Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Gallop into Chinese New Year in Yantai

    Gallop into Chinese New Year in Yantai

    As the Year of the Horse commenced, the coastal city of Yantai in Shandong province extended a unique invitation to experience Chinese New Year through its rich cultural tapestry. The city’s celebrations showcase an extraordinary blend of traditional craftsmanship and coastal charm, offering visitors an immersive journey into China’s cultural heritage.

    Yantai’s festivities feature meticulously preserved handicrafts that have been passed down through generations, alongside vibrant folk art performances that capture the spirit of the lunar new year. The city’s picturesque coastal location adds a distinctive maritime dimension to the traditional celebrations, creating a unique fusion of land and sea cultural elements.

    The local tourism authorities have curated special experiences allowing visitors to engage with time-honored traditions while enjoying the natural beauty of this eastern Chinese coastal destination. The celebration theme incorporates horse symbolism throughout its events, drawing on the animal’s cultural significance in Chinese mythology as a bearer of good fortune, strength, and perseverance.

    This cultural showcase forms part of Yantai’s broader initiative to preserve intangible cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism development. The city’s approach demonstrates how traditional celebrations can evolve while maintaining their authentic cultural core, offering both domestic and international visitors a genuine experience of Chinese New Year traditions within a contemporary coastal setting.

  • China unfazed as US rallies global critical minerals bloc

    China unfazed as US rallies global critical minerals bloc

    The United States is spearheading an ambitious international initiative to establish a 55-country critical minerals alliance, aiming to coordinate global supply chains and pricing mechanisms for metals essential to technology and defense sectors. This strategic move, championed by the Trump administration, seeks to diminish Western reliance on Chinese-dominated supply networks while addressing perceived vulnerabilities in national security frameworks.

    During his address at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a compelling vision for allied cooperation in securing rare earths and strategic minerals. He criticized post-Cold War economic policies that led to what he termed a “dangerous delusion” of inevitable global liberalization, arguing that unfettered trade practices enabled certain nations to undermine Western industries through subsidized competition.

    “We embraced what was new and glamorous while outsourcing what seemed old and unfashionable,” Rubio stated, emphasizing how this approach resulted in deindustrialization, job losses, and transfer of critical supply chain control to geopolitical rivals.

    The administration’s concrete actions include the February 4 Critical Minerals Ministerial conference, where representatives from 54 countries and the European Commission convened in Washington. This gathering culminated in new bilateral frameworks, memorandums of understanding, and the launch of FORGE (Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement)—a coordination platform for allied policy and investment.

    President Trump subsequently announced Project Vault, an EXIM Bank-led initiative backed by a $10 billion direct loan to establish domestic mineral reserves and shield manufacturers from supply disruptions.

    China, controlling approximately 60% of global niche metals production and over 90% of processing capacity, responded with measured confidence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian advocated for “an open, inclusive international trade environment beneficial to all,” opposing exclusive blocs that disrupt global economic order.

    Chinese analysts highlight structural advantages that may impede US efforts: China’s dominance in complex separation technologies, possession of nearly half the world’s rare-earth patents, and deeply integrated manufacturing ecosystems. Market realities suggest many alliance participants, including Argentina and South Korea, appear reluctant to fully sacrifice Chinese market access despite political alignment with US initiatives.

    Industry experts estimate achieving supply chain independence would require Western nations to overcome significant technological and economic hurdles spanning 10-20 years of development.

  • PLA conducts combat readiness patrols in South China Sea

    PLA conducts combat readiness patrols in South China Sea

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command has executed comprehensive combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea, demonstrating heightened military preparedness in the strategically vital waterway. The operations, conducted from Sunday through Monday, involved coordinated naval and air force deployments across the maritime region.

    Military spokesperson Zhai Shichen addressed the escalating regional dynamics, stating that recent Philippine collaborations with external nations have precipitated the need for enhanced defensive measures. “The Philippines’ coordination with extra-regional powers to conduct so-called ‘joint patrols’ has substantially destabilized the South China Sea’s security environment,” Zhai stated during Tuesday’s briefing.

    The theater command’s announcement emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to protecting territorial integrity and maritime interests through these proactive defense initiatives. Military authorities affirmed their continued vigilance in maintaining regional stability while safeguarding national sovereignty according to established international norms and domestic legal frameworks.

    The patrols represent the latest development in ongoing regional security discussions, occurring amid complex geopolitical negotiations concerning maritime boundaries and navigation rights. China maintains that these operations constitute legitimate exercises of national defense prerogatives within internationally recognized frameworks.

  • India seizes three Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers, source says

    India seizes three Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers, source says

    In a significant maritime enforcement operation, Indian authorities have confiscated three oil tankers with connections to Iran that were under U.S. sanctions. The seizures occurred this month as part of New Delhi’s intensified surveillance campaign to combat illicit trade activities within its exclusive economic zone.

    According to a source with direct knowledge of the matter, the vessels—identified as Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai following detection of suspicious operations. These tankers had reportedly employed frequent identity alterations to evade detection by coastal states’ law enforcement agencies.

    The enforcement action aligns with strengthened U.S.-India relations, coming shortly after Washington’s announcement reducing import tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. This tariff reduction followed India’s agreement to cease Russian oil imports, signaling deepening bilateral cooperation.

    Iranian state media has contested the tankers’ affiliations, with the National Iranian Oil Company asserting that neither the vessels nor their cargoes had any connection to the company. Despite this denial, LSEG data indicates that two of the three tankers maintain Iranian links, with Al Jafzia having transported fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025 and Stellar Ruby registered under the Iranian flag.

    The Indian Coast Guard has significantly bolstered its surveillance capabilities, deploying approximately 55 ships and 10-12 aircraft for continuous monitoring of maritime zones. This enhanced vigilance aims to prevent ship-to-ship transfers that obscure oil cargo origins—a common method used to circumvent international sanctions.

    The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control had previously sanctioned vessels with identical IMO numbers to those captured by India, highlighting the global dimension of enforcement efforts against sanctioned oil trade. Such prohibited petroleum products typically trade at substantial discounts due to the complex ownership structures, falsified documentation, and mid-sea transfer operations that complicate regulatory enforcement.

  • Iran, United States set for new talks in Geneva; Trump to be involved indirectly

    Iran, United States set for new talks in Geneva; Trump to be involved indirectly

    Geneva is set to host a critical new round of diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran on Tuesday, mediated by Omani officials in an effort to de-escalate rising tensions and avert potential military conflict. The talks resume against a backdrop of heightened saber-rattling, with former President Donald Trump warning Tehran of severe consequences should the discussions fail to yield an agreement.

    The diplomatic engagement, which follows preliminary meetings in Muscat, marks a significant attempt to bridge differences over Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei expressed measured optimism, noting that Washington’s stance had shifted towards a “more realistic” approach regarding nuclear issues, according to state-run IRNA news agency.

    While en route to the negotiations, Trump indicated his indirect involvement, stating, “I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal.” His comments came alongside increased military deployments to the region, including the positioning of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier approximately 700 kilometers from Iranian shores and the dispatch of a second carrier group.

    The previous diplomatic effort collapsed dramatically in June when Israel launched surprise strikes against Iranian targets, triggering a brief but intense 12-day conflict that saw limited U.S. military participation against nuclear facilities.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi in Geneva to coordinate positions ahead of the main talks. Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s “seriousness in using result-oriented diplomacy” to secure Iranian interests while preserving regional stability. Simultaneously, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps commenced military exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, preparing for “potential security and military threats.”

    The negotiations face fundamental disagreements over their scope, with Iran insisting discussions be limited exclusively to nuclear matters and sanctions relief, while Washington has historically pushed for inclusion of Tehran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional armed groups.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, noting that the administration prefers “negotiated outcomes.” Iranian officials indicated potential flexibility on uranium stockpiles if Washington demonstrates sincerity through sanctions relief, with Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi telling the BBC that compromises were possible with genuine American cooperation.

    The talks will also involve International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi, who is scheduled for technical discussions with Iranian officials regarding nuclear monitoring and verification protocols.

  • Why faithful flock to Manila’s Golden Mosque, built for Gaddafi 50 years ago

    Why faithful flock to Manila’s Golden Mosque, built for Gaddafi 50 years ago

    In the bustling heart of Manila’s Quiapo district, the Golden Mosque stands as the Philippines’ largest Islamic place of worship outside Mindanao. This iconic structure, which becomes the focal point for Ramadan celebrations in the capital, carries a history far younger than most assume—marking just half a century since its construction.

    The mosque’s origins trace back to a pivotal diplomatic mission in November 1976 when former First Lady Imelda Marcos visited Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., sought Libya’s assistance in negotiating peace with the Moro National Liberation Front. The subsequent Tripoli Agreement granted limited autonomy to Muslim Mindanao, and during discussions, Gaddafi inquired about prayer facilities should he visit Manila.

    This query triggered an ambitious building spree. Imelda Marcos, renowned for her architectural projects, commissioned four mosques simultaneously: the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, the Blue Mosque in Taguig City, one within Malacañang Palace grounds, and another in Marcos’ hometown of Paoay. Remarkably, construction of the Golden Mosque concluded within just 40 days through the concerted efforts of local Muslim residents, many of whom still reside in the community.

    The mosque’s distinctive gold-colored dome pays homage to the brass cannons forged by Muslim blacksmith Pira that defended Manila against Spanish colonizers in the 1570s. Spanning 2,000 square meters on a 3,000-square-meter property, the complex houses Hadji Ali Alawi’s Arabic School and a Quranic institution for young students.

    Historical context reveals the significance of this Islamic revival. After Spanish conquest in the 16th century transformed Manila into a Catholic stronghold, no major mosques remained in what was once a Muslim-ruled kingdom. Historian Hadji Ali Alawi notes that Manila’s original mosque likely stood where the Roman Catholic Cathedral now resides, evidenced by Quranic inscriptions within the Christian structure.

    Today, only the Golden and Blue mosques remain operational—the Malacañang mosque was converted to a library after the Marcos regime fell, while the status of the Paoay mosque remains uncertain. Despite Gaddafi never making his anticipated visit, the Golden Mosque endures as a vibrant center for Manila’s Muslim community, surrounded by thriving markets and residences that maintain Quiapo’s dynamic character.

  • Bangladesh’s new prime minister is sworn in after his party’s landslide election win

    Bangladesh’s new prime minister is sworn in after his party’s landslide election win

    DHAKA, Bangladesh — Tarique Rahman assumed office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday following a decisive electoral victory that marks a significant political transformation for the nation. The parliamentary elections, the first since the substantial 2024 uprising, were widely regarded as pivotal for reshaping the country’s governance framework after prolonged political conflicts and contested electoral processes.

    President Mohammed Shahabuddin officiated the swearing-in ceremony, which also included dozens of cabinet members and government officials. Rahman, 60, represents a generational shift in Bangladeshi politics as the first male prime minister in 35 years, breaking the continuous leadership of either his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, or her political rival Sheikh Hasina since the restoration of democracy in 1991.

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition partners secured a commanding majority with 212 seats in the 350-member Parliament. An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s predominant Islamist party, captured 77 seats to form the official opposition. Notably, the National Citizen Party (NCP)—established by student leaders who spearheaded the 2024 uprising—obtained six seats within this alliance.

    The electoral process was supervised by an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who assumed power following Hasina’s ousting. International observers characterized the voting as predominantly peaceful and acceptable, despite controversies surrounding the exclusion of Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League, which was prohibited from participation by the interim administration.

    Complications emerged during the swearing-in proceedings as BNP lawmakers declined to take a secondary oath for a proposed Constitutional Reform Council. This council stems from a referendum conducted concurrently with the election, which approved constitutional amendments including prime ministerial term limits, enhanced executive power checks, and safeguards against parliamentary power consolidation. Jamaat-e-Islami and allied lawmakers participated in the second oath, indicating potential parliamentary complexities ahead.

    From exile in India, where she has resided since August 2024, Hasina denounced the election as unjust toward her party, which remains a significant political force despite its exclusion. Hasina faces a death sentence in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity related to uprising casualties—charges she dismisses as proceedings of a ‘kangaroo court.’

    The ceremony attracted international attention with dignitaries from Maldives, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in attendance, signaling regional interest in Bangladesh’s political evolution.

  • ‘Becoming Chinese’ in Weifang this Spring Festival

    ‘Becoming Chinese’ in Weifang this Spring Festival

    The ancient city of Weifang in Shandong Province became a vibrant cultural crossroads during this year’s Spring Festival celebrations as international students immersed themselves in authentic Chinese traditions. Visitors from abroad enthusiastically participated in yangko dancing, calligraphy sessions writing the character ‘fu’ (blessing), and hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage crafts including copper rubbing and intricate paper-cutting techniques.

    Meanwhile, Weifang’s cultural influence continues to expand globally through strategic international exchanges. Students from Qingzhou have successfully transported Chinese cultural traditions to Malaysia through cultural demonstrations, while the city of Anqiu has maintained a remarkable four-year streak of presenting Spring Festival greetings at Germany’s premier Spring Festival gala celebrations.

    The cultural fusion continues digitally through the innovative ‘AI Broadcast: Weifang Weekly Insights’ program, featuring virtual anchor Douglas, which provides comprehensive coverage of these cross-cultural festive experiences. This multimedia approach offers global audiences an intimate look at how traditional Chinese customs are being preserved, shared, and reinvented through international participation.

  • 2026 Spring Festival Gala amass record 13.5b new media views

    2026 Spring Festival Gala amass record 13.5b new media views

    The 2026 Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group, achieved unprecedented viewership numbers on February 16, amassing a staggering 13.5 billion views across new media platforms while reaching 677 million viewers through various broadcasting channels. This cultural phenomenon demonstrated remarkable global expansion with nearly 4,000 international media outlets broadcasting the event—a 37.95% increase from the previous year—while overseas social media livestreams generated tens of millions of engagements.

    The gala’s international appeal was amplified through performances by globally recognized artists including American singer John Legend, French artist Hélène Rollès, and Irish pop group Westlife, who delivered cross-cultural musical collaborations. In a particularly symbolic segment from the Yiwu sub-venue, Jackie Chan and Lionel Richie joined forces in a performance embodying cultural exchange and global friendship.

    Artistic programming highlighted China’s rich cultural heritage through meticulously crafted performances. The opening segment ‘Beginning of Spring’ poetically illustrated seasonal renewal, while ‘Ode to the Flower Deities’ guided audiences through evolving seasons with traditional Eastern aesthetics. ‘Ancient Rhythms of the Silk Road’ revitalized celestial flying goddess imagery from ancient murals, creating a visually stunning historical tribute.

    The production integrated cutting-edge technology with humanoid robots appearing in multiple performances, merging advanced robotics with traditional artistic expression. Traditional Chinese opera received prominent showcase, featuring generations of performers from Peking Opera, Yuju Opera, Yueju Opera, Cantonese Opera, and Pingju Opera in a vibrant demonstration of artistic continuity.

    The 2026 gala ultimately served as a tribute to workers and dreamers across all professions, blending cultural heritage, technological innovation, and global participation to unite families worldwide as China entered the Year of the Horse with renewed confidence and shared aspirations.

  • Ex-winger Utai in serious condition after shooting

    Ex-winger Utai in serious condition after shooting

    Former National Rugby League (NRL) professional Matt Utai remains hospitalized in critical condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during an apparent targeted attack outside his Sydney residence. The 44-year-old athlete was ambushed in the Greenacre suburb of south-west Sydney on Tuesday evening.

    According to New South Wales Police Superintendent Rodney Hart, Utai suffered gunshot injuries to his lower leg and shoulder/upper chest area during what authorities describe as a ‘brazen’ drive-by shooting. Emergency services transported the former rugby star to a nearby medical facility where he underwent emergency surgery. Police confirm he currently remains in serious but stable condition.

    Superintendent Hart characterized the incident as ‘definitely targeted,’ noting that investigators are working to determine whether Utai was the intended victim or potentially connected to others involved. ‘Whether the victim was the intended target or it was somebody that he knows or associates with or is related to will all form part of the investigation,’ Hart stated during a press briefing.

    Preliminary evidence indicates that assailants fired multiple rounds from a white SUV that fled the scene immediately following the attack. Police later discovered a burned-out vehicle matching the description in nearby Wiley Park. Forensic specialists have recovered the SUV for detailed examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

    Utai enjoyed a distinguished rugby career spanning over a decade, primarily with the Canterbury Bulldogs where he achieved significant success. The winger famously scored two tries during the 2004 NRL Grand Final, contributing to the Bulldogs’ championship victory against the Sydney Roosters. Following seven seasons with Canterbury, Utai concluded his professional career with a two-year tenure at Wests Tigers before retiring in 2013.

    Internationally, the Samoan-born athlete represented both New Zealand and Samoa at the highest levels. After earning four Test appearances with the Kiwis in 2002, Utai switched allegiances to represent Samoa during the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, scoring two tries across three tournament matches.

    The rugby community has expressed shock and concern following news of the attack, with former teammates and opponents alike sending well-wishes for Utai’s recovery. Police continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the shooting or the white SUV involved.