Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • South Africa hammers New Zealand by seven wickets at T20 World Cup. England beats Scotland

    South Africa hammers New Zealand by seven wickets at T20 World Cup. England beats Scotland

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, South Africa delivered a commanding performance against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup encounter on Saturday. Captain Aiden Markram emerged as the undisputed hero, blasting an unbeaten 86 runs from just 44 deliveries to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket victory for the Proteas.

    The match witnessed South Africa’s clinical execution as they chased down New Zealand’s total of 175-7 with remarkable ease, achieving their target of 178-3 with 2.5 overs remaining. Markram’s explosive innings, featuring four sixes and eight boundaries, included the fastest half-century in South Africa’s T20 World Cup history, reaching 50 runs in merely 19 deliveries.

    Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen set the stage for South Africa’s dominance with an impressive bowling performance, claiming 4-40 in his four-over spell. His early breakthroughs dismantled New Zealand’s top order, reducing them to 64-4 within 6.4 overs. Despite a recovery effort from Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman, who contributed 74 runs, New Zealand struggled to maintain momentum against South Africa’s disciplined attack.

    The victory marks South Africa’s third consecutive win in Group D, solidifying their position as strong contenders for the next round. Meanwhile, New Zealand suffered their first tournament defeat and extended their winless streak against South Africa to five matches in T20 World Cup history.

    In other tournament developments, England revived their campaign with a crucial five-wicket triumph over Scotland in Kolkata. Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 from 41 balls proved instrumental in England’s recovery after early setbacks. Ireland recorded their inaugural victory in Colombo, overwhelming Oman by 96 runs behind Lorcan Tucker’s spectacular 94 not out from 51 deliveries, posting the tournament’s highest score of 235-5.

  • Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins big in election

    Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins big in election

    In a decisive political shift, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a commanding victory in the nation’s parliamentary elections, capturing 209 out of 299 contested seats. This substantial win grants the party more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, positioning it to form the next government.

    The election’s most anticipated outcome is the expected ascension of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, 60, to the prime minister’s office. Rahman, carrying a significant political legacy as the son of former president Ziaur Rahman (who founded BNP) and former prime minister Khaleda Zia (who passed away in December), now stands to lead the nation.

    According to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured second place with 68 seats, while independent candidates and smaller allied parties obtained the remaining 20 seats. Voter participation reached 59.44% of the eligible population of approximately 170 million.

    This election marks a critical juncture for Bangladesh, being the first general election since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and departed the country in August 2024 amid widespread political turmoil. Since her departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has led an interim administration.

    The BNP leadership has responded to its victory with measured enthusiasm. Senior Joint Secretary-General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi extended congratulations to the Bangladeshi people while simultaneously announcing that the party would refrain from organizing celebratory processions or rallies despite their substantial margin of victory.

    International recognition began promptly, with the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh issuing a formal congratulatory message on Facebook, praising the “smooth and successful” election and expressing anticipation for collaborative efforts with the incoming administration to enhance bilateral relations.

    With two constituencies postponing results and polling delayed in one following a candidate’s death, the Election Commission confirmed it would soon issue an official gazette notification formalizing the outcomes. Political adviser Asif Nazrul indicated that the transition of power would occur before Ramadan begins around February 19.

    The Bangladeshi parliamentary system comprises 350 members total, with 50 seats reserved for women who are elected subsequently through proportional representation by the 300 directly-elected members.

  • Sketching new life for new year

    Sketching new life for new year

    As the 2026 Year of the Horse approaches, acclaimed China Daily illustrator Li Min has launched an innovative artistic series titled ‘A New Journey for Ten Thousand Steeds.’ This collection represents a sophisticated fusion of China’s rich equestrian heritage with contemporary artistic vision, creating a bridge between historical symbolism and modern aesthetics.

    The series draws inspiration from China’s most celebrated historical horses, transforming these cultural icons into vibrant visual narratives. Rather than simply recreating traditional motifs, Li Min has developed a unique artistic language that maintains the auspicious symbolism associated with equine imagery while speaking to contemporary sensibilities.

    Through her innovative approach, the illustrator demonstrates how traditional Chinese aesthetics can be seamlessly integrated into modern life. The collection showcases her technical mastery while offering fresh perspectives on cultural preservation through artistic innovation. Each piece in the series tells a story of movement, progress, and cultural continuity, reflecting both the dynamism of the horse as a symbol and the evolving nature of Chinese cultural expression.

    The timing of this release, coinciding with the upcoming lunar new year celebration, positions the series as both a cultural tribute and a forward-looking artistic statement. Li Min’s work represents how traditional zodiac symbolism can be reimagined for contemporary audiences while maintaining deep roots in China’s artistic heritage.

  • Various festive events held across China to celebrate upcoming Chinese New Year

    Various festive events held across China to celebrate upcoming Chinese New Year

    Communities across China are immersed in a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations as the nation prepares to welcome the Year of the Horse. From northern provinces to southern regions, municipalities have launched elaborate festive programs featuring traditional lantern exhibitions, folk art performances, and night illumination displays that transform urban landscapes into dazzling spectacles.

    In Luoyang, Central China’s Henan province, aerial photography captured breathtaking scenes of tourists admiring intricate lantern installations at local scenic areas on February 12. The luminous displays, featuring both traditional motifs and contemporary designs, create an enchanting atmosphere for visitors experiencing the pre-festival celebrations.

    Cultural institutions nationwide have organized special events including calligraphy workshops where masters demonstrate the art of writing Spring Festival couplets. Traditional paper-cutting exhibitions showcase regional variations of this ancient craft, while culinary events highlight local variations of holiday foods. These activities not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide educational opportunities for younger generations to connect with traditional customs.

    Transport hubs report increased passenger flow as millions begin their journeys for family reunions, while retail sectors experience seasonal peaks in shopping activity. The celebrations represent one of the most significant annual migrations and cultural observances in the country, blending ancient traditions with contemporary expressions of holiday spirit.

  • Hong Kong’s passenger traffic at boundary control points up 12 percent in 2025

    Hong Kong’s passenger traffic at boundary control points up 12 percent in 2025

    Hong Kong’s boundary control points experienced substantial growth in cross-border movement during 2025, with official statistics revealing a significant 12 percent increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year. According to data released by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government customs authorities, these transit hubs processed approximately 330 million passenger movements throughout the year.

    The transportation sector demonstrated even more dramatic growth, with private vehicle crossings surging by 24 percent to reach 11.9 million trips. Commercial transport also showed robust performance, with goods vehicle journeys climbing 6 percent to total 4.8 million transits across Hong Kong’s borders.

    Concurrent with the increased border activity, customs enforcement efforts intensified markedly. Authorities reported detecting 38,869 cases of various violations throughout 2025, representing a substantial 24 percent year-on-year increase. The majority of these cases (approximately 75 percent) involved illicit cigarette trafficking, while remaining incidents primarily concerned dangerous drugs and intellectual property rights infringement.

    This upward trend in both legitimate border crossings and enforcement actions reflects Hong Kong’s ongoing position as a critical international transit hub while highlighting the challenges that accompany increased cross-border movement. The data provides important insights into post-pandemic recovery patterns and the evolving nature of border security operations in one of Asia’s most important financial and trade centers.

  • Foreign experts’ support for modernization hailed

    Foreign experts’ support for modernization hailed

    In a significant demonstration of China’s commitment to global engagement, Premier Li Qiang convened with international experts at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on February 13, 2026. The symposium brought together recipients of the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award and distinguished foreign professionals working across China’s various sectors.

    Premier Li emphasized that maintaining open international cooperation represents both global aspirations and the necessary direction for worldwide progress. The meeting, strategically scheduled ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations, served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between China’s leadership and the international expert community.

    Experts from multiple nations including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Uganda, Bulgaria, Belarus, and Germany contributed insights across critical domains such as technological innovation, agricultural development, cultural exchange, talent cultivation, and investment cooperation. Premier Li actively engaged with their recommendations regarding China’s developmental trajectory and governmental policies.

    The Premier highlighted the dual impact of foreign experts’ innovations, noting that achievements developed within China generate substantial benefits for both the host nation and the global community. He referenced the recently adopted recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), characterizing them as an ambitious blueprint for the nation’s forthcoming development phase.

    Li encouraged international professionals to deepen their involvement in China’s growth story, positioning them as crucial bridges for enhanced mutual understanding and trust between China and the world. The government committed to strengthening support systems for foreign experts, including improved visa processing, social security provisions, healthcare access, and educational arrangements for their children.

    The administration pledged to create optimal conditions for international talent to achieve professional fulfillment while experiencing comfortable living standards and promising developmental opportunities within China.

  • Long March 10’s booster retrieved from sea for 1st time

    Long March 10’s booster retrieved from sea for 1st time

    In a landmark achievement for its space program, China has successfully completed its first-ever maritime recovery operation of a rocket booster from the ocean. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that the first-stage booster of the Long March 10 heavy-lift carrier rocket was retrieved from the South China Sea on Friday morning following a critical test flight conducted earlier this week.

    The recovery mission represents a significant technological milestone, marking China’s inaugural successful retrieval of rocket components from maritime environments. Official imagery released by the space agency depicts a specialized vessel employing crane operations to lift the massive booster from the water, demonstrating the sophisticated recovery capabilities developed by Chinese aerospace engineers.

    This achievement follows Wednesday’s comprehensive flight test of the Long March 10 first-stage booster combined with the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft, a configuration specifically designed for China’s ambitious manned lunar mission targeted for approximately 2030. During the experimental flight, the booster executed a controlled return to Earth utilizing its engine system and guidance fins, achieving a precise splashdown within a predetermined maritime zone.

    The successful recovery operation positions China among an elite group of nations capable of rocket stage retrieval, a critical capability for developing reusable launch systems. Currently, only the United States maintains operational reusable rocket technology, making China’s accomplishment particularly significant in the global space race.

    Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the Long March 10 represents a new generation of launch vehicles featuring a modular design with a central core booster and multiple side boosters. The rocket stands at an impressive 92.5 meters with a 5-meter diameter, generating 2,678 tons of thrust at launch with a total weight of 2,189 metric tons. This configuration enables the transportation of payloads exceeding 27 tons to Earth-moon transfer trajectories.

    Spacecraft designers have revealed that the Long March 10 system will include a shorter variant without side boosters, measuring 67 meters tall with a 740-ton launch weight. This adaptation will serve China’s Tiangong space station operations, capable of delivering 14-ton payloads to low-Earth orbit for both crewed and cargo missions.

    A key design feature across both configurations is the reusable first-stage booster, with the lunar mission variant incorporating an additional third-stage component. While the space agency has not disclosed specific plans for the recovered booster, this successful retrieval demonstrates substantial progress toward China’s goals of developing fully reusable launch systems and advancing its lunar exploration capabilities.

  • China, US agree to strengthen dialogue, cooperation in various fields

    China, US agree to strengthen dialogue, cooperation in various fields

    In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference this Friday, reaching a consensus to strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation across multiple domains. The high-level meeting marked a pivotal step toward stabilizing Sino-American relations through constructive engagement.

    Minister Wang emphasized the crucial strategic guidance provided by Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in steering the relationship between the world’s two largest economies. He articulated that both nations should work collaboratively to implement the important understandings reached by their leaders, positioning 2026 as a landmark year for achieving mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    The Chinese diplomat articulated a philosophy of international relations that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over conflict, and win-win outcomes over zero-sum competition. This meeting occurred against the backdrop of the prestigious security conference that brings together global leaders to address international security challenges.

    The agreement signals a potential thaw in relations and establishes a framework for ongoing diplomatic engagement. Both officials acknowledged the importance of maintaining open communication channels to address global challenges and bilateral concerns through diplomatic means rather than through confrontational approaches.

  • Global visitors experience authentic Chinese culture

    Global visitors experience authentic Chinese culture

    A remarkable cultural phenomenon is sweeping across China’s tourism sector as international visitors flock to the mainland to immerse themselves in authentic Spring Festival traditions. This surge in cultural tourism coincides with the viral social media trend of ‘Chinamaxxing,’ where Western Gen Z enthusiasts enthusiastically adopt and celebrate Chinese cultural elements.

    With the Chinese New Year commencing on February 17th, the extended nine-day holiday period beginning February 15th has transformed from a primarily domestic family reunion occasion into an international cultural showcase. Foreign travelers are increasingly choosing China as their destination to experience firsthand the vibrant festivities, traditional performances, and rich cultural heritage associated with the Lunar New Year celebrations.

    Travel industry data reveals substantial growth in international arrivals. Springtour.com reports a striking 100% year-on-year increase in inbound tourist bookings through their platform as of January 27th. Simultaneously, Qunar, another major online travel agency, documented a 30% rise in flight reservations made with non-Chinese passports for mainland destinations during the holiday period.

    The demographic composition of visitors shows particular strength from Asian markets, with South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia leading in tourist numbers. Notably, European and South American travelers are contributing significantly to this upward trend, with Argentine visitors showing an extraordinary ninefold increase compared to the previous year’s Spring Festival period.

    While megacities like Shanghai and Beijing continue to dominate as preferred destinations, emerging tourist spots including Guilin in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Datong in Shanxi Province are gaining substantial traction among international travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond the conventional tourist circuit.

  • Surnames as a bridge across the Strait

    Surnames as a bridge across the Strait

    In a groundbreaking cultural initiative, Xiamen Airlines has launched a novel program leveraging Chinese surname heritage to reconnect families divided by the Taiwan Strait. The project emerges as a heartwarming dimension of the Spring Festival travel season, transforming routine journeys into profound cultural rediscoveries.

    The airline’s innovative approach centers on familial nomenclature as a powerful connective tissue between mainland China and Taiwan. For centuries, Chinese patronyms have served as enduring cultural codes that transcend geographical and political boundaries. This program actively helps travelers trace their genealogical roots while traveling during China’s most important annual festival.

    During the Spring Festival travel rush—the world’s largest annual human migration—participants embark on dual journeys: both physical travel across the Strait and metaphorical journeys into their ancestral past. The initiative provides specialized resources and guidance to help passengers investigate their family histories, creating emotional connections that predate contemporary political divisions.

    Cultural anthropologists highlight that shared surname lineages represent one of the strongest uniting factors in Chinese culture, with detailed genealogical records often spanning centuries. This program taps into that deep-seated cultural significance, offering tangible connections to shared heritage.

    The timing during Spring Festival proves particularly meaningful, as the holiday traditionally emphasizes family reunification and ancestral veneration. By integrating surname exploration with homecoming journeys, the airline has created a powerful synergy between contemporary travel and ancient cultural practices.

    Early participants have reported profound emotional experiences, with many discovering previously unknown connections to relatives across the Strait. The program has added a layer of cultural depth to the Spring Festival travel experience, transforming routine trips into meaningful pilgrimages of personal and familial discovery.

    This initiative represents a growing trend of cultural diplomacy through civilian exchanges, demonstrating how shared heritage can build bridges where political differences exist. As cross-Strait travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, such culturally-grounded programs offer new dimensions of connection beyond mere transportation.