Global Pulse

博客

  • Starmer meets Nigerian president as record steel deal agreed

    Starmer meets Nigerian president as record steel deal agreed

    In a landmark diplomatic engagement, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Downing Street, cementing a new era of bilateral cooperation. The centerpiece of this historic state visit—the first by a West African leader in 37 years—is a comprehensive £746 million agreement to redevelop Nigeria’s critical port infrastructure.

    The deal includes a record-breaking £70 million contract for British Steel to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel for the refurbishment of Lagos Port Complex and TinCan Island Port Complex. This represents the largest export contract ever secured by British Steel with support from UK Export Finance (UKEF). The financing arrangement requires that at least 20% of supplier contracts be awarded to UK firms, directing approximately £236 million to British businesses.

    The diplomatic festivities included a spectacular state banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles III, who praised the enduring strength of UK-Nigeria relations. President Tinubu’s visit carried additional historical significance as the first by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly a century. Windsor Castle accommodated religious observances by providing dedicated prayer spaces and adjusting traditional events to respect fasting practices.

    Beyond economic matters, the leaders addressed pressing security concerns following recent suicide bombings in Nigeria’s Borno state that killed 23 people and injured 108. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore future trade and investment opportunities while committing to collaborate on counterterrorism efforts and climate change challenges.

    Trade Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the agreement would reinforce British Steel’s global expertise while supporting jobs in Scunthorpe. Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola stated the development would solidify Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

    The visit included ceremonial activities such as wreath-laying at Westminster Abbey’s Grave of the Unknown Warrior and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s engagement with religious leaders at Lambeth Palace.

  • Macao SAR chief executive highlights 5-year plan as top task

    Macao SAR chief executive highlights 5-year plan as top task

    MACAU – Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai of the Macao Special Administrative Region has identified the formulation and implementation of Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development as the administration’s paramount objective for the year. The declaration came during a high-level meeting convened Wednesday at the government headquarters to advance the strategic planning process.

    Executive Sam emphasized that the development blueprint must achieve strategic alignment with China’s national 15th Five-Year Plan while maintaining responsiveness to Macao’s unique regional circumstances and requirements. He called for enhanced interdepartmental coordination and collaborative efforts across policy sources to ensure successful implementation.

    According to official statements, the planning initiative has progressed steadily with active participation from all involved governmental bodies. The drafting committee is currently preparing preliminary documentation, including consultation materials, while conducting comprehensive research and soliciting feedback from diverse community stakeholders to inform the plan’s development.

    The current-term administration considers this five-year planning exercise its signature governance project, representing a critical framework for guiding Macao’s economic and social development trajectory through the coming half-decade.

  • Bridge as interface: Where tech meets humanity in Zhongguancun’s shadows

    Bridge as interface: Where tech meets humanity in Zhongguancun’s shadows

    Beneath the sprawling concrete arches of Zhongguancun Bridge, an unassuming infrastructure piece has evolved into the symbolic nexus where technology converges with human ambition. Located in Beijing’s Haidian District, this bridge serves as the physical and metaphorical connection point between China’s most prestigious academic institutions and its most dynamic technology companies.

    Unlike Beijing’s more visually striking bridges, Zhongguancun Bridge’s significance lies not in its architectural grandeur but in its daily procession of future innovators. The structure functions as a transitional space where theoretical knowledge from surrounding universities transforms into practical technological applications. Every day, thousands of ambitious students, startup founders, and established tech executives traverse this pathway, each carrying dreams of digital disruption.

    The bridge has witnessed the silent dramas of technological evolution: the first-time entrepreneur nervously crossing toward investor meetings, the exhausted programmer returning from all-night coding sessions, and the international delegates arriving to witness China’s technological renaissance. Its worn pavement tells the untold story of China’s digital transformation, serving as both launching pad and reflective space for those shaping the country’s technological future.

    This convergence point represents the human element often overlooked in discussions about technological hubs. While statistics highlight Zhongguancun’s output in patents and unicorn companies, the bridge reminds us that innovation ultimately stems from human connection, chance encounters, and the daily perseverance of individuals striving to turn visionary ideas into reality.

  • FBI reportedly investigating former US official who resigned over Iran war

    FBI reportedly investigating former US official who resigned over Iran war

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an inquiry into former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent, who recently stepped down from his position in protest against military engagement with Iran, according to multiple US media sources. The investigation reportedly commenced prior to Kent’s abrupt resignation on Tuesday. NewsNation and Semafor correspondent Shelby Talcott both cited anonymous sources confirming the FBI is examining allegations that Kent improperly disclosed classified intelligence materials. The development emerges amid escalating tensions within the Trump administration regarding its Middle Eastern military strategy. In his resignation statement published on social media platform X, Kent asserted that Iran presented no immediate threat to American national security interests. He attributed the conflict initiation to substantial pressure from Israeli officials and their influential lobbying networks within the United States. Kent further alleged that high-ranking Israeli representatives collaborated with segments of American media to disseminate misinformation campaigns that ultimately undermined President Trump’s America First agenda while fostering pro-war sentiment. Political analysts interpret Kent’s departure as indicative of mounting internal pressure on the administration, with criticism emerging from Democratic legislators, business executives, and surprisingly, certain factions of Trump’s core support base. While recent polling indicates sustained backing for military action among substantial portions of MAGA supporters, prominent figures including former strategist Steve Bannon have publicly expressed opposition to the Iranian conflict.

  • Chad warns Sudan it will retaliate after drone strike on mourners kills 17

    Chad warns Sudan it will retaliate after drone strike on mourners kills 17

    Chadian President Idris Mahamat Déby has issued a definitive military response directive following a lethal drone assault originating from Sudan that killed 17 individuals and wounded multiple others during a funeral ceremony in the border town of Tiné. The president, appearing in full military regalia, convened an urgent security council meeting Wednesday evening, mandating heightened military alert status and instituting a comprehensive closure of the nation’s frontier with Sudan.

    President Déby characterized the incident as ‘an outrageous and blatant aggression’ against Chad’s territorial sovereignty, emphasizing that the assault occurred despite prior diplomatic warnings to warring factions in Sudan and previous border security measures. Chad had initially sealed its border last month to prevent incursions by Sudanese armed groups, though humanitarian exemptions remained permissible with official authorization.

    Local Tiné residents confirmed the victims were mourners participating in Quranic recitation ceremonies at a residential compound. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Chad’s legislative bodies, including the National Assembly and ruling party representatives. A government spokesperson expressed profound sorrow for the victims and extended official condolences to bereaved families while announcing reinforced defensive postures along the border region.

    The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which maintains control over much of Sudan’s Darfur region adjacent to Chad, stands accused of executing the attack—an allegation the group denies while counter-accusing Sudan’s national army. This incident exacerbates existing tensions between the nations, with Sudan historically accusing Chad of supplying weapons and mercenaries to the RSF, claims consistently refuted by N’Djamena.

    The broader context remains Sudan’s devastating civil war, ignited in April 2023 through violent power struggles between the national army and RSF forces. According to United Nations data, the conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of fatalities and displaced over 13 million people, including nearly one million refugees who have sought sanctuary in Chad across the nations’ 1,400-kilometer porous border. President Déby’s retaliation order now raises international concerns about potential regional escalation and widening violence.

  • Asia scrambles to conserve energy as Iran war disrupts oil and gas supplies

    Asia scrambles to conserve energy as Iran war disrupts oil and gas supplies

    The escalating conflict in the Middle East has triggered a severe energy crisis across Asia, forcing governments to implement emergency measures as supply disruptions ripple through economies heavily dependent on imported fuels. With the strategic Strait of Hormuz becoming increasingly precarious, approximately 90 vessels—primarily from India, Pakistan, and China—have successfully navigated this critical chokepoint since hostilities intensified on February 28.

    According to Michael Williamson of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Asia region faces disproportionate exposure to these supply disruptions. Ramnath Iyer of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis warns of potential ‘cascading impacts into all economic activities’ across the continent.

    Japan, which relies on the strait for 93% of its oil imports, has responded by releasing strategic reserves—15 days from private stockpiles followed by a month’s supply from national reserves. Despite maintaining approximately 250 days of reserves, analysts caution about potential parallels to the 1970s oil shock, prompting calls for accelerated renewable energy adoption.

    South Korea, importing 70% of its oil and 20% of liquefied natural gas from the Middle East, is bolstering energy security through increased coal-fired power generation, expanded nuclear output, and potential resumption of Russian crude imports.

    China remains relatively insulated due to substantial strategic reserves and renewable energy accounting for 30% of its power mix, though consumers face rising travel costs as airlines increase fares on international routes.

    Vietnam’s export-driven industries confront rising production expenses, with steel, textiles, and footwear manufacturers reporting increased input prices. Transportation and agriculture sectors face diesel price hikes, while aviation authorities warn of potential jet fuel shortages.

    Thailand has suspended petroleum exports and increased coal and hydropower generation after disruptions to LNG supplies from the Middle East. Indonesia faces difficult decisions regarding energy subsidies post-Eid al-Fitr, while the Philippines has initiated cash assistance programs for transportation workers and reduced government workweeks.

    Pakistan has implemented school closures, reduced government fuel allocations, and canceled national celebrations to conserve energy. India has prioritized household cooking gas distribution, affecting commercial users, while Nepal has instituted cooking gas rationing and promoted induction cookers as alternatives.

  • Bayern teenager Lennart Karl set for Germany debut and Rüdiger returns to squad

    Bayern teenager Lennart Karl set for Germany debut and Rüdiger returns to squad

    FRANKFURT, Germany — German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has unveiled a squad blending youthful promise with experienced returns for upcoming international friendlies. The most notable inclusion is 18-year-old Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl, who received his first senior call-up following a spectacular breakthrough Champions League campaign.

    Karl’s selection comes fresh off his impressive performance against Atalanta, where he contributed both a goal and an assist. The teenager has now registered four goals and two assists across just seven appearances in Europe’s premier club competition, establishing himself as Bayern’s youngest-ever scorer in the Champions League since his first start in October.

    Another potential debutant is Karl’s Bayern teammate Jonas Urbig, who has capably filled the goalkeeper position during Manuel Neuer’s absence due to calf injuries. Urbig recently returned from a concussion to help secure Bayern’s comprehensive 10-2 aggregate victory over Atalanta.

    The squad also welcomes back Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger, returning to international duty for the first time since September after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of the season’s first half and Germany’s final four World Cup qualifying matches.

    Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav makes a compelling return following an exceptional scoring streak, having found the net in each of his last five Bundesliga appearances. With 16 league goals, Undav stands as the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorer, trailing only Bayern’s Harry Kane.

    Germany will face Switzerland in an away friendly on March 27th before hosting Ghana in Stuttgart three days later. The four-time World Cup champions have been drawn into a group with Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador for the upcoming tournament.

  • Dutch youth internationals cleared to play for Suriname in World Cup qualifying playoffs

    Dutch youth internationals cleared to play for Suriname in World Cup qualifying playoffs

    In a significant development for international football, FIFA has officially granted eligibility clearance for Netherlands youth internationals Joël Piroe and Melayro Bogarde to represent Suriname in upcoming World Cup qualifying playoffs. The authorization, published late Wednesday, enables both players with Surinamese heritage to switch national team allegiance ahead of crucial matches.

    Leeds United forward Piroe and LASK defender Bogarde, both products of the Dutch football system, will now bolster Suriname’s squad as they prepare to face Bolivia on March 26 in Monterrey, Mexico. This intercontinental playoff represents a critical pathway to World Cup qualification within the CONCACAF region, which encompasses Caribbean and Central American nations despite Suriname’s geographical position on South America’s northern border with Brazil.

    The strategic recruitment under former Ajax coach Henk ten Cate focuses exclusively on European-based talent, with none of the called-up players currently featuring for domestic Surinamese clubs. The playoff bracket winner will advance to face Iraq five days later, with the ultimate prize being qualification to a challenging World Cup group featuring football powerhouses France, Norway, and Senegal.

    In a parallel development, the Netherlands football federation has approved the international transfer of 18-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder Benjamin Khaderi, who will now represent Morocco. These eligibility changes highlight the increasing globalization of football talent and the complex relationships between former colonial powers and their independent territories in the sporting arena.

  • Michael Bambang Hartono, tobacco tycoon and Indonesia’s richest man, dies at 86

    Michael Bambang Hartono, tobacco tycoon and Indonesia’s richest man, dies at 86

    JAKARTA, Indonesia — Michael Bambang Hartono, the visionary industrialist who transformed Indonesia’s Djarum Group into a multi-sector business empire, has died at age 86. The billionaire passed away Thursday afternoon at a Singapore hospital, according to an official statement released by the conglomerate he co-led with his brother Robert Budi Hartono.

    The Djarum Group’s announcement expressed profound grief while acknowledging Hartono’s extraordinary dedication and service. While the precise cause of death remains undisclosed, the tycoon had previously disclosed struggles with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac issues.

    Together with his brother, Hartono expanded their inherited tobacco enterprise into a diversified conglomerate with substantial interests across banking, palm oil plantations, real estate development, electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, and digital commerce. Their flagship enterprise, PT Djarum, gained international recognition primarily through its kretek (clove-infused) cigarette production, manufacturing dozens of domestic and international brands.

    The Hartono brothers maintained controlling ownership in Bank Central Asia, Indonesia’s largest financial institution, which reported revenues exceeding 57.5 trillion rupiah ($3.43 billion) in the previous fiscal year. Their combined net worth surpassed $43.8 billion, establishing them as Indonesia’s wealthiest individuals. According to Forbes’ December 2024 assessment, Michael Hartono’s personal fortune amounted to approximately $25.1 billion, ranking him 76th among global billionaires.

    Beyond tobacco, the Hartono legacy includes the transformative redevelopment of Jakarta’s historic Hotel Indonesia into the Grand Indonesia complex—a premium mixed-use development featuring luxury retail, office spaces, and residential units. Through their holding company PT Dwimuria Investama Andalan, the brothers strategically diversified into technology, banking, and food sectors.

    The magnate’s influence extended into professional sports through ownership of PB Djarum, Indonesia’s premier badminton club that has produced numerous world champions, and the Italian football club Como 1907. Under Hartono family ownership since 2019, Como achieved a remarkable ascent to Serie A in 2024 after two decades in lower divisions, currently competing for Champions League qualification while outperforming established clubs like Juventus and Roma.

    In a personal tribute, Como 1907 acknowledged Hartono’s transformative leadership that ushered the club into a new historical chapter. The billionaire was also an accomplished bridge athlete, serving as president of the South East Asia Bridge Federation and earning recognition from the World Bridge Federation for his successful advocacy to include bridge in the Asian Games. At the 2018 Asian Games, Hartono won a bronze medal with the Indonesian team, becoming the nation’s oldest medalist at the competition.

    Born October 2, 1939, Hartono grew up observing his father hand-rolling tobacco with native cloves to create kretek cigarettes—named for their distinctive crackling sound when burned. The brothers assumed control of the business following their father’s 1963 death, pioneering new blends and initiating exports to the United States and other markets by 1972. Their innovation produced Indonesia’s first machine-manufactured kretek cigarettes (Djarum Filter, 1976) and the iconic Djarum Super brand (1981), which remains dominant in the world’s fourth-most populous nation where over 64 million adults smoke daily.

    Following U.S. restrictions on flavored cigarettes, Djarum adapted by marketing its clove products as “filtered cigars” using tobacco-leaf wrapping. The company continues to employ approximately 60,000 workers who manually produce cigarettes primarily targeting lower-income consumers.

    Hartono is survived by his brother, wife, and son, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped Indonesian industry and commerce across multiple sectors.

  • Former counter-terrorism head investigated by FBI over alleged leaks

    Former counter-terrorism head investigated by FBI over alleged leaks

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a criminal probe into former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent regarding alleged unauthorized disclosures of classified intelligence, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The investigation predates Kent’s sudden resignation earlier this week, which followed his public opposition to the Trump administration’s military engagement with Iran.

    Kent, a decorated military veteran and longtime Trump loyalist, submitted his resignation on Tuesday with a sharply worded letter addressed directly to the president. In the document, he asserted that Iran presented ‘no imminent threat’ to American interests and characterized the decision to initiate hostilities as being driven primarily by ‘pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.’ These remarks prompted immediate condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League, which identified them as recycling ‘old-age antisemitic tropes.’

    The White House swiftly dismissed Kent’s assessment, maintaining that President Trump possessed ‘compelling evidence’ of an impending Iranian attack. In subsequent comments, the president described Kent as a ‘nice guy’ but expressed relief about his departure, noting he had always considered him ‘very weak on security.’

    Taylor Budowich, former deputy White House chief of staff, amplified these criticisms, alleging that Kent had been ‘often at the center of national security leaks’ and consistently worked to ‘subvert the chain of command and undermine the President of the United States.’

    In media appearances following his resignation, including an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Kent elaborated on his objections. He claimed there was ‘no intelligence’ indicating Iran planned a ‘sneak attack’ on the U.S. and disputed that Tehran was nearing nuclear weapons capability. He further alleged that key decision-makers surrounding the president had restricted access to Trump in the period leading up to the conflict, preventing a ‘robust debate’ on the matter.

    Despite the brewing investigation and public friction, Kent stated that his personal relationship with Trump remained intact, characterizing their final conversation as ‘great’ and suggesting they ‘departed personally on good terms.’ Kent, who twice failed to secure a congressional seat, was initially nominated by Trump and confirmed to lead the National Counterterrorism Center in July 2025.