Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China launches remote-sensing satellite for Algeria

    China launches remote-sensing satellite for Algeria

    China has marked a significant advancement in international space collaboration with the successful orbital deployment of Algeria’s AlSat-3A remote-sensing satellite. The mission utilized a Long March 2C carrier rocket that launched precisely at 12:01 pm on Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

    Operated by China Great Wall Industry, the overseas commercial branch of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the launch represents the first delivery under a bilateral space agreement signed in July 2023. The comprehensive contract encompasses the provision of two optical remote-sensing satellites to Algeria along with complete ground systems, specialized training, and technical support services.

    The newly deployed AlSat-3A satellite, engineered by the China Academy of Space Technology (a CASC subsidiary), features advanced imaging capabilities designed to support critical applications including territorial planning, agricultural monitoring, and disaster management through high-resolution data collection.

    This achievement builds upon previous Sino-Algerian space cooperation, notably the 2017 launch of the Alcomsat-1 communications satellite. The Long March 2C vehicle responsible for the deployment measures 43 meters in length with a 3.35-meter diameter, capable of delivering payloads to both low-Earth and sun-synchronous orbits with a lift-off mass of 242.5 metric tons.

    The mission represents the 626th launch within the Long March rocket family and China’s third orbital launch of 2026, demonstrating the country’s growing capabilities in the global space technology market.

  • Tomorrow World and OCTA Properties announce strategic partnership

    Tomorrow World and OCTA Properties announce strategic partnership

    In a significant move within Dubai’s competitive property sector, Tomorrow World Real Estate Development has entered into a strategic partnership with OCTA Properties. This collaboration, formalized through an official signing ceremony on January 15, 2026, aims to revolutionize residential and commercial real estate development across the emirate.

    The alliance brings together Tomorrow World’s design-driven development expertise, rooted in the Tomorrow World Group’s two-decade legacy, with OCTA Properties’ expanding footprint in the UAE real estate market. The partnership will initially focus on a prime waterfront plot within the prestigious Dubai Islands development, featuring approximately 132 branded residential units alongside premium retail spaces along the marina promenade.

    Yuan Zhou, Operation Director of Tomorrow World, emphasized the philosophical alignment between the two organizations: “Our partnership with OCTA Properties strengthens our dedication to creating timeless yet future-ready destinations. The principle of ‘Creating today’s life with tomorrow’ informs every aspect of our development process, from land acquisition strategy to design integrity.”

    The collaboration will concentrate on development management of Tomorrow World’s substantial portfolio, which includes 10 fully owned plots (eight within Dubai Islands) and a development pipeline exceeding Dh8 billion in projected gross development value. More than 20 projects are scheduled between 2026 and 2028, targeting high-potential corridors throughout Dubai.

    Fawaz Sous, CEO of OCTA Properties, noted the synergistic benefits: “This partnership enables us to combine our ambitions with a team that shares our commitment to purposeful, human-centered design. Together, we can accelerate the delivery of distinctive, high-value projects in emerging districts with strong growth potential.”

    Both companies share core principles including ecosystem creation, design integrity, and practical functionality. Tomorrow World’s approach blends boutique agility with financial discipline, emphasizing sustainability-minded planning, technology-enabled living, and data-driven location analysis – values that align with OCTA’s focus on high-quality development management services.

    The partnership represents a substantial commitment to shaping future-ready communities characterized by quality construction, enhanced connectivity, and long-term value creation for residents and investors alike.

  • China reports drop in workplace accidents, fatalities in 2025

    China reports drop in workplace accidents, fatalities in 2025

    China’s workplace safety landscape demonstrated marked improvement in 2025, with official data revealing substantial reductions in both accidents and fatalities. According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, the nation recorded approximately 19,800 workplace safety incidents throughout the year, resulting in over 18,000 deaths—representing year-on-year decreases of 8.7% and 7% respectively.

    Ministry spokeswoman Shen Zhanli presented these findings during a Thursday press briefing in Beijing, highlighting the continued positive trajectory in workplace safety conditions. Notably, authorities documented nine major accidents claiming 129 lives, while reporting zero particularly catastrophic incidents throughout the year.

    The ministry simultaneously released comprehensive natural disaster statistics for 2025, identifying floods, geological disasters, earthquakes, typhoons, and wind and hail events as the most prevalent calamities. Additional occurrences included drought conditions, low-temperature and snow disasters, sandstorms, forest and grassland fires, and marine disasters.

    These natural events significantly impacted national welfare, affecting approximately 67.03 million people across China and resulting in 763 confirmed deaths or missing persons. The disasters necessitated emergency evacuation or relocation for 3.63 million individuals and generated direct economic losses totaling 241.6 billion yuan (approximately $34.4 billion).

    Chen Sheng, director of disaster relief and material support at the ministry, reported that China activated national disaster relief emergency responses 24 times throughout 2025—the highest annual frequency in nearly a decade. The central government allocated 11.3 billion yuan in disaster relief funding and distributed 560,000 essential relief items to support affected populations.

  • At Detroit auto show, spotlight dims for EVs

    At Detroit auto show, spotlight dims for EVs

    DETROIT — The roar of combustion engines and squeal of tires once again dominated the indoor test tracks at the North American International Auto Show, marking a symbolic departure from recent years when one track was reserved exclusively for electric vehicles. This year’s exhibition reflects a significant industry pivot as U.S. automakers scale back their electric ambitions in response to shifting political winds and market realities.

    The change comes amid President Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuels agenda that has reshaped America’s automotive landscape. Trump’s administration has revoked Biden-era electric vehicle sales targets, cut tax incentives for EV purchases, weakened fuel economy standards, and blocked funding for charging infrastructure nationwide. During a recent visit to Ford’s River Rouge Complex, Trump celebrated these policy changes, stating he had “ended the radical left war on oil and gas” while maintaining he still believes electric vehicles “are great.”

    Industry data reveals concerning trends beneath the surface. U.S. sales of electrified vehicles grew just 1% in 2025, compared to 17% growth in China and 33% in Europe. Pure-electric market share remained under 8% with 1.23 million units sold—a slight decline from the previous year.

    The policy shift has come at considerable cost to automakers. Ford announced $19.5 billion in charges related to electrification efforts, including ending production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning. General Motors recorded $6 billion in EV-related charges, while even market pioneer Tesla faced a challenging year.

    Industry leaders expressed deep concern about America’s competitive position. “We have to look at what we’re up against. In a word—China,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated during her address at the show. “China wants to dominate every part of auto manufacturing. They’ve captured major market share almost everywhere except the U.S. and Canada.”

    Michael Robinet, Vice President of Forecast Strategy at S&P Global Mobility, echoed these concerns: “What we worry about is how competitive will we be on the global stage as the market continues to advance around us.”

    Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned that while Trump cannot prevent the eventual dominance of electric vehicles, he “can stop America from being the leader in that technology.” Industry experts suggested that automakers should maintain development of “compelling EV offerings” despite the current policy environment to avoid falling permanently behind global competitors.

  • Tunisia: Families of political detainees form collective to unite opposition to Saied

    Tunisia: Families of political detainees form collective to unite opposition to Saied

    In a significant political development, relatives of incarcerated dissidents across Tunisia’s ideological spectrum have established a unified front demanding the release of political prisoners detained under President Kais Saied’s administration. The newly formed National Coordination for the Liberation of Political Prisoners represents an unprecedented consolidation of opposition forces that previously struggled to overcome internal divisions.\n\nThe coalition’s public announcement on January 14th carried profound symbolic weight, coinciding with the fifteenth anniversary of the revolution that ousted autocrat Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and ignited the Arab Spring movement. Organizers emphasized the continued relevance of revolutionary ideals, stating the date reflects how \”the Revolution is still present in our hearts, in our minds, and in our collective consciousness.\”\n\nProminent lawyer and activist Sana Ben Achour articulated the strategic imperative behind the coordination effort: \”Whether the detainees are left-wing or right-wing, secular or Islamist, injustice inflicts the same suffering.\” She stressed the necessity of synchronized field operations to enhance effectiveness in securing prisoner releases.\n\nSince President Saied’s 2021 power consolidation, which granted him extensive authority, Tunisia has witnessed a systematic crackdown on dissent. Numerous opposition figures, legal professionals, activists, humanitarian workers, and journalists have faced severe prison sentences through proceedings widely criticized by international human rights organizations as politically motivated.\n\nThe legal apparatus employed against dissidents includes broad interpretations of the 2015 counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering legislation, Decree 54 targeting so-called \”fake news,\” and the 2004 law on foreigners and passports—all weaponized to criminalize humanitarian assistance and suppress free expression.\n\nNotable cases include left-wing activist Ayachi Hammami, currently enduring a 43-day hunger strike following his December conviction for \”conspiracy against the state.\” Amnesty International has condemned these prosecutions as \”often based on flimsy or unsubstantiated evidence,\\” warning of the systematic erosion of revolutionary achievements.\n\nThe coalition’s formation marks a pivotal moment in Tunisia’s political landscape, bringing together diverse entities including the National Salvation Front (associated with the pre-coup Ennahda government), the Free Destourian Party, and the Tunisian Network for Rights and Freedoms. Their collective mission encompasses amplifying prisoners’ voices, providing familial support, raising public awareness, and countering state narratives that portray activism as threatening national security.\n\nOrganizers concluded with a defiant message: \”Rescuing vulnerable people, defending rights, expressing an opinion are not crimes,\” assuring detainees that the current injustice \”will not last.\”

  • Portugal temporarily closes Iran embassy, advises citizens not to travel to the country

    Portugal temporarily closes Iran embassy, advises citizens not to travel to the country

    In a significant diplomatic move reflecting escalating regional tensions, Portugal has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026, citing a “context of tension” as the primary reason for this decisive action.

    The government has concurrently issued a travel advisory strongly recommending that Portuguese nationals avoid all travel to Iranian territory. This precautionary measure comes amidst growing international concerns about stability in the region.

    According to the ministry’s disclosure, eight Portuguese citizens have already been evacuated from Iran, with additional nationals making preparations to depart. However, the statement also noted that ten other passport holders, including seven dual nationals, have chosen to remain in the country despite the advisory.

    This embassy closure, finalized on Wednesday, follows diplomatic protests lodged by Lisbon. Just a day prior, the Portuguese government had summoned Iran’s ambassador to express formal condemnation against what it described as the “violent repression of demonstrations” against the Tehran regime. During this diplomatic confrontation, Portuguese officials urged Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens.

    Further amplifying Portugal’s stance, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel utilized social media platform X to declare the nation’s readiness to support and join any European Union initiative to strengthen sanctions against Iran. This position aligns Portugal with potential coordinated international action aimed at pressuring the Iranian government.

  • From Kansas to karst: Unpacking Guangxi’s charms

    From Kansas to karst: Unpacking Guangxi’s charms

    In a remarkable transition from the flat plains of Kansas to the dramatic karst formations of Southern China, American expatriate Gabrielle Chen documents her profound encounter with Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s natural wonders. Her journey through Liuzhou, Hechi, and Guilin reveals a landscape so visually stunning it challenges perception itself.

    Chen describes Guangxi as a ‘dreamscape’ where mist-veiled mountains pierce the sky and crystalline waters create perfect mirror images of the dramatic topography. This stands in stark contrast to the familiar flat expanses of her Kansas homeland, presenting what she characterizes as nature’s most concentrated artistic achievement.

    The experiential highlight occurred during a bamboo raft excursion across Pohao Lake, where the gentle rhythm of waves synchronized with what Chen describes as a spiritual awakening. Passing beneath ancient stone bridges, she felt she was ‘looking into the Earth’s soul,’ witnessing an seamless integration of mountain, sky, and water that transcends verbal description.

    Chen’s journey included the iconic Liujiang River in Yangshuo, where she replicated the famous imagery from China’s 20 yuan banknote—a symbolic connection between representation and reality. Her account emphasizes that Guangxi’s beauty remains fundamentally un-capturable through reproduction, existing instead as a purely experiential phenomenon that must be personally encountered to be fully appreciated.

    This personal narrative emerges from China Daily’s ongoing series featuring expatriates sharing their experiences across Chinese cities and regions, highlighting cross-cultural appreciation of China’s diverse geographical wonders.

  • Iran will ‘defend itself against any foreign threat’, Araghchi tells Saudi FM

    Iran will ‘defend itself against any foreign threat’, Araghchi tells Saudi FM

    In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held urgent telephone discussions on Thursday amid escalating regional tensions. The conversation centered on potential military confrontation between Iran and the United States, with Araghchi emphasizing Tehran’s readiness to “defend itself against any foreign threat.”

    The diplomatic exchange occurred as Washington continues to contemplate military options in response to Iran’s handling of domestic protests. According to Araghchi’s Telegram channel statement, the Iranian minister stressed the critical need for “global condemnation of foreign interference in the internal affairs of regional countries.”

    In a crucial development, Saudi Arabia directly communicated to Tehran that it would not permit its territory or airspace to be utilized for any military offensive against Iran. A source close to the Saudi military confirmed to AFP that “Saudi Arabia has informed Tehran directly that it will not be part of any military action taken against it.”

    The Saudi Press Agency acknowledged the conversation, noting that both ministers “discussed developments in the region and how to enhance its security and stability.” This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of explicit warnings from Tehran that it would target US military and shipping assets if attacked, while the United States maintains that military response remains an option concerning Iran’s protest crackdown.

  • Chongqing red leaf festival draws record 4.7 million visitors

    Chongqing red leaf festival draws record 4.7 million visitors

    Chongqing’s Wushan county has witnessed an extraordinary surge in tourism as its 19th Yangtze River Three Gorges International Red Leaf Festival attracted an unprecedented 4.7 million visitors between November and December. According to the local culture and tourism committee, this remarkable figure represents a 13.22 percent increase compared to the previous year’s attendance, setting a new benchmark for the annual autumn event.

    The festival’s overwhelming popularity necessitated unprecedented measures as Wushan’s three major scenic areas issued crowd control notifications for the first time in the event’s history. Several outdoor routes consistently recorded daily visitor numbers exceeding 10,000, while accommodation providers reported average occupancy rates surpassing 80 percent across the county. More than 270,000 guests opted for overnight stays, significantly boosting local hospitality revenue.

    The international festival, centered around the spectacular autumn foliage along the Yangtze River Three Gorges, has evolved into one of Chongqing’s most significant cultural tourism attractions. The dramatic increase in visitor numbers reflects growing domestic tourism demand and successful marketing strategies implemented by local authorities. The event not only showcases nature’s vibrant transformation but also demonstrates how seasonal phenomena can drive substantial economic benefits to regional communities through tourism development.

  • China carries out nearly 8.5m hectares of land greening in 2025

    China carries out nearly 8.5m hectares of land greening in 2025

    China has made extraordinary strides in ecological restoration, having successfully greened approximately 8.47 million hectares of land throughout 2025 according to official data released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. This remarkable achievement was announced during the administration’s annual work conference, highlighting the nation’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

    The comprehensive greening initiative encompassed multiple approaches to ecological rehabilitation. Nearly 3.6 million hectares were transformed through strategic afforestation projects, while the remaining areas were restored through sophisticated grassland rehabilitation techniques. These concerted efforts have produced tangible results, with China’s forest coverage rate now reaching 25.09 percent and forest stock volume approaching 21 billion cubic meters.

    Examining the broader Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s environmental accomplishments become even more impressive. The country successfully greened a total of 36.6 million hectares, including 12.3 million hectares through afforestation. Additionally, an annual average of approximately 3.1 million hectares of degraded grassland underwent restoration, maintaining comprehensive vegetation coverage above the critical threshold of 50 percent.

    Perhaps most notably, China has emerged as a global leader in desertification control. Over the past five years, the nation has treated roughly 10.1 million hectares of desertified land while implementing protective measures across nearly 1.9 million hectares to prevent further deterioration. This systematic approach has resulted in continuous declines in desertification and sandification-affected areas, positioning China as the first major nation to achieve zero net growth in land degradation—a landmark accomplishment in global environmental conservation.