Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Leader of UAE-backed separatist forces accused of treason by Yemen’s government

    Leader of UAE-backed separatist forces accused of treason by Yemen’s government

    Yemen’s political landscape has been plunged into a severe crisis following the dramatic dismissal of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), by the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). The PLC, chaired by Rashad al-Alimi, issued an official decree on Wednesday formally stripping al-Zubaidi of his membership and referring him to the Prosecutor General on charges of high treason.

    The decree explicitly accused al-Zubaidi of systematically damaging Yemen’s political and military standing, forming illegal armed groups, committing grave violations against civilians, orchestrating the killing of military personnel, and sabotaging critical military infrastructure. This unprecedented move comes amid escalating violence in Yemen’s strategically vital southern regions.

    The STC, which controls substantial territory in southern Yemen, immediately rejected the allegations and denied reports of their leader’s disappearance. In an official statement, the separatist group asserted that al-Zubaidi remains in Aden and continues to perform his duties normally.

    The crisis deepened as Saudi Arabia’s coalition spokesman, Major General Turki al-Maliki, revealed that al-Zubaidi had been instructed on January 4th to travel to Saudi Arabia within 48 hours for emergency discussions regarding escalating STC attacks in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces. These eastern regions collectively constitute nearly half of Yemen’s territory and share critical borders with Saudi Arabia.

    According to al-Maliki, al-Zubaidi initially committed to arriving on January 6th but subsequently vanished without explanation. When a Yemenia Airways flight eventually departed after significant delays, it carried senior STC officials without their leader, who had apparently fled to an unknown location.

    In a parallel development, the PLC dismissed Transport Minister Abdul Salam Hamid and Planning Minister Waad Badhib, referring both for investigation. The council additionally ordered the arrest of individuals accused of weapons distribution and threatening civil peace, vowing decisive action to uphold legal authority.

    Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition conducted over fifteen airstrikes in Dhale governorate, with hospital sources reporting multiple casualties. The STC condemned these bombardments while simultaneously demanding that Saudi authorities immediately cease aerial attacks, maintaining that al-Zubaidi continues governing from Aden.

  • Video: Gaza year ender 2025

    Video: Gaza year ender 2025

    The protracted Palestine-Israel conflict continues into 2025 with no resolution in sight, maintaining its devastating trajectory that began in October 2023. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has reached staggering proportions, with confirmed fatalities exceeding 70,000 individuals according to ongoing assessments.

    China Daily correspondent Jan Yumul has engaged in critical dialogues with prominent stakeholders from both Palestinian and Israeli factions to examine the fundamental obstacles to peace. These exclusive discussions probe the core geopolitical, historical, and ideological divisions that have perpetuated the violence.

    The investigative reporting explores potential pathways for international intervention, analyzing how global institutions might facilitate meaningful dialogue between the conflicting parties. The report emphasizes the urgent need for multilateral cooperation to address the escalating humanitarian crisis while working toward sustainable political solutions.

    This comprehensive coverage comes as international bodies face increasing pressure to transform their diplomatic efforts into actionable results. The video documentation provides firsthand insights into the human cost of the conflict and the complex challenges facing peace negotiators attempting to bridge the deep-seated divisions between the two sides.

  • Direct China-Indonesia sea route for fruit exports opens with durian shipment

    Direct China-Indonesia sea route for fruit exports opens with durian shipment

    A new chapter in Sino-Indonesian agricultural trade commenced this week with the arrival of Indonesia’s inaugural shipment of frozen durians to China through a newly established direct maritime route. The historic consignment, comprising 23 metric tons of frozen durian flesh and pulp, docked at Qinzhou Port in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

    This strategic trade initiative establishes the first dedicated sea corridor for fruit exports between the two nations, significantly reducing transportation time and costs compared to previous multimodal routes. The frozen durians will undergo final processing at Qinzhou’s specialized facilities before distribution across Chinese markets, meeting the growing consumer demand for tropical fruits.

    The shipment represents a cornerstone achievement in Qinzhou’s ambitious development plan to position itself as China’s premier ASEAN fruit trading hub. Port authorities have implemented innovative fast-track customs clearance protocols specifically designed for perishable agricultural imports, reducing clearance times by approximately 40% compared to standard procedures.

    Industry analysts highlight that this direct route enhances supply chain efficiency while strengthening economic cooperation under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area framework. The corridor is expected to expand beyond durians to include other tropical fruits such as mangosteens, pineapples, and bananas, potentially increasing bilateral agricultural trade volume by an estimated 30% within two years.

    The maritime route also aligns with China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure investments in Southeast Asia, creating integrated logistics networks that benefit both producers and consumers while setting new standards for cold chain transportation technology.

  • RAKBank gets UAE Central Bank approval for dirham-backed stablecoin

    RAKBank gets UAE Central Bank approval for dirham-backed stablecoin

    In a significant advancement for the United Arab Emirates’ digital finance sector, RAKBank has obtained preliminary regulatory authorization from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to develop a national dirham-backed stablecoin. This approval, announced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, positions the institution as a pioneer in the nation’s rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

    The bank clarified that while this in-principle endorsement represents a crucial regulatory milestone, additional operational and compliance requirements must be fulfilled before implementation. Specific details regarding the pilot phase and subsequent expansion will be disclosed as development progresses.

    Stablecoins represent a specialized category of cryptocurrency engineered to maintain consistent valuation by anchoring their worth to stable reserve assets. Unlike highly volatile digital currencies such as Bitcoin, these instruments typically derive their stability from fiat currency reserves or commodity backing. RAKBank’s proposed solution will feature 1:1 dirham backing, with funds held in segregated, regulated accounts to ensure full redemption capability at par value.

    RAKBank Group CEO Raheel Ahmed characterized the development as reflecting the institution’s dedication to “innovation that is responsible, regulated, and built on trust.” This initiative aligns with the bank’s ongoing digital asset strategy, which previously included enabling retail cryptocurrency trading through regulated brokerage partnerships in 2025.

    The UAE’s stablecoin market continues to demonstrate robust growth, with November 2025 witnessing regulatory approval for Zand Bank’s multi-chain dirham-backed stablecoin. Globally, the stablecoin market capitalization surpassed $300 billion in October 2025, reaching $308.21 billion by early January 2026, dominated primarily by Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC offerings.

    Ahmed further emphasized the bank’s commitment to “developing solutions designed around customer needs while supporting the UAE’s vision for a future-ready financial system,” describing the initiative as part of their broader philosophy of delivering “banking that is digital with a human touch.”

  • Nivin Pauly signs multi-film deal with Panorama Studios for Rs 1 billion

    Nivin Pauly signs multi-film deal with Panorama Studios for Rs 1 billion

    Malayalam cinema superstar Nivin Pauly has entered into a groundbreaking cinematic partnership with India’s Panorama Studios, formalizing a multi-film co-production agreement valued at ₹1 billion (approximately Dh 40.75 million). This strategic alliance comes immediately following the remarkable commercial success of Pauly’s recent supernatural comedy ‘Sarvam Maya,’ which premiered in December 2025.

    The collaboration will see Pauly transitioning into a dual creative role, serving as both lead actor and co-producer alongside established producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak of Panorama Studios. While specific details regarding the number of planned films and production timelines remain undisclosed, the partnership represents one of the most significant investments in South Indian cinema production ventures.

    Pauly expressed considerable enthusiasm about the creative alignment, stating: ‘This collaboration with Panorama Studios is tremendously exciting from both artistic and production perspectives. Their distinctive vision, operational scale, and unwavering commitment to quality cinema perfectly complement the narrative-driven projects I aspire to develop collectively. We intend to create culturally rooted yet universally appealing films that balance entertainment with substantive impact.’

    Panorama Studios, renowned for its critically and commercially successful Hindi cinema portfolio including the ‘Drishyam’ franchise, ‘Omkara,’ ‘Raid’ series, and recent supernatural thriller ‘Shaitaan,’ views this partnership as a strategic expansion into South Indian markets. Kumar Mangat Pathak emphasized: ‘Malayalam cinema has consistently established new benchmarks for storytelling excellence and performance-driven narratives. Aligning with Nivin Pauly—an artist embodying exceptional credibility, versatile talent, and mass audience connectivity—represents a natural evolutionary step for Panorama Studios. This collaboration constitutes our substantial investment in meaningful cinema at scale while building enduring creative partnerships in Southern film industries.’

    Pauly’s career trajectory demonstrates remarkable versatility since his 2012 debut in ‘Thattathin Marayathu,’ with iconic performances across genres including ‘Premam’ (2015), ‘Bangalore Days’ (2014), ‘Neram’ (2013), and ‘Thuramukham’ (2023). His accolades include two Kerala State Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards South, and six SIIMA Awards. The actor’s recent supernatural comedy ‘Sarvam Maya,’ directed by Akhil Sathyan, achieved exceptional commercial performance as 2025’s fourth-highest grossing Malayalam film, surpassing ₹1 billion in global box office revenue while earning critical praise for Pauly’s portrayal of a Hindu priest experiencing supernatural encounters.

  • 450-ton freight train brings Gansu seeds to Europe

    450-ton freight train brings Gansu seeds to Europe

    In a significant development for agricultural trade corridors, a 450-ton seed-laden freight train has inaugurated a new direct route from China’s northwestern Gansu Province to European markets. The landmark departure occurred on December 24 from Jiuquan railway logistics hub, carrying 24 containers filled with vegetable and flower seeds destined for Italy and the Netherlands.

    This pioneering shipment utilizes China’s Western Land-Sea Corridor, an integrated rail-sea transportation network that substantially enhances trade efficiency between inland regions and international markets. Officials emphasize that this strategic corridor reduces both transit time and operational costs compared to traditional transportation routes, providing competitive advantages for Chinese agricultural exporters.

    The shipment represents more than mere commercial transaction—it symbolizes the deepening agricultural cooperation between China and Belt and Road Initiative participant nations. Gansu Province, known for its advanced seed cultivation and agricultural research capabilities, is positioned to become a crucial node in global agricultural supply chains through such infrastructure developments.

    This new freight service demonstrates the continuing expansion of China-Europe rail connections beyond traditional manufacturing goods into high-value agricultural products. The successful operation establishes a precedent for future specialized agricultural shipments along the Silk Road Economic Belt, potentially transforming how perishable and time-sensitive agricultural products move between Asia and Europe.

  • Global mayors heat up Harbin’s ice culture

    Global mayors heat up Harbin’s ice culture

    Harbin’s frozen riverfront became an international stage for cultural exchange as mayors from around the world gathered for the Global Mayors Dialogue on January 7, 2026. The event showcased China’s northeastern city’s unique blend of winter traditions and technological innovation against the backdrop of its famous ice culture.

    Distinguished guests participated in traditional ice dragon boating competitions before witnessing spectacular demonstrations of short track speed skating and elegant figure skating performances by local athletes. The most striking integration of technology and tradition emerged as robotic canines demonstrated sled-pulling capabilities across the icy surface, symbolizing Harbin’s progressive approach to winter cultural preservation.

    Photographs captured by Wang Jian document the convergence of international diplomacy and local culture, with mayors actively engaging in winter activities that have defined the region for generations. The event highlighted how Harbin has successfully transformed its harsh winter climate into an economic and cultural asset through innovative programming.

    The demonstration occurred as part of broader efforts to position Harbin as a leading destination for winter tourism and international cultural exchange. The city’s administration has strategically developed its winter offerings to appeal to both traditional culture enthusiasts and technology innovators, creating a unique niche in the global tourism market.

    This international gathering served not only as a cultural showcase but also as a diplomatic platform for urban leaders to exchange ideas about seasonal city management, tourism development, and cultural preservation strategies in climate-challenged environments.

  • China’s Mars rover discovers longer water existence on red planet

    China’s Mars rover discovers longer water existence on red planet

    In a groundbreaking revelation that reshapes our understanding of Martian evolution, China’s Zhurong rover has uncovered compelling evidence indicating water persisted on the Red Planet hundreds of millions of years longer than previously established. The findings, published in the National Science Review by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geology and Geophysics, fundamentally alter existing Martian hydrological timelines.

    Utilizing advanced quad-polarized ground-penetrating radar technology—functioning as a sophisticated planetary CT scanner—Zhurong examined subsurface structures at its Utopia Planitia landing site. The data revealed a uniformly thick sedimentary layer approximately 4 meters beneath the surface, covering buried impact craters with remarkable consistency.

    According to lead researcher Liu Yike, the geological evidence decisively eliminates volcanic or aeolian origins. “The sedimentary layer’s uniform thickness and continuity point conclusively toward aqueous deposition,” Liu explained. “The formation environment likely resembled a shallow marine or lacustrine system rather than dry volcanic or wind-driven processes.”

    The radar imaging further captured centimeter-scale stratifications characteristic of aquatic sedimentation, providing additional validation of sustained water activity during the middle-late Amazonian Period approximately 750 million years ago. This timeline pushes Mars’ hydrological activity significantly closer to the present era than the previously accepted cutoff of 3 billion years ago.

    Since its May 2021 landing, Zhurong has traversed 1,921 meters across the Martian terrain, gathering extensive datasets that continue to revolutionize planetary science. These findings not only recalibrate Martian climatic models but also enhance our understanding of planetary habitability thresholds and geological evolution.

    The discovery underscores the growing sophistication of China’s deep space exploration capabilities while providing crucial insights for future interplanetary research missions seeking evidence of extraterrestrial life and habitable environments.

  • China accounts for over 60% of global courier parcel growth in 2021-2025

    China accounts for over 60% of global courier parcel growth in 2021-2025

    BEIJING – China has emerged as the undisputed engine of global courier parcel growth, accounting for more than 60% of worldwide expansion throughout the 2021-2025 Five-Year Plan period. Official statistics released Wednesday at the national postal work conference reveal the staggering scale of this development, with annual parcel volume surging to approximately 200 billion deliveries.

    The nation’s postal sector achieved remarkable financial performance, generating 1.8 trillion yuan ($256.5 billion) in revenue during 2025 alone. This capped a five-year streak of consistent growth exceeding 10% annually, underscoring the industry’s robust expansion amid global economic uncertainties.

    This explosive growth has transformed delivery patterns across Chinese society. Per capita usage has climbed to 141 parcels annually, while peak daily processing capacity reached an unprecedented 777 million items during the period – figures that dwarf comparable metrics in other major economies.

    Substantial infrastructure advancements have driven this transformation. State Post Bureau Director Zhao Chongjiu reported successful expansion of e-commerce free shipping services to previously underserved remote regions, including Xinjiang and Xizang. This logistics revolution has significantly increased the share of courier activity in central and western China, effectively integrating these regions into the national economic mainstream.

    Technological innovation has been central to this evolution. The sector has undergone comprehensive digital transformation, with most large-scale sorting centers now operating with advanced automation systems. Cutting-edge technologies including drones and autonomous delivery vehicles have transitioned from experimental phases to routine operational deployment.

    Looking toward future development, Director Zhao outlined ambitious plans for 2026 focusing on unmanned delivery technologies and sustainable logistics solutions. The bureau additionally committed to strengthening international services through expanded overseas warehouse networks and enhanced air cargo infrastructure, positioning China for continued leadership in global logistics innovation.

  • Harbin hosts global mayors dialogue on ice and snow industry development

    Harbin hosts global mayors dialogue on ice and snow industry development

    Harbin transformed into a diplomatic hub for cold-climate cities as mayors from across the globe gathered at the Ice and Snow World complex on Tuesday evening for the Global Mayors Dialogue. The international delegation—representing municipalities from Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, South Korea, Thailand, and Türkiye—convened to exchange strategies for converting winter conditions into sustainable economic development.

    Under the thematic framework “White Gold: Urban Development Driven by the Ice and Snow Economy,” the dialogue salon featured substantive discussions on transforming climatic challenges into opportunities. Li Mian, Executive Vice-Mayor of Harbin, revealed that the current Harbin Ice and Snow World occupies the global lead as the largest ice-themed park, utilizing 400,000 cubic meters of ice—equivalent to approximately 160 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The attraction recorded 3.56 million tourist visits during its 68-day operational period last winter.

    “Harbin stands as China’s premier ice city, the cradle of modern winter sports, and an international hub for frost-season tourism,” Li declared. He elaborated on Harbin’s innovative approach to citywide tourism development, creating tailored experiences for diverse demographics and transforming the entire urban landscape into an integrated cultural destination rather than relying on isolated attractions.

    International representatives shared parallel initiatives. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack described how his city reimagines winter as a cultural connector rather than a hardship, stating: “While many endure winter, cities like Harbin and Edmonton thrive through it. We create artistic festivals and sporting events that foster genuine community engagement.”

    From Rovaniemi—the official hometown of Santa Claus—City Council Second Chairman Heikki Kontiosalo detailed how extended snow seasons become tourism assets through enhanced ski infrastructure and hospitality investments. Erzurum Vice-Mayor Zafer Aynali highlighted municipal management of ski centers and announced ambitious development targets for 2026-2027 following a successfully hosted world championship.

    Even representatives from less frigid regions expressed interest in collaboration. Thorsten Kroll, Vice-Mayor of Magdeburg, noted his city’s limited snowfall but strong desire to partner with Harbin in tourism, pharmaceuticals, technology, and construction sectors.

    The gathering demonstrated a growing international recognition of cryospheric economics as a viable development model, with Harbin positioning itself as a central node in this emerging global network.