Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • XDC Network hosts ADFW leaders’ as institutions accelerate blockchain adoption

    XDC Network hosts ADFW leaders’ as institutions accelerate blockchain adoption

    Abu Dhabi has emerged as the epicenter for institutional blockchain integration as XDC Network, in collaboration with Zodia Markets, convened an exclusive gathering of financial titans during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW). The private luncheon, titled “Capital OnChain,” assembled senior representatives from Citi, State Street, Coinbase, Circle, Galaxy, Bitgo, Standard Chartered, and other leading institutions to advance strategic dialogues on distributed ledger technology.

    The closed-door forum facilitated candid discussions on three critical industry priorities: enhancing cross-border settlement efficiency, overcoming institutional adoption barriers, and developing frameworks for real-world asset tokenization. This high-level convergence signals a significant acceleration in blending traditional finance with blockchain infrastructure.

    Atul Khekade, Co-Founder of XDC Network, emphasized the transformative momentum: “The integration of distributed ledger technology into global capital markets requires precisely this type of collaborative environment where major institutions and blockchain innovators can forge essential partnerships.”

    Hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ADFW has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of global financial leadership, attracting institutions managing over $42 trillion in assets. The event featured participation from regulatory bodies including VARA, alongside prominent market participants such as Brevan Howard, Further Ventures, DRW, Selini Capital, and 3iQ Corp.

    Industry participants highlighted the UAE’s evolution into a global digital asset hub, underpinned by ADGM’s clear regulatory frameworks and strong governmental support for financial innovation. The discussions reflected a growing institutional shift toward on-chain finance solutions that promise enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and innovative financial product development.

    The consensus among attendees confirmed that such exclusive forums are instrumental in accelerating blockchain adoption within traditional finance, positioning infrastructure platforms like XDC Network as foundational elements in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.

  • NGOs condemn UN agreement with Saudi security chief implicated in Khashoggi murder

    NGOs condemn UN agreement with Saudi security chief implicated in Khashoggi murder

    Human rights organizations Alqst and MENA Rights Group have formally protested to the United Nations regarding its counterterrorism office’s controversial partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia’s security apparatus, led by an official implicated in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    In a letter addressed to Alexandre Zouev, the UN’s acting undersecretary general for counterterrorism, the groups expressed “profound alarm” over the memorandum of understanding signed between the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) and Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of State Security (PSS) during Zouev’s recent visit to Riyadh.

    The agreement was signed with PSS chief Abdulaziz al-Howairini, whom a UN investigation by former Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard directly linked to the 2018 Istanbul consulate murder of the Washington Post columnist. US intelligence agencies believe Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman authorized the assassination.

    Callamard’s definitive report documented how Saudi state security officials coordinated all aspects of the operation, including private jet travel and accommodations for the assassination team. Additional reporting by The Guardian in December 2021 placed Howairini at luxury Riyadh villas housing individuals charged with Khashoggi’s murder.

    The rights organizations revealed they had previously urged Zouev’s office to adhere to UN principles and international law before finalizing any agreement, receiving only generic responses that ignored their specific concerns. Three weeks later, the UN signed the partnership despite its own human rights due diligence policy requiring assessment of potential support to security forces implicated in violations.

    Tanya Boulakovski of MENA Rights Group stated the agreement “formalizes a partnership with a state security apparatus responsible for widely documented human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance of peaceful dissidents.”

    Saudi Arabia has repeatedly been accused of weaponizing counterterrorism legislation to suppress dissent through executions, torture, and political imprisonment. UN human rights experts have extensively documented these violations across multiple committees and special rapporteurs.

    In a concerning development, Saudi Arabia was additionally selected to chair a new working group on “countering terrorist travel” despite its systematic use of travel bans against human rights defenders and their families, as exemplified by women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul and her parents.

  • US sanctions two ICC judges for rejecting Israel’s appeal against Gaza investigation

    US sanctions two ICC judges for rejecting Israel’s appeal against Gaza investigation

    The United States has intensified its confrontation with the International Criminal Court by imposing sanctions on two additional judges involved in the Gaza war crimes investigation. Judges Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, both members of the ICC’s appeals chamber, were targeted following their recent decision to reject Israel’s appeal against the investigation into alleged crimes in Gaza post-October 2023.

    This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the Trump administration and the international judicial body. The sanctioned judges were part of the majority that dismissed Israel’s arguments challenging the validity of the investigation that previously resulted in arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement condemning what he characterized as “politicized actions targeting Israel” that “set a dangerous precedent for all nations.” The statement emphasized Washington’s rejection of the court’s jurisdiction over US and Israeli nationals and promised “significant and tangible consequences” for what it termed ICC “lawfare and overreach.”

    The sanctions have created substantial practical difficulties for affected officials, including frozen assets, travel bans, and exclusion from global financial systems. Peruvian judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza, previously sanctioned for her role in the Afghanistan investigation, revealed the personal impact including inability to use credit cards, banking systems utilizing US dollars, or money transfer services like Western Union.

    Despite these measures, ICC officials remain resolute. Judge Carranza stated that the sanctions have actually strengthened judicial solidarity, noting that “we are more united than ever” in maintaining their independence and continuing their duties.

    The legal foundation of the investigation traces back to Palestine’s 2018 referral, with the ICC initiating formal proceedings in 2021. Since November 2023, seven additional nations—South Africa, Bangladesh, Comoros, Bolivia, Djibouti, Chile, and Mexico—have filed separate referrals supporting the investigation.

    Israel’s appeal centered on procedural arguments, claiming the prosecutor should have issued fresh notifications after the new referrals pursuant to Article 18(1) of the Rome Statute. The appeals chamber unanimously determined that the original 2021 notification adequately covered subsequent developments, including post-October 2023 events, making additional notifications unnecessary.

    The ICC has implemented confidential countermeasures to protect its operations from sanction impacts, though specific details remain undisclosed to preserve their effectiveness. With these latest sanctions, all but one member of the appeals chamber (Judge Tomoko Akane of Japan) now face US restrictions, creating unprecedented challenges for international justice mechanisms.

  • UAE was secret buyer of billion dollar Israeli defence deal: Report

    UAE was secret buyer of billion dollar Israeli defence deal: Report

    France-based Intelligence Online has identified the United Arab Emirates as the previously undisclosed customer in a monumental $2.3 billion defense agreement with Israel’s Elbit Systems, originally announced in November. The eight-year contract represents one of the most significant arms deals between the two nations since normalizing relations through the Abraham Accords.

    The procurement centers on Elbit’s advanced J-Music aircraft protection system, which employs cutting-edge laser technology to neutralize surface-to-air missile sensors targeting both civil and military aircraft. This sophisticated electronic defense capability substantially enhances the UAE’s aerial security infrastructure.

    Despite Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza—actions characterized by numerous Arab leaders and UN experts as genocidal—the UAE has maintained its defense cooperation with Israeli firms. This stance distinguishes Abu Dhabi from neighboring Gulf states, with analysts noting the Emirates’ willingness to disrupt regional consensus regarding Israel.

    The partnership extends beyond Elbit Systems to include collaborations with Emirati state-owned defense conglomerate Edge, which has actively pursued Israeli technology partnerships even during the Gaza conflict. In November 2021, Edge partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop unmanned vessels for anti-submarine warfare, and recently acquired a 30% stake in Israeli drone detection specialist Thirdeye Systems.

    This deepening military relationship has drawn attention in Washington, where officials express concern over the UAE’s simultaneous strengthening of defense ties with China. The Gulf nation recently conducted its third joint air force drill with China, while US intelligence assessments indicate continued Chinese military presence at Abu Dhabi facilities potentially serving dual purposes.

    The convergence of Israeli technology transfer and Emirati-Chinese military cooperation creates complex geopolitical considerations for US policymakers, particularly regarding the potential diversion of advanced defense systems to strategic competitors.

  • Runs aplenty: New Zealand declares at 575 and West Indies 110-0 after Day 2 of the 3rd test

    Runs aplenty: New Zealand declares at 575 and West Indies 110-0 after Day 2 of the 3rd test

    MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand — Devon Conway delivered a masterclass in test cricket batting, smashing an extraordinary 227 runs to propel New Zealand to a formidable 575-8 before declaring on day two of the third test against the West Indies. This monumental innings marked Conway’s second test double century, surpassing his previous highest score of 200 made during his debut test at Lord’s in 2021.

    The left-handed batsman’s marathon effort spanned 508 minutes at the crease, facing 367 deliveries and striking 31 boundaries. His dominant performance formed the cornerstone of New Zealand’s imposing total, which included a massive 323-run opening partnership with Tom Latham, who contributed 145 on the opening day.

    Despite the daunting target and challenging light conditions, West Indies openers responded with remarkable aggression, racing to 110 without loss in just 23 overs before stumps. Brandon King led the charge with an unbeaten 55 from 63 balls, while John Campbell remained not out on 45, showcasing the visitors’ fighting spirit.

    The match situation intensified as West Indies faced bowling limitations with spearhead Kemar Roach sidelined by a hamstring injury and batsman Shai Hope absent due to illness. Justin Greaves emerged as the most effective West Indies bowler, claiming 2-83 from 29 overs.

    New Zealand’s declaration strategy nearly backfired as their pace attack struggled with inconsistent lengths, allowing the West Indies openers to score freely. Zak Foulkes proved particularly expensive, conceding 39 runs from just six overs.

    Rachin Ravindra, who remained unbeaten on 72 with six fours and two sixes, acknowledged the challenge ahead: ‘We would have liked a wicket at the end but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. They both batted well and showed the ability to punish when we missed.’

    The match continues with New Zealand leading the three-match series 1-0 after drawing the first test and securing a nine-wicket victory in the second.

  • Dubai alerts residents to avoid stepping out unless ‘necessary’ till Friday noon

    Dubai alerts residents to avoid stepping out unless ‘necessary’ till Friday noon

    Dubai authorities have escalated emergency preparedness measures as meteorological forecasts indicate deteriorating weather conditions across the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Police Department has issued an official directive strongly advising residents to refrain from non-essential outdoor activities until Friday at noon due to anticipated severe weather patterns.

    Meteorological authorities project rapid weather deterioration within hours, with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) activating a yellow alert status effective until 4:00 PM Friday. The warning specifically identifies western and coastal regions, including Fujairah, as high-risk zones for intense precipitation and electrical storms. Concurrently, powerful winds are forecast to generate substantial dust and sand dispersion, significantly compromising horizontal visibility across affected areas.

    Temperature metrics are expected to drop considerably, with Abu Dhabi anticipating ranges between 17°C and 22°C, while Dubai and Sharjah may experience temperatures of 16-23°C and 15-21°C respectively. This thermal decrease accompanies the predicted precipitation events, creating potentially hazardous conditions for transportation and outdoor activities.

    The advisory emerges within a broader context of regional emergency preparedness initiatives, including recent cancellations of public gatherings such as the Simbang Gabi event originally scheduled for Thursday. These precautionary measures reflect enhanced coordination between meteorological services and civil protection agencies aiming to minimize weather-related risks to public safety and infrastructure.

    Authorities continue to monitor atmospheric developments closely, with digital communication channels remaining active for real-time updates. The coordinated response demonstrates the UAE’s evolving emergency management protocols designed to address increasingly volatile weather patterns in the region.

  • Cambodia counts the cost of its border war with Thailand

    Cambodia counts the cost of its border war with Thailand

    The simmering border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into its most destructive phase in decades, with mounting casualties and infrastructure damage revealing the stark asymmetry between the two Southeast Asian nations. At Mongkol Borei hospital in northwestern Cambodia, the human cost is painfully visible as medical staff treat soldiers with catastrophic injuries from sustained artillery exchanges and airstrikes.

    Dr. Sar Chanraksmey, an anesthetist at the facility, displayed graphic images of blast injuries on his trembling phone while pleading for international attention. ‘My heart aches,’ he told reporters. ‘Please tell the world we just want peace.’

    The current hostilities, which resumed on December 7th, represent the second major outbreak of violence in six months and have already surpassed July’s five-day conflict in both duration and destructiveness. The fighting centers on disputed forested hilltops along the 800-kilometer border, but has expanded to include strategic bombing campaigns deep inside Cambodian territory.

    Thailand’s military superiority has proven decisive. With Cambodia possessing limited air defenses and no meaningful air force, Thai F-16 jets have conducted bombing runs with impunity. A key Chinese-built bridge over the Me Teuk river in Pursat province now bears a 20-meter gap where Thai bombs struck, severing a vital transportation link between Cambodia’s southern border regions and the interior.

    The human toll appears dramatically lopsided. While Thailand acknowledges 21 military fatalities, estimates suggest Cambodian losses number in the hundreds—a disparity underscoring Thailand’s better-equipped armed forces. Civilian displacement has reached crisis levels, with approximately 480,000 Cambodians uprooted from their homes and over 700,000 migrant workers returning from Thailand amid rising hostility.

    The economic impact continues to deepen with the complete cessation of the $5 billion annual border trade. Meanwhile, Thailand has strategically targeted casino complexes associated with Cambodia’s lucrative scam industry, exploiting what international observers see as a vulnerability in Cambodia’s moral standing.

    Diplomatic efforts have stalled against Thailand’s hardened position. Prime Minister Auntin Chanvirakul has rejected ceasefire appeals from both Cambodia and international mediators including former President Trump, stating bluntly: ‘We don’t have to listen to anyone.’ Thai military commanders insist fighting must continue until Cambodia ‘no longer poses a threat on the border.’

    The conflict’s roots extend beyond the 120-year territorial dispute. Thailand remains embittered by what it perceives as Cambodian provocation, including leaked diplomatic communications by Cambodian leader Hun Sen that contributed to the collapse of Thailand’s previous government, and allegations that Cambodian forces laid landmines during the July ceasefire.

    With Thailand facing elections in February and nationalist sentiments surging on both sides, the prospects for near-term de-escalation appear dim. Both nations have embraced familiar narratives—Cambodia playing the victim seeking international intervention, Thailand positioning itself as the bully enforcing regional stability—but the amplification of these stereotypes through social media has created unprecedented public animosity that constrains diplomatic flexibility.

  • Visa-free measures spur surge in visitors

    Visa-free measures spur surge in visitors

    China’s tourism landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation following the implementation of its expanded visa-free transit policy, with official statistics revealing unprecedented growth in foreign arrivals. According to the National Immigration Administration, China welcomed approximately 40.6 million foreign nationals through its ports in the past year, representing a substantial 27.2% year-on-year increase.

    The cornerstone of this tourism boom is the optimized 240-hour visa-free transit policy, officially launched on December 17, 2024. This comprehensive policy unified and extended previous 72-hour and 144-hour transit options, now permitting citizens from 55 eligible countries to stay for up to 10 days without a visa. The program encompasses 65 open ports across 24 provincial regions, with Indonesia joining the list of eligible countries on June 12, 2025, and five additional ports incorporated on November 5.

    Major metropolitan centers have witnessed extraordinary uptake of the policy. Beijing recorded over 3.4 million foreign arrivals, with 55% utilizing visa-free transit. Shanghai saw nearly 5.35 million inbound foreign visitors, 56% benefiting from the policy, while Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport processed more than 3.2 million foreign entries, with over 57% opting for visa-free transit.

    Infrastructure enhancements have been crucial to managing the increased traffic. Transportation hubs have implemented “one-stop processing” and online declaration services, with Beijing reducing average waiting times by 15 minutes per traveler. Multilingual service teams now provide guidance and consultation services throughout major ports.

    The policy’s impact extends beyond tourism, significantly improving China’s business environment by allowing sufficient time for commercial inspections, negotiations, and conferences. Arjun Dev Grover, an American traveler, shared his experience: “This is perfect—it’s too good to be true. Since my stay in China was under 10 days, I didn’t have to pay anything for the application process.” He particularly noted China’s modern infrastructure, friendly locals, and safe, clean environment.

    Data from Qunar.com reveals that bookings by foreign passport holders increased by 20% year-on-year in 2025, covering 175 destination cities. Smaller municipalities like Datong in Shanxi province and Yichun in Jiangxi province experienced over 300% growth in foreign visitors. Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States emerged as top source countries.

    Veteran tour guide Zeng Liangliang, with 20 years of experience in Xiamen, confirmed that foreign tourist numbers have “surged multiple times” in major cities, with increasing numbers arriving for family visits and conferences, signaling a broad-based positive impact on China’s tourism and business sectors.

  • ‘We are not from Bangladesh, we are Indian. Why did they do this to us?’

    ‘We are not from Bangladesh, we are Indian. Why did they do this to us?’

    A pregnant Indian woman’s ordeal has exposed alarming practices in India’s immigration enforcement, raising serious questions about due process and human rights protections. Sunali Khatun, 25, returned to India earlier this month after being forcibly deported to Bangladesh with her family in June, despite claiming Indian citizenship throughout the process.

    The domestic worker from West Bengal was detained in Delhi alongside her husband, Danish Sheikh, and their eight-year-old son. Authorities accused them of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and proceeded with deportation without verifying their claims with their home state—a violation of standard protocol according to West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board chairman Samirul Islam.

    Khatun’s case represents hundreds of similar incidents occurring in recent months. While Delhi hasn’t released official deportation statistics, Bangladeshi government sources indicated over 1,200 people were ‘illegally pushed in’ during May alone, coinciding with an All India Radio report documenting approximately 700 deportations from Delhi that same month.

    The family endured more than 100 days in a Bangladeshi prison under harsh conditions. Khatun describes inadequate food for her pregnancy and cells without proper sanitation facilities. ‘I was scared because it was just my son and me. All we did was cry,’ she recounts.

    India’s Supreme Court eventually intervened on humanitarian grounds, permitting Khatun and her son to return while her citizenship undergoes investigation. Her husband remains in Bangladesh, released on bail but separated from his family. Their seven-year-old daughter was left behind in India during the initial detention, creating additional trauma.

    Khatun alleges disturbing details about their forced removal: after detention by Delhi police, they were flown to the India-Bangladesh border and ‘pushed’ across by Border Security Force personnel into dense forest terrain. When they attempted to re-enter India using routes suggested by locals, BSF guards allegedly beat members of their group and returned them to the forest.

    The case has sparked significant political controversy, with the West Bengal government accusing the federal Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration of conducting deportations without cause. Rights activists note a concerning pattern suggesting these actions disproportionately target Bengali-speaking Muslims, despite the cultural and linguistic similarities between West Bengal and Bangladesh that have historically facilitated migration across their porous 4,096-kilometer border.

    Khatun now lives with her parents in West Bengal, anxious about her husband’s situation and uncertain how she will support her two children and impending newborn. ‘We may not make enough money to eat three square meals if we live here,’ she acknowledges, ‘but I will never go back to Delhi.’

    The Supreme Court continues to hear her case as questions mount about India’s deportation practices and their compliance with human rights standards.

  • Spotlight on Bhupat Seemar as Meydan gears up for Festive Friday

    Spotlight on Bhupat Seemar as Meydan gears up for Festive Friday

    The Meydan Racecourse launches its 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival with a spectacular Festive Friday event, blending elite thoroughbred competition with holiday celebrations. This meeting marks the first of three themed race nights leading into a landmark 2026 season that will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup, among the globe’s most prestigious flat races.

    Featuring nine high-stakes races worth over $30.5 million in total prize money, the evening offers crucial insights for the March 28 World Cup meeting while providing festive entertainment for both casual spectators and racing purists. Emaar, the UAE’s premier property developer and pillar partner of the Dubai Racing Carnival, sponsors the entire race card.

    The centerpiece event is the Dh1 million Al Maktoum Mile (G2), a one-mile dirt contest renowned for producing Dubai World Cup contenders. This year’s edition features an unprecedented participation from former two-time UAE champion trainer Bhupat Seemar, who saddles eight of the 13 runners—the highest number ever fielded by a single trainer in the race’s three-decade history. Seemar’s contingent includes Imperial Emperor, a G2 Al Maktoum Classic winner who progressed to last season’s Dubai World Cup, along with promising runners Mendelsson Bay, Killer Collect, and Kentucky Derby participant West Saratoga.

    Challengers to Seemar’s dominance include proven Group 1 winner King Gold, last year’s Godolphin Mile runner-up, and defending champion Meshtri attempting to become only the second horse to achieve back-to-back victories in this contest.

    The turf feature is the Dh850,000 Al Rashidiya (G2), serving as an early indicator for the G1 $5 million Dubai Turf on World Cup night. Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, a five-time winner of this race, fields a powerful trio including the highly-regarded Opera Ballo, four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride, and Meydan-proven First Conquest. They face international competition from Irish raider Chicago Critic and French Group winner Caramelito in what promises to be a tactical 1800-meter contest.

    For newcomers, Festive Friday provides an ideal introduction to Dubai’s world-class racing scene, featuring a mix of Group 1, Group 2, and Listed contests that showcase both established champions and emerging talent.