Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Pingtan to pioneer cross-Strait ‘common market’ during 15th Five-Year Plan period

    Pingtan to pioneer cross-Strait ‘common market’ during 15th Five-Year Plan period

    The Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province is positioned to spearhead groundbreaking economic integration between mainland China and Taiwan during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Building upon substantial growth achieved in previous years, this strategic initiative aims to transform Pingtan into a central hub for cross-Strait commerce, standard alignment, and goods circulation.

    According to official statements, the zone will implement unprecedented market access liberalization for Taiwanese capital across key sectors including trade, investment, and information services. Wen Xuelin, deputy secretary of the zone’s Party Working Committee, emphasized the commitment to “maximize the relaxation of access restrictions” to facilitate deeper economic cooperation.

    The comprehensive plan includes expanding mutual recognition mechanisms for professional qualifications, enterprise credentials, and product certifications. This standardization effort particularly targets agricultural and construction industries, aiming to create parallel regulatory frameworks that ease business operations across the Strait.

    Pingtan officials plan significant upgrades to the region’s small-commodity trading market, enabling broader variety of Taiwanese products to enter mainland markets through what they describe as “the most convenient and preferred channel” for Taiwan goods.

    The initiative follows a period of remarkable trade growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), which saw cross-Strait trade increase at an average annual rate of 21.7%. Total trade volume surged from 9.1 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) in 2020 to approximately 15 billion yuan in 2025.

    Huang Jianbo, director of the Pingtan Management Committee, noted the zone has already emerged as one of mainland China’s primary entry points for Taiwan’s agricultural and fishery products, with cross-border e-commerce volumes ranking among the nation’s highest.

    Beyond commercial dimensions, Pingtan is developing comprehensive social integration mechanisms. The Cross-Strait Professional Qualification Integrated Service Center has issued nearly 6,000 certificates recognized across multiple provinces. Additional innovations include mutual recognition of Taiwan resident permits and travel documents, plus the establishment of mainland China’s exclusive cross-Strait arbitration center. These measures collectively aim to facilitate Taiwanese compatriots’ integration into local life and social governance structures.

  • India has told Pakistan to control ‘drone intrusions’, Indian army chief says

    India has told Pakistan to control ‘drone intrusions’, Indian army chief says

    India has formally escalated diplomatic pressure on Pakistan regarding unauthorized aerial surveillance activities along their contested border. General Manoj Pande, India’s Chief of Army Staff, confirmed on Tuesday that his nation’s military leadership has directly contacted Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations regarding repeated drone intrusions originating from Pakistani territory.

    According to Indian defense sources, the most recent incident occurred on Sunday evening when five separate drone incursions were detected along the sensitive frontier in the Jammu sector of Indian-administered Kashmir. This strategically significant region has long been a focal point of territorial disputes between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

    The formal military communication represents a significant escalation in how India is addressing border security concerns. Rather than handling the matter through lower-level channels, the involvement of both nations’ top military operational commanders indicates the seriousness with which New Delhi is treating these aerial violations.

    These developments occur amid ongoing regional tensions and reflect the continuing technological evolution of border surveillance and potential security threats. Drones have increasingly become tools of modern military intelligence gathering and potential provocations in conflict zones worldwide.

    The Jammu and Kashmir region has witnessed numerous border skirmishes and diplomatic standoffs between India and Pakistan over decades. The latest drone incidents add a technological dimension to these longstanding territorial disputes, challenging traditional border security protocols and requiring updated defense responses.

  • Frozen waterfalls bring winter magic to Jinan

    Frozen waterfalls bring winter magic to Jinan

    The Jiuru Mountain region in Jinan, Shandong province, has undergone a breathtaking metamorphosis into an icy paradise, captivating visitors with its stunning winter phenomena. As temperatures plunged dramatically across eastern China, nature’s artistry emerged across the mountain’s cliff faces where cascading waterfalls have transformed into magnificent frozen sculptures.

    The geological formations provide a perfect canvas for winter’s touch, with layered ice structures creating transparent, intricate patterns against the rugged rock backgrounds. This dramatic interplay between solid stone and crystalline ice produces visual contrasts that define Jiuru Mountain’s unique winter appeal. The natural spectacle has established the destination as a premier cold-weather attraction, drawing photographers, nature enthusiasts, and winter sightseers to witness the seasonal transformation.

    Local tourism authorities note that the frozen waterfall phenomenon occurs under specific meteorological conditions when temperatures remain consistently below freezing while moisture continues to flow from mountain springs. The resulting ice formations vary daily depending on temperature fluctuations and water volume, creating an ever-changing natural exhibition throughout the winter months.

    The mountain’s accessibility and proximity to Jinan’s urban center make it an ideal destination for day trips, offering city dwellers an opportunity to experience dramatic winter landscapes without extensive travel. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear for icy conditions and time their visits for optimal lighting conditions when sunlight illuminates the translucent ice formations.

  • Chinese company tests ‘power bank in sky’ high-altitude wind system

    Chinese company tests ‘power bank in sky’ high-altitude wind system

    In a groundbreaking advancement for renewable energy technology, a Chinese energy enterprise has successfully trialed its innovative megawatt-capacity high-altitude wind power generation system. The pioneering Stratosphere Airborne Wind Energy System (SAWES) achieved a significant milestone by ascending to 500 meters altitude and generating electricity during tests conducted in the Zhanghe area of Jingmen city, Hubei province on October 11, 2024.

    This revolutionary system represents the first high-altitude wind power technology specifically engineered for urban environments, offering a transformative approach to sustainable energy generation. The technology’s significance was underscored by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who publicly endorsed the invention as a ‘power bank in the sky’ through her social media channels on January 11, 2026.

    The SAWES platform operates by harnessing consistent wind currents available at higher altitudes, where wind patterns are more stable and powerful than at ground level. This aerial energy generation method potentially offers greater efficiency than traditional terrestrial wind turbines while requiring significantly less surface infrastructure. The system’s design focuses on addressing urban energy demands while minimizing spatial requirements, making it particularly suitable for densely populated areas where land availability remains constrained.

    This technological breakthrough demonstrates China’s continuing advancements in renewable energy innovation and represents a substantial contribution to global efforts in developing sustainable power solutions. The successful test marks a critical step toward practical implementation of high-altitude wind energy systems that could potentially reshape urban energy infrastructure worldwide.

  • BTS stand to make $1bn as they announce mammoth comeback tour

    BTS stand to make $1bn as they announce mammoth comeback tour

    Global music phenomenon BTS has officially unveiled plans for an extensive 79-date world tour, marking their highly anticipated return to live performances following a four-year hiatus. The groundbreaking tour will commence on April 9, 2026, at Goyang Stadium in South Korea with three consecutive shows before spanning across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

    The tour’s innovative 360-degree in-the-round stage design will maximize audience capacity at each venue, including major stops in London (July 6-7, 2026), Tokyo, Munich, Sydney, and Los Angeles. Additional dates in Japan, the Middle East, and other regions are scheduled for 2027, with ticket sales opening to fan club members on January 22, 2026, and general public availability two days later.

    Industry analysts project the reunion tour could generate over $1 billion in revenue through concert performances, merchandise, licensing agreements, and streaming content. This forecast comes after Hybe Corporation, BTS’s record label, experienced a 37.5% operating profit decline during the group’s hiatus, partially attributed to the band’s temporary break from collective activities.

    The septet’s return follows the completion of mandatory military service by all members, with songwriter Suga being the last to conclude his duty in June 2024. Their comeback album, recorded over six months in Los Angeles, is set for release on March 26, 2026, though the title remains undisclosed.

    Band leader RM acknowledged the adjustment period after military service, describing the reunion as a ‘strange experience’ while emphasizing their commitment to creating new music together. The group’s handwritten letters to their ARMY fanbase expressed heartfelt gratitude and excitement for the upcoming reunion, with member Jimin noting ‘the year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.’

    The tour represents the first opportunity for many fans to experience BTS live since 2019, with anticipation reaching unprecedented levels. The band’s Weverse platform crashed on New Year’s Day 2026 when they cleared social media profiles to announce the new album release, demonstrating the enduring global demand for their music.

  • Indonesian doctors gain hands-on cardiology training in Lanzhou

    Indonesian doctors gain hands-on cardiology training in Lanzhou

    In a significant bilateral health initiative, nine Indonesian medical professionals are currently immersed in an intensive one-year advanced training program in interventional cardiology at Lanzhou University First Hospital. This collaborative effort between the Chinese and Indonesian health ministries represents a growing partnership in medical education and specialized healthcare development.

    The program, initiated to address developmental gaps in Indonesia’s interventional cardiology sector, provides Indonesian clinicians with unprecedented access to China’s advanced medical technologies and extensive clinical resources. Participants work directly alongside experienced Chinese mentors, gaining practical experience through approximately 400-500 interventional procedures per trainee during the program duration.

    Muhammad Insani Ilman, who commenced training in March 2025, emphasized the transformative potential of this educational exchange. “The technological sophistication here exceeds anything available in Indonesia,” he noted. “The expertise we’re acquiring will significantly enhance our capacity to treat complex cardiac cases upon our return.”

    Fellow participant Juang Zehua highlighted both the professional rigor and supportive environment characterizing the program. “While the clinical workload is substantial, each patient interaction delivers valuable learning opportunities,” Zehua explained. “The medical staff has created an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere, making us feel like part of their professional family.”

    According to Dr. Bai Ming, Vice-President of Lanzhou University First Hospital, this initiative represents a mutually beneficial exchange that simultaneously elevates clinical capabilities while fostering international cooperation in cardiovascular care. “This program demonstrates how shared medical knowledge can transcend borders to improve global health outcomes,” Bai stated.

    The hospital administration has announced plans to expand this successful model, establishing similar cooperative programs with additional nations to further advance worldwide cardiovascular treatment standards.

  • Photos: Drivers compete in ‘world’s most dangerous race’ Dakar Rally in Saudi

    Photos: Drivers compete in ‘world’s most dangerous race’ Dakar Rally in Saudi

    The 2026 Dakar Rally, widely regarded as the planet’s most perilous motorsport competition, is currently underway across the formidable terrain of Saudi Arabia. This legendary event, which transitioned from its original African route to the Middle Eastern nation in 2020, continues to push competitors to their absolute limits.

    Drivers and riders from across the globe are navigating extreme desert conditions, including vast sand dunes, rocky mountain paths, and navigating by precise GPS coordinates rather than traditional tracks. The rally’s reputation for danger stems from its grueling combination of mechanical endurance, navigational complexity, and physical demands on participants who face extreme temperatures and sleep deprivation throughout the multi-stage event.

    The Saudi Arabian landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for this ultimate test of human and machine, with competitors covering thousands of kilometers in some of the most remote and inhospitable environments on Earth. The event features multiple vehicle categories, including motorcycles, cars, trucks, and all-terrain vehicles, each facing unique challenges specific to their class.

    Safety remains a paramount concern for organizers, who implement extensive medical and logistical support systems throughout the course. Despite these measures, the rally maintains its inherently risky character, with participants acknowledging the ever-present possibility of mechanical failure, accidents, or navigational errors that could end their competition prematurely.

    The event continues to draw both professional factory teams and ambitious amateur adventurers, all united by the challenge of conquering one of motorsport’s last great adventures where simply finishing represents a monumental achievement.

  • Trump announces 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran

    Trump announces 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran

    Amid escalating anti-government protests in Iran, former US President Donald Trump has declared an immediate 25% tariff on all nations conducting business with the Islamic Republic. The announcement, made via Truth Social on Monday, positions the tariff as a punitive measure against any country engaging commercially with Iran, with the cost to be levied on all their business dealings with the United States.

    This policy directly impacts key Iranian trading partners, including China, Russia, India, and Turkey, and is expected to result in increased costs for American importers. China, which accounts for approximately 30% of Iran’s total foreign trade, issued a firm rebuttal. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu stated on X that ‘tariff wars and trade wars have no winners,’ condemning the move as illicit unilateral sanctioning and vowing to safeguard China’s legitimate rights and interests.

    The geopolitical tension unfolds against a backdrop of severe domestic unrest in Iran. A virtual US embassy security alert has urgently advised American citizens to depart Iran immediately, offering specific guidance for land departure to Armenia or Turkey if commercial options are unavailable. The United States maintains no physical diplomatic presence in Iran, with Switzerland acting as its protecting power.

    Iranian officials report significant casualties from the ongoing protests, with an estimated 2,000 fatalities—a figure substantially higher than the 640 previously tallied by human rights groups. Over 10,700 individuals have been arrested, and the nation has been subjected to an internet blackout exceeding 100 hours. The protests, ignited on December 28 by economic grievances including a historic devaluation of the rial and 42% inflation, have intensified into a broader anti-government movement.

    Iranian leadership has accused the US and Israel of backing ‘armed rioters’ and sowing chaos. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated Tehran is prepared for either ‘war or dialogue,’ while President Masoud Pezeshkian alleged a foreign plot to create disorder. Iran has also issued warnings of potential strikes on Israeli and US military bases should its territory be attacked.

    In response, Israel has elevated its security alert level. Trump, commenting on the situation, indicated his administration is monitoring events closely and considering ‘very strong options,’ promising a retaliatory response of unprecedented scale if Iran acts against US interests.

  • A US youth reflects on the ‘cave-dwelling conversation’

    A US youth reflects on the ‘cave-dwelling conversation’

    As the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection convenes from January 12-14, 2026, an American youth offers a contemporary perspective on China’s enduring governance philosophy through the lens of the historic “cave-dwelling conversation” in Yan’an. This reflection addresses a perennial question in political systems worldwide: how does a long-governing party effectively maintain oversight of its own supervisors?

    The analytical examination reveals China’s distinctive approach centers on a dual mechanism combining robust public oversight with institutional self-reform. This governance model establishes clear operational boundaries for power while maintaining it within structured institutional constraints. The system demonstrates a consistent willingness to identify and rectify errors through transparent processes.

    This governance framework emerges from historical precedents but continues to evolve through contemporary anti-corruption initiatives and disciplinary reforms. The ongoing plenary session represents the latest development in this continuous refinement process, addressing both conduct standards and systemic supervision mechanisms.

    The American perspective highlights how China’s solution to the supervision dilemma differs from Western models, emphasizing internal reform processes alongside public accountability channels. This approach maintains that effective governance requires both institutional constraints and the political determination to implement them consistently, even when addressing internal challenges.

  • China unveils first AI model to gauge weather’s impact on stock market

    China unveils first AI model to gauge weather’s impact on stock market

    China has introduced its inaugural artificial intelligence system specifically engineered to evaluate meteorological influences on stock market performance, representing a significant advancement in climate-informed financial analytics. The innovative model, named Shangji (Stock), emerged from a collaborative initiative between Fudan University in Shanghai and the National Meteorological Information Centre.

    This groundbreaking technology leverages global meteorological datasets combined with historical stock trading information to predict short-term returns for most stocks within China’s A-share market. The system demonstrates particular effectiveness in identifying weather-sensitive sectors including renewable energy, traditional petrochemicals, construction, and agricultural industries.

    According to Zhao Yanxia, lead developer and director of the CMA Key Open Laboratory for Financial Meteorology, validation testing confirms the model’s capacity to accurately pinpoint industries vulnerable to meteorological conditions. Back-testing of investment strategies derived from the model’s predictions has demonstrated consistent positive returns across multiple historical periods, indicating substantial practical applicability.

    Professor Li Hao from Fudan University’s Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Incubation Institute highlighted the technology’s diverse financial applications. Commercial enterprises in climate-vulnerable sectors can employ the system for enhanced risk management, while financial institutions including banks and insurance companies can utilize it to mitigate risks in equity-based transactions and develop climate-responsive financing products.

    Beyond immediate commercial applications, the model offers academic researchers new methodologies for testing and refining asset pricing theories. The development team has announced plans to expand the model’s capabilities to include bonds and futures markets, with commitments to continuous updates ensuring the technology remains aligned with evolving market dynamics.