Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Emaar to launch tender for Dubai Creek Tower in three months, says Alabbar

    Emaar to launch tender for Dubai Creek Tower in three months, says Alabbar

    Dubai’s iconic skyline is poised for another transformative addition as Emaar Properties confirms the revival of its ambitious Dubai Creek Tower project. Company founder Mohamed Ali Alabbar announced at the Dubai International Project Management Forum that construction tenders for the newly redesigned tower will be issued within the next quarter.

    The project, initially unveiled prior to the global pandemic, underwent significant design revisions during its hiatus. While originally conceived to surpass the Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest structure, Alabbar emphasized that contemporary architectural excellence transcends mere height. ‘After the Burj Khalifa, altitude alone is no longer enough. We focus on the aesthetics of the building and its surroundings,’ he stated, indicating a shift toward holistic urban design philosophy.

    Alabbar declined to disclose specific construction details or cost projections, citing the project’s technical complexity. This revival occurs amidst regional competition, with Saudi Arabia reportedly resuming work on its own mile-high Kingdom Tower project.

    The announcement forms part of Emaar’s broader development strategy for Dubai Creek Harbour, which includes the recently launched Dubai Square project. This integrated residential and retail development will center around the Dubai Square Mall—scheduled for completion within three years—which at 180 billion dirhams will become the region’s second-largest shopping and entertainment destination, slightly smaller than the Dubai Mall but nearly triple the size of Downtown Dubai.

    Beyond real estate developments, Alabbar shared provocative insights on corporate management, revealing that Emaar implemented a 30-day meeting ban in September 2025, including virtual gatherings. He challenged conventional workforce structures, stating that technological advancement and artificial intelligence have rendered traditional employee ratios obsolete for most companies.

  • Dutch court hears arguments in Nexperia mismanagement case that upset the global auto industry

    Dutch court hears arguments in Nexperia mismanagement case that upset the global auto industry

    AMSTERDAM (AP) — A high-stakes legal confrontation unfolded Wednesday at the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, where semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia became the focal point of an international corporate governance dispute with far-reaching implications for global supply chains.

    The enterprise chamber convened to determine whether to initiate a formal investigation into alleged management failures at the Dutch-based chipmaker, which is ultimately owned by China’s Wingtech. This judicial proceeding represents the latest chapter in an escalating geopolitical corporate drama that first erupted into public view in September.

    Citing pressing national security considerations, the Dutch government executed an extraordinary intervention in late September, assuming temporary operational control of Nexperia and ousting Chinese CEO Zhang Xuezheng, who concurrently founded parent company Wingtech. Authorities expressed specific concerns regarding potential intellectual property transfers and broader management practices.

    Legal representatives for Zhang and Wingtech mounted a vigorous defense, characterizing their client as an accomplished entrepreneur navigating complex international trade tensions. They asserted that the Dutch government’s sudden maneuver caught Wingtech completely unprepared and urged the judicial panel to reject the proposed investigation. Zhang himself was notably absent from the proceedings.

    Nexperia’s counsel, Jeroen van der Schriek, presented counterarguments suggesting that Wingtech and Hong Kong-based holding company Yuching had demonstrated willingness to prioritize external interests over Nexperia’s operational welfare since October’s developments.

    The corporate struggle triggered tangible global repercussions when Beijing temporarily suspended exports of Nexperia chips from Chinese production facilities in October. This action sent automotive manufacturers across North America, Japan, and South Korea scrambling for alternatives, given Nexperia’s significant role in automotive semiconductor supply chains.

    The export restriction was subsequently lifted following diplomatic engagement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Leader Xi Jinping in late October. By November, the Dutch government relinquished its control over Nexperia as a goodwill gesture, though underlying tensions persisted.

    An internal standoff between Nexperia’s Netherlands headquarters and its Chinese operations continued to disrupt production workflows, with the Chinese division alleging shipment interruptions of essential wafers from Europe. The headquarters countered that its Chinese subsidiary had disregarded direct instructions, exacerbating supply chain uncertainties.

    Major automakers including Honda and Mercedes-Benz experienced production disruptions and sought emergency semiconductor alternatives during the crisis. China’s Ministry of Commerce subsequently accused the Netherlands of provoking a global chip shortage and demanded immediate corrective actions.

    Originally established as a Philips Semiconductors division two decades ago, Nexperia was acquired by Wingtech in 2018. The company faced previous regulatory challenges when the British government blocked its acquisition of Wales-based Newport Wafer Fab in 2023, citing national security risks.

  • Mainland vows stringent countermeasures against diehard Taiwan separatists

    Mainland vows stringent countermeasures against diehard Taiwan separatists

    China has intensified its legal campaign against proponents of Taiwanese independence, warning of increasingly severe consequences for those pursuing separatist agendas. Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, articulated the government’s position during a Wednesday press briefing, emphasizing that punitive measures would escalate in direct proportion to separatist activities.

    The official stated that legal action against hardline Taiwan independence advocates and their accomplices constitutes both a necessary defense of national sovereignty and a protective measure for the interests of citizens across the Taiwan Strait. This development follows the January 7th designation of three Taiwanese officials—Liu Shyh-fang (head of Taiwan’s interior affairs department), Cheng Ying-yao (education department head), and Chen Shu-yi (a prosecutor)—as either diehard separatists or accomplices to separatist activities.

    The Democratic Progressive Party subsequently challenged mainland China’s jurisdictional authority over Taiwanese citizens, a position promptly dismissed by Zhu. She reaffirmed Beijing’s longstanding position that Taiwan remains an inalienable part of Chinese territory, asserting that any actions endangering national sovereignty would incur legal consequences under Chinese law.

    Zhu characterized the targeted individuals as having undermined national unity, damaged cross-strait relations, and compromised the welfare of compatriots. She indicated that those pursuing Taiwan independence faced inevitable legal accountability and historical disgrace, describing China’s approach as operating through legal channels with unwavering determination.

    The spokeswoman specifically addressed comments by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who had expressed pride regarding the designated officials. Zhu warned that as separatists grow more assertive in their pursuit of what she termed a ‘dead-end path,’ corresponding countermeasures would intensify, ultimately leading to what she described as ‘the judgment of justice and a disgraced downfall.’

  • Iran calls on UN to condemn Trump’s incitement to overthrow government

    Iran calls on UN to condemn Trump’s incitement to overthrow government

    Iran’s United Nations mission has formally requested the Security Council to denounce what it characterizes as Washington’s intensifying campaign to destabilize the nation. This diplomatic move comes in direct response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public exhortation on social media urging Iranian protesters to seize state institutions.

    Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani submitted an urgent communiqué late Tuesday asserting that Trump’s Truth Social post constituted explicit encouragement of political destabilization and incitement to violence. The diplomatic correspondence emphasized that such statements directly threaten Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.

    Trump’s provocative message, posted January 13, 2026, declared: ‘Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! … HELP IS ON ITS WAY.’ When subsequently questioned by journalists regarding the nature of this promised assistance, the former president offered no clarification, stating only that he would ‘have to figure that out.’

    Ambassador Iravani contextualized these remarks within recent hostilities against Iran, specifically referencing the failed 12-day military aggression in June 2025 that reportedly resulted in approximately 1,000 Iranian casualties. The ambassador’s letter attributed direct legal responsibility to both the United States and Israel for civilian deaths during this conflict.

    The Iranian mission’s Twitter account simultaneously amplified these allegations, characterizing U.S. policy toward Iran as fundamentally rooted in regime change strategies employing sanctions, threats, and engineered unrest as pretexts for military intervention.

    Iran’s formal request to the United Nations includes demands for unequivocal condemnation of U.S. incitement to violence, cessation of destabilizing policies, and compliance with international legal obligations. The appeal further seeks warnings against potential military aggression.

    This diplomatic offensive coincides with revelations from former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who acknowledged the necessity for ‘strategic patience’ in pursuing regime change in Iran while operating with an ‘invisible hand.’ Gallant, currently subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, emphasized the importance of background influence during ongoing protests that commenced in Iran on December 28.

  • Paid study spaces gaining popularity among China’s dream-seeking youth

    Paid study spaces gaining popularity among China’s dream-seeking youth

    Across urban China, a quiet revolution in learning is unfolding within the walls of specialized paid study spaces that have become essential sanctuaries for the nation’s ambitious youth. These meticulously designed environments offer much more than mere quiet—they provide structured havens for concentrated study amid increasingly competitive academic and professional landscapes.

    The phenomenon represents a sophisticated market response to growing educational pressures. Modern study rooms feature sound-proofed cubicles, ergonomic furniture, optimized lighting systems, and amenity-rich spaces complete with printers, beverage stations, and rest zones. Flexible membership options cater to diverse needs, ranging from hourly access to comprehensive annual packages.

    Industry pioneer Zhongxiang Study Room exemplifies this rapid expansion. Since its 2023 establishment in Hebei province, the chain has grown to encompass over 60 corporate locations and 100 franchised outlets, serving approximately 140,000 registered users while generating roughly 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) in annual revenue. According to company director Meng Yulong, over half their clientele consists of postgraduate and civil service examination candidates.

    Beyond commercial success, these spaces fulfill deeper sociological needs by creating environments of mutual dedication. ‘The collective determination becomes genuinely contagious,’ noted Wang Pan, a regular at Beijing’s Chenxi Study Room. Unwritten protocols govern behavior—phone conversations remain outside, cleanliness is maintained, and inspirational messages adorn bulletin boards, fostering what users describe as a powerful ‘shared journey’ of improvement.

    Industry analysts estimate approximately 100,000 such facilities nationwide, representing an annual market value exceeding 10 billion yuan. With average monthly passes costing 400 yuan and venues typically containing 50 seats, the business model demonstrates significant economic viability while addressing urban youth’s need for distraction-free environments unavailable at home or in crowded public libraries.

    The trend reflects broader societal shifts toward continuous skill development. Many users represent career changers like Xiao Peng, who transitioned from bioengineering to computer science studies, or professionals like Tianjin’s A Lan, who left high-pressure technology sector employment to pursue civil service examinations in these dedicated spaces.

    According to Nankai University expert Zhang Zhihong, ‘These environments demonstrate young people’s self-motivated adaptability and highlight growing demand for concentration-friendly spaces that support personal development—a need both commercial operators and public services should address.’

    The movement aligns with national initiatives promoting reading culture and lifelong learning, complementing upgraded public libraries and community reading spaces. As China’s latest five-year development plan emphasizes educational advancement, these study rooms have evolved into integrated learning hubs that may eventually offer complimentary basic access alongside premium services.

    As midnight approaches in Beijing’s Changping district, the lights at Chenxi Study Room continue illuminating rows of determined learners—their silent dedication punctuated only by turning pages and keyboard clicks, embodying China’s next generation of dream-chasers investing in their futures through concentrated effort and mutual inspiration.

  • Sales of a powerful Nvidia AI chip to China gets the greenlight, with conditions

    Sales of a powerful Nvidia AI chip to China gets the greenlight, with conditions

    The Trump administration has authorized Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to Chinese buyers under newly established security protocols, marking a significant shift in semiconductor trade policy. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security unveiled regulations that effectively lower export barriers while implementing specific safeguards.

    Under the revised framework, Nvidia must guarantee adequate domestic supply within the United States prior to any international shipments. Additionally, all H200 chips destined for Chinese markets will require comprehensive third-party verification. The policy explicitly prohibits military applications and caps China’s import volume at 50% of chips sold to American customers.

    Nvidia expressed approval of the decision, stating: “We applaud President Trump’s decision to allow America’s chip industry to compete to support high-paying jobs and manufacturing in America. Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America.”

    The approval excludes Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell and upcoming Rubin architectures, which remain under export restrictions. This development follows August negotiations where Nvidia and AMD agreed to allocate 15% of their Chinese semiconductor revenues to the U.S. government as part of their export licensing arrangement.

    Democratic legislators have raised national security concerns, arguing that these exports could potentially enhance China’s military capabilities, cyber warfare effectiveness, and manufacturing sector. The decision reflects Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s growing influence within administration circles, though experts caution about potential technology transfer risks that could advance China’s AI development programs.

  • Underage assault in Inner Mongolia: four detained, one gets correctional education

    Underage assault in Inner Mongolia: four detained, one gets correctional education

    Local authorities in Wuyuan County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, have imposed disciplinary measures against five female students involved in the physical assault of a 13-year-old peer. The incident, which occurred on January 11, 2026, prompted official intervention after video evidence circulated widely across social media platforms.

    According to police reports, the altercation began with a personal conflict between the victim, identified only by her surname Liu, and a 14-year-old instigator surnamed Fu. The situation escalated when Fu invited four other girls to accompany them to a secluded area within a building complex. There, the group subjected Liu to sustained verbal harassment, physical violence, and threats while bystanders recorded the incident.

    Medical examinations confirmed that Liu sustained cutaneous injuries and soft tissue contusions requiring medical attention. The regional public security bureau subsequently initiated formal proceedings under China’s public security administration protocols.

    Four of the perpetrators, all aged 14, have received administrative detention and financial penalties. The fifth individual, aged 13, is undergoing mandatory corrective education programming designed to address juvenile behavioral issues. Officials emphasized that all measures were implemented in strict accordance with China’s legal framework governing minor offenses.

  • Mal raises $230 million to launch the world’s first AI-native Islamic digital bank

    Mal raises $230 million to launch the world’s first AI-native Islamic digital bank

    In a landmark development for financial technology, Mal has successfully closed a $230 million initial funding round to establish the world’s first AI-native Islamic digital bank. The investment was spearheaded by BlueFive Capital, with participation from various strategic investors and family offices, representing one of the most substantial early-stage financings in the digital banking sector.

    Founded by UAE-based serial fintech entrepreneur Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, Mal is positioned to address the financial needs of the global Muslim population exceeding two billion people, along with other underserved communities worldwide. The platform, currently in advanced development with a planned 2026 launch, will operate as a mobile-first financial institution built entirely on artificial intelligence infrastructure.

    ‘Islamic finance represents a $7 trillion market without a dominant global banking leader,’ stated Abu-Sheikh. ‘Mal intends to bridge this gap by delivering cutting-edge fintech solutions that prioritize inclusivity for every underserved community worldwide.’

    The substantial funding will accelerate product development, secure necessary regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions, and execute an ambitious market entry strategy. While headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Mal has assembled an executive team featuring former senior leaders from Revolut and Nubank, combining expertise from two of the most successful digital banking ventures globally.

    Mal’s operational strategy involves a phased rollout commencing in the United Arab Emirates, followed by expansion into key markets throughout the Middle East and Asia. The platform will offer localized financial products tailored to specific regional socioeconomic conditions while maintaining compliance with Islamic financial principles that prohibit interest charges and promote ethical investing.

    Important to note: Mal currently operates in a pre-launch phase and has not yet obtained banking or financial services licenses in any jurisdiction, though regulatory approval processes are actively underway across multiple markets.

  • China experiences brief warm spell before cold snap returns

    China experiences brief warm spell before cold snap returns

    Meteorological authorities report that much of China is currently experiencing an unusual mid-January warm spell, with temperatures soaring significantly above seasonal averages across vast regions from the northwest to southern territories. The most pronounced warmth has been observed spanning from the Huanghuai area through the Yangtze River basin, where such mild conditions are historically uncommon for this period.

    Urban centers including Hefei in Anhui province and Nanjing in Jiangsu are anticipating daytime highs approaching 20°C, while Hangzhou in Zhejiang and Changsha in Hunan may see thermometers reaching approximately 22°C. The China Meteorological Administration indicates this dry, sunny pattern will persist nationwide for the next 72 hours, with minimal precipitation expected across most regions.

    Despite the daytime warmth, forecasters emphasize that substantial temperature differentials are creating dramatic daily swings. “Many locations will experience variations exceeding 15°C between daytime highs and overnight lows, essentially creating two distinct seasons within a single day,” meteorological officials noted.

    Meanwhile, northern territories continue to brace against persistent cold conditions expected to intensify as new Arctic air masses advance. From Wednesday through Friday, northeastern China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Gansu province, and sections of North China will encounter temperature declines of 4-8°C, with some areas plummeting more than 10°C. Light to moderate snow is forecast for portions of Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China.

    The most significant climatic shift is projected to commence this weekend as a powerful cold front sweeps southward, affecting virtually all regions nationwide. Northeastern areas may confront temperatures diving below -30°C, representing a substantial intensification of cold conditions. Current above-average temperatures across other parts of the country will reverse dramatically, falling below seasonal norms. Central and eastern regions should prepare for developing rain and snow events in the coming days.

  • At least 2,571 killed in Iran’s protests, US-based rights group HRANA says

    At least 2,571 killed in Iran’s protests, US-based rights group HRANA says

    A comprehensive report from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has documented a staggering death toll of 2,571 individuals during recent protests in Iran, marking the most significant challenge to the country’s clerical leadership in years. The verified figures include 2,403 protesters, 147 government-affiliated personnel, 12 minors under age 18, and nine civilians not participating in demonstrations.

    This disclosure coincides with heightened international tensions as former U.S. President Donald Trump explicitly encouraged continued protests while hinting at potential external intervention. When pressed by journalists to clarify his statement that ‘help is on the way,’ Trump remained ambiguous, suggesting they ‘would have to figure that out’ while previously acknowledging military action among considered options.

    Iranian authorities have responded with counter-accusations, alleging that the United States and Israel have been actively fueling violence within the nation. Government officials attribute the fatalities to ‘terrorist operatives’ receiving foreign guidance to instigate unrest. For the first time since the protests began over two weeks ago, an Iranian official acknowledged approximately 2,000 deaths, though this figure remains substantially lower than HRANA’s documentation.

    The protests initially emerged from widespread economic despair but have evolved into a broader confrontation with Iran’s governance structure. This domestic crisis occurs against a backdrop of intensified international pressure following coordinated Israeli and U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets last year, creating a complex geopolitical scenario with potentially global ramifications.