Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China’s patrols around Diaoyu Island lawful, justified: spokesperson

    China’s patrols around Diaoyu Island lawful, justified: spokesperson

    In a definitive statement addressing regional maritime tensions, China’s Ministry of National Defense has formally declared its patrol activities around the Diaoyu Islands as both lawful and justified. Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang articulated China’s position during a Thursday press briefing, emphasizing the nation’s historical claims to the islands and their adjacent waters.

    Zhang characterized the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated territories as ‘China’s inherent territory,’ framing coast guard operations in these waters as legitimate measures to protect national maritime interests. The spokesperson’s comments came specifically in response to recent Japanese media reports scrutinizing China’s maritime patrols in the contested region.

    The defense official issued a stern warning to Japan, urging caution in both actions and rhetoric regarding the matter. ‘We urge Japan to act and speak with caution and refrain from taking any moves that may escalate the situation,’ Zhang stated, employing a vivid Chinese proverb to underscore his point: ‘Otherwise, it will lift a rock only to drop it on its own feet.’

    The spokesperson’s remarks reinforce China’s firm stance against external criticism of its maritime activities, presenting them as non-negotiable exercises of national sovereignty rather than subjects for international debate.

  • China urges international community to prevent revival of Japanese militarism

    China urges international community to prevent revival of Japanese militarism

    In a significant diplomatic statement, China has issued a forceful appeal to the international community to jointly counter what it characterizes as Japan’s accelerating militarization. The call came from Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang during a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

    Zhang articulated deep concerns regarding Japan’s recent security policies and military positioning, asserting that Tokyo has been advancing its defense capabilities under various pretexts while disregarding international opposition. The spokesperson emphasized that Japan’s actions demonstrate a concerning pattern rather than showing contrition for historical transgressions.

    According to the Chinese military representative, Japan has engaged in brazen weapons exports and even floated discussions about nuclear armament possibilities. Zhang contended that these developments reveal the underlying agenda of right-wing elements within Japan who seek to restore militarism and reshape the nation’s security posture.

    The spokesperson highlighted that criticism of Japan’s military policies has been consistently voiced by multiple nations, particularly Southeast Asian countries. Zhang urged all peace-seeking nations and populations to recognize what China perceives as Japan’s hidden motivations and collaborate to preserve the post-World War II international framework.

    The Chinese defense official concluded that collective international effort is essential to maintain regional and global stability while preventing the resurgence of Japanese militaristic tendencies that could undermine the existing world order.

  • Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies

    Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies

    Chinese authorities have launched coordinated operations against prominent unregistered Protestant congregations, resulting in multiple arrests and church demolitions in what religious freedom monitors describe as an escalating campaign against independent religious expression.

    In Chengdu, Sichuan province, police detained nine individuals associated with Early Rain Covenant Church during raids conducted on Tuesday targeting residential properties and church offices. While five were subsequently released within 24 hours, four key members including current leader Li Yingqiang and his wife Zhang Xinyue remain in custody without formal charges being disclosed. The church administration characterized these actions as a ‘concerted operation’ with unclear legal grounds.

    Concurrently in Wenzhou—a city renowned for its substantial Christian population—municipal authorities initiated partial demolition of Yayang Church’s physical structure. Video evidence obtained by advocacy organization ChinaAid reveals heavy machinery and security forces deployed at the site. Local residents reported being displaced from adjacent areas while workers received instructions prohibiting photographic documentation of the proceedings.

    This development follows December’s apprehension of approximately 100 Yayang Church members, with at least two dozen reportedly still detained according to Human Rights Watch. These incidents represent the latest manifestations of China’s ongoing religious regulation campaign that has intensified under President Xi Jinping’s administration.

    Since 2015, Beijing has implemented policies demanding the ‘Sinicization of religions,’ requiring theological alignment with state-defined cultural values. Last year further restricted digital religious practices by prohibiting unauthorized online preaching, youth activities, and fundraising. Religious groups must exclusively utilize government-sanctioned platforms for such activities.

    Early Rain Covenant Church has persisted despite previous crackdowns, including the 2018 imprisonment of founding pastor Wang Yi on charges of subversion and illegal business operations. The congregation continues conducting virtual services, sometimes incorporating recorded sermons from incarcerated leaders.

    International researchers note a strategic shift in enforcement methodology, with authorities increasingly favoring immediate detention over previous graduated approaches involving warnings and financial penalties. This reflects strengthened ideological control measures prioritizing absolute allegiance to governing institutions above alternative loyalties.

  • China to probe Meta’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus

    China to probe Meta’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus

    China’s Commerce Ministry announced Thursday it would conduct a comprehensive assessment of Meta Platforms’ acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, signaling heightened scrutiny of cross-border technology transfers amid ongoing U.S.-China technological competition. Ministry spokesperson He Yadong confirmed authorities would examine whether the transaction complies with Chinese laws and regulations governing technology exports and cross-border mergers.

    The investigation marks a significant development in the increasingly complex landscape of global tech acquisitions, particularly involving companies with Chinese roots. Although Manus operates as Singapore-based Butterfly Effect Pte, its technological origins trace back to Beijing-registered entities established several years ago. This connection has drawn attention from Chinese regulators despite Meta’s assertion that the acquisition includes “no continuing Chinese ownership interests” and that Manus will discontinue its China operations.

    Industry analysts interpret the move as reflecting China’s intensified focus on technological security. Gary Ng, senior economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, noted that “security has become the top concern for Chinese policymakers,” adding that “any tech transfer that could give the U.S. an edge in competitiveness will be heavily scrutinized.”

    Academic experts have raised specific concerns regarding compliance with China’s technology export control frameworks. Professor Cui Fan of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing questioned whether the transaction involved “technologies prohibited or restricted from export under Chinese laws and regulations being exported without a license.”

    The acquisition represents Meta’s latest strategic move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram—services that remain blocked in China under the country’s internet governance policies. Manus, which developed a general-purpose AI agent capable of autonomously performing multi-step complex tasks, reported annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million last month.

  • England’s Harry Brook apologizes for nightclub incident in New Zealand before Ashes

    England’s Harry Brook apologizes for nightclub incident in New Zealand before Ashes

    England’s white-ball cricket captain Harry Brook has issued a formal apology following revelations of an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, New Zealand, last October. The incident occurred on October 31, just before the final one-day international against New Zealand, preceding England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.

    According to reports from London’s Telegraph, the confrontation unfolded when Brook was denied entry to an establishment, resulting in physical contact with security personnel. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed awareness of the matter, stating it had been addressed through a formal and confidential disciplinary process that resulted in a £30,000 (approximately $40,300) fine for the player alongside a final conduct warning.

    The timing of the disclosure proved particularly sensitive as it emerged immediately following England’s fifth-test defeat in Sydney, cementing Australia’s comprehensive 4-1 series victory. Brook, who also served as test vice-captain during the Ashes, maintained his leadership position despite the incident.

    In his apology statement, Brook expressed remorse: ‘I want to apologize for my actions. I fully accept that my behavior was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team. Representing England is the greatest honor of all, which I take seriously, and I am deeply sorry for letting down my teammates, coaches and supporters.’

    The nightclub incident wasn’t the only behavioral concern surrounding the England squad during their Southern Hemisphere tour. Reports also emerged of players excessively consuming alcohol in Noosa, a resort town between the second and third Ashes tests—both of which England lost.

    Despite these controversies, Brook will retain captaincy for England’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in two weeks, followed by the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled next month across Sri Lanka and India. The ECB has initiated a comprehensive performance review of players and management following the underwhelming Ashes outcome, which contrasted sharply with the team’s elevated expectations upon arriving in Australia.

  • Canadian business leader’s take: See China, know China

    Canadian business leader’s take: See China, know China

    Ron Horton, Vice President of the Canada-China Business Association, has become a prominent advocate for strengthened Sino-Canadian relations, crediting his firsthand experiences with transforming his understanding of the nation. Contrary to common perceptions formed from a distance, Horton emphasizes that true comprehension of China only emerges from direct engagement within the country.

    An avid daily reader of China Daily, Horton has developed a profound appreciation for Chinese society, which he describes as composed of intelligent, hard-working, and exceptionally friendly people. His professional advocacy extends beyond mere observation to active bridge-building between the two nations.

    Currently, Horton is channeling his efforts into reinforcing the sister city partnership between Edmonton, Canada and Harbin, China. This initiative represents a practical application of his belief that people-to-people connections and municipal-level cooperation form the foundation of stronger international business relationships. His work exemplifies a growing trend among business leaders who recognize that geopolitical complexities require grassroots engagement and cultural understanding to foster successful economic partnerships.

  • Edmonton mayor’s China debut: A 40-year sister-city bond

    Edmonton mayor’s China debut: A 40-year sister-city bond

    In a significant diplomatic engagement marking four decades of international friendship, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack completed his inaugural visit to Harbin, China, characterizing the experience as “one of the most spectacular” of his life. The milestone journey celebrated the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the Canadian metropolis and its Chinese counterpart in Heilongjiang province.

    Despite confronting harsh subzero temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, Mayor Knack expressed profound admiration for Harbin’s renowned Ice and Snow Festival, a world-class winter celebration that transforms the city into an elaborate frozen masterpiece. The timing of his visit coincided with the festival’s peak season, providing a perfect backdrop for cross-cultural exchange.

    The two municipalities, though geographically separated by vast distances, share remarkable climatic similarities that have fostered a unique bond. Both cities experience extreme winter conditions, creating common ground for collaboration in cold-climate technologies, winter tourism, and climate adaptation strategies.

    Looking toward future cooperation, both cities have committed to expanding their partnership beyond cultural exchanges into substantive economic and tourism initiatives. The renewed agreement paves the way for enhanced business connections, educational exchanges, and joint development projects that leverage each city’s unique strengths and resources.

    This diplomatic mission represents a strengthening of international municipal relationships at a time when city-to-city diplomacy continues to grow in importance within global governance frameworks. The enduring partnership between Edmonton and Harbin demonstrates how local governments can foster international understanding and cooperation despite differing national contexts.

  • Extended visa-free transit program fuels surge in China’s inbound visitors

    Extended visa-free transit program fuels surge in China’s inbound visitors

    China’s innovative visa facilitation measures have yielded remarkable results, with inbound arrivals soaring to 40.6 million travelers during the first year of its expanded 240-hour visa-free transit program. The policy revision implemented in December 2024 has triggered a substantial 27.2 percent year-on-year increase in international visitors, according to official data released by Ministry of Public Security spokesperson Zhang Ming on Thursday.

    The comprehensive transit program, now accessible to citizens from 55 eligible countries, has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in boosting China’s tourism sector and international connectivity. Zhang Ming highlighted that utilization of the visa-free scheme has skyrocketed by 60.8 percent compared to pre-policy implementation levels, indicating strong global response to China’s border facilitation initiatives.

    This strategic immigration policy overhaul represents China’s commitment to fostering global mobility while maintaining robust border security protocols. The extended transit window allows international travelers ample opportunity to explore multiple Chinese destinations during their stopovers, effectively positioning China as a premier transit hub within global travel networks.

    The program’s success coincides with China’s broader efforts to enhance international relations and cultural exchanges through streamlined travel procedures. By reducing bureaucratic barriers, China has not only stimulated its tourism economy but also strengthened its position as an increasingly accessible destination for global citizens seeking business opportunities, cultural experiences, and academic exchanges.

    Law enforcement authorities have concurrently implemented advanced biometric screening technologies and real-time monitoring systems to ensure national security remains uncompromised throughout this period of enhanced border accessibility. The Ministry of Public Security continues to refine these procedures based on ongoing evaluation of passenger flow patterns and security assessments.

  • ‘Calm yet powerful’: Harbin leaves lasting impression on Belgian guest

    ‘Calm yet powerful’: Harbin leaves lasting impression on Belgian guest

    Harbin has made a profound impression on Belgian diplomatic officials, with Didier Denayer, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Belgian Embassy in China, characterizing the Chinese city as possessing a unique duality of being “calm yet powerful.” This endorsement comes as Belgium prepares to significantly expand its participation in the upcoming Harbin Beer Festival following its role as guest country at last year’s event.

    The Belgian diplomat’s perspective offers international recognition of Harbin’s distinctive urban character, which combines historical tranquility with emerging economic influence. The city’s ability to blend traditional charm with modern development appears to have created a lasting impact on European representatives experiencing Northeastern China’s cultural and commercial landscape.

    Belgium’s decision to enhance its involvement in the 2026 Harbin Beer Festival signals growing bilateral cultural and economic exchanges between China and European nations. The expanded presence will likely feature increased Belgian beer varieties, cultural exhibitions, and business networking opportunities, building upon the foundation established during their previous participation.

    This development occurs within the broader context of strengthening China-Europe relations, with cultural diplomacy serving as a bridge for deeper economic cooperation. The beer festival, beyond its recreational aspects, functions as an important platform for international business dialogue and cultural understanding between Chinese and European entities.

  • Chinese vice-premier stresses importance of wheat field management

    Chinese vice-premier stresses importance of wheat field management

    During a comprehensive inspection tour of Central China’s Henan province from Tuesday to Wednesday, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong underscored the critical importance of enhanced wheat field management to safeguard agricultural product stability. The high-ranking official, who also serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conducted field visits to Anyang and Neihuang counties to evaluate winter wheat conditions firsthand.

    Vice-Premier Liu personally assessed crop fields and agricultural service centers, examining winter wheat seedling development, cold and drought prevention measures, and agricultural supply availability. While acknowledging that the national winter wheat sowing area has maintained stability, Liu identified concerning weaknesses in seedling conditions across certain regions, urging immediate and continuous monitoring of crop health and soil moisture levels.

    The agricultural inspection extended to vegetable cultivation bases and wholesale markets, where Liu investigated the supply chain stability of essential ‘vegetable basket’ products. With the approaching Spring Festival creating peak seasonal demand, the Vice-Premier emphasized the necessity of enhanced price surveillance and information transparency for vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, dairy products, and aquatic supplies.

    This agricultural mobilization forms part of broader strategic preparations to ensure food security foundations align with the impending launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), representing a crucial initiative to stabilize domestic food supplies during a period of significant economic planning.