Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    The prospect of renewed nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran remains shrouded in uncertainty as conflicting signals emerge from both capitals. While initial reports suggested an impending meeting between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul, Iranian officials have since cast doubt on these arrangements, indicating that talks remain in a preliminary phase.

    The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military deployments and heated rhetoric. The Trump administration has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group and additional warships to the Middle East, while President Trump himself issued warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Simultaneously, Iran’s Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi cautioned that any US military action could trigger regional conflict.

    At the heart of the potential negotiations lies a fundamental divergence in priorities. Iranian officials consistently emphasize sanctions relief as their primary objective, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating that removing ‘unjust sanctions’ remains Tehran’s core demand. Conversely, Washington insists any agreement must include stringent limitations on uranium enrichment, removal of already enriched materials, restrictions on long-range missiles, and curtailment of Iranian support for regional proxies—conditions analysts describe as particularly challenging for Iran to accept.

    Regional dynamics further complicate the diplomatic landscape. Joint US-Israeli naval exercises in the Red Sea demonstrate strengthened military coordination, while several Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, have provided assurances that their territories will not be used for attacks against Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to attribute domestic unrest to foreign interference, recently announcing the arrest of four foreigners allegedly involved in riots and releasing detailed casualty figures from recent protests.

    The path to negotiation appears fraught with obstacles, as both nations navigate complex domestic and regional considerations while maintaining military preparedness. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can overcome escalating tensions and establish a framework for substantive dialogue.

  • Scientists pave way for faster, more stable chips

    Scientists pave way for faster, more stable chips

    Researchers at Shanghai’s Fudan University have achieved a transformative breakthrough in semiconductor technology that could revolutionize computing performance and energy efficiency. The pioneering study, conducted by the State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and published in the prestigious journal Nature, successfully bridges the critical gap between theoretical potential and practical application of antiferromagnetic materials—a challenge that has perplexed scientists for decades.

    Traditional computing devices predominantly utilize ferromagnetic materials for data storage, encoding information through magnetization directions that represent binary data. However, these conventional materials face significant limitations including vulnerability to magnetic interference, restricted data density capacity, slower operational speeds, and higher power consumption—constraints that have become increasingly problematic as the semiconductor industry pursues more compact and efficient devices.

    Antiferromagnetic materials present a revolutionary alternative with their unique atomic structure where adjacent magnetic moments oppose each other, effectively neutralizing stray magnetic fields. This intrinsic property enables superior stability, enhanced data packing density, and dramatically faster switching capabilities compared to conventional ferromagnetic materials.

    The research team’s groundbreaking discovery identified that specific low-dimensional, layered antiferromagnets—particularly chromium thiophosphate (CrPS4)—can be reliably controlled using external magnetic fields. This manipulation allows predictable switching between two stable magnetic states, mirroring the functionality of current ferromagnetic materials while overcoming their limitations.

    Professor Wu Shiwei, co-corresponding author of the study, explained: ‘We have developed both the methodology to precisely control these magnetic states and the specialized magneto-optical microscopy technology to directly observe them. This dual capability fulfills the fundamental requirements for practical data reading and writing applications.’

    The research establishes clear criteria for identifying optimal antiferromagnetic materials, providing engineers and scientists with a practical framework for developing next-generation semiconductor devices. Industry analysts note this advancement could significantly influence global semiconductor competition, potentially accelerating China’s progress in advanced chip technologies amid ongoing international efforts to enhance computing capabilities while reducing energy consumption.

  • Israel slammed for ceasefire violations

    Israel slammed for ceasefire violations

    Arab and Muslim-majority nations issued a stern condemnation of Israel’s repeated breaches of the Gaza ceasefire agreement on Sunday, following fresh military strikes that resulted in 31 fatalities over the weekend. The coordinated diplomatic response came as the Rafah border crossing with Egypt resumed operations after nearly two years of closure, creating a complex humanitarian corridor under stringent restrictions.

    In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkiye characterized Israel’s actions as “a direct threat to the political process” that jeopardizes regional stability efforts. The ministers emphasized that these violations “risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm” during critical international negotiations to advance the second phase of the truce.

    The condemnation follows reports from WAFA news agency indicating that over 500 Palestinians have been killed since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect on October 11. In a particularly tragic incident, medical sources confirmed a three-year-old child died when Israeli naval vessels shelled displacement tents in Khan Younis’ Al-Mawasi area.

    Concurrently, the Rafah crossing reopened under a pilot program that permits only pedestrian movement with Egyptian approval and Israeli security clearance. The Israeli military agency COGAT confirmed the crossing’s limited operation for “testing and assessment purposes,” while reports indicated 150 patients and companions prepared for medical evacuation from Gaza.

    European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib reiterated that “international humanitarian law must be upheld,” emphasizing the universal protection of civilians. Academic experts like Iyad Eid from the International Islamic University Malaysia noted Israel’s demonstrated pattern of disregarding ceasefire agreements with Palestinians.

    The humanitarian situation remains precarious as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza remains stranded in Cairo due to “technical problems and obstacles,” with members anonymously reporting inadequate headquarters and operational budget shortages hindering their mission to coordinate governmental transitions in Gaza.

  • Iran president orders talks as Washington hopeful of deal

    Iran president orders talks as Washington hopeful of deal

    In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has authorized the commencement of nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to reports from Iranian state media on Monday. This move follows statements from US President Donald Trump expressing optimism about reaching a diplomatic agreement to prevent military confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

    The announcement comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Trump having previously threatened military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East. While maintaining this military pressure, the US administration has simultaneously expressed willingness to pursue diplomatic channels, creating a complex dual-track approach to Iran policy.

    Fars News Agency, citing unnamed government sources, confirmed that “President Pezeshkian has ordered the opening of talks with the United States” specifically addressing nuclear matters, though precise timing details remain unspecified. Iranian officials indicated they are developing a negotiation framework expected to be finalized within days, with communication between the two nations being facilitated through regional intermediaries.

    The diplomatic maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of mutual warnings. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cautioned that any US military action could trigger broader regional conflict, stating that while Iran would not initiate hostilities, it would deliver a “hard punch” to any aggressors. Trump responded dismissively to these warnings, emphasizing US military capabilities while maintaining his preference for a negotiated settlement.

    Regional diplomacy appears to be intensifying, with reports indicating that Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are mediating arrangements for a meeting between Trump’s special envoy and senior Iranian officials in Ankara later this week. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament escalated tensions with the European Union by declaring all EU militaries “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the bloc’s similar designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

  • Retiree stages second act as short-film star

    Retiree stages second act as short-film star

    In Zhengzhou, Henan province, 60-year-old Pan Yihong has transformed retirement into an unexpected acting career, becoming one of China’s most recognizable faces in the booming micro-drama industry. After decades as a discipline official in a state-owned enterprise, Pan has appeared in over 300 short-form productions since retiring, specializing in villainous grandmother and mother-in-law roles that have earned her the nickname ‘Rong Momo’ after Chinese television’s iconic antagonist.

    Pan’s journey to micro-drama stardom represents a deferred dream finally realized. In 1984, she completed drama training but prioritized practical career concerns, keeping her faded pink certificate through multiple moves as a silent reminder of her unrealized passion. Her father had named her Yihong, meaning ‘artistic rainbow,’ in hopes she would someday achieve artistic heights.

    That aspiration culminated in late 2025 when Pan received the Golden Leaf Honor at the Weibo TV and Internet Video Summit in Beijing—a moment she commemorated by visiting her father’s grave to share her accomplishment. ‘Your daughter didn’t just become an actress,’ she told him. ‘She won an award.’

    Unlike actors who resist typecasting, Pan embraces her villain specialization. ‘It shows that I have successfully portrayed these images and they recognize my acting skills,’ she explained. Her approach to villainy focuses on capturing characters’ ‘human logic’ through subtle details rather than exaggerated outbursts.

    Off-screen, Pan’s personality contrasts sharply with her on-screen personas. Younger colleagues affectionately call her ‘Auntie Pan,’ and her husband of decades, Qiao Rui, notes that despite rarely watching her productions, he fully supports her career. ‘This is just acting,’ he said. ‘In real life, she is very kind-hearted.’

    As a pioneer in China’s rapidly evolving micro-drama industry, Pan has witnessed significant changes in production quality and audience expectations. ‘I have watched this industry rise from the ground,’ she observed. ‘From mindless thrilling dramas with all kinds of exaggeration to content that now requires warmth and social value.’

    With nearly 700 million micro-drama viewers nationwide as of June 2025—representing nearly 70% of China’s internet users—the industry continues to expand rapidly. Pan remains highly motivated despite the industry’s demanding schedules, viewing age as merely symbolic. ‘Sixty can be the start of a new life,’ she said. ‘Retirement isn’t about the end. It means finding a new stage to shine on.’

    Looking forward, Pan hopes to expand beyond her villain niche into comedy and spy films, aspiring to work in long-form dramas with veteran actors she admires.

  • Nanocrystal analysis system bolsters sci-tech self-reliance

    Nanocrystal analysis system bolsters sci-tech self-reliance

    Chinese scientists have achieved a major technological milestone with the development of the nation’s first fully domestic micro-nanocrystal analysis system. The breakthrough instrument, named RaSAS (Rapid Analysis System), was unveiled by researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry after five years of intensive development.

    The advanced system represents a significant step toward China’s technological self-reliance, ending decades of dependence on expensive imported equipment for high-precision crystal analysis. With this achievement, China becomes only the third nation worldwide—after Japan and Switzerland—capable of producing such sophisticated analytical instrumentation.

    RaSAS operates at scales beyond the reach of traditional X-ray diffraction technology, enabling researchers to examine crystal structures at submicron to nanometer levels. The system features proprietary 3D electron diffraction technology with complete hardware and software autonomy, addressing previous limitations where foreign instruments lacked customization capabilities for specialized research applications.

    According to Dr. Zhu Jianxi, deputy director of GIG, the technology holds transformative potential across multiple scientific disciplines. “RaSAS opens new frontiers in Earth and planetary sciences, materials development, and biomedical research,” he stated.

    The research team, co-led by Dr. Xian Haiyang, emphasized the system’s practical applications have already yielded significant discoveries. Scientists using RaSAS have identified and named two new minerals—Wangyanite and Oxyplumbopyrochlore—both officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association. The technology also contributed to groundbreaking research published in Science journal, confirming that early deep-Earth water can be stored within Bridgmanite crystal structures, fundamentally altering understanding of planetary evolution.

    Economically, the domestic system offers substantial advantages, with expected pricing approximately 40% lower than comparable Japanese instruments that typically cost around 12 million yuan ($1.71 million) per unit. The development involved overcoming complex engineering challenges, including localization of critical components like field-emission electron guns and high-voltage power supplies.

    Mass production is anticipated within three to six months following technology transfer, a development eagerly awaited by the scientific community. Professor Qin Liping from the University of Science and Technology of China noted that widespread adoption of this equipment will be crucial for China’s advancement in high-end manufacturing and strategic research domains.

  • ‘Tech ears’ hear Bangladesh’s rare dolphins

    ‘Tech ears’ hear Bangladesh’s rare dolphins

    In a groundbreaking conservation achievement, Chinese-developed acoustic technology has successfully detected 146 endangered Ganges River dolphins in Bangladesh’s Jamuna River, providing unprecedented insights into one of the world’s most elusive aquatic species. The scientific breakthrough occurred in January during a joint China-Bangladesh research initiative that deployed real-time acoustic monitoring systems originally created for protecting China’s Yangtze finless porpoise.

    The innovative system, affectionately dubbed ‘tech ears’ by researchers, represents a paradigm shift in wildlife monitoring by focusing on sound rather than sight. Developed by the Institute of Hydrobiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the technology filters through complex river noise to identify unique dolphin sonar pulses with remarkable precision. This approach proves particularly crucial for the effectively blind Ganges River dolphins, which navigate and hunt exclusively using echolocation in sediment-heavy waters.

    The research collaboration forms part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s scientific cooperation framework, supported by the Alliance of International Science Organizations. During the survey, Chinese acoustic engineer Chen Yuwei continuously refined the system’s 26 adjustable parameters to adapt to local river conditions, significantly reducing false alarms while achieving detection rates ‘far higher than visual monitoring alone.’

    Complementing the underwater acoustic data, researchers deployed aerial drones to map habitats and capture rare footage of surfacing dolphins. The comprehensive approach identified multiple key dolphin habitats, including high-density activity zones near downstream sandbars.

    Researchers emphasize that the technology transfer represents more than equipment sharing—it introduces an entirely new conservation philosophy. As habitat degradation, sand mining, and fishing pressure continue threatening the species, the accurate population data will enable evidence-based conservation policies and targeted protection measures for this critically endangered freshwater mammal.

  • Why China is building so many coal plants despite its solar and wind boom

    Why China is building so many coal plants despite its solar and wind boom

    In a striking energy development paradox, China simultaneously achieved unprecedented growth in renewable energy while dramatically accelerating coal power plant construction throughout 2025. According to a comprehensive joint study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Global Energy Monitor, the world’s largest carbon emitter commissioned over 50 large-scale coal units last year, each boasting generating capacity of 1 gigawatt or more.

    This coal expansion represents a dramatic surge from the previous decade’s average of fewer than 20 such units annually. Cumulatively, China integrated 78 gigawatts of new coal-fired capacity into its national grid—a development that climate analysts find particularly concerning given the simultaneous massive growth in renewable infrastructure.

    The renewable sector witnessed extraordinary progress, with official National Energy Administration statistics confirming the addition of 315 gigawatts of solar capacity and 119 gigawatts of wind power in 2025. This clean energy boom actually reduced coal’s share in China’s overall power generation by approximately 1%, successfully meeting the nation’s entire increased electricity demand through renewable sources.

    Energy experts point to multiple factors driving this contradictory approach. The 2021-2022 regional blackouts triggered significant government concerns about energy security, prompting a wave of approvals for coal plant construction. Christine Shearer of Global Energy Monitor noted the astonishing scale of development, stating that ‘China commissioned more coal power capacity in 2025 alone than India did throughout the entire previous decade.’

    Qi Qin, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, explained that once construction permits were issued during the 2022-2023 surge, project reversals became practically impossible. Current data indicates construction commenced on 83 gigawatts of additional coal capacity last year, suggesting further expansions in the coming period.

    Official policy positions coal as a necessary stabilizing backup for weather-dependent renewables, with the National Development and Reform Commission emphasizing coal’s ‘important underpinning and balancing role’ for foreseeable future. However, environmental researchers warn that excessive coal capacity could potentially delay the transition to cleaner energy by creating political and financial incentives to maintain operation of the new plants.

    The report urgently recommends accelerating retirement of aging coal facilities and ensuring China’s next five-year plan commits to preventing power sector emission increases between 2025 and 2030.

  • Forum pins hope on younger generation to grow US-China relations

    Forum pins hope on younger generation to grow US-China relations

    ATLANTA – A specialized forum dedicated to examining the trajectory of Sino-American relations has concluded that engaging younger generations represents the most promising pathway toward stabilizing the increasingly complex bilateral relationship. The 2026 Jimmy Carter Forum on US-China Relations, held January 30 in Atlanta, brought together veteran diplomats, academics, and professionals who have built careers navigating the evolving dynamics between the world’s two largest economies.

    The conference, exclusively featuring female speakers to highlight women’s contributions to bilateral relations, opened with a keynote address from Sarah Beran, former deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Beijing and senior director for China and Taiwan affairs on the White House National Security Council. Beran characterized the relationship as demonstrating ‘notable resilience’ despite nearly a decade of strategic competition, while acknowledging a concerning ‘structural decline with no clear endpoint.’

    Veteran participants like Jan Berris, vice-president of the National Committee on US-China Relations and a ping pong diplomacy participant since 1971, described current conditions as ‘the worst time in the relationship.’ This assessment stood in stark contrast to the ‘golden age’ experienced by younger panelists including Elizabeth Knup of The Asia Society, Caroline Pan of the 1990 Institute, and Rosie Levine of the US-China Education Trust, all of whom had formative professional experiences in China during more cooperative eras.

    Despite acknowledging significant challenges in people-to-people exchanges – from policy restrictions to funding limitations – participants identified digital platforms as unexpected bridges between American and Chinese youth. Levine highlighted how social media content on Instagram and TikTok has generated genuine curiosity about contemporary Chinese life among American youth, often contradicting mainstream media narratives.

    Practical examples of continued engagement emerged from younger attendees. Mackenzie Miller, program manager of The Penn Project on the Future of US-China Relations, reported observing ‘very engaged and very interested’ American students currently studying in China. Emily Conrad, a PhD candidate at Fudan University building a literal US-China family with her Chinese husband, noted the democratizing effect of Chinese social platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) in making Chinese culture accessible to Americans.

    The consensus emerged that while returning to previous eras of cooperation remains unlikely, cultivating mutual understanding through digital exchanges, educational programs, and cultural curiosity represents the most viable strategy for managing strategic competition and preventing escalation.

  • Air India grounds Boeing jet after pilot flags possible fuel control switch defect

    Air India grounds Boeing jet after pilot flags possible fuel control switch defect

    Air India has temporarily removed a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from service after a flight crew member identified a potential malfunction in the aircraft’s fuel control mechanism. The carrier confirmed in an official communication that it has prioritized inspection of the reported concern while maintaining dialogue with both Boeing manufacturers and Indian aviation authorities.

    The incident occurred following a routine flight from London to Bengaluru, where the operating pilot notified engineers of anomalous readings related to the fuel system controls. While specific technical details remain undisclosed, the event has garnered significant attention due to its temporal proximity to last year’s catastrophic Air India Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad.

    Boeing’s corporate communications team acknowledged the situation, stating: “We maintain ongoing coordination with Air India and are providing technical assistance to facilitate their operational assessment.”

    This development emerges against the backdrop of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) progressing toward final conclusions regarding the June 2023 tragedy that claimed 260 lives. Preliminary findings from that investigation indicated the crashed aircraft’s fuel switches unexpectedly transitioned from ‘run’ to ‘cutoff’ position during initial ascent, resulting in dual engine failure.

    Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) previously conducted comprehensive reviews of Boeing’s fuel switch systems following last year’s accident. Air India maintains that its fleet-wide inspection of 787 Dreamliners conducted under DGCA mandate revealed no pre-existing defects in switch locking mechanisms.