Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Myanmar’s army says it wants to eradicate scam compounds. Is it really doing that?

    Myanmar’s army says it wants to eradicate scam compounds. Is it really doing that?

    Thunderous explosions shattered the tranquility of the Moei River bordering Thailand and Myanmar as military forces deployed explosives to demolish structures within the infamous KK Park scam compound. The operation marks an unprecedented convergence of Myanmar’s protracted civil conflict and its multi-billion dollar cybercrime epidemic that has plagued Southeast Asia.

    Myanmar’s junta, reinforced by Russian and Chinese military equipment including drones, has launched counter-offensives against insurgent groups ahead of controversial elections scheduled later this month. In Karen State, the military successfully pushed back the Karen National Union (KNU), which has resisted military rule for eight decades. The October assault on KK Park represented a dramatic shift in policy toward the scam operations that authorities had previously ignored.

    Videos released by state media showed soldiers confiscating thousands of electronic devices and satellite equipment before systematically destroying buildings. Yet skepticism surrounds these actions, as the military has long benefited from alliances with local warlords who protect and profit from Chinese-led criminal syndicates operating these facilities.

    The global impact of these scam centers is staggering. Billions of dollars have been stolen through sophisticated romance scams, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, and fake investment opportunities targeting vulnerable populations worldwide. The industry’s darkest aspects involve human trafficking, forced labor, and systematic abuse of workers lured into the compounds.

    International pressure, particularly from China whose citizens comprise both perpetrators and victims, has intensified. While the KK Park operation appears responsive to these concerns, evidence suggests the demolition was largely performative. Many buildings remain functional, and Starlink satellite dishes visible on rooftops indicate ongoing operations. Most scam bosses have simply relocated to more remote border areas, with new compounds already emerging near contested border crossings.

    The KNU’s unexpected capture of two additional scam compounds in Minletpan provided rare insight into the industry’s workings. Unlike the military’s evidence destruction, the KNU documented operations and invited international scrutiny before junta shelling forced abandonment of the sites.

    This borderland drama underscores the junta’s desperate attempt to gain legitimacy through elections while continuing to profit from criminal enterprises that remain deeply embedded in Myanmar’s conflict economy.

  • Chief of S Korea’s high-stakes exam quits over ‘insane’ English test

    Chief of S Korea’s high-stakes exam quits over ‘insane’ English test

    South Korea’s formidable college entrance examination, known as Suneung, has ignited intense national discourse following widespread criticism of its exceptionally challenging English section. The eight-hour academic marathon, administered annually in November, represents one of the world’s most demanding standardized tests, with profound implications for students’ university admissions, career trajectories, and social standing.

    The recent examination’s English component provoked such significant controversy that Oh Seung-geol, the chief administrator of Suneung, resigned from his position. He publicly acknowledged that the test’s difficulty level was inappropriate and expressed regret that the assessment fell short of expectations despite undergoing multiple review stages.

    Among the most contentious questions was one involving complex gaming terminology that required students to identify where a specific sentence should be inserted within a dense philosophical paragraph about virtual reality perception. Another question drew from Immanuel Kant’s legal philosophy, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes appropriate testing material for secondary education.

    The gaming terminology question, worth three points, presented students with a technical excerpt from Steve Swink’s game design book Game Feel. Many educators and students criticized the question’s phrasing as unnecessarily convoluted, with some online commentators describing it as fancy smart talking that failed to effectively communicate concepts.

    Statistical evidence underscores the examination’s increased difficulty, with only 3% of test-takers achieving the highest grade in English this year compared to 6% in the previous administration. Students reported spending excessive time deciphering questions where answer choices appeared remarkably similar, creating significant uncertainty during the testing process.

    Educational experts remain divided on the examination’s appropriate difficulty level. Professor Jung Chae-kwan of Incheon National University, formerly involved with Suneung’s administration, contends that the test doesn’t measure English proficiency but rather rewards test-taking strategies. He argues that this approach renders the material educationally useless, as teachers increasingly focus on examination tricks rather than language acquisition.

    Conversely, Professor Kim Soo-yeon from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies maintains that the specialized passages legitimately assess students’ readiness for university-level comprehension. The intentionally challenging content, she suggests, effectively evaluates whether students can handle the complex material they will encounter in higher education.

    Beyond academic debates, Suneung represents a cultural phenomenon that brings South Korea to a virtual standstill each November. Construction halts, flight schedules adjust, and military training suspends to create optimal testing conditions. Parents frequently participate in religious ceremonies, lighting candles at Buddhist temples to pray for their children’s success in this high-stakes assessment that many students begin preparing for from early childhood through extensive cram school attendance.

    The examination’s administrative leadership has proven notably unstable, with only four of twelve Suneung chiefs completing their full three-year terms since the test’s inception in 1993. While previous resignations typically resulted from factual errors in test questions, Mr. Oh’s departure marks the first instance of resignation primarily attributable to examination difficulty concerns.

  • Report: China a ‘reliable partner’

    Report: China a ‘reliable partner’

    A comprehensive analysis by Australia’s Lowy Institute reveals China is strengthening its position as a dependable regional partner during periods of global uncertainty, while United States policies are diminishing American influence across Asia. The findings come from the think tank’s 2025 Asia Power Index, a meticulous assessment tracking power distribution shifts across the continent through 131 indicators spanning economic capability, diplomatic relations, and cultural influence.

    The annual index, which evaluated 27 nations and territories, maintained the United States in the top position for comprehensive power, with China securing second place and India ranking a distant third. Notably, the capability gap between the two superpowers has continued to narrow significantly. The report specifically highlighted how China has demonstrated remarkable resilience against US economic coercive measures, with Beijing effectively presenting itself as a staunch opponent of protectionism and unilateralism to regional partners.

    Susannah Patton, project lead for the Asia Power Index, detailed at the Melbourne launch that multiple US policies have collectively undermined American standing. These include substantial tariff impositions on numerous countries, reductions in development assistance to the region, funding cuts to global media agencies, and restrictive travel and educational policies affecting Asian visitors.

    East Asia senior fellow Richard McGregor emphasized that the index confirms China and the US have reached peer power status throughout Asia. China’s capacity to access diverse global markets beyond the United States has contributed substantially to its confident response to American tariff strategies.

    The research also documented China’s impressive recovery in people exchanges and connectivity metrics, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels after severe restrictions between 2020 and 2022. Recent visa-free travel arrangements with several Asian nations, including Indonesia, have accelerated tourism recovery and strengthened regional ties.

    Australia ranked sixth in comprehensive power, though the report noted the nation faces challenges due to declining economic resources relative to other countries, requiring more strategic efforts to maintain regional influence. International relations expert Bec Strating observed that America’s diminishing regional standing presents both opportunities and concerns for Australia and other nations like Japan, New Zealand, and the Philippines regarding the stability of regional order frameworks.

  • Travel alert about Japan secures safety of Chinese

    Travel alert about Japan secures safety of Chinese

    China’s Foreign Ministry has formally issued a comprehensive travel advisory urging Chinese citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Japan, citing both imminent seismic hazards and ongoing diplomatic strains. The advisory, released jointly by China’s embassy and consulates in Japan, specifically warns Chinese nationals to exercise heightened caution regarding earthquake preparedness and secondary disasters.

    The travel alert recommends that Chinese citizens in Japan strictly adhere to local evacuation protocols, implement robust personal safety measures, and avoid coastal regions and other high-risk zones. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized that the advisory stems from legitimate concerns about citizen welfare following recent seismic events across Japan that have resulted in casualties and widespread tsunami warnings.

    Japanese media outlets had speculated that the travel warning represented a diplomatic response to provocative remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Guo Jiakun dismissed these allegations, stating that the advisory reflects purely humanitarian considerations rather than political retaliation. “Safeguarding the safety of Chinese citizens overseas constitutes both a fundamental duty of China’s diplomacy and a natural component of its people-centered foreign policy,” Guo stated during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

    The diplomatic friction extends beyond travel advisories, as Tokyo recently expressed concerns about joint strategic aerial patrols conducted by Chinese and Russian military aircraft near Japanese airspace. Guo characterized these operations as routine annual exercises that demonstrate regional commitment to security cooperation and stability maintenance. “There exists no necessity for Japan to exaggerate these activities or presume itself specifically targeted,” he remarked.

    Regarding Prime Minister Takaichi’s repeated offers for bilateral dialogue, Guo referenced critical commentary from Atsushi Okamoto, former CEO of Japanese publishing house Iwanami Shoten, who questioned the sincerity of these overtures. Okamoto suggested that genuine dialogue requires mutual respect and equal footing—conditions allegedly absent from Takaichi’s approach. Academic expert Wang Peng of Huazhong University of Science and Technology further noted that the Takaichi administration has significantly damaged bilateral relations by inappropriately linking Taiwan matters to Japan’s security agenda.

  • ‘Trump Gold Card’ offers US permanent residency for $1m, plus fees

    ‘Trump Gold Card’ offers US permanent residency for $1m, plus fees

    The Trump administration has officially launched a premium immigration visa program requiring a minimum investment of one million dollars, branded as the “Trump Gold Card.” Formally initiated through an executive order signed on September 19th, the program was personally announced by President Donald Trump at a White House roundtable and promoted on his Truth Social account as “SO EXCITING.

    Prospective applicants must first submit a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to trigger an expedited eligibility review. The program’s website promises residency “in record time,” claiming processing can be completed in a matter of weeks. Upon approval, a mandatory $1 million “gift payment” is required as evidence the individual will “substantially benefit the United States.”

    The program extends beyond individuals to corporate sponsorship. Companies can pay $2 million per employee to sponsor foreign workers, with a unique provision allowing the transfer of this payment to a new employee’s application without an additional fee if sponsorship ceases.

    While similar to a Green Card in granting lawful permanent residence and a pathway to citizenship, the website compares its legal classification to EB-1 and EB-2 visas, noting final determination is “subject to availability” by DHS. All gift payments are directed to the Department of Commerce, not DHS or the State Department.

    Additional financial burdens include the same $1 million payment and $15,000 fee applied to each family member of the primary applicant. The website also mentions potential additional fees from the State Department without clarifying if they are one-time or recurring. All cardholders will be subject to U.S. worldwide income tax, with a forthcoming “Trump Platinum Card” advertised to provide tax benefits on foreign income.

    This initiative marks a stark contrast to the administration’s broader immigration policy, which has included revoking at least 85,000 visas in under a year and restricting pathways for poorer demographics. The website notes that Gold Card status can be revoked for national security or criminal risks.

    The program has drawn immediate criticism, notably from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, who condemned it as “an illegal pay-to-play scheme that undermines our values and rewards wealth over hard work, talent, and a love for America.” He accused the president of “rolling out the welcome mat for Russian oligarchs and cartel bosses” instead of creating fair policies.

  • ‘How can you not know?’: Sister of Palestine Action hunger striker hits back at Lammy

    ‘How can you not know?’: Sister of Palestine Action hunger striker hits back at Lammy

    A deepening humanitarian and political crisis is unfolding within Britain’s prison system as eight detainees affiliated with the proscribed group Palestine Action continue a prolonged hunger strike, now exceeding 40 days for some. The situation has escalated into a direct confrontation between the UK government and advocates for the prisoners, casting a harsh spotlight on Justice Secretary David Lammy.

    The core of the controversy stems from Lammy’s claimed ignorance of the coordinated protest. Shahmina Alam, sister of hospitalized hunger striker Kamran Ahmed, publicly challenged the minister at a Christmas event, presenting him with a letter she asserts was previously sent to his office detailing the strike and its demands. Lammy’s response—’I didn’t know anything about this’—has been met with accusations of incompetence or dishonesty.

    With five strikers already hospitalized suffering severe weight loss and dangerous ketone levels, medical concerns are acute. Lawyers for the prisoners have issued a dire warning to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), stating there is a ‘real and increasingly likely potential that young British citizens will die in prison, having never even been convicted of an offence.’

    The political pressure on Lammy is intensifying. Labour MP John McDonnell raised a point of order in the House of Commons, condemning the government’s silence on his own correspondence as ‘totally unacceptable.’ Meanwhile, the MOJ maintains its standard procedures are being followed, with a spokesperson stating, ‘The deputy prime minister is being kept informed of the situation,’ and that prisoner wellbeing is continually assessed.

    Families report being systematically kept in the dark regarding their relatives’ medical conditions, citing horrendous experiences with prison staff who offer no support or updates. The MOJ justifies this by citing legal restrictions on sharing healthcare information with ‘unverified callers.’ This standoff, pitting prisoner welfare and transparency against official procedure and the enforcement of proscription orders, presents a significant challenge for the new Justice Secretary.

  • UK: Millions of British Muslims could lose citizenship, warns new report

    UK: Millions of British Muslims could lose citizenship, warns new report

    A landmark investigation has exposed how Britain’s expansive citizenship revocation authorities are systematically endangering approximately nine million residents, predominantly from Muslim backgrounds, creating what researchers term a “racialized hierarchy of belonging.” The collaborative study by Runnymede Trust and Reprieve reveals that 13% of the UK population—disproportionately those with heritage links to South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—face legal vulnerability to having their citizenship revoked at the Home Secretary’s discretion.

    The analysis demonstrates staggering racial disparities: while merely one in twenty white Britons faces citizenship deprivation risk, three in five people of color inhabit this precarious status. Individuals with familial connections to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Nigeria, and North African nations emerge as particularly vulnerable groups within this framework.

    Legal provisions enable the government to strip citizenship based on presumed eligibility for alternative nationality—even when individuals have never resided in or identified with those countries. Since 2010, over 200 individuals have lost citizenship under “conducive to the public good” provisions, with overwhelming majority being Muslims. The 2022 legislation further intensified these powers by permitting revocation without notification.

    Campaigners draw direct parallels to the Windrush scandal, noting identical institutional failings and absence of effective safeguards. Maya Foa of Reprieve warned that “nine million people whose rights could be taken away by the next home secretary have every reason to be worried,” while Runnymede Trust CEO Shabna Begum condemned the “chilling undercurrent of citizenship stripping” disproportionately targeting Muslim communities.

    The report traces how counterterrorism legislation has transformed citizenship revocation from exceptional wartime measure to routinely deployed tool. Even judicial victories prove hollow—a 2025 statute ensures citizens remain stripped during government appeals that can span years, regardless of court rulings.

    Researchers document multiple cases of erroneous deprivation resulting in unlawful statelessness, with the Shamima Begum case representing the most prominent example where Bangladesh publicly denied her eligibility. The commission chaired by former Irish Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan recently concluded that deprivation frequently proceeds based merely on presumed nationality rather than established facts.

    With conservative politicians advocating expanded deportation schemes, organizations demand immediate moratorium on citizenship stripping, abolition of Section 40(2) of the British Nationality Act, and restoration of citizenship to all previously deprived under these powers.

  • Photographer captures wild mandarin ducks in Guizhou

    Photographer captures wild mandarin ducks in Guizhou

    In a remarkable display of natural beauty, a photographer has documented the annual winter return of wild mandarin ducks to Tongren’s Tianshengqiao Resort in Guizhou province. The captivating images showcase these vibrantly colored waterfowl gliding gracefully across crystal-clear waters and engaging in playful behaviors that highlight their social nature.

    These mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata) represent a significant conservation success story as they are classified as Class II protected species under China’s wildlife protection laws. Their consistent return to this specific location underscores the ecological importance of the preserved canyon ecosystem maintained by the resort. The area’s pristine water conditions and undisturbed habitat provide ideal wintering grounds for these migratory birds.

    Photographer Wu Weidong’s documentation reveals multiple specimens thriving in their natural environment, demonstrating successful conservation efforts in the region. The images provide valuable documentation of species behavior and habitat quality that can assist conservationists in monitoring population health.

    This annual migration event has become a subject of interest for both wildlife enthusiasts and conservation biologists, offering insights into migratory patterns and habitat preferences of protected avian species in Southwest China. The continued presence of these ducks indicates positive environmental conditions and effective habitat preservation measures in Guizhou’s canyon ecosystems.

  • Infrared cameras and drones record Tarim red deer in Xinjiang

    Infrared cameras and drones record Tarim red deer in Xinjiang

    In a significant ecological breakthrough, advanced monitoring technology has documented a rare gathering of five Tarim red deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis) along the Tarim River banks in Alaer city, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This marks the first confirmed sighting of this endangered species group using combined infrared camera and drone surveillance systems.

    The Tarim red deer represents a remarkable desert-adapted subspecies endemic to Xinjiang, distinguished as the world’s exclusive population of red deer capable of surviving in arid environments. These resilient creatures demonstrate extraordinary biological adaptations, enduring extreme temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, and highly saline-alkaline terrain. Their survival capabilities include consuming heavily mineralized water sources and maintaining a diverse dietary range, establishing them as critical indicator species for assessing overall ecosystem health within the Tarim River Basin.

    Professor Wang Zhichao of Tarim University’s School of Life Sciences and Technology emphasized the sighting’s conservation significance, attributing this success to comprehensive ecological management initiatives throughout the river basin. The expansion of ecological barriers along the adjacent Taklimakan Desert has further contributed to creating favorable habitats for wildlife rehabilitation.

    Current ecological surveys indicate the basin now supports 249 distinct wildlife species, with populations demonstrating sustained growth patterns. Among these, 50 species enjoy national protected status, reflecting China’s strengthened commitment to biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration efforts in ecologically sensitive regions.

  • Beijing issues alerts for snowstorms and road icing

    Beijing issues alerts for snowstorms and road icing

    The Chinese capital is preparing for its first significant snowfall of the season as meteorological authorities issued dual weather warnings on Thursday. The Beijing Meteorological Bureau has activated a blue alert for snowstorms—the lowest level in China’s four-tier warning system—alongside a more severe orange alert for road icing, the second-highest alert level.

    According to forecasts from the National Meteorological Center, the winter precipitation is expected to commence in Beijing’s western mountainous regions during the early hours of Friday, gradually advancing toward urban districts by midday. The snowfall is projected to persist throughout the afternoon and the first half of the night, creating potentially hazardous conditions across the metropolitan area.

    Meteorological data indicates that most areas within Beijing municipality will experience accumulations exceeding 4 millimeters, with localized mountainous regions in Fangshan and Mentougou districts potentially receiving up to 8 millimeters of snowfall. The combination of precipitation and rapidly dropping temperatures presents particular concerns for transportation infrastructure as surface temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing.

    Authorities have warned that road icing conditions will likely develop from Friday midday through Saturday, significantly impacting traffic mobility and road safety. In response to the impending weather event, government agencies and relevant departments have been urged to implement comprehensive preparedness measures for both snowstorm management and frost damage mitigation.

    Critical infrastructure sectors including transportation networks, power grid operations, and communication systems have been advised to conduct thorough inspections and preventive maintenance on roads, railways, and electrical lines. The Beijing Emergency Management Bureau has simultaneously issued public safety recommendations, advising residents to exercise extreme caution while walking outdoors and to prioritize public transportation whenever possible.

    Motorists have been specifically cautioned to navigate roadways with increased vigilance and to equip their vehicles with appropriate anti-skid devices to enhance traction on potentially icy surfaces. The coordinated response effort reflects the city’s comprehensive approach to managing severe winter weather events while minimizing disruption to daily life and economic activities.