Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Iran hosts regional talks on Afghanistan but Kabul stays away

    Iran hosts regional talks on Afghanistan but Kabul stays away

    TEHRAN, Iran — In a significant diplomatic gathering that notably excluded its central subject, Afghanistan’s neighboring nations convened in Tehran to strengthen regional cooperation addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the war-torn country. The meeting, orchestrated by Iran and attended by China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Russia, produced a consensus on enhancing coordination across political, economic, and security domains while advocating for the removal of international sanctions against Afghanistan.

    The Taliban-led government, though invited, opted against participation, offering limited explanation through its foreign ministry. Officials indicated that Kabul prefers to maintain its existing regional engagement channels through established organizations, claiming substantial progress through these formats.

    Despite Afghanistan’s conspicuous absence, participating nations emphasized the critical importance of sustaining economic and trade relationships with Kabul to alleviate deteriorating living conditions. The collective statement urged Afghanistan’s integration into regional political and economic frameworks while addressing shared security concerns including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. Participants unanimously opposed any foreign military presence in Afghan territory.

    The conference particularly highlighted the international community’s responsibility to lift crippling sanctions and release frozen Afghan assets, with additional calls for humanitarian organizations to support the dignified repatriation of refugees from neighboring countries. Attention also turned to reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where recent border clashes have resulted in numerous casualties among civilians, soldiers, and suspected militants.

    While the Taliban government has developed diplomatic relationships since retaking power in August 2021 and now generates billions in annual tax revenues, Afghanistan’s economy remains in critical condition. Millions depend on international aid for survival, with natural disasters and refugee flows exacerbating humanitarian needs. The country’s economic struggles are compounded by the international community’s refusal to formally recognize the Taliban regime following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.

    Pakistani representatives expressed disappointment with Kabul’s absence, with former special representative Asif Durrani characterizing the decision as demonstrating ‘lack of political maturity’ and reinforcing concerns about the Taliban’s unwillingness to negotiate regional solutions. Participants agreed to convene foreign ministers in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and hold special envoys’ talks in Islamabad this March, continuing efforts to engage Afghanistan despite its current reluctance.

  • Heard of ‘chief dog officer’? Dubai sees rise in pet-friendly communities

    Heard of ‘chief dog officer’? Dubai sees rise in pet-friendly communities

    Dubai is witnessing a significant transformation in urban community planning, with pet-friendly initiatives becoming a central feature of residential life. The trend is exemplified by the innovative ‘Chief Dog Officer’ (CDO) program recently launched in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), where a community competition selected a canine ambassador to represent the neighborhood for a one-year term.

    This initiative reflects a broader cultural shift in the United Arab Emirates, where accommodating pets is increasingly prioritized in urban development. The selected CDO’s responsibilities include welcoming new four-legged residents and their owners, promoting responsible pet etiquette in communal spaces, and highlighting local pet-centric businesses and amenities.

    Beyond JLT, Dubai’s landscape is evolving to accommodate pet owners with specialized infrastructure. Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile Galleria shopping center and the W Hotel now welcome pets, while The Greens community features multiple pet-accessible areas. The Zabeel House hotel has broken new ground by incorporating two dog-friendly restaurants, complete with a dedicated elevator for canine patrons.

    Recreational options have expanded considerably with Dubai Islands Beach introducing the emirate’s first dedicated dog beach park in 2023. The 460-square-meter facility features agility equipment, obstacle courses, and designated off-leash swimming areas, complemented by pet showers and drinking fountains. The venue recently hosted the Woofstock festival, further cementing Dubai’s commitment to pet-inclusive community events.

    Digital platforms like Doggie Adventures and Flopster have emerged to support this growing demographic, providing directories of pet-friendly establishments and organizing social gatherings. These developments respond to increasing demand from residents like Sadia Ahmed, who relocated to Emirates Hills specifically for its pet-welcoming environment after struggling to find accommodating housing in older neighborhoods.

    The comprehensive approach—encompassing housing, commerce, recreation, and digital infrastructure—signals Dubai’s maturation into a truly pet-inclusive metropolis, setting new standards for urban living in the region.

  • Father and son behind Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

    Father and son behind Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

    Australian authorities have identified the perpetrators behind Sunday’s devastating mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach as a father-son duo, marking the nation’s deadliest firearm violence incident in nearly three decades. The attack, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, has been officially classified as an antisemitic terrorist act.

    According to New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon, the 50-year-old father died at the crime scene while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition. Though police have not formally released identities, local media outlets identified them as Sajid and Naveed Akram respectively. The father had maintained a firearms license since 2015 and legally owned six weapons.

    The horrific episode unfolded over approximately ten minutes on Sunday evening, sending hundreds of beachgoers scrambling for safety across the iconic shoreline. Among the victims, aged between 10 and 87 years old, forty individuals required hospitalization including two police officers in serious but stable condition.

    A remarkable act of bravery emerged from the chaos as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen despite sustaining two gunshot wounds. His heroic intervention, captured on video, prompted an outpouring of public support with over A$350,000 raised for his medical expenses by Monday afternoon.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the attack site Monday, condemning the “act of pure evil” and pledging national solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. “We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism,” Albanese declared, announcing plans for citizens to light candles in symbolic defiance of darkness.

    The investigation revealed the elder suspect arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son was born as an Australian citizen. Security remains heightened at the family’s Bonnyrigg residence, 36 kilometers west of Sydney’s central business district.

    This tragedy represents Australia’s most severe mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that claimed 35 lives. The incident has triggered international condemnations from world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and France’s Emmanuel Macron, while prompting enhanced security measures at Jewish events globally.

  • More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment

    More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment

    SEOUL — The global ascendancy of South Korean entertainment, from Oscar-winning films like ‘Parasite’ to the worldwide phenomenon of ‘Squid Game,’ has catalyzed a significant shift in Hollywood’s casting landscape. This cultural momentum is creating unprecedented opportunities for Korean performers seeking international careers, while simultaneously challenging entrenched industry stereotypes.

    Actor Amy Baik’s experience epitomizes the push factors driving this transition. After being cut from a domestic commercial solely for lacking double eyelids—a prized feature in Korean beauty standards—Baik redirected her ambitions toward Western markets. ‘It made me wonder how I can survive as an actor in South Korea,’ she reflected. Her subsequent role in Netflix’s ‘XO, Kitty’ demonstrated how features previously discouraged in Korea became assets abroad, with American casting directors suggesting her for action roles beyond stereotypically ‘cute’ images.

    This migration necessitates specialized support systems. Los Angeles-based Upstage Entertainment, co-founded by Alison Dumbell and Devon Overman, bridges the gap between Korean talent and Hollywood opportunities. Dumbell notes increased demand for ‘specifically Korean characters’ rather than generic East Asian roles, attributing this shift to the global popularity of Korean content. However, persistent stereotypes like the ‘nerdy tech programmer’ remain problematic, with Dumbell sometimes refusing submissions to protect actors from reductive casting.

    The transition involves navigating substantial differences in industry practices. Korean American casting director Julia Kim highlights fundamental questions from aspiring actors: ‘Should I change my Korean name to a Western name? Do I pay to get an agent?’ Technical standards diverge significantly—American audition tapes require clean white backgrounds, while Korean headshots favor fashion-model aesthetics versus U.S. preferences for character-matched profiles.

    Language acquisition presents another layer of complexity. Veteran actor Julian Shin (Shin Ju-hwan) undertook intensive English preparation, transcribing over 30,000 words and idioms. ‘Learning expressions like ‘break a leg’ makes you feel closer to being native,’ he noted. Accent coaching focuses on authenticity rather than eradication. ‘It’s perfectly fine, even preferable to have an accent because it’s part of who you are,’ emphasizes Overman, who works on intonation patterns rather than eliminating linguistic identity.

    Structural factors in Korea accelerate this talent migration. Shin describes an increasingly challenging domestic industry where opportunities contracted noticeably over three years. Age discrimination also pushes actors abroad—29-year-old Misun Youm notes that ’30 isn’t considered young’ in Korea, while American casting often disregards age specifications that limit opportunities domestically.

    The collective experience reveals an industry at an inflection point. Where previous generations felt pressure to Americanize completely, contemporary performers find increasing space for cultural authenticity. ‘Now it feels like you can be yourself—be Korean if you’re Korean,’ observes Shin. ‘Stereotypes are gradually crumbling.’ This evolution suggests Hollywood’s gates are opening wider than ever to diverse Korean talent, transforming barriers into bridges for cross-cultural artistic exchange.

  • Pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai convicted in high-profile national security trial

    Pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai convicted in high-profile national security trial

    Hong Kong’s High Court has delivered a landmark verdict against pro-democracy activist and media magnate Jimmy Lai, finding the 78-year-old guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city’s National Security Law. The ruling concludes a highly scrutinized trial that has drawn international condemnation and raised fundamental questions about judicial independence in the former British colony.

    Presiding Judge Esther Toh stated there was “no doubt” Lai harbored animosity toward the People’s Republic of China, citing his “constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government of the PRC with the excuse of helping the people of Hong Kong.” The court determined that Lai utilized his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as an instrument to lobby foreign governments for sanctions against both Hong Kong and China.

    Lai, who has been detained since December 2020, maintained his innocence throughout proceedings. His testimony in November included denials of all charges, asserting he had “never” employed his international connections to influence foreign policy regarding Hong Kong. When questioned about meetings with former US officials Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo, Lai characterized the interactions as informational exchanges rather than policy requests.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, stating Lai’s actions “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers.” Conversely, human rights organizations condemned the outcome as “a cruel judicial farce” and part of a broader pattern of using the security legislation to suppress dissent.

    The case has ignited diplomatic tensions, with the United Kingdom condemning what it termed “politically motivated persecution” of its citizen. Lai’s son Sebastien appealed for stronger British intervention, urging that his father’s release become a precondition for improved Sino-UK relations. Chinese authorities rebuffed international criticism, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressing “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the brazen defamation and smearing of the judicial system in Hong Kong.”

    Beyond the national security charges, Lai was concurrently convicted under colonial-era legislation for publishing seditious material through Apple Daily. The publication had evolved into a symbolic voice for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement prior to its forced closure.

    The trial’s proceedings faced scrutiny over procedural matters, including the denial of Lai’s preferred UK-based legal representation and restrictions on foreign lawyers working national security cases. Concerns about Lai’s health during detention—reportedly including solitary confinement and deteriorating physical condition—were raised repeatedly by his family and advocacy groups.

    As Lai awaits sentencing scheduled for early next year, his case joins hundreds of prosecutions under the National Security Law, which boasts a conviction rate approaching 100% according to recent statistics. The legislation, implemented directly by Beijing in 2020 without local legislative consultation, grants authorities expansive powers to address perceived threats to stability and order.

  • Al-Futtaim Toyota and the UAE — driving forward together for 70 years

    Al-Futtaim Toyota and the UAE — driving forward together for 70 years

    For seventy years, the evolution of the United Arab Emirates’ transportation infrastructure has been intrinsically linked with the strategic partnership between Al-Futtaim Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. This enduring collaboration, established in 1955, represents one of the region’s most successful automotive alliances, fundamentally transforming mobility across the Emirates.

    The partnership commenced with Al-Futtaim, then an emerging trading company founded in the 1930s, selecting Toyota as the inaugural brand for its newly created automotive division. The initial vehicle offerings—the rugged BJ Jeep designed for Japan’s National Police Reserve and the dependable Toyopet Master Saloon—established Toyota’s reputation for reliability and affordability that continues to define the brand today.

    These pioneering models laid the foundation for what would become iconic vehicle lineages. The BJ Jeep evolved into the legendary Land Cruiser, celebrated for its exceptional off-road capabilities that perfectly suited the UAE’s desert terrain. Meanwhile, the Toyopet Master Saloon’s legacy continues through Toyota’s passenger sedans including the Crown, Corolla, and Camry—vehicles that have become ubiquitous across UAE roads.

    Beyond commercial success, this partnership has symbolized the deepening economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Japan. The relationship reached significant milestones including the UAE’s participation in Expo Osaka in 1970 and Japan’s prompt recognition of UAE independence in December 1971. These diplomatic foundations fostered shared values of trust, ambition, and mutual respect that continue to underpin the automotive collaboration.

    Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, emphasizes that their mission extends beyond vehicle sales: “Toyota’s cars are integral to the UAE’s landscape and lifestyle. We are committed to providing safe, enjoyable motoring experiences while introducing innovative technologies, particularly in sustainable mobility.”

    The company’s forward-looking strategy now prioritizes environmental responsibility, offering eight hybrid models in a market traditionally dominated by petroleum-powered vehicles. This initiative aligns with both nations’ sustainability objectives, with the Toyota Camry Hybrid emerging as a top-performing low-emission vehicle that combines ecological benefits with economic advantages for consumers.

    Complementing their product evolution, Al-Futtaim Motors has established an extensive network of dealerships and service centers, ensuring ongoing customer support throughout the vehicle ownership experience. As both companies look toward future mobility solutions, this seven-decade partnership continues to drive progress, anticipating the next era of transportation innovation in the UAE.

  • ‘This felt inevitable’: Australian Jews react to Bondi attack with grief and anger

    ‘This felt inevitable’: Australian Jews react to Bondi attack with grief and anger

    The iconic Bondi Beach has been transformed into a somber crime scene following Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack. Two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday afternoon, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 40 others in what authorities describe as an antisemitic-motivated assault.

    Under clear skies, the normally vibrant shoreline sits eerily quiet. Forensic teams in bright blue protective gear meticulously examine the area where chaos erupted just days prior. Personal belongings—beach chairs, crumpled towels, children’s sandals—lie abandoned in neat piles, silent witnesses to the panic that ensued.

    A growing memorial of floral tributes now lines the footpath as shocked locals gather in disbelief. Twenty-two-year-old Jess, who identifies as Jewish, expressed the community’s grim resignation: ‘I’ve grown up in fear my whole life. This felt inevitable.’

    The attack has sparked urgent questions about national security and rising antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the ‘act of pure evil’ while detailing government measures to combat hate crimes, including enhanced police task forces and stricter penalties for antisemitic offenses.

    Among the victims was prominent local Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who recently welcomed his fifth child, and 10-year-old Matilda, whose ‘only crime was being Jewish,’ according to Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. The community continues to locate missing persons and identify the deceased, including a Holocaust survivor who narrowly escaped persecution decades ago only to perish in this tragedy.

    The attackers, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed, were reportedly planning their assault at a rental property. Police are investigating potential connections and concerns about retaliatory violence.

    In response to the tragedy, Australians have demonstrated remarkable solidarity. Blood donation centers reported overwhelming demand, with queues stretching for hours after supplies dwindled dangerously low. ‘Australia has your back,’ remarked 21-year-old Alex Gilders, echoing the national sentiment.

    The incident has drawn comparisons to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which prompted sweeping gun reforms. Government officials are now considering similar measures amid calls for stronger leadership and prevention strategies.

  • Japan will be without a panda for the first time in 50 years after twins leave Tokyo zoo

    Japan will be without a panda for the first time in 50 years after twins leave Tokyo zoo

    Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens will bid farewell to its beloved twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei in late January, concluding Japan’s uninterrupted fifty-year tradition of hosting the iconic Chinese bears. The four-year-old siblings, born in 2021 to parents Shin Shin and Ri Ri who returned to China last year, will complete their loan period by February as required by China’s panda diplomacy agreements.

    The departure signals more than just an animal transfer—it represents a significant diplomatic cooling between Asia’s two largest economies. Prospects for new panda loans appear dim amid deteriorating bilateral relations, which intensified following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November remarks suggesting potential military involvement should China act against Taiwan.

    China has subsequently implemented retaliatory measures including tourism restrictions to Japan and cancellation of cultural exchanges. Tensions further escalated this month with Chinese military drills near southern Japan that prompted Tokyo to scramble fighter jets and protest radar-locking incidents.

    Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara acknowledged pandas’ historical role in fostering Japan-China friendship, stating: ‘Exchanges through pandas have contributed to improve the public sentiment between Japan and China, and we hope the relationship will continue.’ Numerous municipalities and zoos have expressed desire for new panda loans, though current political realities suggest otherwise.

    Since China first gifted pandas to Japan in 1972 to normalize diplomatic relations, the bears have served as both cultural ambassadors and political barometers. Beijing maintains ownership of all pandas loaned worldwide, using them as tools of soft power while asserting their status as national treasures native to southwestern China.

  • Casualties rise in Sydney Bondi Beach terrorist attack, no Chinese reported, gunmen identified

    Casualties rise in Sydney Bondi Beach terrorist attack, no Chinese reported, gunmen identified

    Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach became the scene of a horrific terrorist attack on Sunday, December 15, 2025, resulting in a devastating toll of 16 fatalities and 42 individuals hospitalized with injuries. The assault specifically targeted a Jewish community gathering during the first night of Hanukkah celebrations, with victims spanning generations from age 10 to 87.

    New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon identified the perpetrators as a father-son duo, aged 50 and 24 respectively. The older assailant was killed during the incident while his son remains under medical care in hospital. Authorities confirmed the deceased gunman held a valid firearms license for a decade, with all six registered weapons in his possession accounted for.

    The violent confrontation resulted in two police officers sustaining critical injuries during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers. Both officers are currently reported in stable but serious condition.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vehemently condemned what he described as ‘an act of pure evil,’ vowing to dedicate all necessary resources to combat anti-Semitism. In a national gesture of mourning, flags across Australia flew at half-mast on Monday to honor the victims.

    The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney confirmed no Chinese nationals were among the casualties and continues to monitor developments closely. This tragedy marks Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which prompted comprehensive firearms reform legislation. Prime Minister Albanese indicated potential legislative responses pending investigation outcomes.

  • US ‘strongly condemns’ deadly attack on Jewish festival in Sydney

    US ‘strongly condemns’ deadly attack on Jewish festival in Sydney

    The United States government has issued a forceful condemnation of the deadly antisemitic terrorist attack that claimed multiple lives during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the assault as a horrific act of violence targeting the Jewish community, emphasizing that “antisemitism has no place in this world” in his official statement on social media platform X.

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Secretary Rubio conducted an emergency telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to address the Bondi Beach tragedy directly. The State Department, through spokesman Tommy Pigott, confirmed that both nations are standing in solidarity with the victims’ families and the broader Jewish community affected by this devastating incident.

    President Donald Trump briefly referenced the attack during White House Christmas festivities, explicitly identifying the violence as an antisemitic assault while expressing condolences to the Australian people. The coordinated American response underscores the gravity with which international authorities are treating this act of religiously-motivated terrorism.

    The attack occurred during Hanukkah observances, a traditionally joyous Jewish festival, transforming a celebration of light into a scene of tragedy. Australian authorities continue their investigation into the precise motivations and circumstances surrounding the violence that shocked the global community.