whole time with lots of energy.’

    The Australian selection committee faces several strategic decisions beyond Cummins’ inclusion. Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable for the remainder of the series due to persistent hamstring and Achilles concerns. Meanwhile, fast bowler Jhye Richardson will join training sessions in Adelaide as he progresses toward recovery from a shoulder injury, potentially becoming available for later matches.

    Additional selection complexities involve off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who was omitted in Brisbane but is anticipated to return for Adelaide’s conditions. His inclusion could necessitate the exclusion of seamers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser. Furthermore, batsman Usman Khawaja faces increased competition for middle-order positioning after missing previous Tests with back issues, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald having established a formidable opening partnership during his absence.

    While Australian players dispersed briefly between matches, the English squad sought respite in the coastal town of Noosa before resuming training on Sunday. England confronts the daunting challenge of breaking a 17-Test winless streak in Australia to keep their Ashes hopes alive at Adelaide Oval.

    Carey emphasized Australia’s cautious optimism despite their advantageous position, referencing their 2023 experience: ‘We know England are a very good cricket team and we know we were in a position like this in England, then we weren’t able to win that series. We’re excited for the opportunity we’ve got, but also understand we have to keep playing good cricket.’

  • US tells Thailand and Cambodia to stop fighting as clashes continue

    US tells Thailand and Cambodia to stop fighting as clashes continue

    The United States has issued a urgent call for Thailand and Cambodia to immediately cease hostilities following a severe escalation of border clashes that have now entered their third consecutive day. The conflict has resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least ten individuals and triggered the mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians from border communities.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that both nations must adhere to de-escalation protocols established in a peace agreement brokered by President Donald Trump last October. In a notable statement, President Trump himself declared he would personally ‘make a phone call’ to mediate an end to the violence, marking the most serious military confrontation since July’s deadly clashes.

    The neighboring countries have exchanged accusations regarding responsibility for reigniting hostilities, which have involved aerial bombardments and sustained artillery exchanges. Official figures indicate seven Cambodian and three Thai casualties, while Thailand has evacuated over 400,000 people compared to Cambodia’s relocation of approximately 100,000 civilians to safety.

    Thailand’s Defense Ministry characterized its military actions as ‘limited in scope and employed as a last option,’ asserting that ‘peace must come with the safety and security of our citizens.’ Conversely, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of launching ‘aggressive military attacks’ allegedly targeting civilian infrastructure and culturally significant temples along the disputed frontier.

    The diplomatic fallout extended beyond military engagement as Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the Southeast Asian Games currently hosted by Thailand. The Cambodian National Olympic Committee cited ‘serious concerns and requests’ from athletes’ families as the primary reason for this decision.

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has joined international calls for restraint, expressing particular concern over ‘significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement on both sides.’

    This recent violence represents the latest eruption in a century-old territorial dispute along the 800-kilometer border, originally demarcated following the French colonial occupation of Cambodia. The current clashes have expanded across multiple provinces in both nations, prompting travel advisories from several countries including the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan.

  • French far-right leader tells BBC he shares US warnings on Europe ‘for most part’

    French far-right leader tells BBC he shares US warnings on Europe ‘for most part’

    Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally (RN), has expressed substantial agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s critical assessment of Europe’s direction, particularly regarding immigration policies and cultural preservation. In an exclusive BBC Political Thinking podcast interview, the 30-year-old political phenomenon addressed his party’s positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Bardella characterized Trump’s recently published National Security Strategy as validating concerns about ‘civilizational erasure’ in Europe, attributing this primarily to decades of lenient migration policies. ‘Mass immigration and governmental laxity over the past 30 years have fundamentally destabilized European societies, particularly France,’ Bardella asserted, while simultaneously emphasizing that Europe should not become ‘subservient to any major power.’

    The interview revealed significant developments within France’s far-right movement. Current polling indicates Bardella leads presidential preferences with 44% support, potentially positioning him to succeed Marine Le Pen should her legal challenges prevent her candidacy. Le Pen faces exclusion from the 2027 race pending an appeal against her conviction for EU fund embezzlement. Bardella dismissed suggestions of internal tension, stating they campaign together based on ‘trust and friendship.’

    Addressing the RN’s controversial history under founder Jean-Marie Le Pen—convicted multiple times for Holocaust denial—Bardella distanced his leadership from past extremism. ‘I combat caricatures of my political movement,’ he stated, claiming significant Jewish support for the RN as a ‘bulwark against extremism.’

    On policy matters, Bardella pledged a national referendum on immigration if elected, despite constitutional limitations requiring parliamentary approval for such a measure. His platform includes closing radical mosques, expelling ‘hate preachers,’ and implementing stricter assimilation requirements. Notably, Bardella—whose own parents are of immigrant origin—distinguished between those who ‘reject republican institutions’ and immigrants who ’embrace French language, culture, and values.’

    Economically, Bardella described France as ‘sick’ from excessive taxation and regulation, promising to remove ‘shackles’ on growth. His foreign policy stance shows nuance regarding Ukraine: while recognizing Russia as a ‘multidimensional threat,’ he opposes troop deployments favored by Macron’s government, warning such actions could trigger escalation given nuclear capabilities.

    Responding to concerns about his youth and political inexperience compared to President Macron’s governmental background, Bardella remarked: ‘I’d rather be told today is too soon than tomorrow is too late.’

  • ‘It’s insulting they think we can’t handle it’: The Australian teens banned from social media

    ‘It’s insulting they think we can’t handle it’: The Australian teens banned from social media

    Australia’s groundbreaking social media prohibition for minors under 16 has taken effect, creating profound implications for teenage connectivity across the vast continent. The controversial legislation, implemented after year-long deliberations, represents one of the world’s most restrictive digital age barriers.

    In remote Queensland, 15-year-old Breanna Easton exemplifies the practical consequences of this policy shift. While mustering cattle on her family’s sprawling outback station, she previously maintained digital connections through Snapchat and TikTok despite geographical isolation. “Taking away our socials is just taking away how we talk to each other,” she laments, highlighting how visual communication platforms provided vital social lifelines when physical distances exceeded 100 kilometers between friends.

    The legislative measure has ignited polarized responses nationwide. Proponents, including educators and child safety advocates, argue that unchecked social media exposure subjects young people to unregulated pressures, cyberbullying, and predatory behavior. Iris Nastasi, principal at Rosebank College in Sydney, expresses strong support: “We should preserve the innocence that comes through childhood” rather than exposing children to overnight digital risks that damage real-world relationships.

    Conversely, critics question both the technological enforcement mechanisms and the policy’s potential to drive youth toward darker digital corners. Parental autonomy concerns emerge prominently, with Megan Easton (Breanna’s mother) noting that “government overstepping” undermines family-based digital education strategies. She emphasizes the importance of guided social media exposure during early adolescence, allowing supervised mistakes and corrective learning.

    The political impetus for this radical intervention came unexpectedly. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas pursued state-level legislation after his wife’s reaction to Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” which details smartphones’ neurological impacts on developing brains. The subsequent federal ban progressed with remarkable speed from conceptualization to implementation within eight months.

    However, significant concerns emerge regarding the ban’s impact on vulnerable communities. LGBTQ+ youth report 96% dependency on social platforms for connection and support according to Minus18 surveys. Autistic advocates similarly note that online spaces provide alternative socialization formats inaccessible in physical environments. For 13-year-old Sadie Angus, recently expelled from Instagram, anonymous sharing provided crucial emotional safety unavailable in her offline world.

    Tragic narratives underscore the policy’s moral foundation. Campaigner Emma Mason, whose 15-year-old daughter Tilly died by suicide after intense cyberbullying and image-based abuse, maintains that “agents of harm that are unregulated” necessitated government intervention. While acknowledging current teenagers might not be “clear winners,” she believes younger children will benefit from protected digital development.

    The Australian experiment continues amid pending High Court challenges, potential tech company resistance, and international scrutiny. As the nation navigates this unprecedented digital boundary, it balances protectionism against developmental autonomy, creating global precedent for how societies might reshape youth engagement with evolving technologies.