Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Christopher Reeve’s son Will marries event planner Amanda Dubin in Miami

    Christopher Reeve’s son Will marries event planner Amanda Dubin in Miami

    In a heartfelt Miami ceremony on January 17, Will Reeve—son of the late Superman icon Christopher Reeve and Dana Reeve—exchanged vows with event planner Amanda Dubin. The private nuptials brought together close family circles, personal friends, and several colleagues from Reeve’s position at ABC News.

    Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts shared glimpses of the celebration via social media, posting a photo with her wife Amber Laign captioned: ‘Ready to celebrate Amanda & Will.’ GMA contributor Lara Spencer also documented highlights from the event, describing it as ‘a joyous day celebrating’ the couple’s ‘beautiful love story.’ The bride herself responded enthusiastically to Spencer’s post, commenting: ‘We love you!!’

    The couple’s romance became public in April 2023 when they shared a photograph from Paris. Their engagement followed in November 2023 after Reeve orchestrated an elaborate proposal disguised as a professional charity event in Manhattan—a fitting surprise for Dubin, who works as an event planner.

    Will Reeve, now 33, carries forward the legacy of his parents: his father Christopher, who achieved global fame as Superman before his passing in 2004 following a horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed, and his mother Dana, who died of lung cancer in 2006. Despite these profound losses at a young age, Reeve has frequently expressed how discussing his parents helps maintain their presence in his life. In a recent USA Today interview, he reflected: ‘Talking about my parents keeps them with me. I’m so proud to be their son, to be part of this family.’

  • Exclusive: UAE flights linked to Sudan war tracked from Israel to Ethiopia

    Exclusive: UAE flights linked to Sudan war tracked from Israel to Ethiopia

    Recent flight-tracking data reveals a pattern of strategic cargo movements by a UAE-linked aircraft across multiple conflict zones, highlighting the intensifying regional power struggle between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. An Antonov An-124 transport plane (tail number UR-ZYD), operated by Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Air, has conducted repeated flights between military bases in Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Bahrain, and Israel throughout January.

    The aircraft’s movements coincide with a dramatic shift in regional alliances following Saudi Arabia’s successful military campaign against UAE-backed forces in Aden, Yemen. This development forced Emirati forces to withdraw from their strategic base in Bosaso, Somalia, while simultaneously facing diplomatic challenges from Somalia’s cancellation of all security agreements with the UAE.

    Analysts identify Ethiopia as becoming increasingly crucial to UAE’s regional strategy. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appears to be aligning Ethiopia firmly with the UAE alliance rather than alternative options, according to sources familiar with Ethiopian foreign policy. This alignment potentially includes Ethiopia’s anticipated recognition of Somaliland in exchange for access to the port of Berbera.

    The ongoing Sudan conflict has become central to this regional power struggle, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey increasing military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to counter the UAE’s longstanding support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Evidence suggests the UAE has been supplying weapons to the RSF through multiple channels, including via Ethiopia and eastern Libya under General Khalifa Haftar’s control.

    Flight data shows UR-ZYD made three round trips between Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base and Israel’s Ovda Air Force base in late December before commencing its Ethiopia shuttle operations in January. The aircraft’s significant cargo capacity—capable of transporting 21 Toyota Land Cruisers or 4 Mi-17 helicopters—raises concerns about potential weapons transfers.

    Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab executive director Nathaniel Raymond expressed global concern about these developments: ‘Evidence that an An-124 has been making repeated sorties between Abu Dhabi and this airfield near an area seeing increased uptick in RSF presence and operations should be of global concern.’

    The aircraft’s operations have previously attracted UN scrutiny for violating arms embargoes in Libya, with investigations identifying current UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed as the beneficial owner of UR-ZYD. Despite the airline’s description of humanitarian missions, its client list includes multiple UAE government entities including the Armed Forces GHQ and Crown Prince Court.

    As Saudi pressure mounts on Haftar forces to cease supporting UAE’s RSF operations, and with Egypt bombing RSF supply convoys near its border, the temporary closure of al-Kufra airbase in Libya appears designed to provide diplomatic breathing space. Regional analysts conclude that the Horn of Africa has become subject to Gulf power dynamics, with local nations increasingly forced to choose sides in the Riyadh-Abu Dhabi rivalry.

  • How UAE biking group created in frustration grew to nearly 400-member community

    How UAE biking group created in frustration grew to nearly 400-member community

    What originated as a modest WhatsApp group formed out of collective frustration has rapidly transformed into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most inclusive motorcycling communities. World of Bikers (WOB), established in April 2025 by veteran rider Victor King, has expanded from a small gathering of enthusiasts to a nearly 400-member organization spanning the UAE and international borders.

    The community’s foundation emerged when King witnessed unacceptable behavior during a group ride, particularly the inappropriate treatment of a female rider and subsequent dismissal of concerns. With 26 years of UAE residency and approximately 700,000 kilometers of riding experience across multiple countries, King implemented his philosophy: “If there is a problem, you fix it.” Within hours, he established a new community built on the SAIL Together principle—Support, Advise, Inspire, and Learn.

    Unlike traditional motorcycle clubs, WOB functions as a unifying platform that transcends brand affiliations and riding backgrounds. The community comprises solo riders and club members from diverse regions including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, and the United States.

    Governance and guidelines were developed through collaborative member input, ensuring the culture of respect and inclusivity remains rider-defined. Beyond organized rides, WOB provides real-time road safety updates, weather alerts, mechanical assistance, and travel information. The community demonstrated its profound solidarity when members collectively supported a grieving family after a fatal accident, assisting with hospital coordination, administrative procedures, insurance guidance, and legal processes.

    Technological innovation has further enhanced the community’s capabilities. WOB recently launched a dedicated mobile application that consolidates member communications, ride planning, and safety features. The app incorporates geolocation functionality enabling riders to discover nearby events and connect with others within their radius. Notably, the platform has automated the previously tedious process of endurance certification—a recognition of long-distance riding achievement that required extensive manual documentation. Through AI-powered compilation, certification time has been reduced from months to mere hours while maintaining verification integrity.

    Membership remains free for licensed hobby riders, reinforcing the community’s commitment to accessibility. While future commercial features are contemplated, the organization maintains its primary focus on fostering genuine rider connections and support systems.

  • Woman executed for abusing and killing stepdaughter

    Woman executed for abusing and killing stepdaughter

    A Chinese court has carried out the execution of Xu Jinhua, convicted of the brutal torture and murder of her 12-year-old stepdaughter, following final approval from China’s Supreme People’s Court. The Putian Intermediate People’s Court in Fujian province administered the death penalty on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, concluding a case that had shocked the nation and triggered widespread public outrage.

    Court documents reveal that in December 2023, Xu subjected the child to 17 days of continuous torture while confining her in a bathroom, ultimately resulting in the girl’s death. The case came to light when local police detained both Xu and the victim’s biological father, Liu Jiang, who was found complicit in the abuse through his failure to intervene.

    Initial sentencing in April 2024 saw Xu receive the death penalty for intentional homicide and abuse charges, while Liu received a five-and-a-half-year prison term for intentional injury and abuse. Both defendants appealed the verdicts, leading to a judicial review by the Fujian High People’s Court.

    The higher court upheld Xu’s death sentence while simultaneously determining that Liu’s punishment was “manifestly too light” given his role as legal guardian. This prompted a supervisory review and retrial that resulted in Liu’s sentence being substantially increased to 13 years and six months imprisonment in December 2025.

    China’s legal system requires that all death sentences issued by lower courts undergo mandatory review and approval by the Supreme People’s Court before execution. The court confirmed that Xu was permitted a final meeting with close relatives prior to the execution, which was conducted under prosecutorial supervision in accordance with Chinese law.

  • Zhangjiakou academy students hit Olympic ski slopes as winter break begins

    Zhangjiakou academy students hit Olympic ski slopes as winter break begins

    In a vibrant fusion of academic programming and Olympic legacy utilization, students from Tianshu Academy embarked on their winter vacation with an immersive skiing experience at former 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic venues this Monday. The institution, operating under Beijing Information Science and Technology University with campuses in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, has pioneered a specialized skiing curriculum that transforms world-class athletic facilities into educational assets.

    The academy, which welcomed its inaugural cohort of 500 students in September 2025, has integrated winter sports practice into its regular educational framework, allowing students to access professional slopes during weekends and holiday periods. This initiative represents a strategic implementation of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy, creating unique educational opportunities while promoting winter sports participation.

    Beyond athletic development, Tianshu Academy has established three specialized industry research institutes focusing on advanced manufacturing, new energy systems, and data economy technologies. This multidisciplinary approach connects physical education with technological innovation, preparing students for diverse career pathways in emerging industries. The skiing program not only develops athletic proficiency but also fosters discipline, teamwork, and health consciousness among participants.

    The utilization of Olympic infrastructure for educational purposes demonstrates China’s commitment to maximizing the long-term value of its substantial investments in winter sports facilities. This model of post-Olympic venue utilization offers a template for how host cities can transform event-specific infrastructure into sustainable educational and community resources.

  • Turkey challenges Netanyahu on Gaza force role

    Turkey challenges Netanyahu on Gaza force role

    A significant diplomatic divergence has emerged between Turkey and Israel regarding post-war governance in Gaza, with Ankara directly contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertions about Turkish exclusion from security arrangements.

    On Tuesday, a high-ranking Turkish official disclosed that no definitive decision had been reached concerning Turkey’s potential involvement in the Gaza international stabilization force. This statement directly challenges Netanyahu’s parliamentary declaration on Monday that Turkish and Qatari forces would play no role in the Palestinian territory’s administration.

    The Turkish official, speaking to Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Turkey remains actively engaged in discussions about contributing troops to the proposed international force outlined in October’s US-brokered peace initiative. “We are working on it,” the official stated, adding sarcastically: “Netanyahu also said Turkey wouldn’t be part of the Board of Peace, what happened there?”

    This reference concerns the recent invitation extended by US President Donald Trump to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join the newly formed Board of Peace. This high-level governance body, which will be chaired by Trump himself, is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s administration and reconstruction following the ceasefire agreement negotiated alongside mediator nations including Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.

    Despite Israeli objections to Erdogan’s inclusion, diplomatic sources indicate that all parties involved in the Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations will maintain representation on the Board of Peace. Additionally, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been appointed to the Gaza Executive Board, which will support the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza in addressing daily operational challenges.

    President Erdogan has previously emphasized Turkey’s indispensable role, stating that any governance mechanism excluding Turkey would struggle to gain trust among Palestinians. “The countries party to the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, including Turkey, are the most legitimate actors in this process,” Erdogan asserted earlier this month, highlighting Turkey’s unique positioning through its historical ties with Palestinians, maintained security channels with Israel, and regional influence as a NATO member nation.

    The emerging governance structure—comprising the NCAG, Board of Peace, and Gaza Executive Board—appears to ensure Turkish and Qatari involvement in reconstruction efforts despite Netanyahu’s attempts to minimize their roles, revealing ongoing disagreements between Israel and the United States regarding Gaza’s post-conflict management.

  • Israel’s Ben Gvir leads demolition of Unrwa headquarters in Jerusalem

    Israel’s Ben Gvir leads demolition of Unrwa headquarters in Jerusalem

    Israeli security forces conducted a controversial demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, marking an unprecedented escalation in tensions between Israel and the international organization. The operation, personally overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, commenced at approximately 7:00 AM local time with armed personnel raising Israeli flags over the main administrative building.

    UNRWA officials condemned the action as a severe breach of international protocols. Spokesperson Jonathan Fowler characterized the demolition as “an unprecedented attack” that violates both international law and the United Nations’ privileges and immunities. Arabic language spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna emphasized the historical significance of the event, noting that no nation had previously removed the UN flag from agency offices in such manner.

    The Israeli government justified its actions by alleging institutional connections between UNRWA and Hamas. Israel’s Foreign Ministry asserted that the compound no longer enjoyed diplomatic immunity since the agency had allegedly ceased operations at the location. Minister Ben Gvir celebrated the demolition as “a historic day for sovereignty in Jerusalem,” vowing similar treatment for what he termed “terror supporters.”

    This confrontation follows Israel’s parliamentary passage of legislation in 2024 that revoked the 1967 agreement permitting UNRWA operations within Israeli-controlled territories. Humanitarian experts warn that the agency’s exclusion could severely impact approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon who depend on UNRWA for essential services including food distribution, healthcare, education, and shelter infrastructure.

    The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate denounced the demolition as a dangerous escalation and direct assault on internationally protected UN operations. Critics argue that Israel’s systematic dismantling of UNRWA represents both a violation of the UN Charter and a potential precursor to revoking Palestinian refugee status entirely, with profound implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.

  • India and UAE agree to deepen nuclear cooperation in mega defence pact

    India and UAE agree to deepen nuclear cooperation in mega defence pact

    In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates and India have solidified a comprehensive partnership aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and energy security. The landmark agreement, finalized during UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s three-hour visit to New Delhi, includes a substantial $3 billion liquefied natural gas deal that establishes India as Abu Dhabi’s largest LNG customer.

    The bilateral pact extends beyond energy to encompass nuclear cooperation, featuring joint development and deployment of large nuclear reactors alongside enhanced nuclear safety protocols. Both nations have established an ambitious target of doubling their bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, signaling a substantial deepening of economic ties.

    The leadership discussions addressed multiple regional security concerns, including the situations in Yemen, Gaza, and recent protests in Iran. These talks occurred against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical alignments in the Middle East, particularly as Turkey seeks to join a defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan—a development that could potentially establish a new military bloc in the region.

    The India-UAE agreement emerges amid growing regional tensions following Pakistan’s expanding defense exports, including a $4 billion arms deal with Libya and potential weapons sales to Sudan. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are concurrently negotiating the conversion of $2 billion in Saudi loans into a fighter jet procurement agreement, highlighting the complex realignment of Middle Eastern alliances.

    Indian right-wing media has characterized the UAE-India partnership as a strategic counter to Pakistan’s defense outreach, with Network18—owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, who maintains close ties to Modi’s government—describing it as ‘India’s counter through strategic depth.’

    The joint statement issued by both nations emphasized regular security chief exchanges and joint military exercises, while explicitly condemning ‘terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism’—a clear reference to India’s longstanding allegations against Pakistan.

    Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri characterized the defense partnership as a ‘natural evolution’ of existing cooperation rather than a direct response to specific regional events, though the agreement undoubtedly signals India’s growing strategic engagement with Gulf states amid regional realignments.

  • Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola visits Chongqing fans

    Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola visits Chongqing fans

    Southwest China’s Chongqing municipality witnessed a spectacular display of football fervor over the weekend as Chelsea Football Club’s global outreach initiative made its stop in the bustling metropolis. The occasion marked the inaugural visit of retired football luminary Gianfranco Zola, whose appearance electrified the local Blues faithful.

    During his immersive experience in Chongqing, the Italian maestro ventured into the city’s vibrant urban core, indulging in authentic local cuisine while absorbing the dynamic atmosphere. “Chongqing presents itself as a magnificent urban landscape radiating tremendous positive energy,” Zola observed. “The density of population and constant vitality genuinely resonate with my personal preferences.”

    The celebrated former athlete expressed particular enthusiasm for China’s evolving grassroots football culture, emphasizing the significance of direct engagement with supporters. “Awareness of Chelsea’s substantial following and football enthusiasts here prompted my genuine delight in these interpersonal exchanges,” he commented. Zola further articulated his aspirations for these interactions, stating: “My fundamental objective remains facilitating productive development opportunities for emerging young athletes within this region.”

    The international fan program represents Chelsea’s strategic commitment to strengthening global connections beyond conventional geographical boundaries, leveraging legendary figures to cultivate meaningful cross-cultural sporting dialogues.

  • Winter storm transforms Zhangjiajie’s Tianmen Mountain into frosty wonderland

    Winter storm transforms Zhangjiajie’s Tianmen Mountain into frosty wonderland

    A dramatic meteorological transformation has unfolded at Zhangjiajie’s iconic Tianmen Mountain, where a powerful Arctic front has converted the renowned landscape into an extraordinary winter spectacle. The sudden temperature plunge across Central China has draped the mountain’s majestic peaks in a crystalline coat of frost and snow, creating breathtaking visual effects that have captivated both visitors and photography enthusiasts.

    According to official meteorological reports from Zhangjiajie authorities, the region is currently experiencing an intense cold spell that began on Monday and is projected to continue through Thursday. The comprehensive weather advisory predicts sustained periods of precipitation, including rain, snow, and freezing conditions across the area. Higher elevations are expected to receive particularly substantial snowfall accumulations ranging from moderate to heavy intensity.

    Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Tianmen Mountain scenic area management has maintained partial accessibility for determined visitors seeking to witness the extraordinary winter phenomenon. However, officials have implemented necessary safety precautions, including the temporary closure of specific trails and facilities that present potential hazards due to icy surfaces and reduced visibility.

    The mountain’s significance extends beyond its seasonal transformations, holding dual recognition as both a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a national 5A-level scenic area. This prestigious status acknowledges its unique combination of spectacular geological formations, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage that remains visible even beneath its temporary winter blanket.