Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Philippines grants Chinese tourists visa-free entry for up to 14 days

    Philippines grants Chinese tourists visa-free entry for up to 14 days

    The Philippine government has initiated a significant policy shift by granting Chinese nationals visa-free entry for stays up to 14 days, effective January 16, 2026. This strategic move aims to revitalize tourism numbers that have dramatically declined since the pandemic era.

    According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the visa exemption applies exclusively to tourism and business purposes. The arrangement permits a non-extendable 14-day stay that cannot be converted to other visa categories. Travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, confirmed accommodation bookings, and return or onward flight tickets.

    The policy comes as response to a staggering decline in Chinese tourism. Pre-pandemic data from 2019 showed over 1.8 million Chinese visitors, while 2024 figures revealed only approximately 312,000 arrivals—the weakest recovery among Southeast Asian nations. Neighboring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore hosted approximately 3.7 million, 3.3 million, and 3 million Chinese tourists respectively during the same period.

    Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco attributed the dramatic drop primarily to visa restrictions, including the suspension of electronic visas for Chinese nationals. The new visa-free arrangement will remain in effect for one year with provisions for security screening of travelers’ derogatory records. Notably, the policy lacks reciprocity as Filipinos still require visas to visit China.

    This initiative follows similar visa facilitation measures extended to Indian nationals in June 2025, indicating the Philippines’ broader strategy to boost its tourism-driven economy through eased entry requirements for key markets.

  • Chinese EVs are making inroads in North America. That worries industry experts

    Chinese EVs are making inroads in North America. That worries industry experts

    DETROIT — The global automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers capitalize on Canada’s recent decision to slash EV import tariffs. This strategic trade agreement, which also includes concessions on Canadian agricultural products, creates a formidable gateway for China’s technologically advanced and cost-competitive vehicles into North American markets.

    Industry analysts highlight that Chinese EVs represent a paradigm shift in automotive manufacturing, combining sophisticated connectivity features, lightweight construction techniques, and extended driving ranges at unprecedented price points. With vehicles priced between $10,000-$20,000—compared to America’s $50,000 average for new vehicles—Chinese manufacturers have mastered the production of desirable small and mid-sized cars that major American automakers have largely abandoned in favor of higher-margin trucks and SUVs.

    The timing proves particularly advantageous for Chinese automakers as domestic market conditions weaken while global electrification accelerates. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence data reveals 17% growth in China’s plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle sector alongside Europe’s 33% surge, contrasting sharply with the mere 1% growth in U.S. electrified vehicle sales last year.

    This expansion occurs as American manufacturers scale back ambitious electrification plans, creating a critical competitive vulnerability. The symbolic transfer of Tesla’s EV crown to BYD—which delivered 2.26 million vehicles against Tesla’s 1.64 million in 2025—underscores China’s manufacturing dominance.

    To access Canadian markets, Chinese automakers must meet stringent safety and quality standards comparable to U.S. requirements, potentially incentivizing manufacturing investment in Canada. AlixPartners predicts Chinese brands will capture 30% of the global market by 2030, having already established significant presence in Europe, South America, and Mexico.

    The advancement raises complex questions about data security and market protectionism. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently asserted that China’s automotive investments aim to ‘control the industry,’ reflecting widespread concerns about data collection capabilities in connected vehicles. Despite these concerns, industry experts like AutoForecast Solutions’ Sam Fiorani conclude that ‘the advance of Chinese manufacturers is inevitable,’ noting that Western markets must establish guardrails rather than expect complete market exclusion.

  • Saudi King undergoing medical tests in Riyadh: Royal Court

    Saudi King undergoing medical tests in Riyadh: Royal Court

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – January 16, 2026 – Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the 90-year-old reigning monarch, underwent scheduled medical examinations at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in the capital city on Friday. The Royal Court officially confirmed the routine health assessment through the state news agency, emphasizing the procedural nature of the tests.

    The monarch’s medical history includes a previous episode of lung inflammation in October 2024, from which he successfully recovered following comprehensive treatment. The Royal Court had previously announced his full recovery at that time.

    King Salman remains actively engaged in his royal duties, having most recently presided over a cabinet meeting just three days prior to the medical examination. The timely disclosure of the king’s medical check-up demonstrates the Saudi government’s commitment to transparency regarding the monarch’s wellbeing while maintaining appropriate privacy boundaries.

    The medical facility where the examinations took place, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, represents one of the Kingdom’s premier healthcare institutions, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and staffed by internationally trained specialists capable of providing the highest standard of royal medical care.

  • Dubai Police issue strong warning against viral skull-breaking, choking challenges

    Dubai Police issue strong warning against viral skull-breaking, choking challenges

    Dubai Police have escalated their public safety campaign with a stark warning regarding dangerous viral trends circulating on social media platforms. Authorities specifically identified life-threatening challenges including skull-breaking maneuvers, choking games, and breath-holding contests that have gained traction among adolescent users seeking online validation.

    In an official video statement released Friday, law enforcement emphasized these reckless practices have resulted in critical injuries and fatalities internationally. The police department highlighted the particular vulnerability of teenagers who may underestimate severe consequences while pursuing excitement or social media recognition.

    This advisory represents the latest in ongoing efforts to combat hazardous online behavior. The initiative follows previous warnings issued by UAE educational authorities in 2020 concerning similarly perilous TikTok trends that caused numerous adolescent injuries worldwide, including detergent consumption dares and coordinated falling pranks.

    Dubai Police have implemented a dual-faceted approach: encouraging familial intervention through open conversations about digital dangers while establishing reporting mechanisms via emergency line 901 and the ‘Police Eye’ smart application service. The comprehensive strategy aims to address both peer pressure dynamics and the pursuit of online popularity that drive participation in these hazardous activities.

    Law enforcement officials reiterated that parental vigilance and proactive communication remain essential safeguards against potentially fatal imitation of social media content.

  • China’s light sports aircraft gains core independence with homegrown engine and avionics

    China’s light sports aircraft gains core independence with homegrown engine and avionics

    China’s aviation sector has reached a pivotal milestone with the successful delivery of the first fully domestically-equipped Aurora lightweight sports aircraft. Manufactured by Starair Aircraft, the pioneering aircraft was handed over to its customer in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, featuring China’s first independently developed engine and avionics system.

    The achievement represents a transformative leap toward technological self-reliance in China’s general aviation industry. Previously dependent on imported components, Chinese aircraft manufacturers faced significant challenges including extended lead times, prohibitive costs, and complex international delivery processes. The breakthrough eliminates these constraints while demonstrating China’s growing capability in advanced aviation technology.

    The Aurora aircraft, initially unveiled at the 2008 China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, has evolved from its original design to incorporate complete domestic propulsion and navigation systems. Industry experts recognize this development as crucial for securing supply chain independence and reducing foreign technological dependencies.

    He Qinghua, founder and president of Starair Aircraft, emphasized the strategic importance of this achievement, noting that domestic production of core components ensures greater control over manufacturing timelines and cost structures. The advancement positions China’s aviation sector for accelerated innovation and potentially increased global market participation in the general aviation segment.

    This technological breakthrough comes amid growing global competition in the aerospace sector and reflects China’s broader ambitions to establish leadership in high-tech manufacturing industries. The successful integration of domestic systems in a certified aircraft demonstrates practical application of China’s aviation research and development capabilities beyond theoretical advancement.

  • Record number of black-necked cranes arrive at Guizhou’s nature reserve

    Record number of black-necked cranes arrive at Guizhou’s nature reserve

    Guizhou’s Caohai National Nature Reserve has witnessed an extraordinary ecological phenomenon this winter, with monitoring data revealing an unprecedented arrival of 2,898 black-necked cranes—the highest number ever recorded at the sanctuary. The spectacular migration event, documented on January 16, 2026, represents a significant milestone in conservation efforts for this rare highland species.

    The reserve, located in Weining county of Bijie, has become a critical winter haven for these majestic birds, with officials noting a remarkable surge in family groups accompanied by chicks. This demographic shift indicates exceptionally successful breeding seasons and points to improving environmental conditions within their natural habitats.

    Black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), distinguished as the only crane species endemic to China’s high-altitude regions, rely exclusively on specific wetland and grassland ecosystems for survival. Their migration patterns serve as a vital indicator of ecological health, making this record-breaking congregation particularly significant for conservation biologists.

    Local authorities have intensified monitoring efforts, implementing advanced tracking technologies to study migration routes and behavioral patterns. The data collected provides invaluable insights into habitat preferences and conservation requirements for this vulnerable species listed as Class I protected under China’s Wildlife Protection Law.

    Environmental specialists attribute this positive trend to enhanced conservation measures, including wetland restoration projects and community-based protection initiatives that have transformed the reserve into an increasingly hospitable environment for wintering species. The growing crane population demonstrates how targeted ecological preservation can yield tangible results for biodiversity.

  • Saudi Arabia finalises new military coalition with Somalia and Egypt

    Saudi Arabia finalises new military coalition with Somalia and Egypt

    Saudi Arabia is spearheading the formation of a new tripartite military alliance with Somalia and Egypt, marking a significant strategic realignment in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region. This development, reported by Bloomberg, represents Riyadh’s deliberate effort to diminish the United Arab Emirates’ expanding influence across these strategic waterways.

    The impending agreement, set to be finalized during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s upcoming visit to Riyadh, aims to enhance regional security coordination and military cooperation. This initiative emerges amid escalating tensions between the Gulf powerhouses, particularly following Saudi Arabia’s directive for Emirati forces to withdraw from Yemen—a move intended to terminate UAE support for Yemeni separatist factions.

    Tensions reached a critical point on December 30th when Saudi airstrikes targeted the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, destroying what was identified as an Emirati weapons shipment destined for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists. This military action ignited a unprecedented public dispute between Saudi and Emirati commentators, disrupting years of carefully maintained Gulf unity rhetoric.

    The Saudi government defended its operations as a “limited” response to protect national security interests, characterizing Emirati activities as “extremely dangerous.” Subsequently, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council demanded UAE forces depart Yemen, canceled defense agreements with Abu Dhabi, and implemented emergency port restrictions.

    Simultaneously, Somalia annulled its security and port agreements with the UAE, citing violations of national sovereignty after Emirati authorities facilitated the extraction of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi through Somali territory. Questions of Somali sovereignty have intensified recently as the UAE and Israel strengthened ties with Somaliland, a breakaway region not recognized internationally.

    Saudi Arabia has explicitly endorsed Somalia’s territorial integrity, joining other Muslim-majority nations in condemning Israeli engagement with Somaliland. While the UAE has formally acknowledged Somali sovereignty, it has concurrently developed substantial military and economic relationships with regional administrations in Somaliland and Puntland, including significant investments in the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.

    Egypt emerges as a crucial partner in this realignment, with senior Egyptian sources revealing that Cairo provided Saudi Arabia with intelligence regarding Emirati operations in Yemen—a maneuver described as a “carefully planned” strategic offering. Egyptian diplomats had previously proposed a regional defense force under the 1950 Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation Treaty, though this initiative faced opposition from Qatar and the UAE.

    This security realignment extends beyond immediate regional partners, with Turkey reportedly seeking to join an existing military pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Turkish officials characterize the proposed cooperation as a defensive mechanism rather than a NATO-style alliance.

    Regional experts interpret these developments as signaling a fundamental transformation in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Dr. Andreas Krieg of King’s College London observes that the UAE is constructing a regional axis that includes Israel while excluding traditional Arab partners, noting that “The Emiratis are building an axis that is trying to exclude Saudi Arabia.

    The proliferation of defense agreements with Saudi Arabia indicates growing interest in establishing a cohesive Arab defense framework to counterbalance the influence of both Israel and the UAE, marking a potentially historic shift in regional power dynamics.

  • New morning and evening peak-hour trains to run between Beijing and Xiong’an

    New morning and evening peak-hour trains to run between Beijing and Xiong’an

    China’s rail infrastructure advances with significant upgrades to Beijing-Xiong’an connectivity as new morning and evening commuter services launch January 26. The strategic enhancement establishes a pioneering regional high-speed loop connecting major transportation hubs across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei triangle.

    The China Railway Beijing Group implemented these schedule modifications specifically to address growing commuter demands while supporting the ongoing development of Xiong’an New Area. This newly emerging city, situated in Hebei Province near the capital, represents a key component of regional integration efforts.

    For the first time, rush-hour operations will feature a comprehensive circular route linking Beijing West Station, Baoding East, Baiyangdian (Xiong’an’s primary station), Tianjin West, and Beijing Daxing International Airport. The morning service G8859/60 departs Beijing West, stopping at Baoding East and Baiyangdian before reaching Tianjin West, completing the journey in 65 minutes. The return evening service G8861/2 reverses this route with a travel time of 76 minutes.

    Supplementing this circular service, the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity railway adds an additional pair of peak-hour trains. Railway authorities emphasize that these improvements will substantially reduce travel durations while strengthening regional rail integration. The enhanced connectivity specifically supports enterprises and personnel relocated from Beijing to Xiong’an, facilitating smoother settlement and development processes in the new urban center.

  • Flights diverted, embassies closed: How mass Iran protests impacted rest of world

    Flights diverted, embassies closed: How mass Iran protests impacted rest of world

    The widespread anti-government protests engulfing Iran have generated significant international repercussions, extending far beyond the nation’s borders and impacting global diplomatic operations, aviation routes, and economic policies. As demonstrations intensified—marking the largest display of civil unrest since 2022—foreign governments swiftly implemented protective measures for their citizens and diplomatic personnel.

    Numerous nations, including New Zealand, Britain, and Portugal, initiated emergency embassy closures and evacuations citing deteriorating security conditions. New Zealand relocated its diplomatic operations to Turkey on January 16, while British and Portuguese embassies suspended physical operations entirely, transitioning to remote consular services based on urgent security assessments.

    Aviation networks experienced immediate disruption when Iranian authorities implemented an approximate five-hour airspace closure during the night of January 14. This unprecedented measure forced multiple international carriers—including UAE’s flydubai and Indian airlines IndiGo and Air India—to cancel, divert, or reroute flights, creating cascading delays across global air travel networks. Although normal operations resumed relatively quickly, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in international flight routing dependencies.

    Simultaneously, governments worldwide issued urgent travel advisories warning against all non-essential travel to Iran. India specifically cautioned its citizens to avoid protest areas, while the United States emphasized the elevated risk of arbitrary detention for American passport holders. Portugal conducted direct outreach to its nationals residing in Iran, confirming that several had already departed while others chose to remain despite safety concerns.

    The economic dimension emerged through former US President Donald Trump’s announcement of impending 25% tariffs on nations conducting business with Iran, though specific implementation mechanisms remained unclear. This declaration particularly concerned trading partners like the UAE, which exports significant quantities of aluminum and gold to American markets.

    Oil markets responded with cautious volatility, as Brent crude gained 0.78% to $64.26 per barrel despite receding probabilities of direct military confrontation. Analysts noted that while immediate supply risks had somewhat diminished, underlying tensions continued supporting a geopolitical risk premium on prices, with particular attention to potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil transportation.

  • Israeli troops steal 250 goats from Syria and smuggle them to occupied West Bank

    Israeli troops steal 250 goats from Syria and smuggle them to occupied West Bank

    In a bizarre military incident, Israeli troops operating in Syria were implicated in the theft and smuggling of approximately 250 goats belonging to Syrian farmers, according to reports from Israel’s Channel 12. The network, citing police authorities, revealed that the operation occurred two weeks ago when a battalion from the Golan Brigade identified the herd during operations in Syrian territory.

    The soldiers reportedly utilized pre-arranged trucks to transport the stolen livestock across the border into Israeli territory before ultimately distributing them to various farms within illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank. The unusual military operation came to light when residents of the occupied Golan Heights discovered dozens of unidentified goats wandering through local streets the following morning.

    Following an internal investigation prompted by these discoveries, the Israeli military implemented disciplinary measures including the dismissal of the team commander, formal reprimand of the company commander, and temporary suspension of the entire involved team. Current reports indicate approximately 200 of the stolen goats remain unaccounted for, roaming without identification or vaccination in Israel and the West Bank, while the remainder are believed to be scattered within Syrian territory.

    This incident occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights since 1967, a status repeatedly condemned under international law. The situation further escalated in December 2024 when Israel expanded its territorial control following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, seizing the entire UN-patrolled buffer zone that previously separated Israeli and Syrian forces.

    According to Syrian authorities, Israel has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes and more than 400 ground incursions into Syrian territory since these developments, significantly heightening regional tensions.