Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Hebei cooperative’s cabbage proving a hit across China

    Hebei cooperative’s cabbage proving a hit across China

    In the agricultural heartland of Yutian county, Hebei province, a quiet revolution is unfolding within the cabbage fields that promises to reshape regional farming economics. As winter’s harvest season reaches its peak, specialized cabbage varieties from local cooperatives are commanding unprecedented market attention, with demand extending far beyond the traditional Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional market.

    The Huayu Cabbage Cooperative reports exceptional market performance for their Lyusun 70 variety, with all 5.3 hectares completely pre-sold at prices exceeding double that of conventional cabbage. According to cooperative head Cai Lianzhu, the variety’s exceptional low-light tolerance and disease resistance have contributed significantly to its commercial success.

    This agricultural breakthrough stems from the scientific expertise of Dr. Zhang Shujiang and his research team at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Their Lyusun 70 hybrid, characterized by its upright growth pattern, tightly wrapped shell-shaped leaves, and dual-purpose culinary applications, earned national recognition earlier this year when it was included in China’s catalog of recommended crop varieties.

    The success story extends beyond Lyusun 70 to include Hongsunbao No 1, another innovative variety enabling Yutian farmers to break traditional seasonal constraints. This dual-season cultivar has created new summer market opportunities, effectively extending the county’s growing calendar and enhancing overall market competitiveness.

    Shi Dongyu, director of the Lanyu Cooperative, reports expanding Hongsunbao No 1 cultivation to two hectares following substantial buyer interest, particularly from southern markets where the variety’s compact size and superior flavor command premium prices exceeding 4 yuan per kilogram.

    Dr. Zhang observes that these developments reflect broader consumer trends favoring smaller, higher-quality produce over traditional large-head vegetables. This shift toward premiumization has driven significant varietal upgrades throughout Yutian’s vegetable industry, boosting both yields and profitability while strengthening supply chain resilience.

    The regional impact has been substantial, with Yutian Vegetables securing recognition as one of the top 50 public brands in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in 2025, demonstrating how scientific innovation and agricultural tradition can combine to create competitive advantage in modern markets.

  • China deploys aid to Sri Lanka in wake of cyclone

    China deploys aid to Sri Lanka in wake of cyclone

    In a rapid response to catastrophic flooding and landslides unleashed by Cyclone Ditwah, China has initiated a comprehensive humanitarian assistance program for Sri Lanka. The devastating storm has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of property across the island nation.

    The Chinese Embassy in Colombo announced that immediate financial support has been dispatched through the Red Cross Society of China, which has provided $100,000 in emergency cash assistance to its Sri Lankan counterpart. Simultaneously, additional relief materials from the Chinese government are currently en route to the disaster-stricken regions.

    Beyond governmental channels, China’s private sector and diaspora community have mobilized substantial resources. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Overseas Chinese Association in Sri Lanka have launched coordinated donation campaigns, successfully raising approximately 10 million Sri Lankan Rupees (equivalent to $32,501) to support affected communities.

    In an official statement released Monday, the Chinese Embassy expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts: “We are confident that under the firm leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and with the collective support of the international community, the valiant Sri Lankan people will undoubtedly overcome the disaster, stand united in solidarity and rebuild their homes in the near future.”

    Through social media platform X, the embassy further conveyed China’s heartfelt condolences to victims and sincere sympathies to bereaved families and those affected by the floods. The message emphasized China’s ongoing commitment: “China’s assistance and support to Sri Lanka on the way. China’s solidarity and support for the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.”

    The timely intervention demonstrates China’s commitment to international disaster response and underscores the strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations during times of crisis.

  • Skaik joins strong field heading to Portugal’s Algarve for Week 2 of MENA Golf Tour

    Skaik joins strong field heading to Portugal’s Algarve for Week 2 of MENA Golf Tour

    Portugal’s scenic Algarve region prepares to host the second leg of the 2025–26 MENA Golf Tour season with the $100,000 Rolear Algarve Classic commencing December 2nd at the acclaimed Amendoeira Golf Resort. The championship brings together 87 competitors (81 professionals and 6 amateurs) for a 54-hole contest on one of Portugal’s most visually striking yet demanding layouts.

    Fresh from his commanding victory at last week’s Aroeira Challenge, Italian golfer Ludovico Addabbo enters the tournament with renewed confidence after posting an impressive 18-under-par total. His dominant performance earned him Category 1 status and a two-year tour exemption. ‘Last week’s win provided a significant confidence boost,’ Addabbo noted. ‘The O’Connor Course presents different challenges with its expansive layout and undulating greens, requiring precise iron play and strategic positioning.’

    The field features 37 recent graduates from the MENA Tour Q School held at Troia Golf Club, including champion Chris Wood of England. Notably, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik continues his rapid transition to professional golf following his debut just last week. Skaik observed the contrasting course conditions: ‘This venue differs substantially from last week’s tight layout, offering wider fairways that resemble courses in Dubai. Each tournament provides valuable learning experiences regardless of scale.’

    The event includes invited players from the Portuguese Golf Federation and PGA Tour, enhancing the international competitive landscape. Following the Algarve Classic, the tour will pause for seasonal breaks before resuming with four events in Egypt during January and February, followed by competitions in Morocco. A mid-season Q-Sprint scheduled for February 22nd-23rd will offer additional opportunities for players to join the tour or improve their competitive category.

    The MENA Golf Tour solidifies its position as a premier developmental platform, offering Official World Golf Ranking points, guaranteed prize funds, and expedited 48-hour payment processing. The 2025–26 season enjoys support from WorldWide Golf and Titleist, with ongoing tournament updates available at www.MenaGolfTour.com.

  • Israel’s Netanyahu appears in court after pardon request backed by Trump

    Israel’s Netanyahu appears in court after pardon request backed by Trump

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the Jerusalem District Court on Monday amid escalating controversy over his unprecedented request for a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial. The legal proceeding marks the first court appearance since Netanyahu formally sought clemency from President Isaac Herzog—a move that has received endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump but has ignited fierce opposition across Israel’s political spectrum.

    The pardon appeal, submitted through Netanyahu’s legal team on Sunday, argues that continuous court appearances are impairing the Prime Minister’s governance capabilities. Notably absent from the request is any admission of guilt regarding the bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges originally filed in 2019. Netanyahu maintains his complete innocence, with his attorneys asserting they expect full acquittal should the trial proceed to conclusion.

    Opposition leaders have condemned the pardon bid as fundamentally undemocratic. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett conditionally supported ending judicial proceedings only if Netanyahu permanently withdraws from political life, stating this would allow Israel to ‘unite and rebuild the country together.’ Other critics demand national elections—scheduled by October 2026—before any pardon consideration.

    President Herzog acknowledged the divisive nature of the request, pledging to handle the matter with precision while prioritizing Israel’s national interests. The presidential office faces uncharted territory, as Israeli pardons traditionally occur only after conviction, not during active trials.

    Outside the courthouse, demonstrators wearing orange prison jumpsuits gathered, symbolizing their demand for accountability. Protester Ilana Barzilay expressed outrage that Netanyahu sought pardon without accepting responsibility.

    The political dimension intensified when Donald Trump characterized Netanyahu’s prosecution as ‘political and unjustified’ in a letter to President Herzog two weeks prior. This external endorsement has further polarized Israeli society, with Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition allies supporting the pardon while opponents view it as an assault on judicial integrity.

    Electoral implications loom large, with polls indicating Netanyahu’s coalition would struggle to maintain power in upcoming elections, where his legal troubles have become a central campaign issue.

  • Airbus faces new quality problem on dozens of A320 jets, sources say

    Airbus faces new quality problem on dozens of A320 jets, sources say

    European aerospace titan Airbus SE is navigating a newly identified industrial quality complication impacting multiple dozens of its best-selling A320neo-family aircraft, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. The issue, centered on potential flaws within specific fuselage panels, has initiated delays in handing over completed jets to airline customers. Investigations into the root cause are currently underway.

    While the discovery poses a significant challenge to the manufacturer’s ambitious year-end delivery objectives, sources indicate there is no immediate evidence suggesting the flaw has propagated to aircraft already in active commercial service. The company has maintained a position of no immediate public commentary on the developing situation.

    This production setback emerges at a critical juncture for Airbus, which is simultaneously managing the operational fallout from a separate weekend recall of jets to address an unrelated software anomaly. The confluence of these events is stretching the company’s industrial resources as it pushes to meet its stated annual target.

    Preliminary data suggests the disruption may already be materializing. November delivery figures, reported at 72 aircraft, fell short of many analyst projections. This brings the yearly total to approximately 657 jets. To achieve its publicly stated goal of ‘around 820′ deliveries for 2025, Airbus must now execute an unprecedented December, requiring the handover of over 160 aircraft—a figure that would surpass the current monthly record of 138 set in 2019.

    The financial implications are substantial, as a significant portion of an aircraft’s revenue is recognized upon delivery. Analyst sentiment on the feasibility of this year-end push is mixed. Some, like Jefferies’ Chloe Lemarie, acknowledge the November shortfall but suggest underlying production rates could still support the target. Others, including independent analyst Rob Morris, project a final tally closer to 800 deliveries, noting a tangible risk of the outcome falling marginally short of the official forecast.

  • UAE investors caught off-guard as forex office in Dubai shuts down

    UAE investors caught off-guard as forex office in Dubai shuts down

    A prominent foreign exchange trading office in Dubai’s Business Bay district has undergone sudden closure, leaving numerous investors financially stranded and triggering official legal proceedings. The ninth-floor premises, which previously housed nearly 100 employees actively soliciting UAE residents with promises of guaranteed returns, now stands deserted with Dubai Courts notices affixed to its glass entrance.

    Evidence suggests the operation was abandoned hurriedly, with personal belongings and work materials scattered throughout the office space. The closure has confirmed investors’ worst fears after weeks of unreturned calls and messages from their relationship managers. Multiple victims report significant financial losses ranging from Dh73,450 to over Dh624,325, with many having filed formal complaints with Dubai authorities.

    An investigation reveals that client funds were systematically diverted to accounts belonging to entities with deliberately similar names, including an events management company operating adjacent to the trading office. Rather than being deposited into regulated trading accounts as promised, investor capital was funneled into unrelated businesses through sophisticated financial deception.

    This case appears connected to a broader pattern of fraudulent operations targeting UAE residents. Previous investigations have identified multiple call centers across Dubai employing hundreds of agents using aggressive cold-calling tactics. Many of these operations have subsequently relocated to India following increased regulatory scrutiny, continuing their activities through VOIP technology that mimics legitimate UAE telephone prefixes.

    Financial experts caution that offshore-registered entities with limited operational history present substantial investment risks. The UAE authorities have repeatedly issued warnings regarding unlicensed trading platforms that utilize unsolicited contact methods and overseas registrations.

  • Embroidery proving major draw at bustling Guizhou market

    Embroidery proving major draw at bustling Guizhou market

    In the heart of China’s Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, a cultural renaissance is underway at the Xiulitao market in Kaili city, Guizhou province. What began as an informal gathering of local artisans has transformed into a thriving hub for ethnic embroidery, attracting both tourists and younger generations seeking authentic cultural experiences.

    The market, which officially opened in 2023 after local government reorganization, represents a successful case of cultural preservation meeting economic development. Visitors can witness master artisans demonstrating generations-old techniques including intricate embroidery patterns, traditional brocade weaving, and batik dyeing methods that have been preserved within these mountain communities for centuries.

    Beyond mere commerce, Xiulitao market serves as a living museum where cultural exchange flourishes. Younger shoppers are particularly drawn to the authentic craftsmanship, often purchasing embroidered pieces as both fashion statements and cultural artifacts. The market’s popularity reflects a broader trend of urban Chinese consumers rediscovering and valuing traditional ethnic crafts.

    Local merchants report sustained interest throughout the year, with particularly strong attendance during cultural festivals and holiday periods. The market’s success has provided economic stability for artisans while ensuring the continuation of endangered traditional crafts. This model of cultural commercialization without compromise to authenticity offers valuable insights for other regions seeking to preserve intangible cultural heritage.

  • UAE flights: Air Arabia starts daily flights between Sharjah and Krabi in Thailand

    UAE flights: Air Arabia starts daily flights between Sharjah and Krabi in Thailand

    Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia has officially launched daily nonstop flights between Sharjah International Airport and Krabi, Thailand, marking a significant expansion of its Southeast Asian network. The inaugural flight departed on November 28, 2025, receiving an official welcome in Krabi attended by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phipat Ratchakitprakarn alongside senior airline and airport officials.

    This new route establishes the third Thai destination in Air Arabia’s network from Sharjah, complementing existing services to Bangkok and Phuket. The addition provides enhanced connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand’s renowned southern coastal province, known for its exceptional natural attractions including pristine beaches, coral reefs, and dramatic limestone formations.

    Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, characterized the launch as a milestone in the airline’s regional expansion strategy. “This new daily service offers our customers greater convenience and strengthens the growing travel and trade links between the UAE and Thailand,” Al Ali stated. The executive emphasized that the route provides travelers with increased accessibility to one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.

    Passengers aboard Air Arabia’s modern Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will experience the carrier’s value-added amenities including ‘SkyTime’ complimentary in-flight streaming service and ‘SkyCafe’ onboard menu offerings. The airline’s regional loyalty program, ‘Air Rewards’, extends additional benefits to frequent flyers.

    Travelers can now access complete flight schedules and booking options through Air Arabia’s official website, contact center, or authorized travel agents. The new service responds to growing demand for travel between the Gulf region and Southeast Asia, particularly to Thailand’s southern resort destinations beyond the established hubs of Bangkok and Phuket.

  • ‘Heroic’: Philippine helper survives Hong Kong fire, hailed by government

    ‘Heroic’: Philippine helper survives Hong Kong fire, hailed by government

    In a remarkable display of courage amid one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fires in over seven decades, a newly arrived Filipina domestic worker has been nationally recognized for her heroic actions. Rhodora ‘Jackie’ Alcaraz, aged 28, successfully safeguarded her employer’s three-month-old infant and elderly mother while trapped within a smoke-engulfed apartment at Wang Fuk Court, mere hours after commencing her duties.

    The catastrophic blaze, which claimed at least 151 lives and left over 40 individuals missing, occurred last Wednesday. Among the confirmed fatalities are nine Indonesian domestic workers and one Filipino, highlighting the significant vulnerability of migrant workers in high-density urban environments.

    Alcaraz’s harrowing experience unfolded through panicked audio messages sent to her sister during the incident, which subsequently circulated widely across social media as relatives and former employers desperately sought information on her whereabouts. In these recordings, she expressed extreme physical distress, stating, ‘I’m feeling very weak. I can’t breathe,’ between sobs.

    Her valiant efforts have drawn commendation from highest levels of the Philippine government. Senator Imee Marcos, sister of the nation’s president, personally visited Alcaraz in hospital, proclaiming on social media: ‘I salute you, Rhodora, and all overseas foreign workers who continue to sacrifice for their families even while far from home.’ The government’s Overseas Workers Welfare Administration further celebrated her as ‘a true modern-day hero and a model of compassion and courage of Filipinos in a foreign land.’

    This incident has intensified focus on the critical yet often undervalued contributions of Hong Kong’s estimated 368,000 foreign domestic helpers, who constitute nearly ten percent of the city’s workforce. Primarily originating from the Philippines and Indonesia, with growing numbers from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, these workers frequently endure cramped living conditions and modest wages while providing essential caregiving services in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

    Alcaraz’s personal narrative reflects broader socioeconomic patterns driving overseas employment. Hailing from a family of eight siblings with a fisherman father, she previously worked two years in Qatar before transitioning to Hong Kong in pursuit of better remuneration to support her family. Her former employer, Rhoda Lynn Dayo, attested to her exceptional dedication, noting: ‘The way she cared for the kids was different — there was real love… I don’t doubt that she would put her life on the line for the child she was caring for.’

    Following rescue operations, Alcaraz, the infant, and the elderly woman were all hospitalized. While the helper has been discharged, the other two remain under intensive care in stable condition, according to employer Kanon Chung’s social media updates.

  • Sons of Pakistan’s jailed Imran Khan voice fears for his safety

    Sons of Pakistan’s jailed Imran Khan voice fears for his safety

    The sons of Pakistan’s incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan have escalated their concerns regarding his welfare, expressing grave fears that authorities might be concealing critical information about his condition. With over three weeks passing without verifiable evidence of Khan’s wellbeing, the family alleges a deliberate campaign of isolation that amounts to psychological torture.

    Kasim Khan, one of Imran Khan’s sons, revealed to Reuters that the family has been denied all direct contact despite existing judicial orders mandating weekly visitation rights. The complete communication blackout has prevented any independent confirmation of the former leader’s health status or even his current whereabouts within the prison system.

    The situation has been further complicated by persistent rumors regarding Khan’s potential transfer to a higher-security detention facility and the ongoing blockade of court-ordered medical examinations. Khan’s personal physician has been barred from conducting any health assessments for more than a year, raising additional concerns about potential deterioration in the 72-year-old’s physical condition.

    Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has remained silent on these allegations, while an anonymous jail official claimed Khan remains in good health and denied knowledge of any planned facility transfer. However, the family maintains that the information vacuum suggests possible serious developments being withheld from public knowledge.

    Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple convictions that his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), characterizes as politically motivated maneuvers to eliminate him from public life and electoral politics. The cases include his conviction for allegedly illegally selling state gifts received during his tenure (the Toshakhana case), a 10-year sentence for leaking a diplomatic cable, and a 14-year term in a corruption case related to the Al Qadir Trust charity.

    The media blackout surrounding Khan has been particularly severe, with television networks reportedly instructed to avoid using his name or image. This has left a single grainy courtroom photograph as the only visual evidence of his existence since his imprisonment began.

    Kasim and his brother Suleiman Isa Khan, who reside in London with their mother Jemima Goldsmith, have typically maintained distance from Pakistan’s political landscape but have now become vocal advocates for their father’s welfare. They describe their last meeting with Khan in November 2022, following an assassination attempt, as a memory that now carries ominous significance given the current absence of verified information.

    The family is now pursuing multiple avenues for intervention, including appeals to international human rights organizations, while demanding the immediate restoration of court-ordered access and independent medical oversight. They characterize the situation not merely as a political dispute but as an urgent human rights crisis requiring global attention.