Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • A South Korean court sentences Yoon to 5 years in prison on charges related to martial law decree

    A South Korean court sentences Yoon to 5 years in prison on charges related to martial law decree

    SEOUL, South Korea — In a landmark judicial decision, South Korea’s Seoul Central District Court has imposed a five-year prison term on former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This verdict, delivered on Friday, represents the initial outcome in a series of eight criminal proceedings against the ousted leader, stemming primarily from his controversial imposition of martial law in December 2024.

    The court convicted Yoon on multiple charges including obstruction of justice by resisting detention orders, falsification of official documents related to the martial law proclamation, and circumventing legally required full Cabinet approval procedures. Presiding Judge Baek Dae-hyun emphasized during the televised ruling that severe punishment was warranted due to Yoon’s demonstrated lack of remorse and his continued presentation of ‘hard-to-comprehend excuses’ regarding his actions.

    This sentencing occurs against the backdrop of more serious pending charges, notably a rebellion case where prosecutors have sought the death penalty. Independent counsel alleges that Yoon’s martial law declaration constituted an attempted rebellion aimed at consolidating and extending his presidential authority. The rebellion trial verdict, expected next month, could potentially result in life imprisonment or capital punishment despite South Korea’s de facto moratorium on executions since 1997.

    Yoon’s defense team has previously characterized prosecution demands as politically motivated and legally unfounded. The former president maintains that his martial law decree was merely intended to alert citizens about parliamentary obstructionism rather than establish prolonged military rule. Legal experts suggest that while the death penalty appears unlikely given the absence of casualties and brief duration of martial law, substantial prison terms across multiple cases remain probable.

  • South Korea’s ex-president Yoon guilty of abuse of power in martial law bid

    South Korea’s ex-president Yoon guilty of abuse of power in martial law bid

    In a landmark judicial ruling, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been convicted on charges of abuse of power and document falsification related to his controversial 2024 martial law declaration. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict while continuing deliberations on additional obstruction of justice charges for his alleged evasion of arrest.

    This conviction represents the first judicial outcome in a series of four distinct trials stemming from Yoon’s abrupt martial law proclamation, which briefly plunged the nation into political chaos and triggered mass demonstrations. Although the emergency measures were swiftly overturned by parliamentary intervention, the episode created profound national division.

    Prosecutors have recommended a decade-long prison sentence for these initial charges, with the court’s Friday decision providing critical indications about potential outcomes in Yoon’s remaining cases. The most severe allegation—insurrection—carries a potential death penalty, with that verdict anticipated next month.

    Central to Friday’s proceedings was the examination of whether Yoon improperly deployed presidential security personnel to avoid arrest, failed to consult his full cabinet before implementing martial law, and orchestrated the creation and subsequent destruction of fabricated documents suggesting endorsement from the prime minister and defense minister.

    The former leader has maintained his innocence across all proceedings, contending that the original arrest warrant lacked legal validity and that constitutional provisions didn’t require full cabinet consultation for emergency powers. His defense argues that investigators lacked proper jurisdiction from the outset and that the martial law declaration followed appropriate procedures.

    Legal observers note that South Korean courts traditionally show leniency when defendants demonstrate remorse, but prosecutors emphasize Yoon’s persistent denial of wrongdoing as justification for enhanced punishment. The case evokes memories of former President Park Geun-hye’s 20-year sentence for corruption in 2021, though she received a presidential pardon shortly thereafter.

    The convictions reactivate deep political fractures within South Korean society, where Yoon retains substantial support despite his impeachment. A December survey revealed nearly 30% of citizens disagreed that his martial law attempt constituted insurrection, reflecting persistent national divisions that previously manifested in competing street demonstrations between supporters and opponents.

    As the judicial process continues, approximately 100 pro-Yoon demonstrators assembled outside the Seoul courthouse during Friday’s proceedings, underscoring the ongoing political polarization surrounding the case.

  • Ayat: The Palestinian restaurant winning hearts and minds through food and culture

    Ayat: The Palestinian restaurant winning hearts and minds through food and culture

    Abdul Elenani, CEO and founder of New York’s acclaimed Palestinian restaurant Ayat, developed his resilience through childhood experiences defending his hijab-wearing mother and sisters from post-9/11 harassment in New York City. The Egyptian-American entrepreneur recalls first hearing his mother called a terrorist at age five, and by eight, he was actively intervening against anti-Muslim bigotry.

    This early commitment to justice evolved into Ayat, a Michelin-guide featured establishment that boldly communicates Palestinian culture and political realities through cuisine. Elenani’s journey included previous restaurant ventures where he hesitated to explicitly identify as Palestinian, but the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation of his coffee chain business inspired a more purposeful approach.

    Named after his Palestinian-American wife Ayat Masoud—a lawyer who contributed traditional family recipes—the restaurant features dishes like maklouba, celebrating what Masoud calls “the masters of party slash family meals.” Since opening in Bay Ridge in 2020, Ayat has expanded to eight locations despite significant challenges.

    The restaurant’s explicit Palestinian identity has attracted both support and hostility. During Israel’s war on Gaza, Ayat experienced increased harassment, including anti-Palestinian graffiti, verbal abuse, and coordinated review bombing after a New York Times critic featured their politically-charged murals. One mural depicting Israeli soldiers pointing guns at Palestinian children triggered thousands of negative reviews, many from Tel Aviv.

    Yet Elenani emphasizes overwhelming community support, particularly from Jewish neighbors who attended their free Shabbat dinners. The restaurant regularly hosts community events, including Thanksgiving meals for those alone during holidays and celebrations for political candidates. Their expansion continues with plans for national growth in 2026, including a Columbia University location named after Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza.

    Hanifa Abbasi, head of communications for Elenani’s Anani Group, summarizes their experience: “For every piece of hate we get, we get ten times more love.” Elenani’s approach combines culinary excellence with cultural advocacy, creating spaces where food becomes a medium for dialogue and resistance.

  • China’s Xi Jinping and Canada’s Mark Carney seek new chapter in relations

    China’s Xi Jinping and Canada’s Mark Carney seek new chapter in relations

    In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney committed to revitalizing bilateral relations during their Friday meeting in Beijing, signaling a potential end to years of diplomatic friction between the two nations.

    The landmark discussion, marking the first Canadian prime ministerial visit to China in eight years, centered on rebuilding cooperative frameworks across multiple sectors including agriculture, energy, and financial services. President Xi characterized their previous October encounter during a regional economic conference in South Korea as having “opened a new chapter in turning China-Canada relations toward improvement.”

    Prime Minister Carney emphasized the critical timing of this diplomatic reset, noting that the global governance system faces “great strain” requiring renewed international partnerships. The Canadian leader advocated for a relationship “adapted to new global realities” that acknowledges shifting geopolitical dynamics.

    This diplomatic thaw occurs against the backdrop of significant trade disruptions stemming from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies. Both nations have suffered economic consequences from Trump’s tariff impositions, prompting Canada to pursue reduced economic dependence on the United States.

    Notably absent from the discussions were resolutions regarding existing tariff disputes. Canada maintains substantial tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (100%) and steel/aluminum (25%), implemented under previous leadership, while China retaliated with equivalent tariffs on Canadian canola products and additional duties on agricultural exports including pork and seafood.

    Analysts suggest China perceives current U.S. pressure on allies as an opportunity to encourage nations like Canada to pursue foreign policies less aligned with American interests, particularly following Trump’s controversial suggestion that Canada could become “America’s 51st state.”

  • How the White House and governors want to fix AI-driven power shortages and price spikes

    How the White House and governors want to fix AI-driven power shortages and price spikes

    A bipartisan coalition of state governors joined Trump administration officials in a unified push on Friday, demanding urgent action from the nation’s largest grid operator to expand electricity generation capacity. The extraordinary pressure campaign targets PJM Interconnection, which manages the mid-Atlantic power network serving 13 states and Washington D.C., amid growing concerns that artificial intelligence development could trigger widespread blackouts while dramatically increasing consumer electricity costs.

    Interior Secretary Doug Burgum framed the situation as a national security imperative, stating that winning the AI race against China requires massive power infrastructure investments. “We know that with the demands of AI and the productivity that comes with that, it’s going to transform every job and every company,” Burgum told reporters at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. “But we need to be able to power that in the race we are in against China.”

    The proposed solution involves creating a specialized power auction allowing technology companies to directly bid on contracts for new power plant construction. This market-based approach would shift the financial burden of data center energy needs from residential consumers to the tech corporations driving demand. Additionally, officials want PJM to extend wholesale electricity price caps implemented last year that limit consumer cost increases through mid-2028.

    Governors Glenn Youngkin (Virginia), Wes Moore (Maryland), and Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania) expressed mounting frustration with PJM’s response to the crisis. Moore emphasized that “we need for PJM to take action, we need for PJM to take it seriously,” while Youngkin characterized the situation as a “massive, massive crisis.”

    The urgency stems from alarming trends: analysts warn that data centers are consuming increasingly enormous power resources, with mid-Atlantic ratepayers already covering billions in infrastructure costs for facilities that haven’t been built. Meanwhile, electricity bills are rising faster than inflation nationwide, with many Americans falling behind on payments.

    Industry representatives from the Edison Electric Institute support the innovative bidding concept, though energy market experts question its feasibility within existing regulatory frameworks. Rob Gramlich of Grid Strategies LLC noted that PJM faces unique challenges, including longer permitting processes than states like Texas and complications from energy deregulation that left utilities without long-term power contracts.

    The standoff highlights the complex balance between technological advancement, consumer protection, and infrastructure development as America’s power grid faces unprecedented demands from the digital economy.

  • ‘The weave’: Trump believes time is on his side to attack Iran, sources say

    ‘The weave’: Trump believes time is on his side to attack Iran, sources say

    The Trump administration is strategically evaluating the optimal timing for potential military action against Iran, according to current and former U.S. officials familiar with internal discussions. Administration analysts believe time favors American interests as widespread protests against Iran’s Islamic Republic show no signs of diminishing.

    The protests, initially sparked by economic discontent in January, have expanded to traditionally supportive rural areas and merchant communities. Iran’s response has reportedly turned exceptionally violent, with Reuters estimating over 2,600 fatalities—potentially making this crackdown the most severe in recent history.

    A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, highlighted upcoming symbolic dates—martyrs’ commemorations, Ramadan, the revolution anniversary, and Nowruz (Iranian New Year)—as potential flashpoints. Historical tensions during such periods have previously fueled revolutionary movements, including the 1979 overthrow of the U.S.-backed Shah.

    Randa Slim of the Stimson Center’s Middle East Program noted: “This deescalation appears temporary, very much awaiting developments in Iran. I think Trump is betting this regime can’t sustain itself long-term.”

    The administration’s deliberative approach reflects Trump’s documented preference for strategic unpredictability. A former official described this as “the weave”—methodically increasing and decreasing pressure while assessing the optimal moment for action.

    Military analysts identify Revolutionary Guard Corps bases and Basij militia facilities as likely targets should strikes occur. However, a former senior defense official cautioned against premature action: “If we allow this to play out naturally, we will be able to see who is remaining and what the public wants. Military action now may merely disrupt ongoing clandestine operations.”

    Logistical considerations also factor into the timing calculus. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group requires approximately one week to transit from the South China Sea to the Middle East. Additionally, the U.S. must prepare for potential Iranian retaliation against regional bases and ally Israel, whose Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly requested a postponement of any attack.

    Regional diplomacy significantly influences Washington’s calculations. Gulf partners—particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey—have intensified lobbying against military action. Since Trump’s June strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, regional powers have taken the threat of American intervention more seriously.

    David Schenker of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy concluded: “Everything that has been done is positioning the US to do this. He is signalling that this is coming.” The administration appears to be balancing military preparedness with diplomatic pressures while monitoring Iran’s internal stability.

  • Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children

    Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australian officials announced Friday that social media platforms have deactivated or restricted approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors since the implementation of the nation’s groundbreaking under-16 social media prohibition in December. The sweeping ban represents one of the world’s most aggressive regulatory actions against technology companies concerning child protection.

    Communications Minister Anika Wells declared the measure a victory for Australian families, stating: “We confronted some of the world’s most powerful corporations and their supporters who claimed this was impossible. Australian parents can now feel assured that their children can reclaim their childhoods.”

    The comprehensive data, submitted to Australia’s government by ten major social media platforms, provides the first quantitative assessment of the policy’s impact. The legislation emerged from mounting concerns about harmful digital environments affecting youth development, triggering intense national debates about technology usage, privacy rights, child safety protocols, and mental health implications.

    Under Australia’s regulatory framework, prominent platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Twitch face potential penalties exceeding AU$49.5 million (US$33.2 million) for non-compliance with age verification requirements. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger remain exempt from these restrictions.

    Platforms employ triple-verification methodologies: requesting official identification documents, utilizing third-party facial age estimation technology, or making inferences from existing account metadata including account longevity.

    According to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s 2.5 million children aged 8-15 previously demonstrated an 84% social media penetration rate among 8-12 year-olds. The commissioner characterized the 4.7 million account removals as “encouraging” progress in protecting minors from predatory digital practices.

    Meta, parent company to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, reported eliminating approximately 550,000 accounts belonging to suspected underage users within the policy’s first operational day. Despite compliance, Meta criticized the regulatory approach in an official blog post, warning that smaller exempt platforms might not prioritize safety measures and that algorithmic content delivery remains unaddressed.

    The policy garnered substantial support from parents and child safety advocates while drawing opposition from digital privacy organizations and youth representatives who highlighted the importance of online communities for vulnerable and geographically isolated adolescents.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated the policy’s international influence, noting: “Despite initial skepticism, Australia’s framework is now inspiring global replication—a source of national pride.” Denmark has already announced plans to implement similar restrictions for children under 15.

    Opposition lawmakers raised concerns about easy circumvention through age verification deception or adult assistance, coupled with migration to less-scrutinized applications. Commissioner Inman Grant acknowledged initial spikes in alternative app downloads but noted no sustained usage increases.

    The eSafety Commission plans to introduce pioneering restrictions on AI companions and chatbots in March, further expanding Australia’s digital child protection framework.

  • Survey says slowing economy is the No. 1 worry for US businesses in China, not trade friction

    Survey says slowing economy is the No. 1 worry for US businesses in China, not trade friction

    A comprehensive survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China indicates that U.S. corporations operating in China now perceive the nation’s economic deceleration as a more pressing concern than bilateral trade disputes. The report, published Friday, reveals that 64% of the 368 responding companies identify China’s slowing growth as their primary challenge, while 58% cite ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions as a significant obstacle.

    This shifting priority reflects the substantial footprint of American businesses within China’s domestic market, which serves approximately 1.4 billion consumers. Many of these enterprises maintain operations focused exclusively on Chinese market consumption rather than export-oriented models.

    Economic projections suggest China’s expansion will continue moderating this year following an approximate 5% growth rate in 2025. Last year’s export performance exceeded import growth, resulting in a record trade surplus nearing $1.2 trillion.

    Despite these challenges, business sentiment has demonstrated improvement compared to previous years. Over half of surveyed companies reported profitability in 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s figures. This optimism persists even as overall foreign direct investment in China declined by 7.5% year-over-year during the first eleven months of 2025, totaling 693 billion yuan ($99 billion).

    The current trade truce between Washington and Beijing, established after President Trump’s reinstatement of tariffs reaching 145% on Chinese imports, has provided some operational stability. Anticipated diplomatic exchanges, including Trump’s potential April visit to Beijing and reciprocal travel by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the United States, may further influence commercial relations.

    AmCham China President Michael Hart emphasized during a media briefing that while companies acknowledge political realities, their focus remains on capitalizing on business opportunities. He noted perceived Chinese government interest in maintaining foreign investment channels, particularly from American enterprises.

    The survey conducted between October 22 and November 20, 2023, coincided with the extension of the U.S.-China trade truce agreement during the leaders’ meeting in South Korea.

  • Fire breaks out in Seoul’s last-remaining shanty town

    Fire breaks out in Seoul’s last-remaining shanty town

    A significant fire broke out on Friday in Guryong village, one of Seoul’s last remaining informal settlements, destroying numerous makeshift homes and prompting the evacuation of dozens of residents. Authorities confirmed no immediate casualties from the incident.

    Fire officials reported bringing the majority of the blaze under control approximately 6.5 hours after it ignited in this hillside community located in southern Seoul. During a televised briefing, local fire officer Jeong Gwang-hun stated that emergency crews were conducting thorough searches of the affected area to ensure no victims remained trapped in the damaged structures.

    The fire response mobilized an extensive emergency deployment with over 1,200 personnel from fire and police services working at the scene. Investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, with officials examining all potential factors that might have contributed to the outbreak.

    Guryong village’s structural vulnerabilities have been noted by urban observers, who point to the community’s tightly packed dwellings constructed from highly flammable materials as creating persistent fire hazards. This incident represents the latest in a series of fires that have affected the settlement over several years.

    The village’s location adjacent to some of Seoul’s most affluent districts—characterized by luxury high-rise apartments and upscale shopping areas—has made it a visible symbol of South Korea’s economic disparities. The community originally formed during the 1980s as a refuge for residents displaced by massive urban redevelopment projects and neighborhood clearances.

    Historical context reveals that hundreds of thousands of low-income residents were removed from their homes during extensive slum clearance operations in the decades preceding the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Military-backed leadership at the time considered these urban beautification projects essential for presenting a modernized image to international visitors during the global event.

  • VLCC International unveils re-launch of VLCC Al Ain Clinic

    VLCC International unveils re-launch of VLCC Al Ain Clinic

    VLCC International has officially reopened its transformed Al Ain Clinic, marking a significant expansion of its integrative health and aesthetics services in the United Arab Emirates. The newly enhanced facility now features specialized dermatology and laser departments alongside advanced weight management and non-surgical body contouring technologies.

    The reopening ceremony was attended by senior VLCC leadership including Founder Vandana Luthra, Managing Director and Group CEO Vikas Gupta, and Chief Business Officer Roshan Sharma, alongside distinguished guests from the Al Ain community.

    Founder Vandana Luthra emphasized the company’s evolution over three decades: ‘What began as a focused approach to weight loss has grown into an integrated ecosystem addressing preventive, personalised, and science-backed care. Today’s consumer seeks long-term wellbeing rather than quick fixes, and VLCC continues to pioneer this shift by combining expertise, innovation, and trust at scale.’

    Vikas Gupta highlighted the strategic importance of the Al Ain market, noting the clinic’s upgrades reflect VLCC’s philosophy of ‘Beautiful You, Delivered by Science.’ The facility now offers expanded capabilities with advanced medical and aesthetic services while maintaining the core values trusted by clients for years.

    The Middle East and GCC region represent a critical component of VLCC’s growth strategy, supported by a medical team of over 20 senior doctors across markets. This expert-led approach has driven substantial momentum, with the company recording over 40% year-on-year growth in its dermatology business.

    Looking forward, Roshan Sharma revealed expansion plans including advanced hair treatments, surgical solutions, and a dedicated men’s category within their integrative model. The VLCC Subscribe program offers customers unlimited access to weight management, beauty, laser, and dermatology services without session limitations, while initiatives like the Orange Day Sale provide exclusive offers while maintaining high care standards.