Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Three days of mourning begin after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades

    Three days of mourning begin after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades

    Hong Kong has commenced an official three-day mourning period following the deadliest structural fire to strike the city in over eight decades. The solemn observance began Saturday morning with a ceremony outside government headquarters, where city leader John Lee and other senior officials stood in silent tribute for three minutes. National and regional flags were lowered to half-mast across the territory as the confirmed death toll reached 128 individuals, with hundreds more still unaccounted for following Wednesday’s devastating blaze.

    The fire rapidly consumed multiple towers within the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, originally constructed in 1983 to house approximately 4,600 residents across 1,984 apartments. Despite the efforts of more than 2,000 firefighters who battled the flames for nearly 48 hours, the inferno spread through seven of the complex’s eight tower blocks. Preliminary investigations indicate that polystyrene materials and protective netting installed during renovation work contributed to the fire’s rapid escalation, exacerbated by the bamboo scaffolding enveloping the structures.

    Authorities have launched multiple investigations into the tragedy, resulting in eleven arrests to date. Three individuals face manslaughter charges while eight others—including engineering company directors and scaffolding subcontractors—were detained Friday on suspicion of corruption related to the renovation project. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is leading the corruption probe amid public outrage over alleged safety violations.

    Hong Kong’s Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun revealed that government inspectors had conducted 16 separate safety checks at Wang Fuk Court since renovation work began in July 2024. Residents however reported malfunctioning fire alarms and apparent negligence by the renovation contractors. The government has established public memorial sites throughout Hong Kong where citizens can pay respects and sign condolence books, as investigators continue evidence collection at the disaster scene.

  • Beijing passes new regulations to protect Great Wall

    Beijing passes new regulations to protect Great Wall

    The Beijing Municipal Government has enacted groundbreaking legislation specifically designed to safeguard one of humanity’s most iconic historical monuments. On November 28, 2025, the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress approved comprehensive new regulations that establish robust legal frameworks for the protection, management, and cultural preservation of the Great Wall segments within China’s capital territory.

    This pioneering legislation, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2026, represents China’s first specialized regulatory framework for Great Wall conservation since the comprehensive revision of the national Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics earlier in 2025. The regulations establish precise jurisdictional boundaries encompassing not only the physical structure of the Wall itself but also extend protection to associated cultural artifacts and the surrounding environmental landscape.

    A significant aspect of the new legislation mandates enhanced collaborative preservation efforts across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional corridor and calls for coordinated conservation strategies among all provincial-level administrations along the Great Wall’s extensive route. This regional cooperation mechanism aims to address conservation challenges through a unified approach rather than fragmented local initiatives.

    The Beijing section of this UNESCO World Heritage Site presents particular conservation challenges, spanning six administrative districts—Pinggu, Miyun, Huairou, Changping, Yanqing, and Mentougou—with a combined length exceeding 520 kilometers. This portion comprises 461 distinct segments whose construction dates range from the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557 AD) through the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The Badaling segment, among the most visited sections, received UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1987, underscoring the global significance of these preservation efforts.

  • Death toll from floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka rises to 123, with 130 people still missing

    Death toll from floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka rises to 123, with 130 people still missing

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Catastrophic flooding and devastating mudslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have claimed 123 lives in Sri Lanka, with approximately 130 individuals still unaccounted for, according to official reports released Saturday. The nation’s disaster management center confirmed that the severe weather event has forced nearly 44,000 residents from their homes, now seeking refuge in emergency shelters.

    The tropical cyclone, which intensified in the eastern seas bordering Sri Lanka, has unleashed relentless downpours since last week, with conditions dramatically deteriorating on Thursday. The torrential rains have submerged residential areas, agricultural fields, and critical transportation infrastructure while triggering catastrophic landslides predominantly in the central highlands renowned for tea cultivation.

    Authorities anticipate the death toll will continue to rise as emergency teams struggle to access multiple regions cut off by overnight mudslides, as evidenced by social media documentation of the widespread destruction. In response to the escalating crisis, the Sri Lankan government has implemented widespread closures of educational institutions and public offices while postponing scheduled examinations.

    Critical infrastructure has suffered extensive damage with most reservoirs and river systems overflowing their banks. Numerous roadways have been rendered impassable due to debris accumulation including rocks, mudslides, and fallen trees, prompting authorities to suspend passenger rail services and implement widespread road closures across affected regions.

    By Friday, floodwaters moving downstream from the hardest-hit central regions began inundating areas surrounding the capital city of Colombo, which had experienced relatively less rainfall. Meteorological officials indicate Cyclone Ditwah is projected to track toward India’s southern coastline by Sunday, with Sri Lanka expected to experience continued rainfall as the storm system passes over the country’s northern territories.

  • China-funded infrastructure projects completed in West Bank

    China-funded infrastructure projects completed in West Bank

    In a significant demonstration of international cooperation, Chinese and Palestinian officials convened in Ramallah on November 26, 2025, to inaugurate two major infrastructure initiatives funded by China. The completion ceremony for the China-Palestine Friendship Square and the extended Beijing Road marked a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.

    The ceremonial unveiling was conducted jointly by Zeng Jixin, head of the Chinese Office in Palestine, and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. The projects represent substantial Chinese investment in Palestinian infrastructure development, with the expanded Beijing Road now stretching over 11 kilometers through the West Bank city.

    Zeng emphasized during his address that these developments implement the strategic consensus reached by both countries’ leadership. “Beijing Road has transformed into a vital artery serving local communities—a roadway of convenience for daily life, a bridge connecting hearts through friendship, and a pathway toward future progress,” he stated. The Chinese diplomat highlighted how these projects exemplify China’s approach to supporting development initiatives through its modernization expertise.

    Prime Minister Mustafa expressed profound appreciation for China’s ongoing support, noting the decades-long relationship between the two nations. “China has consistently stood with the Palestinian people throughout our struggle for independence and development across multiple sectors,” he remarked to Xinhua after the ceremony. He specifically acknowledged China’s timely assistance in enhancing Palestinian living standards.

    Local residents already experience tangible benefits from the infrastructure upgrades. Bilal Mansour, a driver utilizing the new roadway, described the dramatic transformation: “This area was previously a barren hillside surrounded by rubble and dust. China’s assistance has fundamentally changed our daily reality—travel time between Birzeit and Ramallah’s city center has been reduced from thirty minutes to just over ten minutes.”

    The Beijing Road project commenced with its initial section opening in September 2020, while extension construction began in September 2024. The newly expanded route now integrates a network of 14 roads, significantly improving connectivity between central Ramallah and the Al-Jadwal area.

  • UN says Israel’s killing of two Palestinians in occupied West Bank looks like ‘summary execution’

    UN says Israel’s killing of two Palestinians in occupied West Bank looks like ‘summary execution’

    The United Nations has expressed profound alarm over an incident in the occupied West Bank, describing the fatal shooting of two Palestinian men by Israeli border police as an ‘apparent summary execution.’ The event, which occurred on Thursday in Jenin’s Abu Dhahir neighborhood, was captured in a widely circulated social media video. The footage depicts the two individuals emerging from a building with raised arms and lifted shirts, visibly unarmed and demonstrating no threat, before being shot dead by Israeli troops.

    The victims were identified by the Palestinian health ministry as 26-year-old Al-Muntasir Billah Mahmoud Qassem Abdullah and 37-year-old Yousef Ali Yousef Asa’sa. Following the killings, Israeli forces withheld their bodies. Officers involved, reportedly from a Border Police unit, asserted they fired after the men failed to follow instructions. While the Israeli army and police, who were conducting a joint operation, acknowledged the shootings and promised an investigation, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly endorsed the officers’ actions. On social media platform X, Ben Gvir declared the officers ‘acted exactly as expected’ and stated ‘terrorists must die.’

    UN Human Rights Office spokesman Jeremy Laurence, addressing reporters in Geneva, emphasized that such summary executions constitute a war crime under the Geneva Convention and international law. He revealed that UN rights chief Volker Turk is demanding ‘independent, prompt and effective investigations’ to ensure full accountability for those responsible. Laurence further highlighted a disturbing trend of surging killings of Palestinians by Israeli security forces and settlers in the West Bank, which consistently occur without accountability. He raised serious concerns about the credibility of any government-led investigation, particularly following statements from a senior official that sought to absolve security forces of responsibility.

    The Palestinian Authority condemned the killings as a ‘brutal’ war crime, while Hamas labeled them part of a ‘systematic campaign of extermination.’ This incident is situated within a broader context of intensified Israeli military operations in the West Bank since October 7, 2023. Over the past two years, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and thousands arrested across the occupied territory. The current event occurred during a wide-scale Israeli assault focused on the northern West Bank city of Tubas and its environs, echoing earlier large-scale operations in Jenin and Tulkarm that resulted in significant displacement and destruction.

  • Authorities probe corruption and negligence in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades

    Authorities probe corruption and negligence in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades

    A catastrophic fire that engulfed Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court residential complex has become the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, claiming at least 128 lives and triggering a sweeping corruption investigation into construction safety practices. The inferno, which began Wednesday afternoon in the northern suburbs, rapidly consumed seven of the complex’s eight towers despite residents having raised safety concerns about renovation work more than a year earlier.

    Authorities have launched a multi-pronged investigation focusing on construction materials and regulatory compliance. Security Secretary Chris Tang revealed preliminary findings indicate the fire originated on lower-level scaffolding netting before spreading violently through highly flammable foam panels. “The blaze ignited the foam panels, causing the glass to shatter and leading to a swift intensification of the fire,” Tang stated.

    The tragedy has exposed alarming safety oversights, including malfunctioning fire alarms in a complex housing numerous elderly residents. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung confirmed some alarms failed to activate during the emergency, though specific numbers remain undisclosed.

    Law enforcement actions have been swift, with three construction company employees initially arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Subsequently, eight additional individuals—including scaffolding subcontractors, engineering consultants, and project managers—were detained in a corruption probe. Documents from the homeowners association identify Prestige Construction & Engineering Company as the primary renovation contractor, whose offices were raided by police seizing boxes of evidence.

    The labor department acknowledged receiving safety complaints and conducting 16 inspections since July 2024, issuing multiple written warnings to contractors about fire safety requirements. Despite these interventions, the department maintained that netting quality certificates met established standards.

    Firefighting operations proved extraordinarily challenging, requiring 40 hours to fully extinguish the blaze that injured 79 people, including twelve firefighters, with one firefighter casualty. Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Armstrong Chan described crews prioritizing apartments where emergency calls originated but being unable to reach residents during the fire’s most intense phases.

    The human toll continues to emerge, with authorities working to identify 89 bodies among the 200 initially unaccounted for. The victims include two Indonesian migrant workers, with eleven others remaining missing according to consular officials.

    Hong Kong has declared official mourning, with flags lowered to half-staff and Chief Executive John Lee leading a three-minute silence ceremony. The tragedy represents the most devastating fire since 1996’s 41-fatality commercial blaze and 1948’s warehouse fire that killed 176 people, raising profound questions about urban safety enforcement in densely populated environments.

  • Death toll from floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island rises to 248, authorities say

    Death toll from floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island rises to 248, authorities say

    Indonesian emergency response teams confronted severe logistical challenges on Saturday as they attempted to reach isolated communities devastated by a dual earthquake and tsunami disaster. The catastrophe has claimed at least 248 confirmed lives with approximately 100 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.

    The hardest-hit regions, including Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra province and Agam district in West Sumatra, remain largely inaccessible due to extensively damaged transportation networks. Critical infrastructure including bridges and roadways sustained substantial damage, while communication systems failures have further complicated relief operations. The absence of heavy machinery has significantly impeded rescue efforts in the most affected zones.

    Aerial support missions have been deployed to deliver essential supplies and aid to cut-off communities. The disaster agency confirmed that recent monsoon conditions exacerbated the situation, with overflowing rivers triggering flash floods that swept through mountainous villages. These secondary natural events submerged numerous residential structures and government buildings beneath floodwaters.

    Official reports indicate nearly 3,000 families have been displaced from their homes, with many seeking refuge in government-established emergency shelters. The combination of seismic activity, tsunami impact, and subsequent flooding has created a complex humanitarian crisis across multiple districts of Sumatra.

  • Nexperia control battle rages as China’s Wingtech files appeal

    Nexperia control battle rages as China’s Wingtech files appeal

    A critical management stalemate between Dutch semiconductor firm Nexperia and its Chinese parent company Wingtech Technology continues to disrupt global chip supplies, despite diplomatic interventions from both Dutch and Chinese authorities.

    The crisis erupted in late September when the Dutch government invoked the Goods Availability Act to temporarily seize control of Nexperia, citing supply chain security concerns. This triggered immediate retaliation from Beijing, which halted all chip exports from Nexperia’s mainland Chinese factories.

    Tensions temporarily eased in November when Dutch Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans announced the suspension of government intervention as a “constructive step” toward dialogue with China. Beijing responded by granting limited exemptions for qualified civilian chip exports, providing minimal relief to strained supply chains.

    However, the core management dispute remains unresolved. Nexperia’s Dutch leadership, under interim CEO Stefan Tilger, has prevented original chief executive Zhang Xuezheng from resuming control. This deadlock has kept Nexperia’s Chinese factories from restarting full production, extending uncertainty for global customers.

    In a dramatic development, Nexperia issued an open letter on Thursday urging its China-based entities to “immediately resume constructive dialogue” and respond to outstanding communications. The company revealed numerous unanswered emails, rejected meeting requests, and stalled decision-making processes that have hindered stabilization efforts.

    The letter warned that continued communication breakdown is “unsustainable and detrimental to all stakeholders,” putting customers and suppliers at significant risk. Nexperia proposed employing a neutral external mediator to break the deadlock.

    Wingtech Technology responded forcefully on Friday, accusing Nexperia’s letter of containing “misleading allegations and false information.” The Chinese company asserted it has repeatedly expressed willingness to negotiate the restoration of its “lawful control rights” through multiple channels, contrary to Nexperia’s claims of silence.

    The parent company presented three formal demands: cessation of factual distortions, constructive proposals on restoring lawful control rights, and immediate dedicated consultations on the control-rights issue. Wingtech has also appealed to the Netherlands’ Supreme Court regarding decisions that stripped it of control.

    Analysts note the Dutch government’s seemingly contradictory position—suspending ministerial intervention while maintaining court rulings that prevent Chinese shareholders from regaining control. Chinese commentators have accused the Dutch side of “saying one thing and doing another.”

    The dispute has escalated to the highest levels of EU-China relations. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao discussed the matter with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, maintaining that the disruption “originated with the Dutch side” while urging concrete solutions. Both sides agreed to encourage renewed negotiations between the parties.

    Industry observers present two potential scenarios: continued supply suspension if Wingtech cannot regain control, or management restructuring and legal challenges if Chinese control is restored. The outcome will significantly impact global semiconductor availability and EU-China trade relations.

  • 3 reasons China wants green leadership – and 2 reasons it doesn’t

    3 reasons China wants green leadership – and 2 reasons it doesn’t

    As global delegates convened for the UN’s COP30 climate summit, China positioned itself to assume a revitalized leadership role in international climate governance—a strategic vacuum created by diminished U.S. engagement following the Trump administration. Beijing’s climate diplomacy, however, reveals a complex interplay of ambitions and deliberate limitations.

    China presented itself as a clean-technology superpower, reframing climate discussions around technological innovation and trade dynamics. The nation’s renewable energy capacity has tripled over the past decade, reaching 1,876,646 megawatts by 2024, with solar generation growing twentyfold since 2015. With $290 billion invested in renewable energy during 2024—$80 billion more than the combined total of the EU, UK, and US—China demonstrated substantial commitment to low-carbon transition.

    Economic priorities significantly influence China’s climate strategy. The export of green technologies—including batteries, solar components, electric vehicles, and wind-power systems approaching $1 trillion since 2018—represents a crucial growth vector. Facing industrial overcapacity and new trade barriers in Western markets, China aggressively pursued emerging markets in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and India, using climate forums to oppose trade restrictions and advocate for free movement of clean technologies.

    Geopolitical considerations further shape China’s approach. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center established in 2022, Beijing leverages climate cooperation to strengthen strategic partnerships and security alliances, particularly in the Pacific region where it competes with traditional Western powers.

    Despite this apparent leadership push, China maintains significant constraints. The nation struggles to meet existing emission reduction pledges, with analyses indicating insufficient commitments and slow progress amid economic challenges including weak industrial output, high youth unemployment, and substantial local government debt. China explicitly rejects historical responsibility for climate change, noting that while its cumulative emissions since 1850 have surpassed EU nations, they remain below US levels.

    Beijing declined to commit to the $1.3 trillion annual climate finance goal from developed economies, opposed fossil fuel phase-out roadmaps, and abstained from supporting Brazil’s tropical forest preservation fund. China maintains its developing nation status while selectively advancing climate agendas that align with its economic and geopolitical interests, indicating a leadership model based on technological and trade advantages rather than comprehensive emission reduction commitments.

  • Which French Alps resort is perfect for Dubai’s luxury traveller?

    Which French Alps resort is perfect for Dubai’s luxury traveller?

    For Dubai’s sophisticated winter travelers seeking premium alpine experiences, two French resorts emerge as standout destinations: Courchevel and Val d’Isère. These iconic locations present contrasting yet equally compelling visions of luxury mountain hospitality, each catering to distinct preferences while maintaining exceptional standards of service and amenities.

    Courchevel establishes itself as the epitome of refined elegance, characterized by architecturally magnificent chalets and five-star hotels featuring convenient ski-in/ski-out accessibility. This resort attracts international celebrities and elite travelers through its atmosphere of exclusive sophistication, where Michelin-starred dining establishments like Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc and designer shopping boutiques complement world-class skiing terrain. The resort’s carefully groomed slopes provide ideal conditions for intermediate enthusiasts while offering access to more challenging runs for advanced skiers.

    Val d’Isère presents a contrasting appeal with its authentic alpine village ambiance that seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary luxury. The compact, intimate scale of this resort creates a genuinely welcoming environment, from its cozy mountain cafés to its expertly maintained slopes. Renowned for challenging pistes and exceptional off-piste opportunities, Val d’Isère particularly captivates adventure-seeking skiers while maintaining superb facilities for all ability levels.

    Both destinations offer serene alternatives for travelers seeking tranquility. Courchevel 1650 Moriond provides peaceful slopes and intimate accommodations slightly removed from the main resort buzz, while Val d’Isère’s Le Fornet village serves as a secluded haven with exclusive chalets and access to quieter skiing areas.

    Accessibility remains comparable between both resorts, with Courchevel offering a slight advantage at approximately 2 hours 15 minutes transfer time from Geneva or Lyon airports compared to Val d’Isère’s 2 hours 45 minutes average transfer duration.

    The après-ski experiences reflect each resort’s distinctive character. Courchevel’s nightlife exemplifies sophistication at venues like Le Cap Horn and Le Tremplin, where glamorous socializing prevails. Val d’Isère embraces energetic celebration through legendary establishments like Folie Douce and Cocorico, featuring live music and vibrant crowds extending festivities well into the evening.

    Non-skiing activities further distinguish these destinations. Courchevel transforms into a luxury shopping paradise with high-end boutiques and designer showrooms, while Val d’Isère emphasizes authentic alpine culture through local markets and traditional mountain activities.

    The selection between these exceptional resorts ultimately depends on personal preference: Courchevel for those prioritizing exclusive luxury and privacy, Val d’Isère for travelers seeking authentic atmosphere and adventurous spirit. Both destinations guarantee unforgettable winter experiences worthy of Dubai’s most discerning travelers.