Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China to boost extreme weather forecasting capabilities in 2026

    China to boost extreme weather forecasting capabilities in 2026

    China has announced ambitious plans to revolutionize its meteorological capabilities by deploying advanced artificial intelligence systems to predict extreme weather phenomena. The initiative, unveiled at the National Meteorological Work Conference in Beijing, represents a significant technological leap in climate resilience planning.

    The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) will pilot a groundbreaking imminent warning system in 2026 that integrates machine learning algorithms to enhance typhoon trajectory projections and heavy rainfall forecasting accuracy. Under the leadership of Administrator Chen Zhenlin, the program will develop specialized prediction products specifically designed for extreme climate scenarios.

    This technological advancement builds upon recent achievements in disaster response, where China successfully minimized typhoon tracking errors and provided crucial early warnings during flood seasons. The meteorological authority has strengthened interdepartmental coordination mechanisms, creating more efficient resource allocation protocols and disaster preparedness frameworks.

    The 2026 roadmap additionally includes developing specialized agricultural meteorological services and conducting comprehensive surveys of agricultural climate resources. This dual approach addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term food security considerations in the face of changing climate patterns.

    The new forecasting system represents China’s commitment to technological innovation in public safety, potentially establishing new global standards in meteorological science while protecting vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters.

  • Watch: Hail, rain hit RAK, Dubai during cold winter spell

    Watch: Hail, rain hit RAK, Dubai during cold winter spell

    An extraordinary winter weather phenomenon captivated residents across the United Arab Emirates on Monday morning as rare hailstorms and rainfall transformed the typically arid landscape. The northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah became the epicenter of this meteorological event, with social media platforms flooded with videos showing steady hailstones descending upon the region. In one particularly joyful clip, groups of men were seen embracing the unexpected weather, laughing and playfully engaging in hail-throwing exchanges.

    The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had previously forecast light precipitation around January 25th, but the intensity and nature of Monday’s weather surpassed expectations. While winter rainfall occurs periodically in the UAE, hailstorms remain exceptionally uncommon, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas. The mountainous terrain of Ras Al Khaimah, with its higher elevations and lower temperatures, created ideal conditions for this rare convective cloud activity.

    Simultaneously, Dubai experienced its own winter transformation with steady rainfall, overcast skies, and brisk winds. Instagram footage from StormCentre.ae captured the precipitation streaming across vehicle windshields as traffic navigated the newly soaked roadways. The morning’s lowest temperature registered at 4.7°C on Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah at 6:30 AM, contributing to the distinctly wintery atmosphere.

    Meteorological authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during these unstable weather conditions, emphasizing potential hazards from wet roads and reduced visibility. Dr. Mohamed Al Ebri, Director of Meteorology at NCM, previously explained to Khaleej Times that these temperature fluctuations represent normal winter patterns, with alternating cold spells and moderate warm periods expected throughout the season.

    Notably, Dr. Al Ebri contextualized the current cold spell within broader global climate dynamics, specifically referencing the La Niña phenomenon. This climate pattern, characterized by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, continues to influence weather systems worldwide, including the Arabian Peninsula.

    The unexpected hailstorm provided residents with a memorable break from the region’s typically mild winter weather, creating moments of shared wonder and digital documentation across social media platforms.

  • Bahrain: 23-year-old dies in highway accident; one injured

    Bahrain: 23-year-old dies in highway accident; one injured

    A fatal traffic incident on Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa bin Salman highway resulted in the death of a young individual and left another person wounded during the early hours of January 26, 2026. The country’s Ministry of Interior has officially confirmed the tragic event, which occurred in the vicinity leading toward the King Fahd Bridge.

    Emergency response teams and relevant authorities were immediately dispatched to the accident site to provide necessary assistance and conduct preliminary investigations. The Ministry’s prompt announcement underscores the seriousness with which Bahraini officials are treating this roadway tragedy.

    While specific details regarding the circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation by authorities, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The identity of the deceased 23-year-old victim has not been publicly disclosed pending notification of family members.

    This unfortunate event marks another addition to traffic-related fatalities in the Gulf region, where highway safety continues to be a priority for government agencies. The Ministry of Interior has not released additional information about the condition of the injured individual or the vehicles involved in the accident.

  • China hits 469m motor vehicles in 2025 amid drop in dangerous driving cases

    China hits 469m motor vehicles in 2025 amid drop in dangerous driving cases

    China’s transportation landscape reached a significant milestone in 2025 with the national motor vehicle fleet expanding to 469 million units, according to official data released by the Ministry of Public Security. This substantial inventory includes 366 million automobiles, reflecting the continued growth of personal and commercial transportation across the nation.

    The corresponding driver population similarly swelled to 559 million licensed operators, with automobile drivers constituting 525 million of this total. The licensing authorities remained active throughout the year, issuing approximately 20.51 million new driving credentials to accommodate the growing mobility demands.

    Vehicle registration statistics revealed 35.35 million new motor vehicles were formally registered nationwide in 2025, maintaining an eleven-year streak of annual registration figures surpassing the 30 million mark. Automobiles accounted for 26.19 million of these new registrations, demonstrating sustained growth in personal transportation despite market maturation.

    In a parallel development, judicial data from the Supreme People’s Procuratorate indicated substantial progress in road safety enforcement. Between January and November 2025, Chinese procuratorial organs processed 236,000 dangerous driving cases referred by public security authorities—representing a notable 22.1 percent reduction compared to the previous year. Prosecutions for dangerous driving offenses similarly declined by 17.2 percent year-on-year, with 211,000 individuals formally charged.

    Despite this encouraging downward trend, dangerous driving violations continue to represent the most prevalent category of criminal cases handled by prosecutors, comprising 14.4 percent of all criminal matters accepted by judicial authorities. This persistent pattern highlights both the scale of enforcement efforts and the ongoing challenges in promoting comprehensive road safety awareness.

  • Fujian deepens cross-Strait integration with Taiwan through infrastructure and cultural initiatives

    Fujian deepens cross-Strait integration with Taiwan through infrastructure and cultural initiatives

    In a significant move to strengthen ties across the Taiwan Strait, China’s Fujian province has launched comprehensive integration initiatives combining infrastructure development and cultural exchange programs. The coastal province, positioned as the primary gateway to Taiwan, is implementing concrete measures to create “integrated living circles” with the outlying islands of Jinmen and Matsu.

    The city of Xiamen has committed to completing its section of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge within the year, a landmark infrastructure project designed to facilitate daily cross-Strait connectivity. The municipal government’s work report outlines additional collaborative efforts including shared access to the newly constructed Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport and the development of integrated electricity and gas networks between Xiamen and Jinmen. To streamline transportation, Xiamen is implementing intelligent customs clearance systems for ferry passengers.

    Beyond physical connectivity, Xiamen is establishing itself as a testing ground for cross-Strait standard harmonization. The city plans to formulate or revise over 30 common standards across sectors including healthcare and domestic services in 2026. This standardization effort builds on previous success in economic cooperation, with the Cross-Strait Integrated Circuit Industry Cooperation Pilot Zone showing notable progress. Xiamen recorded an 11% year-on-year increase in new Taiwan-funded enterprises following the implementation of 25 measures supporting Taiwan businesses.

    Meanwhile, Fuzhou, the provincial capital, reported substantial growth in Taiwan investment with 355 new Taiwan-funded enterprises established in the previous year, representing a 26.3% increase. Fuzhou’s 2026 agenda emphasizes social and cultural integration, focusing on equalizing basic public services including healthcare, housing, and education for Taiwan compatriots. The city will additionally promote ancestral “root-seeking” activities and enhance youth exchanges through sports diplomacy, particularly baseball and rugby, to strengthen emotional and familial bonds across the Strait.

  • Military-backed party secures Myanmar election win with opposition excluded

    Military-backed party secures Myanmar election win with opposition excluded

    BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) announced Monday it had secured victory in the nation’s first electoral process since the 2021 armed seizure of power, establishing the foundation for a new governing administration.

    The anticipated triumph of the former general-led party occurred within a tightly controlled electoral environment that systematically excluded prominent opposition factions and suppressed dissenting voices. The military government further consolidated power through constitutional provisions automatically reserving 25% of parliamentary seats for armed forces personnel, effectively ensuring continued dominance by military interests and their political allies.

    International observers and critics have universally condemned the polling process as fundamentally flawed, characterizing it as a strategic maneuver to legitimize military rule following the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government. The violent takeover precipitated nationwide resistance that has subsequently evolved into full-scale civil conflict.

    The multi-phase election conducted between December 28 and January 25 witnessed significant participation limitations, with 67 of Myanmar’s 330 townships—primarily those under opposition armed group control—unable to participate. This reduced the total available seats in the 664-member national parliament to 586.

    Despite participation from over 4,800 candidates representing 57 political organizations, only six parties mounted nationwide campaigns, reflecting the constrained political landscape.

    An anonymous USDP senior official disclosed to The Associated Press that the party secured 57 of 61 contested lower house seats during Sunday’s final voting phase. Preliminary calculations indicate the military-aligned party will hold at least 290 parliamentary positions across both chambers. Combined with the military’s constitutionally mandated 166 seats, this establishes a commanding majority exceeding 450 seats—well beyond the 294 required for government formation.

    The electoral process will culminate with parliamentary members and military appointees selecting a president from three nominated candidates, with current military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing widely anticipated to assume the presidency.

    United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has urged global rejection of both the election results and subsequent power structures, while Min Aung Hlaing defiantly stated that international recognition remains irrelevant to Myanmar’s political process.

  • Myanmar uses ‘ghost ships’ to import aviation fuel for deadly air attacks, Amnesty says

    Myanmar uses ‘ghost ships’ to import aviation fuel for deadly air attacks, Amnesty says

    Amnesty International has uncovered sophisticated sanction-evasion operations by Myanmar’s military junta to secure aviation fuel for its ongoing aerial assaults against civilian populations. According to a comprehensive investigation released Monday, the regime has adopted tactics mirroring those of heavily sanctioned nations like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

    The London-based human rights organization documented a startling 69% surge in aviation fuel imports during 2025, reaching 109,000 tonnes—the highest volume since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. This increased fuel supply correlates with what Amnesty describes as ‘the deadliest year on record for aerial attacks’ since the military takeover.

    Amnesty’s research team employed advanced analysis of trade patterns, shipping manifests, satellite imagery, and port authority data to trace the clandestine supply routes. The investigation revealed that Myanmar’s military relies on ‘ghost ships’ that systematically disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to avoid detection. These vessels frequently alter their identities, change flags and ownership registries, and conduct open-water ship-to-ship transfers rather than using conventional port facilities.

    Between mid-2024 and late 2025, researchers confirmed at least nine separate shipments delivered by four vessels using these evasion techniques. While the ultimate origin of the fuel remains obscured through complex resale arrangements, the tactics closely resemble those employed by Iranian oil tankers facing international sanctions.

    Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s Regional Research Director, stated: ‘Five years after the coup, the Myanmar junta continues to develop new methods to import the jet fuel necessary for bombing its own civilians. The international sanctions regime, led by the United States and Britain, has proven ineffective in stopping these attacks against defenseless targets.’

    The military campaign has resulted in devastating human costs, with over 7,700 civilians killed by state security forces since the coup according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Amnesty has called for comprehensive bans on aviation fuel shipments to Myanmar and the withdrawal of all companies involved in the supply chain to prevent further civilian casualties.

    The military government has not responded to inquiries regarding these findings. The report notes that Myanmar’s military continues to receive substantial arms support from its major allies, Russia and China, while employing global sanction-evasion networks to maintain its operational capabilities.

  • Fifteen dead, 28 missing as ferry sinks in southern Philippines

    Fifteen dead, 28 missing as ferry sinks in southern Philippines

    A major maritime tragedy struck the southern Philippines on Monday when the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the early hours, resulting in 15 confirmed fatalities and 28 individuals remaining unaccounted for. The vessel, carrying more than 350 passengers and crew, issued a distress signal at approximately 1:50 AM local time (1750 GMT Sunday) while navigating waters near Baluk-Baluk Island in the Basilan province chain.

    According to Philippine Coast Guard reports, the ferry had departed Zamboanga City on Mindanao’s southwestern tip approximately four hours prior to the emergency alert. Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua confirmed that 316 people have been successfully rescued from the waters east of the Zamboanga peninsula, approximately five kilometers from Baluk-Baluk Island.

    Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the remote location and limited resources. Emergency responder Ronalyn Perez from Basilan reported that local hospitals were overwhelmed by the sudden influx of patients, creating critical staffing shortages. At least 18 survivors required immediate medical attention at one facility.

    Multipronged rescue efforts involving the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force assets were deployed to the area. Aerial support was dispatched to assist in the ongoing search operations. Survivors were being transported to coast guard stations in Zamboanga and Isabela City for processing and medical care.

    Disturbing footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard depicted rescue teams extracting survivors from the water and administering urgent medical treatment. Social media broadcasts captured harrowing audio of passengers shouting for assistance in the darkness.

    The coast guard emphasized that initial investigations indicate the vessel was not operating beyond its capacity limits. A formal marine casualty investigation has been initiated to determine the precise cause of the sinking, though rescue priorities currently take precedence over determining causation.

    This incident highlights ongoing maritime safety concerns in the Philippine archipelago, where millions depend on inter-island ferry services for transportation across the nation’s 7,000+ islands. The region has experienced numerous similar tragedies, including a 2023 ferry fire that claimed over 30 lives in southern Philippine waters.

  • Winter sports push tourism in NE China’s Jilin

    Winter sports push tourism in NE China’s Jilin

    Northeast China’s Jilin province is transforming its winter landscape into a thriving tourism economy through strategic sporting initiatives. The region’s famed Changbai Mountains, now blanketed in seasonal snow, have become the backdrop for an ambitious development plan that combines athletic events with enhanced visitor experiences.

    At premier destinations like Beidahu and Lake Songhua resorts, skiers carve through fresh powder while the province implements its vision to establish international winter destination credibility. This season marks a significant escalation in efforts to convert Jilin’s natural icy resources into economic prosperity.

    One particularly striking manifestation of this initiative appeared at Lake Songhua Resort last November, where professional skiers performed a culturally-infused demonstration wearing elaborate Peking Opera costumes. This fusion of traditional Chinese culture with winter sports exemplifies the province’s innovative approach to tourism development.

    Beyond spectacle, Jilin is investing substantially in infrastructure upgrades and service quality improvements across its winter sports facilities. The coordinated strategy involves hosting major competitive events alongside creating unique visitor experiences that differentiate the region from other winter destinations.

    The provincial government’s comprehensive approach recognizes winter tourism as a multidimensional engine for economic growth. By leveraging both its natural advantages and cultural heritage, Jilin aims to attract domestic and international visitors seeking authentic winter experiences complemented by world-class amenities and distinctive cultural elements.

  • Indian consulate in Dubai hosts flag hoisting to mark 77th Republic Day

    Indian consulate in Dubai hosts flag hoisting to mark 77th Republic Day

    Dubai witnessed a profound display of patriotic fervor as the Indian Consulate hosted an elaborate flag-hoisting ceremony on January 26, 2026, commemorating India’s 77th Republic Day. The event attracted massive participation from the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating the strong cultural bonds and national pride among the 4.3 million Indians residing in the Gulf nation.

    Consul General Satish Sivan addressed the gathering, highlighting the remarkable advancement in India-UAE bilateral relations following President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent state visit to India. The diplomatic engagement resulted in several groundbreaking agreements designed to foster mutual prosperity and technological collaboration between the nations.

    The newly solidified partnerships encompass multiple strategic sectors, including a landmark decade-long LNG supply arrangement, defense cooperation protocols, space technology initiatives, and significant infrastructure investment commitments. Both nations are also exploring innovative digital infrastructure partnerships, including the potential establishment of ‘digital embassies’ and enhanced secure data exchange mechanisms.

    The Republic Day celebration served as both a cultural milestone and a testament to the growing strategic alignment between India and the UAE, reflecting shared ambitions for technological innovation and economic resilience.