Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • 10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S Philippines

    10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S Philippines

    Rescue operations continue in the southern Philippines as authorities search for ten missing individuals following the sinking of the inter-island ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. The vessel, which capsized early Monday in waters off Basilan province, was carrying 344 passengers and crew according to revised figures released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday.

    The maritime disaster has claimed 18 confirmed lives while rescue teams have successfully recovered 316 survivors from the treacherous waters. The Coast Guard adjusted initial passenger counts downward from 359 after verification revealed 15 individuals listed on boarding manifests never actually embarked on the ill-fated voyage.

    Coast guard personnel were photographed attending to survivors in the aftermath of the tragedy, providing emergency medical care and transportation to safety. The incident represents one of the most significant maritime accidents in the region in recent years, raising questions about safety protocols for inter-island transportation in the Philippine archipelago.

    The sinking occurred in a region known for challenging maritime conditions, though the exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation. Search and recovery operations continue with coast guard assets deployed across the affected area, working against time and weather conditions to locate the remaining missing persons.

  • S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    South Korean officials have stated they have received no formal communication from Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s announced plan to increase tariffs on select South Korean goods from 15% to 25%. The presidential office in Seoul confirmed this lack of official notification on Tuesday, following Trump’s Monday declaration.

    In response to the potential economic measure, South Korea is mobilizing its diplomatic and trade resources. An interagency meeting is scheduled to convene later today to coordinate the government’s approach. Furthermore, Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan, currently concluding an official visit to Canada, will extend his travel itinerary to include the United States for urgent discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

    President Trump justified the proposed tariff escalation by accusing the South Korean legislature of failing to enact a previously agreed bilateral trade pact. This development threatens to destabilize recent trade accommodations between the two nations.

    According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, a foundation for this agreement was established during the October summit in Gyeongju. A resulting joint fact sheet outlined a compromise: The United States would reduce tariffs on South Korean products, including automobiles, contingent upon South Korea committing to $350 billion in investments within the US. A subsequent memorandum, signed on November 14, detailed that these tariff reductions would be applied retroactively from the first day of the month in which the relevant implementation legislation was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly.

    The ruling Democratic Party did submit the required special bill on US investment on November 26. Honoring the agreement, the US retroactively lowered tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15% effective December 4. The announced tariff hike appears to reverse this recent progress, creating fresh uncertainty in US-South Korea trade relations.

  • China’s social security funds post 10-trillion-yuan balance at end of 2025

    China’s social security funds post 10-trillion-yuan balance at end of 2025

    China’s social security framework has achieved a monumental financial milestone, with official data revealing a collective balance of 10.2 trillion yuan (approximately $1.46 trillion) across key insurance programs by the conclusion of 2025. This substantial reserve encompasses the nation’s basic pension schemes, unemployment insurance, and work-related injury compensation systems.

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security disclosed these figures on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, highlighting the robust financial health of China’s social safety net. In a parallel development, the ministry reported that professionally managed basic pension funds have surpassed 2.98 trillion yuan through investment entrustment programs, demonstrating sophisticated financial stewardship of public reserves.

    This financial achievement represents a significant strengthening of China’s social welfare infrastructure, providing enhanced security for millions of workers and retirees nationwide. The substantial fund balance indicates successful long-term planning and management of social insurance resources, ensuring sustainable support for citizens facing retirement, unemployment, or workplace injuries.

    The growth trajectory of these funds reflects China’s continuing economic stability and strategic fiscal policies aimed at maintaining comprehensive social protection systems. This financial buffer becomes increasingly critical as demographic shifts and economic transitions present new challenges to social welfare programs globally.

  • Australia swelters in a record heat wave as temperatures near 50 C

    Australia swelters in a record heat wave as temperatures near 50 C

    Australia’s southeastern regions endured unprecedented extreme heat on Tuesday as temperatures approached the 50°C threshold (122°F), creating hazardous conditions across Victoria state. Preliminary recordings from rural monitoring stations in Hopetoun and Walpeup indicated highs of 48.9°C (120°F), potentially surpassing the historic temperatures recorded during Victoria’s catastrophic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that claimed 173 lives.

    While no heat-related fatalities were reported Tuesday, emergency authorities remained on high alert as three separate bushfires burned uncontrolled across the state. Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, narrowly missed breaking its all-time temperature record, but the urban heat effect transformed the typically bustling Australian Open venue into a near-deserted landscape.

    The extreme conditions forced tournament organizers to implement comprehensive heat safety protocols. Matches on exposed outer courts were postponed while the retractable roofs on primary arenas remained closed throughout the day. During the quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic—the final contest held under direct sunlight—both athletes utilized ice packs and portable cooling devices during breaks to combat the oppressive conditions.

    Event staff provided photographers with specialized heat-protection equipment, including insulated cushions for hot seating surfaces and protective towels to prevent camera malfunction and hand burns. Spectators congregated around massive misting stations and climate-controlled indoor areas, contributing to a dramatic attendance drop from Monday’s 50,000 visitors to just 21,000 on Tuesday.

    The current heatwave represents the latest in a series of extreme temperature events during Australia’s record-breaking summer, with previous records from the destructive 2019 bushfire season already being exceeded in New South Wales and South Australia earlier this week. Meteorological services predict gradual temperature moderation beginning Wednesday, though elevated heat conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.

  • China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    The Chinese government is formulating comprehensive policy measures to mitigate artificial intelligence’s disruptive impact on employment markets while harnessing technological advancements for economic growth. According to announcements from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, these forthcoming documents will establish frameworks for workforce adaptation during the AI transition period.

    The strategic initiative addresses growing concerns about automation’s potential to displace workers across multiple sectors. Rather than resisting technological progress, the policy approach emphasizes creating synergies between AI development and employment stability. The ministry’s announcement indicates China will pursue balanced development where technological innovation complements rather than replaces human workers.

    Key components of the policy package include retraining programs for vulnerable occupations, incentives for companies that combine AI implementation with workforce expansion, and social protection measures for workers during transition periods. The government is particularly focused on developing new employment opportunities that emerge alongside AI technologies, ensuring that productivity gains benefit both businesses and employees.

    This proactive stance reflects China’s broader strategy of managing technological disruption through policy intervention. The ministry emphasized that while AI presents challenges, it also creates new categories of jobs and industries that will require strategic preparation and workforce development. The policy documents will provide guidelines for educational institutions, private enterprises, and local governments to collaboratively address the employment implications of AI adoption.

    The timing of this announcement coincides with accelerated AI integration across China’s manufacturing, service, and technology sectors, making workforce planning an urgent governmental priority.

  • Why more property buyers are choosing Sharjah for second homes

    Why more property buyers are choosing Sharjah for second homes

    Sharjah’s real estate market is experiencing a significant transformation as GCC nationals increasingly select the emirate for their secondary residences. According to industry executives, this trend is driven by Sharjah’s exceptional market stability and consistent capital appreciation rates, which outperform neighboring markets.

    Recent data from the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department reveals substantial investment activity, with GCC nationals channeling Dh3.4 billion into 2,055 properties throughout the previous year, positioning them among the top investor demographics.

    Lamia Al Jewaied, Head of Studies and Research Bureau at the Registration Department, noted a noticeable influx of GCC nationals and tourists who now perceive Sharjah as an ideal location for secondary homes. “The affordability factor, particularly in developments like Al Mamsha, serves as a primary motivator for these investment decisions,” she explained during an interview at the recently concluded Acres 2026 exhibition.

    The emirate’s property market has demonstrated robust performance with price appreciations ranging between 10-12% last year, with projections indicating similar growth patterns for the current year.

    Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), confirmed the emirate’s growing appeal among GCC investors. This sentiment was echoed by Noreen Nasralla, Senior Vice President for Marketing Strategy and Branding at Alef Group, who highlighted the market’s evolution toward more end-users and serious investors rather than speculative buyers.

    A notable development in Sharjah’s real estate landscape involves the expansion of waterfront properties following legislative changes that permit all nationalities to purchase freehold properties in designated communities. Abdullah Al Zarouni, Director of the Real Estate Transactions unit, reported over ten new waterfront projects registered during 2024-2025.

    Industry experts emphasize that waterfront developments represent particularly valuable investments due to their limited supply and high demand. George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of Al Thuriah Real Estate Group, noted that these properties maintain strong investment value, deliver superior rental returns, and offer enhanced liquidity upon resale. Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, added that coastal tourism initiatives further amplify the economic and real estate value of these waterfront developments.

  • University of Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils the School of Space Exploration

    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils the School of Space Exploration

    In a significant advancement for China’s space education infrastructure, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences officially inaugurated its groundbreaking School of Space Exploration in Beijing on Tuesday. This specialized institution represents a strategic initiative to develop elite talent for the nation’s rapidly expanding space program.

    The newly established school will function as an interdisciplinary hub integrating aerospace engineering, astrophysics, planetary science, and space technology development. Its curriculum is designed to address the complex challenges of contemporary space exploration, including satellite technology, deep space missions, and sustainable space infrastructure.

    This educational initiative aligns with China’s ambitious space agenda, which has recently achieved remarkable milestones including lunar sample return missions, the construction of the Tiangong space station, and planned crewed missions to the Moon. The school will leverage the extensive research capabilities of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, providing students with access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from leading space scientists.

    The establishment of this specialized institution responds to growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the global space sector, which has expanded beyond government programs to include commercial space ventures and international collaborative projects. Educational analysts note that this represents China’s commitment to developing domestic expertise rather than relying on foreign-trained specialists.

    The school’s inaugural class will include graduate and doctoral students selected through competitive admission processes, with programs emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application through research partnerships with China’s space industry leaders.

  • Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    In a significant national address, senior Communist Party of China official Cai Qi has articulated a comprehensive vision for advancing social work development through strengthened Party mechanisms. The high-level meeting convened in Beijing on January 26, 2026, brought together social work department leadership from across the nation to coordinate governance strategies.

    Cai Qi, who holds dual positions on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the critical importance of pursuing a distinctly Chinese approach to social governance. The address outlined several key priorities for development, including the substantial improvement of social governance frameworks and the refinement of institutional mechanisms governing social work practices.

    A central theme emerged around expanding Party influence within emerging economic sectors and new forms of employment. The official stressed the necessity of enhancing organizational coverage and Party work within these dynamic areas, particularly focusing on new economic and social organizations. This expansion aims to bolster the Party’s inspirational capacity and strengthen its cohesive influence among rapidly evolving workforce demographics.

    Additionally, the address highlighted the imperative of constructing efficient governance systems that foster vitality at primary operational levels. This grassroots emphasis signals a recognition that effective social work implementation requires robust foundational structures capable of responding to local needs while maintaining alignment with national strategic objectives.

    The meeting represents part of ongoing efforts to modernize China’s social governance capabilities while maintaining the Party’s guiding role across all sectors of society.

  • Senior Chinese official urges steady, sustained sci-tech progress

    Senior Chinese official urges steady, sustained sci-tech progress

    In a significant national address, China’s top science official Ding Xuexiang has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the country’s technological future, emphasizing the critical need for sustained progress and self-reliance in scientific capabilities. Speaking at Monday’s National Conference on Science and Technology in Beijing, the senior official who directs China’s Central Science and Technology Commission called for comprehensive strengthening of the nation’s innovation ecosystem.

    Ding, who also serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee, highlighted the remarkable achievements during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), noting that scientific innovation has become a strategic pillar supporting the country’s modernization drive while comprehensively enabling high-quality development.

    The official emphasized several key priorities including bolstering fundamental research capabilities, enhancing China’s autonomous innovation capacity, and improving basic conditions for scientific research. Ding specifically called for leveraging strategic scientific and technological strengths while simultaneously deepening international collaboration in science and technology.

    A central focus of the address was the integration of technological innovation with industrial advancement. Ding urged strengthening the leading role of enterprises in innovation, accelerating the establishment of a science and technology financial system, and improving guidance for developing new quality productive forces.

    The human capital dimension featured prominently in the speech, with Ding stressing the importance of expanding China’s science and engineering talent pool and advancing the construction of international sci-tech innovation centers. This comprehensive approach signals China’s commitment to building a robust, self-reliant scientific ecosystem that can compete globally while maintaining international cooperation.

  • Guangdong aims to accelerate innovation

    Guangdong aims to accelerate innovation

    Guangdong Province, China’s economic powerhouse, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to establish itself as a globally influential hub for industrial and technological innovation. Governor Meng Fanli announced the plan during the provincial legislative meeting in Guangzhou, outlining a comprehensive approach to strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem throughout 2026.

    The strategy centers on accelerating development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an international science and technology innovation center, complemented by the establishment of a comprehensive national science center. The provincial government plans to attract additional national key laboratories while simultaneously expanding innovation platforms that provide public and semi-public services through collaborative efforts between universities, research institutions, and private enterprises.

    A fundamental component of Guangdong’s innovation push involves reinforcing enterprises as primary drivers of technological advancement. The province will align innovation resources—including platforms, projects, talent, and funding—with business needs, empowering companies to lead decision-making processes, research investments, and result transformation initiatives.

    Strategic focus will target breakthrough technologies across entire industrial chains, with particular emphasis on quantum technology, brain science and brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, integrated circuits, advanced materials, and biomanufacturing.

    The innovation drive builds upon impressive economic foundations. Guangdong’s regional GDP grew by 3.9% in 2025, maintaining its position as China’s top-performing province for the 37th consecutive year. Recent developments include the establishment of cutting-edge research facilities: a new materials science institute in Dongguan, a neutrino experiment station in Jiangmen, and a high-intensity heavy ion accelerator in Huizhou.

    Notably, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster has ascended to global leadership status. Eleven Guangdong-based companies now rank among the world’s top 100 publicly listed humanoid robot firms, while the province’s low-altitude economy has achieved substantial scale with 20.61 million recorded flights.

    During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Guangdong established six national manufacturing innovation centers and three national industrial innovation centers. The province dominates numerous industrial sectors, accounting for over 10% of national output in 44 of 104 published industrial product categories.

    The innovation platform model has demonstrated remarkable success in regional transformation. The Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory in Shantou has cultivated nine scientist-entrepreneurs and incubated ten high-tech enterprises. Researcher Dong Zhengya, who launched his own venture in 2022, exemplifies this transformation. His company developed pioneering microfluidics and ultrasonic microfluidic technology platforms, delivering comprehensive solutions for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and fine chemicals industries. The enterprise has achieved exceptional growth exceeding 120% annually over three years and anticipates public listing within five years.

    Furthermore, the laboratory has collaborated with Shantou’s textile and apparel association to establish an innovation center addressing technological challenges in traditional industries. Breakthroughs in nano-antibacterial materials for nylon melt spinning have significantly enhanced the competitiveness of local textile products. Similar partnerships with the toy industry provide technical support for material research, product modification, and intelligent production—critical advancements for sectors where Shantou produces nearly half of China’s underwear/loungewear and 70% of plastic toys.