Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Asian stocks gain after optimism about AI sends Wall Street higher

    Asian stocks gain after optimism about AI sends Wall Street higher

    Asian financial markets experienced broad gains during Wednesday’s trading session, propelled by renewed Wall Street momentum and sustained enthusiasm for artificial intelligence technologies. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index achieved a historic milestone, climbing 1.3% to reach 58,081.62 points despite ongoing trade complications with China.

    The market performance demonstrated notable complexity as export restrictions imposed by China on 40 Japanese entities failed to derail the overall bullish sentiment. Corporate reactions varied significantly with Subaru Corporation and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation recording share price increases, while Eneos Corporation and Sumitomo Heavy Industries experienced declines. Market analysts attributed the export sector’s strength primarily to the persistently weak Japanese yen, which benefited major exporters including Honda Motor Company and Panasonic Corporation.

    Regional benchmarks followed the upward trajectory with Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advancing 1.1% to 9,122.50 points. South Korea’s Kospi index surged 1.7% to 6,069.36, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.3% and Shanghai Composite added 0.7%.

    The currency markets witnessed modest fluctuations as the U.S. dollar traded at 155.78 yen, representing a slight decrease from the previous 155.83 yen. This level remains substantially stronger than the 160 yen range observed several months earlier. The euro demonstrated minimal movement, trading at $1.1784 compared to $1.1779.

    Investor attention remained divided between market fundamentals and political developments, particularly President Donald Trump’s scheduled State of the Union address. Market participants anticipated reassurances regarding economic stability and policy continuity supporting domestic employment and manufacturing sectors.

    The current market enthusiasm stems from Tuesday’s Wall Street recovery where the S&P 500 registered a 0.8% gain, reclaiming nearly three-quarters of Monday’s substantial losses. This reversal was significantly influenced by Advanced Micro Devices’ 8.8% surge following announcement of a multiyear agreement to supply artificial intelligence chips to Meta Platforms. The comprehensive arrangement includes provisions for Meta to acquire up to 160 million AMD shares at nominal pricing, contingent upon procurement volumes.

    Industry analysts interpreted these developments as validating sustained confidence in AI investment, contrasting sharply with previous concerns about potential technology sector disruptions. Anthropic’s introduction of new AI implementation tools for corporate applications further reinforced optimism that artificial intelligence would complement rather than replace existing software ecosystems.

    Corporate earnings continued to exceed expectations with Keysight Technologies leading S&P 500 performers through a 23.1% rally, while Home Depot advanced 2% following better-than-anticipated profit and revenue reports.

    Fixed income markets maintained stability as Treasury yields held steady following improved consumer confidence indicators. Benchmark crude prices saw moderate increases with West Texas Intermediate gaining 45 cents to $66.08 per barrel and Brent crude advancing 47 cents to $71.24.

  • German chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip

    German chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Tuesday facing mounting pressure from domestic industries to address a record trade deficit with China, now standing at nearly €90 billion. This inaugural visit comes amid growing alarm from German business leaders who warn that the massive imbalance is fundamentally eroding the nation’s industrial core.

    Official statistics reveal a stark contrast in trade flows: German imports from China surged 8.8% in 2025 to €170.6 billion, while exports to China declined 9.7% to €81.3 billion. This widening gap has solidified China’s position as Germany’s top trading partner, surpassing the United States, but at a concerning cost to Europe’s largest economy.

    Jürgen Matthes, Head of International Economic Policy at the German Economic Institute, attributes this imbalance to what he describes as “massive Chinese subsidies” and currency undervaluation. “These price advantages cannot just come from more innovation and efficiency,” Matthes stated, highlighting how Chinese manufacturing overcapacity and deflationary pressures are creating what economists term a new “China shock” for European industries.

    The visit carries significant geopolitical dimensions beyond trade. Chancellor Merz is expected to urge Chinese leadership to leverage its influence with Moscow to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the substantial business delegation accompanying him signals that economic concerns will dominate the agenda.

    Germany’s automotive, machinery, and chemical sectors—traditional pillars of its economy—are particularly vulnerable to what industry federations describe as “distortions” in competition. The Federation of German Industries has specifically called for addressing export controls on critical rare earths, while engineering groups advocate for restoring “fair competitive conditions.

    This tension represents a strategic challenge to Germany’s longstanding “change through trade” approach with authoritarian nations. While Merz emphasized that Germany would continue its “de-risking” policy rather than pursue full decoupling, the visit underscores a fundamental reassessment of economic dependencies that have accumulated over decades of deepening ties.

  • Elusive Shein boss hails Chinese roots in rare public appearance

    Elusive Shein boss hails Chinese roots in rare public appearance

    In a rare public address, Shein founder Xu Yangtian (also known as Sky Xu) has committed substantial investment to China’s fashion industry while reaffirming the company’s deep ties to its manufacturing homeland. Speaking at the High-quality Development Conference in Guangzhou, the reclusive billionaire announced plans to invest over 10 billion yuan ($1.45 billion) to establish a high-tech fashion hub in Guangdong province.

    Xu emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Shein’s global success and Guangdong’s industrial ecosystem, praising the region’s ‘world-class business environment’ and ‘complete industrial ecosystem.’ His remarks, delivered to provincial officials and business leaders, marked a significant departure from his typically private profile and were widely circulated across Chinese social media platforms.

    The investment pledge comes despite Shein’s strategic distancing from China in recent years, including its headquarters relocation to Singapore and exploration of stock market listings in New York and London. Xu acknowledged Guangdong as ‘fertile ground’ for development, noting that local support has already enabled Shein to generate over 600,000 jobs in the region.

    The announcement occurs against a backdrop of increasing challenges for Chinese global retailers. Shein currently faces EU investigations regarding potential digital law violations, including the controversial sale of childlike sex dolls through its platform. The company has responded by removing the listings and banning responsible sellers while strengthening platform regulations.

    Additional pressures include heightened scrutiny from Western markets, particularly regarding environmental sustainability concerns and labor conditions within fast-fashion supply chains. The company’s expansion plans continue nonetheless, with new retail locations scheduled to open in French cities following delayed launches in December.

  • Prominent Russian scholar of North Korea detained during lecture in Latvia, Russian media says

    Prominent Russian scholar of North Korea detained during lecture in Latvia, Russian media says

    In a significant development involving international academia and diplomacy, Professor Andrei Lankov—a distinguished Russian scholar specializing in North Korean studies—was apprehended by Latvian authorities while delivering a lecture in the country. The incident, initially reported by Russian media outlets RBK and Tass, occurred during his presentation on North Korea, though specific grounds for the detention remain undisclosed.

    Lankov, who holds dual Russian and Australian citizenship and serves as a history professor at Seoul’s Kookmin University, confirmed to RBK that he was detained by Latvian police, blacklisted, and subsequently transferred to immigration services. As of 11 p.m. Moscow time, he remained in custody with legal representatives and associates addressing his case.

    South Korea’s Kookmin University administration stated they are actively evaluating the circumstances surrounding his detention. Attempts to contact Lankov directly were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

    With deep expertise in North Korean affairs, Lankov spent his formative academic years as an exchange student in North Korea during the 1980s and has maintained a decades-long career analyzing the regime. He has taught in Seoul since 2004 after previous academic engagements in South Korea and Australia.

    Lankov is recognized for his realist perspective on North Korea, characterizing it as a Machiavellian state skillfully leveraging limited resources and manipulating global powers to ensure its survival. Notably, he has also voiced criticism against Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and Moscow’s recruitment of North Korean personnel to support its campaign.

    This incident follows a previous legal challenge in Russia, where in April 2025, a Moscow court fined Lankov 10,000 rubles (approximately $130) for participating in activities of an organization deemed “undesirable” by Russian authorities. Lankov had learned about those charges through media inquiries at the time.

  • ‘Don’t hold out to come to the US’: Advocates urge Afghans to seek new lives elsewhere

    ‘Don’t hold out to come to the US’: Advocates urge Afghans to seek new lives elsewhere

    In a significant shift of policy guidance, American immigration advocacy groups are now advising Afghan nationals awaiting US resettlement to pursue safe haven in alternative countries. This recommendation stems from the stringent refugee ban implemented by the Trump administration, which has effectively closed official pathways to the United States.

    Shawn VanDiver, a US Navy veteran and head of the #AfghanEvac coalition, delivered this sobering counsel during a virtual assembly with approximately 1,000 affected Afghans globally. He explicitly stated, ‘The President has declared that individuals from Afghanistan and several other nations are prohibited from entering. There exist no clandestine channels, alternative entries, or expedited processes.’ The official guidance now encourages families to establish lives elsewhere while monitoring the political landscape for potential future policy amendments.

    The context involves multiple categories of Afghan applicants: approximately 180,000 individuals in the Special Immigrant Visa pipeline, an estimated 65,000 refugees, and 15,000 awaiting family reunification. While judicial mandates require continued processing of applications, actual visa issuances remain discretionary and have been effectively halted.

    Complicating the situation, the Department of Homeland Security recently proposed new regulations extending work authorization processing to 180 days for asylum seekers. However, the agency acknowledged that current backlogs could extend wait times between 14 and 173 years, making the system practically inaccessible.

    This policy environment follows President Trump’s sweeping refugee ban enacted on January 20, 2025. Although litigation ensued, the courts ultimately ruled that while the administration could suspend new refugee admissions, it could not block individuals with already-approved documentation.

    Concurrently, the administration has empowered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with broad authority to detain legally admitted refugees who haven’t obtained permanent residency. This represents a dramatic departure from previous policy under which failure to secure a green card wasn’t grounds for detention or removal.

    The situation further intensified with the decision to close Camp As-Sayliyah in Qatar, a transit facility housing over 1,000 pre-screened Afghans awaiting US transfer. The State Department has begun offering financial incentives for voluntary departure before the March 31 closure, with reports indicating offers of $4,500 per main applicant plus $1,200 for additional family members.

    These developments occur alongside a massive re-vetting initiative targeting up to 80,000 Afghans admitted during the Biden administration, prompted by a security incident involving a former CIA asset. Advocacy groups emphasize the need to distinguish between individual criminal acts and collective responsibility, warning against broad immigrant vilification.

  • Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China: Report

    Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China: Report

    Iran is advancing toward a significant arms acquisition from China, with negotiations nearing completion for the purchase of advanced CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. This development occurs alongside substantial US military deployments to the region, creating a volatile geopolitical landscape.

    According to intelligence reports, these bilateral defense talks initiated two years ago have gained considerable momentum since June 2025. This acceleration follows coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The CM-302 missiles under discussion represent a substantial capability upgrade with their 290-kilometer operational range and advanced countermeasure evasion technology.

    The United States has responded with pronounced military reinforcement, positioning the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea while the USS Gerald Ford maintains presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment coincides with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

    This potential transaction builds upon existing defense cooperation between Tehran and Beijing. Middle East Eye previously reported Iran’s acquisition of Chinese surface-to-air missile systems in June 2025, reportedly compensated through oil shipments. China remains Iran’s predominant oil customer, importing approximately 90% of Iranian crude exports according to US Energy Information Administration data.

    The geopolitical implications are particularly significant given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global seaborne oil transits. Iran has previously demonstrated capability to disrupt this critical waterway, temporarily closing the channel recently and conducting joint military exercises with China and Russia in adjacent waters.

    Historical context reveals deep-rooted Sino-Iranian defense cooperation dating to the 1980s, when China supplied HY-2 Silkworm missiles during the Iran-Iraq conflict. More recently, Iran acquired HQ9 anti-aircraft systems in 2010. The current missile transfer would represent a substantial escalation as offensive weaponry capable of threatening US naval assets.

    Despite growing cooperation, regional diplomats suggest China may exercise caution in over-committing to the partnership amid ongoing US-China rapprochement efforts. The upcoming April summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping adds further complexity to these strategic calculations.

  • Gazans salvage ancient books in mosque library damaged by war

    Gazans salvage ancient books in mosque library damaged by war

    In the shattered remains of Gaza’s Great Omari Mosque, a dedicated team of volunteers undertakes a critical cultural rescue mission amidst the debris of war. The historic library, once among Palestine’s most significant repositories of knowledge, now lies partially destroyed with its precious collections buried under rubble and dust.

    The devastation follows more than two years of conflict that erupted in October 2023, leaving cultural and religious sites throughout Gaza severely damaged. Haneen Al-Amsi, director of the Eyes on Heritage Volunteer Foundation, described her shock upon discovering the extensive damage: “I was stunned when I saw the destruction in the library,” she told AFP, explaining how this prompted her restoration initiative.

    The library, previously housing approximately 20,000 volumes, now retains fewer than 4,000 salvageable works according to initial assessments. Volunteers meticulously sift through charred manuscript fragments and yellowed paper shards, wearing protective masks and gloves as they attempt to preserve what remains of Gaza’s intellectual heritage.

    “This library represents the third largest collection in Palestine after the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar libraries,” Amsi emphasized. “It contains invaluable original manuscripts and diverse collections spanning jurisprudence, medicine, Islamic law, literature, and numerous other disciplines.”

    The damage extends beyond this single institution. UNESCO has verified destruction at 150 cultural sites since the conflict began, including 14 religious locations and 115 buildings of historical significance. A June 2025 UN commission report concluded that Israeli attacks on educational and cultural sites constituted war crimes, though Israel dismissed these findings as politically motivated.

    For the volunteers, each recovered volume represents a tangible connection to Gaza’s rich historical tapestry—a region that has hosted Canaanite, Egyptian, Persian, and Greek civilizations over millennia. Despite the overwhelming damage and what Amsi describes as “irreversible” losses to some materials, the preservation effort continues as an act of cultural defiance and historical stewardship.

  • SpiceJet Jaipur–Dubai flight cancelled after 11-hour delay; passengers left stranded

    SpiceJet Jaipur–Dubai flight cancelled after 11-hour delay; passengers left stranded

    A major operational disruption unfolded at Jaipur International Airport on Tuesday as SpiceJet Flight SG-57 to Dubai was abruptly cancelled following an extensive 11-hour delay, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded without adequate support. The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding airline communication protocols and passenger welfare management during service interruptions.

    The flight was originally scheduled for a 9:40 AM IST departure but underwent multiple rescheduling throughout the day before ultimately being canceled around 8:30 PM IST. This left travelers, including vulnerable groups such as elderly passengers, women, and children, in a state of uncertainty and discomfort. Numerous passengers reported spending the entire day within airport premises, with some forced to wait outside terminal buildings due to insufficient facilities.

    Affected traveler Ankur expressed his frustration: ‘I have been here since morning. Had they provided timely information about the cancellation, I would have returned home instead of enduring this prolonged wait.’ The lack of transparent communication from airline representatives emerged as a primary complaint among stranded passengers, who also reported insufficient assistance during the extended delay period.

    While unofficial sources cited operational and technical challenges as contributing factors, SpiceJet had not issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting. Flight tracking platforms including FlightRadar confirmed the eventual cancellation of the Dubai-bound service.

    The incident occurs amid ongoing analysis of the India-UAE air corridor’s capacity challenges, with recent studies indicating potential service gaps affecting significant portions of passengers by 2035. This event raises pertinent questions about airline accountability and emergency response mechanisms in the rapidly expanding aviation market between the two nations.

  • Poll: US tariffs on Chinese goods ‘too high’

    Poll: US tariffs on Chinese goods ‘too high’

    A comprehensive survey conducted by the Council on Foreign Relations in partnership with Morning Consult reveals significant American opposition to current tariff levels on Chinese imports. The study, conducted January 7-8 among 2,203 nationally representative adults, found that 49% of respondents consider existing tariffs “too high,” while only 6% believe they are too low.

    The research emerges amid escalating trade tensions, with a new 10% universal tariff implemented this Tuesday through Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. According to White House officials cited by the Financial Times, this temporary levy is scheduled to increase to 15% within 150 days.

    Political affiliation substantially influences tariff perceptions, with 67% of Democratic supporters viewing current Chinese tariffs as excessive compared to 46% of Republicans who consider them “about right.” The survey indicates three-fifths of Americans believe even a modest 10% tariff increase would adversely affect consumers, middle-class households, small businesses, and the broader economy.

    The report cites Yale Budget Lab data showing peak tariff rates reached 135% in April 2025 before moderating to 24% by January. Other analyses from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimate combined sectoral and IEEPA tariffs currently average 47.5%.

    Despite divided opinions on trade volume with China—over one-quarter of respondents expressed no clear preference—the survey reveals strong bipartisan support for cooperation on specific issues. Sixty-five percent of Americans endorse collaborative efforts in technological innovation, educational exchanges, poverty reduction, manufacturing modernization, and global health research.

    The findings suggest generational differences in China perceptions, with 38% of adults aged 18-34 describing China as a friend or ally compared to just 11% of those aged 65 and above.

    China’s Ministry of Commerce responded to developments by calling for revocation of unilateral tariffs and expressing willingness to engage in candid consultations during upcoming sixth-round economic talks. This follows last week’s Supreme Court ruling that President Trump exceeded authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when imposing sweeping tariffs.

  • Iran ready to take necessary measures for deal with US: deputy FM

    Iran ready to take necessary measures for deal with US: deputy FM

    Iran has formally communicated its preparedness to implement essential steps toward finalizing a nuclear agreement with the United States, according to statements from a senior Iranian diplomat. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in a Tuesday interview with National Public Radio (NPR), articulated Tehran’s position that it stands ready to “reach an agreement as soon as possible” regarding the long-standing nuclear negotiations.

    The declaration comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which has faced significant challenges since the US withdrawal from the accord in 2018. Takht-Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized Iran’s willingness to take necessary measures to facilitate a mutual understanding.

    This development represents a notable shift in diplomatic positioning as both nations navigate complex negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and corresponding sanctions relief. The deputy foreign minister’s comments suggest a potential breakthrough in the stalled talks that have involved multiple international parties including European nations, Russia, and China.

    The timing of this announcement carries particular significance as it follows several rounds of indirect negotiations between US and Iranian officials in various European capitals. Diplomatic analysts suggest that Iran’s public statement through Western media indicates a strategic effort to communicate flexibility directly to American audiences and policymakers.

    Previous sticking points in negotiations have included the scope of sanctions relief, verification mechanisms for Iran’s nuclear activities, and guarantees against future US withdrawal from any agreement. Takht-Ravanchi’s statement does not specify what “necessary measures” might entail, leaving room for interpretation regarding potential compromises from Tehran.