Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Jiangsu county builds partnerships in Beijing to scale up innovations

    Jiangsu county builds partnerships in Beijing to scale up innovations

    In a strategic move to bridge regional innovation ecosystems, Kunshan—Jiangsu province’s premier county-level economy—established a high-quality development exchange platform in Beijing on December 14, 2025. The initiative aims to create synergistic partnerships with the capital’s concentration of state-owned enterprises, academic institutions, and research centers.

    The event signifies a deliberate effort to transform Beijing’s groundbreaking theoretical innovations (the ‘0 to 1’ philosophy) into industrial-scale applications within Kunshan’s manufacturing ecosystem. Party Secretary Chen Liyan outlined the county’s development roadmap, emphasizing cross-regional collaboration as critical for technological commercialization and industrial modernization.

    Tsinghua University Vice-President Bai Benfeng endorsed the partnership, noting Kunshan’s unique positioning in revitalizing traditional industries while strategically cultivating emerging sectors. “Kunshan’s economic environment provides exceptional opportunities for innovation and young talent development,” he stated, predicting the collaboration would yield substantial contributions to national high-quality development goals.

    Concrete outcomes included the inauguration of the Kunshan Talent Innovation (Beijing) Center and an OPC (one-person company) incubation base, complemented by new entrepreneurial policy frameworks. The event culminated in multiple signed agreements spanning industrial, academic, and financial sectors, establishing formal channels for ongoing knowledge transfer and resource sharing.

  • Beijing to build park near ancient Zhou Dynasty site

    Beijing to build park near ancient Zhou Dynasty site

    Beijing authorities have announced ambitious plans to establish a new cultural park adjacent to the Liulihe archaeological site, the largest and most thoroughly excavated Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century–771 BC) complex in China. The project, revealed by Fangshan district officials, represents a significant enhancement to the city’s cultural preservation efforts coinciding with Beijing’s 3,070th anniversary celebrations.

    The initiative follows Beijing’s formal application for World Heritage status for the Liulihe site earlier this year. According to Lei Huan, Director of Fangshan District’s Publicity Department, an expert panel conducted a comprehensive review of the park’s architectural design in November, moving the project toward implementation.

    Recent archaeological breakthroughs have substantially elevated the site’s historical significance. The 2024 excavation campaign revealed a previously unknown dual city-wall structure—the first such discovery at the ancient capital. Within the inner city’s confines, researchers uncovered substantial rammed-earth building foundations, ancient wells, and sophisticated drainage systems that fundamentally reshape understanding of Beijing’s earliest urban planning.

    “These findings provide irrefutable visual evidence of Beijing’s earliest form,” Lei stated during Friday’s announcement. “They conclusively establish Liulihe in Fangshan as the genuine ‘origin of the city’.”

    The development coincides with Beijing’s launch of a World Cultural Heritage Monitoring and Early Warning Platform, representing a major advancement in digital conservation technologies. This system will enable more precise and comprehensive protection measures across the capital’s exceptional collection of heritage sites.

    Beijing currently preserves eight UNESCO World Cultural Heritage locations—the highest concentration of any city worldwide—including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the recently nominated Beijing Central Axis. Municipal data reveals substantial investment in heritage conservation, with approximately 9.4 billion yuan ($1.33 billion) allocated between 2021-2024. The 2024 budget alone increased by 29.7% year-over-year, supporting a 41% expansion of full-time conservation staff to 6,344 professionals.

    Monitoring indicates consistently improving conditions across all heritage properties, which collectively welcomed 365 million visitors between 2018-2024 while maintaining effective management systems.

  • Some Indigo flights cancelled, delayed as dense fog hits Delhi and north India airports

    Some Indigo flights cancelled, delayed as dense fog hits Delhi and north India airports

    Severe fog conditions combined with hazardous smog levels have crippled aviation operations across northern India, forcing IndiGo Airlines to implement widespread flight cancellations and significant delays. The budget carrier confirmed Monday that prolonged low visibility during morning hours has severely impacted air traffic movement at Delhi International Airport and multiple regional facilities.

    In an official statement released on social media platform X, IndiGo explained that selective cancellations were necessary to maintain operational safety throughout the remainder of the day. The airline has activated comprehensive passenger communication protocols, utilizing WhatsApp and email notifications to inform affected travelers about available rebooking options and full refund procedures.

    ‘We recognize the substantial inconvenience caused by weather-related disruptions, particularly during peak travel periods, and deeply regret any impact on passenger itineraries,’ the airline expressed in their communiqué. Travelers have been advised to continuously monitor flight status updates through official digital channels while airport teams work to restore normal operations as visibility conditions improve.

    Meteorological experts note that while winter fog occurs naturally, Delhi’s critically poor air quality has dramatically intensified the phenomenon. The capital region recorded its worst air quality readings of the season on December 14th, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting index values exceeding 450 at multiple monitoring stations—categorizing air conditions as ‘severe.’

    This environmental crisis prompted India’s Commission for Air Quality Management to implement Stage Four restrictions—the highest emergency level under the Graded Response Action Plan. These measures include prohibiting older diesel vehicles from entering the city, suspending all construction activities, and implementing hybrid education models.

    The Delhi metropolitan area, home to approximately 30 million residents, experiences annual winter smog episodes as atmospheric conditions trap emissions from vehicles, construction projects, and agricultural burning practices. Health authorities have issued advisories recommending vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with respiratory conditions, to minimize outdoor exposure and utilize protective masks when necessary.

  • Workers build giant snowman in Heilongjiang

    Workers build giant snowman in Heilongjiang

    In a spectacular display of winter craftsmanship, construction teams in Harbin have erected a monumental snow sculpture reaching unprecedented dimensions. The massive snowman, standing at 19 meters (approximately 62 feet), now dominates the landscape at Qunli Music Park in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province.

    Documented through aerial drone photography on December 14, 2025, this frosty giant represents a significant engineering achievement in seasonal art. Construction crews utilized approximately 3,000 cubic meters of meticulously compacted snow to create this seasonal marvel, demonstrating remarkable precision in both design and execution.

    The 2025 installation surpasses previous records set by the city’s winter attractions, specifically exceeding last year’s creation by a full meter in height. This incremental but symbolically important improvement continues Harbin’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of winter construction and ice sculpture artistry.

    The project forms part of Harbin’s broader winter tourism strategy, which has established the city as an international destination for cold-weather attractions and architectural innovations using natural frozen materials. Such installations typically serve as centerpieces for the city’s famous winter festival, drawing visitors from across China and beyond.

    Local authorities and tourism boards have increasingly leveraged these seasonal constructions to showcase human ingenuity in harmonizing with extreme weather conditions while promoting cultural exchange through public art installations.

  • Iran hosts regional talks on Afghanistan but Kabul stays away

    Iran hosts regional talks on Afghanistan but Kabul stays away

    TEHRAN, Iran — In a significant diplomatic gathering that notably excluded its central subject, Afghanistan’s neighboring nations convened in Tehran to strengthen regional cooperation addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the war-torn country. The meeting, orchestrated by Iran and attended by China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Russia, produced a consensus on enhancing coordination across political, economic, and security domains while advocating for the removal of international sanctions against Afghanistan.

    The Taliban-led government, though invited, opted against participation, offering limited explanation through its foreign ministry. Officials indicated that Kabul prefers to maintain its existing regional engagement channels through established organizations, claiming substantial progress through these formats.

    Despite Afghanistan’s conspicuous absence, participating nations emphasized the critical importance of sustaining economic and trade relationships with Kabul to alleviate deteriorating living conditions. The collective statement urged Afghanistan’s integration into regional political and economic frameworks while addressing shared security concerns including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. Participants unanimously opposed any foreign military presence in Afghan territory.

    The conference particularly highlighted the international community’s responsibility to lift crippling sanctions and release frozen Afghan assets, with additional calls for humanitarian organizations to support the dignified repatriation of refugees from neighboring countries. Attention also turned to reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where recent border clashes have resulted in numerous casualties among civilians, soldiers, and suspected militants.

    While the Taliban government has developed diplomatic relationships since retaking power in August 2021 and now generates billions in annual tax revenues, Afghanistan’s economy remains in critical condition. Millions depend on international aid for survival, with natural disasters and refugee flows exacerbating humanitarian needs. The country’s economic struggles are compounded by the international community’s refusal to formally recognize the Taliban regime following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.

    Pakistani representatives expressed disappointment with Kabul’s absence, with former special representative Asif Durrani characterizing the decision as demonstrating ‘lack of political maturity’ and reinforcing concerns about the Taliban’s unwillingness to negotiate regional solutions. Participants agreed to convene foreign ministers in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and hold special envoys’ talks in Islamabad this March, continuing efforts to engage Afghanistan despite its current reluctance.

  • Heard of ‘chief dog officer’? Dubai sees rise in pet-friendly communities

    Heard of ‘chief dog officer’? Dubai sees rise in pet-friendly communities

    Dubai is witnessing a significant transformation in urban community planning, with pet-friendly initiatives becoming a central feature of residential life. The trend is exemplified by the innovative ‘Chief Dog Officer’ (CDO) program recently launched in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), where a community competition selected a canine ambassador to represent the neighborhood for a one-year term.

    This initiative reflects a broader cultural shift in the United Arab Emirates, where accommodating pets is increasingly prioritized in urban development. The selected CDO’s responsibilities include welcoming new four-legged residents and their owners, promoting responsible pet etiquette in communal spaces, and highlighting local pet-centric businesses and amenities.

    Beyond JLT, Dubai’s landscape is evolving to accommodate pet owners with specialized infrastructure. Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile Galleria shopping center and the W Hotel now welcome pets, while The Greens community features multiple pet-accessible areas. The Zabeel House hotel has broken new ground by incorporating two dog-friendly restaurants, complete with a dedicated elevator for canine patrons.

    Recreational options have expanded considerably with Dubai Islands Beach introducing the emirate’s first dedicated dog beach park in 2023. The 460-square-meter facility features agility equipment, obstacle courses, and designated off-leash swimming areas, complemented by pet showers and drinking fountains. The venue recently hosted the Woofstock festival, further cementing Dubai’s commitment to pet-inclusive community events.

    Digital platforms like Doggie Adventures and Flopster have emerged to support this growing demographic, providing directories of pet-friendly establishments and organizing social gatherings. These developments respond to increasing demand from residents like Sadia Ahmed, who relocated to Emirates Hills specifically for its pet-welcoming environment after struggling to find accommodating housing in older neighborhoods.

    The comprehensive approach—encompassing housing, commerce, recreation, and digital infrastructure—signals Dubai’s maturation into a truly pet-inclusive metropolis, setting new standards for urban living in the region.

  • Father and son behind Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

    Father and son behind Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

    Australian authorities have identified the perpetrators behind Sunday’s devastating mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach as a father-son duo, marking the nation’s deadliest firearm violence incident in nearly three decades. The attack, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, has been officially classified as an antisemitic terrorist act.

    According to New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon, the 50-year-old father died at the crime scene while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition. Though police have not formally released identities, local media outlets identified them as Sajid and Naveed Akram respectively. The father had maintained a firearms license since 2015 and legally owned six weapons.

    The horrific episode unfolded over approximately ten minutes on Sunday evening, sending hundreds of beachgoers scrambling for safety across the iconic shoreline. Among the victims, aged between 10 and 87 years old, forty individuals required hospitalization including two police officers in serious but stable condition.

    A remarkable act of bravery emerged from the chaos as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen despite sustaining two gunshot wounds. His heroic intervention, captured on video, prompted an outpouring of public support with over A$350,000 raised for his medical expenses by Monday afternoon.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the attack site Monday, condemning the “act of pure evil” and pledging national solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. “We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism,” Albanese declared, announcing plans for citizens to light candles in symbolic defiance of darkness.

    The investigation revealed the elder suspect arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son was born as an Australian citizen. Security remains heightened at the family’s Bonnyrigg residence, 36 kilometers west of Sydney’s central business district.

    This tragedy represents Australia’s most severe mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that claimed 35 lives. The incident has triggered international condemnations from world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and France’s Emmanuel Macron, while prompting enhanced security measures at Jewish events globally.

  • More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment

    More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment

    SEOUL — The global ascendancy of South Korean entertainment, from Oscar-winning films like ‘Parasite’ to the worldwide phenomenon of ‘Squid Game,’ has catalyzed a significant shift in Hollywood’s casting landscape. This cultural momentum is creating unprecedented opportunities for Korean performers seeking international careers, while simultaneously challenging entrenched industry stereotypes.

    Actor Amy Baik’s experience epitomizes the push factors driving this transition. After being cut from a domestic commercial solely for lacking double eyelids—a prized feature in Korean beauty standards—Baik redirected her ambitions toward Western markets. ‘It made me wonder how I can survive as an actor in South Korea,’ she reflected. Her subsequent role in Netflix’s ‘XO, Kitty’ demonstrated how features previously discouraged in Korea became assets abroad, with American casting directors suggesting her for action roles beyond stereotypically ‘cute’ images.

    This migration necessitates specialized support systems. Los Angeles-based Upstage Entertainment, co-founded by Alison Dumbell and Devon Overman, bridges the gap between Korean talent and Hollywood opportunities. Dumbell notes increased demand for ‘specifically Korean characters’ rather than generic East Asian roles, attributing this shift to the global popularity of Korean content. However, persistent stereotypes like the ‘nerdy tech programmer’ remain problematic, with Dumbell sometimes refusing submissions to protect actors from reductive casting.

    The transition involves navigating substantial differences in industry practices. Korean American casting director Julia Kim highlights fundamental questions from aspiring actors: ‘Should I change my Korean name to a Western name? Do I pay to get an agent?’ Technical standards diverge significantly—American audition tapes require clean white backgrounds, while Korean headshots favor fashion-model aesthetics versus U.S. preferences for character-matched profiles.

    Language acquisition presents another layer of complexity. Veteran actor Julian Shin (Shin Ju-hwan) undertook intensive English preparation, transcribing over 30,000 words and idioms. ‘Learning expressions like ‘break a leg’ makes you feel closer to being native,’ he noted. Accent coaching focuses on authenticity rather than eradication. ‘It’s perfectly fine, even preferable to have an accent because it’s part of who you are,’ emphasizes Overman, who works on intonation patterns rather than eliminating linguistic identity.

    Structural factors in Korea accelerate this talent migration. Shin describes an increasingly challenging domestic industry where opportunities contracted noticeably over three years. Age discrimination also pushes actors abroad—29-year-old Misun Youm notes that ’30 isn’t considered young’ in Korea, while American casting often disregards age specifications that limit opportunities domestically.

    The collective experience reveals an industry at an inflection point. Where previous generations felt pressure to Americanize completely, contemporary performers find increasing space for cultural authenticity. ‘Now it feels like you can be yourself—be Korean if you’re Korean,’ observes Shin. ‘Stereotypes are gradually crumbling.’ This evolution suggests Hollywood’s gates are opening wider than ever to diverse Korean talent, transforming barriers into bridges for cross-cultural artistic exchange.

  • Pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai convicted in high-profile national security trial

    Pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai convicted in high-profile national security trial

    Hong Kong’s High Court has delivered a landmark verdict against pro-democracy activist and media magnate Jimmy Lai, finding the 78-year-old guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city’s National Security Law. The ruling concludes a highly scrutinized trial that has drawn international condemnation and raised fundamental questions about judicial independence in the former British colony.

    Presiding Judge Esther Toh stated there was “no doubt” Lai harbored animosity toward the People’s Republic of China, citing his “constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government of the PRC with the excuse of helping the people of Hong Kong.” The court determined that Lai utilized his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as an instrument to lobby foreign governments for sanctions against both Hong Kong and China.

    Lai, who has been detained since December 2020, maintained his innocence throughout proceedings. His testimony in November included denials of all charges, asserting he had “never” employed his international connections to influence foreign policy regarding Hong Kong. When questioned about meetings with former US officials Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo, Lai characterized the interactions as informational exchanges rather than policy requests.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, stating Lai’s actions “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers.” Conversely, human rights organizations condemned the outcome as “a cruel judicial farce” and part of a broader pattern of using the security legislation to suppress dissent.

    The case has ignited diplomatic tensions, with the United Kingdom condemning what it termed “politically motivated persecution” of its citizen. Lai’s son Sebastien appealed for stronger British intervention, urging that his father’s release become a precondition for improved Sino-UK relations. Chinese authorities rebuffed international criticism, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressing “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the brazen defamation and smearing of the judicial system in Hong Kong.”

    Beyond the national security charges, Lai was concurrently convicted under colonial-era legislation for publishing seditious material through Apple Daily. The publication had evolved into a symbolic voice for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement prior to its forced closure.

    The trial’s proceedings faced scrutiny over procedural matters, including the denial of Lai’s preferred UK-based legal representation and restrictions on foreign lawyers working national security cases. Concerns about Lai’s health during detention—reportedly including solitary confinement and deteriorating physical condition—were raised repeatedly by his family and advocacy groups.

    As Lai awaits sentencing scheduled for early next year, his case joins hundreds of prosecutions under the National Security Law, which boasts a conviction rate approaching 100% according to recent statistics. The legislation, implemented directly by Beijing in 2020 without local legislative consultation, grants authorities expansive powers to address perceived threats to stability and order.

  • Al-Futtaim Toyota and the UAE — driving forward together for 70 years

    Al-Futtaim Toyota and the UAE — driving forward together for 70 years

    For seventy years, the evolution of the United Arab Emirates’ transportation infrastructure has been intrinsically linked with the strategic partnership between Al-Futtaim Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. This enduring collaboration, established in 1955, represents one of the region’s most successful automotive alliances, fundamentally transforming mobility across the Emirates.

    The partnership commenced with Al-Futtaim, then an emerging trading company founded in the 1930s, selecting Toyota as the inaugural brand for its newly created automotive division. The initial vehicle offerings—the rugged BJ Jeep designed for Japan’s National Police Reserve and the dependable Toyopet Master Saloon—established Toyota’s reputation for reliability and affordability that continues to define the brand today.

    These pioneering models laid the foundation for what would become iconic vehicle lineages. The BJ Jeep evolved into the legendary Land Cruiser, celebrated for its exceptional off-road capabilities that perfectly suited the UAE’s desert terrain. Meanwhile, the Toyopet Master Saloon’s legacy continues through Toyota’s passenger sedans including the Crown, Corolla, and Camry—vehicles that have become ubiquitous across UAE roads.

    Beyond commercial success, this partnership has symbolized the deepening economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Japan. The relationship reached significant milestones including the UAE’s participation in Expo Osaka in 1970 and Japan’s prompt recognition of UAE independence in December 1971. These diplomatic foundations fostered shared values of trust, ambition, and mutual respect that continue to underpin the automotive collaboration.

    Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, emphasizes that their mission extends beyond vehicle sales: “Toyota’s cars are integral to the UAE’s landscape and lifestyle. We are committed to providing safe, enjoyable motoring experiences while introducing innovative technologies, particularly in sustainable mobility.”

    The company’s forward-looking strategy now prioritizes environmental responsibility, offering eight hybrid models in a market traditionally dominated by petroleum-powered vehicles. This initiative aligns with both nations’ sustainability objectives, with the Toyota Camry Hybrid emerging as a top-performing low-emission vehicle that combines ecological benefits with economic advantages for consumers.

    Complementing their product evolution, Al-Futtaim Motors has established an extensive network of dealerships and service centers, ensuring ongoing customer support throughout the vehicle ownership experience. As both companies look toward future mobility solutions, this seven-decade partnership continues to drive progress, anticipating the next era of transportation innovation in the UAE.