Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Activist lawmakers refile impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Duterte

    Activist lawmakers refile impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Duterte

    In an unprecedented development in global political history, the Philippines finds itself with both its highest-ranking officials simultaneously confronting impeachment proceedings. On February 2, 2026, activist legislators from the Makabayan coalition refiled impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, merely fifteen days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself became subject to similar removal proceedings.

    The latest complaint represents the fifth attempt to impeach Duterte, coming after the Philippine Supreme Court previously invalidated four prior complaints on technical constitutional grounds. The Court’s decision blocking previous impeachment efforts expired last December, creating a legal pathway for renewed action against the country’s second-highest official.

    Three Makabayan legislators—Antonio Tinio, Renee Co, and Sarah Elago—leveled serious allegations against Duterte, accusing her of “gross abuse of discretionary powers” regarding 612.5 million pesos (approximately Dh38.3 million) in unaccounted funds. The complaint alleges these funds were improperly allocated toward questionable activities, including renting safe houses for intelligence operations—functions outside the normal scope of both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte oversees.

    Additional allegations include anomalous implementation of cash aid grants to individuals not recognized as legitimate indigent citizens in government registries. The previous consolidated complaint, which briefly succeeded in impeaching Duterte last year, contained even more severe accusations—including claims that she threatened to assassinate President Marcos Jr. following their dramatic political split in 2024.

    The Makabayan bloc simultaneously endorses the second impeachment complaint against President Marcos Jr., accusing him of “culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, and betrayal of public trust.” House Justice Committee leaders indicate this complaint may be consolidated with an earlier filing by lawyer Andre De Jesus, endorsed by Representative Jett Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy Party.

    This political crisis marks a historic first for the Philippines, which previously witnessed the impeachment and eventual ouster of President Joseph Estrada in 2000-2001—a process that triggered massive protests and constitutional turmoil. The current situation presents even greater constitutional challenges, with both executive leaders simultaneously facing removal proceedings that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.

  • South Korea celebrates K-pop’s ‘Golden’ historic Grammy win

    South Korea celebrates K-pop’s ‘Golden’ historic Grammy win

    South Korea celebrated a historic milestone as ‘Golden’ from Netflix’s animated feature ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ secured the first Grammy Award for K-pop, marking a transformative moment for the genre’s global recognition. The victory for Best Song for Visual Media culminated a prominent Grammy presence for Korean music, including Rosé of BLACKPINK’s performance with Bruno Mars and Katseye’s dual nominations.

    This achievement reflects K-pop’s escalating influence as a youth-driven cultural phenomenon that has captured attention from major U.S. entertainment studios. Legacy American labels, grappling with declining youth engagement, have recognized K-pop’s viral dominance across social media and short-form platforms, driving high-profile collaborations and hybrid projects.

    Despite debates regarding classification—’Golden’ being an English-language track from a Sony Pictures Animation production—the recognition sparked national pride in South Korea. The film has stimulated local economic activity through themed merchandise and increased tourism to cultural sites featured in the animation.

    ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ Netflix’s most popular release of all time since its June debut, follows fictional girl group HUNTR/X combining musical performance with demon-hunting martial arts. The film’s soundtrack achieved global chart success, while its characters inspired Halloween costumes across the United States.

    Music critics note the win represents broader acceptance within American institutions rather than purely genre-specific recognition. Lim Hee-yun observed that ‘Golden’ incorporates more American pop sensibilities than traditional K-pop idol music, potentially contributing to its cross-cultural appeal. The Recording Academy’s historical oversight of major K-pop acts like BTS further contextualizes the significance of this breakthrough.

    The Grammy recognition follows other landmark moments for Korean cultural exports, including Bong Joon-ho’s 2020 Oscar victory for ‘Parasite,’ signaling continued expansion of South Korea’s soft power influence through entertainment media.

  • Pakistan departs for T20 World Cup while waiting for ICC reaction to India game boycott

    Pakistan departs for T20 World Cup while waiting for ICC reaction to India game boycott

    Pakistan’s national cricket team departed for Sri Lanka on Monday amid mounting tensions with the International Cricket Council over their government-mandated boycott of the upcoming T20 World Cup match against India. The squad, captured in video footage released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, boarded their flight wearing new tournament kits while awaiting potential sanctions from cricket’s global governing body.

    The political decision, announced Sunday through Pakistan’s interior ministry via social media platform X, orders the team to compete in the tournament while specifically avoiding the scheduled February 15 group stage encounter against India in Colombo. This selective participation has drawn sharp criticism from the ICC, which warned of consequences for undermining the fundamental principles of international sporting events.

    The ICC released an official statement emphasizing that Pakistan’s stance “is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premises of a global sporting event” and that the decision ultimately harms “the global game and the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”

    This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of decades-long political tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought four wars since partition and maintain minimal sporting contacts. The high-stakes cricket matches between these nations typically generate massive broadcast revenues and sponsor interest, making their encounters financially crucial for the sport’s ecosystem.

    Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed the team’s compliance with government directives after completing a 3-0 T20 series sweep against Australia. “It’s not our decision to boycott the India game,” Agha stated. “We can’t do anything about it. We will do whatever our government and the PCB chairman say.”

    PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has accused the ICC of “double standards” regarding tournament arrangements, particularly referencing the organization’s handling of Bangladesh’s security concerns. The tournament begins Saturday with Pakistan scheduled to open against the Netherlands, following a final warmup match against Ireland on Wednesday.

  • Philippine vice president faces 2 new impeachment bids after surviving attempt last year

    Philippine vice president faces 2 new impeachment bids after surviving attempt last year

    MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte confronts renewed impeachment proceedings as activist groups filed dual complaints before the House of Representatives on Monday. The allegations center on substantial corruption claims involving 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential funds during her tenure as both vice president and education secretary.

    This political escalation marks the latest development in the tumultuous career of Duterte, a 47-year-old lawyer and former city mayor whom supporters view as a potential presidential candidate in the 2028 elections. The current impeachment bids follow a previous attempt that was nullified by the Supreme Court last year due to constitutional technicalities regarding impeachment frequency.

    The complaints allege systematic mishandling of government funds, with additional accusations of unexplained wealth in personal bank accounts. Notably, one filing references Duterte’s controversial November 2024 statement during an online news conference, where she reportedly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker assassinated if she were harmed amid ongoing political disputes.

    Michael Poa, legal counsel for the vice president, issued a statement asserting their readiness to address the allegations through proper constitutional channels, maintaining that the accusations lack both factual foundation and legal merit.

    The political drama extends beyond Duterte, as President Marcos himself faces two impeachment complaints in the House, though the chamber remains dominated by his allies. The allegations against Marcos involve purported failure to veto budgetary appropriations for infrastructure projects where kickback schemes allegedly benefited both the president and allied legislators.

    This unfolding constitutional confrontation highlights the deepening fractures within Philippine politics, particularly between former allies Duterte and Marcos, whose relationship has deteriorated significantly since their previous political partnership.

  • Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    In a heartwarming display of regional unity, Shenshan village in Jinggangshan city recently hosted an expansive Spring Festival gala that transcended provincial boundaries. The festive gathering on February 1, 2026, welcomed participants from seven neighboring counties across both Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, creating a colorful tapestry of cultural exchange and community bonding.

    The event, held as the Lunar New Year approached, transformed the village into a hub of celebration featuring traditional performances, local culinary specialties, and interactive activities that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region. Residents from both provinces shared customs, songs, and dances unique to their respective communities, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cross-regional relationships.

    This innovative approach to Spring Festival celebrations demonstrates how rural communities are revitalizing traditional festivals to promote social cohesion. The gala served not only as entertainment but as a meaningful platform for preserving intangible cultural heritage while building bridges between neighboring areas that share historical connections but maintain distinct local traditions.

    The successful event has drawn attention from cultural preservation advocates who see such initiatives as models for maintaining traditional festivals in modern times while adapting them to contemporary community needs.

  • China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

    China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

    China has vehemently denounced the Grammy Award recognition bestowed upon the Dalai Lama, characterizing the prestigious music industry honor as an instrument of political warfare against Beijing. The Tibetan spiritual leader, residing in exile in India since 1959, received the award for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his work “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

    Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated Beijing’s firm opposition during a press briefing on Monday, asserting that the 14th Dalai Lama represents not merely a religious figure but rather a political exile masterminding anti-China separatist activities under religious pretexts. “We firmly oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” Lin declared.

    The Dalai Lama, perceived globally as the symbolic leader of Tibet’s autonomy movement, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it in his official statement as an acknowledgment of “our shared universal responsibility” which he accepted with “gratitude and humility.”

    This diplomatic confrontation occurs against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Beijing and Tibetan exile communities. China administers Tibet as an autonomous region despite persistent allegations of cultural suppression targeting Tibetan language, traditions, and identity. The dispute extends to the contentious matter of succession planning for the spiritual leadership, with Beijing insisting the next Dalai Lama must be born in Tibet and sanctioned by the Communist Party, while the current Dalai Lama maintains his successor should emerge from a free country without Chinese involvement.

  • ‘Technical issues’ delay Gaza committee’s entry via Rafah crossing: official

    ‘Technical issues’ delay Gaza committee’s entry via Rafah crossing: official

    The newly established National Committee for the Administration of Gaza faces unexpected delays in entering the Gaza Strip due to unresolved technical complications at the Rafah border crossing. Committee member Aed Yaghi confirmed from Cairo that unspecified ‘technical problems and obstacles’ have prevented the 15-member governing body from crossing into Gaza as originally planned on Monday.

    The administrative committee, formed to oversee governance transition in Gaza, continues to face operational challenges beyond border access issues. An anonymous committee member revealed the organization currently lacks both a physical headquarters and operational funding, though arrangements are underway to secure rental facilities in Gaza City shortly.

    Upon eventual entry, committee representatives plan immediate coordination meetings with Palestinian factions and government institutions to facilitate the transfer of ministerial responsibilities and administrative offices. This transitional process marks a critical phase in establishing functional governance structures within the territory.

    In parallel developments, Palestinian security officials indicate approximately 50 medical patients are scheduled to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Monday. However, officials note that departure procedures for individuals seeking to leave Gaza remain undefined and inconsistent.

    The Rafah border crossing resumed partial operations on Sunday on experimental basis following an extensive 18-month closure, raising hopes for improved humanitarian access despite ongoing administrative complications.

  • Robotic sector shifts from prototypes to production

    Robotic sector shifts from prototypes to production

    Beijing has inaugurated a groundbreaking pilot manufacturing and validation facility specifically designed for humanoid robots, signaling a strategic shift from experimental prototyping to industrialized mass production. Operated by the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, this first-of-its-kind facility represents a critical infrastructure development for China’s robotics sector.

    The newly commissioned platform spans approximately 9,700 square meters within Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area (E-town) and is equipped with 500 sets of specialized production and testing equipment. The facility boasts an annual pilot production capacity of up to 5,000 embodied humanoid robots, offering comprehensive services including prototyping, performance validation, process optimization, module assembly, and full robot integration.

    This initiative addresses significant bottlenecks that have hampered the global humanoid robotics industry’s transition from research and development to commercial implementation. According to Liu Yizhang, head of the pilot platform, the industry has struggled with inadequate pilot manufacturing readiness, inconsistent standardization protocols, and discontinuous data flow from development through scale-up phases.

    “Research institutions and startup ventures typically rely on costly, inefficient self-developed trial lines,” Liu explained. “The absence of standardized processes compromises quality consistency, while insufficient testing systems allow unresolved risks to persist before real-world deployment.”

    The digital infrastructure forms the core of Beijing’s innovative approach. The facility operates on a unified master data platform with an integrated digital operation system that connects information and logistics networks. This enables continuous data tracking from design through production to test feedback, significantly shortening iteration cycles between prototype validation and small-batch production.

    The platform’s establishment aligns with China’s broader industrial strategy. In November 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology identified humanoid robots as a priority sector requiring accelerated validation platform development. The Beijing government subsequently announced a tiered support system in January 2026, offering subsidies of up to 100 million yuan ($14.39 million) for newly established pilot facilities.

    The initiative already demonstrates tangible economic impact. According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the city’s robotics industry revenue grew by nearly 40% in the first half of 2025. Beijing additionally leads China in hosting specialized “little giant” enterprises within the robotics sector—small and medium-sized firms recognized for their innovation capabilities and market specialization.

    The center plans further expansion through national research and development projects, positioning Beijing at the forefront of global humanoid robotics manufacturing capabilities.

  • China boosts access to quality healthcare with online initial consultations

    China boosts access to quality healthcare with online initial consultations

    China has launched a groundbreaking healthcare initiative that enables patients nationwide to conduct initial medical consultations online with top-tier specialists in Beijing. This pilot program represents a significant shift from previous internet-based medical services, which were typically limited to follow-up visits for established conditions.

    The innovative service, currently available at two leading medical institutions, covers pediatric specialties including growth and development, nutrition, and dermatology. Patients like Tang Juan from Suzhou have already benefited from the program, avoiding the need to travel over 1,000 kilometers for preliminary assessments. ‘It gives me peace of mind and saves a lot of trouble,’ Tang remarked after consulting with a Beijing-based expert regarding her son’s growth concerns via mobile device.

    Health authorities designed the one-year pilot to include comprehensive virtual care components: online pre-consultation assessments, remote diagnoses, and home delivery of prescribed medications. The program will undergo formal evaluation in December 2026, with potential expansion to additional medical specialties.

    Medical experts emphasize that while online consultations improve accessibility, in-person visits remain essential for severe or complex conditions. Wang Ping, a patient safety education specialist, stressed that both online and offline services must maintain identical quality and safety standards.

    The initiative has been hailed as a catalyst for ‘Internet Plus’ healthcare integration. Gu Hai, director of a health policy research center at Nanjing University, noted that granting online prescription authority marks a crucial step in embedding digital diagnosis and treatment into core medical services. Industry leaders are advocating for enhanced electronic prescription platforms and insurance coverage for qualified virtual consultations.

    According to Zhang Rui of a pharmaceutical innovation alliance, the program is expected to drive medical technology advancement, stimulating demand for high-definition video consultations, intelligent triage systems, shared electronic medical records, AI-assisted diagnostics, and remote monitoring devices. Experts anticipate future expansion into chronic disease management and mental health services, moving closer to the vision of ‘more data flows, less patient travel.’

  • AI innovations to bolster Xizang’s digital economy

    AI innovations to bolster Xizang’s digital economy

    The Xizang Autonomous Region is embarking on an ambitious technological transformation, with artificial intelligence spearheading its digital economy expansion throughout 2026. This strategic direction was formally outlined in the regional government’s work report presented during the recent legislative session, highlighting a comprehensive push toward technological modernization.

    Regional Chairman Karma Tsetan emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing computing infrastructure and integrating advanced digital solutions across various sectors. The initiative represents a significant component of Xizang’s broader economic development strategy, combining technological advancement with cultural preservation.

    Leading this digital revolution is Xizang Jueluo Digital Industry Management Co, a pioneering firm specializing in Tibetan-language AI systems and data management. After eight years of intensive research and development, the company has launched “DeepZang” – the first large language model specifically designed for the Tibetan language.

    Company President Tenzin Norbu explained how DeepZang aligns with global AI trends while addressing regional needs. “Our technology applies Tibetan-language AI across critical domains including healthcare, education, and ecological conservation,” Norbu stated. The company has proposed establishing a national open-source data center for Tibetan-Chinese bilingual resources to further cultural preservation efforts.

    The technological achievements are substantial: DeepZang supports bilingual interactions across 140 languages, incorporates a Tibetan-Chinese parallel corpus of 70 million sentences, and achieves speech recognition accuracy exceeding 98%. These innovations have already registered as intellectual property and received national algorithm certification.

    Digital transformation has yielded tangible benefits across Xizang’s public sector. Smart governance and digital education solutions have modernized operations within 14 regional departments, significantly improving administrative efficiency and connectivity.

    Supported by national policies and central government investment, Xizang’s digital infrastructure has experienced rapid growth. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the regional digital economy maintained an average annual growth rate of 10%. Preliminary 2025 figures indicate output reaching 14 billion yuan ($2 billion) in the first three quarters, with projections exceeding 20 billion yuan for the full year.

    The region currently hosts 62 large-scale digital enterprises that generated 11.44 billion yuan in revenue through October 2025, alongside 169 national high-tech companies and 22 national-level innovation bases. For 2026, regional authorities aim to establish five additional major digital enterprises and strengthen Xizang’s position as an emerging technology hub.

    Beyond economic metrics, the technology carries profound cultural significance. Chakdor Drolma, a student at Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine, noted: “Tibetan-language AI development helps promote our traditional culture while ensuring the script remains actively used and preserved for future generations.”