Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Doughy delicacy: A matter of artistic taste

    Doughy delicacy: A matter of artistic taste

    In the coastal Jiaodong region of Shandong province, an ancient culinary tradition transforms simple dough into intricate edible sculptures that serve as cultural messengers. Each morning, steamers produce not just bread, but vibrant artistic creations: crimson fish with gleaming scales, majestic lions with flowing manes, and blushing peaches resembling those freshly picked from orchards.

    These elaborate creations, known as Jiaodong huabobo (flower-shaped buns), represent far more than sustenance. They embody a rich tradition of symbolic communication that has flourished for centuries. Gai Yaping, a 41-year-old recognized inheritor of this intangible cultural heritage from Yantai, notes that international visitors often express astonishment, questioning whether these exquisite pieces are actually meant for consumption.

    The answer reveals a deep cultural practice where baked artistry replaces conventional greeting cards. These sculpted delicacies mark life’s most significant moments – from month-old infants receiving tiger-shaped buns symbolizing strength and health, to elders celebrating longevity with peach-shaped creations, to weddings featuring peonies, dragons, phoenixes, and mandarin ducks expressing romantic devotion.

    While honoring generations-old customs, the craft has evolved significantly. Contemporary artisans employ natural colorants previously unavailable – spinach extract for verdant green, pumpkin for sunny yellow – creating a more vibrant palette than the traditionally white buns. The creation process remains resolutely hands-on, utilizing simple implements like scissors, chopsticks, and spoons to shape the dough.

    Mastering huabobo requires both artistic aptitude and scientific precision. As Gai explains, while sculpting allows creative freedom, fermentation follows exacting standards: “No matter how beautiful the sculpting is, if the fermentation fails, everything is ruined.” Steaming times vary dramatically based on size, ranging from ten minutes for 50-gram pieces to over an hour for 500-gram creations.

    This fusion of tradition and innovation has propelled huabobo into the digital marketplace. Online shops on platforms like JD.com and Taobao attract nationwide and international customers, with reviews praising their practicality and aesthetic appeal over conventional cakes. Gai’s final advice to consumers encapsulates the dual nature of her craft: “If you take one home, please don’t just leave it on a shelf. Eat it. We want the art to be beautiful to look at, and even better to taste.”

  • China a more dependable partner, Western polls find

    China a more dependable partner, Western polls find

    Recent opinion polls conducted across major Western nations reveal a profound transformation in global perceptions, positioning China as an increasingly reliable international partner and a recognized leader in technological innovation. The surveys indicate a notable decline in confidence toward the United States among its traditional allies, with China’s consistent policy framework and rapid developmental pace reshaping diplomatic perspectives.

    A comprehensive study conducted by U.S. digital media company Politico in collaboration with UK-based research consultancy Public First surveyed respondents across Canada, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The findings demonstrate that citizens in these historically US-allied nations now perceive China as a more dependable partner than the United States. The research, published on Sunday, further established China’s dominant position in advanced technological domains including artificial intelligence.

    This assessment aligns with broader global research conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations in January, which documented growing international anticipation of China’s expanding influence throughout the coming decade. The survey indicated that Western populations increasingly regard China as either an ‘ally’ or ‘necessary partner’ for their respective nations.

    Complementing these findings, the Global Soft Power Index 2026 released by UK consultancy Brand Finance characterized China as progressively predictable, reliable, and capable of delivering concrete benefits through its integration of domestic advancement with structured global engagement.

    International relations experts attribute this perceptual shift to fundamental contrasts in policy consistency between Beijing and Washington. Professor Jian Junbo, Director of the Center for China-Europe Relations at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies, noted that controversial foreign policies from the current U.S. administration have significantly impacted allied nations, resulting in substantial erosion of trust.

    “China has consistently maintained stable policies and long-term strategic planning, serving as a stabilizing force within international relations. This contrast becomes increasingly apparent and drives evolving perceptions,” Professor Jian stated.

    Anna Malindog-Uy, Vice-President of the Manila-based Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, characterized this phenomenon as ‘credibility by contrast,’ noting that “Compared with perceived U.S. unpredictability, China demonstrates greater steadiness and possesses longer strategic horizons.”

    The trend toward favorable perspectives on China proves particularly pronounced among younger demographics. The Politico survey revealed respondents aged 18-24 expressed significantly stronger support for establishing closer ties with China compared to older generations.

    Professor Jian connected this generational divergence to media consumption patterns, explaining that “Younger demographics primarily obtain information through social platforms featuring more objective reporting about China. This facilitates more authentic, comprehensive understanding and consequently higher favorability.”

    Dr. Xiao He, Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of World Economics and Politics, observed that younger generations perceive China as “an ascending nation unburdened by Cold War ideological baggage, enabling more objective assessment.” While acknowledging social media’s influential role in shaping opinions, Dr. Xiao emphasized that China’s fundamental appeal stems from its remarkable economic and technological advancement.

  • Why sweeping mines in the Strait of Hormuz wouldn’t be easy

    Why sweeping mines in the Strait of Hormuz wouldn’t be easy

    The potential mining of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran presents catastrophic implications for global economic stability, with particular severity for US agricultural sectors dependent on diesel and fertilizer imports. This strategic waterway, through which approximately 21 million barrels of oil transit daily, represents a critical chokepoint for energy markets worldwide.

    Drawing from personal experience as a former US Navy minesweeping officer, the author reflects on the evolution of naval mine countermeasures since the Vietnam War era. Historical precedent demonstrates that traditional minesweeping operations involving manned vessels have been largely phased out in favor of advanced technologies including helicopter-towed systems and unmanned underwater drones equipped with sophisticated sonar capabilities.

    Current intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has spent decades preparing for potential strait closure operations, amassing an estimated 5,000 sea mines and hundreds of miniature submarines and small craft capable of mine deployment. The complexity of clearance operations is compounded by Iran’s complementary capabilities in drone warfare and potentially advanced anti-ship missiles supplied by international partners.

    Rather than engaging in perilous post-deployment clearance operations, US strategy appears focused on preventive measures targeting mine-laying vessels before deployment. However, the most definitive solution—occupation of adjacent shoreline territories—would require substantial ground force deployment and risk significant escalation.

    Notably, Iran continues to export its own oil through the strait despite hostilities, suggesting maintained safe channels that could theoretically be utilized by international shipping. However, such passage would render vessels vulnerable to coordinated attacks from Iranian drone and missile systems.

    The strategic impasse grants Iran substantial leverage in regional negotiations while complicating US military options. Resolution may ultimately necessitate escalated military engagement despite domestic political constraints, as the economic consequences of prolonged strait closure would prove unsustainable for global markets.

  • Man arrested after climbing into pygmy hippo Moo Deng’s enclosure at Thai zoo

    Man arrested after climbing into pygmy hippo Moo Deng’s enclosure at Thai zoo

    Thai authorities have apprehended an individual following an unauthorized intrusion into the habitat of Moo Deng, a celebrated pygmy hippopotamus who has gained substantial online fame. The incident occurred Tuesday evening at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.

    According to Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoy, the suspect entered the enclosure during a period when animal caretakers were temporarily absent and public visitors were not present. Surveillance footage, which has since circulated widely across digital platforms, depicts a man clad in a black beanie, sunglasses, green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother Jona while operating a tablet device, presumably capturing photographic or video content.

    The individual remained within the restricted area for approximately one to two minutes before zoo personnel detected the breach. Officials confirmed that the man complied with staff instructions and did not attempt to evade detection while zoo authorities summoned police assistance.

    Moo Deng achieved international recognition shortly after her birth in 2024, primarily through social media content shared by zoo staff that highlighted the young hippo’s endearing characteristics. Her popularity has significantly increased visitor attendance, with both domestic and international tourists flocking to witness the animal firsthand.

    Law enforcement has preliminarily charged the suspect with trespassing violations, with additional legal proceedings under consideration. The individual has been released on bail pending further investigation. Zoo management has confirmed that both hippos emerged from the encounter unharmed, though slightly startled, and will receive continued veterinary observation.

    The zoo administration has reiterated its commitment to visitor safety and animal welfare, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to all facility regulations and staff directives.

  • A look at Eid al-Fitr and how Muslims celebrate the Islamic holiday

    A look at Eid al-Fitr and how Muslims celebrate the Islamic holiday

    As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan concludes, Muslims worldwide prepare to observe Eid al-Fitr under unprecedented geopolitical tensions. This religious holiday, traditionally characterized by joyful congregational prayers, family gatherings, and festive new clothing, faces the shadow of international conflict and rising domestic anxieties across Muslim communities.

    The ongoing Iran conflict continues to destabilize numerous Middle Eastern nations, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond regional borders. American Muslims particularly find themselves navigating this year’s religious observances amidst a complex backdrop of immigration policy fears, escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric, and concerns for loved ones in conflict zones.

    Eid al-Fitr signifies the completion of Ramadan’s daily dawn-to-dusk fasting, a period dedicated to intensified worship, charitable acts, and communal solidarity. The holiday’s timing follows the Islamic lunar calendar, with this year’s celebrations anticipated to commence approximately on March 20th, though specific dates may vary across different countries and Muslim traditions.

    Global celebrations reflect rich cultural diversity: Indonesians participate in massive homecoming migrations to ancestral villages, Malaysian communities practice open-house hospitality with traditional green monetary gifts for children, and Egyptian families distribute powdered-sugar cookies while children receive special ‘eidiya’ cash presents. In the United States, ethnically diverse Muslim populations organize inclusive prayer services and community festivals featuring family-oriented activities.

    The traditional greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ (Blessed Eid) continues to symbolize the holiday’s spirit of forgiveness and renewal, even as communities worldwide navigate the challenges of celebrating during turbulent times.

  • Chinese national charged for trying to smuggle 2,000 ants from Kenya

    Chinese national charged for trying to smuggle 2,000 ants from Kenya

    In a significant wildlife enforcement operation, Kenyan authorities have apprehended two individuals for attempting to smuggle over 2,000 live queen garden ants from the country. Zhang Kequn, a Chinese national, was intercepted at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last week after customs officials discovered the insects concealed in his luggage—each specimen individually packaged in test tubes or tissue paper.

    The subsequent investigation revealed that Zhang had acquired the ants from his Kenyan associate, Charles Mwangi, at a rate of 10,000 Kenyan shillings ($77) per 100 ants. Both men now face multiple charges including illegal dealing in wildlife species and conspiracy to commit a felony. During their court appearance on Tuesday, prosecutors presented evidence of their operation while both defendants entered not guilty pleas.

    This case highlights a growing concern among Kenyan conservation authorities about international demand for exotic insects. While not explicitly confirmed in this instance, wildlife officials have noted increasing interest from collectors in Europe and Asia who keep ants as exotic pets. Zhang’s luggage was reportedly destined for China when intercepted.

    The defendants’ attorney, David Lusweti, argued that his clients were unaware they were violating wildlife protection laws, stating they merely identified what they believed to be a legitimate economic opportunity. Despite these claims, both men remain in custody pending their next court hearing scheduled for March 27th.

    Kenya Wildlife Service officials indicate this investigation is expanding, with additional arrests anticipated as authorities probe suspected ant harvesting operations in other regions. This case follows a similar incident in May 2023 where four individuals received prison sentences and substantial fines for attempting to smuggle thousands of queen ants overseas, reportedly destined for collectors in Europe and Asia.

  • A new U.S. trade deal with Indonesia secures fossil fuels and access to critical minerals

    A new U.S. trade deal with Indonesia secures fossil fuels and access to critical minerals

    HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — A landmark trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States has fundamentally transformed their economic relationship, aligning Jakarta’s substantial natural resources with Washington’s strategic objectives. The comprehensive pact grants U.S. investors enhanced access to Indonesia’s critical minerals sector while committing Indonesia to significant purchases of American energy products including crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas.

    The agreement establishes reciprocal benefits: Indonesia secures reduced tariff rates on key exports including palm oil, coffee, cocoa, spices, and rubber, with duties dropping from a threatened 32% to 19%. Meanwhile, the United States gains assured access to Indonesia’s mineral wealth, particularly nickel and rare earth elements essential for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of intensifying Sino-American competition for influence in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, as the world’s largest nickel producer, finds itself balancing relationships with both superpowers. Chinese companies currently dominate Indonesia’s mineral processing sector, operating numerous nickel smelters and industrial parks.

    The pact includes several groundbreaking provisions: Indonesia will facilitate American investment across the entire mineral value chain, from exploration to export, while relaxing restrictions on critical mineral exports to the U.S. The agreement also commits both nations to cooperate on developing small modular nuclear reactors and establishing a U.S. coal export corridor from America’s West Coast.

    Energy transition analysts note the agreement marks a significant shift from previous climate cooperation frameworks. The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which promised billions for reducing coal use, contrasts with the current emphasis on fossil fuel exports. Indonesia’s solar energy development remains notably limited compared to regional neighbors, with less than 1 gigawatt installed compared to Vietnam’s 2 GW and India’s 60 GW.

    The agreement’s implementation faces uncertainties following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against presidential tariff authority and requires ratification by Indonesia’s parliament. Some provisions, including those affecting halal certification requirements in the Muslim-majority nation, have drawn domestic criticism.

    Regional observers suggest the Indonesia-U.S. deal may establish precedents for other Southeast Asian nations currently negotiating with Washington, particularly Vietnam, as the United States seeks to secure alternative supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese-dominated critical mineral markets.

  • Iran confirms death of top security official Ali Larijani

    Iran confirms death of top security official Ali Larijani

    Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has officially confirmed the death of its secretary, Ali Larijani, alongside several high-ranking officials in what appears to be a targeted attack. The announcement, disseminated through Iran’s Tasnim news agency early Wednesday, revealed that Larijani perished alongside his son Morteza Larijani and Alireza Bayat, deputy for security affairs at the council’s secretariat, among other casualties.

    The security council’s statement lauded Larijani’s extensive contributions to Iran’s developmental trajectory and issued a call for national solidarity in confronting external security challenges. This development occurs against a backdrop of intensifying regional hostilities, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly claiming responsibility for Larijani’s elimination during ongoing military operations against Iranian targets.

    Simultaneously, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps verified the death of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij volunteer force, attributing his killing to a coordinated US-Israeli offensive. These significant casualties emerge within a broader context of escalating violence that commenced on February 28 with joint American-Israeli strikes against Iranian interests, prompting retaliatory measures from Tehran and its regional allies against Israeli and US assets throughout the Middle East.

    The elimination of such prominent security figures represents a substantial escalation in the ongoing regional power struggle, potentially altering the strategic calculus of all involved parties and raising concerns about further military escalation and regional destabilization.

  • About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz as Iran exports millions of barrels of oil despite the war

    About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz as Iran exports millions of barrels of oil despite the war

    Despite ongoing military conflict and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has successfully maintained substantial oil exports through sophisticated maritime operations, according to comprehensive data from maritime intelligence and trade analytics platforms.

    Maritime intelligence from Lloyd’s List Intelligence reveals approximately 90 vessels, including 16 oil tankers, transited the strategic waterway between March 1-15. This represents a dramatic reduction from the pre-conflict daily average of 100-135 vessels, yet demonstrates Iran’s continued export capabilities. Notably, over one-fifth of these transiting vessels maintained suspected Iranian affiliations, employing ‘dark’ transit techniques to evade Western sanctions and oversight.

    Trade analytics platform Kpler estimates Iran has exported exceeding 16 million barrels of oil since early March, with China emerging as the primary beneficiary of discounted Iranian crude amid Western sanctions. “Iran has demonstrated continued resilience in oil export volumes,” noted Kpler trade risk analyst Ana Subasic.

    The geopolitical landscape reveals complex diplomatic maneuvering. Vessels affiliated with India and Pakistan have recently joined Iranian-linked tankers in successful strait transits. Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, navigated the strait around March 13-14 following diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran. Similarly, Pakistan’s Karachi tanker completed its passage on Sunday, though officials remained discreet about its routing.

    Richard Meade, Editor-in-Chief of Lloyd’s List, suggests these transits likely occur “with at least some level of diplomatic intervention,” indicating Iran may have “effectively created a safe corridor” for selected maritime traffic near its coastline.

    The strategic dynamics have propelled oil prices beyond $100 per barrel—a 40% surge since conflict initiation—prompting U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to acknowledge permitting Iranian tanker movements to stabilize global markets. Meanwhile, Iran maintains threats to blockade oil shipments destined for the U.S., Israel, and allied nations.

    Consulting firm Reddal’s Kun Cao contextualizes the situation: “The strait isn’t simply closed but functions through selective access—prioritizing Iranian exports and a narrow set of tolerated non-Iranian movements.” However, ING strategists warn that if Tehran’s objective remains inflicting economic pain through elevated energy prices, transit permissions may become increasingly restricted.

  • Asian shares gain and oil slips back despite a barrage of attacks by Iran

    Asian shares gain and oil slips back despite a barrage of attacks by Iran

    Asian equity markets demonstrated remarkable resilience on Wednesday, posting significant gains despite ongoing geopolitical turbulence in the Middle East. Major benchmarks across the region advanced as investors welcomed a modest pullback in oil prices from recent multi-year highs.

    Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.6% to close at 55,106.69, buoyed by stronger-than-expected export data for February. South Korea’s Kospi outperformed with an impressive 3.8% leap to 5,854.28. The bullish sentiment extended to Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, which climbed 0.5% to 8,653.40, while Taiwan’s Taiex added 1.3% and India’s Sensex advanced 0.6%.

    The market optimism emerged despite Iran’s continued military provocations against Gulf neighbors and Israel, including missile attacks that resulted in casualties near Tel Aviv. Rather than reacting to geopolitical tensions, investors focused on the commodity markets, where Brent crude declined 2.3% to approximately $101 per barrel after briefly surpassing $106 earlier in the week. U.S. benchmark crude experienced an even steeper drop, falling more than 3% to $93.17 per barrel.

    Analysts from ING Bank noted that global oil flows remain significantly constrained, with the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of the world’s crude passes—facing operational challenges due to regional conflicts.

    The positive momentum carried into U.S. futures, which rose 0.4% following moderate gains on Wall Street. Market participants maintained cautious optimism ahead of the Federal Reserve’s impending interest rate decision, with widespread expectations that policymakers would maintain current rates amid persistent inflationary pressures fueled by energy costs.

    Individual corporate developments included Delta Air Lines soaring 6.6% after raising its revenue forecast, citing robust travel demand that could potentially offset rising jet fuel expenses. Uber Technologies advanced 4.2% following its announcement of an expanded partnership with Nvidia to deploy autonomous vehicles in major U.S. cities starting next year.

    Currency markets saw the U.S. dollar retreat slightly against the Japanese yen to 158.85, while the euro edged lower to $1.1539.