Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Vietnam’s leader returns to power with bold promises. Can he deliver?

    Vietnam’s leader returns to power with bold promises. Can he deliver?

    HANOI – Vietnam’s political landscape has entered a definitive new chapter following the conclusion of the Communist Party Congress, which reconfirmed To Lam as General Secretary for a second five-year term. The assembly of nearly 1,600 delegates concluded ahead of schedule on Friday, a move interpreted by observers as either indicating strong consensus or effectively subdued opposition to Lam’s increasingly centralized authority.

    Professor Edmund Malesky of Duke University characterized the development as “the strongest concentration of power in one individual that I’ve seen since 1991,” highlighting the unprecedented nature of Lam’s political control.

    Since assuming leadership 18 months ago following the death of his predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong, Lam has orchestrated a remarkable pivot from his previous role as head of Vietnam’s powerful Ministry of Public Security, where he led extensive anti-corruption campaigns. Upon reaching the apex of power, he unveiled sweeping economic reforms described as the most ambitious in four decades.

    The cornerstone of Lam’s vision emerged through Resolution 68, ratified by the Politburo in May last year, which officially designated the private sector as “the most important driving force of the national economy.” This marked a significant ideological shift in officially socialist Vietnam, where state-owned enterprises have traditionally been celebrated as the economy’s foundation.

    The resolution established breathtaking targets: double-digit annual growth, doubling private businesses by 2030, and transforming Vietnam into an upper-income, knowledge-based economy by 2045 – the centenary of independence from French colonial rule. Central to this strategy is cultivating “leading cranes” – privately-owned national champions capable of global competition.

    Currently, Vietnam’s economic structure presents substantial challenges. Despite three decades of impressive growth and poverty reduction, state-owned enterprises still account for 29% of GDP through 671 entities that enjoy preferential access to licenses, funding, and resources. Meanwhile, most private companies remain small-scale, with only 2% employing over 200 people.

    The reform agenda faces complications from recent political developments. Resolution 79, passed earlier this month, seemingly walked back private sector prioritization by declaring state-owned enterprises could also serve as “leading geese” and setting ambitious targets for their regional dominance.

    Vietnam’s economic model faces external challenges as well. The country’s export-dependent manufacturing economy, particularly vulnerable to U.S. tariff policies under the Trump administration, relies heavily on foreign investment, technology, and markets. Lam himself acknowledged this vulnerability in January last year, questioning Vietnam’s position at the “lowest end of the value chain.”

    The development of national champions illustrates both promise and pitfalls. While technology firm FPT has achieved international contracts with companies like Airbus, conglomerate Vingroup exemplifies the challenges of global expansion. Despite dominating Vietnam’s domestic market through extensive political connections, its Vinfast electric vehicle subsidiary has struggled internationally, reportedly losing approximately $11 billion since 2021 while failing to gain traction in U.S. and European markets.

    Nguyen Khac Giang of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore warned: “The main challenge remains unchanged: how to create globally competitive firms without spawning politically-connected rent-seekers. To Lam’s approach risks replacing one form of rent-seeking with another.”

    As Lam consolidates power, his administration must navigate fraught international relations while addressing fundamental structural economic challenges. Vietnam’s renowned “bamboo diplomacy” – maintaining friendships with all and enmity with none – faces severe tests in the emerging Trump II era, particularly given the country’s exceptional reliance on U.S. market access.

  • Ten photos from across China: Jan 16 – 22

    Ten photos from across China: Jan 16 – 22

    A captivating visual chronicle from January 16-22, 2026, reveals China’s diverse cultural landscape through ten striking photographs published by China Daily. The collection showcases remarkable human experiences across the nation’s distinctive seasonal settings.

    The series highlights an extraordinary culinary innovation at Harbin’s Ice and Snow World in Heilongjiang province, where adventurous diners embraced a unique gastronomic experience within a snow-themed hotpot restaurant. This architectural marvel features an impressive two-story snow castle containing ten individual snow rooms, complete with dining tables meticulously carved from ice. The venue masterfully blends contrasting elements, creating a memorable atmosphere where the chill of the surroundings harmonizes with the warmth of traditional hotpot dining, offering patrons an exceptionally romantic ambience.

    Beyond this frozen culinary adventure, the photographic essay captures additional facets of contemporary Chinese life, presenting a multifaceted portrait of society during the winter season. Each image tells a distinct story of cultural practices, recreational activities, and social interactions that characterize the nation’s diverse regions. The collection serves as both artistic expression and documentary evidence of how communities adapt to and celebrate seasonal changes while maintaining rich cultural traditions.

    The visual narrative extends beyond mere documentation, offering insights into regional characteristics and the creative ways in which Chinese citizens engage with their environment. From urban centers to rural landscapes, the photographs present a cohesive story of a nation embracing winter’s challenges while transforming them into opportunities for community engagement and cultural expression.

  • US, China once had rare-earth aces in the hole but the US folded

    US, China once had rare-earth aces in the hole but the US folded

    In 1992, during a visit to Baotou’s rare earth mines in Inner Mongolia, Deng Xiaoping made a prophetic declaration: ‘The Middle East has oil. China has rare earths.’ This statement, initially overlooked by the international community, would ultimately foreshadow China’s ascent as the undisputed global leader in critical mineral resources that underpin modern technology.

    Rare earth elements—17 metallic components from the periodic table—form the fundamental building blocks of contemporary technological advancement. These minerals enable functionality in smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, military drones, and sophisticated aerospace systems including the F-35 fighter jet. Despite their name, these elements are relatively abundant in nature but occur in dispersed formations that require complex, environmentally challenging extraction processes.

    While the United States led global rare earth production throughout the 1980s, Western nations gradually offshored mining operations to China, attracted by lower environmental standards and reduced labor costs. Regulatory changes by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and International Atomic Energy Agency further accelerated this transition by classifying rare earths as ‘source material,’ dramatically increasing compliance costs for domestic operations.

    China capitalized on this strategic opportunity, investing heavily in developing a comprehensive rare earth ecosystem despite environmental consequences. By 2024, China controlled 44 million metric tons of reserves (the world’s largest), 70% of global mining production, 85% of refining capacity, and 98% of processing capabilities. The nation further solidified its dominance through intellectual property control, holding 80% of rare earth patents while establishing 39 university programs specializing in rare earth studies and seven institutions focused exclusively on processing technologies.

    This strategic positioning granted China significant geopolitical leverage during the 2025 trade war. When the White House imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing responded with export controls on seven critical rare earth types and magnets. Although representing a small percentage of overall exports, these materials proved essential to American defense manufacturing and technological innovation.

    A RAND Corporation study revealed that a 90-day supply disruption could halt production at 78% of U.S. defense contractors. This vulnerability extends beyond military applications to next-generation computing, robotics, medical devices, and quantum hardware—effectively giving China a ‘kill switch’ over American technological advancement.

    The United States now faces a monumental challenge in rebuilding its rare earth infrastructure. Estimates suggest requiring a decade and $10-15 billion to establish a self-sufficient supply chain. Even with successful mineral discovery in locations like Greenland’s Kanana region (containing rich deposits of dysprosium and terbium), developing complete extraction, refining, and application ecosystems remains extraordinarily complex.

    China’s four-decade investment has enabled unprecedented purity standards advancement from 98% to 99.9999%—a critical factor in cutting-edge technology applications. As the global economy transitions toward AI and automation, rare earth elements have supplanted oil as the fundamental resource shaping geopolitical power structures, with China positioned as the dominant force controlling innovation pace through supply chain management.

  • Chinese Coast Guard says 8 missing and 13 rescued after boat capsizes near disputed shoal

    Chinese Coast Guard says 8 missing and 13 rescued after boat capsizes near disputed shoal

    Chinese maritime authorities reported a significant search and rescue operation in the South China Sea on Friday after a vessel carrying Filipino nationals capsized in highly contested waters. According to an official statement from China’s Coast Guard, the incident occurred approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Scarborough Shoal, a region known for its geopolitical tensions.

    The maritime accident left eight individuals missing while emergency responders successfully rescued thirteen people from the water. Rescue operations continued throughout the day as multiple vessels participated in the search effort.

    The location of the capsizing represents one of the most politically sensitive areas in the South China Sea, where territorial claims overlap between multiple nations. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all maintain competing sovereignty claims over Scarborough Shoal and surrounding waters.

    This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing maritime confrontations in the region. Just two months prior, in August, a Chinese naval vessel accidentally collided with a Chinese Coast Guard ship during operations to block a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the same shoal. The frequency of such encounters has raised concerns among international observers about potential escalation in the strategically vital waterway.

  • Meet the first Saudi woman to complete all seven World Marathon Majors

    Meet the first Saudi woman to complete all seven World Marathon Majors

    Ashwaq Alsaieri has etched her name in athletic history by becoming the first Saudi Arabian and GCC woman to complete all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors. This extraordinary accomplishment required conquering the world’s most prestigious long-distance races across Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Sydney, and New York.

    Her journey represents more than personal triumph—it symbolizes a transformative shift for women’s sports in Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab region. Alsaieri’s path to marathon excellence began with family skepticism about her unconventional passion. “They struggled to understand why anyone would choose to run without being chased,” she recalled in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.

    That initial reluctance transformed into unwavering support as her family became her most dedicated cheering squad across global competitions. “My family’s support has been my constant fuel,” Alsaieri emphasized. “Their belief in me has never wavered, and it’s a huge part of what keeps me moving.”

    The historic moment arrived when Alsaieri crossed the finish line at the New York City Marathon in November, completing her seventh and final major. Despite physical exhaustion, she recognized the profound significance of her achievement. “Completing all seven World Marathon Majors felt bigger than a medal,” she reflected. “Becoming the first Saudi and GCC woman to achieve it wasn’t about being ‘the first’ for the sake of it, but about proving what’s possible for women from our region.”

    Alsaieri’s accomplishment places her among a growing cohort of Saudi female athletes breaking barriers internationally, including racing driver Reema Juffali, tennis player Yara Alhogbani, and the women’s national football team. “It feels like I’m witnessing—and contributing to—one of the most beautiful transformations in Saudi history,” she stated.

    Her success has attracted professional recognition, culminating in an endorsement contract with global athletic brand New Balance. This partnership represents both personal achievement and regional progress. “It feels like I’m living history, in running shoes,” Alsaieri remarked. “It’s powerful to work with people who believe that women in our region deserve visibility and support to perform at their best.”

    Looking forward, Alsaieri aims to continue pushing boundaries while inspiring others. While Olympic participation remains a distant dream, her immediate focus involves “stepping into roles where I can mentor and uplift other runners in the region.” She views her athletic journey as part of a collective movement: “Through sport, we’re rewriting the narrative and proving that Arab women not only belong, but lead.”

  • TikTok closes deal to split US app from global business. Here’s what to know

    TikTok closes deal to split US app from global business. Here’s what to know

    In a landmark resolution to years of geopolitical tension, TikTok has finalized a comprehensive agreement ensuring its continued operations across the United States. The breakthrough follows protracted negotiations addressing Washington’s national security concerns regarding the platform’s Chinese ownership.

    The solution establishes TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, an independently governed entity with a majority-American board of directors. This new structure will oversee all U.S. operations through a sophisticated data protection framework. Cloud computing giant Oracle assumes critical responsibility for securing American user data and supervising the retraining of TikTok’s proprietary content recommendation algorithm within its U.S. cloud infrastructure.

    Ownership distribution reveals a strategic balance: ByteDance retains a 19.9% stake while three primary U.S. investors—Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati AI investor MGX—each hold 15% shares. The remaining 35.1% is distributed among additional American entities including Michael Dell’s family office and Susquehanna International Group affiliate Vastmere Strategic Investments.

    The agreement represents a political victory for former President Donald Trump, who announced on social media his satisfaction with preserving TikTok’s American presence. The resolution avoids the previously legislated January 2025 ban that would have taken effect had ByteDance failed to divest its U.S. operations.

    While the core algorithm remains licensed from ByteDance, it will undergo retraining exclusively on U.S. user data under Oracle’s supervision. Industry analysts suggest this data localization may alter the user experience, potentially resulting in slower performance and less精准 content recommendations compared to the global version.

    The settlement concludes a contentious chapter that began during the Trump administration’s initial ban attempts in 2020, intensified through Biden’s 2024 legislation, and involved temporary service interruptions during legal battles. The compromise demonstrates how major technology platforms navigate complex international relations while maintaining service to TikTok’s estimated 200 million American users.

  • UAE businesses urged to begin early compliance planning across finance, tax, procurement, and IT

    UAE businesses urged to begin early compliance planning across finance, tax, procurement, and IT

    The United Arab Emirates is embarking on a transformative digital taxation initiative with the introduction of a nationwide e-invoicing mandate, signaling a significant modernization of the country’s fiscal infrastructure. Leading accounting consultancy BCL Globiz has endorsed this regulatory shift as a decisive advancement in strengthening the UAE’s tax compliance frameworks while cautioning businesses about the substantial operational adjustments required.

    Under the new mandate, companies must transition from traditional PDF or scanned invoices to structured, machine-readable formats such as XML or UBL. These documents will be exchanged through accredited service providers within a decentralized framework that enables automated validation and secure data transmission. This approach aligns the UAE with global digital taxation standards while imposing greater responsibility on businesses to ensure data accuracy and consistency across all systems from the outset.

    The implementation follows a phased timeline, with large enterprises generating annual revenues exceeding Dh50 million required to appoint an Accredited Service Provider by July 31, 2026, followed by mandatory compliance from January 1, 2027. Small and medium-sized businesses face later deadlines, with ASP appointments due by March 31, 2027 and full compliance required by July 1, 2027.

    Punith Jindal, Partner at BCL Globiz, emphasizes that this transition represents far more than a technological upgrade. “This constitutes a fundamental business transformation that demands comprehensive advisory, strategic planning, and meticulous execution,” Jindal stated. “The integration with Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing requirements creates complex compliance interdependencies that organizations must address proactively.”

    The mandate carries particular significance for multinational corporations operating in the region, as authorities will gain unprecedented access to detailed transaction-level data. This enhanced transparency elevates the importance of maintaining defensible pricing logic, intercompany charges, and margin justification across all operations.

    BCL Globiz warns that preparation timelines often exceed expectations, especially for organizations with legacy systems, complex transaction flows, or cross-border operations. The firm recommends immediate strategic assessment across procurement, finance, tax, and IT functions to avoid last-minute disruptions and potential compliance violations once the system becomes mandatory.

    With a comprehensive suite of services spanning accounting, VAT, corporate tax, and transfer pricing, BCL Globiz positions itself as a strategic partner for businesses navigating this regulatory transformation. The firm advocates for an integrated approach that addresses both technical requirements and operational realities, enabling organizations to leverage this mandate as an opportunity to enhance financial controls and data governance practices.

  • Shark Tank India’s Pratham Mittal announces $100K+ grant pool for student founders

    Shark Tank India’s Pratham Mittal announces $100K+ grant pool for student founders

    In a significant move to bolster student entrepreneurship, Pratham Mittal—recognized from Shark Tank India and founder of Tetr College and Masters’ Union—has unveiled the Tetr Emerging Founders’ Challenge (TEFC). This initiative offers non-dilutive grants of up to $7,500 to student-led startups, drawing from a total grant pool exceeding $100,000 sourced from Tetr’s Innovation Fund.

    The program is strategically designed to overcome one of the most critical hurdles for young innovators: access to early-stage, equity-free capital. By providing financial support without requiring ownership stakes, TEFC enables student founders to transition their ideas from academic concepts to market-tested products without the immediate pressures of fundraising or dilution.

    Eligibility extends to third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates within four years of completing their degrees. The challenge is structured to accommodate founders at varying developmental phases, offering two distinct tracks: one for idea-stage ventures with a clearly identified problem, and another for early-stage startups that have already demonstrated initial traction or revenue.

    Assessment criteria mirror real-world startup evaluation, emphasizing market clarity, execution readiness, and founder conviction. Selected participants will not only receive funding but also gain entry into Tetr’s global network of mentors and investors, including affiliates from Harvard, MIT, and SoftBank. Additionally, shortlisted candidates may qualify for scholarships to Tetr’s Master’s in Management and Technology (MiM-Tech) program, which combines academic rigor with hands-on venture building across international hubs like Dubai, China, and Europe.

    Applications are currently open, with a submission deadline of January 31, 2026. Interested founders must submit pitch decks and elevator videos through the official portal: https://tetr.com/tefc.

  • US considering withdrawing all its troops from Syria: Report

    US considering withdrawing all its troops from Syria: Report

    The Biden administration is actively considering a complete military withdrawal from Syria, a move originally championed by former President Trump, as shifting alliances and security realities reshape American strategy in the region.

    According to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed officials, Washington’s calculus has changed significantly due to the Syrian government’s ongoing offensive against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s campaign to disarm wartime militias and integrate fighters into the national army has fundamentally altered the battlefield dynamics.

    The potential collapse of the Kurdish-led SDF, once America’s most effective ground partner against Islamic State militants, would eliminate the primary rationale for maintaining the current deployment of 800-1,000 US troops. However, officials emphasized that cooperation with the Syrian army remains unviable due to its significant number of jihadist sympathizers and personnel implicated in mass killings of Kurdish and Druze minorities.

    The deteriorating situation has created multiple security crises. Fighting between SDF and Syrian forces has already placed American personnel in direct danger, culminating in a December incident where a Syrian army member with suspected IS affiliations killed three US service members.

    Perhaps most alarmingly, the SDF’s diminishing control threatens security at detention facilities housing approximately 7,000 IS-linked detainees, including women and children from at least 50 countries. These individuals remain in legal limbo without formal charges or judicial processing as their home governments resist repatriation efforts.

    In response to the growing instability, US Central Command has initiated transfers of detainees to facilities in Iraq, with plans to eventually relocate all prisoners from Syrian camps. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed this measure, stating, “The United States welcomes the Government of Iraq’s initiative to detain ISIS terrorists in secure facilities following recent instability in northeast Syria.”

    The policy shift has drawn criticism from veteran diplomats like Brett McGurk, who served as counter-IS coordinator under both Obama and Trump administrations. McGurk warned that any security breakdown at detention sites “risks international consequences” and emphasized that Kurdish forces “are steadfast partners and should be treated as such.”

    The unfolding situation has reignited debates about America’s consistency in foreign partnerships, with many observers characterizing the potential abandonment of the SDF as another in a series of Washington’s betrayals of allied forces worldwide.

  • Dubai: Pet lovers, brands to unite at Royal Canine Pet Carnival

    Dubai: Pet lovers, brands to unite at Royal Canine Pet Carnival

    Dubai’s vibrant pet community is preparing for an extraordinary gathering as the Royal Canine Pet Carnival announces its upcoming celebration scheduled for February 13, 2026. The event, orchestrated by Pepper Productions under the leadership of renowned radio personality Pallavi Buch, will transform The Bay by Social into a paradise for pet enthusiasts and their furry companions.

    The carnival promises an immersive experience featuring an impressive assembly of over 30 premium pet brands showcasing the latest innovations in pet care, nutrition, and accessories. Attendees can anticipate a diverse program including an interactive petting zoo, educational workshops, and creative craft stations. The entertainment lineup will feature captivating bubble and magic performances, lively roaming mascots, and energetic bouncy shows to keep both pets and owners engaged throughout the day.

    Pallavi Buch emphasized the event’s core philosophy: “This celebration fundamentally honors the special connection between people and their pets. The Bay by Social provides an ideal environment for creating joyful community memories and strengthening these precious bonds.”

    Beyond the entertainment, the carnival will serve as an educational platform where visitors can sample premium pet food products, explore specialized pet services, and discover cutting-edge offerings from leading industry brands. The event aims to create a comprehensive experience that caters to all aspects of pet ownership while fostering community connections among Dubai’s animal lovers.

    For additional information regarding participation or attendance, interested parties can contact the organizers at +971 50 713 6654.