标签: Asia

亚洲

  • Iranian warship hit by US torpedo did not carry ammunition, say Indian sources

    Iranian warship hit by US torpedo did not carry ammunition, say Indian sources

    A major international incident has erupted following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a US torpedo strike on Wednesday. The vessel, identified as the frigate IRIS Dena, was reportedly participating as a guest nation in the Milan 2026 multinational naval exercises, hosted by the Indian Navy, when it was targeted in international waters.

    According to former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, the Iranian ship’s presence in the region was directly tied to India’s invitation. ‘The Iranian ship would not be where it was if we had not invited it to take part in our Milan exercise,’ Sibal stated, emphasizing that the vessel was ‘defenceless’ under the rules of the engagement, which prohibited participating ships from carrying live ammunition.

    The attack, confirmed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the first sinking of an enemy vessel by torpedo since World War II, resulted in significant casualties. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath reported approximately 32 survivors were rescued, many with serious injuries. With the ship’s capacity estimated at 180 crew members, a majority are now presumed missing or deceased.

    Indian politician Supriya Shrinate publicly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the incident, noting on social media that the killed Iranian sailors ‘were our guests.’

    The unprovoked strike has drawn fierce condemnation from Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi denounced the action as ‘an atrocity at sea’ committed 2,000 miles from Iran’s shores and warned of impending consequences, stating, ‘Mark my words: the US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set.’

    In a developing aftermath, a second Iranian warship carrying over 100 sailors is currently positioned near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Officers aboard have reportedly requested an urgent port call, fearing a similar attack, though Sri Lankan authorities have not yet granted approval.

  • Shanghai Disney Resort launches 10th anniversary community giving program

    Shanghai Disney Resort launches 10th anniversary community giving program

    In anticipation of its landmark 10th anniversary, Shanghai Disney Resort has unveiled a significant community philanthropy program aimed at honoring local volunteers. The initiative, launched on March 5, 2026, will distribute 10,000 complimentary park tickets to nonprofit organizations throughout Shanghai.

    Murray King, Vice-President of Public Affairs and Communications at Shanghai Disney Resort, emphasized the company’s longstanding dedication to community engagement. “Our commitment to supporting and engaging the community has been fundamental since our inception,” King stated. “As we commence our yearlong 10th anniversary celebration, we are thrilled to introduce this special community giving program to perpetuate our tradition of giving back and further connect with the local volunteer community.”

    The program represents a strategic partnership with the Shanghai Public Service Foundation for Volunteers, incorporating professional training sessions for community volunteers. These training modules focus on essential skills including volunteer mobilization, recruitment techniques, and organizational strategies for volunteer activities.

    The launch ceremony brought together representatives from Shanghai Disney Resort, the Shanghai Public Service Foundation for Volunteers, and seven recipient organizations. Approximately 500 volunteers participated in comprehensive professional development workshops and experience-sharing sessions.

    Selection criteria for ticket recipients require volunteers to have completed more than 10 hours of service within a specified timeframe. The seven participating nonprofit organizations will conduct thorough evaluations to identify qualifying volunteers, who may then apply through established organizational procedures.

    This community giving program marks the first special initiative launched during the resort’s 10th anniversary period. Since its groundbreaking in 2011, Shanghai Disney Resort has contributed over 77,000 hours of community volunteer service, positively impacting nearly 1.75 million people according to resort statistics.

    The resort’s official 10th anniversary celebration will occur on June 16, with diverse special experiences scheduled to begin on March 20.

  • Premier Li reaffirms commitment to Hainan Free Trade Port development

    Premier Li reaffirms commitment to Hainan Free Trade Port development

    In a significant policy address at the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing the Hainan Free Trade Port as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic reform and high-standard opening-up strategy. This marks the eighth consecutive year the ambitious project has been highlighted in the government’s annual work report, signaling its enduring strategic importance.

    The development initiative has already yielded substantial results since the December 18 implementation of island-wide special customs operations, a landmark achievement in Hainan’s economic transformation. Within just two months of the policy launch, foreign investment in the region surged dramatically, with new foreign-funded enterprises increasing by 45.6 percent. The tariff liberalization framework expanded significantly, raising the proportion of imported goods eligible for zero tariffs from 21 percent to 74 percent.

    Customs data reveals impressive trade growth exceeding 9 percent during this period, demonstrating the immediate impact of the policy changes. The special economic zone offers unique advantages, including provisions that allow imported products undergoing at least 30 percent value-added processing in Hainan to enter mainland China tariff-free. Additionally, certain goods restricted or banned elsewhere in China enjoy liberalized policies within the free trade port.

    The economic benefits became particularly evident during the recent Spring Festival holiday, where zero-tariff goods imports reached approximately 48.6 million yuan ($7.04 million), resulting in tariff exemptions of about 9.4 million yuan. Premier Li emphasized that China will continue to enhance the layout and scale of pilot free trade zones to strengthen their innovation-driven development capacity, positioning Hainan as a model for China’s future economic openness.

  • Iran war: short-term pain, long-term gain for China

    Iran war: short-term pain, long-term gain for China

    China has issued a forceful diplomatic condemnation against joint US-Israeli military operations targeting Iran, characterizing the attacks as a blatant breach of United Nations principles and fundamental international norms. Through its state-operated Xinhua News Agency, Beijing denounced what it termed a severe departure from established global governance standards, echoing its earlier response to US actions against Venezuelan leadership in January.

    Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforced China’s position against nations assuming self-appointed roles as ‘global police’ or international adjudicators. Beyond rhetorical opposition, China’s technological infrastructure has provided tangible strategic advantages to Iran during the 12-day 2025 conflict. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System emerged as a critical alternative when American GPS jamming disrupted Iranian civilian and military operations, granting Tehran enhanced capability to monitor US military assets.

    The confrontation carries substantial economic implications for China, which imported over 520 million barrels of Iranian crude oil in 2025. Current disruptions to Hormuz Strait shipping routes threaten China’s energy security, given that more than half of its crude imports originate from Gulf nations.

    Paradoxically, the conflict may advance China’s broader geopolitical objectives. While some nations like Panama have reconsidered Chinese partnerships under US pressure, other Western allies including Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom have sought strengthened economic ties with Beijing amid concerns about Washington’s reliability. The unpredictability of US foreign policy under the Trump administration has amplified China’s messaging about stability and multilateral cooperation.

    Regional analysts suggest prolonged Middle Eastern engagement could divert US attention from its intended ‘pivot to Asia,’ potentially recreating what observers term another ‘lost decade’ for American influence in the Indo-Pacific. This diversion could enable China to consolidate regional dominance while studying modern warfare technologies demonstrated in the Iran conflict.

    Though immediate economic consequences may challenge China, the geopolitical recalibration resulting from the Iran conflict may ultimately strengthen Beijing’s position as a global counterbalance to American hegemony.

  • Xi takes part in deliberation at annual national legislative session

    Xi takes part in deliberation at annual national legislative session

    President Xi Jinping participated in a crucial deliberation session on Thursday with deputies from Jiangsu province during the ongoing Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s supreme legislative body. The engagement marks a significant moment in the annual parliamentary gathering that sets the nation’s policy direction.

    During the deliberation at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, listened attentively to representatives’ insights and contributed to discussions concerning regional development strategies. The Jiangsu delegation, representing one of China’s most economically dynamic provinces, presented reports on their implementation of national policies and regional development achievements.

    This participation underscores the leadership’s commitment to understanding grassroots realities and incorporating local perspectives into national policymaking. The deliberation focused on multiple dimensions of modernization, with particular emphasis on high-quality development models that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

    President Xi’s engagement with provincial delegations during NPC sessions has become a established practice that demonstrates the hierarchical yet interconnected nature of China’s governance structure. These interactions facilitate direct communication between central leadership and local implementers, ensuring policy coherence across administrative levels.

    The current NPC session, convened annually in Beijing, brings together nearly 3,000 deputies from across China to review government work reports, approve budget allocations, and deliberate on legislative matters that shape the nation’s developmental trajectory through the coming year.

  • Pentagon prepares for Israeli-US war on Iran that could last until September: Report

    Pentagon prepares for Israeli-US war on Iran that could last until September: Report

    The United States Department of Defense is accelerating efforts to bolster its intelligence capabilities as the nation braces for an extended military engagement with Iran, conducted in coordination with Israel. Current military strategizing now projects operations continuing deep into the autumn season, indicating a significant escalation beyond initial forecasts.

    According to a recent Politico report, U.S. Central Command has formally requested the Pentagon dispatch additional military intelligence officers to its Tampa, Florida headquarters. These personnel reinforcements are slated to support ongoing operations targeting Iran for a minimum duration of 100 days, with potential extensions through September.

    This deployment initiative represents the Trump administration’s first documented measure to augment intelligence assets for the conflict, strongly suggesting Washington anticipates a substantially prolonged campaign compared to initial public statements. President Donald Trump had previously suggested military actions might conclude within four to five weeks, while cautiously acknowledging the possibility of a longer engagement.

    The urgent mobilization of personnel and resources simultaneously reveals Washington’s apparent lack of preparedness for the scale of hostilities initiated alongside Israel. Military operations of this magnitude typically require months of advance planning, yet the current scramble within Pentagon corridors indicates officials gravely miscalculated the potential repercussions of striking Iran.

    Earlier reporting revealed senior Trump administration advisers preferred allowing Israel to initiate hostilities before commencing U.S. military actions. This sequence ultimately transpired, directly drawing Washington into active combat operations. Collaborative Israeli-U.S. attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with the Iranian Red Crescent Society reporting at least 700 fatalities and hundreds wounded, including over 165 children killed in a devastating elementary school strike.

    The conflict now threatens to define Trump’s presidential legacy while exacerbating fractures within his political base, where substantial opposition exists toward fighting another Middle Eastern war on Israel’s behalf. Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly acknowledged that Israeli actions compelled Washington’s involvement, stating administration officials anticipated Israeli operations would precipitate attacks against American forces.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly celebrated the second joint military campaign against Iran within twelve months, explicitly crediting President Trump and U.S. military support while framing the conflict as the realization of a four-decade personal objective.

  • China to accelerate push for tech self-reliance in new five-year plan: minister

    China to accelerate push for tech self-reliance in new five-year plan: minister

    China has declared an accelerated push toward technological self-reliance as a cornerstone of its national development strategy. Science and Technology Minister Yin Hejun outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the 2026-2030 period following the opening session of the National People’s Congress, positioning scientific innovation as critical to China’s transformation into a global technology leader.

    The strategic blueprint emphasizes original and pioneering research across the entire innovation chain. Minister Yin highlighted intensified focus on strengthening basic research infrastructure while advancing cutting-edge domains including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biomanufacturing, and nuclear fusion. The approach marks a significant shift from conventional research conversion models toward integrated planning of technological and industrial innovation.

    Technological advancement is positioned as the driving force behind new quality productive forces and modernized industrial systems. The ministry plans to enhance coordination across China’s national innovation ecosystem, particularly leveraging three major international science hubs: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These regions will serve as primary innovation sources, industry leadership centers, and talent attraction clusters.

    Substantial infrastructure development accompanies the strategy, including construction of major scientific facilities, establishment of world-class academic journals and databases, and reforms to science evaluation systems. While emphasizing domestic capability building, the plan also commits to international scientific cooperation through leadership in major global research initiatives.

    The commitment follows demonstrated progress in China’s innovation capacity. The nation climbed to 10th position in the global innovation index, with 2025 research investment exceeding 3.92 trillion yuan ($570 billion). A landmark achievement saw basic research funding reach 7.08% of total R&D expenditure, surpassing the 7% threshold for the first time. These investments have yielded breakthroughs in open-source large models, semiconductor chips, and pharmaceutical innovations.

  • China to establish national fund for low-carbon transition, boost green economy: draft govt work report

    China to establish national fund for low-carbon transition, boost green economy: draft govt work report

    China is poised to establish a groundbreaking national fund dedicated to accelerating its transition toward a low-carbon economy, according to the draft government work report presented at the ongoing National People’s Congress session. This strategic initiative represents a cornerstone of the nation’s comprehensive strategy to cultivate sustainable economic growth while addressing climate commitments.

    The newly proposed fund will specifically channel resources into developing cutting-edge green technologies and emerging sectors, with hydrogen power and green fuels identified as primary beneficiaries. This financial mechanism aims to catalyze innovation and scale up deployment of clean energy solutions across industrial sectors.

    Beyond the fund establishment, the policy blueprint outlines a multi-faceted approach to environmental stewardship. The government plans to enhance existing green development policies while launching specialized initiatives targeting quality upgrades, cost reduction, and carbon emission cuts in key industries. The development of zero-carbon industrial parks and factories will receive prioritized support as demonstration projects.

    While maintaining stringent oversight on energy-intensive and high-emission projects, China will accelerate the phase-out of obsolete production capacity. Concurrently, the nation will bolster research, development and implementation of advanced green technologies and equipment. The comprehensive strategy further includes improvements to total resource consumption control mechanisms, enhanced resource conservation systems, and expanded recycling programs for reusable materials.

    The policy framework explicitly supports China’s dual climate objectives of achieving peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Government authorities emphasize a balanced approach of “active yet prudent” advancement toward these targets.

    Implementation will involve establishing a dual-control system managing both the total volume and intensity of carbon emissions. The government will also refine carbon emission statistics, accounting methodologies, and carbon footprint management protocols. Additional measures include expanding China’s national carbon trading market coverage and formulating a strategic outline to strengthen the energy sector’s resilience.

    The transition plan acknowledges the interim role of fossil fuels, promoting their cleaner and more efficient utilization while accelerating construction of smart grid infrastructure. Development of novel energy storage technologies and broader adoption of green electricity will receive significant policy support to build a new electric power system fit for a low-carbon future.

  • China to boost elderly care and silver economy amid aging population: draft govt work report

    China to boost elderly care and silver economy amid aging population: draft govt work report

    China has announced a sweeping initiative to confront its demographic challenges through enhanced elderly care services and economic opportunities for seniors. The newly released draft government work report outlines a multi-faceted approach to address the nation’s rapidly aging population, which now exceeds 323 million citizens aged 60 and above.

    The comprehensive plan emphasizes expanding public-interest elderly care services, with particular focus on improving rural infrastructure and support systems. A key innovation involves the introduction of specialized care vouchers for seniors experiencing moderate to severe functional impairments, ensuring targeted assistance reaches those most in need.

    Concurrently, China aims to capitalize on the substantial potential of its senior demographic by developing what officials term the ‘silver economy.’ This initiative recognizes that many individuals in the 60-64 age bracket maintain robust health and strong social engagement desires. The strategy includes creating supportive policies for senior-friendly products, pension finance systems, and specialized wellness relocation services.

    The national blueprint further incorporates significant healthcare enhancements, including the expansion of rehabilitation services and advancement of long-term care insurance programs. Special attention will be directed toward vulnerable groups such as seniors living alone and individuals with physical or cognitive challenges.

    Complementing these aging population measures, the report details parallel initiatives to address demographic balance through fertility support systems. These include fostering positive attitudes toward marriage and childbearing, enhancing housing support for newlyweds and first-time parents, and expanding subsidized childcare services alongside parental leave systems.

  • Farrell backs scrumhalf Gibson-Park as a perfect fit before his 50th Ireland test

    Farrell backs scrumhalf Gibson-Park as a perfect fit before his 50th Ireland test

    DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell has delivered a resounding endorsement of scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park ahead of his 50th test cap against Wales in the Six Nations championship. While acknowledging French superstar Antoine Dupont as a “generational player” who might be considered the greatest ever, Farrell emphasized that Gibson-Park’s unique qualities make him the perfect fit for Ireland’s system.

    The coach’s comments come as Gibson-Park mirrors Ireland’s tournament progression through varied performances. After a difficult opening match in Paris where Ireland fell 36-14 to France, Gibson-Park was moved to the bench against Italy. His second-half introduction at 10-10 proved transformative, providing the assurance and energy needed for Ireland to secure a 20-13 victory.

    Gibson-Park’s career highlight moment arrived at Twickenham just days after his 34th birthday, where his heads-up try and dominant performance earned him Player of the Match honors in Ireland’s record 42-14 demolition of England. Demonstrating true sportsmanship, his first post-match comments were to congratulate Maro Itoje on his 100th England test.

    Farrell highlighted Gibson-Park’s competitive mentality, describing him as “hard as nails” and the ideal protector in any crisis situation. “He’d probably bite their ankles off first and then do whatever he wanted,” Farrell remarked. “He’s that type of competitor. He’s the full box of tricks.”

    The New Zealand-born player came through the Kiwi system before moving to Ireland in 2016. After becoming Ireland-qualified in 2019 and a dual citizen in 2023, Gibson-Park supplanted Conor Murray as first-choice scrumhalf. He has been instrumental in Ireland’s greatest recent triumphs, including the series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand, the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam, the 2024 title, a drawn series in South Africa, and 17 consecutive victories. His form earned him the British and Irish Lions starting scrumhalf position in Australia last year.

    Farrell attributes Gibson-Park’s success to exceptional fitness that allows mental clarity under pressure. “He plays quick because he’s unbelievably fit, but because of that speed and that fitness he’s able to play nice and calm within his head and see things that others don’t,” Farrell explained. The coach believes Gibson-Park is now demonstrating he belongs among the world’s elite players.